Briefing.com: Hourly In Play (R) – 21:00 ET

The company expects that its current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities can fund operations through at least the next twelve months. This guidance assumes no milestone payments, license fees, reimbursement for development programs and no financing activities.

16:16

DITC Ditech reports Q3 revs of $4.3 mln vs. $4.9 mln a year ago; EPS of ($0.17) vs. ($0.15) a year ago (1.30 -0.01)

Based upon expected bookings, timing of shipments and deferred revenues, Ditech Networks expects fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 revenue to approximate the $7 million to $7.5 million level. As a function of Ditech's shipments, bookings pipeline, customer and product mix and opportunities, Ditech Networks expects gross margins to approximate 55 to 58%. Ditech Networks expects operating expenses, including an estimated $0.4 million of stock-based compensation and acquisition related expenses, to be in the range of $5.7 million to $5.9 million.

16:15

LO Lorillard announces a $250 mln share repurchase program (74.54 -0.20)

16:15

MHK Mohawk beats by $0.22, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line (47.66 +0.30)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.56 per share, excluding $0.27 in non-recurring items, $0.22 better than the First Call consensus of $0.34; revenues fell 9.3% year/year to $1.35 bln vs the $1.28 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.10-0.20 vs. $0.13 consensus. Co said, "The first quarter is seasonally the slowest quarter of the year. The residential category should improve during the year while the commercial category still faces significant headwinds. We are implementing a price increase on carpet and wood products to offset rising material costs but the lag in implementation will negatively impact the first quarter. Interest costs this year will be higher primarily due to rates increasing from our new agreement... In Q1 of 2010, we are implementing a price increase to recover raw material cost inflation."

16:14

COGT Cogent misses by $0.01, misses on revs (10.44 +0.09)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.11 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.12; revenues fell 5.2% year/year to $37.9 mln vs the $39.5 mln consensus.

16:13

FLR Fluor misses by $0.06, reports revs in-line; lowers FY10 EPS guidance (45.05 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.82 per share, $0.06 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.88; revenues fell 9.8% year/year to $5.48 bln vs the $5.48 bln consensus, mainly due to lower Oil & Gas act Fourth quarter new awards were $3.3 billion including awards of $1.6 billion in Industrial & Infrastructure and $912 million in Oil & Gas, compared awards totaling $4.2 billion in the same quarter of 2008. Co lowers guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.80-3.20, down from $3.20-3.60 vs. the $3.42 consensus, based on a detailed evaluation of the projected impact on affected business segments. The co is beginning to see positive signs of a recovery, as evidenced by the amount of new front-end activity, and expects capital investment levels to gradually rebound as the global economy improves. However, relatively lower new orders in recent quarters and continuing delays in the full release of major projects is expected to put pressure on 2010 earnings targets. Full year new awards were $18.5 billion, down from record bookings of $25.1 billion a year ago, mainly due to a significant decline in Oil & Gas awards during 2009. Year-end backlog was $26.8 billion, down 19% YoY. While there were no material cancellations in the fourth quarter, backlog was impacted by approximately $5.3 billion from cancellations and scope reductions since the beginning of 2009.

16:13

BPZ BPZ Energy terminates negotiations for senior credit facility (7.86 +0.34)

Co announced that its subsidiary, BPZ Exploracion & Produccion S.R.L, has elected to terminate negotiations on the previously announced $55 mln reserve based credit facility being arranged by Natixis. This does not affect the previously closed and funded $15 mln International Finance Corporation (IFC) facility. BPZ will evaluate its future secured credit requirements and consider all alternatives.

16:13

NVTL Novatel Wireless reports Q4 (Dec) results, misses on revs; guides Q1 below consensus (7.35 +0.23)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.03 per share, may not be comparable to the First Call consensus of $0.07; revenues rose 36.1% year/year to $88.6 mln vs the $91 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of ($0.14) vs. $0.05 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $70 mln vs. $83.76 mln consensus. The Company currently expects first quarter 2010 revenues to be approximately flat compared to the year ago period and lower than the fourth quarter of 2009, with decreased revenues attributed to core products due to lower average selling prices (ASP) and lower seasonal sales volumes. The Company currently expects sales in the first quarter of 2010 from its MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products to increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, despite the impact of a $3 million reduction in revenues related to MiFi marketing and promotional campaigns with certain operator customers. "While revenues decreased from the third quarter, they increased 36% year-over-year due to steady demand for our core USB modems and revolutionary MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, which have now launched commercially with 17 operators around the globe... Fourth quarter revenues hit the mid-point of our guidance and GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins of 26.2% and 26.4%, respectively, were impacted by product mix."

16:12

RST Rosetta Stone beats by $0.23, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus (17.3.4 -0.20)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.61 per share, $0.23 better than the First Call consensus of $0.38; revenues rose 18.1% year/year to $78.3 mln vs the $74.3 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.07-$0.09 vs. $0.12 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $58-$60 mln vs. $56.22 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.90-$1.00 vs. $1.16 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $286-$299 mln vs. $279.62 mln consensus.

16:11

ORCC Online Resources misses by $0.03, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus (4.20 -0.18)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.06 per share, $0.03 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.09; revenues rose 2.7% year/year to $38.2 mln vs the $37.2 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.04-0.06 vs. $0.08 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $35.5-37.5 mln vs. $38.51 mln consensus.

16:10

ERES eResearchTech beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (5.86 -0.01)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.07 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.06; revenues fell 23.3% year/year to $23.1 mln vs the $23.2 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.28-0.34 vs. $0.30 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $98-105 mln vs. $104.11 mln consensus. "The impact of the low level of Thorough QT bookings in 2009 and the slower ramp up of newly booked business will continue to have a negative impact in the first half of the year. Due to these factors, ERT anticipates net revenues in the first quarter of 2010 above $20 million but below that reported in the fourth quarter of 2009, resulting in lower diluted net income per share compared to that reported in the fourth quarter of 2009. We anticipate revenue growth in the second half of 2010 as the newly booked business converts into revenue."

16:10

SONS Sonus Networks reports Q4 EPS of $0.04 vs. breakeven consensus; revenue decreased 23% y/y to $68.7 mln vs. $60.7 mln consensus (2.26 +0.00)

Company issues guidance for FY10. Revenue: flat to low single digit percentage revenue growth on an annual basis as compared to fiscal 2009; Gross margin: within longer term range of 58% to 62% on annual basis; Total operating expenses: in the range of $142 -$146 mln.

16:10

SURW SureWest Comm beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line (8.40 -0.24)

Reports Q4 (Dec) net of breakeven, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.02); revenues rose 2.4% year/year to $60.3 mln vs the $60.3 mln consensus. Co said, "Looking ahead, we expect to continue growing our Broadband segment, focusing resources on expanding our business services customer base and increasing residential ARPU and the number of products our customers subscribe to (RGUs). Our competition is not standing still and we are seeing a significant response; however, they can only compete with us on price."

16:09

WYNN Wynn Resorts misses by $0.05, beats on revs (62.80 -0.55)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.08 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.13; revenues rose 31.7% year/year to $809.3 mln vs the $784.7 mln consensus. Table games drop in the mass market category was $512.2 million dur the period, a 5.1% increase from $487.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2008. Mass market table games win percentage (calculated before discounts) of 22.9% was above our expected range of 19% to 21% and higher than the 19.5% experienced in the fourth quarter of 2008. Slot machine handle increased 9.4% to $843.5 million while win decreased 2.7% compared to the fourth quarter of 2008 due to a decrease in hold percentage from 5.2% last year to 4.6% in 2009. Win per unit per day was 1.5% higher at $353 compared to $348 in the fourth quarter 2008 as we reconfigured the slot floor and removed approximately 50 machines. Wynn Macau achieved an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of $271 for the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to $273 in the 2008 quarter. The property's occupancy was 90.6%, compared to 86.8% during the prior year period, generating revenue per available room (REVPAR) of $246 in the 2009 period, 3.6% above 2008 levels of $237.

16:09

SD SandRidge Energy misses by $0.07, misses on revs (8.40 +0.34)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.14 per share, $0.07 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.21; revenues fell 18.7% year/year to $163.1 mln vs the $207.7 mln consensus. "We are now poised to grow through the development of both oil and gas properties and expect our percentage of revenues from oil sales to continue to increase in the future. Our earnings potential is strong with over 80% of our estimated 2010 production hedged at $9.15 per Mcfe. We have hedged over $1.1 billion of oil revenues through 2012. We are also excited about the exploration opportunities that lie ahead in the WTO and have spud two wells to test two distinct structures that have been identified by 3-D seismic."

16:08

DECK Deckers Outdoor beats by $0.94, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS and revs above consensus (106.16 +4.13)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $5.22 per share, $0.94 better than the First Call consensus of $4.28; revenues rose 14.7% year/year to $348 mln vs the $320.9 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for Q1, sees EPS down ~6% (which calc to $0.87 vs. $1.01 consensus); sees Q1 revs increasing 7% y/y (which calc to $143.63 vs. $143.37 mln consensus). Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees EPS increasing 5% (which calc to $9.39 vs. $8.38 consensus); sees FY10 revs growth of ~11% (which calc to $902.65 vs. $841.25 mln consensus). Co reports Q4 gross margin of 49.8% vs 46.9% consensus; reported 42.9% last qtr and 45.3% a year ago. Co guided for Q4 gross margin of 47.0%Co reports Q4 SG&A as a percentage of sales of 19.5% vs co's prior guidance of ~19.3%. Co reported SG&A as a percentage of sales of 19.6% last qtr and 17.4% a year ago.

16:08

DRYS DryShips reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (5.72 +0.32)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.23 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.23; revenues rose 12.6% year/year to $217.9 mln vs the $215.7 mln consensus.

16:07

COGT Cogent announces contract with the United Kingdom National Policing Improvement Agency (10.44 +0.09)

Co announces that it has been selected as the sole winner for all six components of the U.K. National MobileID service. This award followed a rigorous year long competitive process conducted by NPIA, involving multiple vendors to ensure that the best solution, the best devices, and the most qualified vendor would bring the best value to the UK police forces. The initial award is valued at approximately $25 million over a three year term through April 2013, with the option of two, one year extensions.

16:07

LEAP Leap Wireless misses by $0.17, misses on revs (14.79 +0.19)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.82 per share, $0.17 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.65); revenues rose 30.7% year/year to $599.3 mln vs the $633.7 mln consensus. "We believe our competitive position remains attractive as we move into 2010 and that the steps we have taken and plan to take will provide us with flexibility and a strong platform for continued customer growth in the wireless marketplace. As we move through the first quarter, we are experiencing the typical seasonality of the business and recently gained our five millionth customer, including the 600 thousandth customer for our Cricket Broadband service. Although we expect churn to remain higher than historical levels in the near-term, we look forward to improved performance over the long-term due to expected improvements in customer tenure in our newly-launched markets, potential lower unemployment levels among our customer base and the impact of new enhancements we are introducing."

16:06

GXDX Genoptix announces national three-year agreement With Aetna (32.30 -0.18)

Co announced that it will participate in Aetna's (AET) national provider network to offer specialized laboratory and comprehensive diagnostic services designed to optimize the care of patients suffering from hematomalignancies, or cancers of the blood and bone marrow, including leukemia and lymphoma. The three-year agreement with Aetna, one of the nation's largest health benefits companies serving 19 mln medical members, is effective April 1, 2010. Additional terms of the contract were not disclosed.

16:05

ALNY Alnylam Pharma beats by $0.11, beats on revs (17.97 +0.03)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.19 per share, $0.11 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.30); revenues rose 9.0% year/year to $26.6 mln vs the $25.4 mln consensus. Alnylam expects that its cash, cash equivalents and total marketable securities balance will be greater than $325 million at December 31, 2010, which excludes the potential payment from Novartis should they decide to execute their adoption license later this year.

16:05

CSA Cogdell Spencer beats by $0.03; guides FY10 FFO below consensus (6.50 +0.02)

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.16 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.13. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees FFO of $0.42-0.50 vs. $0.54 consensus.

16:05

VLCM Volcom beats by $0.10, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (15.66 +0.19)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.14 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.04; revenues fell 7.8% year/year to $64.2 mln vs the $62.8 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.16-0.19 vs. $0.17 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $71-74 mln vs. $69.14 mln consensus. Total revenues in the company's U.S. segment, which includes revenues from the U.S., Canada, Japan and most other international territories outside of Europe, as well as the company's branded retail stores, were $46.0 million, compared with $54.9 million in the prior-year period. Total revenues in the company's Europe segment were $12.9 million, compared with $10.9 million in the same period in 2008. Total revenues in the company's Electric segment were $5.3 million, compared with $3.8 million in 2008.

16:04

FSC Fifth Street Finance receives long term financing commitment of up to $150 mln (11.24 +0.03)

Co announced that it has received a financing commitment from ING Capital LLC ("ING") for a syndicated three year revolving credit facility for up to the amount of $150 mln, with a targeted initial close of $65 mln. The facility is a two year secured revolving credit facility with a one year term out, and will bear interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 4.5% per annum, with no floor.

16:04

CROX Crocs beats by $0.09, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (7.79 +0.18)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.04 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.13); revenues rose 7.9% year/year to $136 mln vs the $117.2 mln consensus. Company's cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2009 increased 49.5% to $77.3 million compared to $51.7 million at December 31, 2008. The Company had no bank debt at December 31, 2009. Inventory decreased 34.8% to $93.3 million at December 31, 2009 from $143.2 million at December 31, 2008 resulting in inventory turnover of 2.9 times. The Company ended the fourth quarter of 2009 with accounts receivable of $50.5 million compared to $35.3 million at December 31, 2008 as a result of higher sales in the quarter. Days sales outstanding increased from 25.8 days for the three months ended December 31, 2008 to 34.1 days for the three months ended December 31, 2009. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of ~0.00 vs. ($0.01) consensus; sees Q1 revs of $155-160 mln vs. $148.19 mln consensus.

16:04

GPS Gap Inc beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line (20.39 +0.10)

Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.51 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.50; revenues rose 3.8% year/year to $4.24 bln vs the $4.23 bln consensus. The Board increases quarterly dividend to $0.40 from $0.34 and authorizes an additional $1 billion share repurchase program. "Led largely by our progress at Old Navy, we ended 2009 with a much-improved economic model and strong balance sheet," said Glenn Murphy, chairman and chief executive officer of Gap Inc. "We're now ready for our business to grow and move forward, as we aim to gain market share in North America and make a series of investments to bring our well-known brands to more customers around the world."

16:04

PMFG PMFG Inc announces offering of common stock (15.84 -0.14)

Co announced that it has commenced a public offering of its common stock. All shares will be offered by the Company. The offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering.

