Briefing.com: Hourly In Play (R) – 19:00 ET
Sep 08, 2010 (Briefing.com via COMTEX) -- Hourly In Play (R)
Updated: 08-Sep-10 19:00 ET
18:38
GERN Geron is trading 8.2% higher after hours at $5.29/share following news that Sierra Sciences co-authors paper announcing successful lengthening of telomeres to extend human lifespan (See 18:36 comment) (4.89 +0.08) -Update-
18:36
GERN Geron: Sierra Sciences co-authors paper announcing successful lengthening of telomeres to extend human lifespan (4.89 +0.08)
Sierra Sciences, in collaboration with TA Sciences, Geron (GERN), PhysioAge, and the Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), has announced the first compound ever discovered that activates the enzyme telomerase in the human body - a critical prerequisite for technology that could arrest or reverse the aging process in humans. This compound is a natural product derived nutraceutical known as TA-65.
18:22
GLD December gold is trading just under the unchanged line after hours; currently -0.20 at $1256.50 per ounce (122.71 +0.01)
18:20
USO October crude oil is trading higher after hours, sitting just under the $75 level; currently +$0.31 at $74.98 per barrel (33.14 +0.37)
18:15
CRESY Cresud SA FY10 net income increased 48.8% to Ps.185.4 mln; total production revs rose 26.2% to Ps. 217,721 (14.38 -0.06)
18:13
IRS IRSA Inversiones reports FY10 5.78 per GDS from 2.74 in last year's quarter; revs grew 254% to Ps. 1,323,326. (13.39 -0.10)
18:05
SU Suncor Energy reports that oil sands production during August averaged ~331,000 barrels per day (32.04 +0.11) -Update-
Year-to-date oil sands production at the end of August averaged ~270,000 bpd. The company also reports planned maintenance has begun on one of its two oil sands upgraders (U2) at its oil sands operations near Fort McMurray. The planned maintenance will take place concurrently with repair work underway on a hydrogen reformer connected to U2, which experienced an unplanned outage in August.
17:52
GMXR GMX Resources announces a reduction in Capex for 2011 and 2012; Subleases H&P FlexRig 3 for Remainder of Contract; reports early results on two newest Haynesville/Bossier Horizontal Wells (4.52 +0.08)
Co announced a reduction in capital expenditure guidance for 2011 and 2012 down from $200 mln in each year to $175 mln in each year. CapEx guidance for 2010 remains unchanged at $175 mln. GMXR's current plan is to continue to run a two rig program. Based on increases in well performance, previously announced production guidance remains unchanged at 17.5-19.0 Bcfe for 2010, 28.0-30.0 Bcfe for 2011, and 32.0-34.0 Bcfe for 2012.
17:49
LINE LINN Energy announced a private offering to eligible purchasers of $1 bln in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021 at an offering price equal to 98.264% of par (29.79 +0.52) -Update-
17:46
Futures are mixed after hours: S&P 500 futures are +0.99 from fair value of 1099.3 and Nasdaq100 futures are -0.30 points from fair value of 1877.80
17:38
ESL Esterline announces sale of PSI subsidiary to Measurement Specialties (53.89 -0.18)
Co announced the sale of its Hampton, VA-based Pressure Systems subsidiary to Measurement Specialties. ESL anticipates an after-tax gain on the sale of about $10.4 mln or $0.34 per share. PSI's FY10 after-tax income through the date of the sale was ~$0.05 per share, comparable to last year. This $0.39 per share will be reported as discontinued operations at year end, October 29, 2010.
17:30
KRO Kronos Worldwide announces a price increase for all titanium dioxide products sold in North America (32.36 -1.65)
Co announced a price increase for all titanium dioxide products sold in North America. Effective October 1, 2010, or as permitted by contract, prices for all Kronos titanium dioxide products sold in North America will be increased by US$0.08 per pound (or equivalent in other currencies).
17:30
SEH Spartech Names Victoria M. Holt President & Chief Executive Officer, to Succeed Myles Odaniell (9.19 +0.10) -Update-
Co announced that Victoria M. Holt has been appointed President and Chief Executive effective September 8, 2010. Holt, a former Senior Vice President at PPG Industries and a member of Spartech's Board of Directors, will succeed Myles Odaniell.
17:29
ASR Grupo Aeroportuario Del Sureste announced that on September 7, 2010, Compania Mexicana de Aviacion, S.A. de C.V. has been granted bankruptcy protection (43.59 +0.42)
Co reported Mexicana Inter, S.A. de C.V. and Aerovias Caribe, S.A. de C.V. have also filed for bankruptcy protection.
17:20
UAUA UAL reported its preliminary consolidated August traffic results; total consolidated revenue passenger miles increased in August by 2.5% (22.06 -0.21)
Co reported that total consolidated revenue passenger miles increased in August by 2.5% on an increase of 1.7% in available seat miles compared with the same period in 2009. This resulted in a reported August consolidated passenger load factor of 86.7%, an increase of 0.6 points compared to 2009.
17:15
CHP C&D Technologies announced that it has filed a Notification of Late Filing, or Form 12b-25, with the SEC with regard to its Form 10-Q report for the Co's Q2 FY11 (0.43 -0.07)
17:01
MDMD MediaMind announces exercise of overallotment option in common stock offering (12.00 -0.27)
Co announced that the underwriters of its initial public offering have partially exercised their option to purchase additional shares of common stock from the co to cover overallotments, and will purchase 413,703 shares.
17:01
SGMS Scientific Games announces pricing of $250 mln of 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2018 (10.24 +0.02) -Update-
Co announced that it has priced its private offering of $250 mln of 8.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2018 (the "2018 Notes"). The Notes Offering is expected to close on or about September 22, 2010, subject to customary closing conditions.
17:00
MEOH Methanex plans to restart its methanol plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta (22.72 -0.32)
Co announced that it plans to restart its 470,000 tonne per year methanol plant in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada in April 2011. In support of the restart, MEOH has commenced a program to purchase natural gas on the Alberta gas market. The plant consumes ~50,000 mmbtu of natural gas per day operating at capacity. The plant has been idle since 2001 and the estimated capital cost to restart the plant is ~US$40 mln.
17:00
ALOY Alloy reports Q2 EPS of (0.1), including special charges vs. $0.08 in last year's quarter; revs grew 9% to $53.2 mln (9.63 +0.01) -Update-
16:56
UBA Urstadt Biddle Prop beats by $0.04 (18.89 +0.21)
Reports Q3 (Jul) funds from operations of $0.34 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.30; revenues rose 6.5% year/year to $21.8 mln vs the $21.3 mln consensus.
16:44
FUN Cedar Fair reaffirms full-year revenue guidance in-line with consensus (11.84 +0.19)
Co reported that it has continued its strong year-to-date operating performance through the Labor Day weekend. Through September 5, 2010, revs increased ~$32 mln, or 4%, to $824 mln compared with $792 mln a year ago. Co reaffirms its current guidance of 2010 revs of $940-965 mln vs. $955.6 mln Thomson Reuters consensus and reaffirms full-year adjusted EBITDA, excluding one-time costs, between $320-340 mln.
16:41
ALCO Alico announces credit restructure renegotiated terms include relaxed covenants and variable interest (21.11 +0.23)
Co announced that it has entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") with RABO AGRIFINANCE for $100 mln to refinance its term note and revolving line of credit with Farm Credit of Southwest Florida ("Farm Credit"). Proceeds from the Agreement were used to extinguish the Co's term note and revolving line of credit with Farm Credit.
16:41
GAME Shanda Games reports EPS in-line, misses on revs (5.78 +0.02)
Reports Q2 (Jun) earnings of $0.16 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.16; revenues fell 3.7% year/year to $163.9 mln vs the $165.9 mln consensus.
16:33
GRT Glimcher Realty lowers Q3 and 2010 FFO's guidance, in-line with consensus (6.24 -0.02)
Co lowers top end of Q3 funds from operations (FFO) to $0.15-0.17 vs. $0.17 Thomson Reuters consensus, from $0.15-0.18. Co lowers FY10 FFO's of $0.72-0.77 vs. $0.77 consensus.
16:32
FULT Fulton Fincl repurchases warrant from U.S. Treasury at agreed upon a repurchase price of $10.8 mln for the warrant (8.71 +0.27)
Co announced that it has repurchased the warrant the company had issued to the U.S. Treasury as part of the TARP Capital Purchase Program. Fulton Financial and the Treasury agreed upon a repurchase price of $10.8 million for the warrant, which had entitled the Treasury to purchase 5,509,756 shares of the co's common stock.
16:23
LFL Lan Airlines S.A. reports statistics for August 2010: Load factor increased 1.3 points to 77.8%; system passenger traffic for August increased 13.7% as capacity rose 11.7% (29.10 +0.56)
16:22
SNTS Santarus licenses novel type 2 Diabetes drug CYCLOSET (2.22 +0.02)
The co, S2 Therapeutics and VeroScience announced that they have entered into a distribution and license agreement granting Santarus exclusive rights to manufacture and commercialize CYCLOSET tablets in the U.S. CYCLOSET is a prescription drug approved by FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus both as mono-therapy and in combination with other oral antidiabetic agents. Santarus expects to commercially launch CYCLOSET in November 2010.
16:21
PAY VeriFone acquires Semtek for $18 mln (26.14 -0.36)
Co announced that it has accelerated its efforts to deliver end-to-end encryption solutions with the acquisition of encryption co Semtek. PAY previously invested in Semtek's equity funding. Semtek shareholders received PAY common shares that valued the acquired co at $18 mln.
16:21
WRC Warnaco Group appints Helen McCluskey as Chief Operating Officer (48.02 +1.36)
16:18
MEAS Measurement Specialties announced the acquisition of Pressure Systems from Esterline Technologies (ESL) for ~$25 mln in cash (15.45 -0.06)
16:16
STRM Streamline Health announces Gary Winzenread, senior VP of product development and implementation services, has been appointed COO effective September 2 (1.19 +0.11) -Update-
16:16
BMC BMC Software: SailPoint signs international reseller agreement with BMC Software (38.68 +0.36) -Update-
16:16
QCOR Questcor Pharma informed that the FDA will require additional time to complete its review of H.P. Acthar Gel (10.36 )
Co announced that the FDA has informed Questcor that the FDA will require additional time beyond the current action date of September 11, 2010 to complete its review of Questcor's supplemental new drug application for H.P. Acthar Gel in the treatment of infantile spasms. Co also stated "To date, third quarter 2010 prescription and sales levels are encouraging... In the first two months of the third quarter, these prescriptions have increased modestly compared to the first two months of the second quarter of 2010. At the current quarterly run rate, vial shipments by Questcor in the third quarter of 2010 would exceed the record just set in the second quarter. Questcor has scheduled a conference call on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time, 6:00 a.m. Pacific Time to discuss
16:15
WG Willbros awarded Canadian pipeline construction project (8.58 -0.07)
Co announced that its Canadian unit, Willbros Canada, has executed a contract to perform construction of "Spread C" for Pembina Pipeline Corp's Nipisi & Mitsue Pipeline Projects. In addition to the recent Pembina award for construction of six pump stations, Willbros will also construct ~90 km of dual 20 inch and 8 inch pipeline near Slave Lake, Alberta.
