Briefing.com: Hourly In Play (R) – 14:00 ET

Feb 24, 2010 (Briefing.com via COMTEX) -- Hourly In Play (R)

Updated: 24-Feb-10 14:00 ET

13:33

PFE Pfizer confirms CDC's advisory committee on immunization practices recommends Pfizer's Prevnar 13 (17.99 +0.32) -Update-

Co confirms that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended the use of Prevnar 13 (Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein]) for healthy children aged 2 months through 59 months for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by the 13 pneumococcal serotypes included in the vaccine. The ACIP's recommendations include the routine use of Prevnar 13 for infants and toddlers, as well as a supplemental dose for children through 59 months of age who have completed the 4-dose immunization series with Prevnar(R) (Pneumococcal 7-valent Conjugate Vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein]). In addition, the ACIP recommended that children who have started their immunization series with Prevnar should complete the series by switching to Prevnar 13 at any point in the schedule.

13:31

COMDX COMEX Metals Closing Prices

April gold finished lower by $6.40 to $1096.80, March silver ended up 1.2 cents to $15.90 and March copper gained 2 cents to close at $3.236.

13:25

NTDOY Nintendo confirms launch of the new Nintendo DSi XL hand-held system on March 28 (33.63 +0.14) -Update-

Co cofirms that the new Nintendo DSi XL(TM)hand-held system launches March 28 at a suggested retail price of $189.99. Co also announced a variety of games available to download directly to the Wii console from the Wii Shop Channel via the WiiWare service, and directly to the Nintendo DS via the DSi Shop and DSiWare services.

13:23

KIE SPDR KBW Insurance notches minor new session high of 36.97 (36.96 +0.57) -Technical-

The new high leaves KIE slightly under its Jan peak and Feb high from yesterday at 37.07/37.15. Note that its 52-wk close high from Sep comes into play at 37.26 with the 52-wk intraday high from Sep at 37.84 -- AFL, AMP, CB, GNW, HIG, MET, PFG, PRU, TRV, XL.

13:23

GGWPQ Gen Growth Prop announces $2.625 bln proposed equity commitment from Brookfield Asset Management (13.15 +0.16) -Update-

Co announces it has reached an agreement in principle with Brookfield Asset Management, to invest in a proposed recapitalization of GGP at a plan value of $15.00 per share and provide par plus accrued interest to unsecured creditors. The $2.625 billion proposed equity commitment from Brookfield is not subject to due diligence or any financing condition and is expected to create a floor value for the purpose of raising additional equity for the company. The plan is subject to definitive documentation, approval of the Bankruptcy Court and higher and better offers pursuant to a bidding process to be approved by the Bankruptcy Court. The proposed plan is designed to maximize value for all GGP stakeholders and enable a restructured GGP to emerge from bankruptcy on a standalone basis with a diverse portfolio of high-quality income-producing assets, strong cash flow and a solid balance sheet capitalized principally with long-term non-recourse debt.

13:18

KRE streetTRACKS KBW Reg Bank working back toward morning peak (24.99 +0.67) -Update- -Technical-

Noted relative strength in KRE in the 10:36 update with it working back near the morning peak at 25.01 in recent trade. There is minor congestion near 25.09/25.13 with its Jan/52-wk peak at 25.22 -- BOH, CVBF, FMER, FULT, MBFI, ONB, PACW, SBNY, SIVB, UMPQ.

13:15

SPY Relative Sector Strength -Update- -Technical-

The Dollar Index has paused near its day session high with some relative strength in recent trade noted in Finance XLF / RKH, Housing XHB, REITs IYR, Airline. Energy/Commodity are lifting off pullback lows as Dollar stalls (Steel SLX, Gold Miners GDX, Energy XLE, Oil Service OIH, Materials XLB.

13:12

UUP Dollar Index extends intraday rebound but it has thus far paused near its day session high at 80.82 -Update- -Technical-

13:01

NOC Northrop Grumman doubles production capacity for key components of in-demand U.S. Army infrared countermeasures systems (61.57 +0.33) -Update-

Co has more than doubled the production capacity for its Viper laser and pointer/tracker assembly, integral components for several different infrared countermeasures systems designed and produced for the U.S. and allied nations to protect aircraft from MANPADS (man portable air defense system) threats.

12:45

KOL Midday global & sector ETF view -Technical-

Actively Traded Leading Global/Sector ETF Plays:

Coal- KOL +2.50%, Regional banks- KRE +2.25%, RKH +1.50%, Semis- SMH +2.25%, IGW +2.0%, Commercial banks- KBE +1.75%, iShares Hong Kong- EWH +1.75%, India- INP +1.50%, China 25- FXI +1.50%, iShares Singapore- EWS +1.50%, iShares Malaysia- EWM- +1.50%, Financials- XLF +1.50%, IYF +1.25%, Crude/WTI oil- USO +1.25%, OIL +1.25%, Insurers- KIE +1.25%, Nat gas- UNG +1.0%, Oil & Gas exploration- XOP +1.0%, NDX 100- QQQQ +1.0%, iShares US broker/dealers- IAI +1.0%

Actively Traded Lagging Global/Sector ETF Plays:

VIX vol index- VXX -2.0%, Solar power- TAN -1.50%, SPDRS metals & mining- XME -0.50%, iShares homebuilders & housing constuction- ITB -0.50%, Oil HLDRS- OIH -0.50%, Gold- GLD -0.25%, US Dollar index- UUP -0.25%

12:44

ACFN Acorn Energy invests in 4D seismic technology for oilfield monitoring (6.95 +0.13)

Co announced a strategic investment with an option to acquire control of US Sensor Systems, developer of a seismic monitoring system that promises to revolutionize field management of hydrocarbon reserves. US Sensor Systems is utilizing Acorn's $500,000 investment to date to conduct field trials comparing its new fiber optic geophone technology to the current best-in-class conventional geophones, which are based upon 50 year-old technology. For its investment to date, Acorn has acquired approximately 10% of USSI, and has a series of options to acquire up to ~84% of the company for aggregate consideration of ~$6.1 mln in cash and stock through May 2011.

12:42

PEGA Pegasystems selected by BAA to enable airport collaborative decision making initiative at Heathrow (36.28 -0.26)

Co's SmartBPM platform to support Airport - Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) at London Heathrow Airport. The first phase of the multi-stage project at Heathrow was delivered in just nine weeks.

12:31

HYGS Hydrogenics awarded contract for UNIDO fuel cell powered boat (0.28 +0.04)

Co announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with six HyPM HD8 fuel cell power modules for a boat project coordinated by the International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies (ICHET) in Istanbul, Turkey. Hydrogenics will also supply carbon composite hydrogen storage tanks and components, other auxiliaries and spare parts for two years of operation to ICHET, which is overseeing the integration. This contract follows on the award in 2009 of four HyPM HD12 fuel cell power modules for a passenger boat application ordered by the engineering organization BELBIM A.S. for Istanbul's Municipal Transit Authority, in which UNIDO-ICHET participated as a hydrogen and fuel cell consultant.

12:30

CBLI Cleveland Biolabs submits response to DoD Request for proposal for radiation countermeasure; believe its CBLB502 fits these and other listed criteria (5.00 +0.24)

Co announced that it has submitted a response to the Request for Proposal issued by The Department of Defense (DoD) for the advanced development, FDA approval/licensure and delivery of Medical Radiation Countermeasure. Co commented that the DoD's RFP described a countermeasure as one that would be administered following exposure to ionizing radiation that will decrease incapacity and prolong survival by treating the gastrointestinal sub-syndrome of ARS. "We believe our radiation protection drug candidate, CBLB502, fits these and other listed criteria," noted Fonstein.

12:24

UNH UnitedHealth notches a new session high of 33.14, hovering modestly under its Feb rebound high/week long range top at 33.21 (33.11 +0.30) -Technical-

12:07

GCOM Globecomm Systems awarded maritime managed services contract from PACC Ship Managers Pte (7.51 -0.13)

Co's wholly-owned subsidiary, Telaurus Communications, has been awarded a three-year maritime managed services contract from Singapore based PACC Ship Managers. Pursuant to the terms set forth in the contract, Telaurus will provide maritime fleet broadband terminals (FB500) and its se@COMM maritime communications platform to thirty vessels trading worldwide.

12:04

SPY Trading volume analysis with charts-- Total trading volume pacing lighter than yesterday's tally with notable decline in NASDAQ -Technical-

Through the first 2.5 hours of trading today, total exchange trading volume is pacing below totals seen at this point yesterday, with notable lack of participation in the relative strength leader NASDAQ thus far. With the indices rebounding from yesterday's sharp, high volume sell-off (broad based bearish distribution), the price/volume pattern relationship thus far does not appear bullish, suggesting limited participation from funds & institutions as the indices recover & bounce. We will continue to watch the development throughout the trading session. However, market breadth on both exchanges remains firm here with advancers outpacing decliners by a wide margin while TRIN levels register bullish readings under 1.0.

As of 12:00p.m. ET, nearly 404M shares have changed hands on NYSE vs. 411M yesterday, while over on NASDAQ, 938M shares have turned over vs. 1.02B yesterday.

NYSE 30 min volume chart

NASDAQ 30 min volume chart

12:02

European Markets Closing Prices: FTSE: 5342.9 +27.8 +0.5%, DAX: 5615.5 +11.4 +0.2%, CAC: 3716.1 +9.1 +0.2%, Spain's IBEX: -0.6%, Portugal's PSI: -0.6%

12:00

DTG Dollar Thrifty extends vehicle supply agreement with Ford Motor Company (28.05 -0.32)

Co announced that it has extended its vehicle supply agreement with Ford Motor Company (F) for an additional year. The agreement will allow the Company to source a portion of its annual vehicle purchases through Ford until August 2013 and can be extended further with joint approval. Co previously announced that its 2010 vehicle purchases include 34% Ford, 30% Chrysler, 20% General Motors, 6% Nissan (NSANY) and 10% other automobile manufacturers.

11:45

NXY Nexen restored production at Buzzard to full rates (22.06 +0.11)

Co restored production at Buzzard to full rates of between 200,000 and 220,000 boe/d (86,000 and 95,000 boe/d, net to us). Buzzard had been flowing at reduced rates of 50,000 boe/d (gross) since Feb 16th after routine monitoring identified an item requiring repair to the separator unit on the Buzzard platform. In the second quarter, co plans further activities on the separator unit which will coincide with planned one to two week shutdown to install the topsides of the fourth platform.

11:40

RIG Transocean shares fall to fresh session lows as price now probes the Feb. swing/support low @ exactly 80.97 (80.77 -3.74) -Update- -Technical-

LoD now @ 80.71 as shares underperform following earnings. RIG -4.45% vs. SPX +0.80% & IYE +0.40%

11:37

BPW BPW Acquisition stockholders approve merger with The Talbots (TLB) (10.50 +0.16)

11:33

FSS Federal Signal increases offer for Sirit (7.61 +0.21)

Sirit announces that it has signed a second amending agreement with Federal Signal Corporation (FSS), for the purpose of amending their previously announced agreement (the "Arrangement Agreement") under which Federal Signal will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Sirit (the "Common Shares") by way of plan of arrangement. Under the terms of the amended agreement, Sirit shareholders would receive, for each Common Share, $0.46 in cash (instead of $0.43 in cash under the prior amended Federal Signal offer dated February 22, 2010).

11:31

CROX Volume Alert -- Crocs breaks to fresh highs on a pick up in volume, climbing over $0.40 (5%) during the past 5 mins as it nears a test of its Oct-Feb range high of 8.00-8.20 (7.64 +0.23) -Technical-

Would note that the co. is out with earnings tomorrow, after the close.

11:30

CALP Caliper Life Sciences & Stanford University file patent infringement lawsuit against Carestream Health (3.47 +0.05)

Co announced the filing of a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. In the suit, filed with Stanford as a co-plaintiff, Caliper Life Sciences and Xenogen seek a finding of willful infringement by Carestream Health, Inc. of Rochester, NY, compensatory damages, a trebling due to willfulness, a permanent injunction and attorneys' fees against Carestream for the ongoing, unauthorized and willful use of a number of United States patents that Caliper, through Xenogen, exclusively licenses from Stanford University. The seven patents in-suit (which comprise a portion of Caliper's "Optical Imaging Patent Suite(TM)") encompass methods for non-invasive in vivo imaging of fluorescence and bioluminescence in animals. Researchers licensed under Caliper's Optical Imaging Patent Suite are uniquely enabled by Caliper's novel imaging systems and method patents in fields such as identifying disease pathways, determining mechanisms of action, evaluating drug compounds, and monitoring a compound's effects on disease progression in living animals. To date, more than 1300 peer-reviewed research articles that utilized Caliper's IVIS imaging systems have been published, demonstrating the critical role of Caliper's imaging systems and the patented imaging methods in furthering research and aiding the development of lifesaving therapies.

11:26

SLXP Salix Pharma extends its gap up open higher intraday as it nears a test of its late Jan/all-time high near 29.91-30.00 (29.38 +5.13) -Update- -Technical-

11:25

TCK Teck Resources reaches agreement with employees at the Line Creek coal mine (36.54 +0.10)

Co announced that employees at the Line Creek coal mine in British Columbia have ratified a new five-year collective agreement, replacing an agreement which expired May 31, 2009. The agreement provides for 3% annual wage increases and expires May 31, 2014.

11:18

PFE Pfizer: FDA confirms it approved Pneumococcal disease vaccine with broader protection (17.89 +0.22) -Update-

FDA confirms the approval of Prevnar 13, a pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine for infants and young children ages 6 weeks through 5 years. Prevnar 13 will be the successor to Prevnar, the pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine licensed by the FDA in 2000 to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease and otitis media. The new vaccine extends the protection to six additional types of the disease-causing bacteria. Prevnar 13 is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Collegeville, Pa., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pfizer.

