Briefcase

Experts don’t expect new trial for Stewart

Martha Stewart’s claim that one of the jurors who convicted her lied about his arrest record is unlikely to win her a new trial, legal experts said Thursday.

Attorneys for the homemaking authority argued in court papers Wednesday that she deserved a new trial because juror Chappell Hartridge failed to disclose a 1997 arrest on charges of assault and stealing from a Little League organization.

Experts said that Hartridge was proved to be dishonest, Stewart would have to show that Hartridge’s background affected deliberations.

Energy

Kansas among states seeking to block merger

Attorneys general in Kansas, Missouri and four other states joined forces Thursday in suing to block Arch Coal Inc.’s planned purchase of rival Triton Coal Co.

The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Washington, D.C., came two days after the Federal Trade Commission also pledged legal action to stifle the $364 million deal, citing antitrust concerns despite Arch’s efforts to allay regulatory worries.

The six states have large electric plants that use coal, like Westar Energy’s Lawrence Energy Center.

Kansas City, Mo.

Block stands by outlook

The number of clients visiting H&R Block Inc.’s retail offices is down, but the company said Thursday it expected to meet revenue expectations because of increased use of its tax preparation software.

Based on projected results through the end of the tax season, the company reaffirmed Thursday it expected full year earnings per share to be in the range of $3.65 to $3.85.

Earnings

Pier 1 profits tumble

Pier 1 Imports Inc. on Thursday said its quarterly profit fell more than 10 percent as sales during the holiday season were not as strong as the retailer had expected.

For the fiscal fourth quarter ended Feb. 28, the Fort Worth, Texas-based company, which has a store in Lawrence, said net income fell to $48.3 million, or 53 cents per share, from $54.0 million, or 57 cents per share, a year earlier.