Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage on BloggingStocks:

• Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A) announced improved results year over year, with book value up nearly 20%.
• BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. (BJ) Q4 earnings were in line with expectations but guidance for the year fell short.
• Cbeyond Inc. (CBEY) received an analyst's downgrade and lowered price target following its Q4 results.
• Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) strong Q2 results fell short of analysts' estimates and shares declined.
• Dress Barn Inc. (DBRN) said it swung to a profit in Q2 and same-store sales increased, and it raised its outlook.

Chiquita Brands (NYSE: CQB) is recently down $6.71 to $16.58 after announcing it expects to report a Q3 loss on higher industry costs. Wachovia has an Outperform rating on CQB. CQB August 17 puts have traded 83 times on transaction volume of 1,718 contracts compared to its open interest of 1,312 contracts. CQB August option implied volatility of 68 is above its 26-week avearge of 54 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Fresh Del Monte (NYSE: FDP) is recently down $6.56 to $25.32 in sympathy with CQB announcing a Q3 loss on higher industry costs. FDP July option implied volatility of 65 is above its 26-week average of 49, suggesting larger price movement.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com