RETAILING

Retailers Report Mixed Earnings: Quarterly earnings rose at Home Depot and J.C. Penney Co., but fell sharply for Dayton Hudson Corp., parent of the Target discount chain, the companies said. Montgomery Ward Holding Corp., meanwhile, reported a 23% gain in operating earnings for the first half on strong store and direct-marketing sales increases. Home Depot said earnings rose 32% and Penney recorded a 40% improvement in profit. Both companies credited stronger sales compared to last year’s spring quarter. Dayton Hudson said earnings fell 43% in the May-July quarter. The company said results were stronger at its largest division, Target, but that its Mervyn’s and department store businesses lagged.