Briefing.com: Hourly In Play (R) – 15:00 ET

Apr 05, 2010 (Briefing.com via COMTEX) -- Hourly In Play (R)

Updated: 05-Apr-10 15:00 ET

14:57

WYNN NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness approaching today's final final hour -Technical-

NDX 100 Best % Performers:

WYNN +6.0%M, BRCM +4.50%, MAT +4.0%, SNDK +3.50%, JOYG +3.50%, KLAC +3.50%, FWLT +3.50%, ALTR +3.25%, ADSK +3.25%, EBAY +3.25%, XLNX +3.0%, ROST +3.0%

NDX 100 Worst % Performers:

RIMM -1.75%, GRMN -1.25%, ISRG -1.25%, HOLX -0.75%, AMGN -0.50%, CEPH -0.50%, SHLD -0.50%, VRTX -0.50%, CHRW -0.25%, PCLN -0.25%

NASDAQ TRIN @ +0.40

NASDAQ A/D +1140

14:55

BKR Michael Baker unit awarded four separate contracts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (35.23 +0.25)

Co's unit awarded four separate contracts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, to design and construct Armed Forces Reserve Facilities in McAlester, Okla.; Tyler, Texas; Round Rock, Texas; and Fort Allen, Puerto Rico. The total construction value of the facilities is $74 million while Baker's combined fee for the projects will be $5.0 million. Baker will be providing architecture and engineering design services for the projects. Over the past five years, Baker has completed more than 30 reserve facility projects with a total constructed value in excess of $750 million.

14:54

AXP Dow 30 (INDU) strength & weakness approaching today's final hour -Technical-

INDU 30 Best % Performers:

AXP +1.75%, CAT +1.50%, CSCO +1.50%, DD +1.50%, GE +1.25%, CVX +1.25%

INDU 30 Worst % Performers:

BA -2.0%, PFE -1.0%, TRV -1.0%, DIS -1.0%, DIS -0.75%, KO -0.75%, KFT -0.50%

NYSE TRIN @ +.60

NYSE A/D @ +1390

14:51

COMDX CBOT Agriculture and Ethanol and ICE Exchange Sugar Closing Prices -Update-

May corn closed higher by 1.25 cents to $3.4575 per bushel, May soybeans closed lower by 6 cents at $9.36 per bushel, July wheat closed 1.25 cents higher at $4.6725 per bushel, May ethanol closed lower by $0.011 cents at $1.549, May world sugar futures closed 0.30 cents higher to 16.40 cents.

14:41

COMDX NYMEX Energy Closing Prices

Crude settled higher by $1.75 to $86.62, natural gas rallied for 18.3 cents to finish at $4.269, heating oil gained 4.98 cents to close at $2.2665 and RBOB gasoline ended up 2.46 cents to $2.3483 (all May contracts).

14:13

SLB Schlumberger and Smith International received request for additional information from DoJ (65.81 +1.25)

Schlumberger Limited (SLB) announced that it has received a request for additional information, commonly known as a "second request," from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice in connection with the proposed merger with Smith International. While a definitive date cannot yet be determined related to the eventual closing of the transaction, Schlumberger maintains the expectation of this occurring during the second half of this year. Smith International (SII) also announced that it has received a request for additional information, commonly known as a "second request", from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice in connection with the proposed merger with Schlumberger Limited.

13:52

DXPE DXP Enterprises completes the acquisition of Quadna for $28 mln; expect acquisition to be immediately accretive to earnings (12.95 +0.31)

Co announced the completion of the acquisition of substantially all the assets of Quadna. The purchase price of $28 mln consisted of $14 mln paid in cash, $10 mln in the form of convertible promissory notes bearing interest at a rate of 10%, and $4 mln in the form of 343,337 shares of DXPE common stock. The $14 mln cash portion of the purchase price was funded by borrowings under DXPE's existing credit facility. The sales and adjusted EBITDA for the acquired business for the year ended December 31, 2009 were ~$47 mln and $4 mln, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA was calculated as income before tax, plus interest, plus depreciation and amortization, plus approximately $0.8 mln of expenses which will not continue after the completion of the acquisition.

13:43

RINO RINO Intl issues correction; expects 65% of its backlog of $100.8 mln will turn into revs by the end of Q2 (20.88 -0.29) -Update-

Co announced the following correction to its today's press release entitled "Rino International Supplements its Fourth Quarter of 2009 Results". The press release incorrectly stated that the Company expects 80% of its backlog of $100.8 million as of February 28, 2010 will turn into revenues by the end of the second quarter. The correct percentage is 65%.

13:40

COMDX COMEX Metals Closing Prices

June gold settled higher by $7.30 to $1133.40, May silver gained 22.8 cents to end at $18.118, and May copper closed up 4.75 cents to $3.6315.

13:40

EGOV NIC Inc launched nation's first government applications that were developed specifically for the iPad (7.26 -0.14)

13:30

GTLS Chart Indust announces consolidation of liquid oxygen therapy operations; anticipated restructuring costs were included in prior guidance (21.42 +1.04)

Co announced that CAIRE, which operates under Chart's BioMedical segment, plans to close its liquid oxygen therapy manufacturing operations in Plainfield, Indiana and relocate the manufacturing and customer service operations to a facility close to existing operations in Canton, Georgia where it manufactures the same product line. The Plainfield manufacturing and customer service operations were acquired in November as part of the acquisition of Covidien's (COV) liquid oxygen therapy business. The anticipated restructuring costs associated with the closure of the Plainfield manufacturing operations and relocation of the operations to Canton were included in Chart's 2010 earnings estimates that were announced on February 24, 2010. As a result, the impact of this closure is included in the previously disclosed 2010 forecasted earnings guidance of $0.40 to $0.60 per fully diluted share, which includes expected charges of ~$0.20 per share for restructuring, acquisition related and write-off of deferred financing costs.

13:28

TECHX Market View - - Midday Summary -Update- -Technical-

The market is off to a strong start after the 3-day holiday weekend as the S&P breaks into higher ground above last Friday's 1181 high, reaching a high of 1187.73 before losing its upward momentum. Most of the strength came from the Energy/Commodity sector as Crude Oil extends into higher ground. Internals remain modestly bullish, but on lower than average volume, as the major indices consolidate in a tight narrow range along the morning highs, suggesting little to no selling pressure and a high probability of another attempt at a leg up during this afternoon. Note the Dow Jones is approximately 30-points away from reaching the "psychological" 11,000 mark, which would be considered a next area of resistance. For the S&P, next resistance would lie around 1193/1195. The Nasdaq is up +1%, but lags the other indices in the fact is has yet to trade above its March peak of 2432.25.

13:00

EFX Equifax signs agreement to sell APPRO for $72.4 mln; not expected to have a material impact on adjusted EPS for full-year 2010 (35.79 +0.05)

Co entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Equifax Enabling Technologies unit, consisting primarily of the APPRO suite of loan origination software, to CRIF Corporation, an affiliate of CRIF S.p.A... The sales price is $72.4 mln, subject to adjustment. The transaction is expected to close in April, upon satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Equifax intends to use the net proceeds from the transaction for general corporate purposes. The divestiture is not expected to have a material impact on adjusted EPS for full-year 2010.

12:56

UNIS Unilife Corporation receives U.S. FDA Clearance for Unitract 1mL insulin syringes (6.94 +1.17)

Co received from the FDA 510(k) market clearance for the Unitract 1mL Insulin Syringes. The Unitract(TM) range of 1mL syringes is the first and only known syringe that allows operators to control the speed of passive (automatic) needle retraction directly from the patient's body into the barrel of the syringe where it is locked in place. Unilife is currently negotiating with a number of other interested healthcare and pharmaceutical companies in the U.S., Europe and Asia regarding its Unitract 1mL syringes, and will also continue to send shipments to Haiti to support ongoing humanitarian relief efforts.

