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

Jun 28, 2010 (Briefing.com via COMTEX) -- Hourly In Play (R)

Updated: 28-Jun-10 12:00 ET

11:59

TECHX Gold space continues to reverse lower -- GLD, GDX, AEM, GG, GFI, RGLD, GOLD, SA, AUY, IAG, ABX, NEM, KGC -Technical-

11:49

European Markets Closing Prices

European markets are now closed; stock markets across Europe performed as follows: UK's FTSE: +0.4% Germany's DAX: +1.4% France's CAC: +1.5% Spain's IBEX: +1.5% Portugal's PSI: -0.3%

11:47

LOPE Seeing some intraday relative strength in Education in recent trade -Technical-

LOPE +2.9%, APOL +2%, COCO +2%, CECO +1.8%, ESI +0.7%, APEI +0.6%, DV +0.5%, STRA +0.4%, RLRN -0.2%.

11:43

SPY S&P 500 edges up toward Friday's high at 1083 -- session high 1082.60 -Update- -Technical-

The index was due for some corrective trade in the wake of Friday's downside extension (-5.6% from June peak to early Friday low) to support. This morning it has bounced to 1082 with a breach/close above Friday's high (formed doji) at 1083 bolstering the outlook for a correction of last week's slide (Click for chart).

11:32

XLF Financial Select Sector forms narrow range (14.57 -0.07) -Update- -Technical-

The Sector ETF (XLF) has been relatively quiet thus far this morning as it did fully participate in the early slide or the subsequent bounce thus far. It has formed an intraday range between 14.61/14.63 on the upside and 14.52 on the downside. Penetration of the top would provide a secondary boost the market averages rebound attempt -- AXP, C, GS, BAC, WFC, JPM, MS, BK, STT, USB.

11:32

CNH CNH Global unit to redeem its 7.125% Senior Notes Due 2014 (25.13 +0.29)

11:31

STON StoneMor Partners L.P announces acquisition of eight cemeteries and five funeral homes in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan (20.79 +0.06)

Co announced that it had acquired five cemeteries and five funeral homes in Indiana, two cemeteries in Ohio and one cemetery in Michigan. The cemeteries and funeral homes were purchased out of state court-appointed receiverships in Indiana and Michigan. StoneMor's investment in this transaction, including advances to fund trust shortfalls, totaled ~$33 mln in cash and StoneMor units. For additional information about this transaction, see StoneMor's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 25, 2010. These properties are expected to contribute ~$14 mln to the value of contracts written and $18 million in production-based revenue during their first year of operation.

11:29

BP BP climbs to fresh morning highs as it lifts up into Friday's gap down high near $28.08 (27.93 +0.93) -Update- -Technical-

Gap fill at $28.56.

11:21

TECHX Tobacco Index provides upside leadership, stalls thus far at last week's June rebound high of 875.01 -- session high 874.77 -Update- -Technical-

Helping pace the way this morning are: RAI +4.3%, UVV +2.3%, LO +2.9%, MO +3.9%, VGR +1.2%, PM +1.2%, BTI +1.2%.

11:07

MO Altria and Philip Morris confirms United States Supreme Court Denies Review of DOJ Tobacco Litigation (20.50 +0.80) -Update-

Philip Morris USA (PM USA) and its parent company, Altria Group, confirmed that the United States Supreme Court has denied all petitions for review of an intermediate appellate court ruling that largely upheld the trial judge's ruling in the long-running Department of Justice lawsuit against the country's major tobacco companies. "Although we are disappointed that the Supreme Court did not grant our petitions challenging the basis for the lawsuit, we are pleased that the Supreme Court has confirmed once again that disgorgement is not an available remedy." The case is now expected to return to the district court for further proceedings.

10:57

TECHX Intraday relative sector strength -- Dow +24, S&P +1.4, Nasdaq +5.3 -Update- -Technical-

Further upticks off morning low for the stock indices with relative strength (outperforming the S&P) noted in Biotech IBB, Semi SMH, Retail XRT, Housing XHB, Technology XLK, Airline, Medical Supplies, Solar TAN, Networking, Disk Drive. Lagging sectors include: Gold GLD, Silver SLV, Gold Miners GDX, REITs IYR, Finance XLF / RKH, Energy XLE / OIH.

10:48

QQQQ Indices edge to fresh intraday bounce highs -- Dow +17, S&P +0.8, Nasdaq Comp +3.1 -Update- -Technical-

10:46

GLD August gold pulls back hard, falling into negative territory; now trading at $1253.70, down $2.50 (122.24 -0.53) -Update-

10:40

VXX Global & sector ETF movers- VIX vol index (VXX, VXZ) now leads all sectors while Commodities (KOL, UNG, USO) lag through the 1st hour of trading today -Technical-

The Actively Traded Leading Global & Sector ETFs:

VIX vol index- VXX +1.75%, VXZ +0.50%, gold miners & junior gold miners- GDX +1.50%, GDXJ +1.25%, platinum- PGM +0.75%, PTM +1.50%, silver- SLV +1.0%, Thailand- THD +0.75%, base metals- DBB +0.50%, SPDRS cons. stpls- XLP +0.75%, US bonds & fixed income- TLT +0.50%, TLH +0.50%, IEF +0.50%, iShares Singapore- EWS +0.50%, iShares telecom- IYZ +0.50%

The Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETFs:

coal- KOL -2.75%, natural gas- UNG -2.50%, global timer & forestry- CUT -2.0%, SPDRS metals & mining- XME -2.0%, commods. index- GSG -1.75%, steel- SLX -1.50%, wind energy- FAN -1.50%, iShares Australia- EWA -1.50%, crude/WTI oil- USO -1.25%, OIL -1.50%, ISE Revere nat gas index- FCG -1.50%, RBOB gas- UGA -1.25%, oil & gas energy services- XOP -1.25%, IEO -1.25%, XLE -1.0%

10:40

SMH Semiconductor Hldrs displaying some intraday relative strength, hovering near session high at 27.29 (27.26 +0.09) -Update- -Technical-

INTC +0.8%, SNDK +1.4%, LRCX +0.2%, BRCM +0.1%, MCHP +0.2%, LLTC unch.

