Briefing.com: Hourly In Play (R) – 10:00 ET

Apr 13, 2010 (Briefing.com via COMTEX) -- Hourly In Play (R)

Updated: 13-Apr-10 10:00 ET

09:54

XRT SPDR Retail edges just above Monday's peak of 42.84 to set a fractional new 52-wk high of 42.87 after a weaker start (42.83 +0.15) -Technical-

DBRN +0.8%, HSNI +1%, NFLX +1.1%, PLCE +1%, GPS +1%, JCG +2.5%, GYMB +1.1%, PSS +0.9%.

09:51

ORCL Oracle testing its March peak and yesterday's 52-wk high at 26.25/26.28 -- session high 26.27 (26.27 +0.07) -Technical-

09:51

GT Goodyear Tire's new President and Chief Executive Officer Richard J. Kramer said he is confident in Goodyear's ability to grow as global economies recover (13.05 +0.09)

09:51

TECHX Opening Point Gainers/Losers -Technical-

Point Gainers: ESI (+8.10), GOOG (+5.75), DV (+4.84), MIPI (+2.56), FAST (+2.30), CTSH (+2.01), INFY (+1.71), WCC (+1.71), APOL (+1.63), TLB (+1.05)

Point Losers: PCLN (-7.75), CBD (-5.00), CF (-2.54), FAV (-2.23), ADC (-1.50), LZ (-1.30), RGLD (-1.24), AVP (-1.30), CODI (-1.10)

09:50

SPY S&P 500 -1.4 stabilizes at first level support -Update- -Technical-

Noted support at 1193/1192 in The Technical Take and the 09:35 update and have seen the index stabilize after reaching 1193.20. A rebound back through initial resistance near 1197 neutralize the slide action off yesterday's high with obvious next resistance at the 1200 level (Monday high 1199.20). The upper end of a short term resistance band is at 1203.

09:45

TECHX Sector Watch -Update- -Technical-

Sectors weighing on the early action include: Bank KBE -1%, Gold Miners GDX -1.3%, Shipping SEA -1.1%, Computer-Hardware -1%, Ag/Chem MOO -1%, Oil Service OIH -0.9%, Coal KOL -0.5%. Groups showing relative strength include: Rail +0.6%, Solar TAN +1%, Housing XHB +0.5%, REITs IYR +0.3%, Retail XRT +0.3%, Education (ESI, DV, COCO, APOL, CECO, STRA, LOPE) and selected Casino/Gaming (MGM, LVS, PNK, WYNN, BYI).

09:37

COMDX Crude ticks to fresh lows at $83.10; now off $1.21 to $83.13

09:35

CF CF Industries gaps lower off the open as it dips down to challenge its month-long range low/200-day ema near 90.00/89.69 (89.71 -2.18) -Technical-

09:35

SPY Modest early pressure, S&P -2.7 probing first level support in the 1193/1192 area -- Dow -16, Nasdaq -4.4 -Technical-

09:32

GNBT Generex Biotech announces new treatment IND site for the USFDA expanded access treatment IND program for Generex Oral-lyn in the US (0.46 0.00)

Co announced that John Muir Physician Network Clinical Research Center has agreed to participate in the FDA Expanded Access Treatment Investigational New Drug (IND) Program for the Company's flagship product, Generex Oral-lyn, a proprietary buccal insulin spray product. In September 2009, the FDA approved the treatment use of Generex Oral-lyn under the FDA's Treatment IND Program. This Treatment IND is open to patients who comply with the selection criteria of the treatment protocol, including those who are taking currently approved anti-diabetic medications. There are no oral or injectable medications contraindicated for this treatment use program.

09:31

GBE Grubb & Ellis announced that it will expand its presence in Ohio with the opening of company-owned offices in Columbus and Cincinnati (2.06 -0.06)

09:30

LEI Lucas Energy announces drilling begins on Wilson County re-entry well (1.45 +0.10)

Co announced that IT began the re-entry of the Stobb No.1 well on April 9, 2010. The well is a re-entry of a straight hole well in the Austin Chalk formation. The well is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

09:30

VNO Vornado Rlty Trust announces its share of Toys "R" Us fourth quarter financial results (78.27 +0.03)

Co announced that it has recorded its 32.7% share of Toys "R" Us' fourth quarter financial results in its first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Vornado's results include net income of $125,870,000, or $0.62 per diluted share, compared to net income of $97,147,000, or $0.54 per diluted share recorded in the quarter ended March 31, 2009. Vornado's share of Funds From Operations ("FFO") before income taxes for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 is $193,081,000 or $0.95 per diluted share, compared to FFO before income taxes of $166,818,000, or $0.92 per diluted share in the prior year's quarter. Vornado's share of FFO after income taxes for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 is $137,246,000, or $0.67 per diluted share, compared to FFO after income taxes of $107,924,000, or $0.60 per diluted share in the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

09:30

TXCC TranSwitch announces that it intends to effect a common stock rights offering to its stockholders in order to raise approximately $10 million of equity capital for general corporate and working capital purposes (2.89 )

09:29

ADC Agree Realty prices public offering of 1.3 mln shares of common stock at $22/share (24.66 )

09:25

DSX Diana Shipping Signs Shipbuilding Contracts for the Purchase of Two Newcastlemax Dry Bulk Carriers (15.11 )

Co announced that it has signed, through its 100% owned subsidiaries, two shipbuilding contracts with China Shipbuilding Trading Company, Limited and Shanghai Jiangnan-Changxing Shipbuilding Co., Ltd for the construction of two Newcastlemax dry bulk carriers of approximately 206,000 dwt each for a contract price of US$59 million per vessel. The Company expects to take delivery of the vessels during the second and third quarters of 2012, respectively.

09:16

HTCO Hickory Tech seeks broadband stimulus funding (8.56 )

HTCO, through its Enventis subsidiary, has applied for $16.8 million in federal stimulus grants to extend its middle mile fiber-optic network connecting community anchor institutions across Minnesota to an advanced high capacity broadband network. HickoryTech would provide $7.2 million in funding or 30 percent of the total project cost of $24 million under the grant application submitted to the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunication and Information Administration

09:15

VSR Versar awarded contract extensions in Iraq totaling $7.5 mln

Co announced it was awarded two task order contract extensions totaling $7.5 mln by the Gulf Region District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its personal services contract supporting the reconstruction efforts in Iraq. These task order extensions will allow Versar to provide six months of additional support to the US Army in the fields of Engineering, Project Management, Logistics, and Construction Management. All work under these extensions will be completed by October 5, 2010, contributing approximately $1.2 mln in revenue each month during the six month period.

09:04

On The Wires

China Ritar Power (CRTP) announces that it has been selected to power the Brazil Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. China Ritar will supply its Ritar CL2300H batteries for use in two battery power storage plants which will be set up to ensure the Brazil Pavilion will have sufficient power during the World Expo... World Heart (WHRT) announces that Inova Fairfax Hospital has successfully implanted its first Levacor Ventricular Assist Device... Palm (PALM) announced that the Palm Pre Plus and Palm Pixi Plus phones will be available in Germany on both o2 and Vodafone on April 28... Cooper Industries (CBE) announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Eka Systems. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed... Peregrine Pharmaceuticals (PPHM) announced that data from four clinical studies of bavituximab and Cotara have been accepted for presentation at the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

09:04

PAA Plains All Amer increases cash distribution to $0.9350 per unit, up from quarterly distribution of $0.9050 per unit on all of its outstanding limited partner units (59.08 )

09:02

PSEC Prospect Energy has invested $12.3 million in secured debt in Seaton Corp (11.85 )

09:01

KV.A K-V Pharmaceutical announced it has appointed Stephen Stamp as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective April 7, 2010 (1.57 )

The co announces it has appointed Stephen Stamp as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective April 7, 2010. Mr. Stamp will report directly to David Van Vliet, interim CEO of the Company. Mr. Stamp has over twenty seven years of finance experience, including his tenure at Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals where he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

09:01

CGR Claude Resources announces the finalization of Joint Venture Agreement with St. Eugene Mining Corporation, (1.27 )

Co annunces the finalization of a 65:35 Joint Venture Agreement with St. Eugene Mining Corporation, "St. Eugene", on the Amisk Gold Project. The 12,000 hectare property is located 20 kilometres southwest of Flin Flon, Manitoba and hosts the Amisk-Laurel Gold Deposit. Pursuant to the Agreement, Claude is operator of the joint venture and for 2010 has initiated a $1.1 million exploration program on the property. The program is focused on the Amisk-Laurel Gold Deposit, specifically expanding the deposit and evaluating the bulk mining potential of the system. As a first stage, an eleven hole, 2,300 metre, winter drill program has been completed and results are pending.

