Earnings Roundup: Hovnanian, Foot Locker

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) Homebuilder Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. on Monday reported it lost more than twice as much money in its fiscal first quarter compared to a year ago and blamed the continuing struggles of the housing market.

NEW YORK (AP) Athletic footwear and apparel retailer Foot Locker Inc. said Monday its fourth-quarter profit dropped 23 percent due to a shorter fiscal year and a drop in sales at stores open at least a year.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Business outsourcing company Sykes Enterprises Inc. said Monday its fourth-quarter profit climbed, with better-than-expected revenue boosted by clients in the technology, financial services and other industries.

NEW YORK (AP) Private equity firm Blackstone Group LP said Monday it swung to a loss during the fourth quarter due to a write-down on its investment in bond insurer Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. and deterioration in the credit markets.

AZUSA, Calif. (AP) Cosmetics company Physicians Formula Holdings Inc. said Monday it swung to a fourth-quarter profit on a combination of sales growth and lower costs.