American Eagle Outfitters stock plummets on profit miss, paused dividend

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO) stock slid by double-digits in Wednesday’s extended session after the company posted a disappointing second quarter earnings result. The Pennsylvania-based retailer posted significantly lighter than expected EPS alongside in-line revenue. Gross profit declined 26% from a particularly strong 2021 and reflected an over 11% margin contraction. “This is an unprecedented time…

Retailers lower outlooks with discretionary spending under pressure

Discretionary apparel retailers proffered less-than-sunny earnings vistas this week, with Macy’s, Nordstrom, T.J. Maxx parent TJX, Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch all lowering their outlooks. Gap completely withdrew its second-half forecast on falling sales, while Urban Outfitters missed estimates.Why it matters: After a resurgence in 2021 — when the apparel industry saw one of…

Dollar stores are benefitting from shoppers trading down

This week’s dollar store chain earnings show that even higher earning households are taking advantage of dollar store price points. Both Dollar General and Dollar Tree reported increased in-store sales this week, citing customers trading down to lower-priced items this summer. Dollar General reported a 9% increase in sales year-over-year, with same-store sales jumping by…

Zoom is struggling to convince consumers to pay, and the stock is sliding

Zoom Video Communications Inc. is struggling to convince people to pay for its videoconferencing service in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to a trimmed forecast and falling stock price Monday. Zoom ZM, -0.97% executives reduced their earnings and revenue guidance for the fiscal year Monday afternoon, and Zoom Chief Financial Officer Kelly…

Target profit crumbles as inflation-weary consumers shun discretionary spending

Target Corp (TGT.N) reported a bigger-than-expected 90% fall in quarterly earnings on Wednesday and missed estimates for comparable sales as it struggled to lure inflation-hit shoppers with steep discounts on apparel, electronics and home goods. A host of U.S. retailers have issued profit warnings in recent weeks as consumers squeezed by higher prices for everything…