DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Below is a synopsis of major quarterly releases from Wednesday
night and Thursday morning:
Wal-Mart Profit Flat; Same-Store Sales Fall
Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s (WMT) fiscal second-quarter earnings were
flat on lower same-store sales, resulting in revenue falling short
of expectations. Still, shares were up 2.3% at $51.65 as President
and Chief Executive Mike Duke said the company's earnings exceeded
its expectations.
Kohl's Income Down 3% On Sales Drop; 3Q View Weak
Kohl's Corp.'s (KSS) earnings fell 3% on weaker sales, though
the department-store chain was able to boost margins. While it
raised its profit target for the year the retailer projected
earnings for the current quarter below analysts' expectations. Its
stock dropped 3% to $50.72.
Dr Pepper Snapple Profit Up 46%, Boosts Outlook Again
Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc.'s (DPS) second-quarter earnings
rose 46% amid rising soda volume and prior-year charges related to
its separation from Cadbury PLC (CSG). Income well exceeded Wall
Street views on increased margins and Dr Pepper Snapple again
increased its profit projection, helping send shares up 6.3% to
$25.
Harris Posts Loss On Write-Down; Results Top Estimates
Harris Corp. (HRS) swung to a fiscal fourth-quarter loss on a
$255.5 million goodwill write-down as core results topped analysts'
expectations. Shares surged 20% to $36.61 as the
communications-products company also raised the lower end of its
forecast for the new fiscal year.
LDK Solar Falls To Red On Slumping Prices
LDK Solar Co. (LDK) swung to a second-quarter loss amid slumping
prices as the solar-wafer maker projected third-quarter revenue
below Wall Street's expectations. Its stock slumped 14% to
$9.65.
Estee Lauder Swings To 4Q Loss; Bullish On 1Q
Estee Lauder Cos. (EL) swung to a fiscal fourth-quarter loss as
the beauty-products company was hit hard by restructuring charges
and weak sales. It also projected results for the current quarter
above analysts' estimates, but shares fell 2.1% to $36.83.
Star Bulk Swings To Red As Results Miss Forecasts
Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (SBLK) swung to a second-quarter loss
as the Greek shipping company reported higher expenses and lower
charter rates. Results missed expectations, sending the stock down
9.3% to $3.10.
Advance Auto 2Q Earnings Up 6.6%
Advance Auto Parts Inc.'s (AAP) fiscal second-quarter earnings
rose 6.6% as the retailer continued its margins expansion and sales
continued to accelerate despite the recession. But the gains were
less than earlier this year, helping push shares down 5.4% to
$43.18.
Aegean Marine Profit Jumps 65% On Gains
Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc.'s (ANW) second-quarter
profit surged 65% as the Greek shipping fuel supplier reported a
vessel sales gain and lower petroleum costs. Results topped Wall
Street's expectations and the stock rose 3.7% to $19.75.
Urban Outfitters Earnings Down 14%, Still Tops Views
Urban Outfitters Inc.'s (URBN) fiscal second-quarter income fell
14% on a drop in same-store sales and margins as the teen-clothing
retailer's results beat expectations. Shares climbed 3.9% to
$29.32.
SRA Income Off 6.9%, Gives Strong Forecast
SRA International Inc.'s (SRX) fiscal fourth-quarter profit slid
6.9% on higher expenses, but the results were the strongest of the
year and topped analysts' expectations. Shares of the technology
and consulting company jumped 5.4% to $20.92 as SRA also projected
earnings for the new year above Wall Street estimates.