16:14
AVAV AeroVironment beats by $0.07, misses on revs; guides FY11 revs in-line; reaffirms FY10 revs guidance, lowers operating income margin guidance (23.35 +0.25)
Reports Q1 (Jul) loss of $0.16 per share, $0.07 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.23); revenues rose 0.8% year/year to $38.2 mln vs the $39.2 mln consensus. Co reaffirms revs guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs growth of 10-15%, which calculates to ~$250.6-286.9 mln vs. $275.74 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co reduces its operating income margin expectation to between 10-12% of revenue.
16:13
PRE PartnerRe Ltd. announces share repurchase authorization of up to 7 mln common shares (76.35 +0.83)
Co announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new share repurchase authorization up to a total of 7 million common shares, effective immediately. This replaces the prior authorization of 8 million common shares announced by the Company in February 2010. To date in 2010, the Company has repurchased a total of approximately 8.7 million common shares pursuant to prior authorizations.
16:10
TNS TNS Inc announces $50 mln share repurchase program (15.72 +0.18)
Co announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a repurchase program of up to $50 million of the company's common stock over the next 18 months, subject to extension.
16:09
HALO Halozyme Therapeutics announces public offering of 8.3 mln shares of common stock (7.99 +0.21)
Co intends to use net proceeds for general corp purposes and to support further R&D of its product candidates
16:07
CLCT Collectors Universe reported Q4 $0.34, excluding $1.09 benefit, vs. $0.15 in last year's quarter; revs grew 10.6% to $10.8 mln (13.92 +0.26)
16:03
GAP Great A&P Tea to sell seven store locations in northern Connecticut (3.22 -0.07)
Co entered into an agreement with Big Y Foods to sell seven store locations in northern Connecticut. The sale of these stores is part of a comprehensive turnaround strategy initially announced in late July. The stores are expected to close at the end of October.
16:02
NNBR NN Inc Chairman and CEO will exercise 66.33K stock options due to expire on Oct 10 in open mkt beginning Sept 8; three Board members may exercise options due to expire on same date (8.64 +0.11) -Update-
16:00
REGN Regeneron Pharms and Sanofi-aventis (SNY) report phase 3 trial of aflibercept in second-line metastatic colorectal cancer to continue as planned (24.42 +0.03)
The cos announced that the Phase 3 VELOUR clinical trial of aflibercept (VEGF Trap) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancerwill continue to completion as planned, with no modifications due to efficacy or safety concerns. This decision is based on the recommendation of an Independent Data Monitoring Committee following a planned interim analysis. Both sanofi-aventis and Regeneron management and staff remain blinded to the interim study results. Final results are expected 2H 2011.
16:00
ATSC ATS awarded new contracts totaling $4.9 mln and $1.25 mln from legal settlement (2.68 -0.07)
Co announces it has been awarded several contracts totaling $4.9 mln over a one-year period, supporting the U.S. Air Force, the Defense Technology Security Administration, and other State government and commercial accounts. Co also announces that it has signed a settlement with the former principal owners of Advanced Technology Systems, Inc. related to a previously disclosed indemnification claim associated with the Maximus lawsuit. As a result, co received a settlement payment of $1.25 mln. This concludes all outstanding legal proceedings.
15:45
NNBR NN Inc sold portion of manufacturing assets of its Tempe Arizona facility to Triumph Manufacturing (8.60 +0.07)
On January 6, 2010, co announced that it would be closing its Tempe Arizona facility, consolidating most of the production and ceasing production of certain products. However, based on the sale of the above mentioned assets, Triumph Manufacturing will be able to take over the existing facility and continue to supply existing customers with these products. Co had previously announced that it expected to incur cash charges of ~$2.5 mln in severance, equipment relocation and other closing costs during the first three quarters of 2010. As of today, co has completed the majority of the planned transfer of the assets to its Wellington, Ohio facilities and has incurred cash charges to date of ~$1.7 mln. NN now expects total cash costs in the transaction to total ~$2.0 mln.
15:44
Events of interest for tomorrow
Events and conferences of interest for tomorrow, September 9, include: TXN Mid-Quarter Update; KSU, NSC, TEN at Credit Suisse Auto & Transportation Conference; CNW at Dahlman Rose & Co. LLC Global Transportation Conference. Central Bank/Treasury: $13 bln 30-yr Treasury Bonds Auction
15:41
Earnings Calendar
Today after the close look for the following companies to report: AVAV, MW, GAME, and SHFL. Tomorrow before the open look for the following companies to report: KFY, PNY, and STEI.
15:40
EWD Global, sector, & commodity ETF money flows- Sweden (EWD) continues to lead all European Regionals, Coal (KOL) space remains strong all session; CBOE VIX volatility (VXX, VXZ) measurements lag as the SPX holds firm gains -Technical-
Actively Traded Leading Global, Regional, & Domestic Sector ETFs:
iShares Sweden- EWD +2.25%, coal- KOL +2.25%, Russia- RSX +2.0%, iShares Biotechnology- IBB +1.75%, oil drillers- OIH +1.75%, India- INP +1.50%, PIN +1.50%, North America networking- IGN +1.50%, Vietnam- VNM +1.50%, heating oil- UHN +1.50%, commercial banks- KBE +1.50%, Thailand- THD +1.50%, iShares France- EWQ +1.50%, ag/chem complex- MOO +1.50%, iShares transportation- IYT +1.50%, Chile- ECH +1.50%, insurers- KIE +1.50%, steel- SLX +1.50%
Actively Traded Lagging Global, Regional, & Domestic Sector ETFs:
VIX vol index- VXX -2.0%, VXZ -0.50%, agriculture & grain complex- JJG -1.50%, natural gas- UNG -1.0%, US Treasuries & fixed income- TLT -1.0%, TLH -0.50%, IEF -0.25%, TIP -0.25%, cotton- BAL -0.75%, coffee- JO -0.75%, semis- IGW -0.50%, sugar- SGG -0.50%
15:05
SPY Stock indices set new afternoon/post-Beige Book bounce highs -- Dow +65, S&P +9.6, Nasdaq +23 -Update- -Technical-
14:59
JOYG NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness- Heavy Construction name (JOYG) still leads all percentage gainers, Retailers (URBN, PCLN, EBAY) also strong; Semis (INTC, AMAT) still posting relative weakness nearing the final hour of trade -Technical-
NDX 10 Best % Performers:
JOYG, SYMC, PCLN, NTAP, EBAY, CTXS, FLEX, SNDK, NVDA, URBN
NDX 10 Worst % Performers:
AMAT, INTC, VMED, ORCL, GENZ, WCRX, SBUX, FLIR, MYL, MCHP
NASDAQ A/D @ +2:1
NASDAQ TRIN +0.85
14:57
AA Dow 30 (DJX) strength & weakness- Aluminum name (AA) leads all percentage gainers approaching the final hour; Tech. names (HPQ, INTC) remain weak -Technical-
DJX 5 Best % Performers:
AA, JPM, GE, BA, CAT
DJX 5 Worst % Performers:
HPQ, INTC, WMT, MSFT, AXP
NYSE A/D @ +2.5:1
NYSE TRIN +0.75
14:56
BMC BMC Software vacillating near its four month range top at 38.80/38.89 -- session high 38.83 (38.82 +0.50) -Technical-
14:48
ECONX Reminder: July Consumer Credit due out in ~12 mins at 15:00 ET (Briefiing consensus -$5.25B, June was -$1.3B)
14:38
COMDX NYMEX Energy Closing Prices
Crude oil settled higher by 58 cents to $74.67, natural gas shed 3.9 to end at $3.813, heating oil gained 0.79 cents to close at $2.0822 and RBOB gasoline finished higher by 0.66 cents to $1.9395 (all Oct contracts).
14:29
BW Brush Engineered Materials' Brush Wellman Alloy Products group will increase prices on some premium grades of beryllium alloy and copper alloy products (25.77 +0.15)
Effective with orders on October 4, 2010, Brush Wellman Alloy Products will increase fabrication prices by 5% on its Moldmax family of alloys.
14:25
SPY Indices lifting off afternoon lows -- Dow +47, S&P +6.9, Nasdaq +18 -Update- -Technical-
As noted earlier the Dow and S&P were probing the 62% retracement of the rally off yesterday's low (Nasdaq 50% retrace). These supports held with some upticks seen in recent trade. Relative sector strength on this move has been noted in Reg Bank KRE, Finance XLF, Housing XHB, Computer-Hardware, Networking, Disk Drive, Solar TAN, Coal KOL, REITs IYR. Intraday resistance for the S&P is initially at 1100/1101.
14:22
COMDX CBOT Agriculture and Ethanol and ICE Exchange Sugar Closing Prices
December corn closed 3.75 cents lower at $4.625 per bushel, November soybeans closed 2.5 cents lower at $10.495 per bushel, Dec wheat closed 24.25 cents lower at $7.11 per bushel, October ethanol closed $0.004 higher at $1.905, October world sugar futures closed 0.07 cents lower to 21.38 cents.
14:17
JCOM j2 Global acquires Venali for ~$17 mln (21.75 -0.39)
Co announces that it has acquired Venali for ~$17 million. Venali's principal assets include its on-going messaging business, which generated approximately $10 mln in revenues over the trailing 12 month period, and its issued and pending U.S. and foreign patents. All pending patent litigation between j2 and Venali has been dismissed with prejudice.
14:05
SPY Stock indices test retracement supports -Update- -Technical-
The Dow +25 and S&P +4.7 have thus far held near the 62% retracement of the rally off yesterday's low while the Nasdaq +14 has held near the 50% retracement. Mildly aggressive pattern during the afternoon slip is an intraday concern.
14:01
SPY Stock indices slide to new afternoon lows after Beige Book headlines hit the wires -- Dow +30, S&P +5, Nasdaq +15 -Update- -Technical-
13:58
SPY S&P cuts rally off yesterday's low in half ahead of Beige Book -Update- -Technical-
Intraday resistance is at 1100 and 1102 with support at 1095 in front of the 1091/1090 area (yesterday's low/Friday's gap).
13:49
ECONX Reminder: Fed's Beige Book due out in ~11 mins at 14:00 ET
13:43
SPY Further backing and filling ahead of Beige Book -- Dow +46 has slipped 40 points off its high, S&P now up +7.4, Nasdaq +19 -Update- -Technical-
13:33
KOL Market Vectors Coal ETF probing last week's high and its 200 sma at 34.75/34.83 -- session high 34.72 (34.71 +0.92) -Technical-
Components include: ANR +2.4%, CNX +2.6%, BTU +3.7%, MEE +3.5%, JOYG +5.8%, BUCY +5.8%.
13:33
COMDX COMEX Metals Closing Prices
Gold ended lower by $1.50 to $1257.80, silver finished up 9.6 cents to $20.01, and copper closed higher by 2.7 cents to $3.4975 (all Dec contracts).
13:12
ARG Airgas: Air Products (APD) responds to Airgas "value-destructive tactics"; Says Airgas shareholders have clear path to completing transaction (64.90 -0.85) -Update-
Air Products (APD) issued statement in response to Airgas... "The Airgas Board is resorting to desperate last-minute gambits that should not distract the Airgas shareholders... Air Products is offering Airgas shareholders a premium of more than 50% for their shares today, and can close a deal quickly if the Airgas Board will agree to sit down and negotiate. There is no need for further delays possibly followed by a convoluted process that destroys value for the Airgas shareholders... "Airgas shareholders should understand that if they do not elect the Air Products nominees and approve our proposals, we will conclude that shareholders are satisfied with a minimal share repurchase at an unknown price and unknown time instead of a sale of Airgas to Air Products or a third party. In that case, we will terminate our offer and move on. We are confident Airgas shareholders will make the right choice to protect the value of their investment."
