Earnings Roundup: Barnes & Noble, Hormel

Among the earnings stories for Thursday, Aug. 20, from AP Financial News:

NEW YORK (AP) — Barnes & Noble Inc., the nation's largest bookstore chain, said its second-quarter profit fell 27 percent, but results beat analyst expectations as the company cut costs.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Hormel Foods Corp. said Thursday its third-quarter profit rose 49 percent to beat estimates as costs fell, but sales and volume dropped as consumers limited their spending on more expensive items like microwavable meals.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — H.J. Heinz Co. said its fiscal first-quarter profit fell 7 percent largely due to the stronger dollar, but the results still topped analysts' estimates.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Pacific Sunwear of California Inc. posted a loss for its second quarter as sales continued to slump for the teen-focused retailer.

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — Sports retailer Zumiez Inc. reported a second-quarter loss due to charges to settle a lawsuit and a decline in same-store sales amid the recession.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Specialty foods supplier Lancaster Colony Corp. said it moved to a profit in the fourth quarter as sales of specialty foods and candles rose.