Baxter profit tops estimates

Baxter International, Inc (BAX) - the health products maker reported that net profit rose 8 percent to $587 million, or 96 cents per share, beating analysts' average forecasts of 94 cents per share, according to Reuters Estimates. Sales were down 2 percent to $3.12 billion

Harley-Davidson misses profit expectations for 4th straight quarter

Harley-Davidson Inc (HOG), the U.S. motorcylce maker, on Thursday reported results below analysts' expectations for the fourth consecutive quarter. Second quarter profit was $19.8 million, or 8 cents per share, down 91 percent from the year ago period. Sales were down 30 percent to $1.15 billion. Analysts had expected earnings of 24 cents per share.

Biogen beats expectations

Biogen Idec Inc (BIIB), maker of medicines for multiple sclerosis, today reported a better than expected profit for the second quarter. Net profit fell 30 percent to $144.9 million, or 49 cents a share. The company beat expectations by 7 cents per share, according to a survey of four analysts by Bloomberg. Revenue was up 10 percent to $1.09 billion.

Some Rio Tinto research staff in China leave: reports

Rio Tinto (RIO) has evacuated research staff in China working in the iron ore and steel industry in response to the detention by Chinese authorities of some of its employees on allegations of stealing state secrets, the Australian Financial Review reported today. Some of the research staff were still in China, however, a person familiar with the matter told Dow Jones.

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