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MICROSOFT, the American software giant, is in preliminary talks with Yahoo to buy the US internet company's online search business for $20 billion (£13bn), industr

A STRONGER than expected jump in company profits in the September quarter shows business and the economy are holding up well despite the slowdown in global growth, economists said.

The market has had a very big run over the last 5 sessions — the S&P 500 is up 19% from the November closing low. Unfortunately the rally has put the indices in short-term overbought conditions and near their longer-term downtrends. Add in the declining volume on the rally and you have a [...]

This airline company is gaining ground on lower energy costs.

By many measures, Neteller PLC was a huge success. Founded in 1999, the financial services company signed up millions of customers and saw its market value soar to almost $2 billion.

DTS Inc. (DTSI) - Increasing demand for DTS technologies in emerging applications such as cars and PCs augur well for the company's earnings growth post-recession. The company is also diversifying its business in the virtual audio technology and broadcast market, and is enhancing the use of DTS technology in standard definition applications, which we believe will drive revenue growth in 2009 and beyond.Moreover, with the completion of the sale of its Digital Cinema business, DTS should be able to concentrate on the Consumer business and benefit from the anticipated acceleration of the high definition cycle. Nevertheless, we think Street estimates are high ($0.72 for 2009E vs. Zacks $0.51) and do not incorporate the risks posed by a potentially deep and protracted consumer-led economic slowdown, which could choke demand from the auto and PC markets. Valuations are lofty even using Street estimates, (24x 2009 EPS), at a time of murky visibility.

Major companies tentatively scheduled to report quarterly earnings next week:

Phase Forward (PFWD) provides the software and services to assist clients in improving the efficiency of their clinical trials. The company offers a suite of applications: InForm, Clintrial and Clintrace.PFWD earlier reported Q3 revenue of $43.2 million, up 23% from a year ago and up 5.1% quarter over quarter. Gross margin came in at 58.9%, up from 57.9% in the previous quarter. Operating margin came in at 17.2%, up from 15.7% in the prior quarter. Going forward, for full year 2008, management expects to report revenues of $168-$169 million, up 25%-26% from 2007. Management has also narrowed its guidance for EPS. On a GAAP basis, EPS is now expected between $0.30 and $0.31, down from the earlier estimate of EPS around $0.34-$0.35 (non-GAAP EPS is expected at around $0.48-$0.49). The Clarix acquisition appears synergistic for the company and it seems that the company is on track to meet its goals. We upgrade our rating to a Buy with a target price of $18.00.