Pier 1 Imports, Inc. (PIR: chart) reported Thursday that its quarterly earnings slipped more than 10%, citing weaker-than-expected holiday sales. The Fort Worth, Texas-based home furnishings retailer announced net earnings of $48.3 million, or 53 cents per share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, down from net earnings of $54.0 million, or 57 cents per share, in the prior-year equivalent. Excluding items, the company said it had a profit of 55 cents per share in the quarter ended February 28, a penny a share better than the average estimate of analysts. Quarterly sales improved 6.6% to $555.26 million from $521 million, a year ago. Analysts had forecast sales of $554.82 million in the quarter. Pier 1 Imports said that same-store sales dropped 2.7% from the fourth quarter of 2003. For all of 2004, the company posted net income of $118 million, or $1.29 per share, against net income of $129.3 million, or $1.36 per share, last year.

For the first quarter, Pier 1 Imports said it expects to earn 21 cents to 24 cents per share.

Company shares dipped 2.87% to close Thursday at $23.02. The stock inched down 2 cents to $23.00 in after-hours trading.

Innova LifeSciences Corporation ((IVO.TO)) announced Thursday that its fourth-quarter profit tumbled to $163,866, or nil per share, from a profit of $1.7 million, or 4 cents per share, in the comparable period a year ago. The Toronto, Canada-based maker of medical devices said results were hurt by the weak U.S. dollar. Fourth-quarter sales eased 4.4% to $5 million from $5.2 million, last year.

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc. (MSM: chart) of Melville, New York, posted Thursday a 45% rise in its quarterly earnings, on the back of market-share gains and new customers. The company, which markets tools and industrial supplies, said it earned $18.5 million, or 27 cents per share, in its second quarter, in contrast to earnings of $12.8 million, or 19 cents per share, in the same period of fiscal 2003. Results were a penny a share ahead of the consensus estimate of analysts. Quarterly sales climbed 10% to $230.5 million.

Company shares rose 4.07% to $31.17 at market close Thursday.

Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc. (SCHN: chart) said after the bell Thursday that its second-quarter profit more than doubled, driven by strong demand. The Portland, Oregon-based processor of scrap steel turned in second-quarter net income of $18.5 million, or 89 cents per share, compared with net income of $8.4 million, or 44 cents per share, in the 2003 corresponding period. Sales advanced to $161.6 million in the quarter, from $124.7 million a year earlier.

The stock gained 24 cents on Thursday to $32.12. Company shares rocketed up 17.68% to $37.80 in after-hours trading.

Delta and Pine Land Company (DLP: chart) of Scott, Mississippi, reported before the bell Thursday second-quarter net earnings of $9.4 million, or 24 cents per share, down from net earnings of $16.1 million, or 41 cents per share, in the prior-year period. The cotton planting seed supplier said revenue fell to $88.3 million from $107.5 million a year ago, due to implementation of an inventory management strategy.

Company shares closed Thursday at $25.00, up 5 cents, or 0.20%.

Sierra Wireless, Inc. (SWIR: chart) raised Thursday its earnings target for the first quarter, citing stronger-than-expected demand for its products. The Richmond, Canada-based wireless data technology company said it now sees net income of over $3 million, or 12 cents a share, in the first quarter. This compares to a prior forecast of $1.5 million, or 6 cents a share.

The stock shed 35 cents on Thursday to $36.14. Company shares surged 9.85% to $39.70 in after-market trade.

KANA Software, Inc. (KANA: chart) of Menlo Park, California, said Thursday that it expects to report a loss in its first quarter, as it failed to complete several sales transactions. The software company said its first-quarter net loss will be in the range of 13 cents to 16 cents a share, on revenue of about $13 million. Last year, Kana had a loss of 17 cents per share, on revenue of $18 million.

Kana shares dropped a penny to $4.50 at market close Thursday. The stock plummeted 16.89% to $3.74 in after-hours trading.

H&R Block, Inc. (HRB: chart) affirmed Thursday its previous profit outlook for the fiscal year 2004. The Kansas City, Missouri-based tax preparer said it still expects a full-year profit of $3.65 to $3.85 per share, which would be below the average analysts’ estimate of $3.89 per share.

The stock dipped 3.84% on Thursday to $49.07.