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

Sep 09, 2010 (Briefing.com via COMTEX) -- Hourly In Play (R)

Updated: 09-Sep-10 12:00 ET

11:55

IYR iShares DJ Real Estate displaying relative weakness, hovering near this week's low at 53.11 (53.13 -0.10) -Technical-

PLD -1.1%, EQR -1%, BXP -0.9%, MAC -0.7%, VNO -0.4%, PCL -0.4%, PSA -0.3%, CPT -0.3%, KIM -0.2%.

11:51

BRC Brady increases dividend 3% to $0.72 from $0.70 (27.39 +0.18)

11:44

COMDX Gold and silver futures drop to their lowest levels of the session; gold now off $12.70 to $1244.80 while silver is lower by 22.4 cents to $19.785

11:08

ATW Atwood Oceanics hovering slightly under its session high and 50 ema at 26.48 (26.43 +0.34) -Technical-

Note that its Sep recovery high and the top of its tight week long trade range is at 26.64.

11:04

TECHX Now seeing some intraday relative strength in Energy XLE / OIH after initial data related dip -Update- -Technical-

11:02

PPL PPL Corp to sell certain non-core generating asssets to LS Power Equity Advisors for ~$381 mln in cash (27.26 +0.17)

Co announces it has reached agreement to sell interests in certain non-core generating stations to LS Power Equity Advisors, an affiliate of LS Power. The transaction will include the 244-megawatt PPL Wallingford Energy plant, a natural gas-fired facility located in the Town of Wallingford, Conn.; the 585-megawatt PPL University Park plant, a natural gas-fired facility located in University Park, Ill.; and PPL's one-third share in Safe Harbor Water Power Corporation, owner of the 421-megawatt Safe Harbor Hydroelectric Station on the Susquehanna River in Conestoga, Pa. The transaction, for ~$381 mln in cash, is expected to close in 4Q10. The transaction is expected to result in an after-tax special item charge against PPL's third-quarter earnings of $65-80 mln.

11:01

OIH Crude oil pulls back from highs following inventory data; now up 90 cents to $75.57

11:01

NYNY Empire Resorts announced that G. Michael Brown has resigned as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors effective immediately due to health reasons (0.89 +0.01)

Co announced that G. Michael Brown has resigned as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors effective immediately due to health reasons. The Company also announced the unanimous election of Emanuel Pearlman as the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO Joseph D'Amato as a member of the Board.

10:50

GDX Mkt Vectors Gold Miners ETF a morning laggard, slips to new session low (53.19 -0.48) -Technical-

The sector has underperformed today and has recently fallen to a fresh session low of 53.17 (new low for Junior Gold Minor Index GDXJ as well) -- AEM, AU, ABX, FCX, GFI, GG, HMY, KGC, NEM, BVN, AUY, EGO, NGD, GRS, SVM, HL, CDE, SSRI, SGR, ANV.

10:40

SPY S&P 500 +7.4 slips to minor new pullback low -Update- -Technical-

As noted in the 09:51 update the index had paused after the opening sprint above last week's high. It has set a new pullback low (1106) but continues to hold above initial support mentioned earlier at 1105 (secondary zone 1103/1102) -- Click for chart

10:35

KBE Global, sector, & commodity ETF money flows- Commercial Banks (KBE) lead all sectors through today's 1st hour of trade; CBOE VIX (VXX, VXZ) lags as the SPX maintains opening gains -Technical-

Actively Traded Leading Global, Regional, & Domestic Sector ETFs:

commercial banks- KBE +2.75%, regional banks- KRE +1.75%, RKH +2.50%, iShares Australia- EWA +2.0%, sugar- SGG +2.0%, iShares Italy- EWI +2.0%, iShares Spain- EWP +1.75%, financials- IYF +1.50%, XLF +1.75%, Russia- RSX +1.50%, capital mkts- KCE +1.50%, crude/WTI oil- USO +1.50%, OIL +1.50%, iShares US broker/dealers- IAI +1.50%, Vietnam- VNM +1.50%

Actively Traded Lagging Global, Regional, & Domestic Sector ETFs:

VIX vol index- VXX -2.75%, VXZ -1.50%, cocoa- NIB -1.75%, base metals- DBB -1.50%, US Treasuries & fixed income- TLT -1.0%, TLH -0.75%, IEF -0.50%, IEI -0.25%, copper- JJC -1.0%, natural gas- UNG -1.0%, cotton- BAL -0.75%, gold/silver miners- GDX -0.50%, GDXJ -0.50%

10:34

COMDX Natural gas drops to fresh lows, in delayed reaction to inventory data; now off 4.6 cents to $3.768

10:30

UNG Natural gas sees little reaction to inventory; currently down 0.5 cents to $3.809

10:30

FLXS Flexsteel Ind announces 50% dividend increase to $0.075 from $0.05 (14.53 +0.33)

10:28

ADBE NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness- Software name (ADBE) by far the best percentage gainer through today's 1st hour of trading -Technical-

NDX 10 Best % Performers:

ADBE, RIMM, FLEX, AMAT, GOOG, SRCL, VMED, MAT, NWSA, SRCL

NDX 10 Worst % Performers:

ALTR, EBAY, ESRX, SHLD, FLIR, XLNX, CTXS, VOD, QCOM, MRVL

NASDAQ A/D +2.5:1

NASDAQ TRIN +0.85

10:26

BAC Dow 30 (DJX) strength & weakness- Financials (AXP, BAC, JPM) lead the percentage gainers through today's 1st hour of trade -Technical-

DJX 5 Best % Performers:

BAC, JPM, AXP, JNJ, DIS

DJX 5 Worst % Performers:

MCD, KFT, DD, PG, BA

NYSE A/D @ +3:1

NYSE TRIN +0.70

10:21

CTSH Cognizant Tech back hovering just above session low after failure to hold above its Aug/previous 52-wk high of 63.94 -- session high 63.97 (62.97 -0.30) -Technical-

10:16

XRT SPDR Retail displays relative weakness as its falls back into the red (38.55 -0.04) -Technical-

JCP -0.3%, JCG -0.4%, FDO -0.4%, CHS -1.9%, GYMB -0.5%, AAP -1%, SHLD -1%, WFMI -0.1%, HSNI -0.4%, KMX -0.6%.

