Briefing.com: Hourly In Play (R) – 19:00 ET

Jun 30, 2010 (Briefing.com via COMTEX) -- Hourly In Play (R)

Updated: 30-Jun-10 19:00 ET

18:15

NOC Northrop Grumman announces $175 mln advance procurement contract for multi-purpose amphibious assault ship LHA 7 (54.44 -1.08)

The U.S. Navy awarded a $175 million cost-plus-fixed fee contract to Northrop Grumman (NOC) for advance procurement of long-lead materials and performance of engineering/planning efforts for LHA 7, the second in the Navy's newest class of large-deck amphibious assault ships. The first ship, America (LHA 6) is currently 25 percent complete.

17:45

JAZZ Jazz Pharma: Existing $15 mln revolving line of credit also refinanced to extend; Refinancing expected to be accretive to 2010 adjusted net income per share (7.83 -0.16)

Co announced that it has prepaid the remaining $63.5 mln principal amount of its 15% senior secured notes. During 2010, the co has reduced its long-term debt outstanding from $119.5 million to $50 million. In May 2010, the co used the net proceeds from a public offering of its common stock to prepay $53 mln in principal on its 15% senior secured notes and associated fees. JAZZ expects to record a loss on extinguishment of debt of $12.3 mln in the quarter ending June 30, 2010 which is comprised of $8.5 mln of prepayment premiums and fees and a one-time non-cash charge of $3.8 mln primarily related to unamortized debt discount.

17:43

IRET Investors Real Estate Trust reports in-line Q4 (8.83 -0.12)

Reports Q4 (Apr) earnings of $0.17 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.17; revenues rose 2.5% year/year to $62.2 mln vs the $61.06 mln consensus.

17:33

YHOO Yahoo! announces $3 bln stock buyback program in an 8-K (13.84 -0.20)

17:25

PMC PharMerica achieves 75% generic dispensing rate (14.66 -0.08)

Co leads the long-term care pharmacy industry in generic medication dispensing with a rate of over 75%. The generic dispensing rate is on track to exceed 80% by 2013. Accelerating the generic dispensing rate are over 15 major drugs going off patent by 2013, representing over $78 bln in current annual pharmacy spend. PharMerica's aggressive generic utilization programs position PharMerica to drive significant savings to clients.

17:22

PHH PHH anounces amendment and extension of revolving credit facility (19.04 -0.30)

Co announced that, on June 25, 2010, it entered into a Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Competitive Advance and Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of January 6, 2006 with certain lenders and agents, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as lender and administrative agent (the "Amended Revolving Credit Facility"). Under the terms of the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, PHH's maximum unsecured borrowing capacity was immediately reduced to $805 mln and will be further reduced to $525 mln effective January 6, 2011.

17:19

GYRO Gyrodyne Co. of America: Court of claims issues favorable opinion in condemnation litigation (47.00 +10.61) -Update-

Co announced that the Court of Claims of the State of New York issued an opinion requiring the State to pay to Gyrodyne an additional $98,685,000 for land appropriated in 2005. Under New York's eminent domain law (the "EDPL"), Gyrodyne is also entitled, subject to EDPL Section 514, to statutory simple interest on the additional amount at a rate not to exceed 9% per annum from November 2, 2005, the date of the taking, to the date of payment. (Stock has been halted since this afternoon)

17:18

KFS Kingsway announces appointment of new Chief Executive Officer and President (1.72 -0.03)

Co announce that Larry G. Swets, Jr., formerly the Co's Executive Vice-President of Corporate Development, has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer and President effective today. Colin Simpson, former Chief Executive Officer and President, resigned from the Co to pursue other career interests, as was previously announced. Simpson will remain on the Co's Board of Directors.

17:09

ABK Ambac announces additional debt for equity exchange transactions (0.67 -0.01) -Update-

Co announced that it has entered into a series of additional debt for equity exchanges with certain holders of ABK's 93/8% debentures, due August 2011. Under the terms of the exchange agreements, the Co issued 8,602,414 shares of ABK's common stock to the bondholders in exchange for ~$11.8 mln in aggregate principal amount of debt. Following the issuance of the shares there will be 302,022,750 common shares outstanding.

17:01

ITC ITC Great Plains receives siting approval for Phase II of the KETA transmission line project (52.91 -0.54)

Co received siting approval from the Kansas Corporation Commission for Phase II of the KETA high-voltage electric transmission line project (also known as the Spearville-Axtell line). The second phase of the KETA project involves the construction of an ~85-mile, 345,000 volt (345 kV) line through north-central Kansas to the Kansas-Nebraska border.

17:01

HNT Health Net: California Prison Health Care services awards Health Net Network services contract (24.37 -0.57)

Co announced that the California Prison Health Care Services (CPHCS) awarded Health Net the contract to administer the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Network Services on behalf of CPHCS. The terms of the contract are for a three-year base period scheduled to commence January 1, 2011, with two one-year option periods.

17:00

NAV Navistar enters supply agreement with Turkish Bus Manufacturer Otokar (49.20 -0.41)

Navistar Engine Group, an operating unit of Navistar, Inc., closed an agreement to supply diesel engines to Turkish vehicle manufacturer, Otokar. Within the framework of this agreement, MWM International Motores, Navistar's South American affiliate, will produce MaxxForce engines to power buses intended both for Turkish domestic market and other global marketplaces. The six-year contract provides for the supply of two in-line four-cylinder engine models.

16:57

HOKU Hoku receives $28.3 mln loan from China Construction Bank (3.34 +0.10) -Update-

Co announced it had entered into a $28.3 mln credit agreement with the New York branch of China Construction Bank, the second largest commercial bank by assets in China and the second largest bank in the world by market capitalization. The proceeds will be used toward completion of the development and construction of the polysilicon production plant under construction by Hoku's subsidiary, Hoku Materials, Inc., in Pocatello, Idaho.

16:57

HOKU Hoku and Suntech amend supply agreement (3.34 +0.10) -Update-

Hoku Materials, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hoku Corp (HOKU), established to manufacture and sell polysilicon for the solar market, and Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (STP), announced that they have amended their polysilicon supply contract to remove all milestones, adjust the contract term, and reschedule the initial shipment date. With the removal of the milestones, STP is no longer obligated to pay the scheduled $30 million prepayment that was previously committed.

16:44

ALCO Alico names Chief Operating Officer (22.98 -0.08)

Co announced that Dr. Ken Smith has joined the Co as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer effective July 1, 2010. Dr. Smith has been acting as a part-time consultant to the Co since February 2010. Prior to joining ALCO, Dr. Smith was the Vice-President of Agriculture Operations for Atlanticblue Group Inc., a 51% shareholder of ALCO.

16:38

THLD Threshold Pharma initiates a randomized, controlled, Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating TH-302 in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (1.25 +0.01)

Co announced that it has initiated a multi-center, randomized, controlled, crossover Phase 2 clinical trial of TH-302 in combination with gemcitabine in patients with first line pancreatic cancer. TH-302 is a proprietary tumor selective Hypoxia-Activated Prodrug (HAP) that specifically targets tumor hypoxia.

