Stock Market Briefs: Credit Suisse Reports Profit, UPS, McDonald’s, Merck Beat Estimates

• Potash (POT) reported third-quarter earnings of 82 cents a share, versus Zacks estimates of 82 cents, as revenues fell 64% to $1.1 billion. Citing continued caution among fertilizer customers, the firm projected fourth quarter earnings of 65 to 85 cents a share
• Credit Suisse (CS) reported net profits of $2.33 billion on a surge in investment banking operations and strength in its private banking arm. Its tier one capital ratio rose to 16.4%, the highest of any of the world’s major banks
• UPS (UPS) reported third quarter results of 55 cents, three cents above Zacks estimates, on revenues of $11.15 billion, versus Zacks estimates of $11.17 billion. The company said it sees fourth quarter earnings of 58 cents to 65 cents a share
• Merck’s (MRK) third quarter results of 90 cents beat Zacks estimates by 8 cents on inline revenues of $6 billion. The firm set full year guidance at $3.20-$3.30
• Dow Chemical (DOW) reported earnings of 24 cents ex-items, versus last year’s 59 cents and Zacks estimates of 9 cents as revenues dropped 22% to $12.05 billion, off estimates of $12.79 billion
• AT&T (T) reported flat third quarter profits at 54 cents on revenues of $30.86 billion, down 1.6%, iPhone sales rose sharply. Zacks analysts had anticipated earnings of 50 cents on revenues of $30.88 billion
• McDonald’s (MCD) reported earnings of $1.15 a share versus Zacks estimates of $1.11 as global same-store-sales grew 3.8%
• Travelers (TRV) reported estimate-topping results, a 10% dividend hike, $6 billion added to its share buyback program, and increased full-year guidance on operating income. Third quarter earnings of $1.61 beat Zacks estimates of $1.30, versus 55 cents a year ago. Guidance for 2009 operating results was raised to $5.30 to $5.50 from prior $4.80 to $5.05

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