10:15

SPY Stock indices slip back off opening highs -- Dow +51, S&P +8.2, Nasdaq +16 -Update- -Technical-

10:12

IYZ iShares DJ Telecom attempts to break out above 2010 range top (20.96 +0.15) -Technical-

The IYZ reached 20.76 in early Jan, 20.73 in Apr and 20.77 in early Aug. The IYZ has steadily outperformed the S&P since May and had been flirting with these 52-wk highs for over the last several days but the best it had done prior to today was close 0.05 above. The gap up start created a more concerted short term breakout attempt with it reaching 21.00. The obvious key from here is to maintain a posture above this zone on an intraday and closing basis (Click for chart) -- T, CTL, LUK, PCS, Q, S, VZ, WIN, NIHD, VMED.

10:10

TECHX Opening Point Gainers/Losers -Technical-

Point Gainers: GOOG (+8.38), AAPL (+2.98), MMYT (+2.80), BEN (+2.50), ADBE (+2.31), GS (+1.89), NFLX (+1.88), DB (+1.67), TM (+1.54)

Point Losers: SEH (-2.88), MCD (-2.12), NZ (-1.52), FUQI (-1.47), SCOK (-1.37), WBMD (-1.09)

09:52

BAC Bank of America gaps up, vacillating near its 50 sma/ema at 13.75/13.79 (13.77 +0.40) -Update- -Technical-

These averages were of note in July as they capped the rebound attempt mid-month.

09:51

SPY S&P +9 pauses after gap higher start -Update- -Technical-

The index broke above its April/Aug trendline and last week's high (1105) off the open but has paused in recent trade. Short term a posture above this previous high keeps it positioned for follow through. No short term technical damage while it remains above 1103/1102. The next resistance above is at 1113/1115 (congestion, flat line for the year, 200 sma).

09:46

USO U.S. Oil Fund ETF hovering just above its late Aug/Sep highs/range top at 33.57/33.52 (33.61 +0.47) -Technical-

09:44

DIA Early strength for Dow, hovering just above its 200 sma at 10451 -Technical-

Top performers include: BAC +3%, JPM +2.3%, CSCO +1.7%, GE +1.7%, AXP +1.5%, DIS +1.4%, AXP +1.4%, MMM +1.2%.

09:40

CSCO Cisco Systems early gains leave it modestly under last week's recovery high at 21.13 (21.00 +0.36) -Technical-

09:38

KBE SPDR KBW Bank provides early leadership, sets new high for the month near its 50 sma 23.31 (23.30 +0.51) -Technical-

The next level of note above if able to sustain a breakout is at 23.69/23.73 (200 ema/Aug gap) -- BAC, BK, BBT, C, JPM, MTB, PNC, STT, USB, WFC.

09:34

ASEI American Science & Engineering receives $42.2 mln service and maintenance renewal order from U.S. Government (75.16 +0.37)

Co announced the receipt of a $42.2 mln service and maintenance renewal order from the U.S. government to extend support of the U.S. government's fleet of AS&E screening systems.

09:33

V Visa displays relative weakness and slips under yesterday's low/May low, probes its Aug/52-wk low at 68.01 -- session low 68.11 (68.33 -0.23) -Technical-

09:27

BRS Bristow Group announced new contracts worth in excess of $1.3 billion in revenue over the next ten years (34.99 )

09:21

BSDM BSD Medical announced that Dalian Orientech, co's exclusive China distributor, has ordered two BSD-2000 Hyperthermia Systems (2.27 )

09:20

PWE Penn West Energy announces plans for corporate conversion, increases to capital program, and changes to monthly distributions (18.33 )

Co will be adding ~$150 million to its drilling program targeting light oil resource plays. Co's 2011 capital program of $1.0-1.2 billion will direct ~85% of total capital to light oil prospects. Co is forecasting annual average daily production growing to between 172,000-177,000 boe per day for 2011 weighted more than 60% to oil and liquids... Co will be reducing the current distribution of $0.15 per unit per month to $0.09 per unit per month... Co intends, with securityholder, regulatory, and court approval, to convert to a conventional corporation on or about January 1, 2011. During the fourth quarter, unitholders will receive a proxy mailing outlining our plans for conversion.

09:14

On the Wires

Central Vermont Public Service (CV) will purchase two-thirds of the output of Iberdrola Renewables' planned Deerfield Wind Project in Readsboro and Searsburg, Vt., under an agreement announced today. CVPS will purchase 20 megawatts of the project's planned 30-megawatt output for nine years...With an investment of $1.023 billion, Ecopetrol (EC) has opened its hydro-treatment plant at the Barrancabermeja Refinery, allowing Colombia to enter the age of clean fuel production throughout the world... CME Group (CME) announces the launch of E-micro gold futures exclusively on CME Globex to begin trading on October 3 for trade date October 4. The E-micro gold contract is one-tenth the size of the benchmark 100-oz full-size gold futures contract and carries a smaller initial margin requirement.

09:07

CYT Cytec increases price for Aero Melamine effective October 1, 2010 by $0.05/lb (50.34 )

09:07

TBUS DRI Corp subsidiary received "strategically significant" order valued at more than $500k for Mobitec electronic destination sign systems and other equipment from Solaris Bus & Coach (1.63 )

09:06

CDE Coeur d'Alene Mines says exploration drilling program at the newly opened Kensington Gold Mine in Alaska has been returning favorable results through the first eight months of this year, with the exploration of new targets continuing (17.81 )

09:05

KOPN Kopin received a two-year $750k Phase II Small Business Innovative Research contract for the development of Aluminum Indium Nitride-based high electron mobility transistors (3.13 )

09:04

HALO Halozyme Therapeutics prices offering of 8.3 mln shares of its common stock at $7.50 per share (7.99 )

09:03

OKS ONEOK Partners completes tranaction to sell 49% of its ownership of Overland Pass Pipeline Co to Williams Partners (WPZ) for ~$424 mln (70.25 )

ONEOK Partners (OKS) announces that it has completed a transaction to sell 49% of its ownership of Overland Pass Pipeline Company LLC to Williams Partners L.P. (WPZ). ONEOK Partners received ~$424 mln at closing in accordance with the joint-venture agreement. ONEOK Partners will use the proceeds from the transaction to repay short-term debt and to fund capital projects.