16:37

SWHC Smith & Wesson beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides FY11 revs in-line (4.09 -0.07)

Reports Q4 (Apr) earnings of $0.08 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.04 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.04; revenues rose 4.3% year/year to $103.8 mln vs the $98.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $430-445 mln vs. $430.85 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:36

SSD Simpson Manufacturing announces agreement to sell the assets of Simpson Dura-Vent (24.55 -0.41)

Co announced that it and its subsidiary, Simpson Dura-Vent, have entered into a definitive agreement with M&G Holding and a newly formed, wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of M&G, to sell substantially all of the assets of Simpson Dura-Vent to the M&G subsidiary. The purchase price will be $20.0 million in cash, plus or minus the amount by which Simpson Dura-Vent's working capital balance at the closing exceeds $23.5 million or is less than $22.5 million.

16:32

BIO Bio-Rad Labs launches its IH 1000 blood screening system (86.49 -0.05)

16:31

ECL Ecolab launches first EPA-approved, ready-to-use hard surface disinfectant effective against clostridium difficile (44.91 -0.15)

Co has purchased Klondyke Construction, LLC based in Phoenix, AZ. Klondyke provides construction and maintenance services primarily associated with electric substation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. Klondyke also constructs renewable energy generation facilities. Klondyke generated revenue of ~$28 mln during the last twelve months.

16:30

PIKE Pike expands reach to Southwest; purchases Phoenix-based Klondyke Construction, LLC (9.42 +0.10)

Co purchased Klondyke Construction, LLC based in Phoenix, AZ. Klondyke provides construction and maintenance services primarily associated with electric substation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. Klondyke also constructs renewable energy generation facilities. Klondyke generated revenue of ~$28 mln during the last twelve months.

16:30

MTRX Matrix Service Co selected to construct tankage for Federated Co-operatives near Carseland, Alberta, Canada (9.31 +0.07)

Co announced that its subsidiary, Matrix Service ULC, has been awarded a contract in excess of CAD $25 million with Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) for the engineering, fabrication and construction of aboveground fuel storage tanks near Carseland, Alberta, Canada.

16:24

NHWK Nighthawk Radiology completed its settlement transaction with St. Paul Radiology; expects to realize tax savings of ~$10 mln (2.59 +0.18)

Co completed its settlement transaction with St. Paul Radiology, P.A. As a result of the settlement transaction, NightHawk sold to a third party its ownership interests in Midwest Physicians Services and Emergency Radiology Services, the parties settled all disputes between them and terminated all of the agreements entered into in connection with the July 2007 transaction between the parties. Consistent with NightHawk's previous disclosures, it will receive aggregate consideration of $26 mln in connection with the settlement transaction, $12 mln of which NightHawk received at closing and $14 mln of which will be paid to NightHawk over the next four years. In addition, NightHawk expects to realize tax savings of ~$10 mln related to the settlement, for a total expected value of the settlement of approximately $36 mln over four years.

16:21

LDK LDK Solar determined that an additional provision for doubtful recoveries is required (5.17 -0.27)

During the course of the preparation of LDK Solar's 2009 annual report, LDK Solar's management determined that an additional provision for doubtful recoveries of approximately $12.6 million for its accounts receivable and prepayment to suppliers at December 31, 2009 is required to properly adjust previously announced preliminary unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009. The additional provision for doubtful recoveries of accounts receivable and prepayments to suppliers was based on updated information about its customers' repayment ability and its suppliers' ability to honor existing contractual terms for delivery of products or refund of amounts paid.

16:19

MITL Mitel Networks reports Q4 EPS of ($5.43) vs. ($18.37) in the prior year's quarter; revs fell 1.7% to $163.9 mln (8.95 -0.05)

16:17

NCT Newcastle Investment elected not to pay a common stock or preferred stock dividend (2.68 -0.15)

Co elected not to pay a common stock or preferred stock dividend for the second quarter of 2010. The Company decided to retain capital for liquidity, investment and working capital purposes.

16:16

ANH Anworth Mortgage declares Q2 dividend of $0.25/share, down from Q1 dividend of $0.27/share (7.12 -0.02)

16:15

ENMD EntreMed announces reverse stock split (0.40 0.00)

Co announced that it has filed a certificate of amendment to its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to effect a 1-for-11 reverse stock split that will become effective with the open of trading on July 1, 2010.

16:15

PRGN Paragon Shipping sold one Kamsarmax contract and bought two TEU container vessels (3.58 -0.09)

Co sold one of its newbuilding Kamsarmax contracts and has also entered into agreements to acquire two 3,400 TEU newly built containerships from their builder Howardtwerke-Deutsche Werft, GmbH, Germany at a price of Euro 40 million per vessel (or approximately $49 million based on today's exchange rate). The container vessels are scheduled to be delivered to Paragon between July and August, 2010.

16:15

EXEL Exelixis announces appointment of new CEO (3.47 -0.14)

Co announced that Michael Morrissey, Ph.D., currently President of Research and Development at Exelixis, has been named by the Board of Directors to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2010. He will replace George Scangos, Ph.D., who has resigned effective July 15, 2010 to become President and Chief Executive Officer of Biogen Idec (BIIB). Dr. Morrissey joined EXEL in 2000 and served as Executive Vice President, Discovery, before his appointment as President of Research and Development in January 2007.

16:14

XRTX Xyratex beats by $0.14, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS in-line, revs in-line (14.07 -0.26)

Reports Q2 (May) earnings of $1.49 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.14 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.35; revenues rose 134.2% year/year to $455.9 mln vs the $430.3 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.87-1.16, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.87 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q3 revs of $385-435 mln vs. $390.63 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:10

SNTS Santarus announces launch of prescription ZEGERID authorized generic and company restructuring (2.48 -0.10)

Co announced that, Prasco is commencing shipments of an authorized generic of prescription ZEGERID Capsules. Santarus is ceasing promotion of ZEGERID prescription products effective immediately and is implementing a corporate restructuring, including a workforce reduction of approximately 37%, or approximately 120 employees. Co expects to retain up to ~110 sales representatives, including a small number of contract sales representatives, to promote GLUMETZA, a product for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. company expects to record restructuring-related charges in the third quarter totaling ~$7.4 mln to $8.5 mln. These charges include ~$5.3 mln to $6.0 mln in one-time termination benefit costs, $2.0 mln to $2.3 mln in contract termination costs and $0.1 mln to $0.2 mln in other costs associated with the workforce reduction. Santarus expects that selling and marketing expenses will be reduced by ~$40 mln annually beginning in the 2010 fourth quarter as a result of the corporate restructuring and workforce reduction.

16:06

APOL Apollo Group beats by $0.19, beats on revs; guides Q4 EPS above consensus, revs in-line with consensus (42.61 -0.52)

Reports Q3 (May) earnings of $1.74 per share, $0.19 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.55; revenues rose 27.7% year/year to $1.34 bln vs the $1.3 bln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q4, sees EPS of $1.30, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.20 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q4 revs of $1.25 bln vs. $1.26 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

16:06

MATK Martek Biosci announces restructuring plans for Winchester, Ky. manufacturing site (23.71 +0.07)

As part of the restructuring, to be completed by the end of fiscal 2010, co plans to reduce its workforce and transfer certain manufacturing and distribution processes. Co expects to incur total cash charges of ~$1.5 mln in fiscal 2010, of which $0.5 mln will be recognized in Q3 and $1.0 mln in Q4. In addition, co is evaluating the potential sale or lease of a portion of its Winchester operations. Any such sale or lease would be contingent upon co's ability to maintain the necessary production redundancies through continuing access to certain key processes at the Winchester facility and/or arrangements with contract manufacturers. Co expects that the plant restructuring will likely result in a non-cash asset impairment charge or loss upon sale of $30 mln- $40 mln in Q3 or Q4.