11:14

Rumor Round Up

Today was a much busier rumor morning compared to this week's previous two sessions. AM Superconductor (AMSC 28.58 +0.76) was rumored to be hearing interest from General Electric (GE 16.08 +0.13); we note this rumor has been around in the past. It was rumored that Microsoft (MSFT 28.70 +0.37) could be interested in Sina (SINA 36.81 -0.15) however the shares did not materially react. Weatherford (WFT 16.49 +0.25) was rumored to be hearing interest from Halliburton (HAL 30.33 +0.13). WFT shares spiked ~$0.15 after the rumor and have continued the strength, now up 1.5%. Palm (PALM 8.44 +0.24) shares had a spike in price and volume after a rumor circulated they could be involved in a joint venture to develop a tablet type offering. As mentioned before, while many rumors circulate during the day, and the validity of the source of these rumors can be questionable, the speculation may increase volatility in the near term.

11:12

DD DuPont expects strong 2010 performance polymers sales growth, margin expansion (34.03 +0.30)

Co announces at the DuPont Investors' Business Review Series teleconference today, Diane Gulyas, president - DuPont Performance Polymers, highlighted plans to grow the business' sales greater than 12% in 2010 while increasing the pre-tax operating income margin. "DuPont Performance Polymers expects to deliver about 10% compounded annual sales growth rate and pre-tax operating income margin expansion greater than 700 basis points between 2009 through 2012."

11:08

OEH Orient-Express successful in defending trademark infringement case (11.47 +0.06)

Co successful in defending an appeal against the decision in the High Court in London in December 2008 in which he found for Hotel Cipriani in an action for trade mark infringement and passing off in respect of the mark ''Cipriani'' for restaurant services, against the operators of the restaurant 'Cipriani' London. Hotel Cipriani is the proprietor of the 'Cipriani' trade mark registered within the UK and across the European Union for hotels and restaurant services. In a lengthy and comprehensive judgment in December 2008, the High Court had found that 'Cipriani' (Grosvenor Street), 'Cipriani' International SA of Luxembourg, companies controlled by the Cipriani family including Arrigo and Giuseppe Cipriani, and Giuseppe Cipriani personally, had by operating a restaurant in Mayfair under the name 'Cipriani' London infringed the Hotel's UK and Community trade marks and English Law and were also liable for passing the restaurant off as being associated with the Hotel. The Court of Appeal has now dismissed the Defendants' appeal and confirmed the High Court's findings that the Defendants' use of 'Cipriani' and "'Cipriani' London' was not in accordance with honest practices in industrial and commercial matters" and that the Hotel's UK and Community trade mark registrations for 'Cipriani' are valid and subsisting.

11:07

S&P says Greece 'BBB+/A-2' ratings remain on CreditWatch negative

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said that it is maintaining its 'BBB+' long-term and 'A-2' short-term sovereign credit ratings on the Hellenic Republic (Greece) on CreditWatch with negative implications. We initially placed the long-term rating on CreditWatch on Dec. 7, 2009. Then, on Dec. 16, 2009, we lowered the long-term rating to its current level and maintained it on CreditWatch. At the same time, we placed the short-term rating on CreditWatch with negative implications. "In our view, a further downgrade of one to two notches is possible within a month," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Marko Mrsnik. Since our lowering of the long-term rating on Dec. 16, 2009, the Greek government has presented the 2010 update of its stability program and has also announced additional measures--including a freeze on public sector wages and an increase in fuel taxes--to reinforce its budgetary goal to cut its 2010 general government deficit by 4% of GDP vis-a-vis the 2009 level, to 8.7% of GDP. We view the announcements of additional deficit-reducing measures as a reasonable step toward reducing the public debt burden, given the divergence between the country's deteriorating economic growth prospects and what we view as overly optimistic growth assumptions underlying the 2010 update (actual results showed a 2% decline in GDP in 2009, versus a 1.2% decline estimated in the update) and its implications for public finances.

11:06

COMDX Crude oil looks to test $80 after notching fresh highs at $79.96; now up $1.02 to $79.88

10:56

SPY S&P 500 reaches resistance -Update- -Technical-

Noted secondary resistance at 1104/1105 (Monday low, 62% retrace of Fri-Tues slide, congestion) in The Technical Take and we have seen this level tested in recent trade. Intraday support is at 1101.50 and the 1100 area. Resistance above is at 1107.50/1108 (congestion/50 day sma).

10:51

SPY Stock indices run to new session highs in unison -- Dow +108, S&P +10.6, Nasdaq +26 -Update- -Technical-

Relative strength on the upside extension has come from Housing XHB, Semi SMH, Finance XLF / RKH, Materials XLB, Ag/Chem MOO, Gold Miners GDX, Steel SLX, Solar TAN, Rail.

10:51

WWON Westwood One announce partnership with Greater Media Philadelphia (6.14 0.00)

Co announced a new partnership with Greater Media Philadelphia. Co will now supply traffic and news information to the following Greater Media stations in the Philadelphia market: WMGK-FM Classic Rock, WMMR-FM Rock, WBEN-FM Adult Hits, WPEN-AM Sports, and WPEN-FM Sports.

10:47

COMDX Crude trades to fresh highs at $79.56; now up 55 cents to $79.41

10:47

SBGI Sinclair Broadcast announces completion and results of tender offers (5.13 +0.04)

Co announced the completion of its tender offers for any and all of the co's outstanding $27.7 mln principal amount of 3.0% convertible sr notes due 2027 (CUSIP No. 829226AW9) (the "3.0% Notes") and $37.0 mln principal amount of 4.875% convertible sr notes due 2018 (CUSIP No. 829226AU3) (the "4.875% Notes" and, together with the 3.0% Notes, the "Notes"). As of 12:00 midnight, New York City time on February 23, 2010 (the "Expiration Date"), holders representing approximately 44.3% ($12.3 mln) in principal amount of the 3.0% notes and 38.7% ($14.3 mln) in principal amount of the 4.875% notes had validly tendered and not validly withdrawn their Notes.

10:42

DIA Dow sets minor new session high +81, S&P +7.8 and Nasdaq +20 hovering just below -Technical-

Dollar declines to new lows as stock indices rebound.

10:41

COMDX Crude moves back into positive territory as dollar index falls back towards lows and stock market moves higher; now up 43 cents to $79.29

10:36

KRE streetTRACKS KBW Reg Bank sets fresh session high, Finance -- XLF, KIE -- display relative strength vs. market -Technical-

BOH, CVBF, FMER, FULT, MBFI, ONB, PACW, SBNY, SIVB, UMPQ.

10:35

KOL 1st hour sector ETF view -Technical-

Actively Traded Leading Sector ETF Plays:

Coal- KOL +2.25%, Regional banks- KRE +1.50%, US airlines- FAA +1.25%, Nat gas- UNG +1.25%, Semis- SMH +1.25%, IGW +1.25%, China 25- FXI +1.0%, India- INP +1.25%, Global shippers- SEA +0.75%, Commercial banks- KBE +0.75%, Insurers- KIE +0.75%, Financials- XLF +0.75%, IYF +0.75%, Casinos- BJK +0.50%, NDX 100- QQQQ +0.75%, Ag commods- DBA +0.50%

Actively Traded Lagging Sector ETF Plays:

Homebuilders & construction- XHB -1.75%, ITB -2.25%, Solar power- TAN -1.0%, SPDRS metals & mining- XME -0.75%, Oil HLDRS- OIH -0.75%, SPDRS utilities- XLU -0.75%, VIX vol index- VXX -0.75%, US Dollar index- UUP -0.50%

10:34

OIH Oil Service HOLDRS Trust slides to new session low after data but stabilizes at round number support at 120.00 (120.46 -0.82) -Update- -Technical-

The next level of note on the downside if any follow through develops is at the bottom of last Tuesday's gap at 119.49.

10:30

OIH Crude oil drops into negative territory following inventory data; currently off 17 cents to $78.69

10:30

AMCS AMICAS confirms receipt of updated acquisition proposal from Merge Healthcare (5.86 +0.10)

Co announced that it has received from Merge Healthcare Incorporated (MRGE) a proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of AMICAS for $6.05 per share in cash, which has been updated to include an executed definitive commitment letter for $200 million of financing from Morgan Stanley and confirmation that Merge will place a portion of the pre-funded proceeds received from its mezzanine investors into an escrow account directly accessible by AMICAS. As previously announced, on December 24, 2009 AMICAS entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Thoma Bravo for $5.35 per share in cash. The AMICAS Board of Directors, in accordance with its fiduciary duties and the terms of the Thoma Bravo Merger Agreement, will evaluate the updated Merge proposal to determine the appropriate next steps. AMICAS will advise stockholders of the Board's recommendation in due course, and stockholders are advised to take no action at this time. There can be no assurance that a transaction with Merge will result.

10:28

GSK GlaxoSmithKline responds to US Senate Committee On Finance report on Avandia (37.44 +0.02)

Co states that the Staff Report fails to present an accurate, balanced, or complete view of the currently available information on Avandia. The company rejects any allegations of concealing safety information or acting inappropriately on behalf of patients. GSK respectfully disagrees with the Committee's decision to publish a Staff Report with the errors of fact, omission, and inference detailed in this White Paper.

10:26

ADSK NASDAQ 100 (NDX) leaders & laggards moving through today's 1st hour of trading -Technical-

NDX 100 Best % Performers:

ADSK +8.50%, LRCX +2.25%, ALTR +2.0%, JOYG +2.0%, RIMM +2.0%, XLNX +2.0%, JBHT +1.75%, BRCM +1.50%, FLEX +1.75%, ADBE +1.50%, CA +1.50%

NDX 100 Worst % Performers:

GRMN -6.50%, FWLT -1.25%, PCLN -1.0%, FSLR -1.0%, DISH -0.50%, VRSN -0.50%, SYMC -0.50%, EXPD -0.50%, GOOG -0.25%, URBN -0.25%

NASDAQ TRIN @ +0.80

NASDAQ A/D @ +285

10:24

UUP Dollar Index works off low, seeing relative weakness in Energy/Commodity -- XLE, OIH, SLX, GDX -Technical-

10:23

AXP Dow (INDU) leaders & laggards moving through the 1st hour of today's trading -Technical-

INDU 30 Best % Performers:

AXP +0.75%, HPQ +0.75%, INTC +0.75%, MSFT +0.75%, TRV +0.75%, JPM +0.75%

INDU 30 Worst % Performers:

AA -1.0%, MRK -0.50%, CVX -0.50%, GE -0.25%

NYSE TRIN @ +1.0

NYSE A/D @ +395

10:15

SPY Minor new pullback lows but stock indices holding on to firmer tone -- Dow +38, S&P +3.5, Nasdaq +13 -Update- -Technical-

Relative weakness on the decline was noted in Housing XHB, Utility UTIL, Solar TAN, Gold Miners GDX, Airline.

10:09

XHB SPDR Homebuilders slumps after data, pulls back to its 50-day sma/ema at 15.45 -- session low 15.44 (15.44 -0.30) -Technical-

LEN, MDC, MTH, SPF, TOL, PHM, RYL, DHI, KBH.

10:06

CSIQ Canadian Solar shares breaking through some 200-day EMA support surrounding the 19.00 level with the 200-day SMA in line below @ 18.00 (18.77 -.31) -Technical-

LoD now 18.77 as shares underperform -1.35% vs. COMPQ +0.70%

10:03

AON Aon partners with COE on presidential wellness initiative (40.69 +0.10)

Co announced it has partnered with The Center for Organizational Excellence (COE) to support a multi-agency health and wellness pilot program. As part of this agreement, Aon Consulting will design an integrated wellness program and comprehensive communication plan for key governmental agencies, based on an audit of their health care programs, as well as absenteeism, disability, workers' compensation and preventative care rates. "A key objective of this initiative is to stimulate behavior change, and drive participation in wellness and disease management initiatives," said Connie Freeman, vice president of the COE's Consulting Solutions Practice. "We chose Aon Consulting as a partner because of their proven track record of success in developing and implementing wellness programs that are on target for a given workforce and show measurable success." This program began in January and was prompted by a Presidential initiative for federal wellness programs.

10:01

SPY Stock indices notched fresh session highs just prior to the housing data and paused with the weaker report triggering some further minor downticks -Update- -Technical-

Dow +55, S&P +5.5, Nasdaq +19

09:58

ECONX Reminder: New Home Sales data due out in about 2 min at 10:00ET

09:54

GRMN Garmin extends to fresh gap down lows as it begins to probe support in the 31.00-32.00 area (32.11 -2.34) -Update- -Technical-

09:48

SPY Stock indices run to fresh session highs -- Dow +63, S&P +6.9, Nasdaq +18 -Update- -Technical-

09:48

TECHX Opening Point Gainers/Losers -Technical-

Point Gainers: SLXP (+4.21), BNE (+4.14), DLTR (+4.00), MIL (+2.62), EOG (+2.86), ADSK (+2.55), GMCR (+2.15), BUCY (+2.32), AAWW (+2.12), TSU (+1.63), RCL (+1.70)

Point Losers: CLH (-4.69), HRB (-3.74), STEC (-3.28), CFI (-3.20), GRMN (-2.28), POT (-2.02), RIG (-1.69), HXM (-1.56), TLCR (-1.08), CENX (-1.09), VRGY (-0.92)

09:45

SIHI SinoHub completes private offering; sold ~1.37 mln shares at $3/share (3.49 -0.32)

Co entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement for the sale of 1,366,667 shares of Common Stock at a purchase price of $3.00 per share. For each share purchased, investors will also receive a warrant to purchase 0.5 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $3.25 per share. SinoHub anticipates issuing warrants to purchase an aggregate of 683,336 shares of Common Stock

09:42

STEC STEC Inc pushes to modest gap down highs as it elevates up to challenge the 10.00 "psych" area (10.00 -3.43) -Update- -Technical-

09:39

SMH Semiconductors Hldrs Trust displays relative strength in early trade cuts two day slide in half at 26.46 -- session high 26.47 (26.38 +0.27) -Technical-

Helping to underpin are LRCX +2.5%, KLAC +1.7%, XLNX +1.6%, MRVL +1.6%, BRCM +1.4%, AMAT +1.4%, MCHP +1.3%, LLTC +1.3%.