09:01

BPHX Blue Phoenix: Arik Kilman apointed CEO (2.43 )

The co announces that Arik Kilman was appointed Chief Executive Officer replacing Yaron Tchwella who is leaving the position of Chief Executive Officer for personal reasons. Mr. Tchwella was nominated by the Board of Directors to serve as a Director. If approved by the Company's shareholders at the shareholders meeting which is expected to be held prior to the end of June 2010, Yaron will join the board and will serve as an executive focused on growing the Company's partner network and on strategic customers. Gur Shomron, a member of the Board of Directors was appointed to replace Mr. Kilman as Chairman of the Board.

09:00

MPR Met-Pro Corp Strobic Air Business Unit Receives $550,000 Equipment Order (10.07 )

Co announces that its Strobic Air business unit has received an order, totaling approximately $550,000, from a premier University in Western Canada. This order is expected to ship in the second quarter of the Company's current fiscal year.

08:59

EPD Enterprise Products announces pricing of 12 mln shares at $35.55 (36.39 )

08:56

MEE Massey Energy reports efforts to recover miners from upper Big Branch mine concluded (46.03 )

08:51

PENN Penn Natl Gaming selected for $75 mln for Mason Dixie Resort project (29.06 )

Mason-Dixon Resort & Casino announced that it has selected a subsidiary of Penn National Gaming to develop and manage all resort and gaming operations in connection with the co's Category 3 resort license application filed with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Mason-Dixon Resort & Casino plans to develop a world-class category 3 venue in southern Adams County, about two miles from the Maryland border. Situated in Cumberland Township at what is currently the Eisenhower hotel and conference center and Allstar Funland, the planned $75 mln Mason-Dixon Resort & Casino will feature a hotel with more than 300 guest rooms, 20,000 square feet of meeting and exposition space, and ample parking.

08:51

HIL Hill International receives contract for project management services on $200 mln natural gas facility in Egypt (5.98 )

Co announces that an affiliate company, Hill International Petrol Egypt, has entered into a contract with the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company to provide project management services for a new $200 million natural gas compression station in Dahshur, Egypt. The one-year contract has an estimated value to Hill Petrol of $1.0 million.

08:48

ABAT Advanced Battery Tech announces ~$1.6 mln in new orders for electric vehicles (3.81 )

08:48

AZK Aurizon Mines announces that a gold exploration drilling program will commence shortly (5.06 )

Co announces that a gold exploration drilling program will commence shortly on its 100% owned Kipawa Gold-Rare Earth project, in north-western Quebec, Canada. The work planned includes 6,500 metres of drilling, comprising 26 holes, on 3 different targets. The Kipawa project is an early stage exploration project located ~100 kilometres south of Rouyn-Noranda, in the Temiskaming region. It was initially acquired by Aurizon for its gold potential on the basis of a government regional stream sediment survey. Exploration programs performed from 2007 to 2009 included regional till sampling, prospecting, geophysics, soil geochemistry and limited drilling.

08:47

CVU CPI Aerostructures to take $10 million in additional work under its A-10 wing long-term requirements contract from the Boeing Company (8.22 )

Co announces that the Boeing Defense, Space & Security unit of The Boeing Company (BA) has expanded the scope of work that CPI Aero will perform under its previously announced long-term requirements contract to support Boeing's A-10 Wing Replacement Program. In June 2007, Boeing received an Air Force contract worth up to $2 billion to produce up to 242 enhanced wings for the United States Air Force's A-10 "Thunderbolt" attack jet. The initial $70 million contract to CPI Aero from Boeing, announced in July 2008, was for the production of leading edges, wingtips, trailing edges, main landing gear pods and various other structures.

08:38

AAPL Apple confirms updated MacBook Pro line (242.29 )

Co confirms updated MacBook Pro line with faster processors, powerful next-generation NVIDIA (NVDA) graphics and even longer battery life. The 13-inch MacBook Pro features the new NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor for up to 80% faster graphics and a 10-hour built-in battery. The new 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro models feature Intel (INTC) Core i5 and i7 processors and Apple's new automatic graphics switching technology that toggles between NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M and Intel HD Graphics processors.

08:36

PRGO Perrigo and Graceway settle litigation and name Perrigo as the authorized generic distributor for Aldara (59.91 )

Co and Graceway Pharmaceuticals announce that they have entered into an agreement to settle all existing patent litigation regarding Perrigo's ANDA filing No. 78-837 or generic imiquimod. As part of this agreement, Perrigo will be named Graceway's authorized generic distributor for the Aldara? product through February 24, 2011 and, under certain circumstances, will be able to launch its own generic product after that date. Perrigo will begin shipping the authorized generic product within the next few weeks.

08:36

CRY CryoLife: Medafor abandons efforts to deny shareholder status to CryoLife CEO (6.05 )

Co announced that the lawsuit filed by Medafor, Inc. against Steven G. Anderson, CryoLife's chairman, president and CEO, in November 2009 was settled. The matter was mediated on April 6, 2010, with Myron S. Greenberg serving as mediator. The settlement does not require that Mr. Anderson make any payments to Medafor, give Medafor any of the relief that Medafor demanded of Mr. Anderson when it sued him or make any payments to any party to the lawsuit including Medafor's CEO and CFO. It does require that Medafor honor the legitimate business transaction by which Mr. Anderson purchased the shares. Medafor has agreed to dismiss with prejudice all of its claims against Mr. Anderson and Mr. Zerban in the Lawsuit and has agreed to register the 1,000 shares in Mr. Anderson's name effective as of May 13, 2009. Medafor also retracts the allegations it has made on its website and elsewhere that the Transaction was wrongful. Mr. Anderson, in turn, has agreed to dismiss with prejudice all of his counterclaims against Medafor and all of his third-party claims against Mr. Shope and Mr. Thomson. As part of the dismissal, both parties withdraw the allegations they have made against one another in the Lawsuit. No party admits or acknowledges liability or wrongdoing in this matter. The Lawsuit was settled to the Parties' mutual satisfaction.

08:36

On The Wires

Caliper Life Sciences (CALP) announced a non-exclusive original equipment manufacturer agreement with Access Genetics to market Caliper's LabChip GX microfluidic system for molecular diagnostic applications... Through its US-based subsidiary AMDL Diagnostics, Radient Pharmaceuticals (RPC) announced it continues to grow its partnership with GenWay Biotech and has signed an exclusive 5-yr marketing, sales and distribution agreement with the company for the commercialization of RPC's Onko-Sure in vitro diagnostic cancer test in Greece... Mellanox Technologies (MLNX) announced that it is seeing growth in demand for its 10 Gigabit Ethernet and end-to-end 40Gb/s InfiniBand connectivity products and advanced technology from leading Asian server and storage manufacturers, supercomputing centers, cloud computing providers, and enterprise customers... Iteris (ITI) announced a strategic partnership with Meritor WABCO Vehicle Control Systems to allow information captured by Meritor WABCO's SmartTrac and OnGuard active safety systems to be available through Iteris' SafetyDirect driver performance reporting software.