10:37

IAG IAMGOLD notches new session high of 19.18, its June peak is at 19.24 (19.18 +0.61) -Technical-

10:32

DIA Stock indices lift off lows after Dow +3 and S&P -0.9 did not confirm new Nasdaq -3.8 lows -Technical-

10:32

STX NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness- Data Storage name (STX) now leads all percentage gainers through today's 1st hour of trading -Technical-

NDX 10 Best % Performers:

STX, FSLR, SNDK, APOL, VOD, CSCO, EXPE, CMCSA, INTC, FLIR

NDX 10 Worst % Performers:

WCRX, GRMN, JOYG, AMZN, ADSK, PCLN, SHLD, VRTX, AMGN, WYNN

NASDAQ A/D -700

NASDAQ TRIN +0.75

10:30

KO Dow 30 (INDU) strength & weakness- Staple/Defensive names (JNJ, KO, WMT) atop the percentage gainers leaderboard through today's 1st hour of trading -Technical-

INDU 5 Best % Performers:

KO, CSCO, GE, WMT, JNJ

INDU 5 Worst % Performers:

AA, BA, JPM, HD, UTX

NYSE A/D -510

NYSE TRIN +0.65

10:17

UBFO United Sec Bancshares declares 3rd quarter 2010 stock dividend of one percent (1%) on June 22, 2010 (4.63 0.00)

10:15

GDX Mkt Vctrs Gold Miners sets new monthly high of 54.57, hovering slightly under its May/6 month high of 54.63 (54.50 +0.62) -Technical-

Note that its 52-wk close high from last Dec is at 54.78 with the 52-wk intraday high (Dec) not coming into play until 55.40 -- AEM, AU, ABX, FCX, GFI, GG, HMY, KGC, NEM, BVN, AUY, EGO.

10:10

QQQQ Nasdaq -13 extends early weakness, Dow -26 and S&P -3.5 have thus far not confirmed the new low -Update- -Technical-

10:03

CHP C&D Tech awarded $5 mln contract for development of advanced lead-carbon energy storage system (1.03 +0.05)

10:02

TECHX Fresh 52-wk low for the 10-yr Yield -TNX- -Update- -Technical-

(Click for chart).

10:01

JBT JBT Corp announces United States Navy order for Halvorsen 25K loaders (16.05 -0.12)

Co announced that its JBT AeroTech business has been awarded a contract exceeding $7 million by the United States Navy for ten Halvorsen 25K Loaders. Delivery is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2010 and continue through the second quarter of 2011.

10:01

VE Veolia Environnement unit named Approved Partner for the state's Pay for Performance initiative (25.01 -0.33)

Co announced that its subsidiary and consulting division, SourceOne, has been selected by New Jersey's Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) as an Approved Partner for the state's Pay for Performance initiative. NJCEP is a statewide program administered by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and the Pay for Performance program is designed to provide incentives to large commercial and industrial customers who comprehensively upgrade their facilities through investments in energy efficiency.

09:55

MSFT Microsoft slides under Friday's low to establish a new nine month low at 24.18 (24.20 -0.33) -Technical-

If follow through develops, a congestive support is in the 24.10/24.00 area with its 10 month close low at 23.86.

09:51

TECHX Relative Sector Weakness -Update- -Technical-

Relative sector weakness, as the stock indices slip to minor new session lows, has been noted in: Coal KOL -2.7%, Steel SLX -1.5%, Paper -2%, Biotech BBH -1.4%, Crude Oil USO -1.3%, Natural Gas -1.2%, Materials XLB -1.1%, Reg Bank KRE -1%.

09:50

TECHX Opening Point Gainers/Losers -Technical-

Point Gainers: FSLR (+2.58), PPO (+1.41), COG (+1.33), THOR (+1.17), ASIA (+0.93), IDT (+1.13), AAPL (+1.17), OREX (+0.59)

Point Losers: AMZN (-2.67), EOG (-2.72), BUCY (-1.94), FCX (-1.86), JOYG (-1.64), GFC (-1.37), CLF (-1.53), APA (-1.44), RS (-1.34), YZC (-1.41)

09:43

SPY Stock indices slip back slightly after minor opening upticks -- Dow +3, S&P -0.7, Nasdaq -2.7 -Update- -Technical-

09:41

QCOM Qualcomm weakens in early trade, hovering back near its Mid-June and Friday/52-wk low at 34.33/34.28 -- session low 34.33 (34.33 -0.24) -Technical-

09:39

AAPL Apple displays relative strength as it lifts up into the $268.00 area (268.25 +1.60) -Update- -Technical-

09:37

ULU ULURU divested their interest in Zindaclin; Company to receive up to $2.6 mln (0.13 +0.01)

Co announced that Strakan International Limited and ULURU have divested their respective interest in Zindaclin to a subsidiary of Crawford Healthcare Limited. Under the terms of the acquisition and license agreement a subsidiary of Crawford Healthcare Limited will pay up to $5.1 million for the product, which will be shared equally by Strakan International Limited and ULURU. Guaranteed payments of $800,000 are scheduled to be received by ULURU in the next 12 months, an additional payment in the next year. The receipt of the full purchase price will be dependent on product approval in the United States.

09:35

FRM Furmanite announced that its subsidiary, Furmanite America, has received a $4.7 million Line Isolation Project (4.34 +0.03)

09:31

AA Alcoa to acquire Traco; Terms were not disclosed (11.23 +0.02)

Co announced it has agreed to purchase privately held Traco, maker of windows and doors for the commercial building and construction market. Traco will become part of Alcoa's global Building and Construction Systems business. Terms were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter 2010.

09:30

ALTI Altair Nanotechnologies receives 180-day listing extension from NASDAQ (0.48 +0.01)

09:30

RNN Rexahn Pharmaceuticals to raise $10 million in registered direct offering (1.72 -0.09)

Co announced it has received commitments from certain institutional investors to purchase an aggregate of $10 million of Rexahn's securities in a registered direct offering. Rexahn has entered into a securities purchase agreement with these investors pursuant to which Rexahn has agreed to sell an aggregate of approximately 6.67 million shares of its common stock. Each unit, consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase 0.3 of a share of common stock, will be sold for a purchase price of $1.50.

09:27

SMMX SYMYX Tech: Certara confirms best and final offer of $5.75/share to acquire Symyx (5.58 )

Certara today declared its irrevocable offer of $5.75/share in cash to acquire Symyx Technologies as its best and final offer. As outlined in the June 28 proposal, the offer: is irrevocable, effective immediately; empowers the Symyx Board of Directors to accept the offer and legally bind Certara once the Accelrys merger has been terminated; is contained in a signed merger agreement; and is guaranteed by Vector Capital.