09:35

Moody's reports Spanish savings bank sector set to undergo needed restructuring

09:34

ADSK Autodesk gaps up after reporting, pushes through its Nov peak at 27.97 to set a new 52-wk high before pausing -- session high 28.35 (27.97 +2.30) -Update- -Technical-

09:31

RIG Transocean shares gap lower on earnings with price trading into potential 200-day SMA support surrounding the 81.80~82.00 level (81.78 -2.73) -Update- -Technical-

Early LoD now @ 81.68.

Note: the early Feb. swing low for RIG stands @ 80.97.

09:30

ARD Arena Resources announces 2010 initial capital expenditure budget of $195 mln (40.69 +0.20)

Co approved an initial 2010 capital expenditure budget of $195 mln, representing an 82% increase over the estimated $107 mln spent in 2009. The CAPEX figures do not reflect any costs of acquisitions made in 2009 or projected acquisitions in 2010. Co stated that it will use ~$185 mln at its Fuhrman-Mascho property in Andrews County, Texas. The remaining $10 mln will be used to perform a number of deeper tests with an additional contract rig on existing acreage in the Clearfork, Devonian and Glorietta horizons in Texas, continued infrastructure improvements, well conversions and the drilling of five new wells, three proved undeveloped locations ("puds") in New Mexico and one pud and a water supply well in Oklahoma.

09:23

DRWI DragonWave signs OEM agreement with global mobile equipment manufacturer (12.03 )

Co announces that it has signed an original equipment manufacturer agreement with a world leader in mobile communications infrastructure. Under this agreement, DragonWave's microwave radio system is expected to be included in end-to-end mobile backhaul solutions in North America and Japan.

09:20

CADC China Advanced Construction Materials Group prices a 2 mln share common stock offering at $4.60/share (4.64 )

09:05

On The Wires

Enzon Pharmaceuticals (ENZN) announces that the first patient has been treated in the Phase 1 study of PEG-SN38 for pediatric cancer patients. PEG-SN38 or EZN-2208 is Enzon's PEGylated form of SN38, the active metabolite of the cancer drug Camptosar... Sanmina-SCI Corporation (SANM) announces that its Tatabanya, Hungary facility has received ISO 13485 certification for medical device manufacturing.

09:02

PACW PacWest Bancorp announces the sale of $323.6 mln of non-covered adversely classified loans, including $107.6 mln of nonaccrual loans (20.17 )

Co announced that on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, its wholly-owned bank subsidiary, Pacific Western Bank, completed the sale of 61 non-covered adversely classified loans totaling $323.6 mln, which includes $107.6 mln of nonaccrual loans, to an institutional buyer for $200.6 mln in cash. The sale was on a servicing-released basis and without recourse to Pacific Western Bank. The loans sold represent over one-half of the bank's non-covered adversely classified loans. All loans sold were legacy Pacific Western Bank loans and none were "covered loans" acquired in the Affinity Bank acquisition.

09:01

SWI SolarWinds and Lifeboat extend distribution agreement to Europe and select Asia Pacific markets (19.37 )

Lifeboat Distribution announced an extension of its distribution agreement with SolarWinds (SWI). Building upon reseller channel success for SolarWinds in the United States and Canada, Lifeboat will now also assume responsibility for distribution of SolarWinds' enterprise-class network and applications management software throughout Europe, India and the Asia Pacific region expanding availability and access to SolarWinds' award-winning products to IT professionals in these regions.

09:01

GT Goodyear Tire announces that Richard Kramer elected Goodyear CEO; Robert Keegan to remain Executive Chairman (12.74 )

Co announces that Richard Kramer was elected chief executive officer and president effective April 13, 2010, replacing Robert Keegan who will remain as executive chairman of the board. Kramer was also elected a member of the co's board of directors. "Through Bob's mentoring of Rich Kramer over the past nine years, the close partnership that developed as they jointly created the company's strategy, and with Rich's successful performance in several critical leadership roles, this decision is the logical and anticipated culmination of a well thought out succession plan." Kramer, 46, who was named chief operating officer in June 2009, spent the previous three years successfully leading the company's North American Tire business with a focus on customers and new product and process innovation.

09:01

OPTR Optimer Pharma Announces Pricing of Public Offering of Common Stock (11.51 )

Co announces the pricing of a public offering of 4,250,000 shares of its common stock. The offering is expected to close on or about March 1, 2010, subject to customary closing conditions. In addition, Optimer has granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 637,500 shares to cover over-allotments, if any.

09:01

CA CA Inc to acquire cloud computing provider 3Tera (22.12 )

Co announces it will acquire privately-held 3Tera, a pioneer in cloud computing. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. With 3Tera -- which follows CA's recent acquisitions of Cassatt, NetQoS and Oblicore -- CA continues to aggressively expand its portfolio of cloud computing services.

09:01

PSID PositiveID enters into partnership with FIS to launch next generation of its health link personal health record (1.18 )

Co announces that it has entered into a partnership with FIS (FIS) to launch the company's next generation Health Link personal health record. The new Health Link, which is now live, will be interoperable with Microsoft (MSFT) HealthVault and Google (GOOG) Health, as well as numerous electronic medical records systems in use throughout the country.

09:00

EP El Paso announces agreement to sell Mexican pipeline assets (10.09 )

Co announces that it has entered into an agreement to sell its interest in Mexican pipeline and compression assets to Sempra Pipelines & Storage, a unit of Sempra Energy (SRE), for $300 mln. The sale includes El Paso's 50% interest in a joint venture with the Mexican state oil company, Pemex, that owns various pipeline assets in northern Mexico close to the Texas border, as well as a 100-percent owned pipeline that originates at the Arizona border. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010 and is subject to lender consent, as well as Mexican regulatory approval. The pipeline and natural gas infrastructure assets being acquired are supported by customer contracts with an average duration of 13 years. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to SRE's earnings by $0.05 in 2010 and $0.10 in 2011.

08:58

MO Altria increases quarterly dividend 2.9% to $0.35 up from $0.34 a share (19.97 )

08:45

TJX TJX beats by $0.03, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS above consensus; guides FY11 EPS in-line; increases dividend by 25% (39.18 )

Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.94 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.91; revenues rose 10.4% year/year to $5.94 bln vs the $5.98 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.60-0.65, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.59 consensus, with comps up 3-5%. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $3.06-3.20, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $3.10 consensus, with comps up 1.2%. Consolidated comparable store sales increased 12% over the prior year on a 13-week comparable basis. The gross profit margin for the fourth quarter was 26.6%, a 4.1 percentage point increase over the prior year. The improvement was driven by very strong merchandise margins combined with buying and occupancy expense leverage. The benefit of the 14th week to last year's fourth quarter gross profit margin was essentially offset by the negative impact from mark-to-market adjustments on the Company's inventory-related hedges during the same period. The Company also intends to increase its regular quarterly dividend on its common stock to $.15 per share, effective with the dividend to be declared in April and payable in June. This increase is subject to the approval of the Company's Board of Directors and would represent a 25% increase in the current per share amount and mark the 14th consecutive year that the Company has raised the dividend. Co also expects to repurchase $900 mln-1.0 bln worth of stock in FY11.

08:44

TX Ternium S.A. beats by $0.26, beats on revs (29.90 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.79 per share, includes a $0.22 after-tax non-cash foreign exchange gain per ADS on Ternium's Mexican subsidiary's US dollar denominated debt, $0.26 better than the First Call consensus of $0.53; revenues rose 6.8% year/year to $1.37 bln vs the $1.28 bln consensus. Following the downturn in 2009, Ternium expects the economies in South America to recover, driven by strong worldwide demand for commodities. The company anticipates the NAFTA region to grow at a more moderate pace, and a more dynamic industrial sector in Mexico to support local demand for steel products. Ternium expects an increase in operating income in the first quarter 2010 compared to the fourth quarter 2009 mainly as a result of higher shipments and a relatively stable operating margin. In addition, the company foresees a gradual recovery in production capacity utilization rates during the year.

08:40

AAWW Atlas Air Worldwide beats by $0.36, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS above consensus (39.88 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.38 per share, excluding a non-cash pretax special charge of $8.2 million associated with the retirement and impairment of 747-200 freighter assets, $0.36 better than the First Call consensus of $1.02; revenues fell 4.0% year/year to $321.6 mln vs the $257.5 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $3.08 vs. $2.79 consensus. "We also expect earnings in the first quarter to be consistent with our first-quarter 2009 results, excluding special items. Should we see a more substantial economic recovery, the upside operating leverage associated with the enhanced utilization of our aircraft that is evident in our business model should drive additional earnings growth in 2010."

08:34

EV Eaton Vance beats by $0.01, beats on revs (30.60 )

Reports Q1 (Jan) earnings of $0.37 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.36; revenues rose 29.8% year/year to $272 mln vs the $264.7 mln consensus. "Eaton Vance's improving financial results reflect both continuing organic growth and the sharp recovery in market prices over the past year," said Thomas E. Faust Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Growth in our managed assets has been nicely balanced between funds and separate accounts and among leading investment disciplines."

08:33

MYE Myers Industries reports Q4 income from continuing operations of $0.16, ex-items, vs. $0.12 First Call consensus; revenue increased 5% y/y to $188.3 mln (no estimate) (9.24 )

Co states, "MYE expects 2010 to be a year of gradual economic recovery. Myers Industries made substantial progress in 2009 with aggressive and timely actions to improve its operations through restructuring programs in the Lawn and Garden and Material Handling Segments. In addition, the divestiture of two rubber products businesses from the Auto and Custom Segment decreased the Company's exposure to volatile Heavy Truck, Construction and certain Automotive markets. The company continues to review its business segments for operational improvements, as well as selective acquisitions that align closely with its focus on high-value niche markets and will advance its product development and brand leadership strategy."

08:33

ROVI Rovi and STRONG sign patent license agreement (34.12 )

Rovi Corporation and STRONG announce that they have entered into a license agreement for interactive program guide patents owned by Rovi. The agreement provides STRONG with a license to Rovi's IPG patents for STRONG branded set-top boxes sold at retail throughout Europe.

08:31

HMSY HMS awarded third party data match and recovery contract by the Alabama Medicaid Agency (46.27 )

Co announced that it had been awarded a contract by the State of Alabama Medicaid Agency (AMA) to provide various third party recovery activities, including data matches with commercial and government insurors, commercial and Medicare recoveries, real-time pharmacy cost avoidance, subrogation, and credit balance audit services. This contract is for a two-year term, with three additional one-year renewal options. "This contract represents a significant increase in the scope of work performed by HMS on behalf of the AMA, and reinforces an already strong partnership," said Maria Perrin, HMS Executive Vice President of Government Services. "We are delighted to be assisting the state in meeting its cost management objectives." HMS has been awarded 12 consecutive, competitively bid State Medicaid Third Party Recovery contracts.

08:30

PINN Pinnacle Gas Resources enters into agreement to be acquired by investor group for $0.34 per share of common stock (0.26 -0.02)

Co entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which an investor group will acquire Pinnacle in an all cash transaction for $0.34 per share of common stock. The investor group is led by Scotia Waterous and includes certain members of Pinnacle's management team. The Agreement and Plan of Merger was unanimously approved by Pinnacle's Board of Directors, upon the unanimous recommendation of a Special Committee of the Board, which was comprised solely of independent directors. The Board has recommended that Pinnacle shareholders vote in favor of the merger agreement.

08:23

On The Wires

Qwest Communications (Q) and its Qwest Capital Funding subsidiary announced an offer by QCF to purchase for cash any and all of two series of outstanding QCF debt securities with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.2 bln... Kennedy Wilson (KWIC) announces that it has acquired a $342 mln loan portfolio from a large regional bank... Voltaire (VOLT) announces that Istanbul-based mobile telecommunications and technology company Turkcell selected Voltaire's InfiniBand-based I/O fabric... Celsius Holdings (CELH) announces that Celsius will be available at participating Casey's General Stores.

08:15

DLTR Dollar Tree beats by $0.08, revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS above consensus, revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (49.69 )

Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $1.52 per share, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of $1.44; revenues increased 12.4% year/year to $1.56 bln vs $1.56 bln First Call consensus. Operating margin increased 210 basis points for the quarter to 14.0%. The improvement was driven by a 150 basis point increase in gross margin and a 60 basis point reduction in Selling, General and Administrative expenses. Co issues guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.77 to $0.85, which includes a non-recurring, non-cash charge relating to an the inventory accounting change, vs. $0.75 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $1.29 bln to $1.33 bln vs. $1.29 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $3.96 to $4.23, which includes the aforementioned inventory accounting change, vs. $3.48 consensus; sees FY10 revs of 5.59 bln to $5.76 bln vs. $5.23 bln consensus.

08:09

GEL Genesis Energy, L.P. misses by $0.15, beats on revs (19.77 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.08 per share, $0.15 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.23; revenues rose 15.4% year/year to $436.3 mln vs the $400.6 mln consensus. Available Cash before Reserves (a non-GAAP measure) remained steady at $23.7 mln in the fourth quarter.

08:05

PIP PharmAthene reports data show Valortim Anthrax Anti-Toxin may augment Immune System's ability to destroy Anthrax Bacteria (2.13 )

Co announced that new data from the Cco's Valortim anthrax anti-toxin program were presented at the 8th Annual ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland, February 21-24, 2010. The data were presented by Dr. Alan S. Cross, Professor of Medicine and Dr. Subhendu Basu, Assistant Professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine, in a poster presentation entitled Human Adaptive Immune Response to Bacillus Anthracis.

08:05

RIG Transocean reports Q4 (Dec) results, misses on revs (84.51 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $2.24 per share, may not be comparable to the First Call consensus of $2.56; revenues fell 10.0% year/year to $2.55 bln vs the $2.83 bln consensus. Fourth quarter 2009 results were favorably impacted by certain net additions, after tax, totaling $10 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, as follows: $34 million for the gain on sale of an interest in a joint venture, $24 million of income related to the settlement of litigation matters, Partially offset by $48 million of net charges primarily related to discrete tax items, the retirement of debt and adjustments associated with the GlobalSantaFe merger.