12:45

UNG Midday global & sector ETF movers... Nat Gas strong & Fixed Income weak -Technical-

The Actively Traded Leading Global & Sector ETF Plays:

nat gas- UNG +3.75%, ISE Revere index nat gas components- FCG +3.0%, SPDRS metals & mining- XME +2.75%, casinos- BJK +2.75%, semis- XSD +2.75%, SMH +2.0%, IGW +2.50%, India- INP +2.75%, steel- SLX +2.50%, iShares REITS- ICF +2.0%, crude/WTI oil- USO +2.0%, OIL +2.0%, coal- KOL +2.0%, SPDRS oil & gas exploration/serices.prod- XOP +2.0%, XES +2.0%

The Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETF Plays:

US bonds- TLT -1.50%, AGG -0.50%, BND -0.50%, TIPS- TIP -1.0%, Euro currency shares- FXE -0.50%, Yen currency shares- FXY -0.25%, high yield/junk bonds- JNK -0.25%

12:44

MGA Magna unit and Hollingsworth Logistics form JV to supply Volkswagen Chattanooga (62.95 -0.15)

Magna Seating, an operating group of Magna International, and Hollingsworth Logistics announced they have formed a joint venture to supply Volkswagen (VLKAY) Group of America with complete seat systems for the mid-size sedan to be built at Volkswagen's new Chattanooga, Tennessee, assembly facility. The joint-venture company, Chattanooga Seating Systems, is 51 percent owned by Hollingsworth Logistics and 49 percent Magna Seating.

12:27

FFIV F5 Networks continues to climb higher intraday, probing its March highs along 65.10 (65.28 +3.14) -Technical-

12:07

AIG American Intl: Rallying sharply on high volume to test resistance above $35 (34.97 +0.87) -Update- -Technical-

11:45

GS Goldman Sachs climbs to fresh morning highs as it lifts up to probe Thursday's high of 172.00 (172.01 +1.79) -Update- -Technical-

Would note that the 20-day ema comes into play in this vicinity near 171.25. Recent 3-day range lows at 169.50.

11:41

PRX Par Pharmaceutical enters into agreement with sanofi-aventis to settle patent litigation over generic eloxatin (25.34 +0.22)

Co announced that it (and its subsidiary Par Pharmaceutical and development partner MN Pharmaceuticals of Turkey) has entered into a settlement agreement with sanofi-aventis (SNY) that resolves patent litigation related to its generic version of sanofi's and Debiopharm's Eloxatin (oxaliplatin injection) product, a drug used to treat colorectal cancer, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Under the terms of the settlement, Par would begin selling its generic version of Eloxatin in August 2012, or earlier under certain circumstances. Eloxatin had combined U.S. sales of ~$993 mln for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, according to IMS Health.

11:00

AVT Avnet Electronics marketing signs distribution agreement with Jennic (31.11 +0.71)

The Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas business region of Avnet (AVT) and Jennic, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of low-power wireless microcontrollers, have signed a distribution agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, Avnet will distribute Jennic's complete line of wireless microcontrollers, FCC-approved modules, and development kits throughout the Americas.

10:55

NXST Nexstar announces $325 mln offering of senior secured second lien notes and plan to refinance existing credit facilities (4.84 -0.07)

10:41

NOC Northrop Grumman awarded base contracts in all categories of TASER (66.57 +0.32)

Co has been named one of four recipients to receive contracts in all areas of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA) Total Application Services for Enterprise Requirements (TASER) program, providing timely and innovation solutions to critical geospatial intelligence requirements. The TASER program has an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract structure with a ceiling of $1 billion over five years.

10:39

UNG US Natural Gas ETF making fresh follow through highs on Thursday's high volume advance (7.53 +.24) -Update- -Technical-

Please see the full WSJ story details on sweeping revisions to natural gas output data @ 8:44ET under the UNG ticker.

10:35

UNG 1st hour global & sector ETF movers... Nat Gas strong & VIX weak -Technical-

The Actively Traded Leading Global & Sector ETF Plays:

nat gas- UNG +2.75%, India- INP +2.50%, steel- SLX +2.25%, semis- XSD +2.0%, IGW +2.0%, SMH +1.50%, ISE nat gas index components- FCG +2.0%, casinos- BJK +2.0%, SPDRS metals & mining- XME +2.0%, homebuilders & construction- ITB +1375%, XHB +1.75%, coal- KOL +1.50%, crude/WTI oil- USO +1.25%, OIL +1.50%, gold miners- GDX +1.25%, oil HLDRS- OIH +1.25%

The Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETF Plays:

VIX vol index- VXX -1.75%, US bonds- TLT -1.25%, AGG -0.50%, BND -0.50%, US airlines- FAA -1.0%, TIPS- TIP -1.0%, Yen currency shares- FXY -0.50%, Euro currency shares- FXE -0.50%, iShares Japan- EWJ -0.50%

10:30

PAP Pacific Asia Petroleum announces shareholder approval of acquisition of Oyo oil field interest (4.09 +0.09)

PAP announced that the Co's shareholders voted to approve the acquisition of all of the interest of CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited and certain of its affiliates ("CAMAC") in the Oyo Oilfield. The proposals were described in the Company's definitive proxy statement filed on March 19, 2010. The result of the vote was tabulated and announced at the Co's special meeting today at the Westchester Marriot in Tarrytown, New York, where more than 99% of the shares voted at the meeting approved all of the recommendations made with respect to this acquisition, including the issuance of shares to CAMAC which will constitute 62.74% of the outstanding shares of the Co, and the change of the Co's name to "CAMAC Energy Inc." The Co anticipates completing and closing the transaction with CAMAC on or about April 7, 2010.

10:26

WYNN 1st hour NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness -Technical-

NDX 100 Best % Performers:

WYNN +4.0%, FWLT +3.25%, ADSK +2.75%, JOYG +2.75%, ROST +2.75%, NIHD +2.75%, MAT +2.50%, XLNX +2.50%, ALTR +2.50%, KLAC +2.50%

NDX 100 Worst % Performers:

GRMN -2.25%, TEVA -0.75%, ISRG -0.50%, VRTX -0.50%, AMGN -0.50%, CPEH -0.50%, SHLD -0.50%, HOLX -0.25%

NASDAQ TRIN @ +0.45

NASDAQ A/D @ +1240

10:24

CAT 1st hour Dow 30 (INDU) strength & weakness -Technical-

INDU 30 Best % Performers:

CAT +1.50%, GE +1.25%, AXP +1.25%, UTX +1.0%, INTC +1.0%, CVX +1.0%

INDU 30 Worst % Performers:

TRV -1.0%, MRK -0.50%, AA -0.50%, PFE -0.50%, DIS -0.25%, JPM -0.25%

NYSE TRIN @ +0.75

NYSE A/D @ +1505

10:23

COMDX Crude oil ticks to fresh highs at $86.17; now up $1.28 to $86.15

10:22

GDX Mkt Vctrs Gold Miners showing relative strength this morning as price challenges its March resistance along the 47.00 level (47.11 +0.71) -Technical-

10:21

BMI Badger Meter has purchased Cox Instruments and its subsidiary Flow Dynamics; Terms of the transaction were not disclosed (39.65 +0.70)

Co has purchased Cox Instruments and its subsidiary Flow Dynamics. Cox Instruments and Flow Dynamics manufacture and market precision high performance flow meters that are used in demanding applications such as aerospace, custody transfer and flow measurement calibration test stands. The combined 2009 sales for both companies were approximately $5.4 million. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

10:20

POT Potash-- relative weakness alert as price slides to session lows with the 50-day EMA moving average in play near the session lows here (116.31 ) -Technical-

50-day EMA now @ 116.45

LoD now @ 116.32

10:16

PRGO Perrigo and Cobrek Pharmaceuticals launch generic Version of Evoclin and snnounce settlement of related litigation (60.21 +1.13)

Co announced that together with its partner Cobrek Pharmaceuticals final approval has been received from FDA to manufacture and market Clindamycin Phosphate Foam 1%, a generic version of Evoclin Foam 1% of Stiefel. In addition, Perrigo and Cobrek have reached an agreement to settle the underlying Hatch Waxman litigation brought by Stiefel Laboratories, a GSK Company. In accordance with the terms of the settlement Perrigo and Cobrek could continue to ship product until April 2, 2010. In addition, Perrigo can recommence shipments of the product on or after October 1, 2010. The agreement with Stiefel includes payments from Perrigo to Stiefel of license fees as well as royalties.