16:05

SHIP Seanergy Maritime reports additional management share purchase (1.14 +0.05)

The co announces that the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dale Ploughman, purchased today 50,000 shares of Seanergy's common stock at a purchase price of $1.25 per share. This purchase has brought the number of shares purchased by Mr. Ploughman to a total of 100,000 shares. As previously announced, Mr. Ploughman had purchased on June 14, 2010, 50,000 shares at a purchase price of $1.2399 per share. All transactions were completed on the open market.

16:05

WCC Wesco announces the acquisition of the business of Potelcom Supply, Inc. (33.67 -0.57)

Co announced that it has acquired the business of Potelcom Supply, Inc. headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. Potelcom, a single branch operation with annual sales of approximately $25 million, supports the utility,

16:04

NECB Northeast Comm. Bancorp agrees to sell Northeast Community Bank branch office to Ponce De Leon Federal Bank (5.73 +1.00)

The purchase includes the assumption of approximately $28.6 million in deposits and the transfer of the fixtures, equipment and the real property at which the branch is located. No loans are being sold as part of the transaction. The completion of the transaction is expected in the fourth quarter, subject to regulatory approval and the satisfaction of certain other conditions described in the agreement.

16:04

SCHN Schnitzer Steel beats by $0.56, beats on revs (39.20 -0.64)

Reports Q3 (May) earnings of $1.43 per share, $0.56 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.87; revenues rose 84.2% year/year to $703.5 mln vs the $671.8 mln consensus. "Our sales volumes of ferrous metals in the first three quarters of fiscal 2010 have remained near the levels of the boom year of fiscal 2008 and we achieved record third quarter ferrous processing sales volumes, underscoring the long-term strength of the global demand for recycled metals. Our business model and platform allowed our Metals Recycling Business to respond nimbly to the swings in prices for recycled metals during the third quarter."

16:04

CNO Conseco announces financial settlement of regulatory matter (4.96 -0.05)

Co annouces its wholly owned subsidiary, Conseco Life Insurance Company, finalized a multi-state settlement agreement that requires the establishment of a $10 mln fund for certain owners of its Lifetrend life insurance products and payment of a $1 mln assessment to participating jurisdictions. As of today, 37 jurisdictions have signed the agreement.

16:03

CBST Cubist Pharma enrolls first patient in CXA-201 Phase 2 study in complicated intra-abdominal infections (20.60 -0.24)

Co announced the enrollment of the first patient in a Phase 2 study with CXA-201. This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, study will compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous CXA-201 with an active comparator in patients with complicated intra-abdominal Infections. This international study is expected to enroll 120 patients.

16:02

CBK Christopher & Banks beats by $0.06, misses on revs (6.21 -0.18)

Reports Q1 (May) earnings of $0.18 per share, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.12; revenues rose 4.8% year/year to $126.2 mln vs the $128 mln consensus.

16:02

SNSS Sunesis Pharma sold $28.5 million of common stock at a price of $0.275 per share (0.47 )

16:02

BIIB Biogen Idec Names George Scangos Chief Executive Officer (47.45 )

Dr. Scangos, 62, brings nearly 25 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. He joinsco from Exelixis, Inc. where he has served as President and CEO since 1996. Under Dr. Scangos' leadership, Exelixis has built and advanced a pipeline of 14 clinical compounds and forged numerous strategic partnerships. Previously, Dr. Scangos spent 10 years at Bayer Corporation. He joined the company as a staff scientist, served as Senior Vice President of Research and Development, and most recently served as President of Bayer Biotechnology, where he was responsible for research, business development, process development, manufacturing, engineering, and quality assurance of Bayer's biological products. Before joining Bayer in 1987, Dr. Scangos was a Professor of Biology at Johns Hopkins University for six years.

16:01

CUZ Cousins Prop announces retirement of CFO Jim Fleming (6.73 -0.12)

16:00

CLNE Clean Energy Fuels contracted with solid waste operator Republic Services (15.16 +0.17)

Co contracted with major solid waste operator Republic Services (RSG) to deliver clean-burning, environmentally friendly LNG fuel to three Republic divisions in California: Republic Waste Services of Southern California, Consolidated Disposal and Solano Garbage through April 2015. Together, they provide waste collection and recycling services to residents and businesses in 55 California cities and communities. The LNG fuel requirement to support these operations is expected to exceed 3.5 million LNG gallons annually.

15:59

RMX RMX Holdings appointed a Special Committee of independent directors to review and evaluate (1.57 +0.06)

Co appointed a Special Committee to review and evaluate any acquisition proposal received from controlling shareholder, Meadow Valley Parent and to consider other alternatives. The Special Committee encouraged to (i) promptly declare a special cash distribution in the amount of $5 mln and (ii) undertake immediate action to conduct a 1 for 2,645,212 reverse stock split

15:50

DBA Global & sector ETF movers- Agriculture & Grain Complex (JJG, DBA) continue to lead all sectors; S Africa (EZA) & Russia (RSX) lead all regional plays to the downside heading into the final minutes of trading -Technical-

The Actively Traded Leading Global & Sector ETFs:

grain complex- JJG +4.0%, DBA +1.50%, VIX vol index- VXX +2.0%, VXZ +2.0%, airlines- FAA +1.50%, livestock commods.- COW +1.25%, natural gas- UNG +1.0%, commods. index- DJP +1.0%, DBC +0.50%, US bonds & fixed income- TLT +0.50%, TLH +0.25%, silver- SLV +0.50%, oil drillers- OIH +0.50%, India- INP +0.75%, Euro currency shares- FXE +0.25%

The Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETFs:

iShares S Africa- EWZ -2.50%, Russia- RSX -2.50%, junior gold miners- GDXJ -2.25%, biotechnology- BBH -2.0%, XBI -1.75%, steel- SLX -2.25%, semis- XSD -2.0%, IGW -2.0%, SMH -1.50%, casinos & gaming- BJK -1.75%, food & beverage- PBJ -1.75%, regional banks- KRE -1.50%, commercial banks- KBE -1.50%

15:48

QCOM Qualcomm slips under yesterday's trough to set a new 52-wk low of 32.73 (32.81 -0.33) -Update- -Technical-

Its Feb/March 2009 lows come into play near at 32.67/32.64.

15:45

SPY S&P -11 pulls back to support zone -Update- -Technical-

Noted support in the 1131/1129 area (congestion/Nov 2009 low) in The Technical Take and we have seen a late downside extension to this zone (session low 1130).

15:42

Earnings Calendar

Today after the close look for the following companies to report: APOL, CBK, SCHN, and XRTX. Tomorrow before the open look for the following companies to report: STZ, MEI, and MSM.

15:42

Conferences and Shareholder/Analyst Meetings of Interest

Events of interest of interest for tomorrow, July 1, include: GIS Investor Day. Fed/Treasury: None.

