Revenue for the unit rose almost 16 percent, helped by increases in the number of digital television and telephone subscribers.

Per-share earnings rose 13 percent, helped by the company's program to buy back shares.

She took third place for the quarter, with a gain of 10.75 percent, helped by her strong overseas holdings.

Japanese unit sales increased 11 percent, helped by an improved economy and new products tailored for that market.

Sales of domestically produced vehicles rose 11.9 percent in late March, helped by improved weather.

They said earnings would grow 20 percent a year, helped by cost savings of $300 million over four years.

Overall worldwide sales increased 15.2 percent, helped by favorable currency rates.

So far this year, Merrill has risen more than 17 percent, helped by investor optimism about falling interest rates.

Car sales edged up 1.6 percent, helped by the discounts offered to customers.

BP said that its second-quarter profit increased 35 percent, helped by record oil and gasoline prices.