WHR & T

Whirlpool (WHR) saw profits tumble 15%. Accounting for acquisition costs tied to Maytag, profits were down 'only' 9%. However, that is much better than analysts expected

So now I know why WHR shares have held steady the last year - they've been buying them back aggressively.

North America demand dropped 10%, but overseas activity made sales appear better due to exchange rate benefits. In fact, sales only grew 2%. Still, that means that overseas business is booming in order to counter the significant US slowdown.

The reward for falling profits and flat sales - a 10% stock price jump.

-----------------------------------
ATT (T) had a great quarter
* Revenue up 90%
* Earnings up 22%. Excluding merger related costs and the earnings were up 90%

Cingular added 1.2M subscribers - wow!

With the Bellsouth and Cingular acquisitions done, the theme going forward is delivering video.