15:36

TECHX Stock indices extend late dip back near yesterday's lows -- Dow -45, S&P -4.9, Nasdaq -11 -Update- -Technical-

15:24

GYRO Gyrodyne Co. of America halted, news pending (47.00 +10.61)

15:19

SPY After several hours of a sideways drift the S&P 500 -1.6 has slipped slightly under its midday range low at 1040 -Update- -Technical-

15:16

SMMX SYMYX Tech and Accelrys (ACCL) receive all stockholder approvals necessary to complete merger (5.13 +0.03)

14:59

HOLX NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness- Healthcare name (HOLX) now leads the index percentage gainers heading into the final hour of trading -Technical-

NDX 10 Best % Performers:

HOLX, FLEX, FWLT, BIDU, AMZN, FSLR, JOYG, XLNX, ILMN, CERN

NDX 10 Worst % Performers:

CELG, VOD, BIIB, AMGN, MRVL, ISRG, LINTA, STX, ADBE, SBUX

NASDAQ A/D +165

NASDAQ TRIN +1.25

14:56

MMM Dow 30 (INDU) strength & weakness- Industrial Conglomerate (MMM) continues to lead the index percentage gainers heading into the final hour of trading -Technical-

INDU 5 Best % Performers:

MMM, UTX, AXP, PFE, BA

INDU 5 Worst % Performers:

KFT, VZ, WMT, AA, HPQ

NYSE A/D +585

NYSE TRIN +0.90

14:54

DLR Digital Realty Trust prices $375 mln private offering of 4.5% notes due 2015 (58.21 +0.94)

14:47

INDXCH Index Change Reminders

S&P will make the following changes to the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400 & S&P SmallCap 600 indices after the close of trading: QEP Resources (QEP) will replace Questar (STR) in the S&P 500 index. Questar is spinning off QEP Resources to its shareholders in a transaction expected to be completed on or about this date. The post-spin parent company, Questar Resources (STR), will replace Federal Signal Corp. (FSS) in the S&P MidCap 400 index, and Federal Signal will replace Magnetek (MAG) in the S&P SmallCap 600 index.

14:45

COMDX CBOT Agriculture and Ethanol and ICE Exchange Sugar Closing Prices; Dec corn futures close 8.6% higher on bullish USDA reports

December corn closed 29.50 cents higher (or 8.6% higher) at $3.735 per bushel, November soybeans closed lower by 9.5 cents at $9.0250 per bushel, Sept wheat closed 25 cents higher at $4.82 per bushel, August ethanol closed $0.059 lower at $1.524, October world sugar futures closed 0.78 cents higher to 16.06 cents... Corn futuers rose significantly today after the USDA issued bullish crop reports, which showed that U.S. farmers are planting less acres of corn than initially expected, which ultimately lowers the amount of corn inventory levels at the end of corn marketing year (Sept 1).

14:41

REXX Rex Energy announces agreement to acquire Niobrara shale acreage (9.90 +0.07)

Co announced that is has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with an undisclosed private company to acquire approximately 26,900 gross (18,700 net) acres in the DJ Basin for approximately $18.7 mln.

14:38

VPFG ViewPoint Financial shareholders approved the plan of conversion and reorganization (13.87 -0.49)

ViewPoint MHC will convert to a stock holding company form of organization and will cease to exist and New ViewPoint Financial Group will become the parent holding company of the Bank and will be wholly owned by public shareholders. New ViewPoint Financial Group expects to sell a total of 19.86 mln shares of common stock in the subscription, community and syndicated community offerings at $10/share, including 1,588,587 shares to be purchased by the Bank's Employee Stock Ownership Plan, for gross offering proceeds of $198.6 million. Orders for a total of 8.77 mln shares have been accepted in the syndicated community offering, and orders for 11.08 mln shares of common stock were received and accepted in the subscription and community offerings.

14:20

OSK Oshkosh Truck confirms new delivery orders for heavy-duty army vehicles; orders are valued at roughly $600 million (31.88 -0.06) -Update-

Co confirms its Defense division has received two delivery orders from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command for the U.S. Army's Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles. The two delivery orders are valued at roughly $600 million and extend production for nearly 1,900 new and recapitalized severe-duty Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck A4 vehicles, and more than 530 Palletized Load System trailers. (See 9:53 comment)

14:02

EXC Exelon's ComEd filed rate increase request with the Illinois Commerce Commission (38.30 +0.23)

14:01

EQS Equus II Inc. announced that it has received $2,604,132.07 in cash from Trulite (2.52 -0.05)

Co announced that it has received $2,604,132.07 in cash from Trulite as payment in full against a certain convertible promissory note issued by Trulite to the Fund in the principal amount of $2,307,391. Trulite defaulted on the Note in January 2010 and the Fund commenced legal action on April 22, 2010 to recover amounts owed thereunder.

14:00

APD Air Products to build new air separation unit at Granite City, Illinois (65.60 +0.08)

Co announced the signing of a new long-term oxygen and nitrogen supply agreement, and that it will build a new air separation unit (ASU) and refurbish its existing ASU and liquefier at its facility in Granite City, Illinois. The new facility, planned to be onstream in the second quarter of 2012, will provide additional capacity for meeting both on-site customer demand for gases and merchant liquid products in the region.

13:56

CAE CAE Inc signs agreement with Province of New Brunswick (8.72 -0.15)

The co and the government of New Brunswick have agreed to work together to bring new contracts and jobs to advanced learning and technology companies in New Brunswick. Under the agreement, CAE will establish an office in Fredericton and commit to delivering $15 mln in contracts over three years. The work CAE and its subcontractors will be providing in New Brunswick will be related to major contracts, which are expected to create the equivalent of up to 45 full-time positions. In exchange, the provincial government is providing a loan of up to $500,000, which will be forgiven based on delivery of the contracts.

13:52

NRG NRG Energy refinances its $875 mln revolver facility, extends $1.8 bln of term loan commitments and amends its senior secured credit agreement (21.61 +0.35)

Co concluded the refinancing of an $875 mln revolver facility, the amendment and extension of $1.8 bln of term loan commitments and synthetic letter of credit facility, and the amendment of its existing Senior Secured Credit Agreement dated June 7, 2007.

13:43

SSCC Smurfit-Stone (SSCCQ) completes financial restructuring and has officially emerged from Chapter 11 (0.20 0.00)

Co announced that it has successfully completed its financial restructuring and has officially emerged from Chapter 11 as a newly reorganized, publicly traded company that will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SSCC effective July 1, 2010. The company's Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"), which was confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on June 21, 2010, and recognized by a Canadian court order, has become effective.

13:31

ADGE American DG Energy selected by Doral Arrowwood as Clean Energy Supplier (3.14 0.00)

Co reached an agreement to supply clean energy to Doral Arrowwood Hotel and Conference Center in Rye Brook, New York. Under the terms of the agreement, Doral will soon receive a significant portion of its energy from a 375 kW combined heat and power (CHP) system, which will be owned and operated by American DG Energy. Doral will receive a discount on the energy produced by the CHP system and reduce its carbon emissions by up to 1,800 tons per year. The value of the agreement to the Company is $10 million.

13:21

URS URS increases offer to 290 pence per share for Scott Wilson Group (40.08 +0.49)

Co announced the terms of an increased offer to acquire Scott Wilson Group, a U.K.-based integrated design and infrastructure engineering consultancy. Under the terms of the increased offer, which has been recommended unanimously by the Scott Wilson Board of Directors, shareholders of Scott Wilson would receive 290 pence in cash for each Scott Wilson share, which values the entire issued and to be issued share capital at ~223 million, or $337 million.