08:35

S&P futures vs fair value: -2.00. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -4.00.

Stock futures have pared a portion of their losses, but a slightly lower start to the session still looks to be in order. Just announced, the February trade deficit deepened to $39.7 billion from an downwardly revised $37.0 billion in the prior month. On average, economists had expected a February deficit of $38.5 billion. Import prices increased 0.7% in February. They were expected to increase 1.0% after an upwardly revised 0.2% decline in January.

08:33

PPCO Penwest Pharma and Endo enter into agreement with Barr to settle patent litigation over Opana ER, cos agreed to grant Barr a license to sell a generic of Opana ER on or after Sept. 15, 2012, or earlier under certain circumstances (3.61 )

Co and Endo Pharmaceuticals (ENDP) announced that the companies have settled litigation with Barr Laboratories (BRL) regarding the production and sale of generic formulations of Opana ER Extended Release Tablets CII. Under the terms of the settlement, Penwest and Endo have agreed to grant Barr a license to sell a generic of Opana ER on or after Sept. 15, 2012, or earlier under certain circumstances.

08:32

UEC Uranium Energy Completes Sale of Interest in Cebolleta Uranium Project in New Mexico for $11 Million (3.29 )

Co announced that the it has received a cash payment of US$11,000,000 as complete consideration for the sale of the Company's 49%-interest in Cibola Resources LLC (the "LLC") to Neutron Energy, Inc. ("Neutron"), a Nevada corporation. Neutron has exercised its option to make this purchase in accordance with an option agreement between the Company and Neutron announced November 12, 2009, which was subsequently extended.

08:31

DLR Digital Realty Trust announces strong first quarter 2010 leasing results (56.32 )

The co announces strong leasing results for the first quarter of 2010. For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, the Company commenced leases totaling approximately 116,000 square feet of space. This includes approximately 108,000 square feet of Turn-Key Datacenter? space leased at an average annual GAAP rental rate of $139.00 per square foot and approximately 7,500 square feet of non-technical space leased at an average annual GAAP rental rate of $37.00 per square foot. The Company signed leases during the first quarter of 2010 totaling approximately 241,000 square feet of space. This includes over 171,000 square feet of Turn-Key Datacenter space leased at an average annual GAAP rental rate of $141.00 per square foot, and more than 69,000 square feet of non-technical space leased at an average annual GAAP rental rate of $25.00 per square

08:21

EGT Elixir Gaming announces Machine Participation Agreement with Grand Golden (0.23 )

Yesterday evening, EGT announced that it has entered into a Machine Participation Agreement with Grand Golden, to place approximately 60 electronic gaming machine seats on a participation basis at its new Grand Golden casino in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia near the Vietnam border. The Company anticipates the full deployment of the 60 gaming machines seats in November 2010 following the completion of the renovations of the designated floor space by the venue owner. Under the terms of the Agreement, Elixir Gaming will have joint control over the operation of all the Company's electronic gaming machine seats, including full audit rights. Elixir Gaming and Grand Golden will share the revenue and marketing costs, at a 30% / 70% split, respectively, and Elixir Gaming will receive on a monthly basis its relevant portion of the daily win in cash. The contract duration is five years commencing once the 60 gaming machine seats become operational.

08:17

On The Wires

AEterna Zentaris (AEZS) announces that it will make an oral presentation, as well as a poster presentation on Erk/PI3K inhibitor compounds at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting... Trina Solar Limited (TSL) announced that its board of directors appointed Mr. Liping Qiu, an independent director of the co, as a member of the audit committee of the board effective April 1, 2010 to replace Mr. Jerome Corcoran... SpringSource, a division of VMware (VMW), announces the acquisition by VMware of Rabbit Technologies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed... CDC Software (CDCS) announces it has agreed to make a strategic investment in Marketbright. In addition, CDC Software has agreed to develop a strategic relationship with Marketbright whereby both companies are expected to resell each other's solutions and potentially expand the relationship into other strategic activities... DigitalGlobe (DGI) announces that it has contracted with Raytheon (RTN) to provide an enhanced constellation collection management system... Foster Wheeler (FWLT) announces that a subsidiary of its Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded contracts by PETROM S.A. for investments which form part of PETROM's Petrobrazi Modernization Project, a refinery modernization project being implemented at the Petrobrazi Refinery in Ploesti, Romania.

08:14

ECONX Reminder: Export Prices, Import Prices, and Trade Balance data due out in about 16 min at 8:30ET

08:13

On The Wires

Infosys (INFY) announces that it will manage internal IT services for Microsoft (MSFT) worldwide. As part of this managed services agreement, Infosys will streamline implementation processes, simplify support and service, while at the same time lowering the enterprise costs through the use of the latest Microsoft solutions such as Windows 7. Rorke Data, wholly owned subsidiary of Bell Microproducts (BELM), announced at NAB that it has partnered with FalconStor Software (FALC) for a high-performance shared storage solution-HyperDrive... Cadence Design Systems (CDNS) announces that LSI (LSI) signed a multi-year agreement for Cadence mixed-signal technology... Longtop Financial Technologies Limited (LFT), announced that it has won a contract with a leading national commercial bank customer in China to develop an Operational Risk Management system... China GrenTech (GRRF) announced that it has won its first bid for base station system integration services from Guangzhou Mobile, China Mobile Limited's provincial subsidiary. GrenTech will provide Guangzhou Mobile local fiber transmission network and access integration services.

08:04

AMRI Albany Molecular announces funded research collaboration with Navigen Pharmaceuticals (8.40 )

Co announces that it has initiated a research collaboration with Navigen Pharmaceuticals focused on the development of new drug therapies. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, AMRI will provide fully integrated drug discovery services including assay development, screening, in vitro ADMET, computer-aided drug discovery and medicinal chemistry.

08:03

ADK AdCare Health Systems to purchase privately-held assisted living facility in Hoover, Alabama (5.70 )

Co has signed a definitive purchase agreement for a privately-held assisted living facility in Hoover, Alabama for $5.0 million. The 105-unit facility, which AdCare is purchasing from a bank, is currently 59% occupied. At 85% occupancy, the facility is capable of producing annual revenue of more than $3.0 million. Management expects to close the transaction within 45-60 days.

08:03

NRG NRG Energy awarded contract from New York State for biomass use at the company's Dunkirk power plant (22.41 )

Co announces it has received a 10-year contract from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for power generated using renewable biomass fuel at its Dunkirk Generating Station in western New York. The project, which is expected to come online by the end of 2011, will produce up to 15 megawatts of the station's total output by co-firing with clean wood biomass.

08:02

KNDI Kandi Technologies Anticipates Government Funded Subsidies Will Jump-Start Domestic Consumer COCO Sales Under New Business Model (4.89 )

Kandi Technologies, announced an anticipated local and regional government initiative to move the revolutionary project forward with the issuance of government funded subsidies to the first 3000 purchasers of Kandi's electric COCO vehicles.

08:01

LM Legg Mason reports AUM as of Mar 31. 2010 of $684.5 bln, up from $681.6 bln in Dec 2009 (31.32 )

08:01

ALKS Alkermes submits Supplemental New Drug Application for VIVITROL for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (13.34 )

The co announces that it has submitted a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for VIVITROL (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval as a treatment for opioid dependence. The company requested a priority review for its sNDA and if granted by the FDA, it would mean a six month review timeline. The sNDA is based on the positive results from a recent phase 3 study assessing the efficacy and safety of VIVITROL for opioid dependence. VIVITROL is an opioid antagonist administered once-monthly by intramuscular injection and is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of alcohol dependence. If approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid dependence, VIVITROL would be the first and only non-narcotic, non-addictive drug agent available in a once-monthly formulation.

