Earnings Roundup: Home Depot, Saks

Among the earnings stories for Tuesday, May 19, from AP Financial News:

ATLANTA (AP) — Home Depot Inc. said its fiscal first-quarter profit climbed 44 percent on fewer charges, and the nation's largest home improvement retailer beat Wall Street's expectations despite lower sales.

NEW YORK (AP) — Luxury retailer Saks Inc. reported a loss for the first quarter as it struggles with the pullback in spending by its wealthy customers. Still, the results exceeded analysts' expectations as the chain benefited from cost-cutting measures.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. said its first-quarter profit fell 48 percent on a drop in same-store sales stemming from tough economic conditions that kept shoppers away.

JA Solar Holdings Co. posted a first-quarter loss, saying the recession sharply cut into demand for its products.