profit outlook

Shares of home health provider Amedisys Inc. slipped Thursday after an analyst downgraded the stock, saying the health care overhaul bill contains provisions that will cut the company's reimbursement rates and profits more than he expected.

Oil and natural gas company Vanguard Natural Resources LLC on Thursday raised its full-year profit outlook to reflect the impact of newly acquired natural gas and oil properties.

Chip maker Texas Instruments is raising its profit outlook for the third quarter.

Williams-Sonoma Inc. raised its full-year and third-quarter adjusted profit outlooks Wednesday after its second-quarter adjusted results topped Wall Street's expectations.

J.C.

Penney Co. roughly broke even in the second quarter, just topping Wall Street expectations as the department store chain benefits from cost-cutting moves.

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. lifted its full-year adjusted profit outlook Thursday, citing a lower tax rate and a decline in packaging and ingredient costs.

Nicor on Friday affirmed its 2009 profit outlook, saying it is starting to see the positive effect of higher rates in its natural gas distribution business.

Power company CMS Energy on Thursday reaffirmed its adjusted profit outlook for 2009 of $1.25 per share.

Irish no-frills airline Ryanair Holdings PLC reported surging first-quarter profits Monday, citing sharply lower fuel costs and a business model that thrives during recession.

The company slashed its profit outlook, however, causing shares to slump.

Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar Inc. says its second-quarter profit fell 66 percent as the global recession continued to dampen sales of its machines and engines.

But it boosted its 2009 profit outlook.