16:03

ESL Esterline Techs misses by $0.11, beats on revs; reaffirms FY10 EPS in-line (41.46 +0.05)

Reports Q1 (Jan) earnings of $0.42 per share, $0.11 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.53; revenues rose 9.6% year/year to $339.4 mln vs the $325.1 mln consensus. Co reaffirms in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $3.20-3.45 vs. $3.37 consensus.

16:03

SCIL Scientific Learning reports Q4 EPS of $0.08 vs. $0.05 two analyst estimate; revenue increased 26% y/y to $15.8 mln vs. $13.4 mln estimate (5.11 +0.02)

16:03

BAGL Einstein Noah reports Q4 (Dec) results, revs in-line (11.25 -0.31)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.17 per share, may not be comparable to the First Call consensus of $0.23; revenues fell 0.2% year/year to $103.7 mln vs the $103.7 mln consensus. In 2010, the co anticipates the opening of 10-12 new Einstein Bros. Bagels company-owned restaurants, 12-16 new Einstein Bros. Bagels franchised restaurants, and 35-45 Einstein Bros. Bagels licensed restaurants. The Company currently has 14 signed development agreements for Einstein Bros. Bagels franchises. This coupled with the efforts to sign additional development agreements in 2010 is expected to ultimately yield an ending pipeline of 90-100 additional franchise openings. The Company has secured contract pricing on approximately 50% of all major agricultural commodities that will result in favorable prices compared to 2009, with an option to benefit from further reductions in the market.

16:03

CXDC China XD Plastics Announces Production Capacity Increases to 100,000 Tons (7.91 -0.17)

Co announced that it has expanded its modified plastics production capacity to 100,000 tons. "We are pleased to announce the completion of another stage of our capacity expansion plan. With the backdrop of record growth in Chinese auto market in 2009 and government's commitment to continue generating domestic demand for automobiles, we believe the outlook for our business remains positive," commented by Mr. Jie Han, Chairman of the Board and CEO of China XD Plastics. "We are confident in our ability to quickly bring these new facilities online, ramping up production to continue to grow our top and bottom lines. While Northeastern China is still our primary target market in the short term, the newly added production lines will facilitate our penetration into Northern China. Our aggressive expansion plans focuses on the growth of high-end and high value added modified plastics for automotive applications as they offer attractive margins and at the same time, help optimize our product mix."

16:02

UHS Universal Health beats by $0.14, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (31.01 +0.66)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.62 per share, $0.14 better than the First Call consensus of $0.48; revenues rose 4.3% year/year to $1.29 bln vs the $1.29 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.45-2.65 vs. $2.53 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $5.55 bln vs. $5.45 bln consensus.

16:01

CROX Crocs names John McCarvel President and CEO (7.85 +0.24)

16:01

VNDA Vanda Pharma announces U.S. patent allowance for a long-acting injectable formulation of fanapt in the U.S. (10.29 -0.08)

Co announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a notice of allowance for its patent application of a microsphere, long-acting injectable formulation of its antipsychotic product, Fanapt (iloperidone). When issued, this U.S. patent will expire on October 30, 2022, and in addition, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted a patent term adjustment of 300 days, leading to an effective expiration date of August 26, 2023.

15:55

GDX Late day global & sector ETF view -Technical-

Actively Traded Leading Global & Sector ETF Plays:

Gold miners- GDX +2.75%, SPDRS metals & mining- XME +1.75%, Food & Beverage- PBJ +1.50%, Yen currency shares- FXY +1.25%, Silver- SLV +1.0%, Livestock commods- COW +1.0%, Gold- GLD +1.0%, iShares healthcare- IHF +0.75%, Global shippers- SEA +0.75%, Coal- KOL +0.75%, US retailers- XRT +0.75%, RTH +0.50%, Clean energy- PBW +0.50%, iShares Latin America- ILF +0.50%, Steel- SLX +0.50%, iShares transports- IYT +0.50%, US bonds- TLT +0.50%, VIX vol index- VXX +0.50%, SPDRS oil & gas equip & services- XES +0.50%

Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETF Plays:

Heating oil- UHN -3.0%, RBOB gas- UGA -2.50%, iShares Australia- EWA -2.50%, Crude/WTI oil- USO -2.25%, OIL -2.50%, iShares S Korea- EWY -2.50%, iShares Taiwan- EWT -2.0%, Nat gas- UNG -2.0%, Commods- GSG -1.75%, DBC -1.50%, Base metals- DBB -1.25%, Solar power- TAN -1.0%, Commercial banks- KBE -1.0%, Casinos- BJK -1.0%

15:46

Earnings Calendar

Today after the close, of the many companies scheduled to report, some of the bigger names include: COGT, CROX, DECK, DRYS, FLR, HANS, GPS, LEAP, NVTL, UHS, and WYNN. Tomorrow before the open, of the many companies scheduled to report, some of the bigger names include: CCC, DRQ, FRO, FCN, JRCC, and TREX.

15:42

Conferences and Shareholder/Analyst Meetings of Interest

Events of interest for tomorrow, Feb 26, include: ETN Analyst Meeting; ONNN Analyst Day; PEG Analyst Day; SNDK Analyst Day; TMRK Analyst Day; VRSK Analyst Day; WLT, CENX, DD, LAF at Morgan Stanley Global Basic Materials Conference. Fed: Fed's Dudley, Kockerlakota; Fed's Tarullo, Evans.

15:41

CFNL Cardinal Financial appoints Alice P. Frazier as executive vice president and chief operating officer (9.67 -0.09)

15:37

SPY Stock indices push to minor new session highs -- Dow -61, S&P -3.4, Nasdaq -3.6 -Update- -Technical-

Nasdaq 100/S&P 400 Mid-Cap have reached positive territory. Short term resistance for the S&P has been reached at 1102/1103 (session high 1102).

15:29

CIT CIT Group extends to fresh highs as it lifts up to probe its mid Jan/post-bankruptcy high near 35.00 (35.02 +1.33) -Technical-

15:10

LXU LSB Industries subsidiary signs extension of agreement to purchase anhydrous ammonia from Koch Nitrogen International SARL (13.90 -0.09)

Co announced its El Dorado Chemical Company subsidiary (EDCC) has signed an extension of EDCC's anhydrous ammonia agreement with Koch Nitrogen International SARL (Koch). Under the extension, Koch agrees to supply certain of EDCC's requirements of anhydrous ammonia through December 31, 2012.

14:56

ESRX NASDAQ 100 (NDX) leaders & laggards moving into today's final hour of trading -Technical-

NDX 100 Best % Performers:

ESRX +7.75%, LINTA +7.50%, MYL +6.0%, VMED +3.50%, HOLX +1.75%, SRCL +1.50%, TEVA +0.75%, COST +0.75%, ROST +0.75%, CTAS +0.75%, JBHT +0.75%

NDX 100 Worst % Performers:

FLEX -3.75%, FSLR -2.75%, GRMN -2.50%, CTXS -2.50%, LOGI -2.50%, YHOO -2.25%, CMCSA -2.0%, BMC -2.0%, MIXIM -2.0%, FWLT -2.0%, AMZN -2.0%

NASDAQ TRIN @ +1.35

NASDAQ A/D @ -945

14:53

AA Dow (INDU) leaders & laggards moving into today's final hour of trading -Technical-

INDU 30 Best % Performers:

AA +1.0%, WMT +0.50%

INDU 30 Worst % Performers:

KO -4.0%, DD -1.75%, BA -1.50%, AXP -1.50%, JPM -1.50%, MRK -1.50%, KFT -1.25%

NYSE TRIN @ +1.35

NYSE A/D @ -850

14:46

COMDX NYMEX Energy Closing Prices

April crude oil ended lower by $1.83 to $78.17, April natural gas lost 8.1 cents to settle at $4.778, March heating oil closed down 5.78 cents to $1.9843 and March RBOB gasoline finished off 6.08 cents to $2.0381.

14:40

PBR Petrobras Brasileiro financial results announcement postponed; says not related to the consolidated results ascertainment process (41.53 -0.04)

14:20

SPY S&P sprints to retrace resistance/50 day ema -Update- -Technical-

Noted the test of the 1086 support this morning (38% retrace of the Feb rally) with it spending the next several hours range trading below the previous low for the week at 1092. The penetration of this area in conjunction with a Dollar Index breakdown below day/overnight lows helped to underpin. The S&P rally has thus far paused at the 62% retrace of the Wed-Thurs decline and its 50-Day ema near 1098 (Click for intraday S&P mini/Dollar chart and S&P 5 min chart).

14:15

KV.A K-V Pharmaceutical resumes trading (3.25 +0.24) -Update-

14:08

TECHX After all 30 INDU components were in the red for most of the session, seeing some strength emerge in AA, WMT, & TRV -Technical-

Dollar weakness helping the rally with three of the thirty INDU components posting slight gains led by AA +0.75%

14:02

SPY Stock indices jump higher after midday range breakout and Dollar Index spike to new session low -- Dow -94, S&P -7.1, Nasdaq -11 -Update- -Technical-

13:58

XRT SPDR Retail displays relative strength vacillating near Feb and Oct/52-wk highs at 37.00/37.03 (37.02 +0.02) -Technical-

WMT, AMZN, WFMI, KMX, GYMB, JCP, JCG, KSS, EXPE, PSS, GPS.

13:54

KV.A KV Pharm reaches agreement with U.S. Department of Justice (2.98 0.00)

Co announced that it has reached an agreement, subject to court approval, with the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri and the Office of Consumer Litigation of the United States Department of Justice to resolve an investigation regarding certain activities of ETHEX Corporation, its generic pharmaceutical marketing and distribution subsidiary, which occurred in 2008. Under the terms of the settlement, ETHEX will plead guilty to criminal charges, and will be required to pay a fine and restitution of $25.8 million. ETHEX also will not contest an administrative forfeiture of $1.8 million. (Stock is halted)kva

13:53

NKE Nike runs to session highs as the indices improve with price probing notable 5 month range top resistance surrounding the 66.00~66.60 level (66.06 +1.12) -Update- -Technical-

Range top now in play with 52 week peak @ 66.62.

NKE +1.70% vs. SPX -1.0%

13:47

SPY Fresh recovery highs for stock indices -- Dow -136, S&P -12, Nasdaq -24 -Update- -Technical-

Relative strength (outperforming the S&P) has been noted in Gold Miners GDX, Steel SLX, Solar TAN, Utility UTIL, Ag/Chem MOO, REITs IYR, Housing XHB, Retail XRT.

13:34

COMDX COMEX Metals Closing Prices

April gold ended higher by $11.20 to $1108.40, March silver finished up 16.5 cents to $16.105, while March copper lost 4.35 cents to close at $3.1925.

13:23

KV.A K-V Pharmaceutical trading halted - news pending (2.98 -0.03)

13:12

CMTL Comtech Telecom receives $27.5 mln Blue Force Tracking contract ceiling increase and provides BFT contract update (30.07 -0.29)

Co announced that its Maryland-based subsidiary, Comtech Mobile Datacom Corporation, received a $27.5 mln ceiling increase to its Blue Force Tracking ("BFT-1") program contract with the U.S. Army. The total contract ceiling for its current BFT contract is now $243.5 mln and expires December 2011.

13:07

SPY Commodity/Energy provide intraday leadership for stock market as Dollar Index slides -Update- -Technical-

However, the Dollar Index has pulled back to the day session and an overnight low near 80.80 and bounced (hit 80.82) -- Dow -160, S&P -14, Nasdaq -30.

13:04

GRMN Garmin shares move to fresh lows for the session & month as price probes the 200-day EMA here in position @ 31.05~31.00 (31.19 -1.26) -Update- -Technical-

GRMN LoD @ 31.18 & underperforming vs. NDX -3.90% vs. -1.30%.

12:58

WXS Wright Express extends its existing fuel-price risk management program (28.14 -1.33)

Co has extended its existing fuel-price risk management program through the third quarter of 2011. On February 22, 2010, co purchased instruments to cover its anticipated fuel-price-related earnings exposure for the first three quarters of 2011. At this time, co has hedged 80% of its exposure through Q1 of 2011, 53% of its Q2 2011 exposure and 27% of its Q3 2011 exposure. Going forward, co intends to hedge ~80% of its fuel-price-related earnings exposure in every quarter on a rolling basis. The February 22 purchase locked in a fuel price range of ~$2.86-2.92 per gallon.

12:56

COMDX Gold and silver trade to their best levels of the morning at $1110.00 and $16.135

Gold now up $12.30 to $1109.50 and silver is higher by 18.5 to $16.125. Note the dollar index is dropping quickly from its session highs.

12:49

SPY Trading volume analysis with charts-- NYSE & NASDAQ total trading volume pacing ahead of yesterday's midday totals as the indices decline nearly 1.25%~1.50% -Technical-

Both primary trading exchanges are posting volume totals here that are pacing above yesterday's tally as the broad indices come under heavy selling pressure out of the opening bell, but have seen very choppy/sideways price action near the lows ever since. We will revisit the price/volume pattern later in today's session, but for now higher volume is seen accompanying the broad market losses.

As of 12:30ET, 467M shares have traded on NYSE vs. 444M yesterday, while over on NASDAQ, 1.11B shares have turned over vs. 1.04B yesterday.

NYSE 60 min volume chart

NASDAQ 60 min volume chart

12:45

VXX Midday global & sector ETF view -Technical-

Actively Traded Leadig Global & Sector ETF Plays:

VIX vol index- VXX +3.0%, Gold miners- GDX +2.25%, Yen currency shares- FXY +1.25%, Livestock commods- COW +1.0%, Gold- GLD +0.75%, Food & Beverage- PBJ +0.75%, Silver- SLV +0.50%, US bonds- TLT +0.25%

Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETF Plays:

Heating oil- UHN -4.0%, iShares Australia- EWA -4.0%, iShares S Korea- EWY -3.50%, RBOB gas- UGA -3.25%, Crude/WTI oil- USO -3.0%, OIL -3.25%, iShares Taiwan- EWT -3.0%, Casinos- BJK -2.50%, China 25- FXI -2.25%, Wind energy- FAN -2.25%, Commods- GSG -2.25%, DBC -2.0%, Emerging mkts- EEM -2.25%, iShares Homebuilders & construction- ITB -2.25%, Semis- SMH -1.75%, IGW -2.25%, Base metals- DBB -2.0%, Commercial banks- KBE -2.0%, Solar power- TAN -2.0%

12:41

SPY Midday counter trend test of the morning rebound highs for stock indices -- Dow -145, S&P -13, Nasdaq -28 -Update- -Technical-

12:30

IACI InterActive's Match.com to acquire Singlesnet (22.17 +0.07)

Co announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Singlesnet. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

12:19

KO Coca-Cola dropped back near its Feb low and 200 sma in midday trade at 52.53/52.50 and stabilizes -- session low 52.61 (52.76 -2.40) -Update- -Technical-

11:58

European Markets Closing Prices: FTSE: 5278.2 -64.7 -1.2%, DAX: 5532.3 -83.2 -1.5%, CAC: 3654.8 -60.9 -1.6%, Spain's IBEX: -1.3%, Portugal's PSI: -1.6%

11:47

MEDQ MedQuist awarded court approval as stalking horse bidder for domestic assets of Spheris (7.65 0.00)

Co announced that the United States Bankruptcy Court has issued an order approving bidding procedures naming MedQuist, along with CBay, MedQuist's majority owner, the stalking horse bidders in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy case of Spheris. Spheris filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on February 3, 2010, after entering into a purchase agreement with MedQuist and CBay to purchase substantially all of Spheris' assets in a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The court order was entered in accordance with the timeline provided for by the purchase agreement and provides for an auction of Spheris' assets on April 13, 2010, and the payment of certain transaction expenses and payment of a breakup fee in the amount of $2.1 million by Spheris to MedQuist and CBay in certain circumstances if they are not the winning bidders at the auction. Pending a successful conclusion of this process, MedQuist anticipates this transaction will close by mid-to-late April.

