Earnings Roundup: Abbott Labs, Peabody Energy

Among the earnings stories for Wednesday, April 15, from AP Financial News:

NEW YORK (AP) — Drug and medical device maker Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday its profit jumped 53 percent in the first quarter due to a gain related to the breakup of a partnership with a Japanese drug company.

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Coal miner Peabody Energy Corp. said Wednesday its first-quarter profit tripled, but the performance fell short of Wall Street's expectations as the company deferred its earnings outlook for the year and again trimmed its production.

NEW YORK (AP) — Charles Schwab Corp. said Wednesday that its first-quarter earnings dropped 29 percent, but results easily beat Wall Street's expectations.

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Rex Stores Corp., which operates a chain of consumer electronics stores and invests in alternative energy, on Wednesday reported a fourth-quarter loss, hurt by a restructuring charge.

LUFKIN, Texas (AP) — Lufkin Industries Inc. on Wednesday reported its profit slid 43 percent in the first quarter due to lower commodity prices. The oilfield services and equipment company also said it has cut jobs and spending.