Viewpoints

Bank Mutual Corp. reported third quarter net income of $2.0 million, or 4 cents per share, up from $1.3 million, or 3 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Green Bay-based Associated Banc-Corp reported third quarter net income of $45 million, or 26 cents per share, up from $34 million, or 20 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

Despite posting a record third quarter with a 49-percent increase in earnings, Caterpillar Inc. lowered its outlook for 2013.

Johnson Controls Inc. has released details of the restructuring activities it has planned for the fourth quarter.

Over the past five years most observers would agree there has been little to cheer about in the broader economy. The recession of 2008-09 negatively impacted many economic metrics; from gross domestic product to income to employment to investment spending.

Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. is advising owners of outdoor power equipment be aware of a new fuel with a higher level of ethanol that could harm small engines.

Glendale-based Johnson Controls Inc. has entered into an agreement to purchase the automotive business assets of A123 Systems Inc., a Waltham, Mass., company that filed for bankruptcy protection.

Milwaukee-based Badger Meter Inc. reported increased sales, earnings and earnings per share for the third quarter.

Water technology company A. O. Smith Corp. reported third quarter net income of $37.0 million, or 79 cents per share, down from $182.3 million, or $3.91 per share, in the same period a year ago.

Snap-on Inc. reported third quarter net earnings of $74.1 million, or $1.26 per share, up from $67.8 million, or $1.16 per share, in the same period a year ago.