13:10
SPY S&P +9.3 and Nasdaq Comp +24 have slipped back modestly after Dow +63 failed to confirm the new afternoon/session highs -Update- -Technical-
13:04
DBLE Double Eagle Petro announced its proposed 2011 drilling program; expected it will participate in as many as 75 development wells and 6 exploratory wells (4.10 +0.08)
Co announced its proposed 2011 drilling program. Focusing on the two major fields in which the Company has interests, it is expected that Double Eagle will participate in as many as 75 development wells and 6 exploratory wells. In the Atlantic Rim, the Company expects the resumption of developmental drilling in the Catalina, Sun Dog and Doty Mountain units with a potential of up to 60 new production wells. In addition, dependent on the Company's assessment of existing seismic and related production data, Double Eagle anticipates 1-6 Niobrara exploratory wells may be drilled. Double Eagle anticipates 16 new Pinedale Anticline wells to be drilled in the Mesa Units in 2011.
12:50
TSN Tyson Foods issues press release with highlights from conference; COO expects continued strong earnings performance (16.76 +0.39)
Jim Lochner, chief operating officer of Tyson Foods, said at conference that Tyson's record earnings this year should not be considered a peak, but rather what investors may expect from the company in the foreseeable future, barring any catastrophic market conditions. While some have expressed concerns that increased chicken production could create an over-supply, Lochner told the conference that domestic availability of total protein should not change materially in 2011.
12:49
SPY S&P +11 joins Nasdaq Comp +28 at new session highs, Dow +81 holding just below its morning peak -Update- -Technical-
12:48
SMH Semiconductor Hldrs ETF paces recent market advance (25.29 -0.02) -Update- -Technical-
Noted the early lagging SMH but that it was nearing support in the 24.94/24.86 area (session low 24.91) in the 09:51 update. It has extended the bounce off this floor near the flat line (+1.5% off low ) in recent trade helping propel the Nasdaq indices to fresh session highs.
12:40
EWD Global, sector, & commodity ETF money flows- Sweden (EWD) continues to lead all European Regionals, Coal (KOL) strong on the domestic front here @ midday; CBOE VIX volatility remains weak with SPX trading near session highs -Technical-
Actively Traded Leading Global, Regional, & Domestic Sector ETFs:
iShares Sweden- EWD +2.50%, coal- KOL +2.50%, crude/WTI oil- USO +2.0%, OIL +2.0%, Russia- RSX +2.25%, commercial banks- KBE +2.0%, steel- SLX +2.0%, SPDRS metals & mining- XME +2.0%, iShares UK- EWU +2.0%, iShares transportation- IYT +1.75%, iShares Spain- EWP +1.75%, iShares biotechnology- IBB +1.75%, regional banks- RKH +1.75%, KRE +1.75%, casinos & gaming- BJK +1.75%
Actively Traded Lagging Global, Regional, & Domestic Sector ETFs:
VIX vol index- VXX -2.50%, VXZ -0.50%, US Treasuries & fixed income- TLT -1.0%, TLH -0.75%, IEF -0.50%, TIP -0.25%, cotton- BAL -0.50%, agriculture & grain complex- JJG -0.50%, US Dollar index- UUP -0.50%, sugar- SGG -0.50%, semis- IGW -0.25%, SMH -0.25%
12:34
AAPL Apple tests its Aug high at 264.28 -- session high 264.30 (264.20 +6.39) -Update- -Technical-
The July peak comes into play slightly above at 265.99.
12:31
SPY Nasdaq +26 sets new session high in midday trade, Dow +73 and S&P +10 have not yet confirmed the move -Update- -Technical-
12:28
JOYG NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness- Heavy Construction name (JOYG) leads all percentage gainers now @ midday; Semis (INTC, AMAT, MXIM) continue to display weakness -Technical-
NDX 10 Best % Performers:
JOYG, NTAP, SYMC, PCLN, EBAY, HOLX, CERN, WYNN, SNDK, NVDA
NDX 10 Worst % Performers:
AMAT, INTC, STX, WCRX, GENZ, ORCL, MXIM, MCHP, FLIR, XLNX
NASDAQ A/D @ +3:1
NASDAQ TRIN +0.95
12:25
JPM Dow 30 (DJX) strength & weakness- Financial name (JPM) now leads all percentage gainers here @ midday; Tech. (HPQ, INTC) remains under pressure -Technical-
DJX 5 Best % Performers:
JPM, AA, CAT, BA, BAC
DJX 5 Worst % Performers:
HPQ, INTC, WMT
NYSE A/D @ +3:1
NYSE TRIN +0.75
12:21
TROW T. Rowe Price approved a 15 million share increase in the company's authorization to repurchase its common stock (47.70 +0.79)
12:09
GOOG Google sets a new session high of 471.91 near last week's peak at 471.88 (471.91 +7.51) -Update- -Technical-
Note that its 50 sma/ema come into play at 474.13 and 476.93.
12:02
European Markets Closing Prices
European markets are now closed; stock markets across Europe performed as follows: UK's FTSE: +0.4% Germany's DAX: +0.8% France's CAC: +0.9% Spain's IBEX: +1.0% Portugal's PSI: -0.8%
12:02
FRS Frisch's Restaurants declares 15% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.15 from $0.13 (19.40 0.00)
11:50
SR Standard Register signs a 3-yr agreement with Premier Purchasing Partners to provide print shop management services, electronic forms, electronic content management solutions and document imaging services (3.00 +0.06)
11:16
ZBB ZBB Energy will partner with SunPower (SPWRA) to establish a pilot program for demonstrating integration of advanced energy storage systems (0.60 +0.07)
Working with a major retailer, the cos will demonstrate economic and operational benefits of combining PV with a ZBB zinc bromide flow battery storage technology platform rated at 500 KWh in a commercial bldg application... As part of a second round of funding by the California Public Utilities Commission, SunPower will receive a grant of ~$1.8 million from the California Solar Initiative Research, Development, Deployment and Demonstration (CSI RD&D) Program, and will partner with three storage technology providers to integrate PV in this commercial building application.
11:16
KVHI KVH Industries to acquire Virtek Communications; "to be only modestly accretive in the near term" (12.69 +0.03)
Co and Virtek Communications announced that they have entered into an agreement for KVH to acquire the software company. Currently, Virtek anticipates 2010 revenues to be in the range of $2-3 million. The $6.5 million all-cash acquisition is subject to normal closing procedures and adjustments and is expected to be concluded in the next few weeks. Co stated "the acquisition is expected to be only modestly accretive in the near-term, excluding transaction costs".
10:55
SPY Stock indices extend near secondary resistances -- S&P +8.8, Nasdaq +21, QQQQ +0.49 -Update- -Technical-
Noted secondary resistance in The Technical Take at 2229/2236 Nasdaq Comp (session high 2231), 1102 S&P (session high 1101.56) and 46.21/46.28 QQQQ (session high 46.24). Intraday indicators are extended in the wake of this morning's solid run and the indices have paused but pressure has been very limited thus far.
10:49
MGM MGM Resorts is a top percentage performing in the strong Casino sector, edges slightly above it 50 sma and last week's peak at 10.08/10.16 (10.12 +0.55) -Technical-
It 50 ema comes into play at 10.30 (BYD +3%, WYNN +2.3%, PNK +2.2%, SHFL +2.2% ,PENN +2.1%, BYI +2%, IGT +1.8%, WMS +1.6%, ISLE +1.5%, MCRI +0.9%).
10:40
EWD Global, sector, & commodity ETF money flows- Sweden (EWD) leads all European Regionals as they recover from yesterday's losses; CBOE VIX volatility (VXX) lags as the SPX holds near session highs -Technical-
Actively Traded Leading Global, Regional, & Domestic Sector ETFs:
iShares Sweden- EWD +2.50%, Russia- RSX +2.0%, iShares France- EWQ +1.75%, coal- KOL +1.75%, insurers- KIE +1.75%, iShares Brazil- EWZ +1.75%, iShares Spain- EWP +1.75%, iShares UK- EWU +1.75%, wind energy- FAN +1.75%, ag/chem complex- MOO +1.75%, steel- SLX +1.75%, iShares transportation- IYT +1.50%, iShares Italy- EWI +1.50%, oil drillers & energy components- OIH +1.75%, XES +1.50%
Actively Traded Lagging Global, Regional, & Domestic Sector ETFs:
VIX vol index- VXX -2.0%, VXZ -0.50%, semis- IGW -1.0%, SMH -1.0%, XSD -0.75%, US Treasuries & fixed income- TLT -1.0%, TLH -0.50%, IEF -0.50%, sugar- SGG -1.0%, US Dollar index- UUP -0.50%, agriculture & grain complex- JJG -0.50%, natural gas- UNG -0.25%
10:39
KFT Kraft Foods sets new four month high, hovering slightly under its May peak at 30.78 -- session high 30.72 (30.70 +0.35) -Technical-
Its March high is at 30.98 with the 52-wk peak from April at 31.09.
10:37
TECHX Sector Strength -Update- -Technical-
Relative sector strength (outperforming the S&P) in recent trade has been noted in Semi SMH, Industrial XLI, Materials XLB, Consumer Discretionary XLY, Transports IYT, Networking, Disk Drive, Casino BJK.
10:35
GS Goldman Sachs continues to climb through the first hour, approaching last Friday's momentum high of 147.99 (147.95 +2.74) -Technical-
10:34
SPY Stock indices extend, lagging Semi SMH joins in after hold at support -- Dow +73, S&P +8.5, Nasdaq +19.3 -Update- -Technical-
The SMH lagged off the open but held at support noted in The Technical Take and the 09:51 update with it helping to underpin in recent trade as it builds on its bounce.
10:33
HEB Hemispherx Biopharma to present new retrovirus data at 1st international workshop on XMRV and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (0.57 +0.02)
Co will present new clinical data on the possible inter-relationships of XMRV positivity/chronic fatigue syndrome/Ampligen responsiveness at the 1st International Workshop on XMRV being held at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD, on September 7 and 8, 2010. The primary endpoint was exercise treadmill duration. Subjects received Ampligen or an equivalent volume of placebo (saline) twice weekly by intravenous infusion for 40 weeks. Baseline serum samples from all 208 subjects were analyzed for antibodies directed against XMRV. The XMRV antibody positive cohort had a greater relative percentage of subjects showing a >25% increase in ETT with Ampligen treatment compared to placebo than the XMRV antibody negative cohort. The results also suggest that the XMRV antibody negative subjects with CFS have a lower activity level and a reduced ability to complete normal daily activities at baseline.
10:28
JOYG NASDAQ 100 (NDX) strength & weakness- Select Retailers (SPLS, EBAY, PCLN) lead all percentage gainers through the 1st hour of trade; Semis (INTC, XLNX, AMAT) show weakness -Technical-
NDX 10 Best % Performers:
JOYG, PCLN, EBAY, NTAP, SPLS, TEVA, HOLX, SHLD, GILD, NIHD
NDX 10 Worst % Performers:
STX, AMAT, INTC, WCRX, XLNX, MCHP, BRCM, ORCL, GENZ, LRCX
NASDAQ A/D @ +3:1
NASDAQ TRIN +1.20
10:28
STXS Stereotaxis announces first-ever, prospective, comparative clinical trial outcome for VT Patients; confirms exceptional clinical benefits for patients and physicians (3.33 +0.03) -Update-
Co highlighted significant new additions to the body of evidence demonstrating exceptional clinical outcomes achieved with its Niobe Magnetic Navigation System in ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. Acute success was achieved in 97% of the Stereotaxis VT ablation group versus 81% of the manual ablation group. Patients in the Stereotaxis VT group averaged 50% less x-ray exposure, and after a year, only 14% VT recurrence, versus a 50% recurrence rate among manual ablation patients. A remarkable 25% reduction in total procedure time was achieved in the Stereotaxis VT group compared to the manual group. There were no major complications in the Stereotaxis VT group compared to one death in the non-Stereotaxis group, representing a 4% major complication rate.
