Ideas

Harley-Davidson Inc.’s remarkable recovery continued in the third quarter, as the Milwaukee-based company’s net income grew to $183.6 million, or 78 cents per share, from $88.8 million, or 38 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Chicago-based Northern Trust Corp., which has an office in downtown Milwaukee, reported third quarter net income of $170 million, or 70 cents a share, up from $155.6 million, or 64 cents, in the same period a year ago.

Milwaukee-based Sensient Technologies Corp., a manufacturer of colors, flavors and fragrances, announced it has reached agreement to acquire its joint venture partner’s interest in Sao Paulo, Brazil-based Les Colorants Wackherr do Brasil.

Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. reported a net loss of $5.2 million during its fiscal first quarter, a 35.7 percent improvement compared with its net loss of $8.1 million during last year’s fiscal first quarter.

Snap-On Inc. is the latest Wisconsin manufacturer to post impressive third quarter results, as manufacturing remains one of the few strong spots in the economy.

Milwaukee-based M&I Bank ranks No. 1 in overall satisfaction by small business banking customers, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study of 24 national banks released.

Mortgage insurer MGIC Investment Corp. posted a net loss of $165.2 million, or 82 cents per share, for the third quarter, compared with a net loss of $51.5 million, or 26 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Milwaukee-based Sensient Technologies Corp. reported record third quarter earnings per share of 64 cents, up from 59 cents in the same period a year ago.

Milwaukee-based ManpowerGroup reported third quarter net earnings of $79.6 million, or 97 cents per share, up from $51.3 million, or 62 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

aterpillar Inc. far exceeded analyst expectations, reporting a 44-percent quarterly earnings increase and record revenue.