Briefing.com: Hourly In Play (R) – 12:00 ET

May 20, 2010 (Briefing.com via COMTEX) -- Hourly In Play (R)

Updated: 20-May-10 12:00 ET

11:52

European Markets Closing Prices

European markets are now closed; stock markets across Europe performed as follows: UK's FTSE: -1.6% Germany's DAX: -2.3% France's CAC: -2.3% Spain's IBEX: -0.9% Portugal's PSI: -2.5%

11:34

SPY Minor new rebound highs for stock indices -- Dow -211, S&P -25, Nasdaq -61 -Update- -Technical-

Energy/Commodity has helped underpin on the recent push (XLE, OIH, JJC, GDX, SLX) along with REITs IYR, Semi SMH. Noted a potential positive price pattern in the 11:08 update and now watching intraday supports at 10172 Dow, 1082 S&P and 2223 Nasdaq for a read on the health of this push off the lows

11:32

DOM Dominion Resrcs announced 2010 reserve quantities (12.63 -0.33)

Co announced the estimated net proved reserves, as of January 1, 2010, attributable to the Trust from the properties appraised are a~15.8 bln cubic feet of gas with a future net value of ~$51,837,000 with a 10% discounted value of $32,525,000. With the estimated quantities of this year's reserve estimate of 15.8 bln cubic feet of gas remaining, it could be estimated that the Trust still has a life span of 5 to 6 years.

11:09

KAD Arcadia Resrcs plans to expand its national headquarters and pharmacy operations (0.68 -0.02)

11:09

KBALB Kimball Int'l unit and Avantis Medical Systems entered into an exclusive arrangement for Kimball to manufacture the Avantis Third Eye Retroscope (6.79 -0.28)

11:08

SPY Stock indices stabilize slightly above first hour lows -- Dow -254, S&P -30, Nasdaq -70 -Update- -Technical-

Limited buying interest but have seen some intraday relative sector strength (Energy XLE / OIH, Finance XLF / RKH, Gold Miners GDX, Coal KOL, Steel SLX, Copper JJC, Rail). For this morning a continued posture above 10150 Dow, 1080 S&P and 2220 Nasdaq would keep a potential intraday positive price pattern intact.

10:49

SKIL SkillSoft sanction by Irish High Court of scheme of arrangement (11.16 0.00)

Co announced today the Irish High Court sanctioned the Scheme of Arrangement presented to it in connection with the acquisition of SkillSoft by SSI Investments III Limited, a co formed by funds sponsored by each of Berkshire Partners LLC, Advent International Corporation and Bain Capital Partners.

10:35

GD General Dynamics selected by Defense Intelligence Agency for the solutions for the information technology enterprise contract (67.40 -2.28)

Co has been selected by the Defense Intelligence Agency as one of the awardees for the Solutions for the Information Technology Enterprise contract. The five-year, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract has a total potential value of $6.6 bln to all awardees if all options are exercised.

10:33

HOO Cascal N.V. says court denied its application for a preliminary injunction (6.57 -0.14)

Co announced that the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York denied its application for a preliminary injunction.

10:31

TECHX Volatility Index -VIX- tops crash day high of 42, spikes to 13 month high at 45 -Update- -Technical-

10:30

UNG Natural gas moves back towards the flat line following inventory data; currently off 3.9 cents to $4.12

10:29

QQQQ Stock indices extend -- Dow -307, S&P -36, Nasdaq Comp -79 -- Nasdaq 100 back just above its 200 day at 1808/1806 after minor breach -Update- -Technical-

10:28

NBS Neostem announces conversion of convertible preferred stock by principal shareholder resulting in a $13.7 mln increase in shareholders equity (2.79 -0.21)

Co announced the conversion of Convertible Redeemable Series C Preferred Stock by RimAsia Capital Partners, a principal shareholder. With the conversion of the Series C Preferred, the co will no longer be required to pay the annual dividend and expects to recognize cash savings of $408,875 per year.

10:19

QQQQ Nasdaq Comp extends slide to 2230, its 200-day ema/sma come into play today at 2223/2221 -Technical-

10:13

SPY Stock indices still range bound after mixed data but vacillating near lows -- Dow -217, S&P -25, Nasdaq -54 -Update- -Technical-

10:07

GDX Mkt Vctrs Gold Miners holds on test of 50 day sma at 47.79 but limited bounce thus far -- session low 47.82 (48.22 -1.23) -Technical-

ABX, AEM, AU, GFI, GG, HMY, KGC, NEM, BVN, AUY, EGO.