10:25
AA Dow 30 (DJX) strength & weakness- Aluminum name (AA) leads all percentage gainers through the 1st hour; select Tech. names (HPQ, INTC) display weakness -Technical-
DJX 5 Best % Performers:
AA, BA, JPM, CAT, MMM
DJX 5 Worst % Performers:
HPQ, INTC, WMT
NYSE A/D @ +3.5:1
NYSE TRIN +0.85
10:17
SPY Stock indices set minor new highs -- S&P 500 +8 flirts with 1100, Dow +76, Nasdaq +18 -Update- -Technical-
10:17
TECHX Opening Point Gainers/Losers -Technical-
Point Gainers: PCLN (+9.61), ZGEN (+4.43), NFLX (+4.11), AAPL (+4.01), PVH (+3.91), BUCY (+3.25), ATK (+2.67), PCP (+2.63), FSLR (+2.41)
Point Losers: SLAB (-3.22), CAGC (-2.81), MGA (-3.47), LEA (-2.71), CREE (-2.13), NAV (-1.97), V (-1.69), BWA (-1.46), IT (-1.42), VECO (-1.39)
10:15
ELON Echelon announces Duke Energy (DUK) to deploy new Echelon Edge Control Node Running Echelon Control System (8.72 +0.31) -Update-
Co announced that Duke Energy will be the first customer for its Edge Control Node 7000 series running the Echelon Control System (ECoS) software platform. Deployments of ECN field trial units are expected to begin by the end of 2010, with shipments of production units targeted for the second half of 2011. The initial order, excluding ECN options, is for ~$14.5 million.
10:15
JOYG Joy Global punches above last week's high of 64.01 in recent trade (64.49 +2.50) -Technical-
It late April high is at 64.79 with the 52-wk peak from April at 65.93.
10:13
TYC Tyco announces new $1 bln share repurchase program (39.27 +0.43)
10:04
TECHX Intraday sector leadership -Update- -Technical-
Sectors that have helped underpin on the recent move to a new high for the S&P include: Finance XLF / KRE, Biotech IBB, Housing XHB, Ag/Chem MOO. Semi SMH continues to lag as it vacillates near a support at 24.94/24.86 (see 09:51 update).
10:01
DARA DARA BioSciences announces analytical results in efficacy and dose response of KRN5500; "the difference was in favor of KRN5500, but was not statistically significant" (2.40 +0.18)
Co announced that it presented study results from its Phase 2 multicenter, placebo controlled, double-blind, randomized dose escalation study for KRN5500 at the 13th World Congress on Pain held recently in Montreal. The study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of KRN5500 for treatment of neuropathic pain in patients with cancer, and primary endpoint results from the study have previously been released. KRN5500 significantly reduced neuropathic pain when compared to placebo when looking at best response to treatment regardless of dose or timing. For the best response within 7 days of last treatment given, the difference was in favor of KRN5500, but was not statistically significant. Results of these analyses indicate that KRN5500 was effective in reducing pain in patients with CIPN; and a dose-response relationship was established, with higher doses resulting in greater reductions in pain. "In addition, KRN5500 was generally well tolerated with adverse reactions limited to nausea and vomiting."
10:00
CMTL Comtech Telecom receives orders totaling $24.9 mln to support existing BFT satellite channels and other support services (22.35 +1.46)
10:00
SPY S&P 500 +6.4 sets minor new session high, Dow +58 hovering just under its high, Nasdaq +14 lagging slightly amid Semi SMH slippage -Technical-
09:59
UDR UDR announces pricing of common stock offering at $20.35/share (20.55 -0.97)
Co announced the pricing of a public offering of 16,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $20.35 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $312.1 million after underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses
09:55
ATK Alliant Tech announces $300 mln senior subordinate notes offering; in talks with a grounp of lenders about refinancing existing senior credit facilities (72.49 +2.33)
09:53
EVTN Enviro Voraxial Tech recently filed three patents related to oil spill recovery, more specifically its unique Submersible Voraxial Separator (0.28 -0.02)
09:51
SMH Semiconductor Hldrs ETF a laggard in early action (25.01 -0.30) -Technical-
The market indices are hovering near early highs but the SMH has been a laggard thus far this morning. It has pulled back near support a support at 24.94/24.86 (session low 25.01) so watching to see if it can gain any traction above/near here. A successful hold/bounce would provide a secondary boost for the market. Failure would take the starch out of the market's early run -- INTC -1.1%, ADI -0.5%, ALTR -0.8%, AMAT -0.6%, AMD -0.5%, AMKR -0.9%, BRCM -0.4%, KLAC -0.9%, MU -0.9%, NVLS -0.9%, TER -1.7%, TXN -0.5%, XLNX -1.1%.
09:46
EDAP EDAP TMS SA reports publication of long-term clinical results for largest cohort of Ablatherm-HIFU patients (2.40 +0.17)
Co reported favorable clinical outcomes for patients treated with Ablatherm-HIFU. A total of 803 patients with localized prostate cancer, treated with Ablatherm-HIFU from 1993 until 2007, were reported in a study. The analysis has been published electronically by the medical journal European Urology. The data clearly demonstrates efficacy and stability of Ablatherm-HIFU approach in the treatment of localized prostate cancer.
09:39
AA Alcoa provides early leadership for Dow index, hovering near last week's recovery high at 11.07 -- session high 11.00 (10.99 +0.13) -Technical-
09:36
COMDX Gold ticks to fresh highs at $1264.70; now up $3.30 to $1262.60
Note that the all time highs for the continuous contract in gold are at $1266.50.
09:34
GDX Mkt Vectors Gold Miners ETF firmer again in opening trade, hovering near yesterday's two month high at 54.53 (54.51 +0.56) -Technical-
Note that its May peak is at 54.63 with its nine month high from June at 54.83.
09:32
ULU Thinly traded ULURU trading higher after announcing it signed distribution agreement appointing Novartis (NVS) the exclusive distributor of a veterinary version of Altrazeal (0.12 +0.02)
09:31
NRGY Inergy priced a 10.25 mln share common unit offering at $35.60/unit (35.61 -1.29)
09:25
CASY Casey's General: Alimentation Couche-Tard agrees with the FTC staff for divestiture relating to acquisition of Casey's GeneraL Stores (42.76 )
Alimentation Couche-Tard announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in connection with Couche-Tard's tender offer, through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Casey's General Stores, for $38.50 per share in cash.
09:23
KW Kennedy Wilson and Fairfax Financial establish $278 mln real estate partnership (10.66 )
Co announced that it has formed a $278 million investment partnership with subsidiaries of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited to pursue acquisitions of real estate assets, including loans and real property. Kennedy Wilson has committed 10% of the equity and will manage the partnership.
09:15
ARG Airgas Board of Directors unanimously rejects revised unsolicited tender offer from Air Products (APD) (65.75 )
Co announced that its Board of Directors, after careful consideration with its independent financial and legal advisors, unanimously rejected the revised unsolicited tender offer from Air Products & Chemicals to acquire all outstanding common shares of Airgas at a price of $65.50 per share in cash. The Board unanimously recommends that Airgas stockholders not tender their shares into Air Products' revised offer. The Board also urges stockholders to vote for Airgas' three directors and against Air Products' By-Law amendment proposals at Airgas' Annual Meeting of Stockholders on September 15, 2010. "The Airgas Board of Directors is unanimous in its belief that Air Products' revised offer, which represents only a $2.00 per share increase over its previous offer, continues to grossly undervalue Airgas."
09:09
TCM Tongjitang Chinese Medic announces resignation of CFO, effective December 2, 2010 (3.60 )
Co announced that on September 3, 2010, Mr. Charles Wang submitted his resignation as CFO for personal reasons and not as a result of any disagreement with the Company regarding financial or accounting practices. The resignation will be effective on December 2, 2010. Mr. Charles Wang is expected to stay with the company until December. The Company has commenced an executive search in order to find a replacement.
09:07
On the Wires
PositiveID Corp (PSID) announces that it has agreed to sell its Health Link personal health record business for $1mln to Health Plexus. Co will also retain the right to royalties on future Health Link revenues... Famous Dave's of America (DAVE) announces that BBQ Restaurants of Hawaii has purchased the right to franchise three Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que restaurants in the Hawaiian islands. The markets covered by the agreement include Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu. The first location is anticipated to open by the end of 2010... Keithley Instruments (KEI) announces that its Metrology Services department has achieved renewal of its ISO 17025 accreditation, having successfully completed a rigorous three-and-a-half-day ISO 17025 re-accreditation assessment by A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation). As part of the A2LA assessment, Keithley has also been successfully accredited to the new ANSI/NCSL Z540.3-2006 American standard... TeleTech Loan Services, a subsidiary of TeleTech Holdings (TTEC) announced an exclusive, multiyear agreement with the American Bankers Association to offer mortgage fulfillment services to ABA members... Roche (RHHBY) Diabetes Care and InterComponentWare announced a multi-year, partnership to develop web-based solution for efficient diabetes management.
09:06
GSK GlaxoSmithKline announces Simon Dingemans will suceed Julian Heslop as CFO (38.91 )
Co announces that Julian Heslop is to retire as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the company at the end of March 2011. He will be succeeded by Simon Dingemans who is appointed Chief Financial Officer designate and Executive Director effective January 4 2011. Simon joins GSK from Goldman Sachs where he is currently Managing Director and Partner.
09:03
BYI Bally Technologies awarded contract with Penn National Gaming (PENN) to provide systems and marketing solutions in four casino properties (33.34 )
Co announced a contract with Penn National Gaming (PENN) to provide its ACSC slot-management system and an array of marketing and bonusing technology to Penn National's three casino properties currently in development, as well as the Empress Casino in Joliet, Ill. Penn National Gaming has selected Bally systems for their next three casino openings, including Ohio's first two casinos Hollywood Columbus and Hollywood Toledo - and Hollywood Perryville,
09:02
AOL AOL says Jim Wiatt steps down from AOL Board to become strategic advisor (22.43 )
Co announced that Jim Wiatt, former chairman and chief executive of the William Morris Agency, will assume the new role of strategic advisor to AOL. Wiatt is stepping down from AOL's Board of Directors to take on the new role, which he will begin immediately.
09:02
CVX Chevron granted approval to acquire a 70% interest and operatorship in three deepwater concessions in Liberia (77.09 )
Co announces that it has been granted approval by the Liberian government to acquire a 70 percent interest and operatorship in three deepwater concessions in Liberia.
09:01
CSC Computer Sciences wins $228 mln intelligence community delivery order for IT infrastructure services (41.70 )
Co announces that a major intelligence community agency awarded the company a delivery order to provide IT services which has an ~ total 5 year value of $228 mln. This delivery order was awarded to CSC during the co's 4Q10 that ended April 2, 2010.
09:00
BMTI Biomimetic Therapeutics reports its PMA Remains on Track (9.17 )
Co announces it completed its 100 day PMA meeting with the FDA regarding the review of Augment Bone Graft for the treatment of foot and ankle fusions in the U.S. If the panel determines the product to be safe and effective, the co expects approval of Augment by the FDA in mid-2011.