09:03

OMAB Grupo Aeroportuario Aug traffic increased 5.2%, total number of flight operations increased 14.3% (11.59 )

09:02

TMO Thermo Fisher authorized the repurchase of an additional $750 million of shares of its own common stock (44.52 )

09:01

THM International Tower Hill Mines intersects high-grade gold zone and expands new Olive Zone at Livengood Gold Deposit, Alaska (6.17 )

Co announce the results from the latest 17 drill holes completed in its 50,000-metre Summer 2010 Livengood Exploration Program. Highlights: 1) 6.1 Metres of 18.2 g/t Gold & 10.7 Metres at 1.4 g/t Gold in Top 30 Metres MK-RC-0391: 45.7 m at 1.1 g/t gold in the new Olive Zone; 2) MK-RC-0396: 13.7 m at 2.1 g/t gold in the new Olive Zone; 3) MK-RC-0402: 9.2 m at 2.5 g/t gold in top 50 metres - Sunshine Zone; 4) MK-RC-0399: 128 m at 1.03 g/t gold & 16.8 m at 1.3 g/t gold - Sunshine Zone; 5) MK-10-53: 103 m at 1.53 g/t gold - Core Zone

09:01

RICK Rick's Cabaret reports August revenues at its adult nightclubs increased 6.9% y/y to $6.5 mln (6.41 )

Sales at clubs open more than 12 months were off 6.5 percent for the month, due largely to lower revenues at Rick's Cabaret Las Vegas, where the company has sharply reduced marketing expenses.

09:00

VLNC Valence Tech sings multi-year contract expected to generate sales of $19-24 mln (0.883 )

Co announced the signing of a multi-year supply agreement with Wrightbus, the United Kingdom's leading independent supplier of hybrid buses for public transportation systems. Valence expects this initial contract to generate between $19 million to $24 million in battery sales over the six-year term of the agreement, subject to market demand.

08:52

BBY Best Buy will expand its in-store e-reader selection this fall with addition of the Amazon (AMZN) Kindle (33.54 )

In addition to offering Kindle, Best Buy is the exclusive retail partner for the Barnes & Noble (BKS) NOOK ebook Reader, and also carries the Sony (SNE) Reader Touch, Pocket and Daily Editions.

08:50

EMMS Emmis Comms: JS Acquisition terminates offer to purchase all of co's outstanding shares of Class A Commmon Stock for $2.40; co terminates issue of 12% PIK Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 (1.64 )

JS Acquisition, Inc, whose equity securities are owned entirely by Jeffrey Smulyan, the Chairman, CEO and President of co, and JS Acquisition, LLC, wholly owned by Mr. Smulyan, announce that its offer to purchase all of co's outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock for $2.40 per share in cash has terminated. Also, co announces that its offer to issue 12% PIK Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 in exchange for Preferred Stock at a rate of $30.00 principal amount of New Notes for each $50.00 of liquidation preference of Preferred Stock has also terminated.

08:42

On the Wires

The Babcock & Wilcox Company (BWC), announces that one of its subsidiaries, Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, has signed a contract to design, engineer, supply and construct a selective catalytic reduction system for Consumers Energy's J.H. Campbell Generating Complex Unit 2, located near West Olive, Mich. Under the terms of the contract, B&W PGG will supply and build an SCR system for the control of nitrogen oxides emissions and associated equipment and flues for the 360 megawatt Campbell Unit 2. Engineering for the project is already underway... Misonix (MSON) entereS into a new, three year, exclusive distribution agreement with Dismeval, s.l., based in Valencia, Spain... Crown Holdings (CCK) announceS that its subsidiary, CROWN Asia Pacific Holdings, plans to install a second beverage can line in its existing facility in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

08:34

GBG Great Basin Gold updates Hollister Mineral Resources measured and indicated gold equivalent ounces increase by 14% (2.43 )

Co announces a revised mineral resource estimate has been completed for the Hollister Project on the Carlin Trend in Nevada, USA. At a cut-off grade of 0.25 oz/ton (8.57 g/t Au), the combined measured and indicated mineral resources contain 1.64 million gold equivalent ounces grading 1.305 oz/ton (44.73 g/t Au) for gold and 10.3 oz/ton (355 g/t) for silver, an increase of 14% compared to 1.44 million ounces in 2009. A further 1.27 million gold equivalent ounces are contained in inferred mineral resources of 1.04 million tons at a grade of 0.59 oz/ton (20.19 g/t) for gold and 13.8 oz/ton (472 g/t) for silver.

08:33

AAPL Apple releases statement on App Store review; relaxing all restrictions on the development tools (262.92 )

Co is relaxing all restrictions on the development tools used to create iOS apps, as long as the resulting apps do not download any code. "This should give developers the flexibility they want, while preserving the security we need. In addition, for the first time we are publishing the App Store Review Guidelines to help developers understand how we review submitted apps. We hope it will make us more transparent and help our developers create even more successful apps for the App Store."

08:33

POWR PowerSecure announced it has received $15 million of new awards for its Interactive Distributed Generation(R) smart grid power systems (8.79 )

08:32

UQM UQM Technologies to receive expected $2.1 mln reimbursement under Its Assistance Award with the U.S. Department of Energy (2.40 )

Co announced that a contingency contained in its Assistance Award from the U.S. Department of Energy has been removed resulting in the Company qualifying for the reimbursement of certain product qualification and testing costs incurred since August 5, 2009 and to be incurred over the remaining term of the Assistance Award. The Company expects to bill and receive a payment of ~$2.1 million for costs incurred through July 31, 2010 which will be recorded as an expense offset in the second fiscal quarter. In addition, the Company will bill and record reimbursements of such costs incurred after July 31, 2010 prospectively as such costs are incurred. As a result, the Company expects to report profitable operations for both the second fiscal quarter and the six month period ending September 30, 2010.