10:13

XHB SPDR Homebuilders shows relative strength after Housing Data (17.27 +0.19) -Technical-

Housing/Construction stocks show strength after Home Sale data as the XHB extends above its March peak of 17.21.

10:05

TECHX Market View - - S&P early strength to fresh new highs -Update- -Technical-

The S&P leads early opening strength after the 3-day weekend, as price pushes above last Friday's high of 1181.43. Next area of possible resistance lies in the 1185/1187 zone. The Dow is edging higher to challenge its recent range top along 10955/10956, with next resistance near 109070/109080.The Nasdaq still lags a little as it remains below its Friday high of 2423. Mid-caps showing relative strength as the index breaks out to new highs. SPX +5.5, Nasdaq +16, Dow +39.

10:01

CMTL Comtech Telecom wins $12.1 million in SATCOM equipment orders for government network expansion (32.25 -0.18)

Co announced today that its Santa Clara, California-based subsidiary, Comtech Xicom Technology, Inc. and its Tempe, Arizona-based subsidiary, Comtech EF Data Corp., received satellite communications equipment orders totaling $12.1 million from a major government prime contractor. The orders are for follow-on procurements of high-power tri-band amplifiers, high-power Ka-band amplifiers and satellite earth station modems for transportable USAF satellite terminals and will be utilized to expand an existing military network. Deployed throughout the world, these terminals offer users the flexibility of accessing both military and commercial satellites.

10:00

AAPL Apple: EMG Technology accuses Apple's New iPad of patent infringement (236.44 +0.46) -Update-

EMG Technology announced that it will move to include the newly released Apple iPad (media player, personal TV & eBook reader) as an additional accused product in EMG's previously filed patent infringement lawsuit against, which is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. "EMG will take steps to add Apple's newly released iPad to the range of Apple products already accused of patent infringement in the case, including the iTunes Store, iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple TV. The trial date is set for September 12, 2011," explained Shawn Hansen, an attorney with the Palo Alto, California office of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, who is representing EMG in the case.

09:54

X U.S. Steel runs to fresh 52 week highs as buyers attempt to take out notable peaks of technical resistance from early 2010 @ 66.45 (67.16 ) -Technical-

New multi-month highs now in play @ 67.58

09:50

WFMI Whole Foods displaying more demand for shares today as price edges out above 37.00~37.10 recent daily chart resistance into fresh 52 week highs (37.27 ) -Update- -Technical-

Minor topping action recently seen @ 37.00 appears to be eliminated with this early move to 37.30. Price now at the best levels in over 2 yrs.

09:47

GCI Gannett and Bitcentral expand newsroom collaboration over national network (16.94 +0.24)

Bitcentral has won a competitive bidding process to deploy its Precis news production and Oasis distribution systems across multiple broadcast station newsrooms in the Gannett Broadcasting group. With initial rollouts scheduled to start immediately, Bitcentral will improve local news production workflow and connect the video assets of Gannett Information Centers for unrestricted sharing of content across stations.

09:47

OIH Oil Service HOLDRS Trust displaying early opening strength (126.92 +0.98) -Technical-

The Energy complex (XLE, OIH) displays early opening strength as it builds upon last week's upward momentum.

09:44

COMDX Natural gas spikes to its best levels of the morning at $4.15; now up 4 cents to $4.126

09:44

CREE Cree showing relative strength as it breaks out to new highs this morning (75.62 +5.02) -Technical-

09:42

ECONX Reminder: Pending Home Sales and ISM Services data due out in about 18 min at 10:00ET

09:40

LVS Las Vegas Sands picking up some upside momentum in early trading on increased 5 min. volume as peer WYNN breakout to fresh 52 week highs in recent trading (22.01 ) -Technical-

09:31

FRPT Force Protection awarded $82.3 million for independent suspension upgrades (6.23 +0.18) -Update-

Co announced it has received an $82.3 million modification to contract M67854-07-D-5031 from the United States Marine Corps Systems Command for independent suspension system (ISS) kits for Cougar vehicles. The modification is subject to definitization. Work will be performed at the MRAP Sustainment Facility (MSF) in Kuwait and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2010.

09:30

NGBF New Generation Biofuels announces appointment of Dane Saglio as Chief Financial Officer, effective March 29, 2010 (0.68 )

09:27

LPS Lender Processing Services provided clarification to a recent article published by the Wall Street Journal (38.11 ) -Update-

Co provided clarification to a recent article published by the Wall Street Journal. "As indicated in LPS' most recent Form 10-K, filed in February 2010, LPS reported that during an internal review of the business processes used by its document solutions subsidiary, the Company identified a business process that caused an error in the notarization of certain documents, some of which were used in foreclosure proceedings in various jurisdictions around the country. The services performed by this subsidiary were offered to a limited number of customers, were unrelated to the Company's core default management services and were immaterial to the Company's financial results. LPS immediately corrected the business process and has completed the remedial actions necessary to minimize the impact of the error. LPS subsequently received an inquiry relating to this matter from the Clerk of Court of Fulton County, Georgia, which is the regulatory body responsible for licensing the notaries used by the Company's document solutions subsidiary. In response, LPS met with the Clerk of Court, along with members of her staff, and reported on the Company's identification of the error and the status of the corrective actions that were underway. LPS has since completed its remediation efforts with respect to all of the affected documents and believes the Clerk of the Court has completed its review and closed the matter."

09:20

On The Wires

International Assets Holding (IAAC) announced that it has acquired Risk Management Incorporated and RMI Consulting. The all-cash transaction closed on April 1, 2010... American Spectrum Realty (AQQ) annpounces that American Spectrum Management has been awarded the leasing and management contracts of three apartment projects by Imperial Capital Bank.

09:15

ARCI Appliance Recycling Cntrs announced a private placement of 915,000 shares of its common stock (2.87 )

Co announced a private placement of 915,000 shares of its common stock. The Company has closed on the sale of 775,000 shares and expects to close on the sale of the remaining shares in the next few days. The common stock was priced at $2.00 per share.

09:11

ASA ASA Limited has approved a 3-for-1 stock split to be effected in the form of a stock distribution (76.51 )

09:06

STRI STR Holdings reaffirms Q1 and 2010 guidance (22.60 ) -Update-

Co reaffirms 2010 EPS of $1.05-1.10, excluding non-recurring items vs. $1.11 consensus, reaffirms revs at $310-330 mln vs $327.8 mln consensus. Co reaffirms Q1 EPS of $0.23-0.25, excluding non-recurring items, vs $0.25 consensus; reaffirms Q1 revs of $77-81 mln vs $80.0 mln consensus. The Co anticipates that, due to recent strength in the global solar market and reductions in anticipated orders by certain key clients in its Quality Assurance business, the projected revenue mix between segments is expected to change from its previous full year guidance with higher anticipated Solar net sales in the range of $195-205 mln and lower anticipated Quality Assurance net sales in the range of $115 million to $125 million. Projected Q1 revenue mix is expected to change from its previous guidance to a range of $53-55 mln for Solar net sales and a range of $24-26 mln for Quality Assurance net sales.

09:05

On The Wires

Dot Hill Systems (HILL) announced that it has been granted six new patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office... Allegheny Power, the electric delivery business of Allegheny Energy (AYE), announced that it has reached agreement with the Staff of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, the Consumer Advocate Division and other parties regarding its request for a base rate increase. The agreement requires Commission approval to be effective. If adopted, the monthly bill for a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours will increase from $91.78 to $95.88, or by 4.5 percent, in June... International Game Technology Africa, a wholly owned subsidiary of International Game Technology (IGT), announces that it has formalized a four-year agreement with Sun International Ltd for 1,000 MegaJackpots Premium gaming machines... Pulte Homes (PHM), one of the nation's largest homebuilding companies, today announced it has changed its name to PulteGroup.

09:03

STRI reaffirms Q1 EPS of $0.23-0.25 vs $0.25 consensus; reaffirms Q1 revs of $77-81 mln vs $80.0 mln consensus

09:02

PSEC Prospect Energy made a secured debt investment of $35 million in Shearer's Foods to support the acquisition of Snack Alliance (12.16 )

09:02

STRI reaffirms 2010 EPS of $1.05-1.10 vs. $1.11 consensus, reaffirms revs at $310-330 mlmn vs $327.8 mln consensus

09:01

PRIM Primoris Services announces construction contract with southern California water and power utility (7.63 )

Co's ARB, has been awarded a contract from a large southern California water and power utility to provide an array of services related to the re-powering of a combined-cycle 144 MW generation unit. The 144 MW unit is located in an existing generation complex and a major load center for this utility. Work on the project will start immediately and should be completed on or before May 1, 2012. The expected cost of the entire project is approximately $248 million including the owner-procured major power island equipment.

