Retailers Dip (TJX, ANF, HD)

Retailers are coming under pressure today despite better-than-expected quarterly reports. TJX Companies TJX reported first-quarter earnings of 80 cents per share, ahead of the 78 cents per share consensus. However, the company issued downside guidance for fiscal year 2011 and said it expects EPS of $3.21-3.32 versus the $3.35 consensus. Shares of TJX are down $1.65, or 3.65%, to $43.60 on the day. Abercrombie & Fitch ANF topped analyst expectations by reporting a smaller-than-expected loss. Still, investors were not impressed and shares are lower by $1.85, or 4.54%, to $38.93. Home Depot HD reported a quarterly profit of 43 cents a share. Excluding items the company earned 45 cents a share. Analysts were looking for a profit of 40 cents per share. Investors, however, questioned sales trends for the remainder of 2010. Shares slipped by 75 cents, or 2.11%, to $34.84.