Ascena Shares Gain On Smaller-than-expected Loss

Shares of Ascena Retail Group Inc. rose in Monday's extended session after the company that owns Ann Taylor, Dress Barn and Lane Bryant posted a smaller loss than expected. Ascena reported its second-quarter loss widened to $35.2 million, or 18 cents a share, from $22.6 million, or 12 cents a share, a year ago. On an adjusted basis, it would have lost 7 cents a share. Revenue slipped to $1.75 billion from $1.84 billion while same-store sales fell 4%. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had forecast the retailer to report a loss of 9 cents a share on revenue of $1.75 billion. Shares climbed 2% after hours.