10:01

CVX Chevron unit and the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany have started of construction for the Department of Navy's first landfill gas cogeneration project (74.58 -2.01)

10:00

TECHX Sector Strength -Update- -Technical-

Broad based pressure with little on the plus side other than Credit Card (V +2.4%, COF +2.2%, MA +2.2%, DFS +0.8%, AXP +0.3%), Education (APOL +3.8%, DV +2.9%, ESI +1.3%, COCO +1.3%, STRA +1%), Gold GLD +0.1% and safe haven Treasures.

09:54

SPY Stock indices flirting with early range highs as they attempt to stabilize -- Dow -169, S&P -20, Nasdaq -46 -Update- -Technical-

The Dow is trying to reclaim its 200 ema/sma (10264/10258) after this morning's modest penetration.

09:47

TECHX Opening Point Gainers/Losers -Technical-

Point Gainers: AAP (+3.00), DLTR (+2.35), APOL (+1.46), WSM (+1.56), PLCE (+1.08)

Point Losers: GOOG (-10.81), PCLN (-6.33), AAPL (-6.46), SHLD (-6.09), PKX (-5.40), SI (-4.64), CMI (-4.75), NFLX (-3.96), APA (-3.88), IOC (-3.87), EOG (-3.51), RTP (-3.65), BEN (-3.45)

09:45

SPY After brief pause stock indices drop to new session lows -- Dow -215, S&P -26, Nasdaq -55 -Update- -Technical-

09:34

DIA Dow is flirting with its 200-Day ema/sma at 10264/10258 -- session low 10257 -Technical-

09:33

SPY S&P 500 -20 quickly spikes below its 200 ema/sma at 1102 -Technical-

Its crash day +1 session low is at 1094 (session low 1094) with retrace/extension targets near 1090 and 1088/1087.

09:23

On The Wires

American Campus Communities (ACC) announced it has created an at-the-market equity program under which it may sell common stock with an aggregate offering price of up to $150 mln... The Board of Directors of Hawthorn Bancshares (HWBK) approved a special stock dividend of 4%, payable July 1, 2010 to common shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2010... Watson Pharmaceuticals (WPI) announced that its subsidiary Cobalt Pharmaceuticals has received a Notice of Compliance from Health Canada to market Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets in the 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg strengths. Watson has initiated shipments of this product. Atorvastatin Calcium is the generic equivalent to Pfizer's (PFE) LIPITOR tablets... Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the spirits business of Fortune Brands (FO) announced plans for its continued growth in Kentucky, including a comprehensive expansion of its Frankfort facility. When completed in the fall of 2011, the expansion will double the facility's production size and capacity and add 120 new employees.

09:13

On The Wires

Danaos Corporation (DAC) announced that on May 17, 2010 and May 19, 2010, it took delivery of two newly built containerships, the CMA CGM NERVAL and the YM MANDATE, expanding its operational fleet to a total of 44 containerships aggregating 190,229 TEU... Reed's, (REED) announced that it has reached a distribution agreement with Specialty Beverage of Virginia, an affiliate of L. Knife & Sons Co. Specialty Beverage, servicing all channels of business... TransCanada Corporation (TRP) announced that it has concluded a successful open season for the Zephyr Power Transmission project and has signed precedent agreements for the full 3,000 megawatts of capacity with renewable energy developers in Wyoming... Cisco (CSCO) announced its intent to acquire privately held CoreOptics, a designer of digital signal processing solutions for high-speed optical networking applications, for approximately $99 million in cash and retention-based incentives... Valence Technology (VLNC) signed three-year exclusive supply agreement with Optare who has appointed Valence the exclusive supplier of batteries for its newest zero-emissions fleet bus, the fully electric Optare Solo EV. The supply agreement represents up to $3.8 mln in battery system sales for Valence Technology... Microsemi Corporation (MSCC) introduced first solar bypass solution capable of increasing power generation efficiency in photovoltaic solar module applications... CGI Group (GIB) announced commencement of tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of Stanley (SXE) for $37.50/share, net to the seller in cash, without interest and less any required withholding taxes... Collectors Universe (CLCT) entered into agreements to reduce its operating lease obligations for the two New York facilities that had formerly been occupied by its discontinued jewelry authentication and grading businesses... Aerosonic Corporation (AIM) announced that it has received a contract to build complex Aerodynamic Test Equipment for the Overhaul Division of Hindustan Aeronautics

09:01

LVS Las Vegas Sands unit successfully closed $1.75 billion project financing (21.75 )

Sands China Ltd., a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands, announced the successful closing of a $1.75 billion project financing which will be used to complete construction on the combined Shangri-La, Traders, and Sheraton resort complex (parcels 5 & 6) at the company's COTAI STRIP(R) development in Macau.

