However, the result fell short of the year-ago performance due to an increase in its shares outstanding, completion of the PHC Inc. acquisition in November 2011 and an increase in interest expenses.

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The merger would give a combined American and US Airways Group Inc. the ability to increase fares.

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A. Davidson's Mr. Kraft, in his research note, wrote that Visa's price increase "represents a shock" for Coinstar Inc.

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Analysts are estimating a 18.4% increase from the year-ago quarter, when AGL Resources Inc. reported earnings of 87 cents per share.

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Private residential construction companies saw sales increase 3.6 percent from December 2011 to December 2012, according to preliminary data from Sageworks Inc.

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The second half outlook is favorable for Saks Inc.. Sales increased 4.7% in the first half and management projects a similar increase for the rest of the year.

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Meanwhile, nearly 80% of respondents said they plan to increase their use of job-board alternative methods this year, such as employee referrals and other websites like Facebook Inc. or LinkedIn.

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