09:25

LGF Lions Gate Entertainment: Icahn comments on Lions Gate Entertainment (7.27 )

Carl C. Icahn issued the following statement: "Some Lions Gate shareholders have asked: If Carl Icahn is so concerned about the near-term future of Lions Gate, what is the reason he is offering to pay us $7 per share, especially when the stock was as low as $4.85 only a few months ago? This is a legitimate question. It is true that I am very concerned about the future of Lions Gate and its present path. I have been a shareholder for four and a half years and, during this period, the stock declined from a high of over $12 to $4.85 several months ago. I believe the reason it has now climbed back to $7 is due to two artificial stimuli: my any and all tender offer at $7 per share; and the fact that Lions Gate just joined the Russell 2000 Index. On Friday, by my calculation, 5 million shares were purchased at the closing price by index funds forced to purchase because of the "Russell listing". Since Lions Gate was listed on Friday, this stimulus is over."

09:24

UNG July natural gas futures fell sharply in recent trade to fresh session lows of $4.697; now trading at $4.735, down $0.126

09:22

ACL Alcon issues press release regarding independent director committee's position against Novartis (NVS) (30.98 )

The Alcon Independent Director Committee announced that Professor Hans Caspar von der Crone, a leading Swiss legal and corporate governance expert, has concluded that a recommendation by the IDC is an indispensable first step before the board of Alcon, can decide on the merger proposal of Novartis AG (NVS). This conclusion refutes Novartis' public implications that it would be able to unilaterally impose the merger irrespective of the IDC's position once Novartis becomes Alcon's majority shareholder. In his legal opinion, Professor von der Crone confirmed the IDC's rights and obligations under Swiss law and, in doing so, supported many of the legal arguments previously put forth by the IDC. In concluding that "the Alcon board will not be able to validly decide on Novartis' merger proposal without the IDC's prior recommendation of that proposal."

09:12

On The Wires

Cybex International (CYBI) announced that it has been named Fitness Equipment Partner to "The Biggest Loser."... Affymetrix (AFFX) and Signature Diagnostics AG announced that they have signed a Powered by Affymetrix agreement. Under the agreement, Signature Dx obtains a worldwide license to use Affymetrix microarray technology to develop and commercialize diagnostic and prognostic colorectal cancer tests... Voltaire (VOLT) announced that the Tokyo Institute of Technology has selected Voltaire's 40 Gb/s InfiniBand switches for Japan's first 2.4-petaflop supercomputer, the TSUBAME 2.0... Solta Medical (SLTM) announced Health Canada approval of its Thermage CPT and Fraxel re:store Dual systems... Calgon Carbon Corporation (CCC) awarded a contract by the City of Cincinnati, Ohio, to provide an ultraviolet disinfection system for the Richard Miller Water Treatment Plant UV Disinfection Facility. The value of the contract is $2.4 mln.

09:09

BEXP Brigham Exploration announces high rate Bakken completions, updates Q2 2010 production guidance and provides operational update (16.94 )

Co announced the completion of the Ross-Alger 6-7 #1H, the Owan 29-32 #1H and the Abe 30-31 #1H at early 24 hour peak flow back rates of 3,070, 2,302 and 1,847 barrels of oil equivalent, respectively. To date, Brigham has successfully completed 26 consecutive long lateral, high frac stage wells at an average early 24 hour peak flow back rate of 2,648 barrels of oil equivalent. Co is updating its second quarter 2010 production guidance and is currently estimating that production will average between 7,000 and 7,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

09:03

LLY Eli Lilly and Marcadia sign development, license agreement for novel glucagon program in severe hypoglycemia (33.94 )

Marcadia Biotech and Eli Lilly and Company announced that the companies have signed a development and exclusive license agreement for Marcadia's short-acting glucagon program, covering glucagon analogs that may provide greater convenience and ease-of-use than the current recombinant glucagon for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Under the terms of the agreement, Marcadia will continue to oversee development of the compound through regulatory approval in the U.S., while Lilly will be responsible for obtaining regulatory approval in countries outside the U.S. and for commercialization worldwide. Financial terms of the collaboration were not disclosed.

09:02

ENB Enbridge to undertake $400 million Waupisoo pipeline expansion (47.37 )

The co announces that it has entered into shipper commitments totaling 229,000 barrels per day of capacity on the Waupisoo Pipeline, part of Enbridge's Regional Oil Sands System. Enbridge will undertake an approximately $400 million expansion of the Waupisoo Pipeline to its maximum capacity in order to accommodate these commitments, which include the additional volumes announced in February 2010.

09:02

ALB Albemarle will increase the base price of SAYTEX BT-93W and SAYTEX BT-93 by $1.00/kg on all global shipments on or after August 1, 2010 (40.57 )

09:02

AVNW Aviat Networks appoints board Chairman Charles Kissner as New CEO (3.82 )

09:01

ABT Abbott Labs receives FDA clearance for molecular diagnostic test for detection of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections (47.19 )

09:01

COBK Colonial Bankshares unit commences syndicated community offering and increases purchase limitations (9.60 )

Co commenced the syndicated community offering portion of second step conversion to sell shares of common stock not subscribed for in the subscription offering or the community offering to the general public at $10 per share. In addition, co announced that Colonial Financial Services has filed prospectus supplements increasing the maximum purchase limitation for purchasers acting together with others, in all categories of the offering combined from 60K shares ($600K) to 100K shares ($1 mln). The purchase limitation for individual purchasers of 30K shares ($300K) has not changed.

09:01

CVM CEL-SCI Corp collaborator presents data showing LEAPS vaccine technology generates dendritic cells that can protect animals against viral illness and other diseases (0.51 )

Co and researchers at the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy jointly announce that a LEAPSTM-based vaccine study has demonstrated the technology's potential using dendritic cells to stimulate the immune system to fight viral illnesses and other diseases. Results of the study were selected for an oral presentation at the prestigious Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies Annual Meeting in Boston, Mass., June 27, 2010, and are to be published in Vaccine, a peer-reviewed, pre-eminent journal for vaccines and vaccination.

09:00

RICK Rick's Cabaret raises $9.2 million to augment acquisition 'war chest' (8.73 )

The co announces it has completed a new $9.2 million round of financing through convertible debentures.