09:00

TIF Tiffany & Co increases quarterly dividend by 25% to $0.25/share (43.43 )

09:00

PDCO Patterson Companies beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line (29.92 )

Reports Q4 (Apr) earnings of $0.52 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.50; revenues rose 4.2% year/year to $812.8 mln vs the $815 mln consensus, internal growth accounted for 1% of the sales increase. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.89-1.99 vs. $1.94 Thomson Reuters consensus.

08:58

TTIL TTI Team Telecom responds to media reports that it is currently in negotiations regarding a potential acquisition of all the shares of the co; says no assurance as to whether any transaction of this nature will be consummated (2.40 )

08:45

ERI Emrise announced it received $1 mln in orders for custom military power supplies, will begin in Q4 and continue though 2011 (1.03 )

08:35

GME Gamestop beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS below consensus; guides Q3 (Oct) EPS above consensus; reaffirms FY11 EPS guidance (21.27 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.48 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.47; revenues rose 5.1% year/year to $2.08 bln vs the $2.03 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.25-0.27 vs. $0.29 Thomson Reuters consensus, with comps -2 to +2%. Co issues upside guidance for Q3 (Oct), sees EPS of $0.38-0.41 vs. $0.34 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.58-2.68 vs. $2.63 Thomson Reuters consensus, with comps flat to +2%.

08:35

COMDX July crude breaks below $70, following worse-than-expected econ data, to put in lows at $69.82; now down $2.44 to $70.04

08:34

CSC Computer Sciences beats by $0.18, misses on revs; guides FY11 EPS above consensus, revs in-line (49.11 )

Reports Q4 (Mar) earnings of $1.66 per share, $0.18 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.48; revenues rose 3.0% year/year to $4.24 bln vs the $4.32 bln consensus. Co issues guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $5.30-5.40 vs. $5.21 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $16.8-17.2 bln vs. $16.96 bln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co projects operating margin of 9.0-9.25% in FY11, a further increase of 25-50 bps. Co estimates bookings > $18.0 bln.

08:33

VOLC Volcano Cite announced the completion of the first clinical cases using the new Eagle Eye Platinum digital IVUS catheter (23.04 )

08:32

TTC Toro reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; reaffirms FY10 EPS guidance, revs guidance (52.20 )

Reports Q2 (Apr) earnings of $1.34 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.34; revenues rose 12.6% year/year to $562.8 mln vs the $555 mln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.40 vs. $2.51 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY10 rev growth of 7% y/y to ~$1.63 bln vs. $1.63 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

08:32

KTOS Kratos Defense and Security: Altus Capital Partners sells Gichner Holdings to Kratos in $133 mln transaction after implementation of 2 1/2-year growth strategy (11.92 )

08:29

ITT ITT Industries announced it has been awarded a $32 million contract by Larsen & Toubro (49.89 )

08:29

ROST Ross Stores reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; reaffirms Q2 EPS guidance; guides FY11 EPS in-line (51.73 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $1.16 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.16; revenues rose 14.4% year/year to $1.94 bln vs the $1.91 bln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.95-0.99 vs. $1.00 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $4.11-4.24 vs. $4.21 Thomson Reuters consensus.

08:26

On The Wires

Brocade (BRCD) announced that the City of Casselberry recently completed a comprehensive network infrastructure upgrade, replacing its Cisco (CSCO) network with Brocade... SuccessFactors (SFSF) signed a reseller and consulting partner agreement with software consulting and Cloud Computing specialist, iMotion, to resell SuccessFactors' products and services across Hungary and into Central and Eastern Europe... Bridgeline Digital (BLSW) announced that The Savings Bank Life Insurance Company of Massachusetts has selected iAPPS Content Manager and iAPPS Analytics as the platform for the redevelopment of their public website, to launch later in 2010... Mindspark Interactive Network, an operating business of IAC (IACI), acquired a majority stake in DailyBurn.com

08:23

On The Wires

Honeywell (HON) and DuPont (DD) announced a manufacturing joint venture to produce a new refrigerant for use in automotive air conditioning systems. The new refrigerant has 99.7% lower global warming potential than the current refrigerant... Nuance Communications (NUAN) and IBM (IBM) announced that the companies recently entered into a five-year joint-research initiative designed to advance next-generation natural language speech technologies... Dow AgroSciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (DOW), and Bayer (BAYRY) CropScience entered into cross-licensing agreements regarding cotton technologies... Teck Resources Limited (TCK) says Teck Alaska is proceeding with development of the Aqqaluk Deposit at its Red Dog Mine.

08:22

COMDX July crude oil, the new front month at the close of pit trade today, puts in fresh lows at $70.07; now down $2.05 to $70.43

June crude oil is off $1.80 to $68.07.

