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Cable operator Virgin Media Inc. (VMED, VMED.L) Thursday reported a narrower loss for the fourth quarter, helped by significant improvement in net number of cable users, higher average revenue per user and stable churn rates. Separately, the company said it would begin the roll-out of a 100Mb broadband service, the fastest available commercial product in the UK, by the end of 2010.

British American Tobacco Plc (BATS.L, BTI) on Thursday announced preliminary results for the full year 2009, reporting an increase in pre-tax profit helped by higher revenues, improved pricing and volume from acquisitions. The company also recommended a 16% higher final dividend.

British outsourcing company Capita Group Plc (CPI.L) reported Thursday a higher profit for fiscal year 2009, driven by an increase in revenue and lower finance costs. The board has recommended a higher final dividend, higher than last year.

German financial services firm Allianz AG Thursday reported a profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with a loss last year. The turnaround reflected the strong operating performances of the company’s Life/Health and Asset Management businesses and the absence of the year-ago quarter’s heavy loss from discontinued operations. For fiscal 2010, the Munich-based company sees operating profit at the same level as in 2009.

Telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom AG Thursday reported a narrower loss for the fourth quarter, while revenues grew slightly from last year. The company’s full-year net profit plunged over 76% from the previous year, hit by impairment losses. Meanwhile, the German company’s U.S. wireless operation T-Mobile USA reported a decline in fourth-quarter earnings and revenues.

Mineral-based cosmetics maker Bare Escentuals, Inc. (BARE) reported Wednesday higher fourth-quarter profit, thanks to strong sales and margin improvement as well as a one-time tax benefit. Both top line and earnings per share were better than analysts’ estimates.

Wednesday after the bell, Aqua America Inc. (WTR), a provider of water and wastewater services, reported fourth-quarter earnings that were up 3.9% and in-line with analysts’ estimates. Though revenue for the quarter rose 5%, it fell short of consensus expectations.

Brigham Exploration Co. (BEXP) on Wednesday reported a profit for the fourth quarter compared to a loss in the year-ago period that includes a hefty asset impairment charge. Excluding items, adjusted earnings per share topped analysts’ consensus estimate. Revenue for the quarter declined 30%. Looking ahead, the company provided production outlook for the first quarter and fiscal year 2010.

Wednesday after the bell, Granite Construction Inc. (GVA) reported a sharp decline in earnings and revenue, reflecting the macroeconomic challenges and extraordinarily competitive markets. The heavy civil construction contractor’s earnings blew past analyst estimates, while revenue fell short of consensus expectations.

Offshore drilling contractor Ensco International Plc. (ESV) reported Wednesday a 30% year-over-year drop in profit for the fourth quarter, as quarterly revenues declined 17% due to fall in fleet utilization. Average day rates for the deepwater segment was strong, while it declined for the premium jackup fleet. Earnings per share from continuing operations, however, topped analysts’ expectations by a penny.