Urban Outfitters hikes after earning 61m

Urban Outfitters earned net 61 million dollars for the

second quarter of 2012 and 95 million dollars for the first half of 2012. Earnings per diluted share were 0.42 dollars in the second quarter of 2012 and 0.65 dollars in the first half of 2012.

Shares of Urban Outfitters Inc. ( URBN ), hiked by 17.5 percent to 36.74 dollars during after-market trading hours on Monday, when this apparel, footwear and accessories retailer posted better-than-expected second-quarter 2013 results. The quarterly earnings of 42 cents a share, surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 33 cents, and surged 20 percent from 35 cents delivered in the year-ago quarter. Lower shares outstanding as well as top-line growth benefited the bottom line, as reported by Nasdaq diaries on Tuesday.

In the meantime, Wal-Mart Stores reported net sales for the Q2 up to 113.5 billion dollars, an increase of 4.5 percent from 108.6 billion dollars in the second quarter last year. Net sales for this quarter included a negative currency exchange rate impact of approximately 2.2 billion dollars. Without the currency impact, net sales would have been 115.7 billion dollars. Membership and other income increased 4.7 percent to 762 million dollars. Total revenue was 114.3 billion dollars, an increase of 4.5 percent from last year.

Finally,another American stock, Ann Taylor, was still in fashion on Tuesday, with analysts at Barrons rating the women´s specialist retailer with a ‘Buy’. "Following the strong second-quarter report with comps positive in each segment, we are raising our estimates and target price to 40 dollars from 34 dollars on Ann. Significant momentum was noted at the start of the third quarter, with Ann's (ticker: ANN) Ann Taylor and Loft stores comping [comparable-store sales] positive along with factory/outlets and ecommerce. Limited inventory restrained comps at Loft outlets and ecommerce in the second quarter. New initiatives, especially at Ann Taylor, should positively impact results," they advanced.