08:16

ECONX Reminder: Initial Claims and Continuing Claims data due out in about 14 min at 8:30ET

08:03

NIHD NII Holdings: Motorola announces IOS agreement with NIHD (36.13 )

Co teams with the Networks business of Motorola (MOT) by selecting its Intelligent Optimization Service to enhance network efficiency for the Nextel iDEN networks in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. These agreements between Motorola Argentina S.A. and Nextel Argentina; Motorola Industrial Ltda. and Nextel Brazil; and Motorola de Mexico, S.A. and Nextel Mexico cover service to > 7 mln users across the three countries.

08:02

IMOS Chipmos Technology reports April rev grew 6.5% MoM and 46.9% YoY to $44.1 mln (1.86 )

08:02

UNM Unum Group's board of directors authorizes $500 mln for share repurchases (22.05 )

08:02

FORM FormFactor announced that Mario Ruscev, CEO, and Jean Bernard Vernet, Senior VP, CFO, have both stepped down from their roles at the co (13.60 )

The Company also announced that its board has appointed Carl Everett to the position of Chief Executive Officer and Richard DeLateur to the position of Chief Financial Officer.

08:01

NCOC National Coal Corp. completes sale of rail line for $3 mln (0.40 )

08:01

UNM Unum Group increases quarterly dividend 12.1% to $0.0925/share (22.05 )

As a result of today's announcements, the company is adjusting its guidance for year-end 2010 holding company cash and marketable securities to be in excess of $500 million, but continues to expect to close 2010 with weighted average risk-based capital levels of approximately 375% to 400% at its traditional U.S. insurance subsidiaries.

08:01

ORCL Oracle has agreed to acquire Secerno, a provider of database firewall solutions for Oracle and non-Oracle databases; terms not disclosed (23.19 )

07:56

BPAX BioSante announced that results of an evaluation of its 2A/Furin technology by Novartis Pharma AG (1.95 )

Co announced that results demonstrated that the 2A/Furin technology was integrated successfully into a plasmid-based, industrial-scale, CHO antibody cell line development process, with minimal optimization required.

07:39

On The Wires

Merge Healthcare (MRGE) announced that it was selected by Cato Research to provide the proprietary etrials EDC solution through Merge's technology transfer program. This new agreement expands Merge's partnership with CATO to provide additional technology for clinical trials management, as well as extending the relationship for an additional five years... Jones Apparel Group (JNY) announced that its Jones Jeanswear Division is entering the menswear market and has entered into an exclusive licensing and distribution agreement with G-III Apparel Group (GIII) for Andrew Marc men's jeanswear... Callidus Software (CALD) announced that MetroPCS Wireless, has selected the Callidus Sales Performance Management suite. The agreement was signed in the second quarter of 2010.

07:37

DLTR Dollar Tree beats by $0.08, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS above consensus, revs in-line; raises FY11 EPS and revs guidance (59.67 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.92 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.08 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.84; revenues rose 12.6% year/year to $1.35 bln vs the $1.31 bln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.77-0.85 vs. $0.75 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q2 revs of $1.32-1.36 bln vs. $1.33 bln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co raises guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $4.29-4.50, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $4.25 Thomson Reuters consensus, up from $3.96-4.23; sees FY11 revs of $5.67-5.80 bln vs. $5.7 bln Thomson Reuters consensus, up from $5.59-5.76 bln.

07:35

COMDX Gold and silver extend their respective sell offs this morning and have recently ticked to fresh lows; move coincides with fresh highs in dollar index

Gold is lower by $9.00 to $1184.41 and silver is off 29 cents to $17.825.

07:32

PERY Perry Ellis beats by $0.21, misses on revs; raises FY11 EPS above consensus, revs still in-line (22.48 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.81 per share, $0.21 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.60; revenues rose 0.1% year/year to $220.3 mln vs the $230.2 mln consensus. Co raises guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.45-1.60 vs. $1.40 Thomson Reuters consensus, up from $1.25-1.40; sees FY11 revs of $775-795 mln vs. $786.61 mln Thomson Reuters consensus, up from $770-790 mln.

07:31

QCOM Qualcomm and CK Telecom sign WCDMA subscriber unit and modem card/module license agreement (36.45 -0.26)

Co announced that they have entered into a subscriber unit and modem card/module license agreement. Under the terms of the royalty bearing agreement, co has granted CK Telecom a worldwide patent license to develop, manufacture and sell WCDMA and TD-SCDMA subscriber units and modem cards/modules. The royalties payable by CK Telecom are at co's standard worldwide rates.

