Cheer up, longs!   

I singled out seven bellwethersthat analysts see posting lower quarterly profits this week, but the outlook isn't entirely bleak. In fact, there are several companies that are actually growing in this dicey climate.

Since I gave Mr. Market a wedgie over the weekend, let me come right back with a fresh pair of underpants. Here are seven companies that analysts see posting healthier bottom lines this week.

Company

Latest Quarter EPS
(Estimated)

Year-Ago Quarter EPS

Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL)

$1.42

$1.26

Intuitive Surgical (Nasdaq: ISRG)

$1.46

$1.44

Amazon.com (Nasdaq: AMZN)

$0.33

$0.27

McDonald's (NYSE: MCD)

$1.11

$1.05

Merck (NYSE: MRK)

$0.83

$0.80

Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY)

$0.51

$0.46 Continued...