08:30

MMM 3M to acquire Arizant Inc. for a purchase price of $810 mln in cash (82.75 )

Co announces acquisition of Arizant. On a GAAP reported basis, co estimates the acquisition to be $0.03 dilutive to earnings in the first 12 months following completion of the transaction. Excluding purchase accounting adjustments and anticipated integration expenses, co estimates the acquisition to be neutral to earnings over the same period. First year EBITDA~35 percent-to-sales. Sales for 2010 are expected to be approximately $200 mln. The transaction is expected to be completed in Q4.

08:30

DIOD Diodes increases 3Q10 revs guidance 8-11% sequentially to range between $161-166 mln vs consensus of $160.7 mln; sees gross margin to range between 36.5-37.0% vs 35.5% consensus (14.99 )

Previously co expected that gross profit would increase at a rate comparable to its revenue growth or gross margin of 35.8%.

<p>08:25

QXM Qiao Xing Mobile receives proposal from its parent company XING regarding purchase of minority shareholdings (3.55 )

Co announced that it has received a proposal from its parent company, Qiao Xing Universal (XING), regarding the acquisition of all outstanding ordinary shares of QXM that XING does not currently own, by way of a Scheme of Arrangement under British Virgin Islands law. The Proposed Transaction, if completed, would result in QXM becoming a privately-held company. XING has proposed to offer 1.9 shares of its common stock plus $0.80 in cash for each QXM share held by persons other than XING. XING filed its letter of intent with the SEC on Form 6-K on September 8, 2010. QXM's Board of Directors established a committee consisting solely of independent and disinterested directors to, among other things, evaluate whether the Proposed Transaction is in the best interests of the Company and whether it is fair and equitable to the Minority Shareholders.

08:21

BKC Burger King appoints Bernardo as CEO following completion of acquisition by 3G Capital (23.67 )

3G Capital announces plans to appoint Bernardo Hees as CEO of co upon completion of its pending acquisition of co. Mr. Hees was most recently Chief Executive Officer of America Latina Logistica since January 2005 and served on its Board of Directors. He had served as Chief Operating Officer since November 2003.

08:16

AXR AMREP Corporation announces receipt of 'Going Private' proposal at $12.00/share (10.24 )

Co reported that Nicholas G. Karabots, the beneficial owner of approximately 60% of AMREP's outstanding common stock and the Vice Chairman of AMREP's Board of Directors, has submitted to the Board of Directors a proposal for the merger of AMREP with a company controlled by Mr. Karabots. Under the terms of the merger proposal, the remaining holders of AMREP's common stock would receive cash consideration of $12.00 per share.

08:14

On the Wires

Tyler Technologies (TYL) announces that Alaska's Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has signed a contract to invest in Tyler's Munis enterprise resource planning solution, part of Tyler's complete school solution. The agreement includes software licenses, related professional services, maintenance and support... The Dow Chemical Company's (DOW) subsidiary announces that it has entered into a long-term research and product development agreement, focused on the use of EXZACT Precision Technology, with KWS SAAT AG. Under the terms of the agreement, co will provide KWS with a commercial license option for traits and products developed with EXZACT Precision Technology in sugar beets, as well as a research license for use in several row crops... Allied Nevada Gold (ANV) provided an update on recent North Brimstone drilling at its wholly owned Hycroft mine, located west of Winnemucca, Nevada. Highlights from this drilling include 36 meters grading 3.13 g/t AuEq and 50 meters grading 1.01 g/t AuEq... Credo Petroleum's (CRED) second Bakken well has been successfully completed and production tested at high rates. During testing, the Weisz 11-14#1-H flowed over 2,000 barrels of oil equivalent from 37 fracture-stimulated stages of Middle Bakken perforations during an early 24-hour period... Juniper Networks (JNPR) announced that regional business TV channel CNBC Asia Pacific has deployed its high-performance Ethernet switches to support live broadcasting from the Singapore Exchange... Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals (MIPI) announced that it has received a ninth extension of its waiver agreement with its Bond holders, allowing debt restructuring discussions to continue... Computer Sciences (CSC) wins $26 mln Navy contract for the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9

08:04

TCX Tucows announces intention to commence a Dutch Auction tender offer to repurchase up to 2.9 million common shares (0.62 )

Co announced that it intends to commence a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer to repurchase up to 2,900,000 shares of common stock, representing approximately 5.1% of Tucows' outstanding shares. The tender offer is expected to commence on Friday, September 17, 2010 and to expire, unless extended, at 5:00 P.M., New York City Time, on Tuesday, October 19, 2010. Shareholders will have the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at a price within the range of $0.61 to $0.70 per share, which price range may be modified by Tucows prior to the commencement of the offer.

08:04

PSEC Prospect Capital announces increase in revolving credit facility commitments (9.65 )

Co announces that Prospect has increased total commitments to Prospect's three-year $300 million revolving credit facility by $30 million to $240 million in the aggregate. The Facility includes an accordion feature which allows Prospect to accept up to an aggregate of $300 million of revolving commitments, a target Prospect expects to reach with additional and existing lenders.

08:03

OSIS OSI Systems unit received an order for ~$4 mln from ITT Corporation (ITT) for electronic sub-assemblies (31.90 )

08:03

ITG Investment Tech say August 2010 US trading volume was 3.4 bln shares (13.92 )

Co announces that August 2010 US trading volume was 3.4 bln shares. This compares to 3.6 bln shares and 3.9 bln shares in August 2009. There were 22 trading days in August 2010 and 21 days in both July 2010 and August 2009.

08:02

VRX Valeant Pharmaceuticals to offer approx $1 bln principal amount of senior unsecured notes; also announced it will begin the arrangement for new senior secured credit facilities of approximately $1.9 bln (64.43 )

In connection with the definitive merger agreement under which Valeant and Biovail Corporation (BVF) would combine, the Notes and the new credit facilities are expected to be guaranteed by (i) all material U.S. subsidiaries of Valeant, and (ii) at the effective time of such merger, Biovail and by all material subsidiaries of Biovail.

