Thursday's Winners & Losers: Barnes Group

Shares of Barnes Group (B Quote) were among the NYSE's winners Thursday, jumping 12% after the diversified manufacturer posted solid third-quarter results and boosted its guidance.

The company posted net income of $18.9 million, or 35 cents a share, up from $15.4 million, or 31 cents a share, a year earlier. Sales rose 19% to $322 million from $271.5 million last year, with strength in each of the company's three segments. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected earnings of 31 cents a share and sales of $304.4 million.

For all of 2006, Barnes forecast earnings per share of $1.33 to $1.35, up from its prior view of $1.28 to $1.33. Analysts expect earnings of $1.31 a share, according to First Call. Shares of Barnes were adding $2.15 to $20.40.

McGraw-Hill (MHP Quote) shares rose 5% after the publisher reported a better-than-expected third-quarter profit and raised its full-year earnings target. The company posted income of $382.3 million, or $1.06 a share, up from $381.3 million, or $1 a share, a year earlier. The earnings per share for the latest period included 3 cents in restructuring charges and 3 cents from stock options costs. Analysts had an average estimate for earnings of $1 a share.

For the full year, McGraw-Hill raised its earnings forecast to $2.53 to $2.55 a share, excluding charges. The company previously projected earnings of $2.44 to $2.49 a share. Analysts, on average, predict earnings per share of $2.41 for 2006. McGraw-Hill shares recently changed hands at $62.27, up $3.24.