11:47

DPS Dr Pepper Snapple pulls back near its session low/today's gap top at 30.74 (30.77 +2.12) -Update- -Technical-

11:44

TJX TJX notches minor new session/weekly high of 40.58, its 52-wk peak from Oct is at 40.64 (40.58 +0.07) -Technical-

11:36

DIA New session low for Dow -181 but S&P -17 and Nasdaq -32 have not yet confirmed -Technical-

11:34

SPY Little interest develops with S&P slipping back to lower end of range -Update- -Technical-

The market was hit hard off the open but it did hold near support at the 38% retracement of the Feb rally over the first 20 minutes of trade. While this low has held firm, the last two hours have been spent drifting essentially sideways within a range below the previous low for the week from Tuesday at 1092 (rebound high 1091). This is more typical of a temporary corrective bounce. Important support below is at congestion and the initial rebound highs off the Feb low at 1081/1080 -- Click for chart.

11:25

USO Crude oil sinks to fresh morning lows here along with other components of the energy complex (37.67 -1.32) -Technical-

ETFs include USO, OIL, UGA, DBC, GSG

11:17

Rumor Round Up

Today was a very quiet rumor morning. This morning renewed chatter that Millipore (MIL 94.94 +1.10) would receive another bid made the rounds. We note the earlier this month multiple news sources reported Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO 48.22 -0.17) was interested in making a bid for Millipore (MIL). As mentioned before, while many rumors circulate during the day, and the validity of the source of these rumors can be questionable, the speculation may increase volatility in the near term.

11:04

BA Boeing and United Airlines finalize 787 order valued at $4.2 bln (62.36 -1.12)

Co and United Airlines (UAUA) have finalized an order for 25 787-8 jetliners. The agreement includes the opportunity to purchase another 50 Dreamliners. The order is valued at $4.2 bln at average list prices.

11:00

MSFT Microsoft enters intellectual property licensing agreement with Panasonic (28.15 -0.48)

Co has entered into an intellectual property licensing agreement with Panasonic (PC) to provide it with access to Microsoft's Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) technology, the latest generation of Microsoft's file system. Panasonic is one of the latest companies to adopt exFAT technology through Microsoft's new licensing program, enabling it to deliver a rich, integrated media experience for its customers.

10:35

VXX 1st hour global & sector ETF view -Technical-

Actively Traded Leading Global & Sector ETF Plays:

VIX vol index- VXX +3.0%, Yen currency shares- FXY +1.25%, Livestock commods- COW +1.0%, Food & Beverage- PBJ +1.0%. iShares healthcare providers- IHF +0.50%, US bonds- TLT +0.25%, Gold miners- GDX +0.25%

Actively Traded Lagging Global & Sector ETF Plays:

iShares Australia- EWA -4.0%, iShares S Korea- EWY -3.50%, iShares Taiwan- EWT -3.0%, RBOB gas- UGA -2.75%, Crude/WTI oil- USO -2.50%, OIL -2.50%, Oil HLDRS- OIH -2.25%, Emerging mkts- EEM -2.25%, Nat gas- UNG -2.0%, Solar power- TAN -2.0%, China 25- FXI -2.0%, Homebuilders & Construction- XHB -1.75%, ITB -2.0%, Commods- DBC -1.75%, Commercial banks- KBE -1.75%, Wind energy- FAN -1.75%

10:33

TECHX Healthcare Index -HMO- pushes firmly off early low -Update- -Technical-

Noted relative strength in WLP in a recent update and the defensive sector has been outperforming after the first half hour -- AET, CI CVH, MOH, AGP, HNT, HUM, UNH.

10:31

UNG Natural gas ticks lower following release of inventory data; currently off 7.5 cents to $4.784

10:30

CBEH Correction: China Bio Energy expects to exceed revenue and net income guidance for fiscal year 2009 (8.00 +0.14) -Update-

In our 7:03 comment we included inaccurate consensus estimates. The actual comment should read as follows: " expects to exceed its previously updated guidance for calendar year 2009 revenue and net income of $265 mln and $35 mln, respectively, due to stronger than expected sales volume of gasoline, diesel, and heavy oil products in the fourth quarter of 2009. Co sees Q4 revenue of $91-93 mln (vs $74.27 mln First Call consensus) and net income of $11-12 mln. Co now expects FY09 revenue of $288-290 mln (vs $270.57 mln First Call consensus) and net income of $37-38 mln." The previous comment has been removed.

10:29

WLP WellPoint displays relative strength, edges slightly above its 50-day ema and this week's high at 60.33/60.37 (60.41 +0.27) -Technical-

10:27

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

NDX 100 Best % Performers:

ESRX +8.75%, MYL +5.75%, LINTA +5.75%, VMED +5.0%, ALTR +0.50%, HOLX +0.25%

NDX 100 Worst % Performers:

FWLT -6.25%, LOGI -3.50%, FLEX -3.0%, FSLR -3.0%, CTXS -3.0%, KLAC -2.75%, AMZN -3.0%, BMC -2.75%, FLIR -2.75%, SBUX -2.75%, NVDA -2.50%

NASDAQ TRIN @ +1.15

NASDAQ A/D @ -1510

10:26

SMH Semiconductors Hldrs Trust early slide held near early week low at 25.93 with range trade persisting thereafter -- session low 25.92 (26.10 -0.47) -Technical-

The early range top is at 26.12/26.13.

10:25

ACIW ACI Worldwide earnings correction: Co beat by $0.12 (17.94 +1.25) -Update-

Earlier we compared ACIW's reported GAAP EPS of $0.57 to the adjusted consensus of $0.53; the GAAP EPS result should have been compared to the $0.45 GAAP estimate; the co actually beat consensus by $0.12. The previous comment has been removed.... The comment should have read: Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.57 per share, $0.12 better than the First Call consensus of $0.45; revenues rose 15.3% year/year to $125.9 mln vs the $125 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of $418.0-428.0 mln vs. $423.32 mln consensus. Co expects GAAP operating income of $48.0-50.0 mln and operating EBITDA of $83.0-86.0 mln... ACIW is now trading in excess of 7% higher following the better than expected Q4 report.

10:23

SPY Limited new bounce highs for stock indices but follow through lacking thus far -- Dow -156, S&P -15, Nasdaq -29 -Update- -Technical-

10:23

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

INDU 30 Best % Performers:

NONE

INDU 30 Worst % Performers:

KO -3.50%, CAT -2.75%, JPM -2.50%, AXP -2.0%, INTC -1.75%, BA -1.75%, GE -1.50%

NYSE TRIN @ +1.85

NYSE A/D @ -1825

10:13

TLT iShares 20+ yr Treasuries ETF gapped up to/paused near its declining 50-day ema at 91.18 -- session high 91.22 (91.02 +0.33) -Technical-

The TLT is up for the 3rd session in a row and has gained roughly 2.5% off this week's early low.

10:12

MA MasterCard sinks to fresh lows as it dips down to probe its early Feb gap down momentum low near its 200-day ema in the 217.00-218.00 area (217.82 -3.95) -Technical-

10:08

XLF Financial Select Sector SPDR holding thus far at early week low of 14.33 -- session low 14.34 (14.38 -0.25) -Technical-

10:05

DE Deere to review strategic options for wind energy business (55.35 -0.81)

Co announced that it will review strategic options for its wind energy business and has retained Goldman as exclusive financial advisor to assist in the initiative. Deere said no formal decisions have been made and no agreements have been reached concerning the company's long-term investments in wind energy projects that are either operational or in development in several states of the U.S. Deere has been involved in the financing, development, and ownership of wind energy projects for the past five years and has become a leader in project development, management, and financing of wind energy projects in rural U.S. communities. Currently, Deere has 34 wind energy projects in seven states with operational capacity of 706 megawatts. In addition, the company has numerous wind energy projects in development.

10:05

SPY Stock indices slip slightly after Home data but thus far holding above early lows -- Dow -164, S&P -16, Nasdaq -33 -Update- -Technical-

S&P still holding at support mentioned in the 09:33 update at 1086.

10:00

FNFG First Niagara forms new executive committee led by CEO and begins national search for newly created president position (14.18 -0.11)

Co announced the formation of a new Executive Committee of top officers, including the newly created positions of president and chief operating officer, to support the continued execution of a successful growth strategy that in less than a year will have doubled the bank holding company's size to more than $19 billion in assets and 254 branches.

09:57

QCOM Qualcomm attempting to lift off support (36.85 -1.03) -Technical-

The stock gapped down to a fresh 11 month low off the open but has stabilized and lifted modestly off the 62% retrace support of the Nov 2008 to Jan 2010 rally at 36.42 (session low 36.47).

09:56

POWR PowerSecure expects updated revenue backlog will exceed $115 million (6.71 -0.07)

Co said that it expects its revenue backlog will exceed $115 mln when it provides its regular backlog update in conjunction with the Company's fourth quarter earnings results. This compares favorably to the revenue backlog of $90 mln reported with Q3 earnings results. The increase in the backlog is driven by over $50 mln of new business awards since the November report, partially offset by revenue which will be recognized from the backlog during the Company's fourth fiscal quarter of 2009. Co expects the revenue backlog reported on March 11, 2010 will consist of over $65 mln of revenue related to project-based sales, plus over $50 mln of revenue related to recurring revenue contracts.

09:54

COMDX Pullback in dollar index helping gold recoup modest losses; currently off 20 cents to $1097

09:49

TECHX Opening Point Gainers/Losers -Technical-

Point Gainers: ESRX (+8.00), CCE (+5.88), DPS (+2.89), TRLG (+2.36), IRM (+1.71), PPO (+1.28), MYL (+1.25), LTD (+0.92), KSS (+0.98), SMSI (+0.97), CVC (+1.05)

Point Losers: GOOG (-8.60), RTP (-7.95), BIDU (-7.02), FSLR (-5.60), TS (-5.18), FLS (-3.89), PCLN (-4.37), MA (-3.50), AAPL (-3.46), GS (-3.20), SI (-3.18), CRM (-3.29), WLT (-2.90), AMZN (-3.02)

09:47

SPY Limited bounce attempt reversed, stock indices drive to new session lows -- Dow -171, S&P -18, Nasdaq -36 -Update- -Technical-

S&P testing the 1086 support (38% retracement of Feb rally) noted earlier.

09:45

FSLR First Solar extends its recent decline lower as it gaps down to challenge the 100.00 "psych" area (99.45 -5.59) -Update- -Technical-

09:45

DECK Deckers Outdoor showing Relative Strength in early action; note that co is due to report earnings tonight (103.71 +1.72) -Technical-

09:45

ECONX Reminder: FHFA Housing Price Index data due out in about 15 min at 10:00ET

09:44

UUP Dollar Index has slipped back slightly off its high alleviating some pressure on Energy/Commodity -Technical-

Seeing some relative sector strength (outperforming the S&P) in Retail (WMT pushes 0.8% off low), Telecom IYZ, Staples XLP.

09:43

OLP One Liberty Properties acquires a shopping center in Royersford, Pennsylvania for $23.5 mln (9.76 -0.06)

Co announced that yesterday a wholly-owned subsidiary acquired a retail shopping center located in Royersford, Pennsylvania (a suburb of Philadelphia) for a purchase price of $23.5 mln. The shopping center is comprised of approximately 194,000 square feet situated on approximately 33 acres and is primarily a collection of long-term ground leases. The property is co-anchored by a supermarket operated by Giant Food Stores (with a guarantee from Koninklijke Ahold, n.v.) and a Kohl's Department Store. Other tenants in the shopping center include TD Bank, KFC, and Wawa. Approximately $17.65 mln of the purchase price was paid by the assumption of an existing first mortgage encumbering the property, and the balance was paid in cash.

09:39

SLX Sector Watch -Update- -Technical-

The weakest performing sectors on a percentage basis include: Steel SLX -3.1%, Solar TAN -3.1%, Computer-Hardware -3!%, Coal KOL -2.7%, Oil Service OIH -2.5%, Housing XHB -2.3%, Energy XLE -1.9%, Ag/Chem MOO -1.9%, Shipping SEA -1.9%.

09:33

SPY S&P 500 quickly slides to new low for the week -- session low 1088 -Update- -Technical-

The 38% retracement of the entire Feb bounce comes into play at 1086

09:31

K Kellogg shares gap open lower below some notable technical support @ 52.00 with the Dec. 2009 swing low @ 51.55 in play on any further downside (51.92 -.48) -Technical-

K LoD now @ 51.70

09:29

LIA Liberty Acquisition confirms that it is in discussions with respect to a potential business combination with Grupo Prisa (9.73 )

Co confirms that it is in discussions with respect to a potential business combination with Grupo Prisa, noting however that no definitive agreement has yet to be executed and that no assurance can be given that one will be so executed. "Liberty is a special purpose acquisition corporation and as such is actively engaged in finding a suitable target business with which to consummate a business combination. Any such business combination would be subject to approval by the Liberty shareholders."

09:28

COMDX Crude oil extends sell off, notching fresh lows at $77.62; now down $2.23 to $77.77

Dollar index is trading right around its best levels of the morning.