08:04

CNL CLECO acquires 580-megawatt Acadia unit from Acadia Power Partners (25.64 )

Co announced the completion of its Acadia Power Station Unit 1 acquisition, valued at approximately $304 million. The acquisition of the 580-megawatt natural gas generating unit and 50 percent of the plant's common assets closed on Feb. 23, 2010, after being authorized by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). In 2007, Cleco Power solicited bids for up to 600 megawatts of intermediate and/or peaking capacity and selected Unit 1, or half of the Acadia plant, as the lowest bid in its request for proposal (RFP) for long-term capacity beginning in 2010. Acadia Power Partners, LLC (APP) owns the Acadia plant. APP is a 50/50 partnership between a subsidiary of Cleco Midstream Resources LLC, which is a subsidiary of Cleco Corp., and Cajun Gas Energy, L.L.C. (Cajun). On Feb. 19, 2010, Cleco Corp. entered into a $150 million aggregate principal amount one-year bank term loan, which matures in 2011. The interest rate for the bank term loan was a one-month London Inter-Bank Offer Rate plus 2.75 percent. The proceeds were used in part to satisfy obligations to affiliates of Cajun.

08:04

CAEI China Architectural Engineering and bondholders enter into conditional waiver related to the proposed acquisition of majority stake of ConnGame (0.95 )

The co announces that it has entered into a waiver agreement with the bondholders applicable to the proposed acquisition of a majority stake in Shanghai ConnGame Network. As stated in the Company's previous press release dated December 14, 2009, the acquisition of a 60% equity interest of ConnGame and the issuance of the 25 million CAEI shares are subject to a number of closing conditions, including but not limited to the bondholders' waiver of their rights to a reduction in the conversion price of the Company's outstanding convertible bonds and exercise price of the related warrants as a result of the proposed acquisition. On February 24, 2010, the bondholders entered into an Amendment and Waiver Agreement and agreed to waive their rights to a reduction in the bond conversion prices and warrant exercise prices for up to three months. In exchange, the Company agreed to make payments of the bonds' interest in arrears and interest due in April 2010, in addition to repayment of a separate banking facility. Completion of the proposed acquisition is subject to negotiation and execution of a definitive equity transfer agreement, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing conditions.

08:03

CDCS CDC Software acquires computility, a software as a service web-based association and membership management software solution; terms not disclosed (9.81 )

08:03

JMP JMP Group beats by $0.06, beats on revs (7.87 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.14 per share, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.08; revenues rose 174.4% year/year to $46.1 mln vs the $37.7 mln consensus. Investment banking revenues were $14.8 mln for the quarter, compared to $3.4 mln for 4Q08. Net brokerage revenues were $8.2 mln for the quarter, compared to $9.3 mln for 4Q08. Asset management-related fee revenues were $5.8 mln for the quarter, compared to $5.2 million for 4Q08, including incentive fees of $2.1 mln and $3.6 mln, respectively.

08:03

SYNO Synovis Life Tech beats by $0.01, misses on revs (14.66 )

Reports Q1 (Jan) earnings of $0.06 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 13.4% year/year to $15.2 mln vs the $16.1 mln consensus. First quarter milestones include marketing Veritas in Europe after receiving CE Mark approval in the previous quarter, receiving FDA 510(k) marketing clearance for the new Flow Coupler device and hiring eight sales representatives for the recently acquired Orthopedic and Wound business. Gross margin for the fiscal first quarter was 71%, a 1% gain over the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The gross margin improvement resulted primarily from increased sales of higher margin Veritas products. SG&A expense totaled $8.9 mln in the quarter, up from $6.3 mln in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, largely due to the company's expanded domestic surgical sales force and the incremental operating costs of Synovis Orthopedic and Wound which was established in the third quarter of fiscal 2009.

08:02

WM Waste Mgt and Enerkem announce strategic investment (32.62 )

The co announces a strategic investment by Waste Management in Enerkem, as part of Enerkem's new financing round. The closing of this new round of financing which generated CDN $53.8 million comes from Enerkem's existing institutional investors, Rho Ventures, Braemar Energy Ventures and BDR Capital as well as from new investors, Waste Management and Cycle Capital. The new funds raised will be used to support Enerkem's growth plan, including initiating the construction of its second waste-to-biofuels plant. Morgan Stanley acted as Enerkem's agent.

08:02

ALD Allied Capital misses by $0.07, misses on revs (4.05 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.02 per share, $0.07 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.05; revenues fell 34.2% year/year to $66.4 mln vs the $68.9 mln consensus.

08:02

BITS Bitstream receives Chinese Government approval for GB18030-2005 stroke font (7.99 )

Co announced that it has received official Chinese certification for its GB18030-2005 stroke font from the SLC (State Language Committee) and the CITS/CESI (Committee on Information Technology Standards/China Electronics Standardization Institute). The SLC and CITS/CESI are Chinese standards groups that approve multilingual fonts for distribution within the People's Republic of China. The GB18030-2005 font currently includes over 31,400 characters and supports Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Yi and Uyghur. The GB18030-2005 certified compact stroke-based font is just under 1 MB in size - less than one-tenth the size of a traditional TrueType Asian font. It integrates seamlessly with Bitstream's best-of-breed Font Fusion font rendering engine.

08:01

IHS IHS IHS Reaffirms 2010 Financial Guidance (51.47 )

IHS will be presenting at conferences in San Francisco and Boston today. As announced on the company's January 7, 2010 earnings conference call, IHS expects all-in revenue growth of 8-12 percent from 2009 revenue of $967 million (approx $1.04-1.08 bln, First Call consensus $1.058 bln) and all-in adjusted EBITDA growth of 12-16 percent from 2009 adjusted EBITDA of $279 million.

08:01

ARNA Arena Pharm announces FDA acceptance of Lorcaserin NDA for Filing (3.23 )

The co announces that its New Drug Application (NDA) for lorcaserin, Arena's internally discovered and developed drug candidate for weight management, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, has been accepted for filing by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Arena submitted the lorcaserin NDA on December 22, 2009, and expects to learn the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date in the next few weeks. The PDUFA date is the target date for the FDA to complete its review of an NDA.

08:01

Q Qwest and Qwest Capital Funding announce cash tender offer by Qwest Capital Funding for notes (4.45 )

The co announces an offer by QCF to purchase for cash any and all of two series of outstanding QCF debt securities with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $1.2 billion. Qwest Communications International Inc. (QCII) has unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of QCF under the notes.

08:00

TRA Terra Industries announces mandatory conversion of preferred shares (41.05 )

The co announces that on March 15, 2010, all outstanding shares of its 4.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Shares (preferred shares) will convert to Terra common stock at a rate of 120.4819 shares of common stock per preferred share. Based on the 500 preferred shares currently outstanding, Terra will issue 60,241 shares of its common stock upon conversion. The shares of common stock will be exempt from registration under Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The regular quarterly dividend on the preferred shares will be paid on March 15, 2010. After the mandatory conversion date of March 15, 2010, dividends on the preferred shares will cease to accrue and no preferred shares will remain outstanding.

07:49

SPY E~mini index futures lift to the best levels of the overnight GLOBEX session in recent trading, with the leading ES e~mini nearing the 1100.00 handle -Technical-

Price has risen steadily since the sharp drop @ 4:00a.m. ET, with the ES e~mini now up nearly 7 points off the overnight low.

S&P 500 (ES) +1.50

NDX 100 (NQ) +5.50

INDU 30 (YM) +16

07:46

COT Cott beats by $0.08, beats on revs (7.51 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.17 per share, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of $0.09; revenues rose 3.9% year/year to $386 mln vs the $374 mln consensus.

07:40

On The Wires

Bridgepoint Education (BPI) announces that Ashford University has entered into a national alliance agreement with the United States Postal Service... FedFirst Financial (FFCO) adopted a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization pursuant to which the Bank will reorganize from the two-tier mutual holding company structure to the stock holding company structure and will undertake a "second-step" stock offering of shares of common stock of a new state chartered corporation formed in connection with the conversion... Chrome Systems, a subsidiary of DealerTrack Holdings (TRAK), announces that it is now providing a robust vehicle comparison web site shopping tool for the BMW USA web site... National Technical Systems (NTSC) announces that it has opened two new engineering services and testing laboratories, one in California and another in Texas, to complement existing facilities and accommodate its expanding workload... Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited (YGE) announces that it has signed a three-year framework agreement with Gehrlicher Solar AG. Under the terms of this agreement, Yingli Green Energy has agreed to supply 285MW of PV modules to Gehrlicher Solar over a three-year period through 2012... Acacia Research Corporation (ACTG) announces that a subsidiary has acquired rights to patents for line screen printing technology... Unisys Corporation (UIS) announces that it has teamed up with software developer Storage Fusion Ltd to offer a global Storage Resource Analysis service, designed to help companies optimise data-centre efficiency and eliminate expensive storage costs... WuXi PharmaTech (WX) announces that it has received the formal certificate of GMP compliance from the Medical Products Agency of Sweden, acting on behalf of the European Medicines Agency, for its c-GMP drug product manufacturing and analytical testing facilities located in Shanghai.

07:38

VPHM ViroPharma reports Q4 (Dec) results, beats on revs (10.55 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.15 per share, may not be comparable to the First Call consensus of $0.24; revenues rose 75.6% year/year to $87.8 mln vs the $82.5 mln consensus. Co increases 2010 Net Cinryze sales of $150 to $175 million. Global selling, general and administrative (SG&A) and research and development (R&D) expenses, including the impact of SFAS 123R, are expected to be $125 to $140 million. SFAS 123R expenses are expected to be between $10 and $12 million.

07:37

FSRV FirstService misses by $0.18, beats on revs (19.01 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.27 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.18 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.45; revenues rose 11.5% year/year to $465.8 mln vs the $415.8 mln consensus.

07:35

CHS Chico's FAS beats by $0.05, beats on revs (13.92 )

Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.10 per share, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 16.7% year/year to $435.7 mln vs the $421.1 mln consensus. For the quarter, gross margin, expressed as a percentage of net sales, increased 1,020 basis points to 54.6% from 44.4% in the prior year's fourth quarter. End of year inventory increased $6.1 million or approximately 5% from the prior year. Consolidated inventory at the end of the year increased 4% per selling square foot to $53 compared to $51 at the end of the prior year. The co also announced its Board has declared an initial quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share on its common stock. The dividend will be payable on March 22, 2010 to Chico's FAS shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2010. This is the first quarterly dividend declared since Chico's FAS became a publicly traded company in March 1993.

07:33

CFL Broadview Security beats by $0.10, reports revs in-line (41.20 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.39 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.29; revenues rose 7.5% year/year to $145.4 mln vs the $145.9 mln consensus. The increase in revenue was primarily due to continued growth in the subscriber base, up 4.4 percent from a year ago, and a 4.5 percent increase in average monthly recurring revenue per ending subscriber, partially offset by lower pre-wire and trim-out revenues from new home builder customers. Monthly recurring revenue ("MRR") increased 9.1 percent at quarter-end over the prior year period to $44.2 million, driven by a 4.4 percent increase in ending subscribers and a 4.5 percent increase in average monthly recurring revenue per subscriber. The co had previously provided an estimated total incremental spend associated with the new brand introduction and an estimate for the portion to be spent in the full year 2010. In light of the proposed acquisition by Tyco, the co will not be updating these figures or providing guidance for the full year 2010.

07:33

AFAM Almost Family reports EPS in-line, revs in-line (36.68 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.70 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.70; revenues rose 18.4% year/year to $78 mln vs the $78.5 mln consensus. "Our fourth quarter results serve to top off another milestone year in the development of our Company. During 2009, we, along with other home health industry leaders, devoted substantial time and attention to national health care reform activities. We feel we made great strides in improving the perception of home health care in the minds of legislators and other policy makers. Against this backdrop, our management team and over 6,000 caregivers continued their uncompromising focus on providing high quality home care for our patients and quality returns for our shareholders. Our fourth quarter and full year results demonstrate our continued ability to generate organic revenue and earnings growth. With our strong balance sheet and our position as one of the nation's larger providers we believe we are well positioned for continued growth both organically and as a consolidator in our industry." Fourth Quarter Financial Results

07:32

CLH Clean Harbors misses by $0.13, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 revs in-line (58.85 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.53 per share, $0.13 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.66; revenues rose 38.9% year/year to $347 mln vs the $349.7 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of $1.4-$1.45 bln vs. $1.45 bln consensus. The company now is targeting EBITDA of $224-$232 mln, or EBITDA margin of approximately 16% for 2010. The company had previously provided preliminary EBITDA margin guidance of approximately 17%. This reduction in EBITDA guidance is primarily due to the recent margin trends in the Eveready business and the unseasonable weather throughout North America in early 2010. Co states, "We remain cautious about the sales environment in 2010 although we are beginning to see the initial signs of recovery in many of our end-markets - characterized by two consecutive quarters of sequential revenue gains in our Environmental Services business. In early 2010, we experienced an uptick in much of our Western Canadian operations, although not at the profitability levels we expected."

07:32

WOLF Great Wolf Resorts beats by $0.08, misses on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus; guides FY10 EPS below consensus (2.47 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.38 per share, $0.08 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.46); revenues rose 15.1% year/year to $56.3 mln vs the $57.5 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of ($0.36)-($0.30) vs. ($0.18) consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of ($1.19)-($1.02) vs. ($0.76) consensus. "In 2009 Great Wolf Resorts delivered outstanding results as our peak weekend business has remained consistently strong," said Kim Schaefer, chief executive officer. "As a result of the strength of the Great Wolf Lodge(R) brand along with our value proposition of providing guests with a high-quality vacation at an affordable price, we have bettered the broader hotel industry in RevPAR performance for the past two years. We also made progress on our balance sheet during the year by extending our near-term maturities. We have limited capital needs going into 2010 and our resorts generate strong cash flows, which allow us sufficient cash to operate our business."

07:31

LXP Lexington beats by $0.01, misses on revs; guides FY10 FFO below consensus (6.05 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.25 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.24; revenues fell 8.6% year/year to $90.1 mln vs the $93.5 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees FFO of $0.93-0.97, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.99 consensus.

