Early movers: GM, CAT, CMCSA, MMM, LUV, T & more

Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Caterpillar (CAT)-The heavy equipment maker earned $1.72 per share for the third quarter, well above estimates of $1.36. CEO Doug Oberhelman noted that the company has been able to raise its own earnings targets even in the face of relatively flat sales, and the company raised its financial outlook for the year.

Comcast (CMCSA)-The broadcasting and cable company earned 73 cents per share for the third quarter, 2 ents above estimates, though revenue was slightly short. Comcast's results were helped by improved performance at CNBC parent NBCUniversal.

General Motors (GM)-The automaker reported profit of 97 cents per share , excluding certain items, beating estimates by 2 cents, though revenue was shy of forecasts.

United Continental (UAL)-The airline reported quarterly profit of $2.75 per share for the third quarter, 7 cents above estimates, with revenue also above consensus. CEO Jeff Smisek said the company still has the opportunity to increase efficiency and profit margins.

3M (MMM)-The conglomerate scored a 2-cent beat by earning $1.98 per share for the third quarter, though revenues were shy of consensus. 3M narrowed its yearly financial targets, citing negative impact from foreign currency fluctuations.

PulteGroup (PHM)-The home builder beat estimates by 1 cent with third quarter profit of 37 cents per share, on the strength of higher home prices. The company also raised its quarterly dividend by 60 percent to 8 cents per share.

Dunkin' Brands (DNKN)-The restaurant chain earned 49 cents per share, excluding certain items, 2 cents above estimates. However, revenue fell short, and the company also warned that it may not reach its yearly sales targets.

Southwest Airlines (LUV)-The carrier earned 55 cents per share for its latest quarter, 2 cents above estimates, with revenue beating consensus. Southwest was helped by lower fuel costs and increased operating margins.

Eli Lilly (LLY)-The drug maker fell short of estimates by one cent with quarterly profit of 66 cents per share, though revenue beat estimates by a slight margin. Lilly's quarter was marked by several patent expirations, more generic competition, and the negative impact of a stronger dollar.

Under Armour (UA)-The athletic apparel maker reported third quarter profit of 41 cents per share, 1 cent above estimates. Revenue beat analyst forecasts, and the company also raised its guidance for the full year, crediting strong sales of its footwear and outdoor apparel.

Quest Diagnostics (DGX)-The medical lab operator's quarterly profit came in 2 cents above estimates at $1.10 per share, with revenues above analyst forecasts as well. Quest saw better profit margins and customer volume at its labs during the quarter.

AT&T (NYSE:T)-The telecoms giant missed estimates by a penny with quarterly profit of 63 cents per share. Revenue missed as well, and the company cut its full-year earnings outlook, amid an eight percent drop in average revenue per phone user.

Visa (NYSE:V)-The financial services company raised its quarterly dividend by 20 percent, increasing the payout to 48 cents per share from the prior 40 cents.

Cheesecake Factory (CAKE)-The restaurant chain fell 9 cents short of estimates with its third quarter profit of 48 cents per share, though revenue was slightly above consensus. The company did see sales growth, but also experienced an increase in expenses.

Citrix Systems (CTXS)-The cloud computing and networking firm reported third quarter profit of 75 cents per share, 2 cents above estimates, but revenue was well short of consensus. The networking services company also projected full-year revenue below Street estimates.

Select Comfort (SCSS)-The company beat estimates by 4 cents with third quarter profit of 44 cents, with revenue soundly beating analyst forecasts. The maker of Sleep Number mattresses also raised its full-year forecast on rising demand for its products.

Tractor Supply (TSCO)-The farm equipment maker earned 55 cents per share for the third quarter, 5 cents above estimates, on the strength of stronger sales for the maker of farm products.

Yelp (YELP)-The company reported third quarter profit of 5 cents per share, 2 cents above estimates, with revenue beating as well. However, the consumer website operator also forecast worse-than-expected current quarter revenue.

Seagate Technology (STX)-The company increased its quarterly dividend by 26 percent to 54 cents per share.

CarMax (KMX)-The used-car retailer increased its share buyback program by $2 billion to a total of $3.8 billion.

Nokia (Helsinki Stock Exchange: NOK-FI)-The communications and IT firm reported a stronger than expected third quarter profit, and also raised the outlook for its networking gear unit.

Procter & Gamble (PG)-The manufacturer of home products announced the retirement of its North American business head, Melanie Healey, effective next June. Healey had once been considered to be a candidate to succeed current chief executive officer A.G. Lafley.

-By CNBC's Peter Schacknow

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