08:01

NTAP NetApp and Oracle agree to dismiss lawsuits (46.43 )

Co announces that both parties have agreed to dismiss their pending patent litigation, which began in 2007 between Sun Microsystems and NTAP. The terms of the agreement are confidential. "Moving forward, we will continue to collaborate with Oracle to deliver solutions that help our mutual customers gain greater flexibility and efficiency in their IT infrastructures."

08:00

ARMH ARM Holdings introduced the Cortex-A15 MPCore processor (18.09 )

Co introduced the Cortex-A15 MPCore processor that delivers a 5x performance improvement over advanced smartphone processors, within a comparable energy footprint. In advanced infrastructure applications the Cortex-A15 processor running at up to 2.5GHz will enable scalable solutions within constantly shrinking energy, thermal and cost budgets.

07:59

MCD McDonald's announced global comparable sales +4.9% in August: +4.6% U.S., +2.2% Europe, +7.8% APMEA (76.08 )

07:54

CRXX Combinatorx changed its name to Zalicus and updated its development strategy for Synavive (1.35 )

Co is currently working to optimize and secure adequate supplies of its modified-release, once-daily capsule formulation of Synavive to meet anticipated clinical trial demands. This formulation is designed to provide greater efficacy through the optimal co-exposure of Synavive's components, as well as an improved tolerability profile. In addition, based on feedback from leading practitioners in the arthritis field and compelling data from previous Synavive clinical trials, co plans to advance Synavive into further Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using its novel modified-release formulation, in early 2011.

07:52

KFY Korn/Ferry beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides Q2 EPS in-line (14.94 )

Reports Q1 (Jul) earnings of $0.24 per share, $0.04 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.20; revenues rose 48.6% year/year to $183.2 mln vs the $166.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.20-0.27 vs. $0.21 Thomson Reuters consensus, with fee rev of $165-185 mln.

07:44

On the Wires

WABCO Holdings (WBC) confirmes that it has appealed the recently announced decision by the European Commission to assess a EUR 326 mln civil fine ($400 mln at the date of assessment) against entities representing the former American Standard Companies Inc... United Community Financial Corp. (UCFC) announces today that Douglas M. McKay will retire at the end of 2010 from his positions of President and CEO at co and from the boards of United Community and Home Savings. Following his retirement, he will become a Director Emeritus of United Community... Praxair (PX) China has signed a long-term supply contract with Shanghai Hua Li Microelectronics Corporation to supply industrial gases to its 12-inch integrated-circuit chips production line... TIB Financial Corp. (TIBB) announces taht co received an extension from The NASDAQ Stock Market hearing panel to comply with the $1.00 per share bid price requirement and continue its listing on NASDAQ through January 3, 2011. Additionally, NASDAQ recently granted the Company's request for the financial viability exemption set forth in Nasdaq Rule 5635(f) as it applies to shareholder approval of the previously announced investment by North American Financial Holdings... Enbridge Energy Partners (EEP) discloses that, on 9/8/10, co has entered into an underwriting agreement with underwriters with respect to the issue and sale by the Partnership of $400 mln aggregate principal amount of 5.50 % Notes due 2040... Maxwell Technologies (MXWL) announces that it has delivered BOOSTCAP ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell modules for more than 1,000 hybrid transit bus drive systems through the first three quarters of 2010, and sees continuing strong demand going forward... China North East Petroleum Holdings (NEP) announces that after making all requisite filings, co received notice from NYSE Amex on September 8, 2010 that co is again in compliance with NYSE Amex's continued listing requirements. As a result, co expects trading of its stock on NYSE Amex to resume on 9/9/2010... Tyler Technologies (TYL) announces that Alaska's Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has signed a contract to invest in Tyler's Munis enterprise resource planning solution, part of Tyler's complete school solution. The agreement includes software licenses, related professional services, maintenance and support.

07:39

WBC WABCO Holdings confirmed it appealed the recently announced decision by EC to assess civil fine ($400 mln at the date of assessment) (39.17 )

07:31

WBMD WebMD Health announces preliminary results of its tender offer; 14,007,542 shares of common stock were properly tendered and not withdrawn

Co announces preliminary results of its tender offer to purchase up to 3 mln shares of its common stock at a price of $52.00 per share.

07:28

GSK GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab announced the start of a Phase III study in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (39.10 )

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Genmab announced the start of a Phase III study in patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) who did not respond to or progressed during, or within 6 months of a rituximab containing regimen. Genmab will receive a milestone payment of ~$20 mln triggered by the treatment of the first patient in the study.

07:21

CYN City National prices $300 mln 5.25%Senior Notes Offering (50.63 )

Co announces Pricing of $300 mln 5.25% Senior Notes Offering. The notes are to be sold at a price of 99.738%of the principal amount and will pay interest semi-annually. The offering is expected to close on September 13, 2010.

07:09

SHPGY Shire Plc announced the expansion of its Human Genetic Therapies pipeline; Shire will make an upfront payment to Acceleron of $45 million; reaffirms FY10 non-GAAP EPS (67.08 )

Co announced the expansion of its Human Genetic Therapies pipeline through the exclusive license, in markets outside of North America, for the activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) class of molecules being developed by Acceleron Pharma Inc., a private biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Acceleron is eligible to receive additional development, regulatory and sales milestone payments of up to $165 million for the successful commercialization of ACE-031 in DMD, up to an additional $288 million for successful commercialization of other indications and molecules, and royalties on product sales. Shire will also make a contribution to global development costs. Co stated "Shire's 2010 outlook of Non GAAP earnings trending towards $4.00 per ADS (vs $3.98 consensus), which was recently announced in its second quarter earnings press release is unchanged."

