Leggett Misses, Trims Outlook

Zacks.com submits: Regis Corp. (RGS), which owns, operates and franchises hair and retail product salons worldwide, posted fourth quarter and fiscal 2010 results on August 26, 2010. The company’s adjusted earnings for fourth quarter missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but reported profit as compared with a loss in the prior-year quarter. Results reflect the benefits of cost-containment measures and improved gross margin.

Zacks.com submits: Target Corporation (TGT) recently posted second-quarter 2010 quarterly earnings of 92 cents per share, in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate and up 17% from 79 cents last year.

Zacks.com submits: The New York Times Company (NYT) recently posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2010 results. The quarterly earnings of 46 cents a share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents, and rose 4.5% from 44 cents earned in the prior-year quarter.

Zacks.com submits: Lowe’s Companies Inc. (LOW), the world’s second largest home improvement retailer, recently posted better-than-expected first-quarter 2010 results, showing signs of improvement with consumers willing to spend on remodeling projects and big ticket items.

Zacks.com submits: Whole Foods Market Inc. (WFMI), one of the leading natural and organic foods supermarkets, recently posted better-than-expected second-quarter 2010 results on the back of strong sales, sending the stock up 6.5% or $2.60 to $42.85 per share in after-market trading on Wednesday. Shoppers are flocking to the grocery chain as the economy eases.

Zacks.com submits: Staples, Inc. (SPLS), the global leader in the supply of office products, recently posted lower-than-expected first-quarter 2011 results. The quarterly earnings of 28 cents a share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 32 cents and remained flat compared with the prior-year quarter.

Zacks.com submits: Avon Products Inc. (AVP) recently posted fourth-quarter 2010 adjusted earnings of 59 cents a share, which fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 67 cents and dipped 13.2% from the year-ago figure of 68 cents a share.

By Zacks Investment Research: Leggett & Platt Inc. (LEG) recently raised its quarterly dividend by a penny or 3.6% to 29 cents per share, marking the 41st consecutive annual dividend increase and reflecting a 13% compound annual growth rate.