09:00

S&P futures vs fair value: +3.50. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +3.50.

Stock futures continue to suggest that a solid start is in order for the session. Oil prices are already up with impressive gains. In the first few moments of pit trade, the price for crude oil is $85.85 per barrel, up 1.2%. Such strength has helped give the CRB Commodity Index a 0.5% gain. As for the dollar, it is currently flat against a basket of competing currencies.

09:00

XEL Xcel Energy to Purchase Calpine Plants (21.40 )

Co and Calpine (CPN) announce that Public Service Company of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company, will purchase two of Calpine's power plants near Denver, which currently provide power to the utility under power purchase agreements. The $739 million acquisition stems from an offer by Calpine into a competitive bid process that was part of Xcel Energy's 2007 Colorado Resource Plan, and was the least cost option among many bids for needed generating resources.

09:00

PPHM Peregrine Pharma reports data from newly published research reinforcing potential of targeting PS in HIV infection (3.15 ) -Update-

Co announces the publication of data showing phosphatidylserine-targeting antibodies can block one of the key ways the AIDS virus gains entry into certain blood cells. The data were generated by scientists at Duke University as part of their ongoing AIDS vaccine research. The article titled "Anti-Phospholipid Human Monoclonal Antibodies Inhibit CCR5-Tropic HIV-1 and Induces Beta-Chemokines" is available online today and will be published in the April 12, 2010 edition of the Journal of Experimental Medicine. Peregrine's PS-targeting antibodies are currently in clinical development for the treatment of cancer and HCV infections.

08:55

NAVG Navigators Group announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a share repurchase program for up to $65 mln of the its common stock (39.27 )

This repurchase program is in addition to the Company's existing $35 million share repurchase program.

08:53

Semiconductor Industry Association reports February chip sales

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported that worldwide semiconductor sales in February were $22.0 billion, a decrease of 1.3% from January when sales were $22.3 billion. February sales grew by 56.2% from February 2009 when sales were $14.1 billion. All monthly sales numbers represent a three-month moving average. "The February sales numbers reflect continued recovery of sales of semiconductors, with demand principally driven by growth in sales of electronic products in emerging economies," said SIA President George Scalise. "Unit sales of the two leading demand drivers for semiconductors - personal computers and cell phones - are now projected to grow in the low- to mid-teens in 2010. While the 56 percent year-on-year growth reflected in the February sales number is encouraging, it is important to note that January and February of 2009 marked the low point for the semiconductor industry during the worldwide economic downturn. "There are encouraging signs that the global economic recovery will continue, and we remain cautiously optimistic that there is upside potential for growth beyond our November forecast for 2010," Scalise concluded.

08:50

TIXC Tix Corp announces appointment of new CFO (1.18 )

Co announces that it has named Steve Handy to serve as its Chief Financial Officer. He replaces Matthew Natalizio.

08:44

AEZS AEterna Zentaris confirms Perifosine receives FDA Fast Track Designation for the treatment of refractory advanced colorectal cancer (0.80 )

Co confirms that its partner, Keryx Biopharmaceuticals (KERX), was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for perifosine (KRX-0401), the Company's novel, potentially first-in-class, oral anti-cancer agent that inhibits the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, for the treatment of refractory advanced colorectal cancer.

08:38

CRU Crude Carriers reports additional management share purchases (17.25 )

Co announces that on Thursday, April 1, 2010, its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Evangelos Marinakis, purchased 25,000 shares of Crude Carriers' common stock at a cost basis of $17.18 per share. This purchase has brought the number of shares purchased by Mr. Evangelos Marinakis to a total of 145,000 shares. As previously announced, Mr. Evangelos Marinakis purchased 30,000, 70,000, 15,000 and 5,000 shares of Crude Carriers' common stock at a cost basis of $16.22, $16.63, $16.76 and $16.74 per share, respectively. In addition, on March 22, 2010, the Company's President, Mr. Ioannis Lazaridis, purchased 6,000 shares of common stock at a cost basis of $16.25 per share and the Company's Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Jerry Kalogiratos, purchased 3,000 shares of common stock at a cost basis of $16.21 per share. All transactions were completed on the open market.

08:36

On The Wires

Funtalk China Holdings (FTLK) announced that it recently signed a cooperation agreement with China Telecom, one of three national wireless operators in China... PharmAthene (PIP) announced the appointment of Thomas Fuerst as its Senior Vice President, Chief Scientific Officer.

08:31

DNR Denbury Resources enters into agreement to sell oil and natural gas properties (17.34 )

The co announces that it has entered into an agreement with Quantum Resources Management, a privately held Houston-based company, to sell certain of its oil and natural gas properties recently acquired in the merger with Encore Acquisition Company for a sales price of $900 million (before closing adjustments). The properties to be sold are primarily located in the Permian Basin in West Texas and southeastern New Mexico; the Mid-continent area, which includes the Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas; and the East Texas Basin. The sale properties do not include the Company's Haynesville Shale, Paradox Basin, Cleveland Sand Play and Tuscaloosa Marine Shale properties. The sale is expected to close in May 2010 and is subject to satisfactory completion of customary due diligence and closing conditions. The agreement contemplates an effective date of May 1, 2010, and consequently operating net revenues after May 1, net of capital expenditures, along with any other purchase price adjustments, will be accounted for as an adjustment to the ultimate sales price.

08:31

CIT CIT Group announced it will issue Q1 financial results on Tuesday, April 27

08:30

ANV Allied Nevada announces accelerated mining plan with production expected to reach over 250,000 ounces by 2012 at an average cost of $425-$450 per ounce sold (16.64 )

Co reports updated mineral reserves and resources with a more than doubling of oxide gold reserves to 2.4 million ounces and initial oxide silver reserves of 32.3 million ounces (177.2 million tons grading 0.014 ounces per ton gold and 0.182 ounces per ton silver) for the co's wholly owned Hycroft mine located near Winnemucca, Nevada. Gold and silver measured and indicated resources (inclusive of reserves) for oxide and sulfide mineralization increased 20% to 7.1 million ounces of gold and 57% to 184.2 million ounces of silver. Measured and indicated gold equivalent ounces increased 28% to 10.3 million ounces compared with 8.1 million gold equivalent ounces reported in March 2009. A portion of the gold measured and indicated resource does not currently have sufficient data to report silver measured and indicated resources.

08:30

IBCP Independent Bank announces exchange transaction with U.S. Treasury (0.72 )

IBCP, the holding co of Independent Bank, a Michigan-based community bank, announced it has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Treasury as part of the Corporation's capital restoration plan. Under the terms of the agreement, and subject to the completion of certain closing conditions, Treasury will exchange the $72 mln of Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock it acquired pursuant to the TARP Capital Purchase Program, plus ~$2.3 mln in accrued dividends on such shares, for new shares of the Corporation's Series B Fixed Rate Cumulative Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock with a liquidation preference equal to $72 mln plus the amount of such accrued dividends at the time of the exchange. The Corporation currently expects to complete the exchange with the Treasury within the next 30 days.

08:30

AAPL Apple sells over 300,000 iPads first day (235.97 ) -Update-

The co announces that it sold over 300,000 iPads in the US as of midnight Saturday, April 3. These sales included deliveries of pre-ordered iPads to customers, deliveries to channel partners and sales at Apple Retail Stores. Apple also announced that iPad users downloaded over one million apps from Apple's App Store and over 250,000 ebooks from its iBookstore during the first day. "It feels great to have the iPad launched into the world -- it's going to be a game changer," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "iPad users, on average, downloaded more than three apps and close to one book within hours of unpacking their new iPad."