07:08

On the Wires

Allied Nevada Gold (ANV) provided an update on recent North Brimstone drilling at its wholly owned Hycroft mine, located west of Winnemucca, Nevada. Highlights from this drilling include 36 meters grading 3.13 g/t AuEq and 50 meters grading 1.01 g/t AuEq... PDL BioPharma (PDLI) announces ex-dividend date of september 13 for special dividend... Rentrak Corporation (RENT) signed a contract to provide usage data to the newly formed on-demand network, Right Network.

07:05

LOGM LogMeIn: Communique Lab files patent infringement lawsuit against LOGM and Dell (DELL) (33.13 )

Communique Lab is seeking past and future damages, as well as a trebling of damages for willful infringement and injunctive relief. The patent relates to a system, computer product and method for providing a private communication portal.

06:55

S&P futures vs fair value: +5.20. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +6.50.

06:55

Asian Markets

Nikkei...9098.39...+73.80...+0.80%. Hang Seng...21167.27...+78.40...+0.40%.

06:55

European Markets

FTSE...5472.11...+42.30...+0.80%. DAX...6192.80...+28.40...+0.50%.

06:48

STEI Stewart Enterpr reports EPS in-line, revs in-line (5.00 )

Reports Q3 (Jul) earnings of $0.07 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.07; revenues rose 4.4% year/year to $122.9 mln vs the $122.2 mln consensus.

06:36

On the Wires

Shanda Games (GAME) establishes joint venture with China Network TV to establish an online game video channel...DTS (DTSI) has announced an agreement with Orange, for the use of DTS technology on Orange's IPTV service.

03:51

MICC Millicom redeems high yield bond (98.66 )

Co announces its intention to redeem in full the 2013 10% bond in Dec 2010. The plan is conditional on raising new financing within operations of up to $400 mln. The par value of the bonds is ~$455 mln, and early redemption will incur a penalty of 1.65%, all of which will be paid out of cash balances within the Group. The redemption itself is expected to lead to earnings per share accretion of more than 5% in 2011.

02:46

CBOE CBOE Holdings: CBOE Futures Exchange to launch first options contract (22.05 )

Co annouces it will introduce trading in its first options on a futures contract: Weekly options on VIX futures.

01:55

ARG Airgas: Two leading proxy advisory firms recommend that airgas stockholders vote against APD's January meeting proposal (64.59 )

Co announces that Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis recommend that ARG stockholders vote AGAINST APD's proposal to amend the Company's By-Laws to require a January 2011 meeting of stockholders. Co's board urges stockholders to Vote FOR ARG's Directors and AGAINST APD's By-Law Amendment Proposals.

01:49

APD Air Products comments on ISS recommendation that ARG shareholders vote in favor of all APD nominees (77.79 )

Co issues statement that they stand ready to negotiate with ARG Board. Co points out January annual meeting proposal is key to consummating transaction and is confident ARG shareholders will vote to retain option to maximize value of their investment. Co urges shareholders to vote FOR APD's nominees and all by-law proposals on September 15.

01:40

BTIM BioTime CFO resigns (4.60 )

Co announces that Steven Seinberg has resigned as CFO effective September 17, 2010. He will be returning to the practice of law at a private firm. He has agreed to assist BioTime in transition tasks on a consulting basis. Co's current SVP and COO, Robert Peabody will take on the duties of CFO on an interim basis.

01:35

GAME Shanda Games to acquire Eyedentity Games (5.77 )

Co announces agreement to acquire Eyedentity Games as part of the co's overall growth strategy in the global market. The transaction is valued at ~$95 mln in cash. The closing of the transaction is subject to standard closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in 3Q10.

01:26

TCK Teck Resources announces pricing of $700 mln of notes (37.82 )

Co will issue $700 mln in aggregate principal amount of notes, consisting of $500 mln aggregate principal amount of 4.500% notes due 2021 and $200 mln aggregate principal amount of 6.000% notes due 2040.

01:22

EGA Emerging Global Shares announces stock split

EGA Emerging Global Shares announced today a 2-for-1 stock split for three of its ETFs (EEG, EEO, EFN) and a 3-for-1 stock split for one of its ETFs (EMT). The shares will be payable after the close of trading on September 15, 2010.

01:22

EEG EGA Emerging Global Shares announces stock split (47.85 )

EGA Emerging Global Shares announced today a 2-for-1 stock split for three of its ETFs (EEG, EEO, EFN) and a 3-for-1 stock split for one of its ETFs (EMT). The shares will be payable after the close of trading on September 15, 2010.

01:14

NI NiSource prices offering of 21.1 mln shares of its common stock at $16.50/share (16.93 )

18:38

GERN Geron is trading 8.2% higher after hours at $5.29/share following news that Sierra Sciences co-authors paper announcing successful lengthening of telomeres to extend human lifespan (See 18:36 comment) (4.89 +0.08) -Update-

18:36

GERN Geron: Sierra Sciences co-authors paper announcing successful lengthening of telomeres to extend human lifespan (4.89 +0.08)

Sierra Sciences, in collaboration with TA Sciences, Geron (GERN), PhysioAge, and the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), has announced the first compound ever discovered that activates the enzyme telomerase in the human body - a critical prerequisite for technology that could arrest or reverse the aging process in humans. This compound is a natural product derived nutraceutical known as TA-65.

18:22

GLD December gold is trading just under the unchanged line after hours; currently -0.20 at $1256.50 per ounce (122.71 +0.01)

18:20

USO October crude oil is trading higher after hours, sitting just under the $75 level; currently +$0.31 at $74.98 per barrel (33.14 +0.37)

18:15

CRESY Cresud SA FY10 net income increased 48.8% to Ps.185.4 mln; total production revs rose 26.2% to Ps. 217,721 (14.38 -0.06)

18:13

IRS IRSA Inversiones reports FY10 5.78 per GDS from 2.74 in last year's quarter; revs grew 254% to Ps. 1,323,326. (13.39 -0.10)

18:05

SU Suncor Energy reports that oil sands production during August averaged ~331,000 barrels per day (32.04 +0.11) -Update-

Year-to-date oil sands production at the end of August averaged ~270,000 bpd. The company also reports planned maintenance has begun on one of its two oil sands upgraders (U2) at its oil sands operations near Fort McMurray. The planned maintenance will take place concurrently with repair work underway on a hydrogen reformer connected to U2, which experienced an unplanned outage in August.

