Sign of Times
The New York Times Co. posted fourth-quarter profit that beat analysts’ estimates as its advertising decline slowed and online subscription revenue surged. Shares closed up 3.2 percent to $8.51.
Coinstar dims
Coinstar’s fourth-quarter profit fell 27 percent as expenses grew, while the company’s Redbox business continued to post slower revenue growth. Shares fell 6.3 percent to $48.75 after hours.
Loans galore
Borrowing by US consumers rose in December for a fifth consecutive month, driven by a surge in student and auto loans, in a sign consumers are more comfortable about spending decisions.
IRS eyes fraud
The Internal Revenue Service has stepped up its crackdown on identify theft in a nationwide sweep of people filing false tax returns that bilk the government of billions.
Dip in claims
The number of Americans filing new claims for jobless benefits fell 5,000 to 366,00 last week, a sign the grinding recovery in the labor market remains on track.