Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) posted $0.39 EPS vs. $0.04 estimates, but the company lost money on a net-net basis and lowered guidance. Its new estimates were put at $1.25 EPS vs. $1.77 estimates, and that number was over $4.00 just 3 months ago. Bottom fishers took it higher despite bad news, and shares were up over 2% at $31.27 late in the day.

General Motors Corporation (NYSE: GM) rose on word that it will receive $5 billion (and Chrysler $500 million) in new short-term government aid. Shares were up 3.6% at $1.72 very late in the day.

Jefferies Group Inc. (NYSE: JEF) posted $0.19 EPS and net revenues were $347.26 million after the interest on mandatorily redeemable preferred interest of consolidated subsidiaries took out $5.3 million. Estimates were only -$0.08 EPS and revenues of $287.5 million. Shares were up almost 15% at $16.41 late in the day.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK) was the disappointment after it posted $0.74 EPS vs. $0.77 EPS estimates. The company also brought down revenue targets for 2009 and said its migraine candidate will not be submitted to the FDA for approval this year. Shares were down 6% at $23.66 late in the day.

TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTD) rose after trading volumes rose 8%, despite the company posting significantly lower earnings. Shares were up over 7% at $16.25 late in the day.