08:48

AFL AFLAC announced that it has sold its holdings of Greek sovereign debt; co will incur a realized after-tax investment loss of ~$67 mln in Q2 (43.59 )

Co announced that it has sold its holdings of Greek sovereign debt and reduced its investment exposure to perpetual, or so-called "hybrid," securities through two separate transactions. Co sold its entire holdings of Greek sovereign debt, which totaled $270 mln of par value at March 31, 2010. As a result of the sale, it will incur a realized after-tax investment loss of ~$67 mln on a GAAP basis in its Q2 financial statements. The company expects these two transactions to result in a realized after-tax gain of ~$80 mln on a GAAP basis in Q2. Co stated "we continue to believe our objectives of increasing operating earnings per diluted share 9% to 12% in 2010 and 8% to 12% in 2011, before the impact of currency translation, are achievable."

08:47

CVU CPI Aerostructures announces release of C-5 top order valued at $1.5 mln (9.26 )

Co announced that the U.S. Air Force has released a new order under CPI Aero's C-5 TOP contract for a variety of panels and spoilers valued at approximately $1.5 mln. Orders under this program, including this $1.5 mln order, have totaled $32.1 mln since the inception of the contract. This award brings CPI Aero's total new year-to-date awards to $11.3 mln, compared to $4.8 mln in the same period last year.

08:45

APA Apache UK North Sea Maule field commences production at 11,750 bbls/day (89.92 )

Co announced that its Maule Field in the United Kingdom sector of the North Sea has commenced production at approximately 11,750 barrels of oil per day.

08:38

On The Wires

CardioNet (BEAT) announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has proposed that the technical component of mobile cardiovascular telemetry remains carrier-priced for calendar year 2011. This proposal was included in The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule released on Friday, June 25, 2010... Foster Wheeler (FWLT) announced that its Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded a contract by GDF SUEZ to carry out the pre-front-end engineering design for the development of an onshore LNG plant and offshore gas gathering infrastructure... Dex One Corporation (DEXO) announced it has entered a distribution agreement with Jingle Networks... Toreador Resources Corporation (TRGL) announced that the Ministere de l'Ecologie, in France has granted first-stage approval to the transfer by Toreador to Hess of 50% of Toreador's working interests in its wholly owned and non-wholly owned exploration permits in the Paris Basin, France... HARMAN (HAR) announced that it has been selected by BMW AG, in partnership with Magneti Marelli, to provide the next generation entry-level infotainment system for its vehicle platforms... FreeSeas (FREE) announced new charters for seven of its vessels.

08:33

PTIE Pain Therapeutics modifies strategic alliance for REMOXY in Europe (5.90 )

The co announces a modification of its strategic alliance with King Pharmaceuticals (KG) for REMOXY outside the U.S. The move signals a desire to target Europe's small and growing market for strong pain medications... To accommodate a cohesive commercial strategy for REMOXY outside the U.S., King Pharmaceuticals and Pain Therapeutics recently modified a royalty term of their strategic alliance. Pain Therapeutics will now receive a flat royalty rate of 10% on net sales of REMOXY outside the U.S. PTIE also expects to receive from King Pharmaceuticals a one-time payment of $5,000,000.00 in July 2010.

08:31

TECHX E~mini stock index futures on GLOBEX still trade marginally bid following economic data -Technical-

ES (SPX) +2.25

NQ (NDX) +4.25

YM (INDU) +15

08:31

AAPL Apple: iPhone 4 sales top 1.7 million through Saturday, June 26 (266.70 )

08:30

SKBI Skystar Bio Pharmaceutical withdraws registration statement (6.59 )

Co announced that it has filed a Form RW with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 477 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, requesting the withdrawal of the Shelf Registration Statement initially filed on June 1, 2010. The shelf registration statement covers the potential sale of up to $28.75 million of undesignated securities by the Company.

08:30

ASEI American Science & Engineering receives $6.7 million U.S. government order for ZBV Military Trailers (73.58 )

08:26

On The Wires

RiT Technologies (RITT) announced that its shareholders have approved the product alliance with Stins Coman. Under the terms of the product alliance agreement, RiT and Stins Coman will jointly develop and market a new line of products based on proprietary optical laser technologies... Kennametal (KMT) announced the signing of a $500 mln five-year credit agreement. This syndicated bank facility amends and restates Kennametal's prior loan agreement.

08:23

On The Wires

American States Water Company (AWR) signed, through its subsidiary, Golden State Water, an agreement to proceed with the Cadiz Water Conservation & Storage Project and participate in the Cadiz Project's environmental review. The agreement grants GSWC the right to acquire a firm annual supply of water once the environmental review is complete... Broadridge Financial Solutions (BR) announced the successful completion of the previously announced sale of the contracts of substantially all of the securities clearing clients of its subsidiary, Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Solutions to unit of Penson Worldwide (PNSN) for ~$35.2 mln. Co also announced the execution of an 11-year global outsourcing services contract to provide securities processing and back-office support services to PFSI.

08:17

WWAY Westway Group announced the retirement of Peter Harding from his position as CEO (4.02 )

Co announced the retirement of Peter Harding from his position as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors of the co. Mr. Harding held these positions since May of 2009. Board has appointed James B. Jenkins interim CEO of the co. Wayne Driggers, most recently holding the position of COO, has been named President of the co and appointed to the Board of Directors to serve for the remainder of Mr. Harding's term.

08:15

MASI Masimo announced that it received FDA clearance for the Pronto-7 handheld device (23.49 )

08:12

GRS Gammon Gold provides updated ocampo production and cash cost outlook for 2010 (5.92 )

Co announces that due to the suspension of operations at the El Cubo mine located in Guanajuato State, Mexico, it is providing an updated 2010 production and cash cost outlook for the Ocampo mine. This adjusted outlook has assumed that the 154 contract workers and key pieces of underground mining equipment recently re-deployed from El Cubo will be supporting expanded operations at Ocampo to the end of the year. In 2010, at Ocampo, the Company expects to produce 100,000 to 110,000 ounces of gold and 4.40 to 4.95 million ounces of silver, or 180,000 to 200,000 gold equivalent ounces.

08:11

ECONX Reminder: Personal Income, Personal Spending, and PCE Prices data due out in about 19 min at 8:30ET

08:08

SHAW Shaw Group awarded a five-year contract by the U.S. Navy (35.63 )

Co awarded a five-year contract by the U.S. Navy to provide radiological contaminant remediation services at various locations within the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command's Southwest and Atlantic areas of responsibility.

08:07

HUGH Hughes Communications awarded a contract by the South Carolina Division of State Information Technology (25.60 )

Co awarded a contract by the South Carolina Division of State Information Technology (DSIT) allowing the company to provide satellite broadband Internet service to South Carolina agencies and local governments. This Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract is for seven years.

