Merrill Lynch & TPG; Microsoft; AutoNation; American Express
Merrill Lynch trying to find a sugar daddy by talking to TPG...
(equity group that bailed out WaMu with $7 billion) who wants to be the first to be asked if Merrill needs more capital...
Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, reported a Q3 24% drop in sales of Windows; net income -11%;
and forecast earnings that may miss analysts' estimates. PC and software sales will not be immune to the slowing economy.
AutoNation, the largest publicly traded U.S. car dealer, said Q1 profit fell 35%; sales -7%;
as weak housing markets in states including California hurt demand for new vehicles.
Total new-vehicle sales fell 9.3% to $2.2 billion, Sales of used vehicles also dropped, by 7.9% to $983.4 million.
The results were dragged down by an 11% drop in sales in four states that make up 60% of the company's new-car business: California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona.
American Express, the biggest U.S. credit card lender by $ volume,
beat the number and said profit from continuing operations declined 11%, net income -6%; loss provisions +52% and was cushioned by a 30% rise in overseas profit.
Total spending by Amex customers rose 14%, fueled by a 27% rise in overseas purchases, 3X faster than in the U.S.
(equity group that bailed out WaMu with $7 billion) who wants to be the first to be asked if Merrill needs more capital...
Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, reported a Q3 24% drop in sales of Windows; net income -11%;
and forecast earnings that may miss analysts' estimates. PC and software sales will not be immune to the slowing economy.
AutoNation, the largest publicly traded U.S. car dealer, said Q1 profit fell 35%; sales -7%;
as weak housing markets in states including California hurt demand for new vehicles.
Total new-vehicle sales fell 9.3% to $2.2 billion, Sales of used vehicles also dropped, by 7.9% to $983.4 million.
The results were dragged down by an 11% drop in sales in four states that make up 60% of the company's new-car business: California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona.
American Express, the biggest U.S. credit card lender by $ volume,
beat the number and said profit from continuing operations declined 11%, net income -6%; loss provisions +52% and was cushioned by a 30% rise in overseas profit.
Total spending by Amex customers rose 14%, fueled by a 27% rise in overseas purchases, 3X faster than in the U.S.
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