09:24

PTEK PokerTek names Mark Roberson Chief Executive Officer (.47 )

09:23

On The Wires

Apple (AAPL) announces that over 10 bln songs have been downloaded from the iTunes Store... OptumHealth, a UnitedHealth Group (UNH) company, announces that it has acquired Wellness, a worksite wellness company that provides health services through more than 1,000 employers nationwide... Kimber Resources (KBX) announces that drilling is set to commence during March 2010 on the 100% owned Pericones silver project in Southern Mexico... Orbit International (ORBT) announces that its Tulip Development Laboratory subsidiary has signed a Supplier Partnering Agreement with Synexxus for the exclusive right to manufacture and supply its color display in support of the Oberon V4 Electronic Keel System or any display derivative configuration, for a period of five yrs.

09:17

CDCS CDC Software beats by $0.05, beats on revs (9.52 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.40 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.35; revenues were unchanged from the year-ago period at $54.3 mln.

09:16

PTN Palatin Technologies to raise $2.6 mln in registered direct offering (.29 )

Co announced that it has entered into definitive agreements with certain accredited investors to sell in a registered direct offering 9.6 mln units at a price of $0.27 per unit for gross proceeds of $2.6 mln, before deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. Each unit will consist of (i) one share of common stock, (ii) a Series A warrant exercisable 181 days after issuance and expiring 3 years thereafter to purchase 0.33 of one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.30 per share of common stock, and (iii) a Series B warrant exercisable upon issuance and expiring 180 days after issuance to purchase 0.33 of one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.27 per share of common stock.

09:10

LTXC LTX-Credence beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q3 EPS and revs above consensus (2.72 )

Reports Q2 (Jan) earnings of $0.03 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.01; revenues rose 57.9% year/year to $48 mln vs the $47.3 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.04-0.05, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.03 consensus; sees Q3 revs of $53-55 mln vs. $52.54 mln consensus. "We returned to profitability and generated positive net cash in the second fiscal quarter, two important milestones for the Company. The business model is performing as expected, and our focus continues to be about growing top line revenue. We saw strong growth in several key market areas, indicating to us that the aggressive growth strategies we have in place are starting to pay off. Since hitting the industry trough last year, our product revenues have recovered faster than the competition resulting in market share gains."

09:08

ARG Airgas Goodrich Corporation Extend Supply Agreement (63.35 )

Airgas (ARG) announced its supply agreement with Goodrich Corp (GR) has been extended for an additional two years. Airgas will continue to be Goodrich's preferred supplier of industrial gases, welding supplies and safety products, providing savings to those Goodrich facilities that use more than one product line. The agreement is part of the Airgas Strategic Accounts program, which provides supply chain management solutions to corporate customers with multiple manufacturing sites nationwide. "

09:06

NED Noah Education announces repurchase of ADSs from Lehman Brothers (4.37 )

Co announced that it has completed a block trade to repurchase its ADSs from Lehman Brothers Bankhaus AG ("Lehman Brothers"). Noah executed a block trade prior to the US market open on February 24, 2010 to repurchase 656,400 ADSs at US$4.00 per share, for a total consideration of US$2,625,600. In conjunction with this trade, multiple institutional buyers also purchased from Lehman Brothers an aggregate of 1,273,600 ADSs at US$4.00 per share, for an additional consideration of US$5,094,400. The purchase of these ADSs was funded by the co's available working capital. As of December 31, 2009, Noah had cash and cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits and short-term investments of RMB800.3 million (US$117.3 mln), representing cash per ADS of US$3.05.

09:05

SNAK The Inventure Grp misses by $0.01, misses on revs (2.58 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.03 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.04; revenues rose 0.4% year/year to $27.9 mln vs the $29.6 mln consensus.Snack division revenue was $19.0 million, up 0.5% from prior year. Key revenue growth drivers included the on-going success of T.G.I. Friday's, up 4.2% and strong demand for Premium Private Label products which delivered a 42.1% revenue increase. Boulder Canyon Natural Foods revenue for the quarter was flat, reflecting significantly increased competitive pressure and a one-time customer issue which has been resolved. Snack division revenue gains were partially offset by continued revenue declines in Poore Brothers of 35.9% and BURGER KING of 4.1%..."In summary, 2009 was another exciting year for The Inventure Group and we anticipate positive momentum to carry forward to 2010. In the year ahead we will be launching our new at home Jamba Smoothie line towards the end of Q1, continue to invest aggressively in Boulder Canyon Natural Foods and remain focused on our indulgent specialty line of products. Private label will remain a strategic focus of ours and we have already added new private label customers which we expect to begin shipping this summer and which could add more than $2 million in incremental annualized sales. We will also be announcing a major Bluffton facility project in the second quarter which should drive efficiencies and help leverage the existing plant infrastructure. On the heels of two years of record results, we will continue to execute according to our long term plan of investing in brands, plants and people and look to achieve even greater success."

09:04

HRS Harris receives $78 mln HF radio systems order for U.S. Department of Defense next-generation MRAP vehicles (46.09 )

Co announces it has received an order valued at $78 million to provide additional Falcon II AN/VRC-104 high-frequency tactical radio systems for use in U.S. Department of Defense Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicles. This order was placed by the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command on behalf of the DoD's Joint MRAP program.

09:04

SRE Sempra Energy beats by $0.06, beats on revs; reaffirms FY10 EPS below consensus (48.53 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.16 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $1.10; revenues rose 7.1% year/year to $2.46 bln vs the $2.13 bln consensus. Co reaffirms downside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $4.25-4.50 vs. $4.74 consensus.

09:03

AEZ American Oil & Gas updates Bakken and Three Forks Goliath project (4.55 )

Co announces that drilling operations have commenced on American's Ron Viall 1-25H well located in 156N-98W Sections 24 and 25 in Williams County, ND. The well is currently drilling at an approximate vertical depth of 10,930' and a measured depth of 11,080'. Casing has been set around the curve and current operations are focused on drilling the planned 9,000' lateral in the Bakken formation. The Ron Viall well is spaced on 1,280 acres. American owns a 95% working interest in this well.

09:03

SWY Safeway reports EPS in-line, revs in-line (23.50 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.53 per share, excluding a $4.59 per share goodwill impairment charge, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.53; revenues fell 8.1% year/year to $12.69 bln vs the $12.62 bln consensus. Gross profit declined 14 basis points to 28.64% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to 28.78% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2008. Excluding the two basis point impact from fuel sales, gross profit declined 16 basis points. This decline was largely the result of investments in everyday price and increased advertising, partly offset by lower LIFO expense and increased gift card sales. During the fourth quarter of 2009, Safeway purchased 19.4 million shares of its common stock at an average cost of $22.82 per share and a total cost of $443.1 million (including commissions). CO will issue earnings guidance for CY10 on March 3.

09:02

PRIM Primoris Services announces contracts totaling $20 mln (8.32 )

Co announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary ARB, Inc. has been awarded separate contracts from two of the world's largest energy companies. These contracts are expected to generate an aggegrate $20 million in revenues to Primoris during 2010.

09:01

KAMN Kaman to acquire Allied Bearings Supply of Oklahoma for $22 mln (26.18 )

Co announces that its subsidiary, Kaman Industrial Technologies Corporation has agreed to acquire Allied Bearings Supply Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Allied Bearings Supply Company had annual sales of ~$22 mln in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. Allied will become part of KIT, Kaman's Industrial Distribution Segment. The transaction is expected to close on April 5, 2010 and terms were not disclosed.

09:00

MGI MoneyGram reaches agreement to settle Federal Securities Class Action and Stockholder Derivative Action (2.84 )

Co announces that it has entered into memoranda of understanding to settle federal securities class and stockholder derivative actions pending in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. The claims arise out of the subprime related losses in 2007 and 2008. Under terms of the securities class action memorandum of understanding, the plaintiffs agree in principle to settle the claims for an $80 mln cash payment, all but $20 mln of which will be paid by the Company's insurance coverage. The derivative claims memorandum of understanding provides for changes to MoneyGram's business, corporate governance and internal controls, some of which have already been implemented in whole or in part in connection with MoneyGram's recent recapitalization.

09:00

TEVA Teva Pharm announces Copaxone 15-year study in multiple sclerosis patients demonstrates robust long-term efficacy and safety (59.56 )

The co announces the publication of data from the 15-year clinical study with Copaxone (glatiramer acetate injection), which is the longest prospective and continuous evaluation ever conducted in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients. The data were published in the February issue of the journal Multiple Sclerosis. The 15-year clinical study demonstrated that more than 80 percent of patients were still walking without assistance despite a mean MS disease duration of 22 years, and two-thirds of patients have not transitioned to secondary progressive MS. Patients who remained in the study over a mean of 15 years showed a reduction in annualized relapse rate (ARR) from baseline as well as minimal increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). On average, the ARR in the ongoing cohort declined from 1.12 0.82 to 0.25 0.34 at the 15-year analysis. Additionally, the study reinforces the established long-term safety profile associated with Copaxone. The most common adverse events associated with Copaxone(R) were local injection-site reactions and immediate post-injection reactions. No other immune-mediated disorders, infections or malignancies were reported.

08:56

PALM Palm expected to resume trading at 9am ET (8.09 ) -Update-

08:53

CTL Centurytel beats by $0.07, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs below consensus; guides FY10 EPS below consensus (35.28 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.95 per share, ex-items, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.88; revenues rose 186.2% year/year to $1.84 bln vs the $1.84 bln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.84-0.88 vs. $0.87 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $1.77-1.80 bln vs. $1.82 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $3.10-3.20 vs. $3.51 consensus, with operating revenues, excluding certain unusual items, to be 5.5% to 6.5% lower than 2009 pro forma operating revenues (consensus called for revs down 5.3% from estimated FY09 revs) as revenue increases associated with growth in high-speed Internet are expected to be more than offset by revenue declines associated with lower access revenues, reduced universal service funding, access line losses and other items. "Giving effect to these unusual items, which ~$135-145 million of revenue reductions, 2010 operating revenues are expected to decline 7.5% to 8.5% compared to pro forma 2009. We expect the additional revenue decline in 2011 associated with these unusual items to be approximately $30 million. Additionally, approximately $75-80 million of these unusual items is not expected to affect 2010 operating cash flow because of direct offsetting expense reductions. Free cash flow for full year 2010 is anticipated to be $1.475 to $1.525 billion, reflecting a dividend payout ratio of 57% to 59%. The co currently expects 2010 capital expenditures to be between $825-875 million, or approximately 15% lower than 2009 pro forma capital expenditures of $1.0 billion."

08:39

GBG Great Basin Gold provides Q4 operational and financial update; incurs estimated loss of CDN $0.03 in Q4 (1.58 )

Co announces an operational update for its fourth quarter, along with unaudited financial results for the quarter and the financial year ended December 31, 2009. Highlights include operational improvements at the company's newly refurbished Esmeralda Mill facility for the Hollister Project in Nevada, early successes with long hole stoping trial-mining methods at both the Hollister and Burnstone projects and good progress in the construction of the metallurgical facility, vertical shaft and underground infrastructure at the Burnstone Project in South Africa. Great Basin incurred an estimated loss of CDN $0.03 per share for the fourth quarter as compared to CDN$ 0.05 per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Year-on-year, the loss per share decreased from CDN $0.40 per share in 2008 to CDN $0.16 cents per share in 2009. The cost reduction program initiated in Oct. 2008 resulted in decreased expenditures for exploration, pre-development and administration. The company had working capital of $92 mln on Dec. 31, 2009 of which $89 mln is cash and cash equivalents. At Hollister, ore tons and gold equivalent ounces extracted from trial mining activities during Q4 were lower than planned due to several factors including more difficult mining conditions and an approximately two week suspension of trial mining in order to review the causes of, and take corrective action in connection with a worker falling accident during November which, fortunately, resulted in only a minor injury. A total of 16,785 tons of ore containing 20,660 Au eqv oz were extracted which is, nevertheless, a 15% improvement over the third quarter of 2009. A total of 81,211 Au eqv oz was extracted over the 2009 year.

08:36

FAF First American reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (33.31 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.38 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.38; revenues rose 10.5% year/year to $1.49 bln vs the $1.47 bln consensus. "Given the economic environment, we were pleased that the Information Solutions Group improved results for the fourth quarter and full year 2009," ... "We increased revenue and pretax earnings relative to the fourth quarter of 2008, and our full-year results reflect similar trends. The Information and Outsourcing Solutions segment produced particularly positive results, with total revenue up 36%, compared with the fourth quarter of 2008, and pretax income up 68% during the same period..."Heading into 2010, our goal is to maintain our momentum despite the expected challenges in the marketplace. Key strategic themes for the Information Solutions Group in 2010 will include the successful launch of our new brand, organizational realignment and new product development."

08:36

PALM Palm issues downside Q3 rev guidance and lowers FY10 revenue guidance (8.09 )

Co issues downside guidance for Q3 (Feb), sees Q3 (Feb) non-GAAP revs of $300-320 mln vs. $424.69 mln First Call consensus. Co lowers guidance for FY10 (May), sees FY10 (May) revs well below previous guidance of $1.6-1.8 bln vs. $1.6 bln consensus. Revenues for the quarter and full year are being impacted by slower than expected consumer adoption of the company's products that has resulted in lower than expected order volumes from carriers and the deferral of orders to future periods. "Palm webOS is recognized as a groundbreaking platform that enables one of the best smartphone experiences available today, and our work to evolve the platform and bring industry-leading technology to market continues. However, driving broad consumer adoption of Palm products is taking longer than we anticipated. Our carrier partners remain committed, and we are working closely with them to increase awareness and drive sales of our differentiated Palm products."

08:36

AUTC AutoChina International announces 2010 guidance (39.92 )

The co announces certain operating and financial guidance for the year ending December 31, 2010. AutoChina leased 7,564 commercial vehicles in 2009, and expects to lease approximately 12,000 vehicles in 2010. As of February 22, 2010, the Company leases and finances these vehicles at 176 branches, and expects to have at least 275 stores by the end of 2010. The Company's new locations are likely to be centered in rural areas throughout mainland China, specifically in the Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Liaoning provinces. For 2010, the Company believes revenue from its commercial vehicle sales and leasing business will be between $550 million and $600 million and net income between $42 million and $47 million. For the year ended December 31, 2009, AutoChina expects revenue from its commercial vehicle sales and leasing business to be between $322.4 million and $327.4 million and net income between $14.7 million and $15.7 million (see table below). In its press release on February 11, 2010, the Company announced fourth quarter 2009 revenue and net income guidance from its commercial vehicle sales and leasing business of between $147 million and $152 million and between $7.8 million and $8.8 million, respectively.