08:05

MRK Merck: Januvia for one year achieved a composite endpoint of A1C1 reduction (35.93 )

In a new post-hoc analysis presented for the first time at the ADA 70th Annual Scientific Sessions, significantly more patients treated with Merck's DPP-4 inhibitor JANUVIA (sitagliptin) for one year achieved a composite endpoint of A1C1 reduction (greater than 0.5%), no hypoglycemia and no weight gain compared with patients treated with glipizide, a commonly used sulfonylurea.

08:03

PSTI Pluristem Therapeutics announces it is advancing toward designing two Phase IIb clinical trials for its placenta-derived cell therapy product; co is awarded $2.5 mln grant (1.16 )

The co announces that following its meeting with the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI), the German regulatory authority for advanced therapy products (ATP), the company is advancing toward designing two Phase IIb clinical trials for its placenta-derived cell therapy product, PLX-PAD, for the treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) and Moderate-severe Claudication. The company has also received approval for a government grant in the amount of $2.5 million from the Office of the Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor of Israel, as government participation in R&D expenses for the period March 2010 to February 2011.

08:03

PARL Parlux Fragrances successfully completed an agreement for a two-year $20 million senior secured revolving credit facility (1.73 )

08:02

CQP Cheniere Energy Partners and Cheniere Energy (LNG) agree to restructure Cheniere Marketing TUA arrangements to strengthen partnership

"Under the terms of the new VCRA, Marketing will have the right to utilize the services and other rights at the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal available under the TUA assigned to Investments and to commercialize these rights on Investments' behalf. In consideration of these rights, Marketing will pay Investments a fee for each cargo delivered to the Sabine Pass facility equal to eighty percent of the expected positive gross margin to be received with respect to each cargo."

08:02

DEPO DepoMed: New clinical study shows patients with Type 2 diabetes may be able to tolerate higher doses of Metformin using GLUMETZA (3.00 )

Co and Santarus (SNTS) announced new data suggesting that patients previously intolerant of metformin may be able to tolerate higher doses of metformin when treated with GLUMETZA. The findings will be presented at the 70th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Orlando. GLUMETZA is a once-daily, extended release formulation of metformin, and is approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is promoted in the U.S. by Santarus.

08:01

PPHM Peregrine Pharma provides update on government-sponsored research program; two-year base period extended 45 days (2.70 )

Under its first government contract, with the Transformational Medical Technologies Initiative (TMTI) of the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Peregrine has performed development work with its phosphatidylserine (PS)-targeting antibodies for the treatment of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) infections and the company is pursuing additional government contracts and grants to support its cancer and viral infections programs... The contract provided for up to $22.3 million in funding during a two-year base period ending June 30, 2010. This base period has been extended by 45 days to complete ongoing preclinical studies, review scientific data, and to finalize plans for continuing preclinical evaluation in animal models of VHF.

08:01

NVO Novo-Nordisk A/S New Data Demonstrates Victoza Provided Superior and Sustained Blood Sugar Control and Weight Reduction Compared to Januvia at one year (83.22 )

Study showed that once-daily Victoza in combination with metformin produced sustained and significantly greater reductions in A1c, body weight and fasting plasma glucose than Januvia plus metformin at 52 weeks. Key findings from the study include: Patients treated with 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg of Victoza experienced greater reductions in A1c than those treated with Januvia 100 mg (-1.3% and -1.5% versus -0.9%), Victoza provided greater weight loss versus patients treated with Januvia (2.8 kg [6.16 lbs] and 3.7 kg [8.14 lbs] for 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg respectively, 1.2 kg [2.64 lbs] for Januvia Victoza provided greater change from baseline FPG readings than those treated with Januvia (-1.7 mmol/L and -2.0 mmol/L for 1.2 mg and 1.8 mg respectively, versus -0.6 mmol/L), Patients treated with Victoza 1.8 mg reported significantly greater treatment satisfaction than those treated with Januvia

08:01

CDCS CDC Software revises estimate and expects 66% increase in 2Q10 application sales vs 2Q09 (7.85 )

Co announces that based on preliminary financial projections and estimates, CDCS expects application sales during 2Q10 to increase about 66% over the 2Q09 compared to its previously announced estimated increase of 33-42%. CDC Software posted application sales of $7.8 mln in 2Q09. CDC Software has revised its estimates for second quarter application sales upward primarily due to continued increases in new logo sales for its on-premise solutions, strong cross-sales of the co's products and expanded cloud sales as a result of acquisitions, investments and organic growth.

08:00

VECO Veeco Instruments awarded $800K in matching funds from Minnesota for solar technology (38.82 )

08:00

PSMT PriceSmart announces purchase agreement for real estate in Colombia (24.94 )

Co announces that on June 18, 2010 it entered into an agreement to acquire approximately 19,500 square meters of property located in Barranquilla, Colombia, upon which PriceSmart anticipates constructing its first warehouse club in Colombia. The transaction, which is subject to certain contingencies, is currently planned to close late this calendar year. PriceSmart currently anticipates opening the Barranquilla warehouse club in the summer, 2011.

07:49

On The Wires

Wonder Auto Technology (WATG) announced that it has signed strategic cooperation framework agreements with two of four major state-owned commercial banks in China... Destination Maternity Corporation (DEST), and Macy's (M) announced the expansion of their maternity apparel leased department relationship. By the end of February 2011, moms-to-be will be able to find the quality, style and value they have come to expect from Destination Maternity at over 615 Macy's department stores throughout the U.S... BNY Mellon (BK) has been authorized by the China Banking Regulatory Commission to set up a banking branch in Beijing.

07:41

On The Wires

Amazon.com (AMZN) announced a new update to Kindle for iPad and Kindle for iPhone and iPod touch, which allows readers to utilize embedded video and audio clips in Kindle books... The Interpublic Group (IPG) announced that it has reached agreement to acquire Delaney Lund Knox Warren, from Creston Group. Interpublic indicated that it will pay ~$40 mln in cash for DLKW.

07:35

On The Wires

Oxygen Biotherapeutics (OXBT) common stock will begin trading on the Swiss SIX Exchange with the opening of trading tomorrow, June 29, 2010... Great Wolf Resorts (WOLF) signed License and Management Agreements related to the development of a new 600-suite Great Wolf Lodge resort in Garden Grove, California's International West Resort... Capital Senior Living Corporation (CSU) entered into a definitive agreement with Signature Assisted Living of Texas to acquire Signature's interests in 12 leases with Health Care REIT (HCN)... Bruker (BRKR) unit reported in-field high magnetic field test results for its 2G high temperature superconductor tape, demonstrating enhanced performance as a result of improvements to its proprietary manufacturing technology.

