ABB 3RD QUARTER NET PROFIT SLUMPS

ABB, the world's largest maker of power grids, reported third-quarter profit fell by 12% as a slowdown in its big transmission power business continued to bite, but results beat expectations.

J&J TO TEST NEW EBOLA VACCINE ON HUMANS

Johnson & Johnson said it will begin testing an Ebola-virus vaccine on humans in January and could have 250,000 doses available in May.

EMIRATES NBD'S PROFIT DOUBLES

Emirates NBD, Dubai's biggest bank by assets, Wednesday said third-quarter net profit doubled year-over-year as a rapid recovery in the local market led to a rise in operating income and a fall in impairments.

TAKATA SHARES PLUNGE ON U.S. AIR BAG WARNING

Several big auto makers said it was unclear when suspect air bag parts tied to at least two deaths in the U.S. would be replaced--due either to a lack of parts or from owners failing to have repairs made.

SONY MAY CUT SMARTPHONE SALES TARGET AGAIN

Sony is considering slashing its smartphone sales target again, people familiar with the matter said Wednesday, as the business struggles to perform as expected in the face of fierce competition especially in emerging markets.

YAHOO REPORTS RISING REVENUE

Yahoo reported a slight increase in revenue, helped in part by growth in its mobile business, sending shares higher in after-hours trading and easing the pressure facing CEO Marissa Mayer.

PEUGEOT 3RD QUARTER REVENUE RISES

French car maker PSA Peugeot Citroen SA said revenue rose in the third quarter, lifted by strong growth in Europe and China.

BHP BILLITON LOGS HIGHER 1ST QUARTER IRON-ORE OUTPUT

BHP Billiton said it boosted iron-ore production in its fiscal first quarter, as the world's No. 1 mining company drove its operations harder in the face of falling commodity prices.

NORSK HYDRO NET PROFIT UP ON HIGHER PRICES

Norwegian aluminum producer Norsk Hydro more than doubled its third-quarter net profit amid higher prices, but missed analysts' expectations.

BGC TO LAUNCH TENDER OFFER FOR RIVAL

BGC Partners plans to make a hostile bid to buy rival GFI Group for $675 million, according to people familiar with the matter, after an effort to strike a friendly deal between the interdealer brokers foundered.

EMC TO BUY PART OF CISCO'S STAKE IN VCE VENTURE

EMC plans to buy a portion of Cisco Systems' stake in a joint venture company called VCE that sells computing gear to corporate customers, people familiar with the matter said.

HANDELSBANKEN 3RD QUARTER NET PROFIT RISES

Svenska Handelsbanken Wednesday posted an 8% rise in third quarter net profit, boosted by gains in both net interest and net fee and commission income.

TOTAL EXPECTED TO NAME DESMAREST CHAIRMAN

French oil company Total, after the sudden death of Chairman and Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie, is said to be planning to convene an emergency board meeting Wednesday to decide on a succession plan.

APPLE'S ICLOUD SERVICE UNDER ATTACK IN MAINLAND CHINA

Apple's iCloud service for users in mainland China has been hit by an attack that could allow perpetrators to intercept and see usernames, passwords and other personal data, activists and security analysts said.

DAIMLER SELLS 4% STAKE IN TESLA MOTORS

Daimler said it has sold its 4% stake in Tesla Motors Inc. for $780 million, a position it took with an investment prior to Tesla's 2010 public offering.