08:01

CASM CAS Medical announces grant of patent in Japan for FORE-SIGHT Technology (1.63 )

The co announces that that the Japanese Patent Office has granted a new patent for the Company's LASER-SIGHT technology used in the FORE-SIGHT Oximeter. The newly granted patent (JP 4,465,271), entitled "Method for spectrophotometric blood oxygenation monitoring," includes 28 claims broadly covering methods for non-invasively determining biological tissue oxygenation in general, and for non-invasive methods utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) techniques.

07:58

On The Wires

Gilead Sciences (GILD) announced that it has dosed the first patient in the Phase III clinical program evaluating its investigational fixed-dose, single-tablet "Quad" regimen of elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate... Level 3 Communications (LVLT) announced the expansion of its Vyvx network into Central Europe, and the celebration of its three millionth Vyvx reservation booked... Merck (MRK) and Plastic Logic GmbH announced plans to jointly develop, test and commercialize Merck's new organic semiconductors in Plastic Logic's displays. The production and launch of these new materials are planned for 2011... Ascent Media Group (ASCMA) and BT have entered into a strategic alliance to form a global broadcast switching platform offering 24/7 connectivity between the world's two largest video switch communities... Chyron (CHYR) announced the purchase of its complete graphics workflow and infrastructure systems by BSkyB... Centene Corporation (CNC) announced was notified by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services that its Wisconsin subsidiary, Managed Health Services, was not awarded the Southeast Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus Managed Care contract.

07:55

FAST Fastenal beats by $0.05, beats on revs (51.90 )

Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.38 per share, $0.05 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.33; revenues rose 6.4% year/year to $520.8 mln vs the $511.4 mln consensus. "The daily sales to our manufacturing customers grew ~15.7% in the first quarter of 2010. In the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2009, this business contracted 16.0%, 25.2%, 22.8%, and 10.1%, respectively. Our non-residential construction customers have historically represented 20% to 25% of our business. This business contracted approximately 14.7% in the first quarter of 2010. In the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2009, the contraction was 6.4%, 19.6%, 25.3%, and 24.8%, respectively. The total sales contraction for 2009 was 19.4%. On a sequential basis (that is, comparing a period to the immediately preceding period), the daily average sales to our manufacturing customers have improved each month since May 2009 (with the exception of July and December 2009 due to the holiday impact and February 2010 due to the impact of poor weather). This reversed the negative trend which began in October 2008. This improvement has been partially offset by continued weakening in our non-residential construction business in 2009 and in the first three months of 2010."

07:34

VRUS Pharmasset discusses follow up data; nucleoside RG7128 in combination with SOC is effective in retreatment of HCV genotype 2/3 relapsers/nonresponders (27.94 ) -Update-

Co announces the oral presentation of new sustained virologic response (SVR) follow-up data in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 and 3 non-responder patients treated for 28 days with RG7128 in combination with the standard of care (SOC), Pegasys and Copegus, and presentation of an in vitro combination study with PSI-7977 and PSI-938. Both presentations are at the 45th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in Vienna, Austria (April 14-18, 2010). Data from this trial suggest that the nucleoside RG7128 in combination with SOC is effective in retreatment of HCV genotype 2/3 relapsers/nonresponders and may provide an attractive option for treatment of prior non-responders and treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 2/3. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings, determine the optimal duration of RG7128 therapy, and evaluate utility in treatment-naive genotype 2/3 patients. On April 17, Dr Veronique Zennou, a Pharmasset scientist, will present a poster entitled "Combination of two complementary nucleotide analogues PSI-7977 and PSI-938 effectively clears wild type and NS5B S282T HCV replicons - comparison with combinations of other antiviral compounds" (Poster 1034). The data indicate that in vitro combinations of two nucleotides targeting NS5b effectively suppress resistant replicons with no emergence of resistance. The poster will include comparative data on combinations of other direct acting antivirals (DAA) targeting different HCV proteins.

07:33

GMXR GMX Resources announces results of Haynesville/Bossier horizontal wells; says 2010 production guidance is 17.5 Bcfe ; expects Q1 production to meet previously announced guidance of 3.2 Bcfe to 3.3 Bcfe (9.15 )

Co announces the partial completion of the Bosh #19H Haynesville/Bossier ("H/B") horizontal well ("Hz") with a 10.1 million cubic feet of gas per day initial production rate. The well was drilled with a 4,153 foot lateral, and stimulated with 12 frac stages, however during the process of drilling out the plugs an obstruction prevented the last 5 stages from being accessed. After several attempts the co made a decision to cease current efforts to drill out the remaining plugs and produce the well from approximately 6 stages across 2,174 feet of the open lateral. Additionally, the Blocker Heirs 20H has been successfully completed with a 4,450 foot lateral, stimulated with 11 frac stages and 11 perforations per stage. The Company expects to drill and complete five additional H/B horizontal wells for a total of seven completions in Q2 2010. The Company expects Q1 production to meet previously announced guidance of 3.2 Bcfe to 3.3 Bcfe and reconfirms Q2 2010 production guidance of 4.2 Bcfe to 4.4 Bcfe which will be a sequential growth of approximately 34%. Completed Well Costs are expected to decline from Q1 2010 to Q2 2010 by approximately 10% to $8.2 million. The cost reductions reflect increased drilling efficiencies. 2010 production guidance is 17.5 Bcfe which will result in operating cash flow of approximately $62 million including income from hedges. The Company has agreed to sublease its fourth Helmerich and Payne FlexRig 3 to another major operator for a period of 180 days. The co has executed a Joint Operating Agreement with EXCO Operating Company to jointly develop H/B leasehold rights in the Scottsville area of Harrison County, Texas. Under the JOA, the co is contributing its H/B leasehold rights in the Verhalen Prospect and EXCO is contributing its H/B leasehold rights in the Hamilton Unit, creating a 3,850 acre block of contiguous leasehold with a potential of 49 H/B Horizontal locations on 80 acre spacing. The JOA adds an additional 9 H/B Hz drilling locations. The co will operate the joint leasehold with an 84.3% working interest and EXCO will participate with a 15.7% working interest representing the pro rata shares of each co's leasehold contribution under the JOA. The reduction in the Co's capital expenditures, production, and operating cash flow and the increase in liquidity related to the JOA already has been included in the published production guidance of 17.5 Bcfe, capital expenditures of $175 mln, and operating cash flow of $62 mln.

07:32

BSMD BioSphere Medical announces study of gynecologist-interventional radiologist referral relationships published in Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (2.45 )

Co announces that the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (JMIG) has published a study in its March/April issue which concluded that establishing a referral relationship with an interventional radiologist for comprehensive uterine myoma (fibroid) treatment supports a trusting, collaborative, long-term, noncompetitive ''win-win'' relationship between the gynecologist and radiologist, meets the patient's desire for full disclosure of all myoma treatment options, improves the patient's overall medical care and physician/patient experience, and has been demonstrated to improve patient flow to a gynecologist practice.

07:31

RA RailAmerica reports March monthly carloads; freight carloads increased 8.7% (12.20 )

Co reported that its total freight carloads for the month ended March 31, 2010 were 75,295, up 8.7% from 69,285 in March 2009. These results exclude the discontinued Ottawa Valley Railway operation. Co had increased shipments in March 2010 in six out of twelve commodity groups compared to March 2009. Much of the increase was due to shipments of Agricultural Products, Chemicals and Metallic Ores and Metals. The Agricultural Products carloads increased primarily due to higher shipments in the West and Central regions. Chemical carloads were up primarily due to higher shipments in the Midwest region. Metallic Ores and Metals carloads increased primarily due to higher shipments in the Northeast and Southeast regions. The largest declines were in Coal and the Other commodity group. Coal was down primarily due to lower shipments in the Central U.S. Other was down primarily due to lower shipments in the Midwest and Southeast regions.

