IBT Staff Reporter

American International Group Inc. (NYSE: AIG) said on Thursday that its first-quarter earnings rose sharply from a year ago, when results were hurt by hurricane losses.

Origin Energy (ASX:ORG), an Australian gas and electricity company, will commit $80 million to expand the capacity of its gas-fired Quarantine Power Station, saying it will add to the security of electricity supplies in South Australia.

National Australia Bank, the nation’s largest bank, said Thursday that net profit rose 7.1 percent on strong lending growth for the half year ending March 31.

Giant British retailer Tesco Plc is no longer pursuing takeover bid for Coles Group Ltd, a source familiar with the situation told Reuters on Thursday.

Major Japanese automakers are focusing on boosting their production bases in the U.S. to meet strong demand for Japanese cars and avoid trade disputes, reports Kyodo news service.

Shares of engineering consulting services firm Washington Group International, Inc. (NYSE: WNG) fell Thursday, a day after the firm reported slightly higher quarterly revenue but also a profit that missed Wall Street estimates.

Shares of amusement park operator Six Flags Inc. (NYSE: SIX) dropped on Thursday, a day after the company reported a narrower quarterly loss on Thursday, with increased revenue coming from higher attendance and higher revenue per capita.

Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA) reported a 36 percent loss in profit on Thursday on rising operating costs and restructuring, but was higher than Wall Street expectations.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) said Thursday that April same-store sales declined more than previously expected at 3.5 percent due to weather conditions, and an earlier Easter.

GPT Group, one of Australia’s largest diversified property trusts, reported moderate March quarter growth on Wednesday, helped by increased consumer confidence and interest rate stability.

BMW AG’s global sales increased 3 percent in April with exceptional demand, led by its 3-series convertible, the company said on Tuesday.

Edison International (NYSE: EIX) reported a 29 percent rise quarterly earnings on Wednesday, helped by results at its Southern California Edison utility subsidiary.

Texas power company TXU Corp. (NYSE: TXU) posted a first quarter loss on Wednesday, hurt by charges related to canceled power facilities.

Satellite television provider DirecTV Group, Inc. (NYSE: DTV) posted a 43 percent rise in profit on Wednesday, driven by a higher subscriber count and high-definition services, but missed analysts expectations.

Luxury home builder Toll Brothers (NYSE: TOL) said Wednesday that home building revenue would be lower than expected and it would not reach its latest quarterly and annual guidance.

News Corp. (NYSE: NWS)said on Wednesday that its third quarter profits rose by 6.2 percent from the previous year on strong performance from its film and cable news divisions.

Comcast Corp. (Nasdaq: CMCSA) unveiled a new cable modem capable of download speeds of up to 150 megabits, or 25 times faster than current models, according to a report.

Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE: C) unveiled a $50 billion initiative to address global climate change by supporting the commercialization and growth of alternative energy and clean technology.

Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd. (XFS: CCA) said it expects single digit earnings growth for 2007 despite rising costs.

Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd (ASX: PBL) said on Tuesday that it would split its media assets and gaming interests into two separately listed companies.

Video game developer and publisher Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) said on Tuesday that its fourth quarter earnings were down, missing analysts estimates with few game titles to spur profits.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made an offering to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine during a Shinto festival in late April, a chief Cabinet official revealed Tuesday, reigniting a dispute among Japanese leaders, some who believe the act may harm foreign relations.

The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) reported a better than expected second quarter profit on Tuesday, on strong results in all of its major business units but fell short of revenue forecasts.

Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) posted a slightly stronger than expected profit in its third quarter on Tuesday, with net income rising 35 percent on acquisitions and stronger sales to corporate customers, however shares fell more than 5 percent in after hours trading.

Warner Music Group Corp. (NYSE: WMG) posted a wider fiscal second quarter loss on Tuesday, hurt by restructuring costs and soft music sales.

CVS/Caremark Corp. (NYSE: CVS) reported Tuesday that its profit for the fiscal fist quarter rose 24 percent on stronger sales, as revenue rose 32 percent.

Industrial conglomerate Tyco International Inc. (NYSE: TYC) posted weaker than expected earnings for its fiscal second quarter on Tuesday, as the company incurs costs for a planned breakup later this year.

Shares of Armor Holdings Inc. (NYSE: AH) jumped more than 5 percent in Monday trading after the company agreed to be acquired by BAE Systems for $4.1 billion.

Starbucks Corp. (Nasdaq: SBUX) said Monday that it would end the use of artery clogging trans fats in food and beverages in the continental U.S., Alaska and Canada by the end of 2007.