Newzonline

Women’s specialty retailer Chico’s FAS, Inc. (CHS), on Wednesday reported a net profit for the fourth quarter, which surpassed Street view, as compared with a loss in the corresponding period last year. The profit reflects higher net sales, improvement in comparable store sales and a significant decline in impairment and restructuring charges. Separately, Chico’s declared its first quarterly dividend since it became a publicly traded company in March 1993.

Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota Motor Corp. (TM), told a House panel Wednesday that the company’s recent rapid expansion was partly at fault for quality failures that have led to the recall of millions of vehicles.

Toyoda, speaking before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said he took personal responsibility for the problems, including uncontrolled acceleration in some models and brake problems in the Prius hybrid.

Oilfield services company Superior Energy Services Inc. (SPN) on Wednesday reported a loss for the fourth quarter, hurt by asset impairment and acquisition charges as well as a 46% decline in revenues. Excluding items, adjusted earnings per share for the quarter declined 81% from the same period last year.

Digital wireless technology provider InterDigital, Inc. (IDCC) on Wednesday reported an increase in profit for the fourth quarter from last year, driven by revenue contributions from new patent license agreements as well as lower operating expenses resulting from the company’s repositioning. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2010, the company projects revenues above analysts’ consensus estimate.

Offshore drilling contractor Ensco International Plc. (ESV) reported Wednesday a 30% year-over-year drop in profit for the fourth quarter, as quarterly revenues declined 17% due to fall in fleet utilization. Average day rates for the deepwater segment was strong, while it declined for the premium jackup fleet. Earnings per share from continuing operations, however, topped analysts’ expectations by a penny.