Microsoft posted a fiscal fourth-quarter profit that narrowly missed expectations, then offered weak guidance, sending its stock lower in after-hours trading.

Having so far failed in its attempt to hook up with Yahoo, Microsoft is talking to AOL about a partnership that could include merging their online operations.

Fear of an actors strike and the end of the 100-day writers strike prompted a 26% jump in on-location filming throughout the area in the second quarter, permit agency FilmL.A. said Thursday.

On its 12th anniversary, the premier independent film news Web site IndieWire has been acquired from GMD Studios by AOL executive Ted Leonsis' new documentary film site SnagFilms in an under-$1 million deal.

Google reported a profit that was less than what Wall Street was expecting and its shares sunk dramatically in after-hours trading on Thursday.

Clear Channel Radio's Total Traffic Network has hit a new milestone in delivering real-time traffic data. The company's service has hit the 500,000 paid subscription mark. (CCU)

IndyMac Bancorp Inc. is now the subject of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, according to media reports Thursday.

Shares of Yum Brands tumbled nearly 10 percent in early trading Thursday, a day after the fast-food company reported a 4 percent increase in second-quarter profits. (YUM)

The Missouri Secretary of State's securities division conducted a special inspection at Wachovia Securities' headquarters in St. Louis Thursday concerning its handling of auction-rate securities. (WB)

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. saw a 33 percent jump in second-quarter earnings on Thursday, beating Wall Street estimates. (RS) (RS)

California on Thursday adopted the nation's first "green" building codes, hoping the new statewide standards will push builders to reduce energy use in their structures by 15 percent.