07:31

STAA STAAR Surgical: New Visian ICL products gain CE mark approval (4.73 )

07:30

CRAY Cray awarded $47 mln contract to build a next generation supercomputer for advanced climate modeling (4.94 )

07:27

MTN Vail Resorts to invest $75.0-85.0 mln in CY10 on resort projects (42.84 )

07:07

PLCE Children's Place beats by $0.10, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS in-line; raises FY11 EPS guidance (41.50 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $1.00 per share, $0.10 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.90; revenues rose 5.0% year/year to $422.1 mln vs the $417.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of ($0.38)-($0.35) vs. ($0.35) Thomson Reuters consensus. Co raises guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $3.05-3.15 (previous $2.90-3.10) vs. $3.11 Thomson Reuters consensus.

07:05

CMRG Casual Male reports Q1 results; raises full year guidance (3.54 )

Co reports Q1 EPS of $0.09 vs $0.06 Thomson Reuters consensus; revs increased 2.6% y/y to $95.0 mln vs $94.21 mln Thomson Reuters consensus and comps declined 0.7%. Gross margin improved 330 bps to 45.9%. Co raises its full year guidance. Co sees FY11 $0.26-0.29, up from $0.23-0.26, vs $0.26 Thomson Reuters consensus.

07:04

AGEN Antigenics says data from 32 evaluable patients suggest that vaccination with Oncophage may improve overall survival in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (1.36 )

Co announces that data from a multi-center Phase 1/2 clinical trial of Oncophage for recurrent high-grade glioma was presented at the International Conference on Brain Tumor Research and Therapy. Data from 32 evaluable patients suggest that vaccination with Oncophage may improve overall survival in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma.

07:04

NWY New York & Co reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (5.30 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) loss of $0.08 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.08); revenues rose 1.8% year/year to $237 mln vs the $233.7 mln consensus. Co says "Given current business trends, the Company expects promotional activity to accelerate and now expects a loss per diluted share from continuing operations for the second quarter of fiscal year 2010 to be greater than the year-ago period..." In Q2 of last year the co reported EPS of ($0.08), current consensus for Q2 is ($0.05).

07:03

STV China Digital TV announces resignation of CFO Mason Xu and appointment of acting CFO Zhenwen Liang (6.48 )

07:02

SONS Sonus Networks announced that Richard Nottenburg plans to step down as President and CEO and a director of the co by the end of March 2011 (2.55 )

07:02

MF MF Global misses by $0.18, reports revs in-line (8.12 )

Reports Q4 (Mar) loss of $0.17 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.18 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.01; revenues fell 6.5% year/year to $240.5 mln vs the $241.1 mln consensus.

07:02

BKE The Buckle beats by $0.04, beats on revs (34.89 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.65 per share, $0.04 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.61; revenues rose 7.6% year/year to $214.8 mln vs the $212.4 mln consensus. The Q1 comparable store net sales increased 2.8% and online sales (which are not included in comparable store sales) increased 24.0% to $14.4 mln.

07:01

QLTI QLT Inc announces an increase in the number of common shares that it may purchase under its normal course issuer bid to 4,700,060 common shares, from 2,731,534 common shares (6.09 )

06:36

RLOC ReachLocal prices 4.167 mln share IPO at $13.00 per share; below the $17-19 per share expected range

06:32

AH Accretive Health prices 10 mln share IPO at $12.00 per share, below the $14-16 per share expected range

Co originally planned to offer 13.33 mln shares.

06:24

S&P futures vs fair value: -6.10. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -12.00.

06:24

Asian Markets

Nikkei...10030.31...-156.50...-1.50%. Hang Seng...19545.83...-33.20...-0.20%.

06:24

European Markets

FTSE...5169.51...+11.30...+0.20%. DAX...5971.48...-17.10...-0.30%.

06:18

On The Wires

Gold Fields (GFI) announces a substantial increase in the Mineral Resource at Hamlet, an emerging gold deposit in the Argo-Athena camp at its St Ives Gold Mine in Western Australia... LaBarge (LB) receives a $1.5 million contract from Northrop Grumman (NOC) to continue to produce electronic assemblies for the fire control radar system of the F-16 fighter aircraft.

06:16

SSI Stage Stores beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides Q2 EPS in-line, revs above consensus; raises FY11 EPS guidance, issues revs in-line (14.81 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.06 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 1.9% year/year to $340 mln vs the $339.6 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.26-0.30 vs. $0.27 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q2 revs of $350.0-357.0 mln vs. $349.21 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co projects Q210 same store sales to range from flat to +2.0%. Co issues raises guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.90-1.00 (previous range $0.80-0.90) vs. $0.92 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of 1.47-1.49 bln vs. $1.47 bln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co projects FY11 same store sales from flat to +1.5%.