07:31

LIFE Life Technologies debuts the SOLiD PI system, expands genetic sequencing portfolio (49.50 )

Co announced plans for the Applied Biosystems SOLiD PI System, a new highly accurate, flexible and easy-to-use genomic analysis platform that will bring next-generation sequencing within the grasp of all life science research laboratories worldwide. Early customer adoption of the SOLiD PI System is expected to begin in the second half of 2010.

07:24

SHPGY Shire received fast track designation from the FDA for REPLAGAL, its enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease. (63.38 )

07:18

TRI Thomson Reuters beats by $0.01, beats on revs; sees FY10 revs flat to slightly down (35.06 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.44 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.43; revenues fell 1.1% year/year to $3.36 bln vs the $3.32 bln consensus. Revenues from ongoing businesses declined 3% before currency (down 1% on an IFRS basis), with strong growth in Tax & Accounting, Markets' Enterprise, Healthcare & Science and Legal's subscription business offset by weaker performance in Markets' other units and in print and transaction revenues in Legal. Fourth-quarter 2008 revenue growth of 5% provided a challenging comparison. Based on the current environment in the markets that the co serves, Thomson Reuters expects its revenues to be flat to slightly down in 2010 (consensus calls for +0.6% rev growth) due to the impact of negative net sales in 2009. The co expects net sales to strengthen throughout 2010. The co expects its underlying operating profit margin to be comparable to 2009 before investments in the major new products and platforms launching this year. These investments are expected to have an impact of approximately 100 basis points. The co's plan to continue its aggressive investment focus to drive growth and capture efficiencies is likely to result in 2010 underlying free cash flow being slightly down on the prior year.

07:15

YHOO Yahoo! announced a global partnership with Twitter (15.38 )

Co announced a global partnership with Twitter to integrate Twitter's social experiences with Yahoo!'s global network. People will be able to access their personal Twitter feeds across Yahoo!'s many products and properties. People will be able to update their Twitter status and share content from Yahoo! in their Twitter stream.

07:12

FTR Frontier Communications reports EPS in-line, revs in-line (7.70 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.15 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.15; revenues fell 4.8% year/year to $521 mln vs the $522.2 mln consensus. Revs declined as a result of access line losses, reduced switched access reve lower long distance revenue, partially offset by a 4 percent increase and internet services revenue. The monthly customer revenue per acces increased approximately $1.08, or 2%, over the prior year's fourth qua while the monthly total revenue per access line has increased $1.16, or over the same period, as the Company has continued to successf additional products and services, partially offset by reductions in re revenue. Our exposure to regulatory revenue continues to decline. For the full year of 2010, the Company expects that capital expenditures and free cash flow for its existing business operations, excluding acquisition/integration costs and capital expenditures, will be within a range of $220.0 million to $240.0 million and $450.0 million to $475.0 million, respectively. "Frontier delivered operating cash flow margins for the 4th quarter and full year of 2009 in excess of 54%, demonstrating our intense focus on controlling costs while serving customers."

07:11

TFX Teleflex beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (59.80 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.01 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.99; revenues rose 3.6% year/year to $515 mln vs the $495 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $4.10-4.25 vs. $4.16 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $1.92 bln vs. $1.93 bln consensus. "2009 had its challenges, but as the calendar has changed to a new decade our company has changed as well," said Jeffrey P. Black chairman and chief executive officer. "We are a company that reduced its exposure to cyclical industries through the divestiture of components of our Aerospace and Commercial segments, made progress with the FDA remediation, continued to make investments in areas that offer long-term growth potential, and executed very well financially. We are prepared to execute in 2010 as well."

07:11

HAWK Seahawk Drilling reports Q4 results (22.49 )

Seahawk Drilling reports Q4 earnings of ($1.40) vs ($1.69) First Call consensus; revs fell 79% year/year to $31.3 mln vs $25.47 mln First Call consensus.

07:09

SJM J.M. Smucker beats by $0.12, beats on revs; raises FY10 outlook (60.11 )

Reports Q3 (Jan) earnings of $1.17 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.12 better than the First Call consensus of $1.05; revenues rose 1.9% year/year to $1.21 bln vs the $1.16 bln consensus. Co raises guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $4.02-4.07, excluding non-recurring items, up from $3.95-4.05 previously, vs. $4.09 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $4.5-4.6 bln vs. $4.57 bln consensus. Excluding the additional five days of Folgers sales, total volume increased 4 percent in the third quarter of 2010, compared to 2009, with gains across most of the Company's leading brands. The favorable impact of volume growth on net sales was more than offset by a 6 percent price and mix decline, attributable primarily to price reductions in the U.S. retail oils and baking segment, and an increase in promotional spending across several categories.

07:09

MRGE Merge Healthcare signs financing commitment for $200 mln for Amicas acquisition (2.35 )

Co announced that it and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, have executed a definitive commitment letter for $200 mln of bridge financing to finance, in part, Merge's proposed acquisition of AMICAS (AMCS). Co's proposal to acquire AMICAS for $6.05 cash per share, or an aggregate of $248 mln, represents a 13% premium to the previously-announced offer from a newly-formed affiliate of Thoma Bravo, for $5.35 cash per share. In addition to the proceeds of the Morgan Stanley financing commitment and cash already available at the two companies, Merge has also established an account with $40 mln of pre-funded proceeds from its mezzanine investors. A portion of such pre-funded proceeds will be placed in escrow pursuant to Merge's proposed Merger Agreement with AMICAS.

07:09

HPT Hospitality Props misses by $0.04, reports revs in-line (22.99 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.70 per share, $0.04 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.74; revenues fell 10.9% year/year to $251.4 mln vs the $253.3 mln consensus.

07:06

AMT American Tower misses by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 revs in-line (42.81 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.16 per share, $0.02 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.18; revenues rose 9.7% year/year to $448 mln vs the $445.2 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of $1.81-1.84 bln vs. $1.88 bln consensus. The Company announced today that its indirectly held wholly owned Indian subsidiary, Transcend, has entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement pursuant to which it will acquire substantially all of the issued and outstanding shares of Essar Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited ("ETIPL"). ETIPL currently owns and operates approximately 4,450 wireless communications sites in India, including a number of sites that are currently under construction. ETIPL's wireless communications site portfolio averages approximately 1.8 tenants per tower. As a result of this acquisition, the Company's wireless communications site portfolio in India will increase to approximately 7,000 sites. The total consideration for the acquisition is estimated to be approximately $430 million and is subject to certain post closing adjustments.

07:05

ZLC Zale beats by $0.19, reports revs in-line (2.56 )

Reports Q2 (Jan) earnings of $0.21 per share, $0.19 better than the First Call consensus of $0.02; revenues fell 14.3% year/year to $582.3 mln vs the $587 mln consensus.

07:04

PRX Par Pharmaceutical beats by $0.10, beats on revs (25.06 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.65 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.55; revenues rose 80.0% year/year to $290.3 mln vs the $270.3 mln consensus.

07:04

EMR Emerson anounces January 2010 orders in 8-K filing (47.12 )

Co reports trailing three-month order rate was flat to up 5%, with currency positively impacting orders by over 5 percentage points. The trailing three-month order trends excluding currency are now positive for the Climate Technologies, Network Power and Appliance and Tools business segments. Total underlying orders excluding currency for Emerson were positive for the months of December and January and remain only slightly negative for the trailing three-month period.

07:02

GRMN Garmin beats by $0.48, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (34.45 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.43 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.48 better than the First Call consensus of $0.95; revenues rose 1.0% year/year to $1.06 bln vs the $0.96 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.75-3.15, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $2.69 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $2.9-3.1 bln vs. $2.85 bln consensus. Gross margin for the overall business in the fourth quarter was 46% with all segments posting year-over-year margin improvement. The automotive/mobile segment gross margin improved to 39%, a 290 basis point improvement from the fourth quarter of 2008. Improvement was driven by moderation in year-over-year average selling price decline and continued benefit from material cost reductions offset by a reserve associated with handset inventory. Gross margins for the outdoor/fitness and marine segments also improved materially when compared with the year-ago quarter from 56% to 69% and 52% to 65%, respectively. The gains were driven by product mix and material cost reductions. Operating margin for the overall business increased to 28% in the current quarter from 23% in the year-ago quarter. The operating margin improvement occurred in all segments, excluding aviation, driven by the gross margin improvements and improved revenue leverage in automotive/mobile and outdoor/fitness.

07:02

GLF Gulfmark Offshore announces completion of reorganization (25.00 )

Co announced that it had completed its reorganization with its former parent, GulfMark Offshore, ("Old GulfMark"), with the co being the surviving corporation in the merger transaction (the "Reorganization"). At the effective time of the Reorganization, the co changed its name from "New GulfMark Offshore, Inc." to "GulfMark Offshore, Inc." and shares of Old GulfMark's common stock were automatically converted into shares of the co's Class A common stock.

07:02

TCX Tucows updates details related to normal course issuer bid through TSX (0.74 )

Co updated certain details related to its previously announced normal course issuer bid through the facilities of the TSX. TSX has accepted a notice filed by Tucows of its intention to renew its normal course issuer bid to repurchase up to 3,854,000 (previously 3,748,000) shares of its common stock, which amount represents ~10% of the public float of Tucows. For purposes of any repurchases made on the TSX, Tucows may only purchase up to a maximum of 1,890 shares in any daily trading session, which number represents 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX over the six month period ending January 31, 2010, unless the block purchase exception is relied upon. As of February 16, 2010 there were 60,726,783 common shares outstanding. All shares purchased by Tucows under the normal course issuer bid will be cancelled.

07:01

HEP Holly Energy Partners announces the execution of a letter of intent to purchase storage and loading facilities from Holly (42.09 )

Holly Energy Partners (HEP) and Holly Corporation (HOC) have signed a Letter of Intent for the sale by Holly to Holly Energy of petroleum tanks with 2 mln barrels of capacity and certain rail loading rack facilities at Holly's Tulsa refinery site as well as an asphalt truck loading rack at Holly's Lovington, New Mexico facility. The parties expect the transaction to close on April 1, 2010 subject to completion of requisite regulatory approvals and approval of final terms by the Board of Directors of both companies. Under the terms of the Letter of Intent, Holly Energy will pay Holly $93 million in cash for such assets. Holly and Holly Energy will enter into a 15-year service agreement between the parties whereby Holly Energy will provide storage and loading services to Holly utilizing these assets.

07:01

PAY Verifone wins Sberbank order (18.87 )

Co announced a multimillion-dollar order for a portfolio of its leading payment solutions by Sberbank, Russia's largest bank. VeriFone solutions were selected for a separate tender from Sberbank for more than 16,000 Vx 810 systems. Those systems were deployed over a three-month period to bank branches for customers to identify themselves to bank tellers using their credit/debit card and PINs.

07:00

FTEK Fuel-Tech awarded multiple air pollution control orders totaling $2 mln; includes ULTRA systems in China (6.20 )

07:00

WBC WABCO Holdings expands supply of technology to FAW Jiefang Unit of China's largest manufacturer of trucks and cars (27.33 )

Co announced that FAW Jiefang in China has significantly expanded WABCO's existing supply agreement by selecting WABCO to furnish clutch servo technology for multiple heavy duty truck platforms on a sole supplier basis as of 2010. FAW Jiefang is the truck-building subsidiary of the FAW group, China's largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles and passenger cars.

07:00

EK Eastman Kodak launches private placement of $400 mln senior secured notes & repurchases $300 mln of 2017 Senior Secured Notes (5.60 )

Co announced its intention to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $400 mln aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and outside the United States to persons other than U.S. persons in reliance upon Regulation S under the Securities Act. Co also announced announced an agreement with affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., or KKR, to repurchase all $300 mln aggregate principal amount of 10.50% Secured Notes due 2017 previously issued to KKR. Kodak's decision to repurchase the senior secured notes is contingent on the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions and the sale of at least $300 mln aggregate principal amount of debt securities. The repurchase of the notes from KKR, together with Kodak's previously announced tender for up to $100 mln aggregate principal amount of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2013, will extend the maturity of Kodak's debt, and is expected to increase Kodak's financial flexibility.

06:45

Japan exports jump; little China tightening impact - Reuters

Reuters reports Japanese exports rose more than expected in January from a year earlier, allaying concerns that China's moves to rein in lending may choke off demand there and put a brake on Japan's economic recovery. Imports also rose from a year earlier for the first time in more than a year. The 40.9% annual jump in exports in January may be encouraging for the government, which has expressed concern that the rapid recovery in shipments to Asia may slow down. January's jump in exports was the third-biggest on record, as shipments to China logged their biggest rise since August 1985 and those to the United States climbed for the first time in 29 months, finance ministry data showed. The rise also beat economists' median forecast for a 38.4% gain. Exports to China jumped 79.9% from a year earlier, while those to the United States rose an annual 24.2%. Japan's trade balance came to a surplus of 85.2 bln yen ($944.4 mln), against the median estimate for a 108.5 bln yen deficit.

06:33

VICL Vical announces publication of Vical's H5N1 results paves the way for H1N1 clinical trial (3.31 )

Co announces the publication in the online edition of Vaccine1 detailed data from two Phase 1 trials of the company's Vaxfectin-adjuvanted DNA vaccines for H5N1 influenza, demonstrating the potential of DNA vaccines for rapid deployment in future pandemics. "Our Phase 1 results clearly demonstrated the ability of DNA vaccines against H5N1 avian-origin influenza to achieve antibody responses in the same range as conventional vaccines, these trials are key to expanding the use of our Vaxfectin adjuvant as they provided its first successful safety evaluations in humans. We seized the opportunity to further demonstrate the potential of our technology during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza outbreaks. We completed successful pilot lot production and initiated animal immunogenicity testing of a Vaxfectin-adjuvanted DNA vaccine for H1N1 pandemic influenza before conventional vaccine manufacturers even received the seed virus needed to start production. We published these data in late 2009, and expect to begin a U.S. government-funded Phase 1 clinical trial of our H1 pandemic influenza vaccine soon..."

