Earnings roundup: Johnson Controls, Illinois Tool Works

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MILWAUKEE (AP) Global demand for energy efficient buildings helped boost second-quarter earnings 27 percent for building and auto systems maker Johnson Controls Inc., the company reported Wednesday.

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GLENVIEW, Ill. (AP) Illinois Tool Works Inc., which makes industrial products and equipment, said Wednesday its first-quarter profit tumbled 25 percent, mainly as a result of impairment and European tax charges.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Piper Jaffray Cos. swung to a first-quarter loss as its underwriting business slowed to a five-year low and severance charges weighed on the bottom line, the investment bank said Wednesday.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Central and Southern Appalachian coal producer National Coal Corp. said Wednesday its fourth-quarter loss widened, blaming lower demand and slipping prices.

MARIETTA, Pa. (AP) Property and casualty insurance firm Donegal Group Inc. said Wednesday its first-quarter earnings rose 22 percent due to increases in earned premiums and investment gains.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Pennsylvania Commerce Bancorp's profit nearly tripled in the first quarter as the bank's loan portfolio grew rapidly, the company said Wednesday.