Stocks in the news: Ford, 3M, Schlumberger, General Electric

The following post rounds up the companies making headlines today:

Ford Motor Co. (F) reported a first-quarter loss of $1.4 billion Friday, but added it burned through less money as it continued on with its restructuring plan without government aid. Results beat analyst estimates. Ford shares surged 19 percent at the open.

3M Co. (MMM), unlike Ford, reported results below analyst expectations. 3M reported a first-quarter profit decline to to $518 million, or 74 cents a share, from $1 billion, or $1.38 a share, in the year-ago period. Excluding items, it earned 81 cents a share, below the 85 cents a share analysts had expected. Sales plunged 21.3 percent. 3M also lowered its earnings outlook.