Big financial losses are reported by three big North American companies.
Caterpillar has reported its first quarterly loss in 17 years, pulled into the red by more than $US500 million in charges from a wave of layoffs triggered by the recession.
The company is the world's largest maker of construction and mining equipment.
It lost $US112 million in the first three months of the year - a turnaround from a profit of $US922 million in the same period a year earlier.
Caterpillar has also slashed its full-year earnings and sales forecast.
Yahoo also plans to axe more jobs after a fall in quarterly profits.
The internet search engine company made $US118 million - a decrease of 78% on the same period a year earlier.
Yahoo intends to cut another 5% of its global workforce to counter a decline in revenue.
Coca-Cola reported a fall in profit to $US1.4 billion due to lower US sales and the effect of a stronger US currency on its revenue from overseas, where it makes the bulk of its earnings.
However, the company says it's still looking to meet its long-term target of 3% - 4% volume growth.