08:41
FMCN Focus Media: JJ Media prices secondary follow-on offering of ADSs and enters into concurrent capped call option transaction (20.02 )
Co announced that JJ Media Investment Holding Limited, an entity wholly owned by Jason Nanchun Jiang, chairman of Focus Media, has agreed to sell 8,100,000 American depositary shares at a price of $18.90 per ADS pursuant to a previously announced underwritten public offering.
08:39
IMAX IMAX adds two more IMAX theatre locations in China (14.68 )
Co and China Film Group Corporation announce an agreement to expand their partnership with the installation of two additional IMAX systems. The first system is scheduled for installation in the city of Shenzhen, and is expected to open in 2011. The second system is scheduled for installation in the city of Ningbo, and is expected to open in 2012.
08:35
AERL Asia Entertainment & Resources Ltd. Announces Rolling Chip Turnove for the first 8 months of 2010 in Macau was US$6.070 bln, up 121% YoY
08:34
KGN Keegan Resources discovers new zone at Esaase Gold Project, Southwest Ghana (6.77 )
Co announces new assay results from its Esaase Project drilling program in southwest Ghana. Keegan received assays from 12 drill holes, revealing a new near surface zone 200 m NW from the existing Esaase resources. Intercepts include 9 meters at 5.65 g/t Au, 18 meters of 1.16 g/t Au, and 6 meters of 3.3 g/t Au. The zone is open in both strike directions and at depth.
08:33
TNP Tsakos Energy announced 3yr charter for a modern, double hull, handysize product tanker to a major South American state oil company; expected to generate gross revs in excess of $14 mln (12.86 )
08:32
NFLX Netflix and Nu Image/Millennium Films announce long-term agreement to stream first-run theatrical films to Netflix members (141.79 )
Co and Nu Image/Millennium Films today announced a long-term agreement through which first-run theatrical films distributed by the Nu Image/Millennium Group will be licensed to Netflix for streaming over the Internet to its subscribers during the "pay TV window." The companies said they expect five to 10 theatrical films per year to flow to Netflix through the agreement, in general just a few months after their release on DVD.
08:32
LUV Southwest Air reports 8/10 traffic: revenue passenger miles +6.4% YoY to 7.1 bln; available seat +3.7% YoY to 8.7 bln; load factor 82.3%; passenger rev per ASM is est to +15-16% YoY (11.44 )
08:31
CSC Computer Sciences wins $42 million Navy IT and Engineering task order (41.70 )
Under the terms of the agreement, CSC will provide system software maintenance and integration and engineering services for Navy units and commands at the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Dahlgren Division. In addition, CSC will support testing and perform engineering studies to provide data analysis and reports.
08:31
XWES World Energy won a major, multi-year contract with the General Services Administration
The contract begins October 1, 2010 and runs through September 30, 2015 with an option for an additional five-year renewal.
08:30
IEC IEC Electronics announces $5.6 mln award; updates additional orders (4.75 )
Co announces order valued $5.6 mln. Delivery to commence 11/1/10 in co's 1Q11. Co also announces that two months ago they received a $6.1 mln order from a Military and Defense customer. Additionally last week we announced a meaningful order of $5.1 mln from a second Military and Defense customer. Generally customer orders are in the range of $1-3 mln.
08:25
On the Wires
Honeywell (HON), for the 4th time, has been selected for China's new C919 commercial airliner. Honeywell's inertial reference and air data systems are the most recent selections by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China for the new C919 single-aisle commercial airliner... Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (TEVA) announces the publication of results from a real-life observational study of the General Practice Research Database, which revealed that asthma patients treated with QVAR had a similar or better chance of achieving asthma control as patients who were treated with fluticasone propionate... Nabors Industries (NBR) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nabors Industries, has commenced an offering of Senior Unsecured Notes.
08:18
AVII AVI BioPharma issued U.S. patent providing key coverage of RNA-Based therapeutics as antibacterial agents (2.11 )
Co announces a patent granting key claims covering the use of phosphorodiamidate morpholino based oligomers as antibacterial agents. The patent contains broad claims for the use of peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers to target the acyl carrier protein.
08:13
On the Wires
Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK) announces that Austin Energy has selected Autodesk Utility Design (AUD) as their distribution design solution... Occam Networks (OCNW) announces that Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative has chosen Occam and its BLC 6000 multiservice access platform to extend its fiber network throughout the southern parts of its service area. A combination of $20 mln in second-round Broadband Initiatives Program grants and loans will fund the fiber deployment to over 4,600 previously-unserved homes and businesses... ACI Worldwide (ACIW) enteres into a new, multi-year global enterprise relationship with First Data Corporation who combine ACI solutions with its offerings to provide its customers with payment and transaction processing services... ArcSight, Inc. (ARST) and The Herjavec Group announce THG has joined the ArcSight Connections Channel Program. THG will resell ArcSight solutions from its six offices throughout Canada, providing joint customers with managed security services to support the deployment of comprehensive enterprise threat and risk management solutions... Medicis (MRX) announces that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 7,790,705 related to the use of SOLODYN (minocycline HCI, USP) Extended Release Tablets. The new patent, entitled "Minocycline Oral Dosage Forms for the Treatment of Acne," relates to the use of dosage forms of SOLODYN which provide approximately 1 mg/kg dosing based on the body weight of the person, and expires in 2027... Clinicians at the Rinecker Proton Therapy Centerin Munich are reporting using advanced proton therapy systems supplied by Varian Medical Systems (VAR) for difficult lung cancer treatments... Datalink (DTLK) announced that Johnson County Community College selected Datalink to architect a site-to-site disaster recovery solution... OCZ Technology Group (OCZ) signes a distribution agreement with Microsens Group to establish a partnership to make OCZ's SSDs, high-performance memory, and power supplies more readily available in Brazil... U.S. Geothermal (HTM) announces that it has entered into a strategic and financial partnership with Enbridge, a subsidiary of Enbridge. The partnership involves Enbridge investing up to US$23.8 million in the 35 megawatt Neal Hot Springs geothermal project in eastern Oregon.
08:07
SPMD SuperMedia and Dex One (DEXO) enter cross-distribution agreement (9.37 )
Co and Dex One Corporation announce a cross-distribution agreement that allows both companies' advertisers to have their business profiles and other enhanced content appear on both Superpages.com and DexKnows. It adds significant value to advertisers by extending their reach to potential customers and increases the ability to generate quality leads. It also provides consumers with access to more comprehensive and relevant information, regardless of which site they may be searching for local business information.
08:07
NVGN Novogen: Marshall Edwards reaches agreement in principle to acquire intellectual property portfolio from Novogen (0.49 )
Marshall Edwards (SHL) announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with NVGN to acquire Novogen's entire isoflavone-related intellectual property portfolio in a stock-based transaction. Specific terms of the proposed agreement were not disclosed.
08:07
TOMO Tomotherapy: Benefits of TomoTherapy radiation therapy highlighted in 82 studies to be presented at ESTRO 29 in Barcelona (3.06 )
Co announces that 82 studies examining the use of the TomoTherapy treatment system to treat common, complex and rare tumors throughout the body will be showcased at ESTRO 29, Sept 12-16, 2010, in Barcelona. The studies examine use of the TomoTherapy system on head and neck, prostate, breast and lung tumors, as well as for treating blood cancers, mesothelioma and pediatric patients. In one of the most promising papers, researchers compared TomoTherapy to other radiation therapy solutions using Pareto front analysis to explore the ability of these treatment methods to improve target coverage without sacrificing organs at risk (OAR) or other constraints. Researchers reported that "for all simulations RapidArc met less of the optimization criteria, while TomoTherapy was able to produce the most homogeneous dose and have the capability to conform dose distributions better than RapidArc."
08:05
CAEI China Architectural Engineering wins new contract worth $3.2 million and provides business updates by the Overseas Chinese Town (0.84 )
08:04
VSTN Visteon (VSTNQ) opens manufacturing facility in Kaluga, Russia; New plant supplies door panels and other interior components to Volkswagen (0.48 )
08:04
HTM US Geothermal announces strategic investment by Enbridge in Neal Hot Springs (0.78 )
Co announces that it has entered into a strategic and financial partnership with Enbridge. The partnership involves Enbridge investing up to $23.8 mln in the 35 MW Neal Hot Springs geothermal project in eastern Oregon.
08:03
RAIL Freightcar America to acquire business assets of DTE Rail Services; expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to its earnings (23.54 )
Co announces that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the business assets of DTE Rail Services, a non-regulated subsidiary of DTE Energy (DTE), for approximately $23.2 mln. Once the transaction is completed, the acquired business will bolster FreightCar America's existing parts and repair service capabilities. DTE Rail Services produces current annualized revenues of approx $25.0 million and FreightCar America expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to its earnings.
08:03
ANV Allied Nevada provides updated hycroft scoping study with expected annual production of 610,000 ounces of gold and 27.0 million ounces of silver (25.63 )
Co provide an updated milling scoping study which envisions a 174,000 ore ton per day milling and heap leach operation. This updated scoping study concludes that average annual production of approximately 610,000 ounces of gold and 27.0 million ounces of silver could be produced from the combined 100,000 tpd milling operation and 74,000 tpd heap leach operation. Annual cost of sales is expected to average approximately $350 per ounce of gold sold.
08:03
QXM Qiao Xing Mobile: Qiao Xing Universal announces proposal to acquire all outstanding shares of Qiao Xing Mobile for 1.9 shares of its common stock plus US$0.80 in cash per share (2.58 )
Co announces merger with XING. The co currently owns ~1.1% of the outstanding shares of QXM.
08:01
PGNX Progenics Pharm initiates oral Methylnaltrexone Phase 3 Trial in patients with chronic non-cancer pain (4.24 )
Co announces initiation of an international 700-patient, phase 3 trial. The goal of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral methylnaltrexone to treat opioid-induced constipation in this patient setting.
08:01
HITK Hi-Tech Pharmacal beats by $0.16, reports revs in-line (18.36 )
Reports Q1 (Jul) earnings of $0.67 per share, $0.16 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.51; revenues fell 6.9% year/year to $40.4 mln vs the $40.1 mln consensus.
08:01
PSMT PriceSmart says for the month of Aug 2010 net sales increased 19.1% to $122.1 mln (27.00 )
Co announced that for the month of August 2010 net sales increased 19.1% to $122.1 million, from $102.5 million in August a year earlier. For the twelve months ended August 31, 2010, net sales increased 11.6% to $1,365.8 million from $1,224.3 million for the twelve months ended August 31, 2009.
08:01
SLAB Silicon Labs lowers Q3 rev guidance; issues downside Q3 EPS guidance (38.48 )
Co lowers guidance for Q3 (Sep), sees EPS of $0.50-0.53, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.72 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q3 (Sep) revs of $118-122 mln vs. $139.50 mln Thomson Reuters consensus, down from $136-141 mln previously. Lowered guidance is due to broadening demand weakness primarily in customer premises equipment and consumer end markets. The slowing demand has particularly impacted the company's Access and Audio products. "In July, we guided the third quarter to be softer than usual, and the bookings in August got measurably weaker, reducing turns and making it clear that the near-term environment is deteriorating. Design win activity continues to be strong particularly with the new products we are ramping, which is an indication to us that the short-term demand issues do not fundamentally change our long-term growth prospects."
