Whirlpool Corp. (WHR: chart) said its first-quarter profit dipped 1% due to higher costs for materials and lower demand for appliances in the United States because of the slumping housing market. Earnings edged lower to $117 million, or $1.46 per share, from $118 million, or $1.70 per share in the previous year. Quarterly revenue climbed 24% to $4.39 billion from $3.54 billion in the prior year on strong international results and the addition of Maytag. Excluding the acquisition and the benefits from foreign exchange rates, sales rose about 2%.

Everest Re Group Ltd. (RE: chart), insurance and reinsurance company, said its first-quarter net income surged, thanks to favorable underwriting year trends, coupled with the lack of big losses. Everest earned $297.6 million, or $4.59 per share, up 77% from $168.4 million, or $2.57 per share, during the same period a year ago. Operating income, which excludes realized capital gains and losses, was $267.9 million, or $4.13 per share, up 70% from $157.9 million, or $2.41 per share.

Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings Inc. (CME: chart) said that its first-quarter earnings rose 42% on sharply higher volume. For the quarter profit rose to $130 million, or $3.69 per share, compared with $91.4 million, or $2.61 per share, a year ago. Revenue climbed 32% to $332.3 million from $251.7 million in the prior-year period, driven by a jump in clearing and transaction fees to $258.2 million and processing services to $34.8 million.

Synalloy Corp. (SYNL: chart) producer of specialty chemicals, stainless steel pipe and other products, said its first-quarter profit more than quintupled, as higher metals prices offset a decline in chemical sales. Quarterly earnings jumped to $3.5 million, or 56 cents per share, from $698,000, or 11 cents per share, in the prior-year period. Sales rose to $44.4 million from $36.2 million last year.