DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Below is a synopsis of major quarterly releases from Friday
morning:
T. Rowe Price Profit Down 38%, Still Beats Estimates
T. Rowe Price Group Inc.'s (TROW) second-quarter earnings fell
38% as investment-advisory revenue tumbled, but results topped
analysts' expectations as the mutual-fund operator saw net inflows.
Shares edged lower.
Fortune Income Drops 27% As Sales Weakness Persists
Fortune Brands Inc.'s (FO) profit fell 27% on continued weakness
in its home-products segment and slow sales for golf products, but
the conglomerate's earnings beat expectations. Still, its stock
fell 1.4% to $38.66.
Schlumberger Profit Slumps 57% On North America
Schlumberger Ltd.'s (SLB) earnings fell 57% as stabilizing
international markets weren't enough to offset the steep decline in
North American drilling activity. However, the results beat
analysts' expectations. Shares dropped 1.1% to $57.06.
Ashland Income Down 31% On Charges, 2008 Gains
Ashland Inc.'s (ASH) fiscal third-quarter profit fell 31% on
one-time items while weakness continued at most of its businesses
as chemicals demand remains down. Shares dropped 12% to $27.56.
Sepracor Core Earnings Soar; Outlook Raised
Sepracor Inc.'s (SEPR) second-quarter profit fell 88% on a
prior-year tax gain while the company saw sales strength at many of
its key drugs. Results were much better than analysts' expected,
prompting the research-based pharmaceutical firm to boost its
full-year view. Its stock climbed 6% to $16.77.
Ingersoll Rand Profit Slides 52%
Ingersoll Rand Co.'s (IR) earnings fell 52% amid declines in
consumer spending and the construction market. Orders dropped 20%
on constant currencies and continued weakness is expected. But the
stock jumped 11% to $26.69 as the company projected third-quarter
earnings above analysts' estimates.
Black & Decker Earnings Down 60%; EPS View Raised
Black & Decker Corp.'s (BDK) profit plunged 60% amid a
continuing sales slump, though core earnings beat analysts'
expectations. That prompted the toolmaker and home-improvement
products company to boost its reduced 2009 earnings target, but the
sales forecast was lowered. Shares rallied 10% to $37.15.
Manufacturer Dover Earnings Down, Cuts Forecast
Dover Corp.'s (DOV) profit dropped 28% as demand woes persist
despite signs of a recovery, prompting the manufacturing holding
company to again cut its 2009 earnings outlook. Shares dropped 4.2%
to $34.98.
Arch Coal Falls Short Of Expectations
Arch Coal Inc. (ACI) swung to a loss on continuing demand woes
as the company plans further capital-spending cuts. Shares were
little changed as the quarter's results missed analysts'
expectations.
Exelon Earnings Drop 12%; 3Q Forecast Weak
Exelon Corp.'s (EXC) profit fell 12% as electricity demand
remains weak. The company also projected third-quarter earnings
below analysts' estimates. Its stock was down only 0.6% to
$53.72.