08:34

OC Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust prices secondary offering of ~12.3 mln shares of Owens Corning common stock at $23.75 (24.17 )

08:32

SMBL Smart Balance reports EPS in-line, misses on revs (5.51 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.01 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.01; revenues fell 10.2% year/year to $58.9 mln vs the $62.1 mln consensus. The Company's outlook for 2010 reflects net sales percentage growth compared to 2009 in the mid-teens driven by the rollout of milks, execution of our three-tier spreads strategy - including the introduction of Bestlife brand spreads - and distribution of sour cream. The Company's outlook for 2010 also reflects cash operating income percentage growth compared to 2009 in the mid-teens.

08:31

JMBA Jamba refranchises 12 additional Jamba Juice locations in Utah and California (1.70 )

Co announced the sale of 12 additional restaurants to experienced franchise operators, with the sale of 10 stores in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Blended Star, whose principals are Daljit and Pam Hundal, and two stores in Southern California, RPM Foods, whose principals are Michael Razipour and Pouya Moalej.

08:31

SIGA SIGA Technologies awarded a $2.8 mln DoD contract with additional options for the development of a Broad Spectrum Antiviral Drug (6.47 )

Co announced it was awarded a $2.8 mln contract with options for up to $9.9 mln from the Department of Defense's Transformational Medical Technologies Initiative (TMTI) through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to support the preclinical development and Investigation New Drug (IND) filing of ST-669, a broad spectrum antiviral that has demonstrated in vitro antiviral activity against several different viral families. The first contract year provides for $2.8 mln of funding with options for additional funding over the following four years, bringing the total value of the contract up to $12.7 mln.

08:31

NAK Northern Dynasty Minerals announces Pebble Limited Partnership initiates US $73 mln work program for 2010 (8.91 )

Co announces that the Pebble Limited Partnership ("PLP" or the "Pebble Partnership") Board of Directors has approved program expenditures up to $72.9 mln at the Pebble Project in 2010, with the goals of working towards finalizing a Prefeasibility Study (PFS) and preparing the Pebble Project for permitting in 2011.

08:30

SPY E~mini index futures slide to fresh GLOBEX lows following worse than expected key econ. data on a pickup in premarket volume -Technical-

S&P 500 (ES) -10.25

NDX 100 (NQ) -14.75

INDU 30 (YM) -83

08:28

PALM Palm trading halted - news pending (8.09 )

08:23

CVC Cablevision misses by $0.10, beats on revs (22.83 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings from continuing operations of $0.26 per share, $0.10 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.36; revenues rose 5.0% year/year to $2.15 bln vs the $2.1 bln consensus. Basic videocustomers were down 2,800 or 0.1% from Sep. 2009 and down 45,100 or 1.5% from Dec. 2008. Interactive Optimum digital videocustomers were up 4,800 or 0.2% from Sep. 2009 and 55,900 or 2.0% from Dec. 2008. Optimum Online high-speed datacustomers were up 45,700 or 1.8% from Sep. 2009 and 112,500 or 4.6% from Dec. 2008. Revenue generating units were up 99,100 or 0.9% from September 2009 and 297,700 or 2.9% from Dec. 2008.

08:20

BX Blackstone beats by $0.09, beats on revs (14.00 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) economic net income of $0.29 per share, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of $0.20; revenues fell 218.8% year/year to $738.4 mln vs the $566.7 mln consensus. The YoY change was driven by net appreciation of the underlying portfolio investments in the Private Equity and Credit and Marketable Alternatives segments, as well as stabilization in the fair value of the Real Estate segment's underlying portfolio investments. These increases were partially offset by decreased fees earned in the Financial Advisory segment. World equity and debt markets continued to improve in the second half of 2009 in anticipation of sustained economic recovery. The United States and several other developed economies returned to growth, and emerging economies grew more sharply. Despite tangible evidence of economic recovery, U.S. unemployment remains high and consumer credit trends remain weak. Commercial real estate trends in the U.S. and Europe showed continued signs of stabilization. For office properties, vacancy rates appear to have stabilized, with some markets showing signs of decreasing vacancies. In hospitality, demand appears to have bottomed as well, although pricing remains pressured. RevPAR, an important hospitality industry metric, continued to decline, but that decline clearly moderated in 4Q09. "It has been about 17 months since the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the full onset of the global financial crisis. Equity and debt markets globally have continued to heal from their lows about a year ago although there has been some recent turbulence in January and February, most cos have reduced expenses and inventory levels, the cost of borrowing has declined and the availability of credit is increasing selectively. We believe the worst is behind us, although a recovery in Western economies could be gradual and uneven. We see many opportunities to deploy our substantial available capital across each of our asset management businesses with attractive potential risk-return for our fund investors."

08:19

GNA Gerdau AmeriSteel misses by $0.11, misses on revs (7.51 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.09 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.11 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.02; revenues fell 32.1% year/year to $975.9 mln vs the $1.05 bln consensus. Co says while minimal stimulus dollars were spent during 2009, it believes that more infrastructure projects will be undertaken during 2010. In addition, there are certain segments such as the nuclear power industry which GNA believes will begin committing significant investments to modernize the aging infrastructure in North America. These factors, along with low customer inventory levels and increases in shipments and selling prices that have occurred since the end of 2009, gives the co reason to enter 2010 with optimism for a better year.

08:14

ACE ACE Limited board will recommend 6.5% dividend increase to shareholders at 2010 annual general meeting (50.33 )

Co announced that they will recommend to shareholders at the 2010 Annual General Meeting a 6.5% increase in the dollar-denominated dividend via par value reduction, to $1.32 ($0.33 per quarter), compared to $1.24 approved in 2009. The formula for determining the Swiss francs (CHF) amount for quarterly installments will be described in the company's Proxy Statement that will be distributed in advance of the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for May 19, 2010.

08:14

On The Wires

GSI Commerce (GSIC) and the National Football League announce that they have signed a new multiyear extension to their e-commerce agreement. Under the agreement, which runs to 2014, GSI will continue to provide the NFL's online store... PlanetSolar unveiled the world's largest solar boat, which will be powered by SunPower (SPWRA); In late March, PlanetSolar will launch its catamaran for testing... SELEX Galileo and RFMD (RFMD) announces the extension of their collaboration to develop high frequency GaAs MMIC solutions focused on SELEX Galileo's next generation of electronically-scanned phased array radar systems... Velocity Technology Solutions announces that it has acquired the Lawson- and Kronos-hosting business from NaviSite (NAVI). The acquisition makes Velocity the largest provider and clear market leader for Lawson-hosted solutions in North America... International Assets Holding Corporation (IAAC) and its wholly owned subsidiary, FCStone Group, announces the formation of a cash commodity brokerage service to meet the needs of market participants in a wide variety of agricultural commodities throughout the Latin American region. The service will operate under a newly incorporated company, INTL FCStone SA, based in Buenos Aires.

08:14

CTL Centurytel increases quarterly cash dividend (35.28 )

Co announces that its Board of Directors voted to declare a quarterly cash dividend of $.725 per share, representing a 3.6% increase over the previous $.70 per share quarterly dividend. The $.725 per share is payable on March 22, 2010 to shareholders of record on March 9, 2010.

08:13

USM US Cellular beats by $0.05, beats on revs (36.46 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.24 per share, excluding $0.10 in impairments, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 0.8% year/year to $1.06 bln vs the $1.05 bln consensus. Q4 service revs were up 1% to $986.3 million. Co reports following Q4 metrics: 354,000 retail gross additions; 39,000 retail net additions, of which 26,000 were postpay and 13,000 were prepaid. 1 percent increase in service revenues to $986 million, despite $17 million decrease in inbound roaming revenues. 34 percent increase in data revenues to $190 million, representing 19 percent of service revenues. Retail service ARPU (average revenue per unit) increased from $46.43 to $47.12. Retail postpay churn of 1.6 percent; postpay customers comprised 95 percent of retail customers. Co's FY10 guidance includes: Service revs: $3,975 - $4,075 million; Operating Income of $250 - $350 million; Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion of ~$600 million and Capital Expenditures of ~$600 million.

08:12

ECONX Reminder: Initial Claims, Continuing Claims, and Durable Orders data due out in about 18 min at 8:30ET

08:12

GCO Robert J. Dennis named Chairman of Genesco effective April 1 (23.44 )

Co announces that Robert J. Dennis, president and chief executive officer, has been named to the additional office of chairman, effective April 1, 2010. Mr. Dennis will succeed Hal N. Pennington as chairman, implementing the final step of a transition plan inaugurated in 2005, when Mr. Dennis was named chief operating officer of the Company. Mr. Pennington also announced that he will retire from Genesco's board of directors in June 2010, at the conclusion of his current term. Consistent with the original transition plan, he will remain employed by the Company as a consultant to the chief executive officer and the board of directors through March 31, 2011.

08:09

RIC Richmont Mines reports Q4 results (3.99 )

Co reports Q4 (Dec) revenue of C$17.1 mln, down 25% from last year's C$22.9 mln. EPS came in at C$0.00 vs C$0.09 a year ago. There are no analyst estimates.

08:08

KDN Kaydon beats by $0.01, misses on revs (34.91 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.34 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.33; revenues fell 17.7% year/year to $108.9 mln vs the $112.5 mln consensus. Backlog was $218.5 mln at Dec. 31, 2009, compared to $250.1 mln at Oct. 3, 2009, and $312.6 mln at December 31, 2008. Wind energy backlog was $109.2 mln at Dec. 31, 2009, compared to $129.6 mln at Oct. 3, 2009, and $160.2 mln at Dec. 31, 2008. Co states, "During the first two months of 2010, non-wind orders have improved both sequentially and relative to the prior year. Cumulative incoming orders on a quarter-to-date basis have exceeded prior years' levels for the first time since the third quarter of 2008. Looking forward for our core industrial markets, growth in 2010 will largely be dependent on continued improvement in these order rates, which will result from improved capacity utilization and increased capital spending by our customers. Also, improved wind energy orders will need to be driven by increased electricity demand from an improved economy and greater clarity on the public policy front."

08:08

ARCC Ares Capital beats by $0.04 (12.80 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.37 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.33. "We have considerably strengthened our balance sheet through several recent accomplishments. We not only extended the maturities on our revolving credit facilities until January 2013 on attractive terms, but we also expanded our combined debt capacity to $1.3 billion. In addition, after giving effect to the net proceeds of our February 2010 equity offering of over $277 million, we had pro forma debt capacity and cash equivalents of nearly $700 million and a net debt to equity ratio of 0.39x using our December 31, 2009 balance sheet. Overall, we believe we are very well positioned to take advantage of the attractive investment opportunities in the marketplace and, assuming receipt of the necessary stockholder approvals, to execute upon the closing of our acquisition of Allied Capital Corporation."

08:07

VG Vonage appoints Barry L. Rowan as new Chief Financial Officer (1.72 )

Co announced the appointment of Barry L. Rowan as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer of the company. Mr. Rowan joins Vonage after spending three years with Nextel Partners, Inc., where he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

08:07

TDS Telephone & Data beats by $0.06, beats on revs (31.37 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.15 per share, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.09; revenues fell 0.1% year/year to $1.26 bln vs the $1.24 bln consensus. For 2010, mgmt sees U.S. Cellular Service revenue $3,975 - $4,075 million, operating Income $250 - $350 million, Depreciation, Amortization & Accretion Approx. $600 million, and Capital Expenditures Approx. $600 million. For TDS Telecom (ILEC and CLEC), co sees Operating Revenues $740-$780 million, Operating Income $70-$100 million Depreciation, Amortization & Accretion(1) Approx. $170 million, and Capital Expenditures Approx. $140 million.

08:06

DPS Dr Pepper Snapple beats by $0.01, misses on revs; guides FY10 EPS above consensus, revs in-line (28.65 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.44 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.43; revenues fell 1.5% year/year to $1.36 bln vs the $1.4 bln consensus. Co issues guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.27 to $2.35 vs. $2.24 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $5.70 - $5.81 bln vs. $5.74 bln consensus. "Despite tough economic conditions, I'm extremely proud of our accomplishments in our first full year as a stand-alone company. A lot has changed, and continues to change, since we went public in May 2008. We remain committed to executing against the same focused strategy. We're investing heavily in our brands, our infrastructure and our people to realize the full potential of this business. While we have made a lot of progress, we still have opportunities to optimize our supply chain, standardize our IT platforms and get our products in more consumers' hands every day. This commitment to invest behind our brands will ensure our portfolio of leading flavored CSDs, juice and juice drinks, premium teas and mixers is well positioned to exploit the significant opportunities we see over the coming years."

08:05

OCR Omnicare reports EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line (25.52 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.63 per share, excluding an 11 cent per share favorable income tax adjustment, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.63; revenues fell 2.2% year/year to $1.54 bln vs the $1.55 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.60-$2.70 vs. $2.66 consensus.

08:05

ZEUS Olympic Steel misses by $0.33, beats on revs (32.58 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.24 per share, $0.33 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.09; revenues fell 45.4% year/year to $138.5 mln vs the $127.3 mln consensus. 4Q09 sales volume increased over third quarter and co expects this trend to continue in 1Q10. Sales and margins are expected to improve, as steel prices have continued to increase since late fourth quarter of 2009, CEO comments.

08:03

CTHR Charles & Colvard reports Q4 sales of $2.4 mln vs. $3.5 mln a year ago; EPS of ($0.02) vs. ($0.07) a year ago (1.42 )

"With our new management team in place, we experienced a renewed interest in moissanite and confidence in the Company with our existing customer base, who responded with increased orders during the quarter. This, coupled with our cost savings initiatives, resulted in the lowest quarterly net loss this year along with positive cash flow from operations. This momentum, along with a strong cash position, will carry us into 2010 as our management team works closely with select major jewelry manufacturers to establish new exclusive supply relationships. These exclusive sales and distribution rights target appropriate retailers, affording Charles & Colvard new opportunities to establish our jewel in the marketplace as we continue repositioning for the future."

08:03

PKD Parker Drilling reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (5.19 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) net of breakeven, in-line with the First Call consensus of ($0.00); revenues fell 17.2% year/year to $175.8 mln vs the $173.6 mln consensus. Co says, "More recently, market declines have moderated and there are signs in some areas that improvements are underway. The utilization rate for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico barge drilling fleet has improved, though dayrates remain low. The domestic land rig count has recovered significantly, particularly in the shale plays where rental tool usage is more prevalent, leading to growing demand for rental tools and a lessening of price discounts. The number of international rig tenders has grown, yet commitments are slow to develop and pressure on dayrates remains. Our project engineering and project management opportunities are growing, indicating an expanded field for Parker's unique capabilities and offering the prospect of significant future growth from this business segment..."