07:31

SIG Signet Jewelers appoints Ronald Ristau as Chief Financial Officer (33.08 )

The co announces that it has appointed Ronald ("Ron") Ristau as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") with effect from June 26, 2010. He will join Signet on April 15, 2010 as Chief Financial Officer Designate and will be based in Akron, Ohio. He succeeds Walker Boyd who retires, as previously announced, on June 25, 2010.

07:22

HDNG Hardinge: From Romi presentation regarding offer to acquire Hardinge (9.05 )

Romi filed an investor presentation with the SEC in connection with its fully funded cash tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Hardinge for $8.00 per share. Highlights of the presentation include Romi management's view: That Romi's $8.00 per share offer, which was made on the basis of publicly available information, offers superior value and immediate liquidity for Hardinge shareholders. Romi's offer represents an attractive public market premium relative to comparable small-cap public transactions(1): # 37% one-day average premium (vs. Romi's offer of a 46% premium to Hardinge's close on February 3, 2010) # 42% four-week average premium (vs. Romi's offer of a 63% premium to Hardinge's close on December 14, 2009). Romi's offer is compelling relative to the valuation levels in recent acquisitions by Hardinge. Romi's offer is supported by an analysis applied to Hardinge based on key assumptions of YoY annual revenue growth consistent with the industry outlook toward cyclical recovery; gross margins adjusted for the impact of the U.S. distribution contracts previously announced by Hardinge; and SG&A, capital expenditure and working capital levels consistent with recent corporate initiatives

07:17

GOOG Google: comScore releases March 2010 U.S. search engine rankings (572.73 ) -Update-

comScore released its monthly comScore qSearch analysis of the U.S. search marketplace. In March 2010, Americans conducted 15.4 billion core searches, with Google Sites (GOOG) accounting for 65.1% search market share. Google Sites led the U.S. core search market in March with 65.1% of the searches conducted, followed by Yahoo! Sites (YHOO)(16.9%), and Microsoft Sites (MSFT) (11.7%). Ask Network (IACI) captured 3.8% of the search market, followed by AOL with 2.5%.

07:12

SSN Samson Oil & Gas reports interim flowback rate Gene 1-22H (0.83 )

Co provides operational advice on the Gene 1-22H frac and initial flowback. Fracture stimulation operations at the Gene #1-22H well located in Williams County, ND have been successfully completed. The operation placed 2,000,000 pounds of propannt in the middle Bakken formation reservoir, using 92,000 barrels of frac fluid. The final stage was pumped on Sunday April 11th and the flow back operation is currently underway. The oil rate at 1600 hours CST was 960 BOPD, along with a gas rate of 1,075 MSCFD, which is a combined rate of 1,139 BOEPD. The flow back is in the early stage of the recovery of the frac fluid and at the report time the oil cut was 40%. As the oil cut is expected to reach 70%, this rate should be considered preliminary. Further advice will be made available in 24 hours time.

07:09

TRMP Trump Entertainment (TRMPQ) announced court confirmed the Plan of Reorganization (0.13 )

Trump Entertainment Resorts announced that the Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey entered an order confirming the Plan of Reorganization supported by the Company and the Ad Hoc Committee of the Company's bondholders. In considering the ruling, Judge Wizmur heard and reviewed extensive testimony and documents from the Company and the Ad Hoc Committee, as well as from Icahn Partners, which filed a competing plan that was not confirmed by the Court. The Company expects final emergence from reorganization later this year, upon regulatory approval. Avenue Capital Group served as the lead bondholder throughout the reorganization process, and will become the largest shareholder in the Company upon emergence. The Plan confirmed by the Court was also supported by Donald J. Trump and his daughter, Ivanka Trump. Under the confirmed plan $225 million of new equity will be injected into the Company and the Company will benefit from improved liquidity and capital resources. Additionally, the Company will be able to retain the Trump brand for Atlantic City operations.

07:07

On The Wires

Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR) announces that four new analyses of clinical trial data on AMPYRA Extended Release Tablets 10 mg are being presented at the 62nd American Academy of Neurology Annual meeting. AMPYRA is an oral medication approved by the FDA on January 22, 2010 as a treatment to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis. This was demonstrated by an improvement in walking speed... IVAX Diagnostics (IVD) and Biomerica (BMRA), have signed a two-year agreement for the distribution of Biomerica's products in the U.S. and globally, with certain country and product exclusions... Vital Images (VTAL) is collaborating with Arkansas Children's Hospital to develop a Vitrea pediatric cardiac application. The software is an advanced visualization tool designed specifically to meet the unique cardiac features and patient care requirements presented by pediatric patients... Gilat Satellite Networks (GILT) announces that it is providing a broadband satellite communications network to Ethiopian Telecommunications Corp, Ethiopia's national telecom operator... Applied Materials (AMAT) opened its new Singapore Operations Center, Applied's first facility in Asia for manufacturing its advanced semiconductor equipment...Starbucks (SBUX) announces Starbucks VIA product availability in 870 Starbucks stores in Japan.

07:05

BIIB Biogen Idec and Elan Corporation will present highlights the ability of TYSABRI (56.00 )

Biogen Idec (BIIB) and Elan Corporation, plc (ELN) announced 15 company-sponsored platform and poster presentations. The presented data, based on post-hoc analyses and patient-reported outcomes studies, highlights the ability of TYSABRI (natalizumab), in some multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, to improve sustained visual function, disability, overall quality of life (QoL), cognition and fatigue. Data from the 15 company-sponsored presentations at the conference show that TYSABRI, in some patients, improves sustained visual function, disability, overall QoL, cognition and fatigue. The presentations also include results from two studies related to the JC virus (JCV) and a follow-up study in pregnant women.

07:02

CSIQ Canadian Solar awarded contract offers for 176 MW (AC) of distributed solar power projects by Ontario Power Authority via Feed-in Tariff Program (24.24 )

Co announces it has been awarded Contract Offers for 176 megawatts (MW) of open field photovoltaic power generation projects under the new Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program that is part of the landmark Green Energy and Green Economy Act. Once final approval is obtained, these projects are expected to be completed in 2011 and 2012. The projects were developed, in partnership, with several leading renewable energy developers in the Ontario market, including 3G Energy Corp., Axio Power Inc., Saturn Power and UC Solar. Canadian Solar expects that it will establish a state-of-art module manufacturing facility in Ontario by Q1 2011, which is expected to employ approximately 500 people. Further, the company will continue to supply installed solutions that meet Ontario FIT program content requirements for 2010 and 2011. Once final approval is obtained, the Ontario Power Authority will buy 100 percent of the power and renewable energy credits from the Canadian Solar projects under the FIT program.

07:01

SKYW SkyWest reports March traffic; RPMs increased 16.8% (14.35 )

Co reported a 16.8% increase in revenue passenger miles (RPMs) for March, while available seat miles (ASMs) increased 11.9 percent compared to the same period last year. The combined airlines generated 1.63 billion RPMs for the month, while ASMs increased to 2.02 billion. Load factor was up 3.4 percentage points to 81.0 percent compared to 77.6 percent for the same period last year. Passenger boardings for March totaled 3,292,598 a 17.7 percent increase from March 2009.

07:01

ME Mariner Energy acquires interest in 54,000 acres in Wyoming's DJ Basin (17.55 )

Co announces that it has acquired 100% working interest in approximately 54,000 net acres in the Denver Julesburg Basin (DJ Basin) from an undisclosed third party. Financial terms of the transaction are confidential. The acreage comprises fee, state and federal leases located in Southern Wyoming in Laramie County. Mariner believes the acreage is on trend with and contains shales with petrophysical properties similar to the commercial Niobrara Shale discoveries of the Jake 2-01H well and Silo Field.