08:30

KERX Keryx Biopharma receives FDA Fast track designation for KRX-0401 (Perifosine) for the treatment of refractory advanced colorectal cancer (2.74 )

Co announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for KRX-0401 (perifosine), the Company's novel, potentially first-in-class, oral anti-cancer agent that inhibits Akt activation in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, for the treatment of refractory advanced colorectal cancer.

08:30

ICE IntercontinentalExchange reports record first quarter futures volume, ADV and OTC commissions; $7 trillion cleared in CDS (112.68 )

Co reports record futures volume and average daily volume for 1Q10. Futures ADV increased 28% in 1Q10, including year-over-year growth of 24% for the month of March 2010. ICE also achieved record average daily commissions of $1.37 mln in its OTC energy business during 1Q10, an increase of 27% from the prior first quarter.

08:23

STRI STR Holdings announced a proposed secondary offering of 6.5 mln shares of its common stock by selling shareholders (22.60 )

08:10

On The Wires

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals (RNN) announced that it has submitted a Phase II protocol to the FDA for the clinical study of Serdaxin(R) for the treatment of Parkinson's disease... VSE Corporation (VSEC) reported that its International Group's GLOBAL Division has received an award to continue work being conducted in Alexandria, Egypt. The $35.8 mln In-Country Technical Assist award will enable GLOBAL Division to provide Management, Engineering, Technical, Training and Logistics support for the Egyptian Navy FMS programs and ex-United States Navy transferred ships either in port or at sea, as necessary to support ship operations, training and maintenance... NeurogesX Inc. (NGSX) announced that Qutenza 8% patch, the first and only product containing prescription-strength capsaicin, is now available... Harris (HRS) has been awarded a 10-month, follow-on contract by Evolvent Technologies for ongoing enhancements to a military health network that exchanges patient records and images with Veterans Administration facilities and other medical centers... DivX Inc. (DIVX) announced a new partnership with Sharp Corporation to enable high-quality DivX video on digital TVs. Consumers who purchase the newly DivX Certified AQUOS LE820 TV line will be able to enjoy DivX HD 1080p videos in the DivX format using the TV's USB slot... L-1 Identity Solutions (ID) announced it acquired substantially all of the tangible and intangible assets of Retica Systems... CF Industries Holdings (CF) announced the successful completion of its initial exchange offer for all of the outstanding shares of Terra Industries (TRA) common stock. With CF Industries' 85.6% ownership of Terra, today effectively marks the first day that CF Industries and Terra are a combined company... NCI Inc (NCIT) announced that it has been awarded a single award task order under the ITES-2S contract with a value of approximately $14 mln, if all options are exercised, to provide IT support services for the Network Enterprise Center at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, GA... Citrix Systems (CTXS) announced two new iPad apps, Citrix Receiver and Citrix GoToMeeting, are now available on the App Store.

08:10

WAL Western Alliance Bancorp names Kenneth A. Vecchione President and Chief Operating Officer (5.70 )

08:03

AAI Air Tran Holdings' AirTran Airways reports March traffic; RPMs increased 9.6%, ASMs increased 5.5% and load factor increased 3.1 pts to 83.8% (5.07 )

08:03

DDRX Diedrich Coffee: Peet's Coffee & Tea extends exchange offer for acquisition of Diedrich Coffee (34.84 )

Peet's Coffee & Tea (PEET) announces that it has extended the expiration date of its exchange offer to acquire Diedrich Coffee for a combination of cash and stock valued at $26.00 per share. The exchange offer, which commenced on November 17, 2009, is now scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight (one minute after 11:59 p.m.), Eastern Time, on Friday, May 7, 2010 unless extended. The exchange offer was previously scheduled to expire at 12:00 midnight (one minute after 11:59 p.m.), Eastern Time, on Friday, April 2, 2010.

08:02

PPHM Peregrine Pharma unit and Halozyme Therapeutics expand commercial supply relationship with new manufacturing agreements (3.15 )

Co announced that it has expanded its commercial supply relationship with Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO) with new manufacturing agreements. The companies have also entered into a long-term strategic relationship with HALO designating Avid a preferred supplier for future products requiring Avid's process development and biomanufacturing capabilities and expertise. Avid has manufactured commercial product for HALO since 2005 in the co's current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) facility. As part of the new agreements, the companies have amended and extended their existing commercial supply agreement for recombinant human hyaluronidase ("rHuPH20"), used in two of Halozyme's marketed products. In addition, the companies have signed a new commercial supply agreement for additional rHuPH20 products. Specific financial terms of these commercial supply agreements have not been disclosed.

08:02

LFT Longtop Financial won its first contract with a leading national securities depository and clearing house in China to develop a centralized Enterprise Data Warehouse (34.15 )

08:02

ACCL Accelrys and Symyx Technologies announce merger (6.50 +0.34)

ACCL and Symyx Technologies (SMMX) announced that they have signed a merger agreement. The merger, structured as a tax-free, all-stock merger of equals, was approved by both companies' Boards of Directors. On a combined basis, Accelrys and Symyx have a pre-announcement market capitalization of approximately $335 million, cash reserves of approximately $150 million, and no debt. Under the terms of the agreement, SMMX shareholders will receive 0.7802 shares of Accelrys common stock for each share of Symyx. Following the completion of the merger, Accelrys and Symyx shareholders will each own approximately 50 percent of the combined company. After a period of initial integration, full year net cost synergy savings are expected to be in the range of $10 million - $15 million. Additionally, the transaction is expected to be materially accretive to Non GAAP EPS.

08:02

MRNA MDRNA announces research study with Pfizer (1.19 )

The co announces a study effort with PFE. The relationship will focus on the evaluation of MDRNA's proprietary di-alkylated amino acids (DiLA2) platform and UsiRNA constructs for RNA interference (RNAi). Additional details of the collaboration were not disclosed. This marks MDRNA's fourth early collaborative effort announced with a major pharmaceutical company in the past nine months. MDRNA will be responsible for formulating Pfizer's oligonucleotides in DiLA2 formulations for in vivo preclinical evaluation to be performed at Pfizer. Additionally, MDRNA's research team will design and synthesize UsiRNAs directed against targets specified by Pfizer.

08:01

GRM Graham Packaging announces planned entry into China with agreement to purchase China Roots Packaging PTE (13.02 )

Co announces that its subsidiary, Graham Packaging Company, expects to acquire China Roots Packaging PTE, a plastic container manufacturing company located in Guangzhou, China. GRM has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire from PCCS Group Berhad, a Malaysian company, 100% of the shares of Roots Investment Holding Private, which will be the sole equity holder of China Roots. China Roots operates a container manufacturing plant in the Guangzhou Economic and Technological Development District. The plant makes plastic containers and closures for food, health care, and petrochemical products. Its customers include several global consumer product marketers.

08:01

CBPO China Biologic products subsidiary awarded center of excellence designation in China (10.99 )

Co announced that its indirect majority-owned subsidiary, Shandong Taibang Biological Products Co. Ltd. ("Shandong Taibang"), has been recognized as one of Shandong's National Centers of Excellence for New Drug and Technology Development ("SNC") by the Department of Science and Technology of Shandong Province (the "DSTSP"). The DSTSP created the SNC designation to help implement and advance major drug development strategies proposed by China's Ministry of Science and Technology of PRC. SNC companies are chosen based on a number of criterion including: annual sales exceeding 500 mln RMB (or ~$73 mln) or ownership of independent intellectual property rights for new drugs; Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified; a track record of strong pharmaceutical R&D capabilities and highly qualified R&D team; and evidence of continued commitment to and advances in new drug development.

08:01

ASIA AsiaInfo acquires 80% stake in Hangzhou Zhongbo (27.75 )

Co announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary AsiaInfo Technologies has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority ownership stake in Hangzhou Zhongbo Software Technology, a provider of software and IT solutions for the cable industry in China. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, AsiaInfo will hold an 80% ownership stake in Hangzhou Zhongbo.

08:01

NBS Neostem Suzhou Erye Pharmaceutical subsidiary receives approval to manufacture Generic Cloxacillin (1.67 )

The co announces that its Suzhou Erye Pharmaceutical subsidiary ("Erye") recently received approval from the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) in China to manufacture the sterile active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of the anti-infective cloxacillin sodium. Cloxacillin sodium, a generic form Cloxapen, in finished dosage form is listed in China's National Medical Reimbursement Insurance List and thus is eligible for reimbursement by the government's healthcare programs.