08:02

RJET Republic Airways announces order for up to 80 Bombardier CSeries aircraft (5.12 ) -Update-

Co announced it has signed a purchase agreement for 40 CS300 jets, part of the next-generation CSeries aircraft being developed by Bombardier. Republic also has options for up to an additional 40 aircraft. The aircraft, which will be configured in a single-cabin, with two-by-three seating for 138 passengers, including 25 STRETCH seats, is scheduled for delivery beginning in the second quarter of 2015.

08:02

AMLN Amylin Pharms drug Exenatide once weekly NDA review extended by FDA due to weather-related closure (17.17 )

The co Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) and Alkermes (ALKS) confirmed that the FDA has set a new PDUFA action date of March 12 for its review of the exenatide once weekly new drug application. The revised action date is the result of the FDA's decision to allow five additional days for its review of pending regulatory applications following the agency's recent five-day weather-related closure.

08:00

RHHBY Roche Hldg announces imaGenes GmbH adds certification of Roche NimbleGen DNA methylation analysis to service portfolio (41.53 ) -Update-

Co announces that imaGenes GmbH has passed the certification process to qualify as a Roche NimbleGen Certified Service Provider (CSP) for DNA Methylation Analysis. This is the second certification for imaGenes to provide service for NimbleGen arrays, following the successful certification as ChIP-chip CSP in December 2009, and makes them the first service provider in Europe with multiple certifications.

07:57

On The Wires

Suncor Energy (SLR) announces that, together with affiliates, it has reached an agreement to sell its assets in Trinidad & Tobago to Centrica plc through its subsidiary Centrica Resources Limited for US$380 mln. Current production is in the range of 60 to 70 mln cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day net to Suncor from the 17.3% working interest in North Coast Marine Area included in the assets. The sales agreement also includes equity in three additional blocks: Block 22 and Blocks 1a and 1b... Contango Oil & Gas Company (MCF) announces that on February 24, 2010, at approximately 7:30AM, a dredge contracted by the Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the Atchafalaya River Channel ruptured their 20" pipeline that runs from their EI-11 gathering platform to the EI-63 platform where their pipeline joins a pipeline that transports their production to shore... Magma Design Automation (LAVA) announces the recent opening of a joint IC design lab. The lab will provide local designers with access to Magma's advanced analog and digital IC design software and comprehensive training programs... Chattem (CHTT) announces that it has commenced a tender offer to repurchase all of its outstanding 2.00% convertible senior notes due 2013 and its outstanding 1.625% convertible senior notes due 2014. Chattem is offering to repurchase up to $8.0 mln of the 2.00% Notes and up to $38.3 mln of the 1.625%... Progress Software Corporation (PRGS) announces that it has joined forces with Statistical Research Laboratory to provide a complete trading technology solution for brokers and hedge funds... Evotec AG announces that it has extended its research agreement with Cubist Pharmaceuticals (CBST) to the end of 2010. Under the contract extension, Evotec will provide additional fragment-based drug discovery expertise using its proprietary platform, EVOlution, which includes fragment screening, structural biology and protein crystallography, to discover and profile novel compounds against additional antibacterial targets selected by Cubist... A third airplane has joined the Boeing (BA) 787 Dreamliner flight-test program. ZA004, the fourth flight-test airplane to be built, took off at 11:43 a.m. local time from Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The program plan called for ZA004 to fly before ZA003 because the data ZA004 is collecting is needed more quickly both for certification and development of the 787-9.

07:55

HYGS Hydrogenics: Warrant holder files litigation against Hydrogenics regarding proposed share consolidation (0.25 )

Co announced that Alpha Capital Anstalt filed suit against Hydrogenics, Daryl Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hydrogenics, and Lawrence Davis, Chief Financial Officer of Hydrogenics, on February 23, 2010 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York regarding the Company's proposed share consolidation, which was announced on February 8, 2010.

07:54

OMAB Grupo Aeroportuario reports Q4 EPS of prelim $0.25 vs $0.16 First Call consensus; revs of 483 mln pesos vs. 487 mln pesos a year ago (13.00 )

"In order to face the challenges created by the economic environment during 2009, OMA implemented a business strategy designed: first, to maintain aeronautical revenues; second, to increase non-aeronautical revenues through improving the commercial offering and passenger services in our airports and developing new lines of business; and third, to control costs and expenses. OMA generated solid revenues in 4Q09, practically unchanged from 4Q08, despite the weak macroeconomic environment and a significant decrease in passenger traffic. We were able to mitigate the impact on EBITDA, while net income increased principally because of an increase in comprehensive financial income and a reversal in the provision for taxes."

07:52

DVAX Dynavax Technologies selects clinical candidate in universal flu vaccine program (1.50 )

Co announced that it has selected a clinical vaccine candidate for its novel universal flu program, completed key preclinical studies, and is reviewing clinical plans with the FDA in anticipation of initiating a Phase I study by mid-year.

07:48

COMDX Crude oil trading back below $80 this morning and currently at session lows at $79.20, down 80 cents

Note that the dollar index is trading back towards its overnight highs and equity futures are currently lower.

07:46

SOLR GT Solar announces new DSS orders totaling ~$200 mln (5.60 )

Co announced it has signed new contracts totaling ~$200 mln for its DSS450 ingot growth furnaces and ancillary equipment and services. This includes a $137 mln follow-on order from a large Chinese customer, as well as orders from Tianwei New Energy Holdings, Phoenix Photovoltaic Technology, Yingli Green Energy Holding, JA Solar Holding, Taiwan-based Sino-American Silicon Products (SAS), and one other customer. The orders were booked in GT Solar's current fourth fiscal quarter and revenue for these orders is expected to be recognized in periods subsequent to the current fiscal year.

07:44

GSS Golden Star Resources reports Q4 EPS of $0.08 vs $0.07 First Call consensus (2.80 )

"We had a very exciting year at Golden Star. We surpassed our 2009 guidance with record production of nearly 410,000 ounces of gold at cash operating costs of $564 per ounce. We recorded net income of $16.5 million for the year and cash flow from operations of $123.0 million before changes in working capital. Our free cash flow was over $55 million for the year. Our operations have been performing well for six quarters, our balance sheet is in good order, we added 450,000 ounces of gold to our reserves net of depletion, we are delivering the results our shareholders expect and we are committed to continuing this success."

07:42

IPXL Impax Labs beats by $0.47, beats on revs (14.90 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.61 per share, $0.47 better than the First Call consensus of $0.14; revenues rose 294.0% year/year to $176.1 mln vs the $91.4 mln consensus. "The solid customer relationships we have developed were beneficial in producing strong sales from our fenofibrate products and the October 1 launch of generic Adderall XR. Certain market disruptions caused by product supply shortages in the fourth quarter may have benefited sales of our Global Pharmaceutical Division's generic Adderall XR(R) product, therefore fourth quarter sales may not be indicative of any future periods."

07:37

PXP Plains Exploration beats by $0.76, misses on revs (32.08 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.37 per share, $0.76 better than the First Call consensus of $0.61; revenues rose 12.0% year/year to $367.7 mln vs the $420.9 mln consensus.

07:36

CRMT America's Car-Mart beats by $0.03, beats on revs (26.63 )

Reports Q3 (Jan) earnings of $0.53 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.50; revenues rose 14.0% year/year to $83.8 mln vs the $82.3 mln consensus. Retail unit sales increased 12.5%, with 23,971 vehicles sold during the nine months, compared to 21,307 in the same period last year. Same store revenue increased 10.3% for the nine months. The provision for credit losses was 20.5% of sales compared to 21.8% in the same period last year. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables was 16.1% compared to 17.9% in the same period last year. Gross profit on vehicle sales was 43.9% for the nine months compared to 43.2% for the prior year period. "Our Board of Directors has approved an increase in our share repurchase program, allowing for up to 1 million shares to be repurchased. We believe in the long-term value of our company and will invest in the repurchase program when favorable conditions present themselves to us,"

07:35

SHOO Steven Madden beats by $0.07, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (41.56 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.73 per share, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.66; revenues rose 17.1% year/year to $139.5 mln vs the $128.9 mln consensus. Gross margin improved to 44.1% from 40.4%, reflecting margin improvement in both the wholesale and retail divisions. Gross margin in the wholesale business increased to 37.9% from 31.9% in the prior year's fourth quarter due primarily to fewer close-outs and higher initial mark-ups. Retail gross margin increased to 58.7% from 57.1% in the comparable period of the prior year, also benefitting from higher initial mark-ups as well as less discounting than in Q4 2008. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $3.10 to $3.30 vs. $3.06 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $538 - $548 mln vs. $533.89 mln consensus.

07:35

NRF Northstar Realty beats by $0.20, misses on revs (4.30 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.25 per share, $0.20 better than the First Call consensus of $0.05; revenues fell 20.0% year/year to $67.4 mln vs the $68.7 mln consensus. "NorthStar entered 2010 with no final corporate recourse debt maturities until 2012 and all of our CDO financings continue to meet their interest and overcollateralization coverage tests. Our entire organization remains focused on aggressively managing our assets to maximize recovery and in generating liquidity. Our solid liability structure and liquidity position should allow us to focus on strategies to take advantage of difficult commercial real estate market conditions and a lack of debt capital to meet maturities of pre-existing debt."

07:33

HNZ HJ Heinz beats by $0.06, reports revs in-line; reaffirms FY10 EPS guidance (45.92 )

Reports Q3 (Jan) earnings of $0.83 per share, ex-items, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.77; revenues rose 12.7% year/year to $2.68 bln vs the $2.66 bln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.82-2.85, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $2.84 consensus. Top line griwth was fueled by: Organic sales growth of 15.5% (18.0% reported) in Emerging Markets, led by higher sales in Indonesia, Russia and India; 5.3% organic sales growth (15.2% reported) in the Company's Top 15 brands; and Strong volume growth of 4.3% in U.S. Retail and 9.1% in the U.K. as Heinz increased its third-quarter marketing investments by 41% to drive volume growth and strengthen brand equity.

07:32

EME EMCOR Group beats by $0.09, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus (23.60 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.58 per share, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of $0.49; revenues fell 19.1% year/year to $1.36 bln vs the $1.36 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.45-1.85 vs. $2.11 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $5 bln vs. $5.64 bln consensus. "As anticipated, we have begun to see some contribution to our backlog from stimulus-related spending, as more technically sophisticated projects, which are aligned with our core competencies and typically take more time to engineer and design, begin to enter the market. We are well positioned to capture additional stimulus projects with our wide array of service offerings and unmatched geographic footprint."

07:32

CDCS CDC Software sees FY10 EPS of $1.50-$1.55 (vs $1.45 consensus); revs of $220-$228 mln vs $214.9 mln consensus (9.52 )

Co says that based on preliminary financial projections and estimates, the co expects 2010 non-GAAP EPS to be in the range of $1.50-$1.55 (vs $1.45 consensus); and revenue for 2010 to be in the range of $220-$228 mln (vs $214.9 mln consenus). "Even if the slow economic recovery continues throughout 2010, we are cautiously optimistic that we are well positioned, with improved operating metrics and net cash on hand, for organic growth through cross-sell opportunities and expansion in emerging markets such as China and India."

07:31

SNSS Sunesis Pharma completes formal End-of-Phase 2 meetings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (0.89 )

Co announces that it has completed formal End-of-Phase 2 meetings with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration related to its lead compound, voreloxin, in acute myeloid leukemia. Sunesis has received feedback and guidance from the FDA in response to proposed plans for further development of voreloxin in the treatment of AML. Based on the development clarity achieved as a result of these meetings, Sunesis intends to proceed with its plan to conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pivotal Phase 3 trial. This trial will evaluate the overall survival of voreloxin in combination with cytarabine, a widely used chemotherapy in AML, compared to cytarabine with placebo, in patients with relapsed or refractory AML. Sunesis anticipates initiating this multi-national, Phase 3 trial in the second half of 2010.

07:30

PABK PAB Bankshares and The Park Avenue Bank announces the sale of five Georgia Bank Branches (1.21 )

Co entered into a definitive agreement to sell five Park Avenue Bank branches to HeritageBank of the South, a subsidiary of Heritage Financial Group (HBOS). HeritageBank of the South is expected to retain all of the employees currently working in these branches. The sale is expected to result in a transfer of approximately $52 million in loans, $72 million in demand deposits, savings and money market accounts, and $26 million in certificates of deposits. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.

07:21

CCE Coca-Cola Ent North American bottling business to be acquired by KO; CCE will provide its shareowners with a special one-time cash payment of $10 per share (19.18 ) -Update-

The Coca-Cola Company (KO) and CCE announce that they have entered into agreements that will strategically advance the Coca-Cola system in North America and drive long-term value for all shareholders. In addition, the parties have an agreement in principle to expand CCE's European business. The Coca-Cola Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Muhtar Kent said "We are not acquiring CCE, rather we are acquiring their North American operations, and they remain one of our key bottling partners with world-class management, financial and operational capabilities. We have a strong and unrelenting belief in our unique and thriving global bottling system. Our new North American structure will create an unparalleled combination of businesses, which will serve as our passport to winning in the world's largest nonalcoholic ready-to-drink profit pool... Terms of deal: The Coca-Cola Company, in a substantially cashless transaction, will acquire CCE's entire North American business, which consists of approximately 75 percent of U.S. bottler-delivered volume and almost 100 percent of Canadian bottler-delivered volume. At the close of the transaction, The Coca-Cola Company will have direct control over approximately 90 percent of the total North America volume, including its current direct businesses. The Coca-Cola Company's acquisition of the assets and liabilities of CCE's North American business includes consideration of The Coca-Cola Company's current 34 percent equity ownership in CCE, valued at $3.4 billion, based upon a thirty day trailing average as of February 24, 2010. In addition, consideration includes the assumption of $8.88 billion of CCE debt and all of the North American assets and liabilities - including CCE's accumulated benefit obligation for North America of $580 million as of December 31, 2009, and certain other one-time costs and benefits. In a concurrent agreement, The Coca-Cola Company and CCE have agreed in principle that CCE will buy The Coca-Cola Company's bottling operations in Norway and Sweden for $822 million, subject to the signing of definitive agreements, and that CCE will have the right to acquire The Coca-Cola Company's 83 percent equity stake in its German bottling operations 18 to 36 months after closing for fair value. A new entity, which will retain the name Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., will be created through a split-off that will hold CCE's European businesses. CCE's public shareowners will exchange each existing CCE share for a share in the new entity and will hold 100 percent of this new entity. CCE will provide its shareowners, excluding The Coca-Cola Company, with a special one-time cash payment of $10 per share. In connection with the transactions, CCE expects to raise initial debt financing of up to 3.0x EBITDA to pay shareowners $10 per share in cash at closing, to acquire the Norway and Sweden bottlers and to fund the expected share repurchase program. Following completion of the transaction, it is expected that CCE will adopt a program to repurchase up to approximately $1 billion of shares and a policy of paying an expected annual dividend of $0.50 per share subject to the discretion of CCE's Board of Directors and its consideration of various factors... The Coca-Cola co will generate immediate efficiencies with expected operational synergies of $350 mln over four years, and the transactions, which are substantially cashless, are expected to be accretive to EPS on a fully diluted basis by 2012. CCE shareowners to exchange each CCE share for a share in a new CCE, focused solely on Europe, and $10 per share in cash at closing.

