(Business 2.0) – Pixar: Analysts call for third-quarter earnings of 24 cents in early November, a modest increase from last year's 23 cents. Investors are hoping for another blockbuster when Pixar's much-hyped next film, The Incredibles, debuts Nov. 5.

XM Radio: In early November the satellite-radio pioneer is expected to announce that it has cut its losses to 66 cents per share, down from $1.12 a year ago. XM is on track to grow from 1.3 million subscribers at the beginning of this year to 3.1 million by Dec. 31 and could start reporting profits soon.

BEA Systems: Its third-quarter earnings in mid-November are expected to match last year's 8 cents a share—but on declining sales. Amid faltering licensing revenue, the software company's stock price has plunged 50 percent this year, making BEA an increasingly attractive acquisition target.