Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (MMC) posted before the bell Tuesday net earnings of $21 million, or 4 cents per share, for the third quarter of fiscal 2004, in contrast to net earnings of $357 million, or 65 cents per share, for the same period in the previous year. The New York-based world's largest insurance broker said the profit slump was due to numerous charges, which cut its earnings per share by a total of 55 cents. The charges are related to the reserve for the company’s possible regulatory settlements, a decline in market services revenue, the potential Putnam SEC settlement and an increased tax rate. The consensus analysts’ estimate was for a profit of 67 cents per share. For the quarter ended September 30, total revenue edged up 5% to $3 billion. Risk and insurance services revenue improved 8% in the third quarter to $1.8 billion. Market services revenues tumbled to $46 million from $177 million, a year ago. For the first nine months, net income was $856 million, $1.60 per share, down from $1.2 billion, or $2.12 per share, for the prior-year comparable period.

Infineon Technologies AG (IFX), the Germany-based Europe’s leading chip maker, announced Tuesday that its quarterly earnings dipped 10% from last year, weighed by impairment and antitrust related charges. The company said it earned €44 million ($54.6 million) in its fourth quarter, down from €49 million, for the 2003 corresponding period. Analysts had predicted earnings of €136 million ($169 million) for the fourth quarter. Quarterly revenue climbed 13% to €1.99 billion ($2.47 billion).

Aeroflex Incorporated (ARXX) said Monday that its quarterly profits surged from a year ago, boosted by higher sales and lower charges. The Plainview, New York-based maker of microelectronic components posted net income of $5.6 million, or 7 cents per share, for its fiscal first quarter, in contrast to net income of $394,000, or a penny a share, for the prior-year equivalent. Excluding items, earnings came to $7.7 million, or 10 cents per share, meeting analysts’ forecasts. Sales for the quarter jumped 43% to $109.2 million, from $76.1 million a year ago. For its second quarter, the company projected a profit before items of 10 cents a share, below analysts’ estimates of 13 cents a share.

Aeroflex shares gained 20 cents on Monday to $11.90. The stock plummeted 12.61% to $10.40 in the extended session.

Pepco Holdings, Inc. (POM) of Washington, D.C., reported Monday third-quarter net earnings of $111 million, or 64 cents a share, down from $157.3 million, or 92 cents a share, generated a year ago. The diversified energy company cited mild summer weather and lower margins at its power delivery business as main factors for the profit drop. Revenue in the quarter slipped to $2.05 billion from $2.13 billion.

The stock closed Monday at $21.46, up 1 cent, or 0.05%. Pepco shares added 11 cents to $21.57 in after-market trade.

ResMed Inc. (RMD) posted Monday higher quarterly income, aided by strong demand for its products. The Poway, California-based developer of medical equipment for treating sleep-disordered breathing announced a net profit of $13.9 million, or 39 cents per share, for its first quarter, compared with a net profit of $12.2 million, or 35 cents per share, last year. First-quarter pro forma earnings amounted to 43 cents per share, matching analysts’ estimates.

ResMed shares dropped 5 cents to $47.81 at market close Monday.

British Airways Plc (BAB) announced Monday a 25.5% increase in its quarterly earnings, due to a growth in passenger numbers and strong cargo revenue. The United Kingdom-based airline rolled out second-quarter net income of £123 million ($228 million), or 11.2 pence (20.8 cents) per share. That compares to net income of £98 million, or 8.9 pence per share, for the same period a year ago. Quarterly sales inched up 2.2% from last year to £2.03 billion ($3.77 billion).

The stock dipped 2.83% to close Monday at $40.85.

Amusement park operator Six Flags, Inc. (PKS) said Monday that its third-quarter net income tumbled 60% to $56.4 million, or 53 cents a share, from net income of $140.2 million, or $1.32 a share, for the 2003 comparable quarter, hurt by weaker attendance. The Oklahoma City-based company blamed cool weather for the decreased attendance. Revenue in the quarter eased 3.3% to $527.4 million from $545.2 million, last year.

Company shares closed Monday down 2 cents, or 0.40%, at $4.98.

Munich Re ((MUV.F)) posted Monday quarterly profits that surpassed analysts’ expectations, on strength in its primary insurance operations. The Germany-based world's No.1 reinsurer turned in net income of €365 million ($474 million) for its fiscal third quarter, up from net income of €42 million a year earlier. Analysts were looking for a profit of €293 million ($380 million). The company recorded losses of about €550 million ($714 million), as a result of the recent Caribbean hurricanes and Pacific typhoons.