06:10

SPLS Staples beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides Q2 EPS in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line (21.54 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.28 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.27; revenues rose 4.1% year/year to $6.06 bln vs the $6.06 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.18-0.20, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.20 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co sees revenue in Q2 increasing in low single-digits. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.25-1.33, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.33 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co sees revenue in FY11 increasing in low single-digits.

06:06

SHLD Sears Hldg beats by $0.02, misses on revs (99.56 )

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.16 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.14; revenues fell 0.1% year/year to $10.05 bln vs the $10.21 bln consensus. Comparable store sales increased 1.7 at Kmart and increased 1.2% at Sears Domestic during 1Q10.

01:17

ASH Ashland raises quarterly dividend to $0.15/share from $0.075/share (54.27 )

00:59

RSO Resource Capital prices 7.5 mln common shares at $5.25/share (5.67 )

00:55

VSI Vitamin Shoppe prices 6,236,320 common shares at $23.50/share (23.71 )

00:51

On The Wires

Oceaneering International (OII) announces it was the high bidder to acquire the DMT Sapphire from an affiliate of Deep Marine Technology, under a bankruptcy-sponsored auction proceeding; the bid was $16.5 mln. Co expects acquisition to be accretive to EPS in FY11, assuming the court approves the bid... Zions Bancorp (ZION) announces that the co has priced a public offering of 21,077,227 warrants to purchase shares of Zions' common stock, at an offering price of $8.3028 per warrant; aggregate gross proceeds to Zions from the offering are expected to be approx $175 mln. The warrants have an exercise price of $36.63 and an expiration date of May 22, 2020... Kraton Polymers LLC (KRA) announces a general price increase in Europe, Africa and the Middle East of Euro 200 /MT for Kraton SIS and SIBS polymers across all markets and end-uses. Subject to the terms of any applicable contracts, these price increases will take effect June 1, 2010... St. Jude Medical (STJ) and LightLab Imaging announce a definitive agreement under which STJ will acquire LightLab, a subsidiary of Goodman Co, Ltd., for approx $90 mln in cash.

18:19

Futures are mixed after hours with S&P 500 futures 0.94 points above fair value of 1113.56 and Nasdaq 100 futures 0.29 points below fair value of 1872.54

18:04

NTES Netease.com misses by $0.10, misses on revs (31.11 -0.22)

Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $0.51 per share, $0.10 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.61; revenues rose 52.9% year/year to $175.1 mln vs the $185.9 mln consensus.

17:53

ANR Alpha Natural Resources Board authorizes $125 mln share repurchase at 2010 annual meeting of shareholders (35.53 -1.25)

17:34

CSC Computer Sciences: TSA awards iInformation technology infrastructure contract worth ~$489 mln (49.11 -0.23)

Co announced The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today it has awarded its Information Technology Infrastructure Program (ITIP) contract to CSC (Computer Sciences Corp), of Falls Church, Va., for the deployment, maintenance, and enhancement of TSA's IT infrastructure capabilities. The award, with a base period of May 2010 - May 2011, is worth a total of ~$489 million for a five-year life cycle.

17:34

KONG KongZhong beats by $0.03, beats on revs, guides Q2 revs below consensus (6.63 -0.07)

Reports Q1 (Mar) GAAP earnings of $0.09 per share, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.06; revenues rose 37.3% year/year to $40.6 mln vs the $38 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance; co sees Q2 revs of $34.5-35.5 mln vs. $36.2 mln consensus. Co said, "Looking further out, based on our current development pipeline, we plan to launch at least four additional 3D online games in 2011 as we leverage our two proprietary 3D game engines."

17:23

BRS Bristow Group misses by $0.02, misses on revs (34.65 -1.14)

Reports Q4 (Mar) earnings of $0.72 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.74; revenues rose 2.7% year/year to $282.4 mln vs the $300.5 mln consensus.

17:21

STO StatoilHydro: Annual general meeting approves dividend of NOK 6 per share (21.62 -0.34)

The ordinary general meeting in Statoil ASA (OSE: STL) (STO) resolved on 19 May 2010 to adopt the annual report and accounts for Statoil ASA for 2009, as proposed by the board of directors.

17:02

IPI Intrepid Potash announced senior management changes (25.28 -0.22)

Co announced that Robert P. Jornayvaz III has become Executive Chairman of the Board and has transitioned from his role as Chief Executive Officer

17:00

FMD First Marblehead announced the Board of Directors elected Daniel Meyers, the Co's Chief Executive Officer and President, to serve as Chairman of the Board (2.83 -0.03)

Co announced the appointment of two new independent directors, Nancy Y. Bekavac and Thomas P. Eddy. Additionally, the Board of Directors elected Daniel Meyers, the Co's Chief Executive Officer and President, to serve as Chairman of the Board. Peter B. Tarr, the previous Chairman of the Board, has resigned his positions as a director and executive officer of the Co.

