Ross Stores Inc, (ROST),said sales and earnings were at the high end of its initial forecast due to broadbased geographic and merchandise trends and said it expects Q3 net income of 24-27 cents a share and Q4 net income of 57-63 cents a share. The figures include stock options expenses.

Estee Lauder, (EL), cosmetics maker, reported its Q4 net income fell 33% to 21 cents a share, from 30 cents a share in the year-ago period. If not for charges, the company earned 49 cents a share in Q4. The company said sales increased 5% to $1.6 billion. The company missed analysts forecasts for earnings of 48 cents a share. The company forecast Q1 net income of 15-20 cents a share.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co, (ANF), teen clothing retailer, reported its Q2 net earnings were 72 cents a share, vs. 63 cents a share in the same period last year. Revenue rose to $658.7 million from $571.6 million. Same store-sales were flat during Q2 compared with a 30% rise in Q2 of 2005. The company beat analyst forecast by a penny.

Tween Brands Inc, (TWB), retailer, reported Q2 net income rose to 18 cents a share, from 12 cents a share in the year-ago period. Net sales rose to $185.8 million from $154.9 million. The company''s earnings were in line with analysts views for it to earn 18 cents a share.

Talbots Inc, (TLB), retailer, reported it swung to a Q2 loss to 7 cents a share, down from a profit of 35 cents a share, hurt by acquisition costs and stock option expenses, topping analyst estimate for a loss of 8 cents a share. Total company same-store sales rose 1.3% for Q2.