Patterson Cos. (PDCO: chart), dental and veterinary products distributor, said that its third-quarter earnings increased to $58.6 million, or 43 cents per share, compared a year-ago equivalent profit of $54 million, or 39 cents a share. The latest results reflect an income tax benefit of a penny per share and stock-based compensation expense of a penny per share. Sales rose 4% in the latest three months to $709.5 million from $682.4 million in the same period a year earlier.

EMC Insurance Group Inc. (EMCI: chart), reported fourth-quarter net income fell 40% on 2.7% lower revenue. Earnings were $11.5 million, or 84 cents per share, against $19 million, or $1.40, in the year-earlier period. Revenue declined to $114.8 million versus $118 million in the same period a year earlier. Investment income increased 8.3%to $11.9 million.

ICT Group Inc. (ICTG: chart), provider of back-office functions such as technical support, said that its fourth-quarter net income increased to $5.1 million, or 32 cents per share, compared with $4 million, or 30 cents per share, earned in the last three months of 2005. Quarterly revenue reached $117.2 million against the prior year''s $110.4 million.

Spectranetics Corp. (SPNC: chart), medical devices maker, swung to a fourth-quarter loss from year-earlier net income on 44% higher revenue. The loss was $952,000, or 3 cents per share, compared with a profit of $215,000, or a penny per share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue climbed to $17.7 million versus $12.3 million in the same period a year earlier.

Tronox Inc. (TRX: chart), titanium dioxide pigment producer, said that its fourth-quarter net earnings increased to $7.6 million, or 19 cents per share compared with $6.2 million, or 15 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Income from continuing operations fell to $7.8 million, or 19 cents per share, from $12 million, or 30 cents per share, last year. Revenue declined to $326.3 million versus $346.5 million in the year-ago period.

Hardinge Inc. (HDNG: chart), producer of advanced material-cutting solutions, said that its fourth-quarter net income increased to $6.24 million, or 71 cents per share, compared with $1.88 million, or 21 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Revenue jumped 19% to $93.4 million against $78.5 million in the same period a year earlier.

K-Swiss Inc. (KSWS: chart), footwear maker, said that its fourth-quarter net earnings declined to $10.7 million, or 30 cents per share, compared with $11.6 million, or 33 cents per share, in the year-ago period. Revenue climbed 1.7% to $93.8 million versus $92.3 million in the same period a year earlier.

Oceaneering International Inc. (OII: chart), offers underwater drilling support and other offshore services for the oil and gas industry, said that its fourth-quarter net earnings increased to $29.8 million, or 54 cents per share compared with $19.7 million, or 36 cents per share, last year. Revenue advanced to to $342.4 million versus $288.7 million in the same period a year earlier.

Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc. (FBR: chart), investment bank and brokerage, reported a turn back to profit in the fourth quarter. Friedman, Billings earned $3.8 million, or 2 cents per share, reversing a loss of $271.6 million, or $1.60 per share, in the year-ago period. Revenue reached $176 million,against negative revenue of $114 million due to an investment loss in the same quarter of 2005.