The small-cap indices are closing out the week on a positive note with the Russell 2000 and the S&P 600 seeing slight gains.
Digital knowledge management company Yext Inc (NYSE:YEXT) saw its shares rise after a narrow-than-expected first-quarter loss, reporting a loss of US$0.11 per share versus consensus estimates of a loss of US$0.18 per share. Its software provides companies with the tools to manage its brands, allowing users to text or Facebook message the service to edit company information like store hours or phone numbers. Companies can update social media pages too, such as adding a profile picture or a cover photo. Shares of Yext rose more than 6% to US$16.34.
READ: Yext reports a narrower-than-expected loss in its first-quarter results as customer base grows
Abercrombie & Fitch Co (NYSE:ANF) shares plummeted despite the retailer narrowing its net loss in its fiscal first quarter. The retailer reported a net loss of US$0.56 per share versus Wall Street consensus estimates of US$0.77. Up to 60 stores in the U.S. will be closed this year. The teen retailer faced backlash after former CEO Mike Jeffries alienated some customers when asked about offering plus-size clothing options like other retailers had started doing. Jeffries commented that perhaps some people just weren’t attractive enough to wear the chain’s clothing. "I don't want our core customers to see people who aren't as hot as them wearing our clothing,” said Jeffries in an interview with Salon. Shares of the retailer were down more than 9% to US$21.68.
READ: Abercrombie & Fitch narrows its net loss in the fiscal first quarter, helped by Hollister sales
Big Lots Inc (NYSE:BIG) shares fell after disappointing fiscal first-quarter earnings and a drop in profit. The closeout retailer reported earnings of US$0.95 per share, missing Wall Street estimates of US$1.19. Revenue came in at US$1.27bn compared with US$1.29bn in the previous year’s quarter. The chain raised US$2.6mln for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital through its point-of-sale campaign. Shares of the Ohio-based company dropped more than 7% to US$37.93.
Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage Inc (NYSE:NGVC) is expanding its craft beer and wine offerings, branching out through six stores in Oregon. The natural food retailer has a section in its stores where customers can purchase specialty alcoholic beverages, including gluten-free beer, biodynamic wine, alcoholic kombucha and local hard ciders. Originally a door-to-door sales operation, the company operates 147 health food stores in 19 states. Zack’s Investment Research recently upgraded its shares to a Buy from a Hold. Shares of the Colorado-based grocery store chain jumped more than 6% to US$11.04.