Among the earnings stories for Wednesday, Nov. 4, from AP Financial News: Comcast Corp. reported a 22 percent increase in third-quarter earnings, buoyed by an investment gain and lower tax rate as it stepped up promotions on its bundled video, phone and Internet plans. Vonage Holdings Inc. posted a much wider loss for the third quarter, ironically attributing the gap to its stock rally late in the period. Independent oil and gas producer Devon Energy Corp. said its third-quarter tumbled as lower crude oil and natural gas prices offset higher production and lower costs. Medical and dental device maker Henry Schein Inc. said its profit surged 43 percent in the third quarter due to a tax benefit and a slight improvement in sales. Managed care provider WellCare Health Plans Inc. said it turned a profit in the third quarter due to lower medical and general expenses. Martha Stewart's media and merchandising company posted a growing third-quarter loss, stung by the advertising slump and slow consumer spending. Huntsman Corp. said its third-quarter loss widened on lower sale prices and volumes. |