CKE Restaurants Inc, (CKR: chart), attributed the positive results in this period for Carl''s Jr. to the continued promotion of its Bacon Swiss Crispy Chicken Sandwich and strong sales of its Jalapeno Burger product. It added Hardee''s benefited from continuing promotion of its Philly Cheesesteak Thickburger.

Eagle Materials Inc, (EXP: chart), building materials firm, reported that it is improving its Q1 and fiscal 2007 earnings estimates due to volume growth and stronger pricing in wallboard and cement operations. The company said it''s upping its Q1 guidance by 10 cents a share to a range of $1 to $1.10 a share, and fiscal earnings to a range between $4.40 and $4.70 a share from $3.67 to $4 a share. Analysts expected Q1 earnings of $1.10 and fiscal year earnings of $4.55.

Stride Rite Corp, (SRR: chart), shoemaker, reported Q2 net income advanced to 46 cents a share, from 32 cents a share on 21.6% net sales growth, topping analysts expectations for earnings of 37 cents a share.. The company backed its full-year earnings forecast of 82 cents to 88 cents a share and said it expects sales growth for the year in a range of 20% to 22%.