07:00

PXD Pioneer Natural Resources continues successful Eagle Ford Shale Drilling Program (60.84 )

Co announces its fourth successful well in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas. The Handy Gas Unit #1 well, which is located in Karnes County, Texas, tested at an initial production rate of 19.9 million cubic feet of gas equivalent per day (including 7.7 mln cubic feet of gas per day and 2,030 barrels of condensate per day) on a 22/64 inch choke with approx 6,300 pounds per square inch wellhead flowing pressure. This equates to a condensate yield of 263 barrels per mln cubic feet of gas. The liquids-rich gas contains 1,300 British thermal units per cubic foot. The well was drilled to a vertical depth of approxi 13,100 feet and completed in a 4,400-foot lateral section with a 12-stage fracture stimulation. The well is expected to be connected to a sales line by early May.

07:00

ENMD EntreMed initiates Phase 2 study for ENMD-2076 in ovarian cancer (0.75 )

Co announces the initiation of a multi-center Phase 2 study with its lead oncology product candidate, ENMD-2076, in patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. The primary objective of the study will be to determine the progression-free survival (PFS) rate of patients at six months. A total of 60 patients are expected to be enrolled in the study. Additional endpoints will include response rate and overall survival.

06:25

S&P futures vs fair value: -3.00. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -5.80.

06:25

Asian Markets

Nikkei...11161.23...-90.70...-0.80%. Hang Seng...22103.53...-34.60...-0.20%.

06:25

European Markets

FTSE...5758.79...-18.90...-0.30%. DAX...6226.51...-24.20...-0.40%.

06:21

DVAX Dynavax Technologies announces 30.293 mln unit offering at $1.4525/unit (1.39 )

06:18

MKC McCormick reiterates long-term outlook; will resume share repurchases in FY10 (38.37 )

Co projects 4 to 6% annual growth in net sales and a 9 to 11% increase in EPS in 2011 and beyond. Combined with a targeted dividend yield of 2%, the co believes this performance should result in an 11 to 13% annual return to shareholders over time. Co plans to resume share repurchases under a current authorization program as an offset to the impact of stock option activity.

06:13

On The Wires

Delcath Systems (DCTH) announces that the American Society of Clinical Oncology has accepted an abstract for oral presentation of Delcath's Phase III Trial Data comparing percutaneous hepatic perfusion with melphalan to the best alternative care for patients with hepatic metastases from ocular or cutaneous melanoma for ASCO's 2010 Annual Meeting... Perceptive Informatics, an eClinical solutions provider and a subsidiary of PAREXEL International (PRXL), announces that it has expanded its leading medical imaging capabilities with an enhanced reporting solution... XOMA Ltd. (XOMA) announces that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued two new patents that expand the co's intellectual property portfolio relating to its anti-inflammatory antibody, XOMA 052, that targets interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). One of the patents covers methods of treating Type 2 diabetes with high affinity antibodies and antibody fragments that bind to IL-1 beta, including XOMA 052. A second patent covers methods of treating IL-1 related inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, with XOMA 052 and other antibodies and antibody fragments with similar binding properties for human interleukin-1 beta

06:09

HK Petrohawk Energy announces 340 mln barrel risked resource potential in Eagle Ford Shale (22.61 )

Co announces that it will transition capital toward its 225,000 net acres in the oil and condensate windows of the Eagle Ford Shale, prompting a reallocation and overall reduction in its 2010 capital budget. The capital budget adjustments are expected to significantly increase the oil and condensate component of Petrohawk's production. "Petrohawk now holds equal amounts of acreage in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford Shales -- approximately 360,000 net acres each. Our ability to access oil and condensate opportunities in the Eagle Ford Shale at a time of depressed natural gas prices will enhance our business plan. Petrohawk is not necessarily perceived to have this kind of flexibility in its portfolio, but with approximately 225,000 net acres of oil and condensate-rich property in the Eagle Ford Shale to access, we do," said Floyd C. Wilson, Chairman and CEO. Co also announced the results of its second well in the Eagle Ford Shale Black Hawk prospect, the Lanik #1H, which initially produced 2.7 Mmcf/d and 930 Bbls/d on a restricted 12/64" choke with 6,950 pounds of flowing casing pressure. The well is located in DeWitt County, TX, approximately 20 miles southwest of the Black Hawk discovery well, the Krause #1H. Of the co's total Eagle Ford Shale holdings of approx 360,000 net acres, approx 225,000 net acres are located within those areas prone to significant crude oil and condensate production. In addition to natural gas resource potential from these areas, HK currently estimates that these 225,000 net acres represent approx 340 million barrels of risked resource potential.

06:05

KMP Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP to purchase 50% of Haynesville Shale midstream operations for $875 mln from Petrohawk Energy

Co announces it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase a 50% interest in Petrohawk Energy's (HK 22.61) natural gas gathering and treating business in the Haynesville Shale for $875 mln in cash. The assets consist of more than 170 miles of pipeline currently in service, which is expected to increase to about 375 miles of pipeline with projected throughput of over 800 million cubic feet per day by year-end 2010. Additionally, the system's amine treating plants have a projected capacity of approximately 2,635 gallons per minute by year end. Petrohawk will continue to operate the business during a short transition period, after which a new company, KinderHawk Field Services LLC, owned 50/50 by Petrohawk and Kinder Morgan, will assume operations. The transaction will not have an impact on KMP's distribution in 2010. It is expected to be accretive to cash available to unitholders beginning in 2011 and significantly accretive thereafter.

01:57

On The Wires

WHX (WXCO) expects to report sales from continuing operations of approx $146 mln, net loss from continuing operations of between $2.7 to $1.9 mln, and Adjusted EBITDA of $10.7 to $11.1 mln in the 1Q10 (no estimates available)... Biogen Idec (BIIB) and Elan (ELN) announce 15 company-sponsored platform and poster presentations at the American Academy of Neurology's 62nd Annual Meeting in Toronto, April 10 - 17, 2010. The presented data, based on post-hoc analyses and patient-reported outcomes studies, highlights the ability of TYSABRI (natalizumab), in some multiple sclerosis patients, to improve sustained visual function, disability, overall quality of life, cognition and fatigue... Abraxis BioScience (ABII) announces that following a full submission, the Scottish Medicines Consortium has accepted ABRAXANE for restricted use within the National Health Service for Scotland in patients who would otherwise receive docetaxel or 3-weekly solvent-based paclitaxel as second-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer... IMAX (IMAX) announces that Gaumont Pathe Movie Theatres, an exhibitor in France, has signed an agreement to install four new IMAX digital theatre systems at premier EuroPalaces locations in Paris/Peripherie, and three regional cities throughout France.

01:40

ATPG ATP Oil & Gas announces $1.5 bln offering of senior second lien notes due 2015 in a private offering (20.11 )

ATP intends to use the net proceeds of this offering to repay its existing senior secured term loans in full, to pay associated fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes. Concurrently with the consummation of this offering, ATP intends to replace its existing senior secured credit facility with a new senior secured credit facility.

18:17

CVC Cablevision announces pricing of $1.25 bln of senior notes (25.92 +0.22) -Update-

Co announced that it has priced a public offering of $1.25 billion of senior notes, including $750 million aggregate principal of 7.75% senior notes due 2018 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of 8% senior notes due 2020.

18:15

XJT ExpressJet reports March 2010 performance; RPM totaled 813 mln (4.08 +0.06)

During the month, ExpressJet revenue passenger miles (RPM) totaled 813 million, and available seat miles (ASM) flown were 1,023 million. ExpressJet's March load factor for Partner Flying was 79.4%. The company flew 65,323 block hours and operated 36,078 departures during the month as Continental Express and United Express. During March 2010, ExpressJet operated an average of 208 aircraft as Continental Express and an average of 22 aircraft as United Express.