16:55

USAT USA Technologies announces rights offering subscription period (0.70 +0.01)

Co announced that the registration statement for its previously announced rights offering of common stock and related warrants was declared effective on May 19, 2010 by the Securities and Exchange Commission and that the subscription period will commence on May 21, 2010 and will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 9, 2010. The rights offering is in the aggregate offering amount of up to $7,521,891.

16:43

MA MasterCard reaches settlement with Heartland Payment Systems to provide issuers worldwide up to $41.4 mln for data breach claims (202.45 -0.36) -Update-

Co announced it has reached a settlement with Heartland Payment Systems (Heartland) to resolve claims by MasterCard and its issuers in connection with Heartland's previously announced data security breach. The settlement agreement calls for Heartland to fund up to $41.4 mln of "alternative recovery offers" to be made to eligible MasterCard card issuers to settle their claims for operational costs and fraud losses alleged to have been incurred by them as a result of the breach. Issuers accepting their offers must agree to certain terms and conditions.

16:36

LTD Limited beats by $0.06, reports revs in-line; guides Q2 EPS in-line; raises FY11 EPS in-line (24.49 +0.02)

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.25 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 12.0% year/year to $1.93 bln vs the $1.93 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.27-0.32, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.31 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co raises FY11 EPS guidance in-line to $1.60-1.80, ex charges, vs. $1.71 Thomson Reuters consensus, up from $1.40-1.60.

16:35

NXY Nexen sells Canadian heavy oil properties for C$975 mln (21.37 -0.04)

16:33

CLX Clorox increases quarterly dividend 10% to $0.55 per share (63.91 -0.66)

16:32

NAV Navistar's MaxxForce V8 to power Tiffin Allegro Breeze RV (53.62 +0.78)

Co announced, under a new multi-year agreement, Navistar Engine Group will supply its advanced V8 turbo diesel engine to Tiffin Motorhomes, Inc., a leading maker of Class A recreational vehicles. Beginning in June, MaxxForce 7 engines, manufactured in Huntsville, Alabama, will power Tiffin's new Allegro Breeze RV, manufactured in Red Bay, Alabama.

16:30

DPS Dr Pepper Snapple raises quarterly dividend 67% to $0.25 per share (38.07 -0.05)

16:25

RVP Retractable Technologies reports Q1 revs growth 61% to $8.5 mln (1.49 -0.02)

Loss from operations decreased 46% due principally to higher gross profit. The Co's effective tax rate on the net loss before income taxes was 0.1% and 2.6% (benefit) for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, respectively. Co said, "There are two charges to our Statement of Operations in Q1 of 2010 that are nonrecurring or are not typical of a manufacturing co. These charges include litigation costs and stock option expense (a noncash charge which will be fully amortized at the end of Q2 of 2010). Were it not for these two charges, our Net earnings applicable to common shareholders for the quarter would have been ~$350,000 and our Net income would have been ~$700,000."

16:21

HON Honeywell: Fitch reports Honeywell's Ratings Unaffected by Sperian Acquisition (43.86 ) -Update-

16:20

SOLR GT Solar beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line, raises revs in-line (5.31 -0.13)

Reports Q4 (Mar) earnings of $0.23 per share, $0.04 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 40.6% year/year to $194.7 mln vs the $183 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.55-0.65 vs. $0.60 Thomson Reuters consensus; raises FY11 revs to the upper end of its previous range with revenue of $550-600 mln vs. $578.10 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:19

AAP Advance Auto beats by $0.19, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS above consensus (46.09 +0.34)

Reports Q1 (Mar) earnings of $1.19 per share, $0.19 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.00; revenues rose 8.7% year/year to $1.83 bln vs the $1.71 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $3.34-$3.54 vs. $3.31 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co states that it provided an annual outlook in its 4Q09 earnings release, which included an estimated 2010 operating EPS range of $3.20 to $3.40 per share. This annual outlook was based on operating performance only and did not include share repurchases or the impact of the recent notes offering. The favorable impact of share repurchases, partially offset by the recent notes offering, will add a net incremental benefit of approximately $0.14 to full year EPS of which it realized $0.04 in first quarter results.

16:17

SNPS Synopsys beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS below consensus, revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (21.80 -0.16)

Reports Q2 (Apr) earnings of $0.41 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.39; revenues rose 0.4% year/year to $338.1 mln vs the $334.4 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.36-0.38 vs. $0.40 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q3 revs of $330-338 mln vs. $334.93 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.52-1.62 vs. $1.58 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY10 revs of $1.340-1.355 bln vs. $1.34 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:15

VRSN VeriSign to sell Authentication Services Business to Symantec for $1.28 Billion (27.96 -0.27) -Update-

Co announced a definitive agreement to sell its Authentication Services business to Symantec (SYMC) for ~$1.28 bln in cash. This business, which includes the industry-leading Secure Sockets Layer encryption certification services, the managed Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) platform and the co's ownership stake in VeriSign Japan, contributed ~$101.9 mln or 39% of VeriSign's revenues in the quarter ended March 31, 2010.