07:59
On the Wires
Cytokinetics (CYTK) announces that additional Phase I clinical trial data relating to omecamtiv mecarbil is scheduled to be presented as a poster presentation at the 2010 Heart Failure Society of America... Value Line's (VALU) directors have reviewed a letter from Richard Pechter received by co's acting CEO on 9/3/2010 in which Mr. Pechter proposed to match the terms of the proposed restructuring of Value Line's asset management business approved by Value Line's Board on 7/20/2010 and to pay $250,000 to co. Mr. Pechter's letter states that his proposal will remain valid until 17:00 ET on 9/10/2010... Rudolph Technologies (RTEC) announces that it has received an order for multiple PrecisionWoRx VX4 Probe Card Test and Analysis Systems from a customer in Taiwan to facilitate capacity expansion... Hyperdynamics Corporation (HDY) announces the results of a resource evaluation conducted by Netherland Sewell and Associates of co's oil and gas concession offshore Republic of Guinea: total of "Best Estimates" for all assessed prospects and leads of 2.3 bln barrels of recoverable unrisked prospective oil resources... Streamline Health Solutions (STRM) announced medical institution has purchased three additional workflow licenses to expand the use of Streamline Health's document workflow solutions. Co expects at least two of the workflow solutions to be fully implemented and operational prior to the conclusion of the current fiscal year...Vista Gold Corp. (VGZ) announces a mineral resource estimate of 179,000 ounces of Measured and Indicated Resources 1) and 277,000 ounces of Inferred Resources 2) at the Quigleys deposit, located 3.5 km northeast of the Batman deposit at the Company's Mt. Todd gold project in Northern Territory, Australia... TGC Industries (TGE) announces that it has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire an additional 2,000 channels of GSR (Geospace Seismic Recorder) wireless recording system equipment... RadNet (RDNT) announces it has executed a definitive agreement to acquire five imaging centers in Northern New Jersey and a 50% equity interest in a sixth center from Progressive Health, LLC and certain affiliates and related entities. RadNet will pay $17.15 mln plus a warrant to purchase 200K shares of RadNet common stock for the Northern New Jersey facilities... Merge Healthcare (MRGE) announced a new contract with McLeod Health (Florence, SC). This agreement integrates the Merge cardiology workflow solutions with McLeod's existing Merge radiology solution.
07:56
STJ St. Jude Medical signs equity investment and option to purchase agreement with CardioMEMS (35.70 )
Co announced that they have reached an agreement under which St. Jude Medical will make a $60 million equity investment in CardioMEMS, a medical device company that has developed a wireless sensing and communication technology to assess cardiac performance. The agreement provides St. Jude Medical an immediate 19 percent ownership in CardioMEMS and the exclusive option to acquire the company for an additional payment of $375 million during the period that extends through the completion of certain commercialization milestones.
07:54
SGMS Scientific Games announces proposed private offering of $250 mln of senior subordinated notes due 2018
07:53
IAG IAMGOLD announced that Stephen J.J. Letwin has been appointed as President and CEO of co effective 11/1/2010 (19.21 )
07:50
PRGO Perrigo receives approval for Imiquimod cream (58.01 )
Co announces that the FDA has Imiquimod Cream, 5%. The product is the generic equivalent Aldara Cream, 5%. which had sales of ~$382 mln prior to generic market formation.
07:46
LINE LINN Energy announces intent to price a $750 mln private offering of Senior notes due 2021 (29.27 )
07:46
MKTX Marketaxess announces montlhy volume stats for 8/10 of $32.5 bln consisting of $19.7 bln in U.S. high-grade volume, $3.3 bln in eurobond volume, and $9.5 bln in other volume (15.38 )
07:42
SU Suncor Energy agrees to sell non-core UK North Sea assets (31.93 )
Co reached an agreement to sell a number of UK offshore assets for GBP 240 million (approximately Cdn $390 million) to an affiliate of Dana Petroleum plc, with an effective date of July 1, 2010. The sale is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2010 and is subject to Dana Petroleum plc shareholder approval.
07:37
VRNT Verint Systems beats by $0.19; beats on revs; raises FY11 rev guidance above consensus (24.22 )
Reports Q2 EPS of $0.69 vs. $0.50 Thomson Reuters consensus; revs +6.7% to $180.68 mln vs. $174.85 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co raises FY11 rev guidance to $710-720 mln from $700-715 mln vs. $709.6 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co also raises non-GAAP operating margin guidance to 22-24% from 20-23%.
07:36
AKZOY Akzo Nobel N.V. to acquire Changzhou Prime Automotive Paint; Financial details were not disclosed (54.77 )
07:35
TLB Talbots beats by $0.09, misses on revs; guides Q3 EPS below consensus; raises FY11 EPS above consensus, lowers FY11 rev guidance (11.11 )
Reports Q2 (Jul) earnings of $0.14 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.09 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.05; revenues fell 1.3% year/year to $300.7 mln vs the $313.9 mln consensus. Full-price selling increased 14.4% and markdown selling decreased 21.0%. Store sales decreased 1.6%. Co issues downside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.22-0.28, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.30 Thomson Reuters consensus, on a top-line sales increase of ~low-single digits vs. +4.1% consensus. Co raises EPS and lowers rev guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.84-0.92, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.83 Thomson Reuters consensus, up from $0.84-0.92 previously, on a top-line sales increase in the range of ~low-single digits compared to prior year period vs +4.0% consensus, which is below its previously announced outlook for a 3-5% top-line increase.
07:33
REED Reed's sees Q3 revs exceeding $5 mln (no ests) (1.85 )
Co announced that it sees its accelerating revenue growth continuing into its 2010 fiscal third quarter. "Revenues for our third fiscal quarter are projected to exceed $5 million, which is 26% ahead of last year... Our overall 2010 sales are running over 20% higher than 2009, at a growth rate that we believe will continue through year-end and well into 2011."
07:31
TUNE Microtune to be acquired for $2.92 per share in cash by Zoran Corp (ZRAN) or ~$166 mln (2.47 )
Co announces that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Zoran Corporation for $2.92 in cash for each share of co's common stock, resulting in a transaction price of ~$166 mln, or $84 mln net of cash acquired. Zoran expects the acquisition to be accretive immediately following the close of the deal, which is expected to be in the fourth quarter of 2010. Zoran Corporation and Microtune, Inc. have scheduled a conference call for 7:00 a.m. PT today to discuss the acquisition.
07:31
YMI YM BioSciences says CYT997 well tolerated at doses associated with vascular disruption in tumors (1.47 )
Co announces Phase I results demonstrating that CYT997 was well tolerated at doses that were associated with pharmacodynamic evidence of vascular disruption in tumors. CYT997 is currently in a Phase II clinical trial for glioblastoma multiforme, a brain cancer with poor prognosis, with data expected in 2Q11.
07:30
JMBA Jamba announces additional progress against refranchising initiative; enters into 13 store purchase agreement in the Florida market (1.96 )
Co announces the signing of a purchase agreement for 13 stores in Florida with highly experienced and former international master brand, multi-unit franchise operators.The 13 stores represented in this purchase agreement supplement the 102 previously refranchised stores and will lead to the achievement of almost 80 percent of the Company's refranchising initiative. This recent transaction is expected to close in early October 2010.
07:26
S&P futures vs fair value: +4.60. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +13.00.
07:26
Asian Markets
Nikkei...9024.60...-201.40...-2.20%. Hang Seng...21088.86...-312.90...-1.50%.
07:26
European Markets
FTSE...5417.89...+10.30...+0.20%. DAX...6142.94...+25.10...+0.40%.
07:06
JTX Jackson Hewitt beats by $0.10, misses on revs (0.91 )
Reports Q1 (Jul) loss of $0.65 per share, $0.10 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.75); revenues fell 12.9% year/year to $4.4 mln vs the $5 mln consensus.
07:04
FRG Fronteer Development intersects 33 metres of 5.96 g/t gold and begins decline work at Northumberland (7.36 )
Co announces that core drilling continues to define a second high-grade, gold-silver zone and that site preparation for the decline portal has commenced at its wholly owned Northumberland project in Nevada.
07:04
TITN Titan Machinery misses by $0.04, misses on revs; reaffirms FY11 EPS guidance, revs guidance (15.06 )
Reports Q2 (Jul) earnings of $0.15 per share, $0.04 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 8.5% year/year to $209.7 mln vs the $216 mln consensus. Revenue generated from the co's Agriculture segment was $181.5 mln for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $170.4 mln in the second quarter last year. Revenue generated from the co's Construction segment was $36.2 mln for the second quarter of fiscal 2011, compared to $30.5 mln in the second quarter last year. Co reaffirms guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.92-1.02 vs. $0.93 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $920-980 mln vs. $948.38 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.
07:02
EBS Emergent BioSolutions announces commencement of phase I clinical trial for monoclonal antibody to treat inhalational anthrax (18.44 )
07:02
SVR Syniverse Holdings reports mobile Messaging Traffic Reaches New Level as Traction Grows in Latin America (21.88 )
Co says it achieved a new messaging traffic milestone in the second quarter of 2010 as consumers worldwide turned to their mobile devices with even greater frequency to text and tweet with friends and family, share pictures and video, manage their financial accounts, and interact with their favorite brands.
07:02
BMR BioMed Realty enters into agreements to expand Its San Diego portfolio by ~30% with acquisition of 5 properties for ~$132.9 mln (18.20 )
Co announces that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire five properties, comprised of 14 life science buildings with ~405,000 square feet of laboratory and office space, in San Diego's primary life science submarkets of University Towne Centre, Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley. The aggregate purchase price for the five properties is ~$132.9 mln, excluding closing costs, with an estimated aggregate cash-basis 2011 net operating income of ~$10.2 mln.
07:02
MT Arcelor Mittal and BHP Billiton terminate discussions to combine assets in Liberia and Guinea (31.52 )
The 2 co's announce that they have ended preliminary discussions to combine the two companies' iron ore mining and infrastructure interests in Liberia and Guinea into a single joint venture. The companies were unable to reach a commercial agreement.
07:02
ENMD EntreMed secures $5.1 million in registered direct offering and enters into agreement for rights to license ENMD-2076 in China (2.73 )
Co announces that on September 7, 2010 it entered into a securities purchase agreement with a group of strategic investors for gross proceeds of approximately $5.1 million. The Company expects to complete the offering on or about September 8, 2010. The financing will provide capital to fund operations through 2011 and enable the Company to move forward with expansion of development plans for ENMD-2076, which is currently in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials. The ongoing Phase 2 trial of ENMD-2076 in ovarian cancer patients continues on track and the Company looks forward to the presentation of data early in 2011.
07:01
BCON Beacon Power gains from FERC ruling in PJM (0.33 )
Co reports it is is a direct beneficiary of a ruling last week by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that will allow Beacon to pay wholesale rates for net energy withdrawals in the PJM Interconnection grid operating region. The ruling will lower Beacon's cost to provide frequency regulation services in PJM, and thus improve the Company's rate of return on plant investments.
07:00
MAPP MAP Pharma reports no difference in pulmonary artery pressure between LEVADEX and placebo in Pharmacodynamics Trial; complete treatment of 2 LEVADEX clinical programs (10.99 )
Co announces that that all non-asthmatic patients and a subset of asthmatic patients have completed 12 months of treatment in the open-label safety trial of LEVADEX. In addition, the co has completed patient treatment in a thorough QT trial, the last trial necessary to support an NDA for LEVADEX. At this time, all patients have been enrolled in the co's clinical trials in support of an NDA, which the co expects to submit in the 1H11.
