American approved
to buy planes, enginesAmerican Airlines received the green light from the bankruptcy judge Wednesday to buy new airplanes from Airbus and Boeing. The judge also approved American's request to purchase engines for the planes."We are pleased to achieve this significant milestone in our restructuring related to our fleet plan," said American spokesman Sean Collins. "By receiving these approvals from the Court, we expect to continue to build the most modern, fuel-efficient fleet among U.S. network carriers."Earlier this month, American announced it had restructured its purchase agreements with the two aircraft manufacturers that gave the carrier more favorable terms. In July 2011, American unveiled its plans to purchase 460 aircraft over the next decade.-- Andrea AhlesFirst Cash Financial earnings up 29%Arlington-based First Cash Financial Services earned $27.6 million, or 93 cents per share, up 29 percent in the fourth quarter as it bought more pawn shops in the U.S. and Mexico and dialed back its payday lending business. It said it expanded into two new states during 2012 and now has more than 800 locations.The chain of pawn shops and payday lenders said payday lending, which faces harsh scrutiny from federal regulators, contributed less than 10 percent of fourth-quarter revenue of $179 million, which was up 24 percent. The company offered earnings guidance for 2013 that was slightly weaker than analysts expected.-- The Associated PressNetflix stock soars after strong 2012 finishNetflix's Internet video service warded off stiffer competition to add 2 million U.S. subscribers during the final three months of the year, producing an unexpected profit for the company. Its volatile stock had surged by more than 30 percent since early December and soared another 33 percent, to $137.75 in after-hours trading.The surge in new customers gave Netflix 27.1 million U.S. subscribers who stream movies and TV shows to Internet-connected devices.-- The Associated PressHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
