Ford, Merck and P&G post better than expected earnings before the bell today.Ford (F, quote) beat Q1 expectations.  Ford posted earnings of 39 cents a share on revenue of $32.4 billion. Expectations were for 35 cents a share with revenues of $31.3 billion.

Merck earnings come in slightly higher than expectations posting 1Q earnings of 99 cents a share on revenue of $11.7 billion. Expectations were for 98 cents a share on revenue of $11.8 billion.

P&G earnings come in slightly higher than expectations posting 3Q earnings of 94 cents a share on revenue of $20.2 billion. Expectations were for 93 cents a share on revenue of $20.3 billion.