Earnings roundup: Freddie Mac, Macy's

Freddie Mac beat Wall Street's expectations in the first quarter, but the mortgage finance company didn't vanquish concerns about its ability to weather the housing bust.

CINCINNATI (AP) -Despite a $59 million loss and a slump in sales in the first quarter, Macy's Inc. on Wednesday posted results that beat Wall Street expectations because of what analysts said were tight controls on expenses and inventories.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -Acxiom Corp. posted a loss for the fiscal fourth quarter, as costs to lay off workers and close properties ate into results, the marketing services company said Wednesday.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -Spartan Stores Inc., a grocery store operator and distributor, said Wednesday fiscal fourth-quarter profit rose 12 percent, helped by higher revenue from an acquisition.