06:57
FSYS Fuel Systems Solutions to acquire EvoTek for $7 mln (35.15 )
06:32
MMS MAXIMUS signs 5-yr eligibility and enrollment modernization contract with Colorado; total value ~$60 mln (56.33 )
06:22
NAV Navistar beats by $0.36, misses on revs; reaffirms FY10 EPS guidance, lowers FY10 revs below consensus (44.36 )
Reports Q3 (Jul) earnings of $1.83 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.36 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.47; revenues rose 28.5% year/year to $3.22 bln vs the $3.57 bln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, reaffirms EPS of $2.75-3.25 vs. $2.98 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY10 revs of $12.0 bln vs. $12.38 bln Thomson Reuters consensus, vs. guidance of $12.6-13.1 bln in January.
04:07
JASO JA Solar signs solar cell supply agreements totaling 500MW (6.48 )
Co announces it has signed multiple supply agreements with several customers to provide over 500MW of mono-crystalline and multi-crystalline solar cells for 2011 delivery. These supply agreements come with prepayments for committed solar cell delivery in 2011.
03:12
ONXX Onyx Pharma enters agreement with Ono Pharma for development and commercialization Carfilzomib (25.27 )
Co announces that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical. The potential value of the transaction, which includes rights to all oncology indications for the two molecules, is estimated to exceed $300 mln plus royalties.
01:58
PVX Provident Energy Trust appoints CFO (6.33 )
Co announces that Brent Heagy has been appointed SVP, Finance and CFO effective October 1, 2010. Prior to this appointment, he was CFO of a Calgary based mid-sized Energy Trust.
01:54
SKH Skilled Healthcare agrees to settle Humboldt County Class Action (3.50 )
Co announces it will settle the Humboldt County Class Action. Under the terms of the settlement, the co will deposit a total of $50 mln into escrow accounts to cover settlement payments to class members, and to cover costs and fees. The escrow accounts are expected to be funded by co' revolving credit facility.
01:51
AON Aon announces the pricing of $1.5 bln of senior unsecured notes (37.58 )
01:49
GGP Gen Growth Prop annunces executive transition plan (14.72 )
Co announces that CEO and COO will remain in their position for up to one year to oversee co's emergence from bankruptcy.
01:46
UTSI UTStarcom closes strategic investment; appoints Jack Lu to CEO (1.93 )
In connect to strategic investment transaction led by Beijing E-town International Investment and Development, co announces Jack Lu has been named CEO. He was the co's COO prior to this appointment.
01:37
PCS MetroPCS announces pricing of $1.0 bln of 7 7/8% senior notes due 2018 and an increase in its tender offer for its 9 1/4% senior notes due 2014 to $1.0 bln (9.47 )
01:35
CSCO Cisco Systems and Westcon Group to pay US $48 mln to resolve false claims act allegations (20.58 )
Co announces that they and their distributor Westcon Group, have agreed to pay the US government $48 mln to resolve allegations that it defrauded various federal government agencies, as alleged in a lawsuit filed in 2005 by the False Claims Act.
01:32
ORCL Oracle responds to HPQ lawsuit (24.26 )
Co CEO Larry Ellison issued a statement. "Oracle has long viewed HP as an important partner...By filing this vindictive lawsuit against Oracle and Mark Hurd, the HP board is acting with utter disregard for that partnership, our joint customers, and their own shareholders and employees. The HP Board is making it virtually impossible for Oracle and HP to continue to cooperate and work together in the IT marketplace."
01:29
MHS Medco Health Solutions issues $1.0 bln of Senior Notes (45.57 )
Co announces that it has agreed to sell $500 mln aggregate principal amount of 2.750% senior notes due 9/15/2015 and $500 mln aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior notes due 9/15/2010 in an underwritten public offering.
01:27
SPWRA Sunpower awarded $1.8 mln research grant from the California Solar Initiative RD&D Program (11.29 )
Co announces it will receive a grant of ~$1.8 mln from the California Solar Initiative Research, Development, Deployment and Demonstration Program. This grant will enable SPWRA to research photovoltaic energy storage for large commercial applications.
18:33
Futures are trading higher after hours: S&P 500 futures are +0.15 from fair value of 1091.05 and Nasdaq100 futures +3.29 points from fair value of 1854.21
18:05
EXXI Energy XXI beats by $0.15, beats on revs (20.86 -0.12)
Reports Q4 (Jun) earnings of $0.20 per share, $0.15 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 37.9% year/year to $139.4 mln vs the $137.7 mln consensus.
17:51
ZGEN Zymogenetics resumes trading at $9.70/share following news BMY will acquire ZGEN for $9.75, after closing at $5.30/share (see 17:21 comment) (5.30 -0.21) -Update-
17:45
MSA MSA to acquire General Monitors for $280 mln; Co expects acquisition to add $0.10-0.15 cents/share to 2011 earnings (23.41 -0.58) -Update-
Co announced it has signed an agreement to acquire General Monitors for $280 mln and will be financed with a combination of existing cash balances and incremental borrowing. General Monitors has annual revenues of ~$80 mln. Co said the acquisition of General Monitors is expected to close in Q4 of 2010 and add $0.10-0.15 cents per share to 2011 earnings.
17:42
CE Celanese proposes amendment to senior credit facility (28.00 -1.00) -Update-
Co announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, is seeking the consent of lenders to amend its existing senior credit facility, which consists of $2,280 mln of US dollar-denominated and EUR400 mlnof Euro-denominated term loans due 2014, a $600 mln revolving credit facility terminating in 2013 and a $228 mln credit-linked revolving facility terminating in 2014. The co also intends to repay ~$200 mln of its term loans using cash on hand.
17:34
ZGEN Zymogenetics was halted just ahead of the news BMY will acquire ZGEN for $9.75/share in cash (See 17:21 comment) (5.30 -0.21) -Update-
17:30
SIX Six Flags Entertainment announces John Duffey to join co as Chief Financial Officer (40.01 -0.96)
Co announced that John M. Duffey has been named Chief Financial Officer of Six Flags and Lance C. Balk has been named General Counsel of Six Flags. Both appointments are effective immediately. Duffey previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer of Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, and was responsible for leading the integration of Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics and Dade Behring.
17:30
GMCR Green Mountain Coffee Roasters announces K-cup price increase of ~10-15% (31.21 -0.76)
Co announced a price increase on all K-Cup portion packs for its Keurig(R) Single Cup brewing system sold in North America. The increase will occur across all sales channels and will be effective beginning October 11, 2010. Consumers could expect to see a purchase price increase of ~10-15% over the next several months as a result.
17:28
CE Celanese announces ~$400 mln senior unsecured notes offering (28.00 -1.00)
Co announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Celanese US Holdings LLC, intends to offer ~$400 mln in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2018. The Notes will be senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer. The Co intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to retire existing senior secured credit facility indebtedness.
17:21
ZGEN Bristol-Myers Squibb to Acquire ZymoGenetics for $9.75 in cash; dilutive for BMY in 2010 and 2011 (5.30 -0.21)
Initially, the transaction is expected to be modestly dilutive to EPS for BMY. In 2010, the transaction is expected to be dilutive to EPS by ~$0.03. In 2011, the transaction is expected to be dilutive to EPS by ~$0.07.
17:15
CMTL Comtech and CPI International Announce Termination of Merger Agreement (20.89 -0.44)
CMTL and CPII announced that, effective as of September 7, 2010, they have terminated the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 8, 2010, among CMTL, Angels Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of CMTL, and CPI. As part of the termination, CMTL has received a termination fee of $15.0 mln from CPI, and CMTLand CPI exchanged mutual general releases. CMTL and CPI will remain independent, publicly-held companies.
17:10
PAC Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico reports passenger traffic increase of 3.6% for August 2010 (29.97 -0.19)
Co announced preliminary terminal passenger traffic figures for the month of August 2010 compared to traffic figures for August 2009. During August 2010, total terminal passengers increased 3.6% compared to the previous year; domestic passenger traffic increased 2.3%, while international passenger traffic increased 6.6% compared to August 2009.
17:05
STNG Scorpio Tankers reports executive officers stock purchases (10.51 -0.23)
Co has been advised that certain of its executive officers purchased an aggregate of 63,575 shares of the Co's common stock between August 19, 2010 and September 3, 2010. Emanuele Lauro (Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board), Robert Bugbee (President), Cameron Mackey (Chief Operating Officer) and Brian Lee (Chief Financial Officer) purchased 22,500 shares, 19,000 shares, 12,275 shares and 9,800 shares, respectively.
17:04
ANGO AngioDynamics initially drops 8.1% to $14.00 after issuing downside Q1 guidance; stock is now at $14.50 in after hours trading (15.23 -0.37) -Update-
17:01
ANGO AngioDynamics sees Q1 EPS and revs below consensus (15.23 -0.37)
Co issues downside guidance; co sees Q1 EPS of $0.07-0.08 vs. $0.10 Thomson Reuters consensus, sees revs of ~$51.5 mln vs. $54.4 mln consensus. Co said, "Our first quarter sales of Access and Peripheral Vascular products were affected by a procedure volume slowdown in some of our U.S. markets, the challenging pricing environment that has persisted for the past year, and the transition to a unified vascular sales force that we implemented effective June 1, 2010."
17:01
CVV CVD Equipment announced that it has received an order exceeding $2.5 million from a major aviation component supplier (4.24 +0.20)
17:00
NAV Navistar Defense to produce additional U.K. tactical support vehicles (44.36 -1.69) -Update-
Co announced that it received a second delivery order valued at $56 mln from the U.K. Ministry of Defence for an additional 89 International MXT Husky vehicles. The award follows the co's April 2009 contract for 262 MXT Husky units for the U.K. Tactical Support Vehicle (TSV) program. All units will be utility variants.
XCO EXCO Resources announces $750 mln senior notes offering (13.95 -0.59)
Co intends to use a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to redeem all $444.7 mln in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 71/4% Senior Notes due 2011.
16:55
VRNT Verint Systems granted U.S. patent on call center IP recording (24.22 -0.21)
16:55
FRX Forest Labs confirms that the FDA Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee voted 21 - 0 in favor of approval of ceftaroline fosamil (29.45 -0.11)
Co confirmed that the FDA's Anti-Infective Drugs Advisory Committee voted 21 - 0 in favor of approval of ceftaroline fosamil for the treatment of community acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) and voted 18 - 0 in favor of approval for complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI). The committee's recommendation will be considered by the FDA as it reviews the new drug application (NDA) for ceftaroline, which was based primarily on data from two Phase III trials in CABP - FOCUS I and FOCUS II - and two Phase 3 trials in cSSSI - CANVAS I and CANVAS II. Forest anticipates action by the FDA during the fourth calendar quarter.
16:54
CVTI Covenant Transportation Group announced today the extension and amendment of �its revolving credit facility as of August 31, 2010 (7.57 +0.17)
Co said, "announcing the extension and amendment of our $85 mln revolving credit facility. The maturity date was extended by three years to September 2014. In addition, the pricing grid was amended to eliminate the LIBOR floor on our interest rate grid, reduce the applicable margin for base rate and LIBOR borrowings across all levels of the grid and reduce our unused line fees, with an effective date of August 1 for the new rates."
