Company News for August 20, 2009

• Mining firm Rio Tinto (NYSE:RTP - Analyst Report) reported lower commodity prices and Chinalco expenses resulted in disappointing first half results of $2.57 billion, down 65% YoY. The company said it may declare a final dividend, subject to "satisfactory trading results, progress on divestments and prevailing market conditions"

• Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD - Analyst Report), the largest US department store firm, reported a surprise second quarter loss of 17 cents a share ex-items, compared with last year's 50 cent a share profit, and well off Zacks estimates for a 35 cent profit 

• Heinz (NYSE:HNZ - Analyst Report) reported first quarter earnings of 67 cents a share, 5 cents ahead of Zacks estimates, on better-than-expected revenues of $2.47 billion, versus Zacks estimates of $2.44 billion.  The firm backed its yearly outlook

• Hormel (NYSE:HRL - Snapshot Report) reported third quarter earnings of 57 cents a share, beating Zacks projections of 52 cents a share; revenues fell 6.2% to $1.57 billion, off Zacks estimates of $1.7 billion. The company said it expects fiscal year earnings of $2.36 to $2.42 a share