AP - Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. said Wednesday its fiscal third-quarter loss narrowed versus the prior-year period as the homebuilder booked fewer land-related write-downs. But signed contracts on new homes tumbled 37 percent as demand slowed in the absence of homebuyer tax credits.
AP - Clothing company Oxford Industries Inc. on Wednesday posted a fiscal second quarter profit as it benefited from restructuring and from exiting businesses that were no longer profitable. The company also raised its guidance for the full year.
AP - Collective Brands Inc., the parent of Payless ShoeSource, said its fiscal second-quarter profit rose 13 percent as sales edged up and expenses declined.
AP - Borders Group Inc. reported a slightly larger loss in the second quarter and said it will sell more items besides books as it readies for the crucial holiday season.
Liquor company Brown-Forman Corp. posted a 8 percent drop in first-quarter net income, missing analyst estimates and sending shares into a tailspin Wednesday as investors worried about the company's ability to meet its targets.
H.J. Heinz Co.'s fiscal first-quarter net income jumped 13 percent as the foodmaker's business boomed in growing overseas markets such as India, China and Russia.
AP - Mining equipment maker Joy Global Inc. said Wednesday net income slid nearly 5 percent in the third quarter as sales slipped, but raised its 2010 forecast on a surge in new orders.
COMPANY: Pernod Ricard SA, Paris-based drink maker known for its anise-flavored aperitifs as well as Beefeater gin and recently acquired Absolut vodka reported its full-year earnings Thursday.
Campbell Soup Co., the world’s largest soup maker, gave a full-year earnings forecast that trailed some analysts’ estimates as U.S. soup sales slumped 5 percent last quarter.
