Retalix, front- and back-office software provider, posted 2Q net income of 20 cents per share vs. 8 cents per share last year, beating market estimate of 17 cents per share for the quarter. 2Q revenue climbed 76.5% vs. 2Q last year.

NDS, provider of smart cards and set-top box software, reported 4Q net income of 38 cents per share vs. breakeven last year, beating analysts’ estimate of 22 cents per share.

Dampskibsselskabet TORM, operator of nearly 100 product tankers and bulk cargo carriers, reported 2Q net profit of $2.3 per share vs. restated $1.4 per share in the same quarter last year. Quarterly net revenues jumped to $132.1 million vs. $98 million last year.

Converium, treaty and facultative risks coverage provider, reported 2Q net profit of 48 cents per share vs. a net loss of $8.32 per share in 2Q last year.

IsoTis OrthoBiologics, reported 2Q net profit of 4 cents per share vs. a net loss of 13 cents per share in the same quarter last year. Revenues for the quarter rose to $7.53 million vs. $6.43 last year. The company backed its guidance of 20% revenue growth over 2004.

Sanders Morris Harris., institutional and retail brokerage company, posted 2Q earnings of 12 cents per diluted share vs.16 cents last year. 2Q revenue for the quarter was $30.5 million vs. $28.7 million last year.

MCI, facilities-based network operator, posted 2Q earnings of 19 cents per share vs. a loss of 22 cents per share a year ago. Revenues for 2Q fell 10% to $4.7 billion, but operating expenses decreased by 11%.


EchoStar, direct broadcast satellite TV provider, reported basic earnings per share of $1.89 vs. 18 cents last year on an 18% increase of revenue, beating expectations of earnings at 44 cents per share.


Hypercom, electronic payment solutions provider, posted 2Q net loss of 32 cents a share compared with a loss of 20 cents a share last year on 1.5% higher revenue, missing expectations of earnings of 3 cents a share.

Rita Medical Systems, medical devices manufacturer, reported 2Q net loss of 3 cents per share, up from a loss of 11 cents a year ago on 156% revenue growth.

Silicon Image, chip maker, posted 2Q earnings of 12 cents a share vs. 0 cents a year ago on 17% higher revenue.

Constar International, supplier of PET plastic containers, reported 2Q net loss of 63 cents per share compared with a loss of 32 cents a year earlier on sales increase of 17.4%.

NTL, cable TV services provider, reported 2Q net income of 86 cents a share, up from a net loss of $2.87 a share on revenue of $482.5 million, beating expectations of a net loss of $1.20 a share.

CORPORATE NEWS

Suez, French utility company, proposed to buy out the remaining 49.9% stake of Electrabel, Belgian power company, for $136 billion in cash and stock.

Bombardier Aerospace revealed that Global Wings, Inc., of Tokyo has placed a firm order for a new Bombardier Learjet 45 XR business jet. This new sale comes after the recent orders for an additional three Bombardier business aircraft placed by Asian operators. The actual list price of these four transactions combined is valued at over US$80 million. Bombardier also added that the customer deliveries of its ultra long-range business jet, Global Express XRS are due to start in 1Q 2006, offering even more range at higher speed.

The Boeing Company (BA: chart) confirmed that Turkish Airlines has exercised options for 8 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s. The airplanes are due for delivery in 2008 and are worth an estimated $542 million at list prices. The options were part of an order placed by Turkish Airlines in 2004 for 15 Boeing 737s.

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT: chart) revealed the completion of the sale of its stake in Goodyear Sumatra Plantations to Bridgestone Corp. for approximately $62 million. The decision to sell the 95% stake was in accordance with the company's strategy to focus on core business activities. The transaction, which is subject to post-closing adjustments, is not seen to significantly affect the company's ability to buy natural rubber for its operations.

Cardiac Science Inc. (DFIB: chart) disclosed the settlement of its patent infringement lawsuit it had brought against privately held Defibtech, in the U.S District Court. As per settlement, Cardiac Science would receive a cash payment of $925 thousand. Cardiac Science added that the allegations of infringement by Defibtech of United States Patent and all of Defibtech's assorted counterclaims have been fully resolved. Other terms and conditions of the settlement remain confidential.

Ford Motor Co. (F: chart), expanding a broad cost-reducing measure in its unprofitable North American auto segment, said it plans to restructure and cut staff in its North American sales and marketing operations. Ford didn't reveal how many jobs would be cut by the moves. Ford earlier announced its plans to cut up to 2,700 salaried jobs in North America this year.