07:31

ADS Alliance Data closes $1.5 bln in liquidity facilities

Co announced that they have closed $1.5 bln in conduit liquidity facilities, resulting in an increase of $175 mln in overall conduit capacity.

07:31

AEZS Aeterna Zentaris announces collaboration with Almac to develop therapy and companion diagnostic in cancer (1.21 )

The co announces a collaborative study with Almac's Diagnostics division for the Company's doxorubicin luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) targeted conjugate compound, AEZS-108, aimed at determining LHRH receptor expression through the development of a companion diagnostic tool. Selection for treatment with AEZS-108 is determined on the basis of LHRH receptor expression, currently measured immunohistochemically. In humans, LHRH receptors are expressed in ovarian, endometrial, breast, bladder, prostate and pancreatic tumors. AEZS-108 is currently in Phase 2 trials for advanced LHRH receptor positive ovarian and endometrial cancer.

07:31

CONM Conmed Healthcare Mgmt signs 5-year agreement with City of Roanoke, Virginia (3.39 )

Co announces that it has signed an agreement with the City of Roanoke, VA, for an initial three-year term with options for two one-year extensions which are at the City's option. This contract, with a new customer, is expected to generate approx $9.1 mln in revenues for Conmed throughout the terms of the contract, with the initial annual rate of $1.8 million.

07:10

ISLE Isle of Capri announced that it has commenced an offering of 9,000,000 shares of its common stock (11.95 )

Co announced that it has commenced an offering of 9,000,000 shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering. Co intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to temporarily repay borrowings outstanding under the revolving line of credit, of which $80 million was incurred to fund the purchase of the Rainbow Casino in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and to use the remaining proceeds for general corporate purposes.

07:10

NE Noble Corp enters into agreement to acquire Frontier Drilling and strengthens key strategic relationship (28.46 )

Co announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which it will acquire privately held FDR Holdings Limited in a cash transaction which values the enterprise at $2.16 bln. Noble will acquire a fleet that is currently supported by ~23 rig years of contracts generating ~$3.2 bln in gross contract backlog ($2.0 bln net to Noble). The acquisition is expected to be accretive to cash flow immediately and to earnings in conjunction with the commencement of operations on the Bully rigs expected to begin in 2011.

07:08

TCH Technicolor to implement reverse share split (0.64 )

Co announces the implementation of its reverse share split through the exchange of 1 new share with a nominal value of 1.00 in exchange for 10 old shares with a nominal value of 0.10. The reverse split transaction will commence July 15, 2010, on which date the new shares will be listed on Euronext Paris.

07:03

FRG Fronteer provides mid-year update on advancement of its key gold projects (6.05 )

Co provides a mid-year progress report on its key gold projects in Nevada, as well as its gold and copper-gold projects in northwestern Turkey. Ten drill rigs are now operating at Fronteer Gold's projects, with an additional rig expected to be added by month's end. More than 65,000 metres are planned to be drilled across all projects this year. Approximately 26,000 metres have been drilled in 2010 to date, with 70 holes pending release. The total budget for the gold projects is ~$35 mln, with Fronteer Gold responsible for $20 mln of expenditures.

07:02

GTE Gran Tierra Energy confirms oil discovery at Moqueta-1 in Colombia (5.14 )

Co announces that it had completed initial testing of the Moqueta-1 exploration well, a new field discovery on the Chaza Block in the Putumayo Basin, Colombia, while preparations to drill the Moqueta-2 appraisal well are under way. Gran Tierra Energy has a 100% working interest and is the Operator of the Chaza Block. "The successful discovery of oil with the first well in Gran Tierra Energy's 2010 exploration program further reinforces the strength of our exploration portfolio," said Dana Coffield, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra Energy Inc

06:39

S&P futures vs fair value: +4.40. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +5.80.

06:39

Asian Markets: Nikkei...9693.94...-43.50...-0.50%. Hang Seng...20726.68...+38.90...+0.20%

06:39

European Markets: FTSE...5071.28...+24.80...+0.50%. DAX...6132.72...+62.10...+1.00%

06:13

On The Wires

Graymark Healthcare (GRMH) announces that it sold a record number of CPAP machines in Q2... Cabot Oil & Gas (COG) announces the successful start-up of the co's Lathrop compressor station in Susquehanna, PA and the immediate production maximization of the new capacity... Raptor Pharmaceutical (RPTP) announces it has enrolled the first patient in a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of its proprietary delayed-release oral formulation of cysteamine bitartrate in patients with nephropathic cystinosis... QLT (QLTI) has been added to the Russell Global Index.

06:11

CLNE Clean Energy secures 10-yr contract from LA METRO (15.97 )

Co secures a new 10-year contract from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority to upgrade, operate and maintain CNG bus fueling facilities supporting two METRO operating divisions. Over the next 12 months, Clean Energy will reconfigure and upgrade CNG station compressor equipment at METRO stations that supply CNG bus fleets deployed in the agency's Los Angeles Central and South Bay divisions.

02:41

EPCT EpiCept prices public offering (1.57 )

Co announces that it entered into definitive agreements for the purchase of approx 6.1 mln common shares at $1.10 per share, five year warrants to purchase up to approx 4.6 mln shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.57 per share exercisable beginning December 30, 2010 and one year warrants to purchase up to approx 6.1 mln shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.57 per share exercisable beginning December 30, 2010.

02:24

ATML Atmel enters into definitive agreement with INSIDE Contactless for sale of Smart Card business (5.16 )

Co announces that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Smart Card business based in Rousset, France and East Kilbride, UK to INSIDE Contactless S.A. following the completion of the information and consultation process with the works council of Atmel Rousset in France. As previously announced, INSIDE signed the agreement on May 2, 2010 subject to acceptance by Atmel following completion of the information and consultation process with the Works Council. Pursuant to the definitive agreement, INSIDE will pay $37 mln in cash at the closing, subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment and an additional cash consideration of up to $21 mln if certain earnout targets are met in 2010 and 2011. As part of the transaction, Atmel has agreed to make a minority investment in INSIDE of ~$4 mln. The definitive agreement also provides INSIDE a royalty-based, non-exclusive license to certain business-related intellectual property in order to support the current SMS business and future product development.

