(By Salman - iStockAnalyst Writer)Late on Monday, American Express Company (NYSE: AXP) announced that its fourth quarter net income fell 79% to $172 million, or 15 cents a share, from $831 million, or 72 cents a share in the same quarter, a year ago. The results for the quarter also included a charge of $66 million, or 6 cents per share, related to an increase in the company's membership rewards reserve due to the extension of a partnership agreement with Delta Air Lines. On an adjusted basis, excluding discontinued operations, the company earned $238 million, or 21 cents a share. Analysts on average were looking for company to report earnings of $238 million or 21 cents a share, excluding charges. Revenue dropped 11% to $6.51 billion from $7.32 billion, falling short of analyst estimates of $7.22 billion. "We're clearly disappointed with our overall results. Our fourth quarter results reflect an operating environment that was among the harshest we have seen in decades," said Kenneth Chenault, AmEx's Chairman and Chief Officer.For the full fiscal year 2008, the company's net income declined 34% to $2.63 billion, or $2.27 a share, from $4.01 billion, or $3.36 a share. Revenue rose 3% to $28.37 billion. Shares of American Express rose 1.64% in extended trading.

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) reported that its fourth quarter net income rose 15% to $961 million or 91 cents a share from $835 million or 76 cents a share in the  year-earlier quarter. Excluding charges, the company earned $1.1 billion or $1.06 a share for the fourth quarter. Revenue was flat at $3.75 billion. Consensus expectations were for earnings of $1.07 a share on revenue of $3.79 billion.” I am proud of Amgen's performance in 2008 and excited about our prospects in 2009 and beyond. While Amgen faces a range of challenges in today's environment, I am confident we are ready," said Kevin Sharer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. For the fiscal year 2009, the company expects to report revenue in the range of $14.8 billion and $15.2 billion and earnings in the range of $4.55 and $4.75 a share. Analysts currently expect the company to post revenue of $15.4 billion and $4.67 a share in earnings. Amgen fell 1.98% in post market trade.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc.(NASDAQ: BHLB) posted fourth quarter net earnings of $5.2 million or 44 cents a share, compared to $3.07 million or 29 cents a share in the comparable quarter, a year ago.Core earnings per share grew by 8% 44 cents a share from 36 cents a share in fourth quarter of 2007, the company said in a statement. Net interest income for the quarter increased to $19.47 million from $18.22 million in the period while total non-interest income fell to $6.38 million from $7.07 million. Revenue totaled $25.85 million, compared to $25.29 million in the year ago period. Analysts had forecast earnings of 44 cents share.

Buckeye Technologies Inc. (NYSE: BKI) said that its second quarter net income tumbled to $2.61 million or 7 cents a share from $13.87 million or 35 cents a share in the second quarter of 2007. Quarterly sales fell 12.4% to $184.7 million from $210.92 million.