06:33

OPTV OpenTV to redeem its outstanding class A ordinary shares (1.53 )

Co announces that it is redeeming all of its outstanding Class A ordinary shares, other than any such shares held by its controlling shareholder, Kudelski SA, and two of its subsidiaries, for $1.55 per share, without interest and less applicable withholding taxes.

06:32

THS TreeHouse Foods prices 2.35 mln common shares at $43.00/share (43.21 )

06:30

S&P futures vs fair value: +1.80. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +7.30.

06:30

Asian Markets

Nikkei...10198.83...-153.30...-1.50%. Hang Seng...20467.74...-155.30...-0.80%.

06:30

European Markets

FTSE...5326.04...+11.00...+0.20%. DAX...5592.87...-11.00...-0.20%.

06:29

FMS Fresenius Medical beats by $0.04, beats on revenue; guides FY10 revenue in-line (50.19 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.82 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.78; revenues increased 12% year/year to $3.035 mln vs the $2.974.75 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees revenue of > $12.0 bln vs $12.02 bln consensus. Net income attributable to FMS is expected to be $950.0-980.0 mln in 2010. The co expects to spend $550-650 mln on capital expenditures and up to $400 mln on acquisitions. The debt/EBITDA ratio is expected to be below 2.5 by the end of 2010.

06:20

ORA Ormat Tech reports Q4 results (33.18 )

Ormat Tech reports Q4 earnings of $0.35 vs $0.31 First Call consensus; revs remained flat year/year to $95.3 mln vs $91.00 mln First Call consensus. "We expect our 2010 Electricity Segment revenues to be between $275 million and $285 million. We also expect an additional $9 million of revenues from our share of electricity revenue generated by a subsidiary, which is accounted for under the equity method. With regard to our Product Segment, we expect that our 2010 revenues will be between $75 million and $85 million."

06:14

GAS NICOR beats by $0.18, misses on revs (40.14 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.21 per share, $0.18 better than the First Call consensus of $1.03; revenues fell 26.2% year/year to $768.1 mln vs the $928 mln consensus. Earnings for the fourth quarter 2009, compared to 2008, reflect higher operating income in the co's gas distribution and other energy-related businesses as well as improved corporate operating results, partially offset by lower operating income in the co's shipping business. The fourth quarter comparisons also reflect a higher effective income tax rate and lower interest income in 2009. Co issues guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $3.10-3.30, includes approx $32 mln pre-tax net recovery noted above related to 2008 and 2009 bad debt expense and the current estimate for a refund to customers related to 2010 bad debt expense, and may not be comparable to $2.86 consensus.

06:10

HRB H & R Block announces in light of the foregoing preliminary tax season results, the co's previously announced guidance for fiscal 2010 will not be reached (19.73 )

Co announces preliminary tax season results for the interim period through Feb. 15, 2010. Same-office tax returns prepared in retail operations fell 5.6% compared to the prior-year period. Total tax returns prepared through Feb. 15 were down 6.3%. Total retail returns prepared year-to-date fell 8.2%, while the net average retail fee per tax return increased 1.9%. Total digital returns prepared by H&R Block (consisting of H&R Block At Home online and desktop software products, excluding Free File Alliance returns) were down 1.8%. Total online return growth of 3.1% was more than offset by a 7.6% decline in software-based returns. Total digital returns including the Free File Alliance fell 1.4%. In light of the foregoing preliminary tax season results, the co's previously announced guidance for fiscal 2010 will not be reached. "We believe industry filings are down significantly due to the recession and sustained, high levels of unemployment, the weak economic conditions have also contributed to a greater shift to do-it-yourself tax preparation methods among first-half clients. We still have millions of clients to serve in the second-half of the tax season, which we are aggressively targeting," added Mr. Smyth. Additional commentary will be available when the company reports fiscal 2010 third quarter financial results on Monday, March 8, after the New York Stock Exchange market closing. (Briefing.com note: In Dec the co reaffirmed FY10 guidance for EPS of $1.60-1.80, excluding non-recurring items)

06:10

TSL Trina Solar beats by $0.14, beats on revs (22.96 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.74 per share, $0.14 better than the First Call consensus of $0.60; revenues rose 44.8% year/year to $313.3 mln vs the $283.5 mln consensus. For the first quarter of 2010, the co expects to ship between 180 MW to 190 MW of PV modules. The co believes gross margin for the first quarter will likely be between 26% and 28%. For the full year of 2010, the co expects total PV module shipments between 750 MW to 800 MW, representing an increase of 88% to 100% from 2009. Q4 Gross margin was 32.6%, above the co's guidance of 25% to 27%, compared to 28.5% sequentially and 9.6% year-over-year. The YoY increase in gross margin was primarily due to the co's favorable reduction of its silicon purchase price and non-silicon manufacturing costs relative to module ASP decline. The co continued its focused efforts to reduce its manufacturing cost per watt through ongoing efficiency gains linked to its lean manufacturing initiatives and improved supply chain mgmt. The co achieved additional yield enhancements in our manufacturing techniques involving proprietary processes for our ingot, wafer, cell and module manufacturing, and higher cell conversion efficiencies. Net margin was 15.7% in the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to 16.1% in 3Q09 and negative 0.3% in 4Q08. Q4 Total shipments were 163.7 MW, compared to the co's previous guidance of 145 MW to 165 MW, versus 122.6 MW in 3Q09 and 57.6 MW in 4Q08. The sequential increase in total shipments was primarily due to increased demand in European markets, due, in part, to improved PV system purchase financing conditions in major European markets and increased year-end demand to install new PV systems ahead of annual feed-in tariff adjustments in January in established PV markets including Germany and Italy.

05:08

TOL Toll Brothers beats by $0.10, reports revs in-line (18.90 )

Reports Q1 (Jan) loss of $0.25 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.35); revenues fell 20.1% year/year to $326.7 mln vs the $324.9 mln consensus. 1Q10 net signed contracts of $292.1 million and 526 units rose 129% in dollars and 98% in units, compared to 1Q09 net signed contracts of $127.8 million and 266 units. The co's contract cancellation rate was 6.7% in 1Q10, compared to 37.1% in 1Q09. Toll Brothers ended 1Q10 with 190 selling communities, 26% fewer communities than the 258 at 1Q09 end, and expects to finish FY10 with 200 to 210 selling communities. The co ended 1Q10 with approx 31,700 lots owned and optioned, compared to approx 37,900 one year earlier. 1Q10 backlog was $840.2 mln or 1,461 units and declined 20% in dollars and 11% in units, compared to 1Q09 backlog of $1.04 bln and 1,647 units; backlog was down 4% in dollars and 5% in units, compared to 4Q09 backlog of $874.8 mln and 1,531 units.

02:01

On The Wires

Evercore Partners (EVR) and Neuberger Berman announce that Evercore Partners has acquired key assets of the Private Funds Placement Group of Neuberger Berman.

01:37

AHD Atlas Pipeline Holdings LP reports net loss attributable to common limited partners of $6.3 mln for 4Q09 vs net loss of $66.6 mln in 4Q08 (5.72 )

The decreased loss was primarily due to a prior year $100.3 million charge for APL's goodwill impairment, net of non-controlling interest, partially offset by a $22.0 million prior year gain attributable to APL's non-cash derivative gains, net of non-controlling interest, resulting from the mark-to-market adjustment of certain derivative positions that it maintains to hedge the variability in expected future cash flows attributable to changes in commodity market prices.

01:22

PGI Premiere Glbl Svcs reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (8.31 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.18 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.18; revenues fell 4.6% year/year to $144.5 mln vs the $142.4 mln consensus.

01:19

BAS Basic Energy Services misses by $0.12, beats on revs (10.15 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.61 per share, $0.12 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.49); revenues fell 47.9% year/year to $128.1 mln vs the $126.7 mln consensus. Sequentially, well servicing revenues declined approximately 4% to $37.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to $38.4 million in the prior quarter. Last year's fourth quarter revenues were $76.2 million. At December 31, 2009, the well servicing rig count was 405, down nine net rigs from the prior quarter end, as Basic added four newbuild well servicing rigs and retired 13 rigs. The weighted average number of well servicing rigs was 410 during the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to 414 during both the third quarter of 2009 and the fourth quarter of 2008.

01:16

VTIV inVentiv Health beats by $0.05, misses on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (14.94 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.47 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.42; revenues fell 3.0% year/year to $274.8 mln vs the $280.8 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.24-0.26 vs. $0.26 consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.40-1.48, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.47 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $1.1-1.14 bln vs. $1.14 bln consensus.

01:13

FR First Ind. Rlty misses by $0.05, misses on revs (5.22 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.26 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.31; revenues fell 36.8% year/year to $90.1 mln vs the $104.5 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for FY10, sees FFO of $0.95-1.05, may not be comparable to $0.81 consensus.

00:53

WL Wilmington Trust prices 18.875 mln common shares at $13.25/share (13.83 )

00:52

CETV Central European Media reports 4Q09 loss of $0.89 per share vs ($7.75) in 4Q08; net revenues declined 14% year/year to $252.09 mln (no estimates available) (27.92 )

00:47

DLR Digital Realty Trust increases quarterly common stock dividend by 7.0% to $0.48/share (50.64 )

00:46

MIL Millipore confirms it is evaluating strategic alternatives (88.87 )

Co confirms that its Board of Directors is evaluating strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including by pursuing a process with potential bidders to explore a possible merger or sale of the co. MIL has engaged Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP as its legal advisor to assist the Board in its evaluation.

18:30

SGI Silicon Graphics buys assets of COPAN systems (10.31 -0.27)

Co announced the purchase of substantially all the assets and assumption of a limited number of liabilities of COPAN Systems, Inc., a provider of high performance storage archive solutions for real-time access to long-term persistent data. SGI acquired the assets with the goal of expanding SGI's storage portfolio to include a highly scalable, energy efficient enterprise Massive Array of Idle Disks platform.

18:19

RRD Donnelley & Sons beats by $0.03, beats on revs; announces acquisition of Bowne for $481 mln in cash or $11.50 (20.51 +0.17)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.46 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.43; revenues fell 7.6% year/year to $2.58 bln vs the $2.53 bln consensus. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to RRD's earnings in the first full year after the closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the second half of the year.

18:18

BNE Bowne & Co: RR Donnelley (RRD) to acquire BNE for $11.50/share (6.97 +0.02)

Co announced that they have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which RR Donnelley will acquire Bowne & Co., Inc., a provider of shareholder and marketing communications services. The all cash deal is valued at ~$481 mln, or $11.50 per share. The agreement has been approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to RRD's earnings in the first full year after the closing of the transaction, which is expected to occur in the second half of the year.

17:57

XCO Exco Resources beats by $0.07, misses on revs (18.59 -1.13)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.29 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.22; revenues fell 60.9% year/year to $106.6 mln vs the $191.6 mln consensus.

17:52

BKD Brookdale Senior Living misses by $0.04, reports revs in-line (10.52 -0.41)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.18 per share, $0.04 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.14); revenues rose 6.5% year/year to $518.5 mln vs the $517.3 mln consensus.

17:49

HTZ Hertz Global beats by $0.05, beats on revs (10.52 -0.41)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.06 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.01; revenues fell 2.7% year/year to $1.74 bln vs the $1.7 bln consensus.

17:47

TLCR Talecris Biotherapeutics misses by $0.03; sees FY10 EPS below consensus, sees revs in-l;ine (23.24 +0.74)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.22 per share, excluding a $0.21 charge, $0.03 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.25; revenues fell 2.8% year/year to $390.1 mln vs the $385.7 mln consensus. Co issues downside EPS 2010 guidance; co sees EPS of $1.42-1.50 vs. $1.57 consensus; sees revs of $1.62-1.65 bln vs. $1.63 bln consensus.

17:37

AEZS AEterna Zentaris files an F-3 to sell $60 mln in common stock (0.81 -0.03)

17:36

AREX Approach Resources announces 2009 reserves and production (8.45 +0.12)

Co reported year-end 2009 proved oil and gas reserves of 218.9 Bcfe. At December 31, 2009, proved reserves consisted of 77% natural gas and 23% oil, condensate and natural gas liquids, and had a reserve life index of over 20 years based on 2009 production of 8.8 Bcfe. The proved developed portion of year-end 2009 proved reserves was 43%. For the year, the co replaced 345% of 2009 production from drilling alone. From all sources, the co replaced ~190% of 2009 production. During 2009, the co reduced capital expenditures and drilling activity due to the extended decline in natural gas prices. As a result, the co was able to pay down its long-term debt and increase its liquidity (funds available under its credit facility plus year-end cash and cash equivalents).

17:35

BGCP BGC Partners beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q1 revs above consensus (4.27 +0.12)

Reports Q4 (Dec) post-tax distributable earnings of $0.07 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 4.2% year/year to $299.8 mln vs the $266.8 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees Q1 of distributable earnings revenues $340-360 mln vs. $299.14 mln consensus. The Co expects first quarter 2010 pre-tax distributable earnings to be ~$38-43 mln, an increase of between 26-43% when compared with $30.1 mln in Q1 of 2009.

17:28

ALCO Alico Announces appointment of JD Alexander as Chief Executive Officer and President (26.13 -0.33)

Co announced that Steven M. Smith, the President and Principal Executive Officer of ALCO, has submitted his resignation as President and Principal Executive Officer which was accepted today at a specially called meeting of Alico's Board of Directors. The Board elected Mr. JD Alexander as President and Chief Executive Officer of ALCO to replace Smith. Alexander also serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of ALCO's controlling shareholder, Atlantic Blue Group, Inc., a position which he intends to retain.

17:27

HON Honeywell files mixed securities shelf offering in an S-3ASR (39.93 -0.22) -Update-

17:26

CYTK Cytokinetics announces in an 8-K non-clinical data from multiple programs presented at the biophysical society 54th annual meeting (3.10 -0.02)

Co announced that four abstracts regarding its Research & Development programs were presented as posters at the Biophysical Society 54th Annual Meeting, held February 20-24, 2010 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. The posters summarized non-clinical findings arising from Cytokinetics' skeletal and smooth muscle contractility programs, and non-clinical research in oncology. In addition, an oral presentation relating to prior non-clinical research in oncology was presented.