17:52

GMXR GMX Resources announces a reduction in Capex for 2011 and 2012; Subleases H&P FlexRig 3 for Remainder of Contract; reports early results on two newest Haynesville/Bossier Horizontal Wells (4.52 +0.08)

Co announced a reduction in capital expenditure guidance for 2011 and 2012 down from $200 mln in each year to $175 mln in each year. CapEx guidance for 2010 remains unchanged at $175 mln. GMXR's current plan is to continue to run a two rig program. Based on increases in well performance, previously announced production guidance remains unchanged at 17.5-19.0 Bcfe for 2010, 28.0-30.0 Bcfe for 2011, and 32.0-34.0 Bcfe for 2012.

17:49

LINE LINN Energy announced a private offering to eligible purchasers of $1 bln in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021 at an offering price equal to 98.264% of par (29.79 +0.52) -Update-</p>

17:46

Futures are mixed after hours: S&P 500 futures are +0.99 from fair value of 1099.3 and Nasdaq100 futures are -0.30 points from fair value of 1877.80

17:30

KRO Kronos Worldwide announces a price increase for all titanium dioxide products sold in North America (32.36 -1.65)

Co announced a price increase for all titanium dioxide products sold in North America. Effective October 1, 2010, or as permitted by contract, prices for all Kronos titanium dioxide products sold in North America will be increased by US$0.08 per pound (or equivalent in other currencies).

17:30

SEH Spartech Names Victoria M. Holt President & Chief Executive Officer, to Succeed Myles Odaniell (9.19 +0.10) -Update-

Co announced that Victoria M. Holt has been appointed President and Chief Executive effective September 8, 2010. Holt, a former Senior Vice President at PPG Industries and a member of Spartech's Board of Directors, will succeed Myles Odaniell.

17:29

ASR Grupo Aeroportuario Del Sureste announced that on September 7, 2010, Compania Mexicana de Aviacion, S.A. de C.V. has been granted bankruptcy protection (43.59 +0.42)

Co reported Mexicana Inter, S.A. de C.V. and Aerovias Caribe, S.A. de C.V. have also filed for bankruptcy protection.

17:20

UAUA UAL reported its preliminary consolidated August traffic results; total consolidated revenue passenger miles increased in August by 2.5% (22.06 -0.21)

Co reported that total consolidated revenue passenger miles increased in August by 2.5% on an increase of 1.7% in available seat miles compared with the same period in 2009. This resulted in a reported August consolidated passenger load factor of 86.7%, an increase of 0.6 points compared to 2009.

17:15

CHP C&D Technologies announced that it has filed a Notification of Late Filing, or Form 12b-25, with the SEC with regard to its Form 10-Q report for the Co's Q2 FY11 (0.43 -0.07)

17:01

MDMD MediaMind announces exercise of overallotment option in common stock offering (12.00 -0.27)

Co announced that the underwriters of its initial public offering have partially exercised their option to purchase additional shares of common stock from the co to cover overallotments, and will purchase 413,703 shares.

17:01

SGMS Scientific Games announces pricing of $250 mln of 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2018 (10.24 +0.02) -Update-

Co announced that it has priced its private offering of $250 mln of 8.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the "2018 Notes"). The Notes Offering is expected to close on or about September 22, 2010, subject to customary closing conditions.

17:00

MEOH Methanex plans to restart its methanol plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta (22.72 -0.32)

Co announced that it plans to restart its 470,000 tonne per year methanol plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada in April 2011. In support of the restart, MEOH has commenced a program to purchase natural gas on the Alberta gas market. The plant consumes ~50,000 mmbtu of natural gas per day operating at capacity. The plant has been idle since 2001 and the estimated capital cost to restart the plant is ~US$40 mln.

17:00

ALOY Alloy reports Q2 EPS of (0.1), including special charges vs. $0.08 in last year's quarter; revs grew 9% to $53.2 mln (9.63 +0.01) -Update-

16:56

UBA Urstadt Biddle Prop beats by $0.04 (18.89 +0.21)

Reports Q3 (Jul) funds from operations of $0.34 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.30; revenues rose 6.5% year/year to $21.8 mln vs the $21.3 mln consensus.

16:44

FUN Cedar Fair reaffirms full-year revenue guidance in-line with consensus (11.84 +0.19)

Co reported that it has continued its strong year-to-date operating performance through the Labor Day weekend. Through September 5, 2010, revs increased ~$32 mln, or 4%, to $824 mln compared with $792 mln a year ago. Co reaffirms its current guidance of 2010 revs of $940-965 mln vs. $955.6 mln Thomson Reuters consensus and reaffirms full-year adjusted EBITDA, excluding one-time costs, between $320-340 mln.

16:41

ALCO Alico announces credit restructure renegotiated terms include relaxed covenants and variable interest (21.11 +0.23)

Co announced that it has entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") with RABO AGRIFINANCE for $100 mln to refinance its term note and revolving line of credit with Farm Credit of Southwest Florida ("Farm Credit"). Proceeds from the Agreement were used to extinguish the Co's term note and revolving line of credit with Farm Credit.

16:41

GAME Shanda Games reports EPS in-line, misses on revs (5.78 +0.02)

Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.16 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.16; revenues fell 3.7% year/year to $163.9 mln vs the $165.9 mln consensus.

16:33

GRT Glimcher Realty lowers Q3 and 2010 FFO's guidance, in-line with consensus (6.24 -0.02)

Co lowers top end of Q3 funds from operations (FFO) to $0.15-0.17 vs. $0.17 Thomson Reuters consensus, from $0.15-0.18. Co lowers FY10 FFO's of $0.72-0.77 vs. $0.77 consensus.

16:32

FULT Fulton Fincl repurchases warrant from U.S. Treasury at agreed upon a repurchase price of $10.8 mln for the warrant (8.71 +0.27)

Co announced that it has repurchased the warrant the company had issued to the U.S. Treasury as part of the TARP Capital Purchase Program. Fulton Financial and the Treasury agreed upon a repurchase price of $10.8 million for the warrant, which had entitled the Treasury to purchase 5,509,756 shares of the co's common stock.

