DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Below is a synopsis of major quarterly releases from Monday
afternoon:
Amgen Net Jumps On Revenue Bump, Boosts Year Earnings View
Amgen Inc.'s (AMGN) earnings rose 40% despite a small revenue
decline as unusual items skewed comparisons. The pharmaceutical
company also raised its 2009 earnings guidance, while it sees
revenue at the high end of its reduced forecast. That, plus the
second quarter's results topping analysts' expectations, helped
send shares up 3.8% to $66.01 in after-hours trading.
Zoran Loss Narrows On Cost Cutting, Issues Rosy 3Q View
Zoran Corp.'s (ZRAN) loss narrowed as the chip designer's
cost-cutting actions offset a steep drop in revenue. Shares rose
nearly 1% to $11.26 in after-hours trading Monday after the company
posted its sixth consecutive quarterly loss. Results easily topped
the company's own estimates and Zoran issued a rosy third-quarter
outlook.
Health Management Profit Soars On Admissions, Boosts View
Health Management Associates Inc.'s (HMA) profit climbed 91% as
hospital admissions rose and improving operations led the company
to increase its 2009 guidance for earnings from continuing
operations. Shares were inactive after hours.
PartnerRe Swings To Profit On Investment Gains
PartnerRe Ltd. (PRE) swung to a profit as big investment gains
drove a surge in revenue while core earnings walloped analysts'
expectations. The investment income is a marked change from the
recent past. PartnerRe's shares were up 1.9% to $68.60 in
after-hours trading.
Higher Premiums Propel Fidelity National; CEO See
Improvement
Fidelity National Financial Inc.'s (FNF) profit surged on
sharply higher premiums as the company benefited from an
acquisition and increased mortgage-refinancing activity. Chairman
William P. Foley II said the title-insurance market has improved
considerably in the first half.
Masco Earnings Drop But Cost Cutting Eases Decline
Masco Corp.'s (MAS) profit dropped 33% on lower sales volume,
but the company managed to avoid reporting a third consecutive
quarterly loss as a result of its cost-cutting efforts. The maker
of faucets, cabinets and other building products also issued an
improved sales view, and said it could record a full-year profit,
excluding items, based on the better-than-expected results. Shares
were up 9.5% to $12.65 in after-hours trading.