US EARNINGS WRAP: Priceline Profit Jumps; Freddie In Black

   DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Below is a synopsis of major quarterly releases from Friday night and Monday morning:

Priceline 2Q Results Jump; 3Q View Tops Views

Priceline.com Inc. (PCLN) second-quarter earnings rose 35% amid increased bookings and the company predicted third-quarter results above Wall Street's views. That and the latest quarter's results topping estimates sent shares up 12% to $147.42. The stock has now doubled this year.

Freddie Posts Profit, Eschews More Aid For Now

Freddie Mac (FRE) late Friday said it swung to a profit on accounting adjustments and gains while the mortgage financier said it did not need more federal funds at this time. Shares soared 78% to $1.32.

Triad Loss Widens On Surging Claims Costs

Triad Guaranty Inc.'s (TGIC) loss widened on increased loss-adjustment expenses, while revenue climbed slightly and net settled claims more than doubled. Shares slumped 23% to $1.05 as the mortgage insurer reported its eighth-straight quarterly loss.

Dish Network Earnings Sink; EchoStar Soars

DISH Network Corp.'s (DISH) earnings plunged 81% despite its first subscriber gain in a year, as incomes missed expectations, while former unit EchoStar Corp.'s (SATS) profit more than doubled on lower expenses. Both companies' stocks were up about 4% and 5%, respectively.

E.W. Scripps Posts Profit; Newspaper Ad Revenue Down 29%

E.W. Scripps Co. (SSP) reversed a second-quarter loss owing to prior-year write-downs of its newspaper businesses and partnerships, and though print advertising continued to slide, falling 29%, the results exceeded Wall Street's views. Shares jumped 15% to $6.29.

Dynegy Loss Widens; Inks Divestiture Deal With LS Power

Dynegy Inc. (DYN) posted a wider loss as it confirmed fellow power generator LS Power Associates LP will buy nine U.S. power plants from its one-time development partner for $1.03 billion plus stock. Results missed expectations. Shares slipped 1.6% to $1.90.

Sysco Earnings Down 5.6% On Falling Revenue

Sysco Corp.'s (SYY) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings fell 5.6% on declining revenue and increased bad-debt expense as lower demand from the struggling restaurant industry continues. Its stock fell 1.5% to $24.47.

Maguire Properties Loss Widens, To Give Up Properties

Maguire Properties Inc.'s (MPG) loss widened on write-downs as the company plans to hand over control of seven buildings with some $1.06 billion in debt to creditors. Shares slid 9% to 81 cents.

Allied Capital Loss Narrows On Gain, Misses Estimates

Allied Capital Corp.'s (ALD) loss narrowed on a debt-repurchase gain and lower investment losses as the lender posted its sixth straight quarter of red ink. Shares dropped 8% to $3.56 as results fell short of analysts' estimates.

Quicksilver Resources Falls To Red On Write-Downs

Quicksilver Resources Inc. (KWK) swung to loss, its fourth in a row, amid $70.6 million in asset write-downs as sharply lower prices offset a 40% production boost. But earnings excluding write-downs topped analysts' expectations. Its stock was flat at $11.82 a share.

Houston Wire Earnings Slump 76% On Weak Prices, Demand

Houston Wire & Cable Co.'s (HWCC) profit tumbled 76% as copper prices fell and industrial demand weakened, pushing results well short of Wall Street's expectations. Shares fell 3.8% to $10.16. The stock has lost half its value the past year.