16:23

LFL Lan Airlines S.A. reports statistics for August 2010: Load factor increased 1.3 points to 77.8%; system passenger traffic for August increased 13.7% as capacity rose 11.7% (29.10 +0.56)

16:22

SNTS Santarus licenses novel type 2 Diabetes drug CYCLOSET (2.22 +0.02)

The co, S2 Therapeutics and VeroScience announced that they have entered into a distribution and license agreement granting Santarus exclusive rights to manufacture and commercialize CYCLOSET tablets in the U.S. CYCLOSET is a prescription drug approved by FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus both as mono-therapy and in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents. Santarus expects to commercially launch CYCLOSET in November 2010.

16:21

PAY VeriFone acquires Semtek for $18 mln (26.14 -0.36)

Co announced that it has accelerated its efforts to deliver end-to-end encryption solutions with the acquisition of encryption co Semtek. PAY previously invested in Semtek's equity funding. Semtek shareholders received PAY common shares that valued the acquired co at $18 mln.

16:21

WRC Warnaco Group appints Helen McCluskey as Chief Operating Officer (48.02 +1.36)

16:18

MEAS Measurement Specialties announced the acquisition of Pressure Systems from Esterline Technologies (ESL) for ~$25 mln in cash (15.45 -0.06)

16:16

STRM Streamline Health announces Gary Winzenread, senior VP of product development and implementation services, has been appointed COO effective September 2 (1.19 +0.11) -Update-

16:16

BMC BMC Software: SailPoint signs international reseller agreement with BMC Software (38.68 +0.36) -Update-

16:16

QCOR Questcor Pharma informed that the FDA will require additional time to complete its review of H.P. Acthar Gel (10.36 )

Co announced that the FDA has informed Questcor that the FDA will require additional time beyond the current action date of September 11, 2010 to complete its review of Questcor's supplemental new drug application for H.P. Acthar Gel in the treatment of infantile spasms. Co also stated "To date, third quarter 2010 prescription and sales levels are encouraging... In the first two months of the third quarter, these prescriptions have increased modestly compared to the first two months of the second quarter of 2010. At the current quarterly run rate, vial shipments by Questcor in the third quarter of 2010 would exceed the record just set in the second quarter. Questcor has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss

16:15

WG Willbros awarded Canadian pipeline construction project (8.58 -0.07)

Co announced that its Canadian unit, Willbros Canada, has executed a contract to perform construction of "Spread C" for Pembina Pipeline Corp's Nipisi & Mitsue Pipeline Projects. In addition to the recent Pembina award for construction of six pump stations, Willbros will also construct ~90 km of dual 20 inch and 8 inch pipeline near Slave Lake, Alberta.

16:14

AVAV AeroVironment beats by $0.07, misses on revs; guides FY11 revs in-line; reaffirms FY10 revs guidance, lowers operating income margin guidance (23.35 +0.25)

Reports Q1 (Jul) loss of $0.16 per share, $0.07 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.23); revenues rose 0.8% year/year to $38.2 mln vs the $39.2 mln consensus. Co reaffirms revs guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs growth of 10-15%, which calculates to ~$250.6-286.9 mln vs. $275.74 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co reduces its operating income margin expectation to between 10-12% of revenue.

16:13

PRE PartnerRe Ltd. announces share repurchase authorization of up to 7 mln common shares (76.35 +0.83)

Co announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase authorization up to a total of 7 million common shares, effective immediately. This replaces the prior authorization of 8 million common shares announced by the Company in February 2010. To date in 2010, the Company has repurchased a total of approximately 8.7 million common shares pursuant to prior authorizations.

16:10

TNS TNS Inc announces $50 mln share repurchase program (15.72 +0.18)

Co announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a repurchase program of up to $50 million of the company's common stock over the next 18 months, subject to extension.

16:09

HALO Halozyme Therapeutics announces public offering of 8.3 mln shares of common stock (7.99 +0.21)

Co intends to use net proceeds for general corp purposes and to support further R&D of its product candidates

16:07

CLCT Collectors Universe reported Q4 $0.34, excluding $1.09 benefit, vs. $0.15 in last year's quarter; revs grew 10.6% to $10.8 mln (13.92 +0.26)

16:03

GAP Great A&P Tea to sell seven store locations in northern Connecticut (3.22 -0.07)

Co entered into an agreement with Big Y Foods to sell seven store locations in northern Connecticut. The sale of these stores is part of a comprehensive turnaround strategy initially announced in late July. The stores are expected to close at the end of October.

16:02

NNBR NN Inc Chairman and CEO will exercise 66.33K stock options due to expire on Oct 10 in open mkt beginning Sept 8; three Board members may exercise options due to expire on same date (8.64 +0.11) -Update-

16:00

REGN Regeneron Pharms and Sanofi-aventis (SNY) report phase 3 trial of aflibercept in second-line metastatic colorectal cancer to continue as planned (24.42 +0.03)

The cos announced that the Phase 3 VELOUR clinical trial of aflibercept (VEGF Trap) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancerwill continue to completion as planned, with no modifications due to efficacy or safety concerns. This decision is based on the recommendation of an Independent Data Monitoring Committee following a planned interim analysis. Both sanofi-aventis and Regeneron management and staff remain blinded to the interim study results. Final results are expected 2H 2011.

16:00

ATSC ATS awarded new contracts totaling $4.9 mln and $1.25 mln from legal settlement (2.68 -0.07)

Co announces it has been awarded several contracts totaling $4.9 mln over a one-year period, supporting the U.S. Air Force, the Defense Technology Security Administration, and other State government and commercial accounts. Co also announces that it has signed a settlement with the former principal owners of Advanced Technology Systems, Inc. related to a previously disclosed indemnification claim associated with the Maximus lawsuit. As a result, co received a settlement payment of $1.25 mln. This concludes all outstanding legal proceedings.

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