17:22

CCME China MediaExpress Holdings signs a contract with the Organizing Committee of the 16th Asian Games (11.53 -0.22)

Co announced that it has signed a contract with the Organizing Committee of the 16th Asian Games which run from November 12 to November 27, 2010 in Guangzhou. The agreement provides for CME to display a 30 second advertisement promoting the games on its current network of buses from February 1, 2010 until November 30, 2010.

17:10

HTZ Hertz Global wins U.S. Supreme Court ruling (10.52 -0.41)

The co was the recipient of a favorable U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Hertz vs. Friend, a lawsuit which questioned how a court determines a national corporation's principal place of business. Hertz argued successfully that a corporation's headquarters, its 'nerve center', should be considered its primary place of business. In a unanimous Opinion, the Supreme Court agreed with Hertz, adopting a sweeping nerve center test. The Opinion overturns a lower court ruling that held Hertz to a California class action lawsuit in state court as opposed to federal court.

17:07

AIM Aerosonic amends loan agreements and borrows $600,000 under the loan agreements (4.03 -0.03)

Co announced that on February 19, 2010, it entered into first amendments to each of the three unsecured loan agreements entered into by Aerosonic on May 14, 2009, with three Aerosonic stockholders, Bruce J. Stone, Redmond Family Investments, LLLP and Martin L. Schaffel. Pursuant to the First Amendments, each of the subordinated notes were extended for a period of one year and are now due and payable on April 10, 2011, Aerosonic is no longer obligated to issue shares of its common stock upon each cash draw down on or after February 19, 2010, the expiration dates for the warrants have been extended, the purchase price for warrants issued on or after February 19, 2010 has been increased and the ratio of common shares underlying warrants issuable pursuant to a cash draw down has been reduced.

17:06

HWKN Hawkins appoints Patrick H. Hawkins to newly created position of President effective March 29, 2010 (20.11 +0.03)

17:06

PED Petroflow Energy entered into a forbearance agreement with its banking syndicate (0.38 -0.02)

Co announced that it has entered into a forbearance agreement with its banking syndicate in connection with certain events of defaults under its amended and restated credit agreement. Co has agreed to increase the interest rate on its Tranche A and Tranche C loans to 7.5% per annum. The forbearance agreement also requires that the co start making monthly principal reductions payments in the amount of $1 million per month commencing immediately. In connection with the forbearance agreement, co entered into additional security agreements related to additional collateral required by the lenders. Co currently has $106 million outstanding under its Credit Facility with a borrowing base deficiency of $31 million.

17:06

DY Dycom misses by $0.08, misses on revs; announces $20 mln buyback (8.23 -0.53)

Reports Q2 (Jan) loss of $0.10 per share, $0.08 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.02); revenues fell 34.9% year/year to $220.4 mln vs the $228.2 mln consensus. Co also announced authorization of stock repurchase program of up to $20 mln of common stock .

17:05

PZZA Papa John's beats by $0.04, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line (23.20 +0.03)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.41 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.37; revenues rose 0.3% year/year to $280.5 mln vs the $279 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.70-1.90 vs. $1.81 consensus. "Our system had a solid fourth quarter and a very good 2009 in a challenging consumer environment," said Papa John's founder, chairman and chief executive officer, John Schnatter. "The investments made in our system over the last 15 months, supported by a favorable commodities environment, helped drive positive transaction momentum and some of the most profitable unit economics in the history of our company."

17:04

BKD Brookdale announces new corporate line of credit (17.95 -0.46)

Co announced that it has entered into a new revolving credit facility. The new facility has a commitment of $100 mln, with an option to increase the commitment to $120 mln. The new facility replaces the co's existing $75 mln revolving credit agreement that was scheduled to expire in August 2010. The revolving line of credit may be used to finance acquisitions and fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. GE Capital, Healthcare Financial Services, acts as administrative agent as well as a lender under the new line. The new facility matures on June 30, 2013 and is secured by a first priority security interest in certain of the co's properties. The commitment will be limited to $80 mln pending finalization of documentation for the remaining $20 mln commitment, which is expected within the next week. The availability under the line may vary from time to time as it is based on borrowing base calculations related to the value and performance of collateral securing the facility.

17:04

WU Western Union signs four regional city banks in China (16.04 -0.14)

The co announces the signing of agreements with four regional Chinese commercial banks. These agreements extend Western Union's network reach to the northeastern, southern and eastern regions of China. Western Union has signed agreements to offer Western Union Money Transfer(R) services with Bank of Jilin, headquartered in Changchun, Jilin Province; and Bank of Harbin, headquartered in Harbin and Heilongjiang Province in the northeastern region of China. Western Union also has signed agreements with Fujian Haixia Bank in the southern region and Zhejiang Chouzhou Commercial Bank in YiWu in Zhejiang Province in the eastern region of China. "These regional city bank agent agreements are significant, as each bank is a leader within its locality and brings unique international specialization," said Hikmet Ersek, Western Union's chief operating officer.

17:03

LVS Las Vegas Sands plans to open the first phase of its $5.5 bln Marina Bay Sands development on April 27, 2010. (16.09 -0.43)

17:02

ACAS American Capital misses by $0.03 (3.85 -0.06)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.07 per share, $0.03 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.10. For the quarter ended December 31, 2009, net unrealized appreciation of portfolio investments totaled $410 mln.

17:02

TNB Thomas & Betts to acquire PMA AG for ~120 mln (36.14 -0.55)

Co announced that it has agreed to acquire PMA AG, a privately held, leading European manufacturer of technologically advanced cable protection systems, for EUR85 million (approximately $120 mln). The acquisition is expected to close within 60 days. PMA reported sales of approximately EUR33 mln (~$45 mln) in 2009. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to 2010 electrical segment margins and earnings per diluted share.

17:02

OEH Orient-Express misses by $0.01, beats on revs (11.41 -0.39)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.12 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.11); revenues rose 60.7% year/year to $113.6 mln vs the $111.8 mln consensus. "In 2010, we will continue with the key strategic actions which we started in 2008, including further sales of non-core assets, the ongoing enhancement of the Orient-Express brand, the sale of developed real estate, and tight controls on both operating and capital expenditure. These strategies, coupled with a determined approach to revenue and EBITDA management, should see debt levels continue to decrease and our net debt to EBITDA and debt service coverage ratio further improved."

17:00

OII Oceaneering announces the promotion of Kevin McEvoy to Executive Vice President and COO (58.73 -0.90)

16:55

SBLK Star Bulk Carriers misses by $0.03 (2.75 -0.03)

Reports Q4 (Dec) ($0.06), excluding items, $0.03 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.03); revenues fell 57.1% year/year to $31.2 mln vs the $28.1 mln consensus. Co said, "we believe that the recently announced acquisition of the Capesize vessel, the Star Aurora, is in line with our aim to renew and grow our fleet pursuing increased earnings capacity for the co." An average of 11.89 and 12.10 vessels were owned and operated during Q4 of 2009 and 2008, respectively, earning an average Time Charter Equivalent, ('TCE") rate per day of $23,012 and per day $41,521, respectively. Co said, "As of the day of this release 91% and 53% of our fleet operating days for 2010 and 2011 respectively are contracted and we expect to secure period time-charter employment for our recent acquisition, the Star Aurora, as well."

16:54

PARD Poniard Pharma secures $20 mln committed equity financing facility (1.50 -0.13)

Co announced that it has entered into a committed equity financing facility under which it may sell up to $20 mln of its registered common stock to Commerce Court Small Cap Value Fund, over an approximately 18-month period. Poniard is not obligated to utilize any of the facility and remains free to enter into other financing transactions.

16:45

CYTK Cytokinetics announces non-clinical data from multiple programs presented at the Biophysical Society (3.19 +0.07)

Co announced that four abstracts regarding its r&d programs were presented as posters at the Biophysical Society, held February 20-24, 2010 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. The posters summarized non-clinical findings arising from Cytokinetics' skeletal and smooth muscle contractility programs, and non-clinical research in oncology. In addition, an oral presentation relating to non-clinical research in oncology was presented.

16:45

STEC STEC Inc resumes trading near 8.50-9.00 (13.42 -0.13) -Update- -Technical-

16:37

SGY Stone Energy reports Q4 results, beats on revs (16.30 -0.50)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $1.35 per share, which includes a pre-tax non-cash charge of $165.1 mln recognized due to a non-cash full cost ceiling test write-down tied to oil and gas prices of $58.95 per barrel of oil and $3.49 per Mcf of gas, may not be comparable to the First Call consensus of $0.85; revenues rose 21.3% year/year to $199.3 mln vs the $171.6 mln consensus. Co issues 2010 guidance, expects net daily production to average between 205 - 215 MMcfe. Stone expects full year 2010 average daily production to be in the range of 205 - 225 MMcfe per day. The co's 2010 capital expenditure budget is $400 mln which includes abandonment expenditures, but excludes material acquisitions and capitalize SG&A and interest. Stone expects to spend approximately 25% of the capital expenditure budget on Appalachian drilling and acreage acquisition; approximately 25% is planned for Gulf of Mexico shelf exploitation and approximately 15% is for GOM workover/recompletion projects; approximately 15% is scheduled for GOM deep water and deep shelf expenditures; and the remaining budget is for facilities, abandonment projects, and miscellaneous exploration projects.

16:33

SRSL SRS Labs reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides FY10 revs above consensus (7.66 +0.36)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.03 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.03; revenues rose 42.9% year/year to $7 mln vs the $6.7 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of ~$31.2 mln, growth of 25% y/y, vs. $29.85 mln consensus. "Based upon the growth and results we achieved in 2009, we expect to continue to invest in our infrastructure as we grow revenues and expand market share. Based on our current business conditions and expectations, we expect revenues for the fiscal year 2010 to exceed a 25% annual growth rate. We also remain focused on continued operating margin expansion."

16:31

PPO Polypore Intl comments on FTC's initial decision and announces appeal (13.58 -0.10)

Co announcd the following update and comment to the Federal Trade Commission's administrative complaint originally issued against it on Sept 9, 2008. As previously disclosed in the co's filings with the SEC, the Complaint alleged that the February 2008 acquisition of Microporous Products substantially lessened competition in North American markets for lead-acid battery separators, violating Section 5 of the FTC Act and Section 7 of the Clayton Antitrust Act. The co filed an answer denying the material allegations of the Complaint. Yesterday, the FTC's Administrative Law Judge issued an Initial Decision in which he recommended to the Commission that it order the Company to divest substantially all of the acquired Microporous assets, which includes the manufacturing facilities located in Piney Flats, Tennessee and Feistritz, Austria and restore the competitive environment to that which existed prior to the acquisition. The Company believes that the Initial Decision is inconsistent with the law and the facts presented at the hearing and, therefore, intends to appeal this decision. At this point, it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome or timing of the appeal process.

16:31

CHSI Catalyst Health Solutions reports EPS in-line, misses on revs; guides FY10 revs and EPS in-line (39.09 -0.41)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.41 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.41; revenues rose 8.8% year/year to $747.9 mln vs the $755.8 mln consensus. Catalyst Health Solutions sees FY10 EPS of $1.80-1.88 vs $1.84 First Call consensus; sees revs $3.3-3.6 bln vs $3.51 bln First Call consensus. "The Company continues to produce significant revenue and earnings growth driven by strong client retention, expanding operating margins and new business additions. All new client implementations are proceeding smoothly and business volumes are meeting management expectations."

16:30

PTV Pactiv Corp announces that its board of directors has increased its share repurchase authorization by 10 million shares of its common stock (22.74 -0.24) -Update-

16:30

UTEK Ultratech receives order from Taiwan's largest LED (13.19 +0.07)

Co announced that it has received an order from Taiwan's largest light-emitting diode (LED) chip manufacturer for an LED lithography system, which is specifically designed and optimized for high-brightness LED (HBLED) manufacturing. In addition, this customer has provided a conditional commitment to purchase several additional Sapphire 100 systems to meet its ramp requirements over the next few quarters. The Sapphire 100 tool is scheduled to be available for volume shipments in the second half of 2010.

16:29

PDC Pioneer Drilling announces a $250 mln sr notes private placement offering (7.05 -0.62)

16:26

<p>GCA Global Cash Access renews contract with Wynn Las Vegas (7.65 -0.27) -Update-

Co announced that GCA has signed a five year renewal contract with Wynn Las Vegas, which includes both the Wynn and Encore resort casinos in Las Vegas.

16:25

CVX Chevron to build 1MW solar facility at Questa mine (72.04 -0.92)

Chevron Mining, a subsidiary of CVX, announced that sister company Chevron Technology Ventures, will build a one megawatt concentrating photovoltaic solar facility on the tailing site of CMI's molybdenum mine in Questa, New Mexico.

16:24

STEC STEC Inc indicated to resume trading at 16:45; quotation to begin at 16:40 -Update-

16:23

HCKT Hackett Group reports Q4 EPS of ($0.02) vs $0.01 First Call consensus; revs $34.6 mln vs $34.71 mln First Call consensus (2.74 +0.02)

Hackett Group sees Q1 EPS of $0.03-0.05 vs $0.04 First Call consensus; sees revs $43-45 mln vs $43.57 mln First Call consensus. Stock repurchase program expanded by additional $5.0 million.

16:22

SKT Tanger Factory reports Q4 results (41.89 +0.17)

Tanger Factory reports Q4 funds from operations of $0.73 vs $0.67 First Call consensus; revs fell 4.5% year/year to $68.34 mln vs $67.03 mln First Call consensus

16:22

UEC Uranium Energy reports independent NI 43-101 resource estimate for the co's Palangana ISR project in South Texas (3.63 +0.04)

Co reports that the technical report provides for a Measured and Indicated Resource Estimate for the co's Palangana Project of 1,057,000 pounds at an average grade of 0.135% eU3O8. This resource is located in two zones referred to as Production Area #1 ("PA-1") and Production Area #2 ("PA-2"). An additional 1,154,000 pounds of eU3O8 at an average grade of 0.176% is classified as an Inferred Resource Estimate, and is located in six new exploration zones. The Resource Estimates completed by SRK are based on the results from 2,694 drill holes at the Palangana Project completed by previous operators including Uranium One, Chevron (CVX) and Union Carbide Corp ("UCC"). The Resource Estimates are primarily located east of the Palangana Dome.

