The retailer reported a 16% drop in revenues to $752 million on weak comparable store sales and decreases in catalog and paid circulation. As a result, it realized a loss of $11 million or 10 cents a share, forcing the termination of the share repurchase program authorized in January 2008.

Piedmont Natural Gas Company, Inc fourth quarter revenues rose 12.1% to $312 million and net loss was $13.2 million or 18 cents a share. The Mosaic Company second quarter revenues rose 37% to $3.01 billion and net income rose 144% to $959.8 million or $2.15 a share.

The international trade deficit widened in October, as a fall in imports was more than offset by a significant decline in exports. Much of the decline in exports was the result of drops in agricultural goods and industrial supplies, which largely reflected a decrease in the prices of these goods.

Falling same store sales trend continued in November as consumers held a tight grip on wallets, despite a fall in gasoline prices. Consumers are battling weak economy, weakening consumer confidence and job losses. Buckle, the only retailer with rising same store sales 11-months in a row.

Visa Inc., the largest payment processor reported third quarter revenue rise of 18% to $1.613 billion and net income surge of 41.1% to $422 million as more people use debit and credit cards for purchases. Earnings per share jumped to 51 cents and adjusted earnings rose to 59 cents per share. Visa raised its outlook for operating margins for the fiscal 2008 to mid 40% and in the years 2009 and 2010 to mid-to-high 40%.