08:00

NADX National Dentex enters into merger agreement with GeoDigm; shareholders will receive $17.00 in cash for each share (10.02 )

Co announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger to be acquired by GDC Holdings, which is a holding company of GeoDigm. Under the terms of the merger agreement, National Dentex's shareholders will receive $17.00 in cash for each share of National Dentex common stock they hold. The board of directors of National Dentex has unanimously approved and adopted the merger agreement and resolved to recommend that National Dentex's shareholders approve the merger agreement. (stock is halted)

08:00

CFN CareFusion to acquire IV Innovator Medegen for $225 Million; acquisition is expected to be neutral to adjusted earnings in the first year and increasingly accretive thereafter (26.17 )

Co announced an agreement to acquire Medegen, a leading innovator in clinically differentiated needleless access valves and administration sets that deliver intravenous medication to patients, for $225 million in cash. "Medegen is an ideal strategic fit with CareFusion due to the complementary nature of our infusion product lines, R&D investments, and our focus on products that are backed by clinical evidence and differentiation," said David Schlotterbeck, chairman and CEO of CareFusion. "With a global opportunity of more than $2 billion for disposable IV sets, Medegen will expand our clinically differentiated product line and add a new dimension to our existing infection prevention portfolio.

07:36

On The Wires

Amdocs (DOX) is realigning its strategy in China. Amdocs has signed a partnership agreement through which Amdocs will divest an 81 percent majority stake in its Longshine business to a newly-formed and locally-managed entity, Longshine Technology Holding. The divestiture will better enable Longshine to focus on its core strength in custom built development services for telecommunications and utilities companies in China, while allowing Amdocs to continue to address the needs of service providers in China with its CES 8 portfolio... Herald National Bank (HNB) announced the completion of a private placement of 10.7 million shares of its common stock and Series A preferred stock at $3.00 per share... AerCap Holdings (AER) announced that it has signed a corporate debt facility agreement for $120 million with UBS as lead arranger. The facility has a term of five years and will be used for general corporate purposes... The Talbots (TLB) is extending its offer to exchange each outstanding warrant to acquire shares of common stock of BPW Acquisition (BPW).

07:34

ALGT Allegiant Travel reports March, 1Q traffic (56.40 )

Co reports March 2010 RPM increased 16.4% year/year to 545.57 mln; load factor increased 0.6 points to 92.9%. During Q110, RPM increased 18.6% from 1Q09. Load factor increased 0.9 points to 91.7% in 1Q10 from 1Q09.

07:32

HALO Halozyme Therapeutics announces multiple commercial supply agreements for the manufacture of rHuPH20 (8.02 )

Co announces the execution of multiple commercial supply agreements with its existing manufacturing partners. Halozyme amended an existing commercial supply agreement with Avid Bioservices, Inc., entered into a new commercial supply agreement with Avid and entered into a new commercial supply agreement with Cook Pharmica LLC. These three agreements are expected to cover the commercial production of recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) to be used in the manufacture of both current products as well as certain partnered product candidates such as subcutaneous Herceptin and GAMMAGARD with rHuPH20. Subcutaneous Herceptin and GAMMAGARD with rHuPH20 are both currently in Phase 3 clinical trials.

07:31

HDNG Hardinge's Board of Directors unanimously recommends rejection of Romi's tender offer (9.03 )

The co announces that its Board of Directors voted unanimously to recommend that Hardinge shareholders reject Industrias Romi's $8.00 per common share cash tender offer as grossly inadequate, opportunistic, and not in the best interests of Hardinge and its shareholders... "Our Board's position remains clear and unanimous - this is an opportunistic attempt by Romi to acquire Hardinge at a grossly inadequate price that fails to reflect the value of our significant industry position, global market presence, and future growth prospects. The Hardinge Board strongly urges shareholders to reject Romi's offer and not tender their shares."

07:31

ROSG Rosetta Genomics now processing fine-needle aspirate cell block samples for lung cancer subclassification (2.20 )

Co announces that starting April 1, 2010 physicians are able to send FNA cell block samples to Rosetta Genomics' CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratory in Philadelphia for analysis using Rosetta's miRview squamous test. FNA is a less invasive method to obtain tumor cells compared with tumor resections or biopsies. "This breakthrough will enable patients and physicians to benefit from a highly accurate diagnostic assay without having to undergo a more invasive procedure."

07:30

CME CME Group volume averaged 11.0 million contracts per day in March 2010, up 2%, and 11.5 million contracts per day in first-quarter 2010, up 12% (319.71 )

Co announces that March volume averaged 11.0 mln contracts per day, up 2% from March 2009. Total volume was 253 mln contracts for March, of which 83% was traded electronically. Electronic volume averaged 9.1 mln contracts per day, up 4% from the prior March. Average daily volume cleared through CME ClearPort was 446,000 contracts for March 2010, down 23% compared with March 2009. In March 2010, CME Group interest rate volume averaged 5.0 mln contracts per day, up 30% compared with the prior March. Eurodollar futures volume averaged 2.1 mln contracts per day, up 29% versus March 2009, while Eurodollar options volume averaged 713,000 contracts per day, up 30%. Treasury futures volume averaged 1.8 mln contracts per day, up 36% compared with the same period in 2009, and Treasury options volume averaged 246,000 contracts per day, down 8%. CME Group equity index volume averaged 2.7 mln contracts per day, down 35% from March 2009. CME Group foreign exchange volume averaged 907,000 contracts per day, up 66% compared with the same period a year ago, reflecting average daily notional value of $116 bln.

07:23

WIRES On The Wires

Spot LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (GSAT) announced that it has partnered with RaceTracker to provide a safety and tracking solution to competitors at the 25th annual Sultan Marathon Des Sables adventure race in Morocco... Kaiser Aluminum Corporation (KALU) announced the filing of a shelf registration statement covering the possible sale from time to time by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association trust of up to 4,392,265 shares of Kaiser Aluminum's common stock. The shares being registered were distributed by Kaiser Aluminum to the VEBA trust when the Company emerged from chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2006... Pinnacle Airlines Corp.'s (PNCL) wholly owned subsidiary, Pinnacle Airlines, announced that it has reached a tentative agreement with the United Steelworkers AFL-CIO to amend the collective bargaining agreement covering 930 Ground Operations employees in Memphis and other locations in the U.S. Ground Operations employees must now ratify the tentative agreement... Continental Airlines (CAL) reported a March consolidated (mainline plus regional) load factor of 83.1 percent, 3.7 points above the March 2009 consolidated load factor, and a mainline load factor of 83.6 percent, 3.7 points above the March 2009 mainline load factor.

07:19

On The Wires

A fire occurred at the Tesoro Anacortes (TSO) refinery. The incident was on a small section of the refinery following minor, routine maintenance. The fire was contained at around 2 a.m., has been extinguished and the unit has been shut down and isolated. Other major parts of the refinery remain in operation, but at reduced rates... Amedisys (AMED) announced that it has acquired a hospice agency located in Killen, Alabama, a Certificate of Need state, from Bluewater Healthcare. Bluewater had annualized revenue of $900,000 in 2009. The acquisition is not expected to add materially to Amedisys earnings in 2010... LCA-Vision (LCAV) reported that 19,066 procedures were performed during the first quarter of 2010. This compares with 27,859 procedures (75 vision centers) and 25,232 same-store procedures (62 vision centers) performed during the first quarter of 2009.

07:18

WIRES On The Wires

ZAGG Inc. (ZAGG) began shipping their invisibleSHIELD design upon the release of Apple's (AAPL) iPad tablet computer... Honeywell (HON) expects to see a significant increase in demand for turbocharged vehicles in the U.S. as a result of the new Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation standards announced Thursday... On March 31, 2010, the New Mexico Office of State Engineer approved an emergency authorization relating to New Mexico American Water's (AWK) application to combine water rights for wells producing potable water for the Clovis water system. New Mexico American Water filed the application on July 30, 2008 and anticipated the need for emergency authorization at that time in anticipation of possible water shortages in the Clovis area as a result of the depletion of the Ogallala Aquifer in eastern New Mexico... Big Bear Mining announces that they have entered into an option agreement with well know prospector Perry English (for Rubicon Minerals RBY) for a 100% interest in the Skinner and Shabu Lake properties located in the prolific Red Lake Mining Division of Northwestern Ontario, Canada...

