American Standard, (ASD: chart), reported that the unsatisfactory results were due to higher commodity costs, costs to reduce inventory and improve manufacturing efficiency, unfavorable foreign exchange transaction effects and investments related to product launches hurt its bath and kitchen division. The company missed analysts’ forecasts for earnings of 40 cents a share. For the year, the company lifted its guidance of 6% to 7% sales growth to a new range of 7% to 8%, and improved the low end of its earnings guidance of $2.70 to $2.80 from an earlier view of $2.65 to $2.80.

Piper Jaffray Cos, (PJC: chart), security brokerage and investment firm, reported Q1 earnings of $1.25 a share, up from 38 cents a share a year earlier. Q1 includes a gain of 35 cents a share from the company''s ownership of two seats on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. which were exchanged for cash and shares of the NYSE Group, Inc. in its initial public offering in March. The company posted revenue of $227.5 million, up vs. $179.1 million a year ago.

Sonoco, (SON: chart), packaging company, reported Q1 earnings of 44 cents a share, up from 37 cents a share in the year-ago period. If not for non-recurring items, earnings would have been 46 cents a share, beating analyst estimate of 45 cents. Revenue advanced to $818.8 million from last year''s $814.4 million, missing analyst forecasts of $859.5 million, due to week tubes and cores volumes and lower selling prices for recovered paper offset strength in its consumer packaging business.

Knight Capital Group Inc, (NITE: chart), equities trade execution firm, reported Q1 net income soared to $49.1 million, or 47 cents a share, from $5.8 million in the year-ago period on more than a double revenue growth. The company added that its profit was after charges of 5 cents a share related to real estate costs. The company beat analysts’ expectations for earnings of 30 cents a share.

First Cash Financial Services Inc., (FCFS: chart), operator of pawnshops and consumer-credit stores, reported that Q1 earnings advanced 26% to 23 cents a share, from 18 cents in the year-ago period on 19% higher revenue. The latest figure reflects a penny a share of costs for stock-option expense. The company topped analysts’ estimate of 21 cents a share. Same-store sales for Q1 rose 13%.

CIT Group Inc, (CIT: chart), consumer finance company, reported that Q1 net income advanced to $1.12 a share, up from $1.06 a share in the year-earlier period, topping analysts’ estimate for earnings of 12 cents a share. The group added that profitability improved across its businesses in commercial finance and specialty finance.

Pfizer, (PFE: chart), drug maker, reported Q1 earnings of 56 cents a share, up from 4 cents a share in the year-ago period. If not for non-recurring items, earnings would have been 61 cents a share. Revenue dropped to $12.66 billion from last year''s $13.09 billion. The company topped analysts’ expectations for earnings of 53 cents a share. Global Lipitor sales advanced a less-than-expected 3% to $3.11 billion. The company added that it continues to expect to earn $2 a share in 2006.

Wolverine World Wide Inc., (WWW: chart), shoe maker, reported that Q1 net income advanced 21.7% to 34 cents a share on 7.2% revenue growth, beating analysts’ views of earnings of 30 cents a share. Wolverine added that its Merrell brand was the leading driver behind the improved sales and profit, with the brand''s revenue showing growth in the high teens. The company also announced that it expects 2006 earnings per share to be in the upper half of its previously announced range of $1.34 to $1.40.

General Dynamics Corp, (GD: chart), defense contractor, reported Q1 net income of 92 cents a share, up vs. 83 cents a share in the year-ago period on 16% revenue growth, beating analyst estimate for earnings of 84 cents a share.

St. Jude Medical, (STJ: chart), medical device maker, reported Q1 earnings of 36 cents a share, up from 32 cents a share in the year-ago period on 18% revenue growth. If not for non-recurring items, earnings would have been 39 cents a share, topping analyst estimate of 36 cents a share.

Honeywell International Inc, (HON: chart), aerospace products manufacturer, reported Q1 net income of 52 cents a share, up vs. 42 cents a share in the year-ago period on 12% sales growth, topping analyst estimate of 49 cents a share. Honeywell added that it was confident of 25% to 30% earnings growth in 2006

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., (JPM: chart), bank, reported Q1 net income of 86 cents a share, up 35% from 63 cents a share in the year-earlier period. The bank added that revenue came to $15.2 billion, up from $13.7 billion. J.P. Morgan beat analysts’ forecast for earnings of 84 cents a share and revenue of $14.9 billion.