Gap said on Thursday that higher profit margins contributed to a rise in quarterly net profit that beat Wall Street projections by a penny, even as sales trends proved disappointing at its chains.

Gap Inc <GPS.N> said on Thursday that quarterly net profit rose, helped by higher profit margins, even as sales trends proved disappointing at its three chains.

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Gap Inc <GPS.N> said on Thursday that quarterly net profit rose, helped by higher profit margins, even as sales trends proved disappointing at its three chains.

Among the stock activity stories for Thursday, Aug. 21, from AP Financial News:

Shares of Limited Brands Inc. rose on Thursday, after the operator of Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works reported second-quarter results ahead of expectations.

Specialty apparel maker Limited Brands Inc. said Wednesday that its profit fell by more than half in the second quarter amid a difficult retail environment, but results beat expectations as the company kept a tight rein on its inventory and expenses.

Specialty retailer Limited Brands Inc. spent $180,000 in the second quarter to lobby the federal government on the taxation of international business transactions and other issues, according to a recent disclosure report.

Specialty retailer Limited Brands Inc. reports earnings for the fiscal second quarter on Thursday. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.

Best Buy Co Inc <BBY.N>, the leading U.S. electronics chain, is expanding into Russia, having registered its Future Shop trademark to operate on the fast-growing market, two business dailies reported on Friday.

Many US retailers posted better-than-expected sales in April. However, with most consumers sticking to bargains or basics, don't expect an extended rebound in retail.

Many US retailers posted better-than-expected sales in April. However, with most consumers sticking to bargains or basics, don't expect an extended rebound in retail.

U.S. retailers are set to report gloomy February sales later this week as stormy weather and signs of inflation deterred shoppers from stocking up on spring merchandise.