Outlook Roundup: Microchip, ConocoPhillips

Among the earnings projection stories for Wednesday, March 11, from AP Financial News:

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) — Semiconductor maker Microchip Technology Inc. late Tuesday forecast fiscal fourth-quarter profit above analyst estimates.

HOUSTON (AP) — ConocoPhillips, the third-largest U.S. oil company, said Wednesday it expects its global oil and gas production to be flat this year versus 2008 even as it sharply reduces capital spending and tries to cut costs.

YORK, Pa. (AP) — Department store operator Bon-Ton Stores Inc. forecast a loss for fiscal 2009, predicting that rising unemployment and economic turmoil will continue to dampen consumer spending.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Wednesday that it expects first-quarter adjusted earnings to come within the range of analysts' estimates.