Also . . .

* Harley-Davidson Inc. said third-quarter earnings grew 35% to $111.7 million, or 36 cents a share, beating analysts’ expectations by 3 cents, as sales jumped 19% to $850.8 million. The motorcycle maker also boosted its production target again. It now plans to produce 232,500 motorcycles this year. Harley’s shares rose 9 cents to $42.59 on the NYSE, before the earnings were announced.

* Burlington Resources Inc., the No. 1 natural gas producer in North America, agreed to acquire Canadian Hunter Exploration Ltd. for $2.1 billion. The purchase will increase Burlington’s gas reserves by 12% to 11.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent.