Earnings roundup: H&R Block, Lululemon, Smithfield

Earnings roundup: H&R Block loss narrows, Lululemon 3Q profit tops St. view, but outlook short

Among the earnings stories for Thursday, Dec. 6, from The Associated Press:

Top stories:

— H&R Block Inc.'s fiscal second-quarter loss narrowed, helped by cost-cutting efforts. Revenue climbed mostly because of a strong tax season in Australia.

Other stories:

— Lululemon Athletica Inc.'s fiscal third-quarter results beat analysts' expectations, but the Canadian yoga wear maker said that a key revenue metric's growth will slow in the fourth quarter. Its fourth-quarter earnings and revenue forecasts also came in below Wall Street's view.

— Smithfield Foods Inc. said its second-quarter net income fell on charges for paying down its debt early, but its adjusted earnings beat Wall Street expectations as the world's biggest pork producer saw gains in its packaged meats and international businesses.

— Shares of Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co. rose after the generic drug maker's second-quarter results surpassed Wall Street forecasts.

— Staffing company Korn/Ferry International said its fiscal second-quarter net income slid, pulled down by restructuring charges. But its adjusted earnings and its forecast for third-quarter profit topped Wall Street's expectations.