Nokia Corp. (NOK: chart), the world’s largest cell phone maker based in Finland, said its third-quarter earnings could beat its earlier forecast of 16 to 19 cents a share due to strong profitability in its mobile handset business and signs of recovery in its network operations. But the company said that revenue from mobile handsets would be flat to slightly lower because of the depreciation of the dollar.

Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN: chart) a semiconductors company based in Dallas, raised the low end of its third-quarter earnings target to 20 to 22 cents a share, up from 19 to 23 cents a share, due to strong demand for its products. The chipmaker expects revenue of $2.3 billion to $2.5 billion.

ON Semiconductor Corp. (ONNN: chart), a chip components maker based in Phoenix, Arizona, said its expects sequential growth of one to two percent in its third-quarter revenue. The company had previously said the revenue would be flat with the second-quarter level of $256.2 million. The increased target reflects better booking trends, especially in August, and strength in its wireless and consumer businesses.

Neiman Marcus Group Inc. (NMGa), an upscale department-store chain based in Dallas, said profit in the fiscal fourth quarter ended Aug. 2 surged 36 percent to 15 cents a share, from 11 cents a year earlier, due to sales at its Bergdorf Goodman stores. Analysts at First Call had expected earnings of 12 cents a share. Revenue rose 5.4 percent $703 million.

Interbrew NV (IBRWF.PK), the brewer of Stella Artois and Beck's beers based in Belgium, posted a weaker-than-expected 3.6 percent profit rise for the first half of the year, blaming the strong euro. Interbrew earned 171 million euro ($190 million), up from 165 million euro a year ago. Analysts had expected a profit of 196.8 million euro. Revenue fell five percent to 3.25 billion euros.

Swiss Life Holding AG (SZLMF.PK), Switzerland's largest life insurer, swung to a profit in the first half due to a rebound in insurance premiums. The company reported net profit of 66 million Swiss francs ($47.7 million), compared with a loss of 587 million francs in the year-earlier period. Results beat analyst forecasts of a net profit of 11 million francs.

Flagstar Bancorp Inc. (FBC: chart), a mortgage services company based in Troy, Michigan, boosted its third-quarter and 2003 earnings forecast by a full 35 cents due to a gain from a bulk sale of mortgage servicing rights. The company expects to earn $1.35 in the third quarter and $3.85 for the full year.

Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. (LEND: chart), a mortgage banking company based in San Diego, California, raised its third quarter and full-year 2003 earnings outlook to $1.30 to $1.40 a share and 4.50 to $4.75 a share, respectively. The company had previously expected earnings of $1 to $1.10 in the third quarter and $3.85 to $4.10 for the full year.