07:15

WIRES On The Wires

Express-1 Expedited Solutions (XPO) announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer, David Yoder. Celanese Corporation (CE) announced that its subsidiary, Celanese EVA Performance Polymers Inc., will increase the price of all grades of Ateva EVA by $0.06 per pound and all grades of LDPE by $0.04 per pound effective May 1, 2010, or as contracts allow... Portland General Electric Company (POR) submitted a proposal asking the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for rule revisions to allow the utility to meet new environmental standards by closing the Boardman Power Plant in 2020, at least 20 years ahead of schedule. As part of the proposal, PGE also will achieve major emissions reductions with new controls and operational changes during the remaining years that the plant is in service... Amazon.com (AMZN) announced its Kindle App for Apple's (AAPL) iPad is now available in the App Store. The app lets users select from over 450,000 books from the Kindle Store on iPad... Public Storage (PSA) announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 30 self-storage facilities for $189 million, subject to customary closing conditions, including debt assumption of up to $126 million. Twenty-eight of the facilities (1.8 million square feet) are located in the Los Angeles area and the surrounding communities of Southern California, expanding our market presence by approximately 20%. The other two facilities (107,000 square feet) are located in the Chicago area. The properties averaged just over 80% occupancy at January 31, 2010.

07:09

ETR Entergy raises quarterly dividend to $0.85 from $0.75; announces strategic guidance (82.32 )

Co raises quarterly dividend to $0.85 from $0.75. Given the potential for the legal process to continue for an extended period, Entergy made the decision to unwind the internal organizations created for Enexus Energy Corporation and EquaGen LLC to eliminate dis-synergies related to the spin-off and redirect its efforts into other strategies as soon as possible in 2010. As a result of this decision, Entergy outlined capital return plans as well as updated long-term financial outlooks consistent with the current business structure. In connection with the business unwind, Entergy estimated a total potential charge could range from 40 to 45 cents per share to reflect the write-off of capitalized costs incurred to date and certain other costs to be recorded in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The charge would be reported as a special item. This charge also includes the previously identified special items for spin-off dis-synergies and expenses for outside services provided to pursue the spin-off in 2010. Entergy will immediately take steps to eliminate spin-off dis-synergies as soon as possible during 2010. In Utility, co sees: 5 to 6 percent compound annual earnings growth over the 2010-2014 horizon (2009 base year).

07:09

JCG J. Crew: S&P upgraded to 'BB+'; Outlook Revised To Stable (46.24 )

07:08

MVIS Microvision receives $8.5 million purchase order for new PicoP Laser Projection Display Engine (3.02 )

07:03

IRDM Iridium Communications names Thomas J. Fitzpatrick as CFO (5.41 )

07:03

FRG Fronteer Development reports metallurgical results and 2010 work-program for Halilaga Copper Gold Project (5.41 )

Co announces the 2010 work-program activities and promising metallurgical results from previously unreported work at Halilaga, a growing copper-gold porphyry deposit in northwestern Turkey. A $2.7 mln drill program has been planned for 2010 at Halilaga. The program will include 10,000 metres of core drilling, with 8,500 metres of drilling planned for Halilaga's main Central Zone, and the remainder planned for targets outside this zone. Drilling is expected to commence in June. We also anticipate completing a project first resource estimate by year-end. The program operator is Teck Resources Limited's Turkish subsidiary, Fronteer's 60% joint venture partner. Fronteer's 40% share of the anticipated 2010 Phase I costs is ~$1.1 mln.

07:03

SBAY Subaye expands Into New Regions of Greater China (15.71 )

Co announced that it has expanded its customer base into Henan Province, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The new initiative increases its paying membership base by 30%, bringing total paying members to over 22,000 for its online video advertising business. Subaye recently added 5,121 paying members in Hunan Province (3,021), Hong Kong (1,361) and Taiwan (739), an increase of 30% from its existing paying membership base. Management expects these new members to contribute approximately $1.9 million in revenues for fiscal year 2010 ending September 30, 2010, and approximately $4.7 million for the next 12 months starting May 1, 2010. The Company also expects to add new members from Hubei Province within the next two months, and will begin business development in five additional provinces and regions in May 2010, which include Hainan, Fujian, Shanxi and Shaanxi.

07:02

RPRX Repros Therapeutics requests lift of clinical hold on Proellex (0.61 )

Co announces that they have requested a lift of the full clinical hold on its oral drug Proellex being developed for the treatment of uterine fibroids and endometriosis. On August 4, 2009, the FDA noted that further testing of Proellex was placed on full clinical hold due to findings of serious adverse events associated with liver toxicity. Previously, on August 3, 2009, Repros unilaterally suspended its then-ongoing Proellex(R) studies.

07:02

WCRX Warner Chilcott announces amendment to Actonel collaboration agreement with sanofi-aventis (25.60 )

Co and Sanofi-Aventis (SNY) announce an amendment to the Actonel global collaboration agreement with respect to the parties' arrangement in the United States and Puerto Rico. Under the terms of the amendment, Warner Chilcott will take full operational control over the promotion, marketing and R&D decisions for Actonel in the United States and Puerto Rico, and will assume responsibility for all associated costs relating to those activities.

07:01

TPX Tempur-Pedic announces acquisition of Canadian distributor (30.60 )

Co announced it had acquired its Canadian distributor, Tempur Canada, Inc. Tempur Canada has become a wholly-owned subsidiary and will continue to provide the Canadian market with products from Tempur-Pedic. In 2009, Tempur-Pedic International reported net sales of approximately $9 million to Tempur Canada. The acquisition follows similar transactions in Austria, Australia, China and New Zealand over the last four years.

07:01

HWAY Healthways extends maturity of revolving credit facility to December 1, 2013 (16.04 )

Co announced a two-year extension of its revolving credit facility to a new maturity date of December 1, 2013. Availability during the two-year extension beginning December 1, 2011 will be $345 mln, including a swingline sub facility that has been increased to $20 mln from $10 mln and a $75 mln sub facility for letters of credit. Co said, "We fully achieved our objectives of extending the term of our revolver, reducing our unused capacity, and retaining attractive pricing. We believe that the reduction from $400 mln to $345 mln in capacity during the two-year extension will save the Company on unused commitment fees, yet with only $87 mln drawn as of March 31, 2010, still provide ample financial flexibility to execute the Co's strategies over the term of the extension."

07:01

BRKR Bruker Corp. unit awarded contract by Brazilian synchrotron facility for turn-key beamline (14.63 )

Bruker Energy & Supercon Technologies announced the receipt of a $2.4 million contract from the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (Laboratorio Nacional de Luz Sincrotron, or LNLS) for the realization of a state-of-the-art, turn-key beamline. Due to increasing demand for cutting-edge scientific research tools in Brazil, LNLS decided to build a new material science beamline with focus on high performance X-ray absorption and diffraction experiments.

07:01

CTAS Cintas announced a strategic alliance with CB Tech to manage its extensive network of qualified subcontractor relationships (28.02 )

07:00

CAMP CalAmp announces $15.2 million in new contracts for its wireless networks business (2.76 )

Co announced that its Wireless Networks business has entered into three new supply contracts with an aggregate value of $15.2 million, increasing the backlog of this business to a record level. The three contracts are with customers in the Rail Transportation, Public Safety and Utility Smart Grid sectors. Work on each contract is expected to begin immediately with the majority of the revenues expected to be recognized in the current and next fiscal year.

06:37

AIR AAR receives $65 mln order for container platforms (24.88 )

Co announces that it has received an order to provide Containerized Roll-in/Out Platforms for the U.S. Army, valued at $65 mln. The platforms will be built at AAR's manufacturing facility in Cullman, AL, commencing in the summer of 2010. The order is part of a five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract that was established in 2005.

