I think the part you are missing is the stores are profitable now, which is good. When put together with Tom's management skills, they will become very profitable. To start with a business that is losing money and then have to turn it around is real tough. To start with a profitable business and build it up is much easier. JMHO!
It would make sense that they would officially only claim the amount of profit they needed to.. for tax purposes, money/income can be sheltered if not claimed as profit.