13:13

SHPGY Shire Plc buys Lexington Technology Park campus in Massachusetts for growth of its Human Genetic Therapies business (61.78 -0.28)

The purchase is value enhancing compared to the current lease agreement and has no material earnings impact. The $165 million cash purchase price will be settled during Q2 2010.

13:03

SO Southern Co announced several leadership changes in the company's operations organization (33.53 -0.11)

Ronnie L. Bates, president and CEO, Southern Power, and Jerry L. Stewart, chief production officer for Southern Company and senior vice president, Alabama Power, have decided to retire effective Oct. 1.

12:51

PUDA Puda Coal comments on Chinese Government's recent announcement on thermal coal price hikes (7.82 +0.20)

Co responded to the recent announcement by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) seeking to curb significant hikes in thermal coal prices. Co stated "We do not anticipate that the recent announcement by the NDRC will have a major impact on Puda Coal, since our well-established coal washing business benefits from solid relationships with long-term customers from the steel industry and, thus far, we have not experienced any significant changes to our coal supply or distribution"

12:45

FAA Global & sector ETF movers- Airlines (FAA) now lead all sectors here @ midday; VIX volatility measures continue to lag -Technical-

The Actively Traded Leading Global & Sector ETFs:

airlines- FAA +3.50%, agriculture grain complex- JJG +3.50%, DBA +1.50%, iShares Spain- EWP +2.50%, oil drillers and oil & gas services- OIH +2.50%, XES +2.25%, coal- KOL +2.0%, iShares Italy- EWI +2.0%, India- INP +2.0%, livestock commods.- COW +1.75%, clean energy- PBW +1.75%, wind energy- FAN +1.50%, solar power- TAN +1.50%, iShares Latin America- ILF +1.50%, iShares France- EWQ +1.50%, iShares Singapore- EWS +1.50%, iShares Brazil- EWZ +1.50%

The Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETFs:

VIX vol index- VXX -2.50%, VXZ -1.0%, junior gold miners- GDXJ -1.0%, Pound/Sterling currency shares- FXB -0.75%, food & beverage- PBJ -0.75%, iShares Chile- ECH -0.25%, RBOB gas- UGA -0.50%, Russia- RSX -0.50%, iShares S Africa- EZA -0.50%, crude/WTI oil- USO -0.50%, OIL -0.50% commods. index- GSG -0.25%, US Dollar index- UUP -0.25%, Australian Dollar currency shares- FXA -0.25%

12:44

ONP Orient Paper responds to allegations made by Muddy Waters (6.58 -0.65)

Co announced its response to allegations made via a report issued by Muddy Waters on June 28, 2010. Muddy Waters claims that as of the date of the report it had a short position in Orient Paper's stock. Orient Paper's stock came under increased selling pressure yesterday due to a broader decline in the market and following the publication of a report written by Muddy Waters, which cited certain allegations regarding the Company. The report issued by Muddy Waters contains many inaccuracies, omissions, fabrications, and unsubstantiated claims with a purpose of having the reader draw a conclusion that "ONP is a fraud" whose "purpose is to raise and misappropriate tens of millions of dollars." Orient Paper categorically denies these allegations and has instructed its legal counsel to contact Muddy Waters and explore all legal options against it for publishing and distributing such a report. (Stock is Halted)

12:39

MON Monsanto launches Warrant Herbicide (47.07 -0.28) -Update-

Co announces the launch of a new encapsulated formulation of acetochlor designed for cotton and soybean acres in 2010 has proven successful. The new product was used as MON 63410 Herbicide by farmers this season and will be available widely for 2011 as Warrant Herbicide.

12:30

BIDU NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness- Chinese Internet Portal (BIDU) now atop the percentage gainers leaderboard here @ midday -Technical-

NDX 10 Best % Performers:

BIDU, FWLT, AMZN, HOLX, JOYG, FSLR, SNDK, FLEX, GRMN, CERN

NDX 10 Worst % Performers:

CELG, VOD, BIIB, MRVL, COST, ADBE, NVDA, ORCL, GILD, GOOG

NASDAQ A/D +920

NASDAQ TRIN +0.50

12:29

ONP Orient Paper halted, news pending (6.58 -0.65)

12:27

MMM Dow 30 (INDU) strength & weakness- Industrial Conglomerate (MMM) continues atop the percentage gainers leaderboard here @ midday -Technical-

INDU 5 Best % Performers:

MMM, CAT, MSFT, BA, AXP

INDU 5 Worst % Performers:

KFT, VZ, WMT, HPQ, T

NYSE A/D +1365

NYSE TRIN +0.75

12:16

TECHX Airlines continuing to display sector leadership heading into midday -- UAUA, CAL, DAL, LCC, AMR, ALK -Technical-

11:59

NKBP China Nuokang Bio-Pharma announces agreement to market Dianatal Obstetric Gel in greater China region (4.82 +0.16)

Co announced that it has signed an agreement with the Swiss company, HCB Happy Child Birth Holding Inc. ("HCB"), to register and market Dianatal(R) Obstetric Gel, a unique product developed in Switzerland to reduce trauma associated with vaginal childbirth, in the Greater China region. Under the terms of the agreement, Nuokang will receive an exclusive license to register, market and distribute Dianatal Obstetric Gel in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Nuokang expects to launch the product in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan by early 2011. In mainland China, Nuokang expects that product registration could take up to 18 months.

11:58

LNC Lincoln National announced that it has completed the repurchase of its TARP commitment (24.86 +0.24)

Co announced that it has repurchased all of the preferred shares issued to the U.S. Treasury under its Capital Purchase Program (CPP). The company used the proceeds of recent equity and debt offerings and available resources to fund the repayment.

11:54

SNY Sanofi-Aventis to acquire TargeGen, for a maximun $560 mln (30.45 +0.70)

TargeGen, a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of small molecule kinase inhibitors announced that it has agreed to be acquired by sanofi-aventis. Under the agreement, the ultimate purchase price will depend on the achievement of certain future milestones events and will total $560 mln if such milestones are fully realized. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the Q3 of 2010.

11:48

European Markets Closing Prices

European markets are now closed; stock markets across Europe performed as follows: UK's FTSE: +0.1% Germany's DAX: +0.1% France's CAC: +0.3% Spain's IBEX: +1.1% Portugal's PSI: +0.4%

11:34

OXBT Oxygen Biotherapeutics reports Oxycyte PFCE decreases mortality from decompression sickness in preclinical study (3.12 +0.12)

Co announced that results from U.S. Navy studies demonstrated decreased mortality in porcine animal models that were given an intravenous dose of Oxycyte perfluorocarbon emulsion (PFCE) after the onset of decompression sickness (DCS). These results showed a statistically significant decrease in mortality compared with the control group that did not receive Oxycyte PFCE. For the animals treated with Oxycyte PFCE, 72 percent survived versus 45 percent in the control group (p<0.05); similarly, survival at 24 hours was significantly greater in the group treated with Oxycyte PFCE than in the control group (p<0.05).

11:34

WPCS WPCS Intl awarded $7.3 mln in new contracts (2.79 +0.12)

The new contracts include projects to be completed for New London Police Department, Central Connecticut State University, Camden City Police Department, Eagle Research, Duquesne Light, National Grid, Florida Department of Transportation, Clearwire, AT&T, Qwest, Boeing, DNV Global Energy Concepts and Infinity Wind Power.