07:19

DSCI Derma Sciences finalizes licensing agreement for worldwide rights to MEDIHONEY

Co announced that it has finalized a definitive set of agreements with Comvita New Zealand Ltd. (Comvita) of Paengaroa, New Zealand, giving Derma Sciences perpetual and exclusive worldwide licensing rights for MEDIHONEY professional wound care and skin products covering distribution and sales to all markets outside of the over the counter (OTC) market. Pursuant to the License Agreement and related Restraint Agreement, Derma Sciences will pay to Comvita $2.25 mln in U.S. dollars, issue Comvita 400,000 shares of its common stock, issue Comvita 133,333 warrants to purchase its common stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share, and issue to Comvita 100,000 warrants to purchase its common stock at a price of $6.25 per share.

07:19

RRI Reliant Energy reports Q4 loss from continuing operations of $0.71/share, beats on revs (4.56 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.71 per share, may not compare to the First Call consensus of ($0.19); revenues fell 14.6% year/year to $461.7 mln vs the $322.9 mln consensus. RRI Energy's outlook is based on forward commodity prices as of February 5, 2010. The outlook for open EBITDA is $367 mln and $366 mln for the years ending December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The outlook for adjusted EBITDA, which includes the impact of hedges and other items, is $360 mln and $309 mln for the same periods. The outlook for free cash flow provided by continuing operations is $92 mln and $110 mln for the years ending December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively.

07:17

TRW TRW Automotive beats by $0.65, misses on revs; guides Q1 revs above consensus; guides FY10 revs in-line (24.38 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.40 per share, excluding items, $0.65 better than the First Call consensus of $0.75; revenues rose 21.4% year/year to $3.4 mln vs the $3234.6 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of approx $3.4 bln vs. $2.99 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of $12.3-$12.9 bln vs. $12.65 bln consensus.

07:16

SMA Symmetry Medical beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs in-line (8.82 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.05 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.04; revenues fell 23.4% year/year to $76.4 mln vs the $70.3 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.43-0.50 vs. $0.59 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $320-340 mln vs. $327.51 mln consensus. "We are encouraged by the favorable trends our orthopaedic customers are experiencing and our current backlog, which increased throughout the fourth quarter. We are now seeing tangible signs of improvement shaping our outlook for 2010. As these signs translate into increased customer demand it will enable us to leverage our fixed costs and combined with additional cost savings from our facility consolidation initiatives, will position us to drive increased profitability."

07:16

ABG Asbury Automotive beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line (11.59 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.18 per share, excluding $0.03 tax item, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.16; revenues rose 2.1% year/year to $898.6 mln vs the $893.3 mln consensus.

07:13

ANSS ANSYS beats by $0.07, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (44.04 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.56 per share, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.49; revenues rose 11.3% year/year to $150.6 mln vs the $140.3 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.40-$0.43 vs. $0.44 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $125-$131 mln vs. $131.70 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.84-$1.93 vs. $1.92 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $550-$575 mln vs. $567.58 mln consensus. "In addition to the financial results, there were three encouraging aspects to a very chaotic 2009. Foremost, the core thesis of ANSYS was validated and amplified as simulation not only provided transformational advantage to our customers in difficult times, but also aided in the survival of companies during increasingly competitive times. Secondly, the business model that supports this mission continued to prove high resiliency over a wide range of economic environments over the past decade. And lastly, ANSYS demonstrated agility with its nimble response to the tumult in the market. The fourth quarter presented us with a combination of both challenges and opportunities. ANSYS' ability to deliver solid financial results was driven by our tight alignment with our customers' research and product development priorities, our broad portfolio of product solutions, and solid execution by our global workforce and channel partners,"

07:13

ACIW ACI Worldwide beats by $0.04, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 revs in-line (16.69 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.57 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.53; revenues rose 15.3% year/year to $125.9 mln vs the $125 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of $418.0-428.0 mln vs. $423.32 mln consensus. Co expects GAAP operating income of $48.0-50.0 mln and operating EBITDA of $83.0-86.0 mln.

07:12

DLR Digital Realty Trust beats by $0.03, reports revs in-line; slightly raises FY10 FFO guidance (51.12 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.79 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.76; revenues rose 15.4% year/year to $169.8 mln vs the $170.1 mln consensus. Co raises guidance for FY10, sees FFO of $3.18-3.30, up from $3.12-3.27, vs. $3.34 consensus.

07:09

LINE Linn Energy beats by $0.05 (25.80 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.41 per share, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.36. As of Dec 31, 2009, the co's estimated proved reserves were 1.7 Tcfe, and 71% were classified as proved developed. Proved reserves as of Dec 31, 2009 were 36% oil, 19% NGL and 45% natural gas, with a standardized measure of approximately $1.7 billion.

07:09

LKQX LKQ Corp beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS in-line (18.94 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.25 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.21; revenues rose 19.6% year/year to $555.9 mln vs the $525.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.00-$1.06 vs. $1.01 consensus. Revenue from parts and services is anticipated to grow organically at a rate of 6% to 8%. Net cash provided by operating activities for 2010 is projected to be approximately $160 mln. The company estimates capital expenditures related to property and equipment will be between $85-$95 mln.

07:09

HOC Holly misses by $0.61, beats on revs (28.13 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.85 per share, $0.61 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.24); revenues rose 80.5% year/year to $1.66 bln vs the $1.57 bln consensus. "Looking forward, the refining industry will continue to face a challenging margin environment until economic activity recovers and demand for gasoline and distillate products improves relative to supply. We are confident that the enhanced capabilities of our assets, our expanded asset base, and the markets we serve, combined with the quality of our employees and our strong balance sheet will continue to allow us to meet these challenges."

07:06

LZ Lubrizol projects steady earnings growth during the next several years (78.44 )

Co announces that it projects steady earnings growth during the next several years and has established a 2012 goal for earnings of $10.00 per share, an increase of 32 percent compared with 2009 results as adjusted. This assumes no adjustments to earnings for 2012. On February 4, 2010, the company issued full-year 2010 earnings guidance in the range of $7.63 to $8.23 per diluted share, including restructuring charges of $.07 per diluted share. Excluding the special charges in both years, the company projects 2010 adjusted earnings in the range of $7.70 to $8.30 per diluted share (vs $7.81 First Call consensus).

07:06

KSS Kohl's beats by $0.03, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS below consensus; guides FY11 EPS and revs in-line (51.59 )

Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $1.40 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $1.37; revenues rose 8.5% year/year to $5.68 bln vs the $5.67 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.48-0.52 vs. $0.54 consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $3.40-3.63 vs. $3.63 consensus; sees FY11 revs up 4-6% YoY, or revs of $17.87-18.21 bln vs. $18.14 bln consensus. Co sees comps up 1-3% for Q1 and FY11. Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 4.5 percent. In fiscal 2010, the co expects to open approximately 30 stores and remodel 85 stores. "We are pleased that we were able to gain market share in a difficult environment, achieving both total and comparable store sales increases for the year. We improved our merchandise margins significantly through strong inventory management and successful private and exclusive brand strategies. Expenses were well managed while improving the store experience for our customers. I am very proud of our 130,000 associates and the role they played in these results and want to thank them for their hard work, loyalty and dedication in delivering on our promise to " expect great things" from Kohl's."

07:06

BVF Biovail beats by $0.19, beats on revs (14.51 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.56 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.19 better than the First Call consensus of $0.37; revenues rose 32.8% year/year to $241.1 mln vs the $223.6 mln consensus. Product revenues for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $231.6 million, compared with $171.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 35% that primarily reflects higher revenues from Wellbutrin XL and the inclusion of revenues from tetrabenazine products and Aplenzin. Partially offsetting factors include lower revenues from Ultram ER and Cardizem LA. Biovail expects modest growth in revenues in 2010, due primarily to increased contributions from Wellbutrin XL, the tetrabenazine franchise, diltiazem products and Biovail Pharmaceuticals Canada. Gross margins will be negatively impacted by the higher supply price for Zovirax, growing sales of Xenazine and increased volumes for Biovail's generic diltiazem products. These will be partially offset by efficiency gains from the Company's restructuring initiatives.

07:05

THI Tim Hortons announces new Cdn$200 mln share repurchase program planned to commence in Q1; increases dividend by 30% and declares a Cdn$0.13 per share dividend (30.36 )

07:04

KG King Pharms misses by $0.01, misses on revs (11.56 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.23 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.24; revenues rose 26.1% year/year to $439 mln vs the $445.9 mln consensus.

07:04

IRIS IRIS Intl signs three-year agreement with HealthTrust Purchasing Group (11.89 )

Co announced that it has entered into a first-time three-year sales and service supply agreement with HealthTrust Purchasing Group, LP (HealthTrust), a leading national group purchasing organization (GPO). Under the terms of the agreement, which will be effective March 1, 2010, HealthTrust will supply the full line of IRIS's automated instrumentation, including the iQ(R)200 SPRINT, ELITE and SELECT series of Automated Urine Microscopy Analyzers and urinalysis workstations, and all related consumables and service agreements.

07:04

MYL Mylan Labs names John D. Sheehan CFO (19.42 ) -Update-

07:03

GSK GlaxoSmithKline and Regulus Therapeutics establish new collaboration to develop and commercialize microRNA Therapeutics Targeting miR-122 (37.33 )

Co and Regulus Therapeutics announced the establishment of a new collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop and commercialize microRNA therapeutics targeting microRNA-122 in all fields with Hepatitis C Viral infection (HCV) as the lead indication. Under the terms of the new collaboration, Regulus will receive additional upfront and early-stage milestone payments with the potential to earn more than $150 million in miR-122-related combined payments, and tiered royalties up to double digits on worldwide sales of products.... Regulus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that is targeting microRNAs as a new class of therapeutics by working with a broad network of academic collaborators and leveraging oligonucleotide drug discovery and development expertise from its founding companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY) and Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS).

07:02

FIRE Sourcefire beats by $0.10, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (23.80 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.29 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 37.4% year/year to $35.3 mln vs the $32.9 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.05-0.07 vs. $0.05 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $23.8-24.8 vs. $23.66 mln consensus.

07:02

TFX Teleflex agrees to sell SSI Surgical Services (59.74 )

Co announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its SSI Surgical Services Inc. ("SSI") business to a privately-owned multi-service line healthcare company for approximately $25 mln. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close before the end of the first quarter of 2010. SSI, with annual revenues of approximately $20 mln, offers a range of endoscopic surgical services and sterile processing management services to help hospitals and surgery centers control costs and improve operational efficiency.

07:01

ACM Aecom Tech wins design-services contract for Hong Kong metro rail network expansion (27.07 )

Co announced today that it has won a design-services contract from MTR Corporation Limited, the owner-operator of the Hong Kong MTR metro system, as part of the Hong Kong Shatin to Central Link rail project.

06:58

DYN Dynegy misses by $0.35, misses on revs (1.67 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.47 per share, $0.35 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.12); revenues fell 43.0% year/year to $441 mln vs the $474.7 mln consensus.The net loss in the fourth quarter 2009 was driven by a net loss on asset sales, mark-to-market losses, debt extinguishment costs and lower interest income. GAAP results in the fourth quarter 2008 primarily included mark-to-market gains, offset by asset impairments and a net loss on asset sales. Co reaffirms 2010 guidance of a range of Adjusted EBITDA of $425 million to $550 mln; A range of Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations of $(15) mln to $110 mln; and a range of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $(360) mln to $(235) mln. This primarily reflects the significant investment in environmental capital expense to reduce emissions. The guidance estimates for the most directly comparable measures on a GAAP basis include: A range of Net Loss of $(215) mln to $(140) mln; A range of Cash Flow from Operations of $(15) million to $110 million; Net Cash used in Investing Activities of $(400) million; and Net Cash provided by Financing Activities of $15 million.

06:58

S&P futures vs fair value: -5.30. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -6.30.

06:58

Asian Markets

Nikkei...10101.96...-96.90...-1.00%. Hang Seng...10399.57...-68.20...-0.30%.

06:58

European Markets

FTSE...5340.27...-2.80...-0.10%. DAX...5621.25...+5.70...+0.10%.

06:57

BEST Shiner appoints Jeffrey Roney as Chief Financial Officer (1.33 )

06:53

FWLT Foster Wheeler beats by $0.02, beats on revs (26.71 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.67 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.65; revenues fell 22.7% year/year to $1.27 bln vs the $1.24 bln consensus. "In our Global E&C Group, we continue to have a very good prospect list, and our clients appear to be committed to moving forward with prospective projects. However, the slowing that we saw in the market in late 2008 and 2009 - combined with increased competitive pressure - will likely have an unfavorable effect on E&C in 2010. We do not expect that the workforce adjustments associated with the $6.1 million severance charge will have a material impact on E&C scope revenues in 2010. Assuming an accelerated pace of new orders in the second half of 2010, the EBITDA margin on scope revenue for this business is likely to be in the range of 18% to 20% for the full year. This expected decline in margin, as compared to 2009, will likely result from competitive pressure and, to a lesser extent, some degree of inefficient utilization of manpower relative to 2009 caused by delays in the timing of prospect awards. In our Global Power Group, we expect 2010 to be a transitional year. To the extent that global GDP and power demand continue to recover from the low levels of 2009, we would expect to see a continued rebound in new orders as 2010 progresses. In GPG, we expect EBITDA margin on scope revenue to be in the range of 16% to 18% in 2010."

06:49

TTES T-3 Energy Services beats by $0.02, beats on revs (23.43 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.26 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.24; revenues rose 10.3% year/year to $52.4 mln vs the $49.1 mln consensus. Backlog decreased to $34.5 million at December 31 versus $41.2 million at September 30, 2009, net bookings for the quarter increased slightly to $45.7 million compared to $43.3 million in the prior quarter. Co says "... While we believe systems similar to this have application in many areas that use horizontal drilling, the $9 million fracturing system revenues from the fourth quarter will not repeat in the near term, and our revenues will decline in the first quarter of 2010 as a result. Longer term, the outlook is stronger. We continue to see steady increases in quarterly bookings since their trough in the second quarter of 2009, and we expect this trend, driven by increased industry activity, to continue. We currently anticipate a meaningful recovery in the second half of the year."

