BMC Software, Inc. (BMC: chart) announced Tuesday that it swung to a profit in its second quarter from a prior-year loss, due to an improvement in the technology spending environment. The company, which is a leading provider of enterprise management software, said it also benefited from a double increase in its operating margins. Houston, Texas-based BMC turned in net income of $12.7 million, or 6 cents per share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2005, a reversal from a net loss of $13.2 million, or 6 cents per share, for the same period in the previous year. Excluding items, the company reported a profit of $35.2 million, or 16 cents per share, for the quarter ended September 30, compared with a profit of $22.2 million, or 10 cents per share, for the 2004 equivalent. The results outpaced the consensus analysts’ forecast by 2 cents a share. Revenue in the quarter was up 6% from a year earlier to $355.1 million. Analysts were looking for revenue of $346.8 million, on average.

For its fiscal third quarter, BMC said it expects earnings of 18 cents to 23 cents per share, excluding items, on revenue of $380 million to $395 million.

Tyco International Ltd. (TYC: chart) reported Monday that it reversed course to a quarterly profit from a year-earlier loss, boosted by solid sales and fewer one-time charges. The West Windsor, New Jersey-based diversified manufacturing and service company said that it swung to a net profit of $454 million, or 22 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, from a net loss of $297 million, or 15 cents per share, last year. Excluding items, Tyco posted income of 45 cents per share for the quarter ended September 30, up from 34 cents per share a year ago, and 2 cents per share ahead of the average analysts’ estimate. Quarterly revenue climbed 13% to $10.4 billion from $9.3 billion, driven by strong performance in the company’s electronics unit, which saw its earnings more than quadruple to $481 million. For all of 2004, Tyco recorded net income of $2.88 billion, or $1.35 per share, on revenue of $40.2 billion. That compares to net income of $980 million, or 49 cents per share, on revenue of $35.99 billion, for fiscal year 2003.

Tyco shares closed Monday at $31.70, up 55 cents, or 1.77%. The stock added a penny to $31.71 in after-market trade.

Humana Inc. (HUM: chart) said Monday that its quarterly income rose from last year, citing strength in its Medicare business. The Louisville, Kentucky-based health benefit company posted net earnings of $84.3 million, or 52 cents per share, for its fiscal third quarter, compared with net earnings of $62.1 million, or 38 cents per share, for the same period in 2003. The results were well above the mean analysts’ forecast of 44 cents per share. Revenue in the quarter improved to $3.18 billion from $3.11 billion, last year. Looking ahead, Humana lifted its full-year profit guidance to a range of $1.66 to $1.69 a share, from an earlier outlook of $1.63 to $1.67 a share.

The stock surged 6.27% on Monday to $20.35. Humana shares dropped 25 cents to $20.10 in extended-hours trading.

SYSCO Corporation (SYY: chart) of Houston, Texas, announced Monday that its first-quarter net income increased 8% to $225.9 million, or 35 cents a share, from prior-year net income of $208.8 million, or 32 cents a share. The top foodservice distributor in North America said the results were due to sales growth and the company’s cost-cutting efforts. The first-quarter earnings matched Wall Street’s expectations. Quarterly sales edged up 5.6% to $7.5 billion, aided by higher food prices and an acquisition.

Company shares gained 72 cents to close Monday at $32.99. The stock lost a penny to $32.98 in after-hours trading.

Principal Financial Group, Inc. (PFG: chart) posted Monday a 62% surge in its quarterly earnings, boosted by a gain from the sale of its mortgage banking business. The Des Moines, Iowa-based financial services firm rolled out a net profit of $298.8 million, or 95 cents per share, for its third quarter, up from $184.5 million, or 57 cents per share, generated in the 2003 equivalent. Excluding items, earnings came to $205.2 million, or 66 cents per share, against $167.3 million, or 52 cents per share, a year ago. The average analysts’ estimate was for a profit of 57 cents per share.

The stock dipped 2.46% to $36.83 at market close Monday.

XL Capital Ltd. (XL: chart) reported Monday that its third-quarter net profit tumbled to $22.5 million, or 16 cents per share, from a profit of $99 million, or 71 cents per share, for the 2003 comparable period. The Bermuda-based insurer cited the impact of the recent hurricanes as major contributor for the profit slump. On a pro forma basis, the company had a loss of 11 cents a share in the third quarter, surpassing the average analysts’ forecast for a loss of 52 cents a share.

XL shares closed Monday down 24 cents, or 0.33%, at $72.26.

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (MXIM: chart) of Sunnyvale, California, announced Monday a huge rise in its quarterly income, helped by solid revenue growth. The chipmaker said that it earned $144.5 million, or 42 cents a share, in its fiscal 2005 first quarter, in contrast to a net profit of $87.4 million, or 25 cents a share, a year ago. The earnings met the consensus analysts’ estimate. Quarterly revenue advanced to $435.1 million from $310.2 million.

The stock edged up 22 cents on Monday to $44.21. Maxim shares slipped 1.95% to $43.35 in the extended session.

Macrovision Corporation (MVSN: chart) said Monday that its quarterly net income slumped 82% from a year ago, hurt by charges. The Santa Clara, California-based developer of copyright protection software announced net earnings of $1.3 million, or 3 cents per share, for its third quarter, compared with net earnings of $7.5 million, or 15 cents per share, for the 2003 corresponding period. Excluding items, earnings totaled 22 cents per share, outpacing by 3 cents the mean analysts’ forecast. Revenue for the quarter came in at $48.9 million, a 57% rise year-over-year.

Company shares gained 54 cents to close Monday at $27.58. The stock plunged 6.09% to $25.90 in after-market trade.