16:20

WYNN Wynn Resorts announces agreement in Pennsylvania (63.60 +0.58)

Co announced that it had entered into a letter of intent with Philadelphia Entertainment and Development Partners, LP (PEDP), providing that an affiliate of Wynn will become the manager and managing general partner in the PDEP casino project slated for the Philadelphia waterfront. The agreement is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions including the approval of the Pennsylvania Gaming Board.

16:19

HNSN Hansen Medical appoints Peter Osborne as Interim Chief Financial Officer (2.48 -0.04) -Update-

Co announces it has appointed Peter Osborne, to serve as interim chief financial officer of the company effective February 24, 2010. Mr. Osborne, who will serve as the company's principal financial and accounting officer, replaces Steve Van Dick, who is resigning as an officer of Hansen Medical to pursue other opportunities. Hansen Medical has initiated a search for a permanent replacement for Mr. Van Dick.

16:18

SLGN Silgan Holdings declares increase of dividend to $0.21 from 0.19 which represents a 10.5% increase (56.21 +0.29)

16:17

CSTR Coinstar's Redbox surpassed one million iPhone application downloads (29.05 +0.06) -Update-

16:17

HT Hersha Hospitality Trust beats by $0.02, beats on revs (3.82 -0.12)

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.07 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.05; revenues fell 6.0% year/year to $51.9 mln vs the $50.6 mln consensus. Including the existing credit line, the Company has refinanced approximately $264 million of debt at a weighted average interest rate of 4.94% and has increased its debt capacity by $56 million. Approximately 87 percent of the Company's debt is fixed or capped with a weighted average maturity of 7.2 years. For 2010: Same store RevPAR for 2010 in the range of a 2% decline to a 1% increase versus 2009. Same store Hotel EBITDA margin deterioration of 100 basis points to 200 basis points. 2010 results will reflect full year operational results for the two assets purchased in 2009, and the majority of the year for the three assets purchased in February 2010.

16:16

PTV Pactiv Corp to acquire PWP Industries (22.74 -00.24)

Co announces an agreement to acquire the stock of PWP Industries, an HPC company. PWP is a leading manufacturer of APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate) disposable products. The purchase price is $200 mln. PWP's 2009 sales were approximately $140 million. The acquisition is expected to be modestly accretive to earnings per share and free cash flow in 2010 and generate a return in excess of Pactiv's cost of capital within two to three years. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter and is subject to normal regulatory approvals and certain conditions to closing.

16:15

VVTV ShopNBC CFO resigns to pursue business opportunity (4.13 -0.14)

The co announces that Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Frank Elsenbast has resigned as of February 22, 2010, and is leaving the Company to accept a chief financial officer position at another public company. Global executive search co Spencer Stuart will begin searching immediately for Mr. Elsenbast's replacement, who will remain with ShopNBC for an interim period to ensure an orderly transition in responsibilities. The Company has appointed industry veteran and multichannel retailing finance and operations executive of 20 years Bill McGrath, 52, ShopNBC's Vice President of Quality Assurance and former Vice President of Finance and Global Sourcing of QVC, as interim CFO. Mr. McGrath will assume financial management functions until a new chief financial officer is named.

16:15

SQM Sociedad Quimica y Minera announced today the suspension of operations at its El Toco and Pampa Blanca (36.60 -1.30)

Co announced the decision to suspend these operations comes as a response to decreased global demand for nitrates and iodine. Demand for these two businesses was significantly affected by the financial crisis that began in the fourth quarter of 2008. Lower sales volumes registered during the last 15 months have translated into an increase in SQM's nitrate and iodine inventories.

16:14

SHO Sunstone Hotel beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line (8.90 -0.25)

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.18 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.17; revenues fell 18.1% year/year to $192.6 mln vs the $194 mln consensus.

16:12

WWVY Warwick Valley Telephone Company renews CEO and CFO contracts (12.18 -0.02)

Co announces that the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Duane W. Albro, President and Chief Executive Officer, and with Kenneth H. Volz, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, on February 17, 2010 respectively.

16:12

CPTS Conceptus reports EPS in-line, misses on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs in-line (21.33 -0.22)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.21 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.21; revenues rose 29.8% year/year to $37 mln vs the $38 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of ($0.09)-($0.10) vs. ($0.06) consensus; sees Q1 revs of 33-34 mln vs. $33.89 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees EPS of 0.50-0.55 vs. $0.56 consensus; sees FY10 revs of 160-165 mln vs. $161.82 mln consensus. Domestic sales of the Essure system for the fourth quarter of 2009 increased 28% to $28.8 mln and international sales increased 37% to $8.2 mln, both compared with the prior year fourth quarter. Co states, "In developing our 2010 guidance we believe we have accounted for the continued success of our awareness programs offset by any impact of the weak global economy and competition. We will continue to invest in these strategic programs, which are expected to lead to substantial earnings per share growth as we move through the year. We look forward to building on the growth and momentum we have exiting 2009."

16:11

GCA Global Cash Access reports EPS in-line, misses on revs; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus (7.62 -0.30)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.17 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.17; revenues fell 15.6% year/year to $148.8 mln vs the $159.6 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.73-0.75, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.78 consensus; sees FY10 revs flat to slightly down from 2009 revs of $667.7 mln vs. $670.37 mln consensus.

16:10

VRGY Verigy beats by $0.01, misses on revs; guides AprQ below consensus (10.84 -0.44)

Reports Q1 (Jan) loss of $0.03 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.04); revenues rose 55.9% year/year and 9% sequentially to $106.0 mln vs the $111.2 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q2 (Apr), sees EPS of $(0.08)-0.01, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.02 consensus; sees Q2 revs of $107-117 mln vs. $119.8 mln consensus.

16:06

SBIB Sterling Banc announces $80 mln common stock offering (4.91 -0.35)

16:06

GTEC Global Defense Technology & Systems reports Q4 (Dec) results; guides for FY10 revs growth of 14-20% (13.75 +0.10)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.25 per share, may not be comparable to the single analyst consensus of $0.47. Co reports revenues of $55.8 mln; Co issues Q1 revenue guidance of $40-43 mln and EPS of $0.06-0.09, single analyst estimate is $25 mln and $0.54, respectively. Co issues FY10 revenue growth guidance of 14-20% (approx $241-254 mln) and may not be comparable to the single analyst estimate of $92.52 mln consensus. As of December 31, 2009, GTEC had total backlog of $640 million and funded backlog of $103 million. Total backlog grew by over 34% from December 31, 2008 and represents 3.0x full year 2009 revenue.

16:05

DM Dolan Media beats by $0.07, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (10.90 +0.15)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.27 per share, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.20; revenues rose 18.0% year/year to $69.6 mln vs the $68.5 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.11-1.18 vs. $1.14 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $307-310 mln vs. $305.97 mln consensus. "Strategic acquisitions in our Professional Services Division continue to fuel growth in our business. Barrett-NDEx, which we acquired in September 2008, contributed $64.2 million to our increase in total 2009 revenues. Our new e-discovery business, DiscoverReady, which we acquired in November of 2009, added $6.1 million in total revenues in 2009. Acquiring complementary businesses like these continues to be an important element of our growth strategy. Fourth quarter 2009 revenues were also strong when compared to the same period last year. Revenues increased 18% to $69.6 million, primarily as a result of the acquisitions of DiscoverReady and Albertelli. Also in the fourth quarter, revenues in our Business Information Division increased by $1.3 million, or 6%, to $23.4 million, when compared to the same prior year period. This increase was driven by a $2.6 million, or 25%, increase in public notice revenues year-over year, once again proving the value of our balanced revenue model in this division."

16:04

RADS Radiant Systems beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (11.23 -0.09)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.21 per share, ex-items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 3.3% year/year to $77.8 mln vs the $72.4 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.14-$0.15 vs. $0.18 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $75-$76 mln vs. $72.49 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.76-$0.79 vs. $0.79 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $310-$315 mln vs. $303.73 mln consensus.

16:04

ADSK Autodesk beats by $0.07, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs in-line (25.70 -0.38)

Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.30 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.23; revenues fell 6.9% year/year to $456.1 mln vs the $432 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.18-0.23 vs. $0.20 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $420-440 mln vs. $429.53 mln consensus. Autodesk is not providing specific revenue or EPS guidance for fiscal 2011 at this time. However, operating margin on a GAAP basis for the full year fiscal 2011 is expected to increase significantly compared to fiscal 2010. Autodesk continues to anticipate modest improvement in non-GAAP operating margin for full year fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010.

16:04

TRAK DealerTrack misses by $0.02, misses on revs; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (14.19 +0.05)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.12 per share, $0.02 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.14; revenues fell 2.7% year/year to $53.2 mln vs the $55.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.51-0.57 vs. $0.56 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $240-246 mln vs. $243.69 mln consensus. Co sees FY10 adjusted EBITDA for the year is expected to be between $41.0 million and $45 mln.

16:04

NEP China North East Petroleum announces revisions to previously issued financial statements for 2008 and 2009 due to non-cash accounting adjustments (9.21 -0.56)

Co announced that as a result of the preparation of responses to comments the co received from the SEC, it determined that the co's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, and each interim quarter within that year, and for the quarters ended March 31, 2009, June 30, 2009 and September 30, 2009 should no longer be relied upon as a result of certain non-cash errors contained therein regarding the accounting for: (i) warrants issued in conjunction with certain financings in 2008 and 2009, which warrants should have been classified according to EITF-0019 as liability instruments rather than equity instruments; (ii) interest expense calculated using the effective interest method that should have been recorded in each of the reporting periods in question, arising from those certain financings in 2008 and 2009; (iii) changes in the fair value of the reclassified warrants; (iv) ceiling test impairment calculations prepared by the Company for the reporting periods ended December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009; (v) depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses related to the company's oil and gas properties, net; (vi) recognition of employee stock-based compensation expense; and (vii) a modification of the February 28, 2008 secured debenture that occurred on March 5, 2009, which modification should have been treated as an extinguishment pursuant to EITF 96-19.

16:04

DWA Dreamworks Animation beats by $0.13, beats on revs (41.42 +0.55)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.50 per share, $0.13 better than the First Call consensus of $0.37; revenues fell 2.8% year/year to $194.2 mln vs the $177 mln consensus. The Company's full year 2010 results are expected to be driven primarily by the performance of How to Train Your Dragon, which is scheduled to be released on March 26, 2010 and Shrek Forever After, which is scheduled to be released on May 21, 2010. The Company's first quarter results are expected to be driven primarily by the merchandising and consumer products programs associated with the release of How to Train Your Dragon as well as by Monsters vs. Aliens domestic pay television, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa international pay television, and Shrek the Third and Bee Movie international free television.

16:03

ISTA ISTA Pharm misses by $0.02, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus (4.14 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.02 per share, $0.02 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.00). Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.02 vs. $0.11 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $147 mln to $165 mln vs. $143.67 mln consensus. ISTA expects its gross margin in 2010 will be in the range of 74 to 76%. ISTA expects its business to generate $6 to $10 million of cash in 2010.

16:03

HNSN Hansen Medical misses by $0.03, beats on revs (2.48 -0.04)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.31 per share, $0.03 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.28); revenues rose 34.9% year/year to $7.2 mln vs the $6.0 mln consensus.

16:02

TSON Trans1 announces CFO transition (3.49 +0.12)

Co announced that Michael Luetkemeyer, CFO will leave TranS1 on March 31, 2010 to pursue other opportunities. The co has begun a search for his replacement and Mr. Luetkemeyer will serve as a consultant to the company during the transition.

16:02

PSYS Psychiatric Solutions beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line (22.83 -0.54)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.53 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.52; revenues rose 8.1% year/year to $463 mln vs the $464.4 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.27-2.31 vs. $2.31 consensus.

16:02

BCSI Blue Coat beats by $0.03, beats on revs; guides Q4 EPS in-line, revs in-line (28.53 -0.62)

Reports Q3 (Jan) earnings of $0.37 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.34; revenues rose 16.0% year/year to $127.1 mln vs the $124.5 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q4, sees EPS of $0.36-0.41, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.38 consensus; sees Q4 revs of $129-134 mln vs. $129.47 mln consensus. "In the quarter, business was strong across all major geographic regions, as customers continue to value our unique ADN product portfolio. We will continue to invest in strategic opportunities in the ADN market to accelerate growth while not sacrificing the bottom line... Our non-GAAP operating margin percentage increased sequentially 440 basis points to 19.9%, and our trailing 12 month operating cash flow was $76 million, an increase of 24%."

16:02

EPIQ EPIQ Systems misses by $0.01, misses on revs (12.26 +0.17)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.17 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.18; revenues fell 13.6% year/year to $47.7 mln vs the $52.3 mln consensus. "We continue to experience strong growth in bankruptcy revenue, highlighted by major contributions from a significant ongoing portfolio of corporate restructuring Chapter 11 engagements that are generally long-term, multi-year assignments characterized by a recurring revenue component and visibility into future periods. We believe electronic discovery has the opportunity to expand in 2010, building on the momentum of the fourth quarter. Our new IQ Review(TM) capability demonstrates clear technology leadership in the e-discovery marketplace."

16:02

LLNW Limelight Networks misses by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 revs in-line (3.97 +0.06)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.04 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.03); revenues fell 6.4% year/year to $33.6 mln vs the $33.5 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of $33-34.5 mln vs. $33.24 mln consensus.

16:01

ALOT Astro-Med wins $1.5 mln employee non-compete agreement suit (7.63 0.00)

Co announced that it has collected $1,495,000 in damages from a lawsuit it filed against a former employee and a competitor business. At issue was the non-competition agreement which the employee had signed as a condition of employment with Grass Technologies, an Astro-Med subsidiary.

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