Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. (NDAQ) has reported third-quarter results.  The company swung to a GAAP net income of $60 million or 28 cents per share compared to $69 million or 33 cents in the prior quarter and $58 million or 27 cents in the year-ago period. Results included one-time charges counting $25 million in debt conversion expense, $16 million in pre-tax expenses associated with asset retirements, workforce reductions and other non-recurring items, and $5 million in pre-tax merger expenses.  Excluding these charges, pro forma earnings per share came in at 42 cents, in line with the Zacks Consensus forecast. Results were aided by growth in the company’s core businesses and significant progress from new initiatives.  Net revenue (net of liquidity rebates, brokerage, clearance and exchange fees) slipped 4.9% sequentially and 12.5% year over year to $349 million. The decline was primarily attributable to foreign currency ...

The Hershey Company (HSY) reported results for the third quarter with earnings of 73 cents per share. Earnings were 6 cents above the Zacks Consensus Estimate and up 14.1% year over year. Profits were primarily driven by price increases and lower restructuring costs. However, net sales for the quarter were flat year-over-year, increasing 0.4% to $1.5 billion as favorable pricing was almost fully offset by volume declines associated with pricing elasticity, unfavorable foreign exchange and the decision to discontinue certain premium chocolate products. Management stated that core brands such as Kisses are responding to the investments in advertising (which was up approximately 50%), in-store programming and merchandising. In the channels measured by syndicated data, U.S. market share during the third quarter was flat while up 0.3 points year-to-date. Management also provided an update on the Global Supply Chain Transformation initiative. The company recognized total business ...

Sears Holding Corporation (SHLD), the fourth largest broadline retailer in the U.S., has reported relatively modest second quarter results with a decrease in year-over-year revenue and net income, and improvement in the balance sheet. Sears reported total revenues of $10.6 billion during the quarter compared to $11.8 billion in the year-earlier quarter. The decrease in year-over-year sales was primarily due to a decline in comparable store sales and the adverse effect of foreign currency. Total comparable store sales decreased 8.6% during the quarter, with the Sears Domestic division accounting for 12.5% decrease and the Kmart division accounting for 3.9% decrease. The Sears Domestic division was negatively affected by the decline in the housing industry coupled with a decrease in apparel sales. The Kmart comparable store sales also declined largely due to a fall in apparel sales, which was partially offset by an increase in home electronic ...