Earnings roundup: Nicor, Alliant Energy

Among the earnings stories for Friday, Oct. 30, from AP Financial News:

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (AP) — Natural gas distributor Nicor Inc. said its third-quarter profit jumped more than 10 times from the prior-year period levels, driven mainly by dramatically lower expenses for natural gas.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Alliant Energy Corp. posted a third-quarter loss mainly due to a hefty special charge, and the company cut its full-year outlook.

NEW YORK (AP) — A strong relaunch of a skin-care line and better-than-expected sales at airport stores helped Estee Lauder Cos. more than double its fiscal first-quarter profit, the company said, but it remained cautious on the upcoming holiday season.

NEW YORK (AP) — For the second time in two years, lumber and wood products producer Weyerhaeuser Co. dodged a quarterly loss by selling valuable properties.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Electric and natural gas utility owner Teco Energy Inc. said its third-quarter profit rose 11 percent, driven by the cheaper cost of natural gas it sold, which more than offset declining sales.

IRVING, Texas (AP) — Commercial Metals Co. reported a precipitous drop in fiscal fourth-quarter earnings as the steel maker struggled with weaker prices and demand amid the economic slowdown.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. said that itsprofit plunged 82 percent in the third quarter, pulled down by some charges and lower North American sales.

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Gas and electric utility NiSource Inc. posted a third-quarter net loss on higher pension expenses, although revenue rose 10 percent as gas distribution, transmission and storage businesses improved.