16:52
NEWS Newstar Financial increases Ccrporate Ddbt Financing to $100 mln (6.60 -0.32)
Co announced that it has amended its senior secured notes with an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group. Key terms of the note agreement have been amended to, among other things: -- Increase the size to $100 mln from $75 mln, consisting of $50 mln of revolving notes and $50 mln of delayed draw term notes -- Extend the maturity to August 31, 2014 from July 5, 2013 and eliminate scheduled commitment reductions -- Reduce borrowing costs to Libor plus 7% from a range of Libor plus 9% to 12%
16:50
FMCN Focus Media announced the underwritten public offering of 8.1 mln of its American depositary shares held by JJ Media Investment Holding Limited (20.02 +0.06) -Update-
Co announced the underwritten public offering of 8.1 mln of its American depositary shares held by JJ Media Investment Holding Limited, an entity wholly owned by Jason Nanchun Jiang, the chairman of FMCN. Concurrently with this offering of its ADSs, JJ Media expects to enter into a separate capped call option transaction with the variable price seller that will initially cover 10.1 mln ADSs, subject to certain adjustments.
16:49
CF CF Industries CFO Tony Nocchiero to retire; company has initiated a search that will consider both internal and external candidates for the CFO position (95.13 +0.18)
Co announced that Anthony J. Nocchiero, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will retire from the company as of September 20, 2010. The company has initiated a search that will consider both internal and external candidates for the CFO position. Wilson, who served as CF Industries' CFO from 1991 to 2003, commented further that, "The integration with Terra is proceeding very well and business prospects for the fall and next spring are excellent. We expect our strong industry position to help us retain a highly qualified individual to succeed Tony."
16:45
WTSLA Wet Seal announces $25 mln stock repurchase program (3.19 -0.19)
16:34
ROL Rollins terminated employment, effective immediately, of Glen Rollins as Executive VP of Company and as President of the subsidiaries (21.42 -0.13)
Co also disclosed that Glen Rollins and his siblings recently filed a lawsuit naming as defendants GaryRollins, R. Randall Rollins and Henry Tippie, in their capacities as trustees of certain Rollins family trusts. The lawsuit does not implicate the Company or its operations. Gary Rollins, Randall Rollins and Henry Tippie are each directors of the Company. Gary Rollins is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Randall Rollins is the Chairman of the Company.
16:31
TEL Tyco Electronics reaffirms adjusted Q4 EPS and revs guidance in-line with consensus; announces definitive agreement to sell mechatronics business (25.89 -0.57)
Co reaffirms Q4 EPS of $0.68-0.72 vs. $0.70 Thomson Reuters consensus; co reaffirms Q4 revs of $3.05-3.15 bln vs. $3.08 bln consensus. Co said announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its mechatronics business located in Niefern, Germany to L. Possehl & Co. mbH. The closing of the transaction is expected to occur within 30 days and, in connection with the sale, the co will record a non-cash pre-tax loss of ~$45 mln.
16:31
SHS Sauer Danfoss announces debt refinancing (17.99 -0.26)
The new credit agreement provides a 5-year term loan of approximately $200 mln ($140 mln and 45 mln euro) and a 3-year revolving credit facility of approximately $300 mln($180 mln and 90 mln euro). The term loan calls for fixed interest rates of 8.00% and 8.25% for the U.S. dollar and euro loans, respectively. The revolving credit facility bears interest at the underlying base rate plus 3.90%. By paying off the previous loans early and re-borrowing at the lower rates under the new credit agreement, co will save approximately $12.7 mln of interest and commitment fees through April 29, 2011.
16:28
EXLP Exterran Partners and Exterran Holdings (EXH) announce secondary offering of common units (22.69 -0.16)
Exterran Holdings (EXH) and Exterran Partners, L.P. (EXLP) announced that Exterran Partners is filing a preliminary prospectus for proposed secondary offering of common units representing limited partner interests in Exterran Partners by Exterran Holdings. Exterran Holdings intends to sell an aggregate of 4.6 mln common units. Exterran Partners is not selling any common units in this offering and will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common units by Exterran Holdings.
16:22
CPA Copa Holdings announces monthly traffic stats for 8/10: load factor -0.9 bps YoY to 75%; ASM +13.5% YoY to 985.9; RPM +12.2% YoY to 739.9 (51.27 -0.30)
16:20
TGIS Thomas Group (TGISD) regains NASDAQ compliance for continued listing (1.70 0.00)
16:16
DENN Denny's provides initial August sales and progress on Flying J Conversions; says co same store sales in Aug were -1%; qtr to date are -1.3% (2.69 -0.22)
Co provided an update on its August, 2010 Same Store Sales (SSS), which respresented meaningful improvement year over year, and on its Flying J conversions. Co SSS for August were -1.0%; quarter to date: -1.3%. Company guest count for August was +2.4%; quarter to date: +2.1%. Through the end of August, 2010 the Denny's system had converted 35 "Flying J" restaurants to Denny's, a pace that is ahead of its initial schedule of conversions
16:15
ALTR Altera raises Q3 revs guidance above consensus (26.60 -0.23)
Co raises Q3 revenue guidance to 10-14% growth above Q2 levels, which calculates to ~$516.2-535.0 mln vs. $497.8 mln Thomson Reuters consensus, up from prior guidance for sequential growth of 4-8%, which calculates to $488.1-506.8 mln. Co said, "Growth continues to be broad. It is likely that all four of the co's vertical markets will show sequential growth. The telecom and wireless vertical market is on track to be the fastest growing portion of the business, driven in large part by 3G wireless deployments and needs for additional wireless backhaul capacity."
16:11
CDE Coeur d'Alene Mines subsidiary entered into a contract with Aurubis AG (17.91 +0.23)
Co announced that Coeur Alaska, a wholly-owned subsidiary, has entered into a contract with Aurubis AG for the treatment and refining of gold concentrates produced at Coeur's new Kensington gold mine. The Kensington mine, which began production late last month, is expected to produce approximately 50,000 ounces of gold this year and average approximately 125,000 ounces of annual gold production over an initial 12.5 year life based on current reserves of 1.5 million ounces. Once in full production, cash costs are expected to average approximately $490 per ounce over the mine life.
16:11
UDR UDR plans to sell 13.5 mln shares of common stock in underwritten public offering; net proceeds to fund potential and recent acquisitions, pay down debt and for general corp purposes (21.52 -0.38)
16:10
DMND Diamond Foods reiterates long term financial guidance given earlier today at the Barclays Back to School conference (40.61 +0.14) -Update-
Co announces an increase in its long-term growth and profitability targets. Speaking at the 2010 Barclays Back to School Consumer Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, Chairman, President and CEO Michael J. Mendes said, "Over the next five years, we expect to drive strong earnings through top line growth, increasing scale and expanding margins. As a result, over this period we expect average annual growth in net income of 20% per year and E.P.S. of 15 -20% per year." Mr. Mendes, along with Chief Financial Officer Steven M. Neil and Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Burke, detailed the company's expectations on how innovative new products, focused investment in its brands, increased distribution and strategic acquisitions would result in 8 - 10% compound annual sales growth over the next five years. This growth, combined with steps taken to further optimize the product portfolio and leverage scale in the channels the company serves, would boost operating margins to a range of 13 - 15% by fiscal 2015. (Briefing.com note: Earlier today the co also put out an 8-K summarizing of their conference call slides, see our 9:46 comment for details)
16:07
NRGY Inergy announces public offering of 8.5 mln common units; intends to use proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness and fund portion of pending Seneca Lake and Tres Palacios acquisitions (36.92 -0.99) -Update-
16:07
SLE Sara Lee announces pricing relating to its tender offer for any and all of Its 6 1/4% notes due 2011 (14.23 -0.29)
Co announced the determination of the pricing for its previously announced cash tender offer for any and all of its outstanding 6 1/4% notes due 2011. The tender offer is being made pursuant to an offer to Purchase, dated August 30, 2010, which sets forth a complete description of the terms of the tender offer, and related letter of transmittal.
16:07
FLOW Flow beats by $0.03, beats on revs (2.35 -0.13)
Reports Q1 (Jul) net of breakeven, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.03); revenues rose 23.4% year/year to $46.6 mln vs the $44.4 mln consensus.
16:05
WPI Watson's generic Yasmin receives FDA approval (47.78 +0.17)
Co announces that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories has received approval from the US FDA for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Zarah (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets) 3 mg/0.03 mg, the generic equivalent to Bayer's Yasmin. Watson has begun shipping the product. Bayer's lawsuit against Watson alleging that Watson's product infringes Bayer's U.S. Patent No. 5,569,652 remains pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
16:05
HCN Health Care REIT announces pricing of $450 mln of 4.70% senior notes due 2017
Co announced that it has priced an offering of $450 mln in aggregate principal amount of 4.70% senior notes due September 15, 2017. The notes were priced at 99.710% of their face amount to yield 4.749%. The company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including investing in health care and senior housing properties and repaying borrowings under its unsecured line of credit and other outstanding indebtedness.
16:04
CMRO Comarco reports Q2 $0.00 from cont. ops. vs. ($0.09) in Q2 last year; revs grew 68.4% to $12.8 mln (2.32 -0.17)
16:04
RTIX RTI Biologics lowers guidance to reflect the impact on revenues from dental agreement (see 16:00 comment) (2.25 -0.07) -Update-
Co lowers FY10 guidance to reflect the impact on revenues from the terms of the new dental agreement, as well as increased pricing pressures and slow... Co sees FY10 $0.10-0.12, prior guidance was $0.15-0.17, vs $0.11 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees revs $165-168 mln, prior guidance was $174.5-177.5 mln, vs $168.09 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.
16:04
PZN Pzena announces 8/31/10 AUM: +1.5% YoY to $13 bln, down $1 bln from last month (6.54 -0.15)
16:02
VRTX Vertex Pharm announces Telaprevir phase III study results; 65% of people whose prior treatment for Hepatitis C was unsuccessful achieved SVR (Viral Cure) with Telaprevir-based therapy (35.01 -1.05)
Co announced that 65% of people overall achieved a sustained viral response (SVR or viral cure) with a telaprevir-based regimen in the pivotal Phase 3 REALIZE study, as compared to 17% of people in the control arm who received pegylated-interferon and ribavirin alone. REALIZE enrolled three groups of patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C who had undergone at least one prior treatment course with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin but did not achieve SVR: (1) those who relapsed, (2) those who achieved a partial response and (3) those who had almost no response, known as a null response. REALIZE is the only Phase 3 hepatitis C study to date of an investigational direct-acting antiviral therapy that was designed to evaluate all major subgroups of people whose prior treatment was unsuccessful, including those who had a null response. The safety and tolerability results were consistent with results from the other two Phase 3 studies of telaprevir.
16:02
NI NiSource commences public offering of up to $400 mln of its common stock; to use to use any net proceeds for general corporate purposes (17.60 -0.31) -Update-
16:01
ONVI Onvia names Henry Riner President and CEO (3.05 0.00)
Riner currently is CEO of OSG Billing Services. He brings over 16 years of experience as a CEO and 30 years of experience in marketing, maintaining a focus on customer satisfaction as well as finding solutions through technology.
16:00
RTIX RTI Biologics and Zimmer Dental enter distribution agreement for global dental biologic implants (2.25 -0.07)
Co announced today the signing of an exclusive, 10-year distribution agreement with Zimmer Dental Inc. for biologic implants for the dental market worldwide. Under the new agreement, which is effective Sept. 30, 2010, co will supply sterilized allograft and xenograft implants for an agreed upon transfer fee, as opposed to the marketing fee structure of the companies' previous agreement. Zimmer will be responsible for worldwide marketing and distribution of the biologic implants for use in dental applications.
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