06:34

EPM Evolution Petroleum reports first EOR oil production at Delhi (4.69 )

Co announces that the operator of its Delhi Field in Louisiana, Denbury Resources (DNR), reported that first oil production in the Delhi enhanced oil recovery project (EOR) began in March 2010. Originally, the partners had expected first oil production to begin by mid-year 2010 following the initiation of CO2 injection last November. Gross oil production in the field for the last two weeks of March averaged more than 200 barrels of oil per day from just the first three producer wells in the initial injection pattern. Denbury is continuing its multi-year roll out of the project by adding additional producer and injector wells and associated facilities in the field. Evolution owns 7.4% in mineral and overriding royalty interests and a 25% reversionary working interest (carrying an additional 20% net revenue interest) that reverts when Denbury receives approximately $200 million in net revenues less direct field operating expenses. From an engineering perspective, an oil production response following CO2 injection is a critical element in certifying proved EOR reserves in our next reserves report for the year ended June 30, 2010. "Since our initial net production from the field is from mineral and overriding royalty interests that have a very low cost basis, the associated revenues will fall almost completely to our pretax bottom line. We expect the resulting cash flows will allow us to begin accelerating development in our other projects, including the Neptune oil project in South Texas, our Giddings Field properties, our artificial lift technology joint ventures and our shallow gas shale projects in Eastern Oklahoma."

06:24

S&P futures vs fair value: +2.70. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +3.00.

06:24

Asian Markets

Nikkei...11339.30...+53.20...+0.50%. Hang Seng...Holiday.........

06:24

European Markets

FTSE...Holiday......... DAX...Holiday.........

06:22

BEXP Brigham Exploration announces Sorenson 2-32 #1H produces at a record 24 hour peak for a Williston Basin horizontal Bakken well of 5,133 barrels of oil equivalent (17.12 )

Co announces updated production performance on the Sorenson 29-32 #1H. Subsequent to drilling out frac plugs, the Sorenson produced at an early 24 hour peak flow back rate of 5,133 (4,335 barrels of oil and 4.79 MMcf) barrels of oil equivalent per day, which, based on publicly reported data available to the co, represents an apparent record production rate for the over 2,700 horizontal wells in the Williston Basin. The Sorenson is located in Brigham's Ross project area in Mountrail County, ND and is a long lateral completed with 27 frac stages, perf and plug and ceramic proppant. Brigham maintains an approximate 95% working interest in the Sorenson.

04:35

SCR Simcere Pharma provides update on Jiangsu Yanshen (8.64 )

Co reports that China's State Food and Drug Administration issued a statement on its investigation into the human use rabies vaccine manufactured by Jiangsu Yanshen Biological Technology Stock Co., Ltd. As a result of the investigation conducted by the local food and drug regulatory authority and local police department the SFDA found that the four batches of human use rabies vaccine, which were manufactured by Jiangsu Yanshen and released into the market between July and October 2008, had an insufficient amount of active compound. It was found that illegal activities were conducted at Jiangsu Yanshen, whereby inadequate quality control processes were in place, and there was misrepresentation and avoidance of regulatory inspection, which caused substandard vaccine to be released into the market. The responsible employees of Jiangsu Yanshen are under criminal investigation. This situation arose before Simcere took an equity position in Jiangsu Yanshen. However, as an ongoing business entity, Jiangsu Yanshen may be subject to administrative penalties and criminal prosecution. Such penalties could lead to a material economic loss to Jiangsu Yanshen. While the loss amount is difficult to estimate at this stage, it may have a material negative impact on Simcere's consolidated financial position and results of operations.

02:52

TASR TASER Int'l receives two orders; issues 1Q10 revenue guidance below consensus (5.78 ) -Update-

Co anounces follow-on orders of TASER electronic control devices. These two orders included a total of over 1080 TASER X26 ECDs, more than 2,680 TASER CAMs, and related accessories. Co issues downside guidance for 1Q; sees revenue of approx $23 mln vs $25.87 Thomson Reuters consensus.

02:51

TASR TASER Int'l wins patent infringement summary judgement against Stinger Systems (5.78 )

Co announces that on March 31, 2010, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona entered an order for TASER International in the patent infringement lawsuit filed against Stinger Systems entitled TASER International, Inc. v. Stinger Systems, Inc. granting TASER's motion for summary judgment against Stinger for literal patent infringement of TASER's U.S. Patent 6,999,295. The patent infringement claim against Stinger's S-200 is based on TASER's patent on the dual mode "shaped pulse" technology found in the TASER X26, X3, Shockwave and C2 products. The Court's ruling found that the "Flyback Quantum Technology" found in the Stinger S-200 literally infringes TASER's '295 Patent.

02:48

PTEN Patterson-UTI reports drilling activity for March 2010 (14.11 )

Co reports that for the month of March 2010 they had an average of 146 drilling rigs operating, including 138 rigs in the U.S. and 8 rigs in Canada. For the three months ended March 2010, the co had an average of 142 drilling rigs operating, including 130 rigs in the U.S. and 12 rigs in Canada.

02:44

FLY Babcock & Brown Air to repurchase shares and invest in management company (10.35 )

Co announces that it will be partnering with the current management team of Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management to invest in BBAM LP, a newly formed, privately-held aircraft leasing and management business. B&B Air has agreed to purchase a 15% interest in the new business which will provide management services to B&B Air and will service B&B Air's portfolio. At closing, the remaining 85% interest in the new business will be owned by the current management team of Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management. In a related transaction, B&B Air has also entered into an agreement to repurchase 2,011,264 B&B Air shares from Babcock & Brown Ltd at a price of $8.78 per share. These repurchased shares represent approx 6.6% of B&B Air's outstanding shares as of December 31, 2009.

02:41

MRGE Merge Healthcare announces private placement of preferred and common stock (1.99 )

Co announces that it has completed a private placement of preferred and common stock totaling $41.75 mln, which is specified for use in funding a portion of the proposed acquisition of AMICAS (AMCS). Pursuant to the previously-announced definitive merger agreement between Merge and AMICAS, a subsidiary of Merge commenced a tender offer on March 19, 2010 to purchase all of the outstanding shares of common stock of AMICAS for $6.05 per share of common stock validly tendered in the tender offer and not withdrawn. The merger agreement contains a commitment from Merge to provide $40 mln in preferred equity to the acquisition. This private placement will satisfy that commitment and is scheduled to close prior to the close of the tender offer to AMICAS shareholders.

02:39

NWPX Northwest Pipe appoints Richard A. Roman Chief Executive Officer (21.96 )

02:37

MDT Medtronic to appeal jury verdict in U.S. patent case involving CoreValve transcatheter aortic valve system (45.67 )

02:35

EW Federal jury finds Medtronic CoreValve willfully infringes Edwards' transcatheter valve patent (45.67 )

Co announces that a federal jury on April 1, 2010 found that Edwards' U.S. Andersen transcatheter heart valve patent is valid and that Medtronic (MDT) CoreValve LLC willfully infringes it. Edwards will move vigorously to enforce this verdict and intends to seek a permanent injunction. The jury also awarded Edwards $74 million in damages, and the willfulness finding allows Edwards to seek increased damages of up to three times that amount.

02:31

On The Wires

NextWave Wireless (WAVE) announces that a NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel has granted the co's request for continued listing on The NASDAQ Global Market subject to the conditions that, on or before May 1, 2010, the co must file a proxy statement seeking shareholder approval for the implementation of a reverse stock split and, on or before July 21, 2010, WAVE must evidence a closing bid price of $1 or more for a minimum of ten consecutive business days... Trintech Group Plc (TTPA) announces National Vision has selected its ReconNET software for financial process compliance... Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin (ABCW) announces it and Badger Anchor Holdings, LLC had mutually agreed to terminate their agreements which granted Badger Holdings exclusivity through March 31, 2010, with respect to negotiating an investment in Anchor... Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin (ABCW) announces it has engaged Sandler O'Neill Partners, L.P. as financial advisor to assist the co in evaluating strategic alternatives.

02:22

ARD SandRidge Energy to acquire Arena Resources for $40/share in cash and stock (34.26 )

SandRidge Energy (SD) and co jointly announce that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Arena shareholders will receive stock and cash consideration valued at $40 per share of Arena common stock based on SandRidge's April 1 closing price. SandRidge will issue 4.7771 shares of SandRidge common stock and pay $2.50 in cash for each share of Arena common stock, resulting in a combined enterprise value of approx $6.2 bln.

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