Earnings Roundup

Stage Stores Inc (NYSE: SSI) reported a 2.3% rise in its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings. Stage Stores projects full-year earnings of $1.02 to $1.14 per share on sales of $1.58 billion to $1.61 billion. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $1.21 per share on sales of $1.56 billion. Stage Stores' quarterly profit climbed to $32.7 million, or $1.05 per share, from $32 million, or $0.86 per share, in the year-ago period. It expected earnings of $1.17 to $1.23 per share. Stage Stores' sales climbed 5.6% to $479.1 million, versus its November forecast of $464 million to $473 million.

United Natural Foods Inc (NASDAQ: UNFI) reported a rise in its second-quarter profit. United Natural Foods' quarterly profit climbed to $22 million, or $0.45 per share, from $18.7 million, or $0.39 per share, in the year-earlier period. Its net sales jumped to $1.29 billion from $1.11 billion. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $0.44 per share on sales of $1.26 billion. United Natural Foods projects adjusted 2012 profit of $1.88 to $1.94 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $1.90 per share.

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (NYSE: DKS) reported a rise in its fourth-quarter profit. Dick's Sporting Goods' quarterly profit climbed to $111.1 million, or $0.88 per share, from $87.5 million, or $0.71 per share, in the year-ago period. Its revenue surged to $1.61 billion, from $1.52 billion. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $0.88 per share on revenue of $1.61 billion.

Iridium Communications Inc (NASDAQ: IRDM) reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results. Iridium's quarterly earnings dropped to $8.4 million, or $0.11 per share, from $10.1 million, or $0.14 per share, in the year-ago period. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $0.09 per share. The number of paying subscribers surged 22% in the fourth quarter. Iridium's revenue climbed 8% to $95 million, versus analysts' estimates of $92.9 million. Its service revenue gained 11% to $66.6 million.

Bridgepoint Education Inc (NYSE: BPI) reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, but issued downbeat 2012 earnings forecast. Bridgepoint projects 2012 earnings of $2.45 to $2.55 per share, on revenue of $1.01 billion to $1.03 billion. However, analysts were projecting earning of $2.84 per share on revenue of $966.8 million. Bridgepoint's quarterly net income dropped to $22.9 million, or $0.41 per share, from $26.3 million, or $0.45 per share, in the year-ago period. Its revenue climbed 15% to $221.3 million. Analysts had expected earnings of $0.38 per share on revenue of 216.8 million.

Akorn Inc (NASDAQ: AKRX) reported its Q4 EPS at $0.11 on revenue of $42.6 million. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $0.09 per share on revenue of $38.54 million.

Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE: BNS) reported a 15% surge in its first-quarter profit. Scotiabank's quarterly net income climbed to C$1.44 billion, or C$1.20 per share, from C$1.25 billion, or C$1.08 per share, in the year-ago period. Scotiabank's total revenue surged 11% to C$4.72 billion.

Merck KgaA (OTC: MKGAY) reported a strong rise in its fourth-quarter net income. Merck KgaA's quaretrly earnings jumped to €135.6 million ($179 million), or €0.62 per share, versus €46.5 million, or €0.21 per share, in the year-ago period. Its adjusted profit per share came in at €1.69 versus €1.78. Merck KgaA's revenue surged to €2.63 billion from €2.55 billion. However, analysts were expecting a profit of €170 million on revenue of €2.59 billion.

RWE AG (OTC: RWEOY) reported a 45% decline in its 2011 net profit. RWE's net profit dropped to €1.81 billion, from €3.31 billion, in the year-earlier period. Its revenue declined 3.1% to €51.69 billion. However, analysts were expecting a net profit of €2.11 billion on revenue of €52.65 billion.

Fresnillo PLC (OTC: FNLPF) reported a 36% surge in its profit for 2011. Fresnillo's 2011 profit climbed to $901.8 million, from $665.1 million in the year-earlier period. Its revenue jumped 56% to $2.19 billion. Fresnillo's gold production climbed 22%.

Tullett Prebon PLC (OTC: TULLF) reported an 18% drop in its 2011 net income. Tullett Prebon's 2011 profit fell to £89.4 million, or 41.3 pence per share, from £108.5 million, or 50.5 pence per share, in 2010. Its underlying profit per share came in at 46.1 pence, versus 50.1 pence. Tullett Prebon's revenue rose to £910.2 million from £908.5 million.

Inmarsat PLC (OTC: IMASY) reported a 10% surge in its full year profit. Inmarsat's profit before tax for the year ended Dec 31, 2011 rose to $367 million, from $334 million in 2010. Its total revenue surged 20% to $1,409 million from $1,172 million. Inmarsat's EBITDA climbed 23% to $854 million from $696 million.