Profits were up significantly in the third quarter, with all five sectors improving on 2017’s weak results and total ROS returned to more normal levels at 9.0% against 6.5% as total revenues increased 5%, lapping a 4% gain last year. Total sales were $45,379.0 million against $43,149.8 million last year and aggregate net income surged 45% to $4,101.2 million from $2,822.0 million. The bottom line gains were exaggerated somewhat by huge goodwill writedowns last year at Iconix, Fitbit and Vista Outdoor, but total profits would have been up 14% excluding those companies. The third quarter includes Back-to-School retail sales and ... Log in to view full article.