Industrials

Dean Foods revealed disappointing fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday and affirmed plans to spin off WhiteWave Foods in May.

Dean Foods revealed disappointing fourth-quarter earnings on Wednesday and affirmed plans to spin off WhiteWave Foods in May.

Diversified manufacturer 3M has tapped Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent to serve on its board of directors, effective April 1.

Praxair has agreed to buy beverage carbonation company NuCO2 for $1.1 billion as it looks to expand its presence in the restaurant industry.

KFC parent Yum Brands came under selling pressure Monday after the company reported a 6% drop in same-store sales in China resulting from a food-safety scare.

United Technologies’ board approved a buyback on Monday for up to 60 million shares worth about $5.4 billion and declared a dividend. 

United Technologies’ board approved a buyback on Monday for up to 60 million shares worth about $5.4 billion and declared a dividend. 

The meat producer posted first-quarter earnings on Friday that topped Wall Street expectations despite continued challenges in the market and slumped demand.

Ingersoll-Rand posted a 2.7% decline in earnings on weak demand for its heating and cooling systems and other industrial equipment.

Dow Chemical reported a lower-than-expected adjusted profit on Thursday, as demand for polyurethane and chlorine dwindled, especially in China and Europe.

Hit by slipping sales and pension expenses, defense contractor Northrop Grumman disclosed a 2.7% contraction in fourth-quarter profits but still managed to easily top Wall Street’s expectations.

Helped by acquisitions, Roper posted stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and said it sees robust growth in the current fiscal year.

Caterpillar shares dropped more than 1% Friday after the blue-chip industrial revealed a 1% decline in equipment sales in the three months ended Dec. 31.

Honeywell revealed it swung to a stronger-than-expected profit in the fourth quarter as the diversified manufacturer benefited from better margins and fewer pension expenses.

Honeywell revealed it swung to a stronger-than-expected profit in the fourth quarter as the diversified manufacturer benefited from better margins and fewer pension expenses.

Post-It maker 3M posted an in-line 3.9% increase in fourth-quarter profits as the blue-chip conglomerate delivered steady sales growth in North America.

Post-It maker 3M posted an in-line 3.9% increase in fourth-quarter profits as the blue-chip conglomerate delivered steady sales growth in North America.

United Technologies beat the Street with a 55% leap in fourth-quarter profits and reaffirmed its 2013 guidance, but the blue-chip conglomerate’s revenue trailed forecasts.

Multinational companies tapping natural resources in far-flung regions need to safeguard against security risks from terrorists, drug cartels and cash-hungry kidnappers.

DuPont disclosed a 70% plunge in fourth-quarter profits amid stalling revenue, but the chemical giant managed to surpass expectations and issued an upbeat guidance.