17:50

DFS Discover Financial Services announces pricing of subordinated debt offering of $500 mln at 7.0% (15.60 +0.10)

17:46

ROSE Rosetta Resources prices $200 mln of 9 1/2% senior notes due 2018 (24.12 -0.88) -Update-

17:36

CVI CVR Energy files 55.738 mln share common stock offering (8.10 -0.24)

17:31

JNJ Johnson & Johnson: FDA approves pancreatic enzyme product, Pancreaze (64.11 -0.03)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Pancreaze Delayed Release Capsules, a pancreatic enzyme product (PEP). It is the third such product to receive FDA approval. Pancreatic enzyme products improve food digestion in patients whose bodies do not produce enough pancreatic enzymes. This includes people who have conditions such as cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors, or removal of all or a part of the pancreas.

17:24

GWR Genesee & Wyoming reports traffic for March 2010 and the first quarter of 2010; carloads rose 6.9% (34.61 +0.00)

Co's traffic in March 2010 was 74,923 carloads, an increase of 4,820 carloads, or 6.9 percent, compared with March 2009. GWI's traffic in the first quarter of 2010 was 202,368 carloads, a decrease of 8,364 carloads, or 4.0 percent, compared with the first quarter of 2009.

17:07</p>

LOW Lowe's prices $1.0 bln notes offering; $500 mln of 4.625% Notes due 2020 and $500 mln of 5.80% Notes due 2040 (25.60 -0.03)

Co announced that it has agreed to sell $500 million of 4.625% Notes due 2020 and $500 million of 5.80% Notes due 2040. The company estimates that the net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $990.7 million, after deducting estimated offering expenses and the underwriters' discounts. Lowe's plans to use $500 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay its 8.25% Notes due June 1, 2010 at maturity, and to use the balance for general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and working capital needs, and to fund repurchases of shares of its common stock.

17:06

GTF Cytomedix announces going concern qualification (0.66 +0.12)

Co announced that its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 29, 2010, contained a going concern qualification from its independent registered accounting firm. This announcement is required by NYSE Amex Company Guide Section 610(b), which requires separate disclosure of receipt of an audit opinion containing a going concern qualification. This announcement does not represent any change or amendment to the company's financial statements or to its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

17:04

BPOP Popular Inc sees Q1 net loss of $85 mln, narrowing from Q4 loss of $213.2 mln (3.05 -0.03) -Update-

Co announced a preliminary net loss of approximately $85 mln for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (consensus is for net loss of $152.0 mln). This compares with a net loss of $213.2 mln for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 and a net loss of $52.5 mln for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The principal items impacting the Corporation's unaudited preliminary financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, when compared with the quarters ended December 31, 2009 and March 31, 2009, were as follows: Net interest income for the first quarter of 2010 is estimated at approximately $269 mln, compared with net interest income of $269.3 mln for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 and $272.5 mln for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The net interest margin is estimated at 3.43% for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, compared with 3.28% for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 and 3.07% for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. Average earning assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 are estimated at approximately $31.5 bln, compared with $32.7 bln for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 and $35.6 bln for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The provision for loan losses for the first quarter of 2010 is expected to be approximately $240 mln or 107% of net charge-offs, compared with $352.8 mln or 118% of net charge-offs for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 and $372.5 mln or 188% of net charge-offs for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans held-in-portfolio is estimated to be approximately 5.53% at March 31, 2010, compared with 5.32% at December 31, 2009 and 4.19% at March 31, 2009. The decrease in the provision for loan losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 compared with the quarter ended December 31, 2009 reflects lower estimated net charge-offs by approximately $75 mln, mainly in the Puerto Rico construction and commercial loan portfolios, and in the United States mainland home equity lines of credit portfolio, combined with higher reserve provisioning during the fourth quarter of 2009, particularly for the commercial loan sector.

17:04

DG Dollar General files for 22 mln share common stock offering (26.24 -0.23)

16:59

HRB H & R Block initiating search for new CFO (18.18 -0.15)

Co reported that it is initiating a search for a new chief financial officer (CFO). Current CFO Becky Shulman will be leaving the company on April 30, 2010. Jeff Brown, corporate controller, will then assume the role of interim CFO until a replacement can be found.

16:57

TSO Tesoro to Temporarily Curtail Anacortes Refinery Operations (13.05 -0.15)

Co will temporarily curtail operations at its Anacortes, Washington refinery by shutting down crude processing until treating capacity involved in the recent incident can be returned to service. Unit shutdowns will begin later this month. We plan for all Tesoro employees at the facility to continue to be employed and receive full benefits. Since the incident, the refinery has been producing primarily unfinished intermediate products that cannot be upgraded until the affected units have been returned to service or an alternate plan is developed. All available options are being considered. Tesoro cannot predict when operations could resume; however, progress on the various investigations of the incident and the completion of unit repairs are both necessary for a restart. While the refinery operation is reduced, Tesoro expects to meet its customers' needs for refined products. Supplies from the company's other refineries in Hawaii, Alaska, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Salt Lake City will be utilized as well as purchases from third parties if necessary. The temporary reduction of the Anacortes refinery operations is not expected to have a material impact on the company's financial performance.

16:40

LMT Lockheed Martin submits Littoral combat ship proposal to U.S. Navy (82.70 -0.09)

Co submitted its proposal for the Littoral Combat Ship fiscal year 2010-2014 contract to the U.S. Navy today. Lockheed Martin is one of two industry teams competing for the contract. The Navy will award the winning team a fixed-price incentive fee contract to provide up to 10 ships as well as combat systems for five additional ships. Two of the 10 ships would be acquired in fiscal 2010 and the rest via options through fiscal 2014.

16:32

MXIM Maxim Integrated to acquire Teridian for $315 mln (19.89 +0.05)

Co announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Teridian Semiconductor Corporation for approximately $315 million in cash. Maxim projects its serviceable available market (SAM) for the energy measurement portion of Smart Meters to reach $380 million by 2014. In addition, the Company estimates an additional $375 million of SAM in fiscal year 2014 for other Maxim support and communications products used in Smart Meters and related Smart Grid applications.

16:31

TNC Tennant sees Q1 EPS of $0.19-0.21 vs $0.07 Thomson Reuters consensus; revs of $148-150 mln vs $140.37 mln Thomson Reuters consensus (28.73 +0.24)

Tennant sees FY10 EPS of $0.90-1.20 vs $0.91 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees revs of $630-660 mln vs $632.29 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. "We are very pleased with the robust sales growth in our business in the first quarter. The double-digit increase over the 2009 first quarter net sales of $129 million was due primarily to continued demand for our proprietary ec-H2O(TM) technology platform and sales to strategic account customers, many of whom have recently designated Tennant as one of their preferred suppliers."

16:30

BEN Franklin Resources reports preliminary month-end assets under mgmt by its subsidiaries of $586.8 billion at March 31, 2010, compared to $556.3 billion at February 28, 2010 and $391.1 billion at March 31, 2009. (115.06 +0.24)

16:30

CMP Compass Minerals Intl Reports first quarter highway deicing sales volume and snow-event data (77.84 -1.19)

Co published its first-quarter highway deicing sales volume and regional weather data on its website at www.compassminerals.com/marketdata. Compass Minerals' highway deicing sales volume, which includes sales for all highway maintenance products sold in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., as well as rock salt sold to the chemical industry, totaled 3,900,000 tons in the three months ended March 2010 compared to sales of 3,729,000 tons in the first quarter of 2009. To provide investors with insight into how winter weather affects the company's sales performance, the company has reported that there were 108 snow events in 11 representative cities in the company's primary North American highway deicing service area compared to 99 snow events in the same cities in the 2009 period.