11:23

XLE Minor new session highs in Energy XLE and Oil Service OIH -Technical-

11:19

SPLS Staples able to hold above 52-wk close low during early downside extension (19.32 +0.03) -Technical-

Stock was down for the eighth session in a row in early trade with it falling as much as 16% off the mid-month high. However, it held above its 52-wk close low from last July at 18.86 (session low 18.99) and is currently flirting with unchanged and an intraday range top at 19.29/19.33 with the morning bounce high at 19.43

11:13

SPY S&P retraces half of bounce and stabilizes -Update- -Technical-

The S&P has slipped back off the early high in a choppy pattern which thus far has the look of a temporary corrective dip. It has held near the 50% retracement of the push off the yesterday's low (1035-1046) after potentially completed a price pattern off Friday's high. If it can continue to hold near here (62% retrace at 1039) it would allow for another leg to the upside over the very short term -- Click for chart.

11:12

TIVO TiVo and Spanish cable operator ONO Partners announce partnership (7.33 +0.16)

Co's announced that they have signed a strategic agreement to deploy 'next generation TV' in Spain. This partnership establishes ONO as the exclusive distributor of TiVo's advanced television services in Spain.

11:08

ITT ITT Industries acquires Canberra Pumps in Brazil (44.87 +0.12)

Co announced the acquisition of Canberra Pumps do Brasil. Canberra Pumps has an installed base of 20,000 pumps serving customers in the chemical, pulp and paper, and general industry pump markets. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

10:50

MT Arcelor Mittal issues response to European Commission's decision on pre-stressed steel case (27.39 -0.21)

Co notes the decision announced today by the European Commission concerning the investigation into alleged anti-competitive practices of European manufacturers of pre-stressed wire and strands steel products. Initial review suggests that the fines imposed on subsidiary companies of the Group amount to ~315 million euros. Co says it "operates a strong compliance program across all its subsidiaries to ensure that all business activity remains in accordance with the highest legal and ethical standards. When it receives the full Commission decision, co will review the decision in detail and respond within the time limits provided. All options including appeal will be considered. ArcelorMittal and its subsidiaries have cooperated fully with the Commission throughout the investigation."

10:43

DBA December corn futures trading limit-up following USDA annual planting report

The first three front month corn contracts (July, Sept, Dec) are trading limit up this morning following the USDA's annual planting report, which showed final corn plantings in the U.S. of 87.9 mln, which is below the USDA initial estimate of 88.8 mln, as noted in its Prospective Prelim Report on March 31. Street estimates are 88.414 mln. December corn futures are $0.30 higher at $3.74 per bushel

10:42

HSFT HiSoft Tech opens for trading at $10.25 per share after pricing 7.4 mln IPO at $10.00, below the $11-13 expected range (10.27 +0.27) -Update-

10:36

VIA Viacom division MTV Music Group and Warner Music Group Form Partnership (36.06 -0.04)

Viacom division MTV Music Group and Warner Music Group (WMG) announced a broad-reaching, multi-year partnership. MTV Music Group will have exclusive right to sell advertising inventory around WMG music video content in the U.S. across MTV Music Group digital properties and mobile services, as well as on WMG's network of proprietary artist sites and third-party affiliate sites.

10:35

EMR Emerson acquired Innovative Control Systems; Terms of the deal were not disclosed (43.51 +0.24)

10:35

DBA Global & sector ETF movers- Grain Complex (DBA, JJG) now leads all sectors; VIX volatility measures (VXX, VXZ) continue to lag through the 1st hour of trading -Technical-

The Actively Traded Leading Global & Sector ETFs:

grains- JJG +5.0%, DBA +2.25%, iShares Spain- EWP +2.75%, airlines- FAA +2.25%, oil drillers & oil & gas services- OIH +2.25%, XES +2.0%, coal- KOL +1.75%, India- INP +1.75%, SPDRS metals & mining- XME +1.50%, iShares Malaysia- EWM +1.50%, iShares Italy- EWI +1.50%, iShares France- EWQ +1.50%, iShares Latin America- ILF +1.50%

The Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETFs:

VIX vol index- VXX -2.50%, VXZ -0.75%, Pound/Sterling currency shares- FXB -0.75%, food & beverage- PBJ -0.50%, Russia- RSX -0.50%, Australian Dollar currency shares- FXA -0.50%, base metals- DBB -0.50%, US Dollar index- UUP -0.25%

10:32

USO August crude has muted reaction following inventory data, now trading +$0.20 at $76.15, as larger build in gas and distillate inventories offset higher than expected draw in crude inventories

10:31

MNTX Manitex Intl signs exclusive operating agreement for CVS Ferrari container handling business (1.79 -0.11)

Co announced that its newly formed Italian subsidiary, CVS Ferrari, SRL, had entered into an agreement to operate, on an exclusive rental basis, the business of CVS Ferrari. The rental agreement has been filed with the Italian Court and commences July 1. The Court filing also includes an exclusive option to purchase the business at the conclusion of the Italian insolvency process, "Concordato Preventivo". The option and the remaining terms of the arrangement are pending Court approval.

10:28

VRTX NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness- Drug/Pharma name (VRTX) leads all index percentage gainers through the 1st hour of trading -Technical-

NDX 10 Best % Performers:

VRTX, ILMN, FLEX, GRMN, BIDU, AMZN, SNDK, JOYG, APOL, URBN

NDX 10 Worst % Performers:

CELG, VOD, MRVL, VMED, LINTA, SPLS, HSIC, DTV, CMCSA, BIIB

NASDAQ A/D +685

NASDAQ TRIN +0.60

10:28

VOD Vodafone PLC hovering near session low (20.95 -0.45) -Technical-

One of the weaker Nasdaq 100 stocks is hovering near its session low at 20.94. Noted that its 50 sma and 50% retrace of its June rally come into play at 20.83/20.76.

10:26

MMM Dow 30 (INDU) strength & weakness- Industrial Conglomerate (MMM) leads all index percentage gainers through the 1st hour of trading -Technical-

INDU 5 Best % Performers:

MMM, AXP, UTX, BA, AA

INDU 5 Worst % Performers:

HPQ, KFT, VZ, MRK, T

NYSE A/D +895

NYSE TRIN +.80

10:16

SY Sybase: Vertica Resolves Sybase Patent Lawsuits (64.64 -0.06)

Vertica Systems announced today that it has successfully resolved all disputes with Sybase related to United States Patent Nos. 5,794,228 and 5,794,229. The Court has dismissed Sybase's infringement claims, thus resolving all outstanding litigation between the parties. With the dismissal of the lawsuits, Vertica's direct and indirect customers including its partners, OEMs, ISVs, end customers, and others may sell and use Vertica's database products without concern for the two Sybase patents.

10:13

TECHX Minor new session highs for Gold GLD and Silver SLV -Update- -Technical-

10:12

GS Goldman Sachs sinks to fresh lows as it dips down to challenge its 2-wk range low near $132.73 (132.78 -0.99) -Technical-

The June/52-wk intraday low is below at $131.30.

10:11

SPEX Spherix's Biospherics acquires global patent rights from University of Kentucky Research Foundation to develop tagatose as a trigylcerides therapy (1.39 +0.14)

Co signed a license agreement with the University of Kentucky Research Foundation (UKRF). The agreement gives Biospherics the worldwide rights to international patents filed on behalf of UKRF for Dtagatose as a lipid-lowering agent for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and related dyslipidemias.

