The Kroger Co., (KR: chart), said that during the quarter, it advanced its reserves associated with legal proceedings arising from hiring practices at its Ralphs subsidiary during the 2003-2004 labor dispute. The current quarter charge reduced earnings by 3 cents per share. Current quarter results also include 2 cents per share for stock option expense to reflect the Company''s adoption of SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment.

J.M. Smucker Co, (SJM: chart), maker of jam, peanut butter and other packaged foods, reported that Q4 net income advanced to 62 cents a share, from 38 cents a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations rose to 62 cents a share from 45 cents. Sales advanced to $501.7 million from $491.5 million in last year''s Q4. The company beat analysts forecasts for earnings of 58 cents a share. The company affirmed its long-term sales growth goal of 8%. Long-term earnings should be in line with sales growth, the company added.

Apollo Group Inc., (APOL: chart), higher education programs operator, reported Q3 net income dropped to $133.3 million, or 77 cents a share, from $141.8 million 77 cents a share in the year-ago period. Total consolidated revenue for the company advanced 5.6% to $653.6 million. The company topped analysts’ expectations for earnings of 74 cents a share.

Actuant Corp, (ATU: chart), maker of industrial equipment, reported Q3 net income advanced 34% to 86 cents a share, from 66 cents a share in the year-earlier period. Q3 includes a benefit of 2 cents a share for a favorable tax reserve adjustment. Sales advanced 17%. The company beat analyst forecast for earnings of 78 cents a share.