Apparel retailer Aeropostale Inc. Thursday reported a decline in profit for the second quarter. Second-quarter net income declined to $0.1 million or $0.00 per share from $2.9 million or $0.04 per share in the comparable quarter last year. Aeropostale net sales increased 4 percent, to 485.3 million dollars, in the second quarter of fiscal 2012. Net sales for the same period last year were 468.2 million dollars. 23 analysts expected revenues of $490.11 million for the quarter.

Adjusted net income for the quarter was $0.1 million or $0.00 per share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $1.7 million or $0.02 per share in the prior year quarter. On average, 25 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $0.00 per share for the second quarter.

Comparable sales, including the e-commerce channel, for the second quarter were essentially flat compared to a 12 percent decrease last year. Comparable store sales, excluding the e-commerce channel, for the second quarter decreased 1 percent, compared to a 14 percent decrease last year.

Net revenue from the company’s e-commerce business for the second quarter increased 27 percent to 31.9 million dollars, from 25.1 million dollars in the year ago period. The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of 169.6 million dollars and no debt. It currently has 145.2 million dollars of availability remaining under its share repurchase program.

Thomas P. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, commented, ”While we were encouraged by the customer response to our fashion offering, we were disappointed by our overall financial performance for the second quarter. Our core basics business experienced significant pricing pressure due to the highly promotional and competitive retaillandscape. As a result, we promoted these businesses more aggressively than initially expected to end the quarter with inventories in line with our plan.” in line with our plan.”

Looking ahead to the third quarter, the company has forecast earnings in the range of $0.25 to $0.30 per share. Analysts currently expect the company to earn $0.38 per share for the third quarter.

New York-based Aeropostale is a primarily mall-based, specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and men through its Aeropostale stores and 4 to 12 year-old kids through its P.S. from Aeropostale stores. The company currently operates 914 Aeropostale stores in 50 states and Puerto Rico, 75 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 97 P.S. from Aeropostale stores in 22 states. In addition, pursuant to various licensing agreements, its licensees currently operate 20 Aeropostale and P.S. from Aeropostale stores in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.

The company opened seven Aeropostale and 15 P.S. from Aeropostale stores, and closed four Aeropostale stores during the quarter. For the second quarter, the company invested 20.8 million dollars in planned capital expenditures.