10:02

AAPL Apple reaches unch attempting to stabilze near yesterday's low and its 50 ema for the second session in a row near 254.30/255 (256.18 +0.01) -Update- -Technical-

10:00

MEE Massey Energy announced replacement plant for previously destroyed Bandmill processing plant was damaged by fire (28.61 +0.66)

Co confirms a fire broke out at the Zigmond Processing plant in Logan County, WV. Zigmond Processing is the replacement plant for the Bandmill processing plant which was destroyed by fire on August 27, 2009. Co expects the loss will be covered by insurance. The new plant is in the construction phase, and there were no injuries as the result of the fire. The contractor has not yet determined the cause of the fire. At this time, the Company expects the plant to be fully operational by December 1, 2010. Co had previously stated it expected the plant to be fully operational by mid-September 2010. Shipments from the direct ship loadout are still expected to begin during the first half of August 2010. The incident is not expected to have any impact Massey's projected shipments.

10:00

MGI MoneyGram Announces network expansion in Morocco (2.52 +0.11)

Co announces it has signed three new agents in Morocco that will offer money transfer services under the MoneyGram name. These agents are Credit Immobilier et Hotelier, MEA Finance / Canal M and WafaCash.

09:57

TECHX Sector Watch -Update- -Technical-

Finance provided some opening strength after changes to the changes to the Fin Reg Bill yesterday with the overall bias improving/broadening steadily this morning. Top performing sectors on a percentage basis have been led by: Airline +2.7%, Paper +2.4%, Coal KOL +2.3%, Oil Service OIH +2.3%, Casino =2.2%, Auto Parts +1.9%, Internet HHH +1.9%, Bank KBE +1.3%, Gold Miners GDX +1.3%, Broker IAI +1.3%.

09:56

MELA MELA Sciences announces pricing of underwritten public offering of 2.2 mln shares of common stock at $7.50/share (7.57 -0.73) -Update-

09:53

TECHX Opening Point Gainers/Losers -Technical-

Point Gainers: ABII (+12.13), STST (+9.79), TSLA (+3.90), AMZN (+3.11), FSLR (+2.58), CF (+2.46), ALV (+1.91), WYNN (+1.92), CRM (+1.80), BIDU (+1.76), LULU (+1.76), WLT (+1.88)

Point Losers: AYI (-3.97), CELG (-2.43), CWLZ (-1.80), VRUS (-1.47), GIS (-1.58), AM (-1.13), K (-1.07), MELA (-0.80)

09:47

SPY S&P 500 +5.4 extending push off yesterday's late low after data -- Dow +26, Nasdaq +14 -Update- -Technical-

Minor resistance is at 1045 followed by the 1049/1051 congestion area with the 38% retracement of the slide off 1083 just above at 1053 (Click for chart).

09:41

UMBF UMB Financial Corporation signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of the assets of Prairie Capital Management; expected to close on July 30, 2010 (36.01 +0.06)

09:38

SPA Sparton Corporation announced the sale of its Jackson, Michigan and London, Ontario properties (5.01 -0.04)

Co announced the sale of its Jackson, Michigan and London, Ontario properties as of June 16, 2010 and June 17, 2010, respectively. Sparton ceased operations at these locations in 2009 as part of the turnaround actions that facilitated the Company's return to profitability.

09:36

SPY Modestly weaker start but hold above yesterday's lows -- Dow -20, S&P -0.4, Nasdaq -0.2 -Technical-

The market is weaker off the open after the disappointing ADP data but the stock indices have been able to hold above yesterday's lows thus far amid some strength in Financial amid reports yesterday that the House and Senate agreed to remove new bank fees and taxes from the financial overhaul bill.

09:35

AMMD American Medical receives 510(k) clearance for its MoXy liquid cooled fiber for treatment of enlarged prostate (22.28 +0.12)

09:32

WSII Waste Services shareholders approve merger with IESI-BFC (BIN) (11.60 )

09:28

ECONX Reminder: Chicago PMI data due out in about 17 min min at 9:45ET

09:20

DCP Dyncorp Intl stockholders approve merger agreement with affiliates of Cerberus (17.46 )

09:20

ULU ULURU announces licensing agreement for Altrazeal in China (0.12 )

Co announced that it has signed a licensing and supply agreement with Jiangxi Aiqilin Pharmaceuticals Group for the marketing of Altrazeal in China, including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Under the terms of the licensing and supply agreement ULURU will receive an upfront licensing payment, milestone payments based on regulatory approvals and sales performance and a royalty on product sales. The license agreement covers Altrazeal, Altrazeal Silver and Altrazeal Collagen.

09:18

BTUI BTU Int'l receives $16 mln order for in-line diffusion equipment (5.43 )

Co announced that it received a $16 million order for solar cell processing equipment. Revenue recognition for this order is projected to start in the fourth quarter of 2010 and continue through the first half of 2011.

09:16

AMZN Amazon.com announced 70% royalty option for authors and publishers (108.61 )

Co announced a 70% royalty option for authors and publishers who use the Kindle Digital Text Platform. For each book sold from the Kindle Store for Kindle, Kindle DX, or one of the Kindle apps for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, PC, Mac and Android phones, authors and publishers who choose the new 70 percent royalty option will receive 70 percent of the list price, net of delivery costs.

09:11

On The Wires

Dreams (DRJ) announced that it received a commitment from Regions Bank to provide a $20 million senior secured credit facility for Dreams, Inc. and its subsidiaries... Haynes International (HAYN) announced that the co has reached a tentative three-year agreement with the leadership of the United Steelworkers Local 2958... Angeion Corporation (ANGN) announced that it has been awarded a three-year contract with Amerinet for its MedGraphics cardiorespiratory diagnostic systems... Procera Networks (PKT) announced that the first PacketLogic PL8720's have been shipped and deployed at Major Service Provider and University customer networks across Asia, Europe and the Americas. These initial deployments of the DPI appliance have exceeded the co's expectations with wins at a new Tier-1 mobile and cable operator.

09:04

TOBC Tower Bancorp and First Chester County Corporation (FCEC) announced that the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia has approved Tower's application to acquire First Chester (21.89 )

09:03

KBR KBR Inc. and SK Energy form joint venture SK-KBR Technologies (20.56 )

Co formed a new joint venture, SK-KBR Technologies with Korean-based SK Energy. Under the Shareholders' Agreement, SK-KBR is granted exclusive world-wide rights to market and license SK Energy's petrochemical and related process technologies on a global scale.

09:03

PLBC Plumas Bancorp records a $1.4 mln gain resulting from its new merchant processing alliance (2.52 )

Co announced that it has entered into an alliance with a world-wide merchant processing leader. As a result of the sale of its merchant processing business, Plumas Bancorp expects to record a one-time gain of $1.4 million in the second quarter.

09:03

FUQI Fuqi Intl unable to file/restate FY09 results by the end of June; co is committed to filing the reports as soon as practicable (7.53 )

09:02

XOMA XOMA Limited achieves planned enrollment goal for Phase 2b clinical trial of XOMA 052 in Type 2 Diabetes (0.41 )

09:02

CWLZ Cowlitz Bancorporation announces Nasdaq delisting (4.07 )

Co has not made any arrangements to have its common stock listed on any alternate exchanges or quotation systems. Co expects that its common stock will continue to be quoted for trade on the OTC Bulletin Board.