02:22

URS URS to acquire Scott Wilson Group Plc for ~$242 mln

Co and Scott Wilson Group plc, the U.K.-based integrated design and infrastructure engineering consultancy, announce the terms of a recommended offer for URS to acquire Scott Wilson. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of Scott Wilson will receive 210 pence in cash for each Scott Wilson share, which values the entire issued and to be issued share capital at approx $242 mln. URS expects that the transaction will close in 3Q10 and will be accretive to EPS in FY11 on a GAAP basis. Due to the anticipated timing of the closing, URS expects that the transaction will not have a significant impact on its FY10 results.

02:16

OHI Omega Healthcare Investors announces $140 mln equity shelf program (20.05 )

In addition, co announces that it has received the consent of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in connection with the co's contemplated acquisition of 40 long-term care facilities from affiliates of CapitalSource (CSE) for a purchase price of approx $270 mln.

02:13

BMY Bristol-Myers: 52-week study finds ONGLYZA when added to metformin was non-inferior to titrated glipizide when added to metformin in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (25.57 ) -Update-

Co and AstraZeneca (AZN) announce results from a 52-week Phase 3b study in adults with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycemic control on metformin therapy plus diet and exercise. This study found that the addition of ONGLYZA 5 mg to existing metformin therapy achieved the primary objective of demonstrating non-inferiority compared to the addition of titrated glipizide (sulphonylurea) to existing metformin therapy in reducing glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Additionally, the study found that treatment with ONGLYZA 5 mg plus metformin resulted in a statistically significant lower proportion of subjects reporting hypoglycemic events and statistically significant weight loss compared to titrated glipizide plus metformin. ONGLYZA 5 mg plus metformin also resulted in a significantly smaller rise per week in HbA1c from week 24 to week 52 compared to titrated glipizide plus metformin. Overall adverse events excluding hypoglycemia were reported at a similar rate between the two treatment groups.

02:07

On The Wires

Amylin Pharmaceuticals (AMLN) and Eli Lilly (LLY) announce results from the first double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate BYETTA injection added to Lantus, which showed patients with type 2 diabetes achieved glucose targets without weight gain or increasing their risk of hypoglycemia... Amylin Pharmaceuticals (AMLN) announces results from an analysis of an integrated database of clinical studies that showed no increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with SYMLIN injection use compared to a pooled comparator group treated with either placebo or rapid-acting insulin... New data were presented at the American Diabetes Association from a study comparing JANUMET from Merck (MRK) to pioglitazone. In this study, JANUMET resulted in significantly greater blood sugar reductions in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with pioglitazone. Patients taking JANUMET also experienced weight loss and a lower incidence of edema or swelling, while patients taking pioglitazone experienced weight gain and a higher incidence of edema. Patients taking JANUMET had a higher incidence of gastrointestinal events compared with pioglitazone... Novo Nordisk (NVO) extension data presented today at the Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association showed that once-daily Victoza in combination with metformin produced sustained and significantly greater reductions in A1c, body weight and fasting plasma glucose than Januvia plus metformin at 52 weeks... Kraft Foods (KFT) signs agreement to sell Cadbury's E. Wedel-branded chocolate and sugar confectionary operations in Poland to Lotte Group for an undisclosed sum... Ness Tech. (NSTC) extends for three years outsourcing contract with Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection; transaction valued at ~$2.6 mln... Ormat Tech. (ORA) announces that its subsidiary Ormat Int'l and JFE Holdings of Japan have executed a Cooperation Agreement for implementing geothermal projects in Japan.

01:59

OREX Orexigen Therapeutics announces that Contrave reduced depression scores and body weight in overweight and obese patients with major depression (4.15 )

Co announces results from a 24-week open-label study demonstrating that treatment with Contrave resulted in significant improvements in depressive symptoms that was accompanied by weight loss and improved control of eating in overweight and obese patients with major depression. The primary endpoint of the study was the change from baseline in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale at 12 weeks on an intent-to-treat basis.

01:56

AMLN Amylin Pharma: Improvement in beta-cell function observed after three years of BYETTA therapy (19.31 ) -Update-

Co and Eli Lilly (LLY) announce results from a study comparing the effect of long-term treatment with either BYETTA injection or Lantus on overall beta-cell function. Three years of BYETTA therapy improved indices of beta-cell function assessed four weeks after discontinuing therapy. These findings were presented at the 70th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association. After three years of treatment, both therapies reduced A1C similarly (by 0.7% to 6.6% for BYETTA and by 0.5% to 6.9% for Lantus).

01:54

AMLN Amylin Pharma: Study finds BYETTA use was not associated with increased rate of acute pancreatitis vs other antidiabetic drugs (19.31 )

Co and Eli Lilly (LLY) announce final results from a retrospective study including more than 260,000 patients that showed the risk of acute pancreatitis among initiators of BYETTA injection was not increased compared to initiators of other antidiabetic therapies. The retrospective study used data accrued over three years from a large, geographically diverse U.S. healthcare insurance claims database to examine the risk of acute pancreatitis in more than 25,000 patients who were treated with BYETTA, relative to nearly 235,000 patients who were treated with other antidiabetes medications. Medical records from claims-identified cases of acute pancreatitis were reviewed by four gastroenterologists, blinded to drug exposure, using a standard assessment tool. In a nested case-control study based on the review, use of BYETTA was not associated with an increased rate of acute pancreatitis compared to the other antidiabetes medications, based on the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for current, recent and past use of BYETTA.

01:48

ARNA Arena Pharma's Lorcaserin reduces body weight and improves cardiovascular risk factors across patient subgroups (3.24 )

Co reports pooled Week 52 data from more than 6,000 patients in lorcaserin's pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial program that demonstrate lorcaserin 10 mg dosed twice daily reduced body weight in all patient subgroups evaluated, as defined by gender, age, ethnicity and starting body weight and Body Mass Index. Greater improvements in cardiovascular risk factors were also achieved with lorcaserin treatment compared to placebo overall and in most subgroups. The pooled data show that more than twice as many lorcaserin patients (47.1%) achieved at least 5% body weight loss compared to placebo (22.6%) using Intent-to-Treat with Last Observation Carried Forward analysis.

