DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Below is a synopsis of major quarterly releases from Thursday evening:

 
 
   CBS Profit Slumps 96% On Items, Ad Woes

CBS Corp.'s (CBS) second-quarter profit sank 96% on lower ad sales and a one-time gain, but the media giant cited early signs of a recovery. Shares climbed 8.3% to $8.65 in after-hours trading as earnings excluding the items edged expectations.

 
   Beazer Homes Posts Smaller Loss, Sees Higher Demand

Beazer Homes USA Inc.'s (BZH) fiscal third-quarter loss narrowed sharply as the home builder reported reduced write-downs and a debt-extinguishment gain. But the company is seeing increased demand, with its backlog jumping nearly 50% during the quarter, as low interest rates and falling prices combine with tax credits to entice potential buyers. Its stock climbed 7.9% in late trading to $3.57.

 
   Leap Wireless Matches MetroPCS With Weak Results

Leap Wireless International Inc.'s (LEAP) second-quarter loss widened on a credit-line repayment and expenses associated with the issuance of notes, which mitigated higher revenue and improved operating profit. Shares slumped 19% to $18.40 after falling 6.5% during regular trading as rival MetroPCS Communications Inc. (PCS) also disappointed with its quarterly results.

 
   Hansen Natural Profit Up 14%; Shares Gain

Hansen Natural Corp.'s (HANS) profit grew 14% as the all-natural soda and juice maker reported higher sales led by its Monster Energy drink and improved margins. The stock jumped 9.2% after-hours to $33.50.

 
   Crocs Soars As Results, Forecast Top Expectations

Crocs Inc. (CROX) swung to a loss on write-downs and a modest drop in sales, though results still easily topped the footwear company's own estimates. Shares soared 32% to $5.64 in late trading as the company also issued a bullish third-quarter view. The stock has more than tripled so far this year through Thursday's close.

 
   Assured Guaranty Posts Loss On Derivatives

Assured Guaranty Ltd. (AGO) swung to a loss as the insurer posted an unrealized loss on credit derivatives, resulting primarily from the narrowing of the company's own credit spread, and absorbed costs for the Financial Securities Assurance Holdings acquisition. Its stock fell 2.5% in late trading to $16.68.

 
   Chiquita Earnings Surge 46%, Smashing Estimates

Chiquita Brands International Inc. (CQB) earnings rose 46% as the food company's cost-cutting efforts offset a small drop in revenue. Shares soared 17% to $15 after-hours as results easily topped Wall Street estimates. The stock through the close was down 14% in 2009.

 
   VeriSign Back In Black; Operations Improve

VeriSign Inc. (VRSN) reversed a year-earlier loss caused by big restructuring charges while operating results were much stronger as it repositions itself. In after-hours trading, shares were down 3.2% at $19.90 as earnings fell just short of analysts' expectations.

 
   Nvidia 2Q Results Top Views, Upbeat On Current Quarter

Nvidia Corp.'s (NVDA) fiscal second-quarter loss - its fourth in the past five quarters - narrowed on smaller charges, and the graphics-chip maker said its business is recovering. Its stock added 4.8% to $13.60 in late trading as the results topped expectations and the company forecast revenue this quarter would top analysts' estimates.