09:00

CVH Coventry Health Care agrees to acquire MHP, Inc. (17.68 )

Co announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire MHP, Inc. and its subsidiaries, currently wholly-owned by Sisters of Mercy Health System. Mercy Health Plans is a diversified health plan with approximately 90,000 commercial risk members, 60,000 commercial self-funded members, and 30,000 Medicare Advantage Coordinated Care members throughout Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

09:00

F Ford Motor announced intent to reduce debt by $4 billion (9.88 )

The co is reducing its debt by more than $4 billion - primarily by retiring debt owed to the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust ahead of schedule. The company said it is taking the action to further strengthen its balance sheet as it gains momentum on its One Ford plan and remains on track to deliver solid profits and positive Automotive operating-related cash flow this year.

08:57

ADK AdCare Health Systems prices offering of $6.0 mln of common stock at $3.50/share (3.72 )

08:56

AYI Acuity Brands misses by $0.08, reports revs in-line (40.97 )

Reports Q3 (May) earnings of $0.48 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.08 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.56; revenues rose 2.8% year/year to $407.6 mln vs the $410.1 mln consensus. Co stated "We expect the economic environment for the remainder of our fiscal year 2010 to remain challenging. Key indicators continue to signal declines for non-residential construction activity for the balance of 2010 and into 2011."

08:45

CVU CPI Aerostructures awarded follow-on order for Wing Kits from Northrop Grumman Corporation; new order valued up to $27.6 mln, ~$16.4 mln funded (9.34 )

Co announced it has received a purchase order for Outer Wing Panel kits for use in the manufacture of wings for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and the C-2A Greyhound aircraft from Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) valued at up to $27.6 mln. The purchase order includes firm, funded requirements valued at approximately $16.4 mln and options valued at an additional $11.2 mln. CPI Aero has received advanced funding authorization from Northrop Grumman for specific long lead-time activities.

08:38

On The Wires

Response Genetics (RGDX) announced that it has expanded its ResponseDX: Lung genetic test panel to detect the presence of EML4-ALK gene variants in lung cancer patients... TransCanada Corporation (TRP) announced that line fill of the first phase of the $12 billion Keystone Pipeline has been completed and commercial deliveries of crude oil to U.S. Midwest markets at Wood River and Patoka, Illinois will commence on June 30, 2010... Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) reported 2 more cutter suction dredges are currently being mobilized to the Deepwater Horizon area to aid in the berm construction along with four split-hull hopper barges, towing tugs and a loading barge. Great Lakes has a contract with Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure (SHAW) to provide dredging services relating to the construction of sand berms off the Louisiana coast... Union First Market Bankshares Corporation (UBSH) is combining two of its community banks, Northern Neck State Bank and Rappahannock National Bank, into its largest bank affiliate, Union First Market Bank, on October 12, 2010... Unitrin (UTR) purchased all rights to the "Kemper" name owned by Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

08:34

PVH Phillips-Van Heusen reaffirms Q2 and full year earnings guidance (45.75 )

Co announced today that Company management would reaffirm prior earnings guidance and also state that if its current business trends were to continue, it would expect to exceed the prior guidance. The reaffirmation is based upon the continuation of a comparable store sales increase for the U.S. outlet business at approximately 12% and of strong trends across all other businesses, as well. (Co's prior guidance was for EPS of $0.50-0.52 vs. $0.55 Thomson Reuters consensus and FY11 EPS of $3.55-3.65 vs. $3.61 Thomson Reuters consensus.)

08:33

COMDX USDA releases final planting figures, corn acres rose 2% from 2009, but are below original estimates

The USDA released its annaul acreage report, announcing final planting results of major crops, including corn, wheat and soybeans. The USDA reported that 87.9 million acres of corn was planted in the U.S. versus the USDA's initial estimate of 88.8 million (vs. consensus of 88.414 million). The number of acres of soybeans planted came in at 78.9 million acres the USDA's initial estimate of 78.1 million (vs. consensus of 78.708 million), while the number of acres of wheat planted came in at 54.3 million acres versus the USDA's initial estimate of 53.8 million.

08:32

CERS Cerus announced results of 22 abstracts presenting experiences with the INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets, plasma and red blood cells (3.05 )

Co announced results of 22 abstracts presenting experiences with the INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets, plasma and red blood cells during the XXXIst International Congress of the International Society for Blood Transfusion in Berlin, Germany held from June 26 to July 1. Studies included data collected in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Luxembourg and Scotland, covering a broad range of topics from in vitro results of routine validations to therapeutic efficacy of treated platelets.

08:16

SUPG SuperGen announced that Eisai released information regarding a randomized Phase III clinical trial of Dacogen (2.32 )

Co announced that Eisai released information regarding a randomized Phase III clinical trial of Dacogen for Injection in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Overall survival was the primary endpoint of this study. While Dacogen did not achieve statistically significant superiority over the control arm, a trend was evident. Based on the primary analysis and supporting data from secondary endpoints in this Phase III trial, SuperGen's partner, Eisai, has announced its plan to submit to the FDA a supplemental New Drug Application for Dacogen in the treatment of elderly patients with AML and poor- or intermediate-risk cytogenetics. Eisai has stated that the sNDA will be submitted to FDA by March 31, 2011.

08:11

On The Wires

Varian Medical Systems (VAR) and Brainlab announced the expansion of their partnership to incorporate Novalis technology and other Novalis Radiosurgery Program elements with the recently launched TrueBeam STx system... Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (RBA) will be conducting a two-day multi-million dollar unreserved public equipment auction with more than 1,200 equipment items.

08:06

MGI MoneyGram makes $30 million debt prepayment (2.41 )

08:06

MON Monsanto beats by $0.01, misses on revs; reaffirms FY10 EPS guidance (47.34 )

Reports Q3 (May) earnings of $0.81 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.80; revenues fell 6.3% year/year to $2.96 bln vs the $3.17 bln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.40-2.60, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $2.51 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co also affirms FCF guidance of $400-500 mln. Price decreases for Roundup and other glyphosate-based herbicides affected the company's results as expected, despite the volume growth achieved for these products. Net sales decreased $199 million, or 6%.

08:05

CRY CryoLife announces Medafor resuming shipments of HemoStase (5.37 )

Co announced that Medafor, is in the process of shipping ~$2.1 million in HemoStase in accordance with the terms of the parties exclusive distribution agreement. On June 28, 2010 Medafor and CryoLife participated in a hearing with the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, regarding CryoLife's preliminary injunction motion against Medafor, CryoLife had filed a motion for preliminary injunction contending that Medafor had improperly terminated the EDA between the parties and requesting that the Court enjoin Medafor from proceeding with the termination. Based on the proceedings, CryoLife expects Medafor to continue to fill valid purchase orders from CryoLife substantially in accordance with the terms of the EDA until the Court rules on the preliminary injunction motion or a motion for partial summary judgment related to the same issue that may be filed by CryoLife.

08:03

GMR General Maritime announces commencement of exchange offer for its 12% senior notes due 2017 (6.11 )

08:02

UNF UniFirst beats by $0.13, beats on revs (41.03 )

Briefing.com is the leading Internet provider of live market analysis for U.S. Stock, U.S. Bond and world FX market participants.  1-800-752-3013 or http://www.briefing.com