Earnings Roundup: Chiquita, Crocs

Among the earnings stories for Tuesday, Feb. 19, from AP Financial News:

CINCINNATI (AP) _ Chiquita Brands International Inc. reported a smaller fourth-quarter loss on Tuesday, helped by higher banana pricing and a continuing recovery in retail salads.

NIWOT, Colo. (AP) _ Crocs Inc., the maker of colorful plastic shoes, said Tuesday its fourth-quarter profit jumped 84 percent as revenue nearly doubled on a surge in international demand.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) _ AmSurg Corp., operator of outpatient surgery centers, said Tuesday its fourth-quarter profit rose 33 percent as the company both acquired and opened several new facilities.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. (AP) _ Aluminum products maker Kaiser Aluminum Corp. said Tuesday its fourth-quarter profit soared, as shipments increased and demand for aerospace and defense products rose.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) _ St. Joe Co., a Florida real estate developer, reported a sharp drop in fourth-quarter earnings but the result beat market expectations, and investors bid the stock higher.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Shares of Steven Madden Ltd. rose on Thursday, after the shoe maker said fourth-quarter profit fell 53 percent on weak sales, but results beat analysts' muted expectations.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) _ Fundtech Ltd.'s stock leaped Tuesday after the electronic payment processor reported a 69 percent jump in profit for the fourth quarter.

NEW YORK (AP) _ Platinum Underwriters Holdings Ltd.'s profit climbed 19 percent in the fourth quarter as a benign hurricane season led to few claims, the insurer said Tuesday.