01:47

On The Wires

Sanofi-Aventis (SNY) announces results of a study which demonstrated that patients using Lantus once-daily and Apidra before meals reported improved patient reported outcomes and decreased glycemic variability versus premix analog insulin... XOMA Ltd. (XOMA) will be presenting new preclinical data in an animal model of Type 2 diabetes in which its anti-inflammatory therapeutic antibody candidate, XOMA 052, was used as monotherapy and in combination with the marketed anti-diabetic drugs exendin-4 (Byetta) or sitagliptin (Januvia)... Studies of a more-rapid-acting injectable human insulin formulation in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and of a novel insulin analog formulation (Vialog) in an animal model of diabetes were reported this week in three poster presentations at the 70th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association. The findings are based upon results from recent clinical and preclinical studies sponsored by Biodel (BIOD)... Amylin Pharmaceuticals (AMLN), Eli Lilly (LLY) and Alkermes (ALKS) announce results of an analysis of pooled safety data from three completed randomized controlled trials that showed the investigational product BYDUREON, dosed once weekly, was generally well-tolerated with a low discontinuation rate due to serious adverse events similar to pooled comparators in patients with type 2 diabetes.

01:41

BMY Bristol-Myers: Dapagliflozin as add on therapy to insulin demonstrated improved glycemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with insulin (25.57 )

Co announces results from a 24-week Phase 3 clinical study demonstrated that the addition of the investigational drug dapagliflozin achieved reductions in the primary endpoint, glycosylated hemoglobin level, in inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes patients who were treated with insulin (with or without oral anti-diabetes medications), compared to placebo plus insulin (with or without OADs). The study also demonstrated that dapagliflozin achieved reductions in the secondary endpoints that evaluated the change in total body weight from baseline, change from baseline in mean daily insulin dose, and change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose. Generally, adverse events, serious adverse events and study discontinuations were similar across all treatment groups. Results from the 24-week study were presented at the 70th American Diabetes Association Annual Scientific Sessions. Dapagliflozin, an investigational compound, is a potential first-in-class sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor currently in Phase 3 trials under joint development by Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca (AZN) as a once-daily oral therapy for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes.

01:36

HALO Halozyme Therapeutics' Ultrafast Insulin accelerates absorption and lowers hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia risk in Type 2 diabetes patients (7.36 )

Co announces Phase 2 results demonstrating that the subcutaneous coinjection of rHuPH20 with lispro significantly improves postprandial hyperglycemia, reduces hypoglycemia, and accelerates the absorption of mealtime insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes. Significantly more patients receiving lispro+PH20, 71% vs 48%, achieved the American Diabetes Association goal of maintaining glucose below 180 mg/dL compared to lispro treatment alone, an indication of reduced hyperglycemia. Fewer patients required treatment for hypoglycemia and the mean minimum concentration for postprandial glucose was significantly higher for the lispro+PH20 combination compared to lispro alone.

01:29

On The Wires

Valspar (VAL) announces that it has agreed to acquire Australian paint manufacturer Wattyl Ltd. for ~A$142 mln and assume existing debt... Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) announces that it has increased its cash take-over bid for Spider Resources to Cdn.$0.19 per share from Cdn.$0.13 per share... Novo Nordisk (NVO) presents phase 2 proof-of-concept data for its investigational insulin degludec, an ultra-long-acting basal insulin, which demonstrated the potential to help achieve target glycemic control when used once daily or three times weekly... The Empire District Electric Co (EDE) announces that the Kansas Corporation Commission has approved the Stipulation and Agreement for changes in rates for its Kansas electric customers.

01:27

CRME Cardiome Pharma: Investigational BRINAVESS for infusion recommended for approval by the CHMP in the EU for rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation (8.68 )

Merck (MRK) and Cardiome Pharma announce that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency has recommended marketing approval for BRINAVESS, an investigational intravenous formulation for the conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in adults. The CHMP issued the positive opinion following a review of data supporting the efficacy, safety and tolerability profile of vernakalant. The proposed indication for vernakalant is for the rapid conversion of recent onset of atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in adults: for non-surgery patients with atrial fibrillation of seven days or less and for post-cardiac surgery patients with atrial fibrillation of three days or less.

17:17

JEC Jacobs announces unfavorable judgment; co will record a pre-tax charge to earnings of ~$94 mln in Q3 (39.50 +0.14)

Co announced that its subsidiary, Jacobs France SAS, received an unfavorable judgment from an Administrative Tribunal in Strasbourg, France relating to a waste incineration plant project in France. Jacobs believes that the judgment of the Tribunal is not supported by the facts or by applicable law and will consider all possible avenues including appeal. As a result of the judgment, JEC will record a pre-tax charge to earnings of ~$94 mln in the quarter ending July 2, 2010. The pre-tax charge includes future cash payments of ~$62 mln.

17:09

PSA Public Storage announced that Mark C. Good, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has decided for personal reasons to leave the co (93.28 +2.11)

Co announced that Mark C. Good, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has decided for personal reasons to return to the San Francisco Bay area to pursue new business opportunities. His departure from the Company is expected by year end.

17:01

BIOD Biodel reported that patients with type 2 diabetes receiving VIAject achieved hemoglobin A1c control similar to that for patients receiving RHI, but with a two-fold reduction in rates of hypoglycemia and significantly less weight gain (4.06 -0.15)

Co announced the final results of a six-month, multi-center, open-label Phase 3 study of VIAject (more-rapid-acting injectable human insulin) versus regular human insulin (RHI) in 471 patients with type 2 diabetes were presented today by Helena Rodbard, M.D., at the 70th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Rodbard was a principal investigator of this study, which was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of VIAject? versus regular human insulin when used in combination with insulin glargine.

16:34

ADPT Adaptec changes its name to ADPT Corporation (3.12 +0.13)

16:25

SNY Sanofi-Aventis: Improved outcomes for patients treated with Lantus and Apidra regimen compared with sliding scale insulin (30.30 -0.16) -Update-

Co announced that results from the Randomized Study of Basal Bolus Insulin Therapy in the Inpatient Management of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Undergoing General Surgery (RABBIT-2 Surgery) found that treatment with a basal-bolus regimen that included Lantus? (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection) once-daily and Apidra (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection) before meals improved glycemic control and reduced hospital complications, compared to "sliding scale" insulin in general surgery patients with type 2 diabetes. The study results were presented at the American Diabetes Association's 70th Annual Scientific Sessions.

16:25

HTZ Hertz Announces Pricing of EUR 400 mln senior secured notes in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% senior secured notes due 2015 (9.98 +0.08)

16:03

PBEC Pacific Blue Energy Corp and Patriot Solar will develop commercial solar farms (1.05 -0.03)

Co announced that it will be partnering with Patriot Solar Inc. in the development of commercial solar farms in the Southwestern United States. Cooperation on such projects by the two companies will include the granting to each other of right of refusal on all such solar projects.

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