16:14

GYMB Gymboree beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides Q2 EPS below consensus (44.50 -0.20)

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.99 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.97; revenues rose 9.5% year/year to $252.8 mln vs the $254.2 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.30-0.34 vs. $0.38 Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:12

ESC Emeritus Corp to lease four senior living communities (20.00 -0.81)

Co entered into an agreement with HCP, Inc. and Texas HCP Holdings, L.P. to lease four senior living communities. The lease agreement, effective June 1, 2010, has an initial term of 10 years with two available extension options of ten years each. The lease also contains a purchase option exercisable in the second extended lease term.

16:10

ADSK Autodesk beats by $0.06, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS in-line, revs in-line (30.35 +0.20)

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.29 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.23; revenues rose 11.5% year/year to $474.6 mln vs the $437.4 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.23-0.28, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.26 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q2 revs of $435-460 mln vs. $443.16 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:09

GTIV Gentiva Health Svcs announced that the board approved the appointment of John Potapchuk as CFO (26.58 +0.16)

16:08

SRDX SurModics receives ISO Certification for SurModics Pharmaceuticals facilities in Birmingham, Alabama (17.47 -0.53)

16:08

HOTT Hot Topic reports EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides Q2 EPS in-line (6.56 -0.10)

Reports Q1 (Apr) loss of $0.04 per share, incl $0.02 charge for ShockHound, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.04); revenues fell 7.1% year/year to the previously preannounced $162.6 mln vs the $163.3 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of (0.10)-(0.07), incl $0.02 for ShockHound, vs. ($0.07) Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:07

ARUN Aruba Networks beats by $0.01, beats on revs (11.57 -0.26)

Reports Q3 (Apr) earnings of $0.08 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.07; revenues rose 50.7% year/year to $69 mln vs the $65.5 mln consensus.

16:06

RCNI RCN announces stockholder approval of merger agreement with affiliates of ABRY Partners (14.24 -0.06)

16:06

ISPH Inspire Pharm announced it will present data on treatment of Cystic Fibrosis; in the trial, denufosol was well-tolerated and had a favorable safety profile (6.10 -0.15)

16:05

AMAT Applied Materials beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS, revs above consensus (13.02 +0.08)

Reports Q2 (Apr) earnings of $0.22 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.21; revenues rose 24.3% year/year to $2.3 bln vs the $2.24 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.22-0.26 vs. $0.21 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q3 revs of $2.254-2.415 bln vs. $2.21 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:04

PETM PETsMART beats by $0.03, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line (32.34 -0.19)

Reports Q1 (Apr) earnings of $0.46 per share, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.43; revenues rose 5.1% year/year to $1.4 bln vs the $1.38 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.33-0.37 vs. $0.36 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.82-1.92 vs. $1.83 Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:03

SMTX SMTC Corp amends debt agreements (3.74 +0.08)

Co announced it has signed amended loan agreements with Wells Fargo Capital Finance Corporation and Export Development Canada to refinance the co'sshort and long term debt. Under the new lending arrangements, the term and principal repayment schedule have been extended to 2013 and virtually all principal payments eliminated in 2010. With the performance and prospects for the Company continuing to improve, interest rates have been reduced and covenants either eliminated or modified. Interest rates on the revolving line of credit are now at prime rate plus 1%, currently representing an aggregate rate of 3.25% in Canada and 4.25% in the US; reducing to prime rate as performance improves. Interest rates on the term loan will also vary depending upon financial performance in the range of LIBOR plus 2.5% to 3.5%.

16:03

WG Willbros Group announces $250 million senior secured second lien note offering (10.39 -0.45)

16:03

DDMX Dynamex announced that Maynard F. Skarka will join the company as Chief Operating Officer (16.74 )

16:02

WNC Wabash Natl announced that it intends to offer 11,000,000 shares of its common stock (8.86 -0.45)

16:01

OPXT Opnext beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 revs in-line (2.30 +0.01)

Reports Q4 (Mar) loss of $0.16 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.17); revenues fell 8.1% year/year to $76.8 mln vs the $76.8 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of $80-85 mln vs. $83.13 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:01

RBCAA Republic Bancorp KY announced an 8% increase in the Co's second quarter cash dividends (24.28 +0.03)

16:00

SWY Safeway approves 20% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.12/share (23.69 +0.11)

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