4q

Japan's economy shrank 2.3 percent in the fourth quarter as manufacturers were battered by the strong yen, weak export demand amid the European debt crisis and flooding in Thailand.

Hasbro Inc.'s fourth-quarter profit slipped 1 percent, pinched by softer-than-expected demand in the U.S. and Canada and slow sales of games and puzzles.

Barnes & Noble is reporting a bigger fourth-quarter loss than analysts expected as the bookseller invested heavily in its e-book reader Nook and as liquidation sales by rival Borders hurt its revenue.

Solid holiday sales and improvements in its branded credit card business helped Target's fourth-quarter profit rise almost 11 percent, but a company official cautioned Thursday that the economy is a 'wild card.'

The discounter said two major initiatives _ offering more food and giving shoppers a 5 percent discount if they use Target Corp.'s branded cards _ would help drive a key measure of revenue growth for this year to its highest level in several years.

Capital One Financial Corp. says its fourth-quarter profit leaped 85 percent as its customers got a better handle on loan and credit card payments.

ICF International Inc.'s quarterly profit ticked higher as the company benefited from a lower tax rate and higher revenue from its consulting and technology services.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., one of the recession's biggest beneficiaries, felt the pinch during the fourth quarter as quarterly sales fell at its namesake U.S. division for the first time in memory.

Japan's economy beat expectations in the fourth quarter, fueled by robust exports and a pickup in consumer demand at home.

Cincinnati Bell Inc. said Thursday that its fourth-quarter earnings fell 88 percent mainly due to restructuring and debt charges, but its revenue declined as well as consumers disconnect their traditional phone lines.

Forward Air Corp., which provides air freight services to cargo carriers and airlines, reported Monday that its fourth-quarter profit plunged nearly 23 percent as its sales fell 4.4 percent.