16:30

BPOP Popular Inc commences public offering (3.06 +0.03)

Co announced that it has commenced a public offering of depositary shares, each representing an interest in a share of Contingent Convertible Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D, which is intended to raise $900 million.

16:24

PRGS Progress Software CFO, Bud Robertson, announces plans to retire (32.25 +0.38)

Co announced that Norman "Bud" R. Robertson, the company's senior vice president, finance and administration, and CFO, intends to retire this year. Robertson joined Progress Software as its CFO in 1996. He will continue in his current role until his successor is in place and may continue to provide transition support thereafter.

16:23

GPI Group 1 Auto acquires Toyota/Scion dealership in South Carolina (31.41 +0.33)

Co announces that it acquired Harrelson Toyota/Scion in Rock Hill, S.C. The dealership is expected to generate approximately $55 million in estimated annual revenues.

16:14

AA Alcoa reports EPS in-line, misses on revs (14.57 +0.18)

Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.10 per share, excluding $0.29 in non-recurring items, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.10; revenues rose 17.8% year/year to $4.89 bln vs the $5.24 bln consensus. Realized aluminum and alumina prices increase 8 and 13 percent, respectively, from 4th quarter 2009. Higher realized prices were offset by more normalized buy/re-sell activity compared to the fourth quarter; lower shipments in alumina and primary metals; and the impact of the Company's strategy to improve long-term profitability in the rigid packaging business. "Our markets are gradually improving and both policy trends and consumer sentiment bode well for aluminum demand. Just a few days ago, the U.S. finalized new rules that require increased fuel efficiency and for the first time set greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks. In addition, a growing number of customers are requesting sustainable products. Factors like these play to aluminum's superior advantages as a light, strong, versatile and infinitely recyclable material."

16:11

USAP Universal Stainless/Alloy announces resignation of CFO effective April 30 (24.27 +0.28)

Co announces that Richard Ubinger has submitted his resignation as Vice President of Finance, CFO and Treasurer effective April 30, 2010. Ubinger has decided to leave the company in order to pursue other business opportunities. The company noted that a search for a new CFO has commenced and that Ronald Hauck, who joined the company as Controller in 2005, will serve as the company's principal financial officer on an interim basis through the conclusion of the search process. Prior to joining Universal Stainless, Hauck held several senior financial positions, including various positions held during his 24 years with PNC Financial Services Inc.

16:10

SHS Sauer Danfoss announces amended tender offer materials regarding increase in cash offer price to $14.00 per common share (13.96 +0.25)

Co announced today that it has filed Amendment No. 5 to its Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 and Amendment No. 5 to its Rule 13e-3 Transaction Statement, both originally filed with the SEC on March 19, 2010, in response to the cash tender offer of $13.25 per common share commenced on March 10, 2010 by Danfoss Acquisition, a wholly owned subsidiary of Danfoss. The amendments have been issued in response to the increase in the cash offer price with respect to the Offer to $14.00 per common share announced by Danfoss and the Purchaser on April 9, 2010.

16:09

MPW Medical Properties Trust announces 24 mln common share offering; tender offer for 2011 exchangeable notes and syndication of new credit facility (10.86 +0.08)

The co announces that it has begun to secure commitments from a syndicate of lenders for a new credit facility of up to $450 million, including a $300 million revolving credit facility and a $150 million term loan. As of April 12, 2010, the Company has received written commitments totaling $230 million from five lenders for the revolving credit facility.

16:08

OPTC Optelecom Announces Electro Optics Business Sale, Establishes New Account Receivables Credit Line, and Sets Annual Shareholder Meeting Date for April 30, 2010 (2.38 0.00)

Co announced an agreement with Connecticut based Nufern, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rofin-Sinar Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: RSTI), for the sale of its Electro Optics coil manufacturing business at $1,400,000 U.S. dollars. Under the terms of the agreement, Optelecom-NKF will receive $1,150,000 at the closing of the business deal, with the balance of $250,000 held in escrow, subject to completion of a technology transfer. Optelecom-NKF also announced it has established an accounts receivable revolving line of credit of $750,000 U.S. dollars with Presidential Financial in Alpharetta, Georgia, USA.

16:08

EPD Enterprise Products announces the commencement of a public offering of 11.5 mln common representing limited partner interests (36.39 +0.11)

Co announces the commencement of a public offering of 11.5 mln common units representing limited partner interests. Enterprise Products has also granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 1,725,000 additional common units to cover over-allotments, if any. Enterprise intends to use the net proceeds from this offering, including any exercise of the over-allotment option by the underwriters, to pay a portion of the purchase price of its previously announced, pending acquisition of natural gas gathering assets in the Haynesville Shale area from M2 Midstream LLC and for general partnership purposes.

16:07

MIPI Molecular Insight Pharmas' Onalta phase 2 data published in Journal of Clinical Oncology (1.97 +0.46)

Co announces results from a completed Phase 2 clinical trial of Onalta (Yttrium-90 edotreotide) have been published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Results from the Phase 2 clinical trial of 90 patients show that treatment with Onalta improved symptoms associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors. Patients enrolled in the Phase 2 clinical study suffered from malignant metastatic carcinoid tumors and were refractory to conventional treatment with the somatostatin analogue, octreotide. Y-90-edotreotide therapy resulted in objective tumor response or stable disease in 67 (74.4%) of 90 patients with metastatic carcinoid refractory to octreotide therapy. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 16.3 and 26.9 months, respectively. Furthermore, there appeared to be a correlation with prolongation of the period of progression free survival in those patients who had durable diarrhea improvement.

16:05

TWLL Techwell: HSR waiting period expires for Intersil's proposed acquisition of Techwell (18.62 +0.01)

16:04

CODI Compass Group announces 5.1 mln common share offering and a 1.3 mln share offering by a selling shareholder (16.40 +0.40)

The co announces it has commenced a public offering of 6,400,000 trust shares, representing a primary offering of 5,100,000 trust shares by CODI and a secondary offering of 1,300,000 trust shares by a selling shareholder.

16:04

EGT Elixir Gaming announces civil action complaint filed against the company (0.24 0.00)

The co announces that on March 26, 2010, certain shareholders of the Company including Prime Mover Capital Partners, Strata Fund, Strata Fund Q.P., and Strata Offshore Fund filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York a complaint against the Company and certain current and former directors and officers of the Company.

16:02

CF CF Industries plans $1.6 bln senior notes offering (92.03 -0.87) -Update-

16:01

TCM Tongjitang Chinese Medic establishes special committee to evaluate buyout proposal (4.38 -0.02)

The co announces that it has established a special committee (the "special committee") to evaluate the proposal presented on April 8, 2010 by Hanmax Investment Ltd. and Fosun Industrial Co., Ltd. If the proposal is accepted, Hanmax Investment Ltd. and Fosun Industrial Co., Ltd. will acquire all of the outstanding ordinary shares of the Company (including ordinary shares outstanding in the form of American Depositary Shares) in a merger transaction under Cayman Islands law that would result in the Company becoming a privately-held company.

16:01

ADC Agree Realty announces public offering of 1 mln shares of common stock (24.66 +0.31)

16:01

AFFY Affymax names John Orwin President and Chief Operating Officer (22.70 -0.12)

The co announces that that John Orwin, an executive with over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, has joined the company as president and chief operating officer. In this newly created position which will report to Arlene M. Morris, chief executive officer of Affymax, Mr. Orwin will provide broad leadership to the organization, particularly related to the areas of commercial, manufacturing and medical affairs. Prior to joining Affymax, Mr. Orwin was senior vice president, BioOncology Business Unit for Genentech.

16:00

CF CF Industries launches 10.8 mln common share offering (91.25 -1.65)

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