06:41

CNK Cinemark beats by $0.17, beats on revs (15.31 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.36 per share, $0.17 better than the First Call consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 31.5% year/year to $536.4 mln vs the $476.1 mln consensus. For the three months ended December 31, 2009, admissions revenues increased 34.3% to $351.5 million and concession revenues increased 28.7% to $161.0 million. The increases were primarily related to a 21.2% increase in attendance, a 10.8% increase in average ticket prices and a 6.5% increase in concession revenues per patron. "Cinemark concluded a successful year with a very strong fourth quarter as we again outperformed the overall domestic box office. Cinemark's geographic diversity continues to be a key strategic advantage as we add additional new state-of-the-art theatres to our footprint both in the U.S. and internationally. Once DCIP funding occurs, we are set to accelerate the pace of Cinemark's digital screen installations, which will allow us to benefit further from the expanding pipeline of 3D motion pictures. During 2010, we will also continue to expand our footprint of XD Extreme Digital auditoriums, adding approximately 30 new XD auditoriums to our existing 16."

06:34

NEM Newmont Mining beats by $0.34, beats on revs; reports 8% increase in equity gold reserves (46.48 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.13 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.34 better than the First Call consensus of $0.79; revenues rose 90.0% year/year to $2.52 bln vs the $2.06 bln consensus. Co had net cash from continuing operations of $1.0 bln, up 323% YoY. 2010 Equity gold production is expected to increase slightly to between 5.3 and 5.5 mln ounces, primarily as a result of the continuing 12-month ramp-up to full production of Boddington, partially offset by lower production from Nevada and Yanacocha, as described below. The co expects 2010 gold costs applicable to sales to increase slightly to between $450 and $480 per ounce accounting for Boddington on a co-product basis, or to between $440 to $470 per ounce on a by-product basis, due to lower production from Nevada and Yanacocha. The co accounts for Boddington on a co-product basis due to the significant revenues from copper. In 2010, the co anticipates consolidated capital expenditures to decline by approximately 15% from 2009 to between $1.4 and $1.6 bln ($1.2 to $1.4 bln on an equity basis) due to the completion of Boddington in 2009, offset partially by approximately $0.6 bln (on a consolidated basis) of investment in the next generation of other major projects. "The combination of slightly higher production, lower costs and gold price leverage generated cash flow from operations of $2.9 bln on record revenues of $7.7 bln, while our gold operating margin expanded to 57%." Co also reports 2009 equity gold reserves of 91.8 mln ounces, an 8% increase over 2008, and equity copper reserves of 9.1 bln pounds, a 17% increase over 2008. Equity gold measured and indicated resources (NRM) for 2009 were 1.1 bln tons at an average grade of 0.020 ounces per ton, up from 0.8 bln tons at a grade of 0.026 ounces per ton for 2008. Equity copper NRM for 2009 were 796 mln tons at an average grade of 0.17%, up from 431 mln tons at a grade of 0.13% from 2008. The 2010 exploration budget is between $190 and $220 mln, an increase of approximately 10% from 2009.

06:34

SPW SPX Corp beats by $0.03, beats on revs (61.22 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.35 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $1.32; revenues fell 12.1% year/year to $1.32 bln vs the $1.3 bln consensus.

06:32

CPN Calpine reports Q4 results; reaffirms guidance (11.24 )

Calpine reports Q4 earnings of ($0.09), which includes non-comparable items, vs ($0.02) First Call consensus; revs decreased 20% year/year to $1.57 bln vs $1.31 bln First Call consensus. Co reaffirms 2010 guidance of $1.5 to $1.6 bln in Adjusted EBITDA and their Adjusted Free Cash Flow guidance of $400 to $500 mln.

06:32

MYL Mylan Labs beats by $0.03, beats on revs; reaffirms FY10 EPS in-line (19.42 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.33 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.30; revenues rose 12.2% year/year to $1.34 bln vs the $1.25 bln consensus. Co reaffirms in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.50-1.70 vs. $1.54 consensus. Co expects EPS of > $2.00 in FY11. Co projects revenue of $8.5 bln in 2013, representing a top-line CAGR of 15%, from 2010. Co projects EPS in excess of $2.75 in 2013, which represents a CAGR of 20%. Co anticipates generating cumulative operating cash flows of approx $4 bln by the end of 2013.

06:32

OGXI OncoGenex Pharma announces the European Medicines Agency is in overall agreement with OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals' development Plan for OGX-011 in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (16.72 )

Co announces it has received written, scientific advice from the European Medicines Agency on the company's development plan for OGX-011 (also known as custirsen) for the treatment of men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. The input received from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use at the EMA was in overall agreement with OncoGenex's development plan regarding the proposed preclinical studies and both the study designs and analyses for the Phase III trials. The CHMP also agreed that the intended safety database would enable a sufficiently qualified risk-benefit assessment for market approval.

06:26

ICLR ICON plc beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs in-line (24.90 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.40 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.38; revenues rose 3.3% year/year to $227.4 mln vs the $224.3 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.44-1.60 vs. $1.64 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $890.0-940.0 mln vs. $928.34 mln consensus.

06:22

PCS MetroPCS beats by $0.03, beats on revs (6.24 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.09 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.06; revenues rose 28.6% year/year to $930 mln vs the $895.2 mln consensus. Average revenue per user of $40.70 for the quarter represents an increase of $0.18 when compared to the fourth quarter of 2008 and a decrease of $0.38 when compared to the third quarter of 2009. The co's cost per gross addition of $138.36 for the quarter represents an increase of $18.54 when compared to the prior year's fourth quarter and was primarily driven by the launches of service in the New York and Boston metropolitan areas in early 2009, coupled with increased promotional activities in all our metropolitan areas. Cost per user (CPU) increased to $18.06 in the fourth quarter, or approximately 3%, when compared to the fourth quarter of 2008.

06:21

STXS Stereotaxis misses by $0.01, misses on revs (4.85 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.14 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.13); revenues rose 16.5% year/year to $14.1 mln vs the $14.8 mln consensus. Co forecasts FY10 new capital order growth in excess of 40%. Total revenue growth in the mid-20% range is expected. Co expects gross margins > 65.0%.

06:18

CLR Continental Resources misses by $0.01, beats on revs (38.80 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.29 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.30; revenues rose 52.9% year/year to $207.6 mln vs the $182.3 mln consensus. Fourth quarter 2009 production increased in the North Dakota Bakken and Arkoma Woodford shale plays, compared with the fourth quarter of 2008. In North Dakota, fourth quarter 2009 production of 7,843 Boepd was 78% higher than that for the fourth quarter last year, while Arkoma Woodford production of 3,573 Boepd was nine percent higher than the fourth quarter of 2008. Co announces that it had increased its 2010 capital expenditure budget to $850 million, primarily to fund additional drilling in the North Dakota Bakken and Anadarko Woodford plays. The additional $200 million in capex is planned to be spent almost entirely in the second half of 2010. The co plans to spud an additional 28 gross wells (21.2 net) in the second half of 2010, mostly in the North Dakota Bakken. Production growth in 2010 is expected to be approximately 13%, vs earlier guidance of approx 10% production growth.

06:17

IRM Iron Mountain beats by $0.03, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (24.30 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.27 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.24; revenues rose 3.5% year/year to $779 mln vs the $776.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.07-1.20 vs. $1.07 consensus; raises FY10 revs guidance to $3.185-3.255 bln vs. $3.19 bln consensus.

06:13

LAMR Lamar Advertising misses by $0.05, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 revs in-line (29.54 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.22 per share, $0.05 worse than the First Call consensus of ($0.17); revenues fell 6.1% year/year to $262.3 mln vs the $261.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of approx $245.0 mln vs. $247.79 mln consensus.

06:12

CRI Carter Holdings beats by $0.05, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (28.50 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.61 per share, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.56; revenues rose 0.6% year/year to $424.7 mln vs the $423 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS growth of approx 10% (translates into approx $2.31 vs. $2.30 consensus); sees FY10 revs growing approx 5% (translates into approx $1.67 bln vs. $1.67 bln consensus).

06:09

IRM Iron Mountain announces $150 mln share repurchase program (24.30 )

05:03

POR Portland Gen Elec misses by $0.08, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS below consensus (18.76 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.11 per share, $0.08 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 8.0% year/year to $485 mln vs the $452.6 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.30-1.45 (prior range $1.50-1.65) vs. $1.58 consensus. Lowered guidance is due to unfavorable hydro conditions resulting in lower-than-forecasted energy expected to be received from hydroelectric resources and a decline in retail margins due to the reduction in load primarily caused by warmer-than-expected weather in January and February.

04:42

VIT VanceInfo Tech beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs above consensus; guides FY10 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (17.98 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) GAAP earnings of $0.16 per share, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.14; revenues rose 43.9% year/year to $43.3 mln vs the $40.5 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for Q1, sees GAAP EPS of $0.13-0.14 vs. $0.14 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $43.0-44.0 mln vs. $40.84 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees GAAP EPS of $0.66-0.70 vs. $0.65 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $192.0-205.0 mln vs. $186.40 mln consensus.

03:24

RJET Republic Airways misses by $0.03, beats on revs (5.12 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.03 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.06; revenues rose 87.9% year/year to $637.3 mln vs the $342.5 mln consensus.

03:20

SPG Simon Properties responds to inferior and highly conditional General Growth proposal (77.53 )

"General Growth's proposed recapitalization amounts to a risky equity play on the backs of its unsecured creditors. While continuing to block the immediate and certain 100% cash recovery provided by Simon's offer, General Growth has preempted its own self-proclaimed 'process' in favor of a highly speculative and risky plan to attempt to raise $5.8 billion of new capital in today's uncertain markets -- including $3.3 billion of dilutive new equity, $1 billion in asset sales and $1.5 billion in new debt -- on top of the approximately $28 billion it already owes. Simon is providing $10 billion of real value -- $3 billion to shareholders as well as $7 billion to creditors -- as compared to a complex piece of financial engineering that is so highly conditional as to be illusory." Co states its offer is "far superior to the General Growth proposal in many ways..."

03:17

UNS UniSource Energy beats by $0.01, misses on revenue; issues FY10 EPS in-line (31.50 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.28 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.27; revenues increased 3.6% year/year to $330.54 mln vs $394.1 mln single-analyst estimate. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.75-3.00 vs $2.84 consensus.

03:11

ITC ITC Holdings beats by $0.01, misses on revenue; reaffirms FY10 EPS in-line (54.82 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.66 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.65; revenues increased 2.9% year/year to $156.51 mln vs $161.28 two-analyst estimate. Co reaffirms in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.60-2.70 vs $2.68 consensus. Co reaffirms capital expenditure guidance of $405.0-460.0 mln.

03:04

WTR Aqua America reports EPS in-line, misses on revs (17.27 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.20 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.20; revenues rose 5.1% year/year to $167.9 mln vs the $176.2 mln consensus.

03:02

RA RailAmerica misses by $0.10, misses on revs (11.96 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) net of breakeven, excluding charges totaling $0.24 per diluted share for the early retirement of debt, interest rate swap termination and the IPO, $0.10 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.10; revenues fell 8.9% year/year to $105.4 mln vs the $111.2 mln consensus.

02:56

IDCC Interdigital Comm misses by $0.03, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 revs above consensus (25.95 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.61 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.64; revenues rose 30.2% year/year to $76.4 mln vs the $75.9 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of $78.0-79.0 mln vs. $77.74 mln consensus.

02:53

BARE Bare Escentuals reports Q4 (Dec) results, beats on revs (18.18 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.42 per share, includes tax benefit and may not be comparable to the First Call consensus of $0.26; revenues rose 12.2% year/year to $165.1 mln vs the $152.1 mln consensus.

02:51

RE Everest Re's Board of Directors increases share repurchase authorization by 5.0 mln shares, allowing for repurchase of up to 8.5 mln shares (85.22 )

02:49

ESV Ensco beats by $0.01, beats on revs (41.78 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.24 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $1.23; revenues fell 17.4% year/year to $499.6 mln vs the $472.3 mln consensus. Co projects deepwater segment revenue will continue to grow significantly as more of new ultra-deepwater semisubmersibles commence drilling for customers. Growth in deepwater segment is expected to lessen the impact of declining average day rates in jackup business - as rates from expiring jackup rig contracts are adjusted to today's lower market rates. Firm comments that market rates for premium jackup rigs have been stabilizing somewhat over the past several months.

02:43

GMTC GameTech Int'l announces Bud Glisson as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 5, 2010 (1.75 )

02:27

DRCO Dynamics Research beats by $0.01, misses on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs below consensus; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs below consensus (10.41 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.33 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.32; revenues fell 0.3% year/year to $65.8 mln vs the $69.7 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.22-0.24, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.24 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $66.5-68.5 mln vs. $69.67 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.18-1.26, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.20 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $277.0-286.0 mln vs. $291.13 mln consensus.

02:18

GLF Gulfmark Offshore misses by $0.28, misses on revs (24.46 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.15 per share, excluding gains on vessel sales, $0.28 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.43; revenues fell 30.5% year/year to $84.7 mln vs the $89.1 mln consensus. The decrease in revenue from the prior year quarter is primarily due to lower utilization and day rates in the North Sea and the Americas, resulting in revenue decreases of $18.5 million and $18.6 million in those regions, respectively. The decrease in revenue from the prior quarter is primarily due to lower utilization and day rates in the North Sea, which decreased revenue by $6.3 million.

02:13

CRN Cornell Companies beats by $0.01, misses on revenue, guides Q1 and FY10 EPS lower (20.66 )

Reports 4Q (Dec) earnings of $0.36 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.35; revenues increased 2.5% year/year to $104.05 mln vs $106.88 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.18-0.22 vs $0.42 consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.31-1.41 vs $1.72 consensus.

02:03

PRTS US Auto Parts Network reports earnings of $0.02 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.01; revenues increased 35.5% year/year to $45.8 mln vs $43.57 mln consensus (5.90 )

01:57

GLBL Global Industries misses by $0.13, misses on revs; names John B. Reed, Jr. CEO (7.05 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.05 per share, $0.13 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.08; revenues fell 41.6% year/year to $146.3 mln vs the $165.2 mln consensus. Co names John B. Reed, Jr. Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2, 2010.

01:52

RHHBY Genentech announces positive results of Avastin Ph. III study in women with advanced ovarian cancer (41.53 )

Genentech, a wholly owned member of the Roche Group (RHHBY), announces that a Phase III study showed the combination of Avastin and chemotherapy followed by maintenance use of Avastin alone increased the time women with previously untreated advanced ovarian cancer lived without the disease worsening (progression-free survival), compared to chemotherapy alone. A preliminary assessment of safety noted adverse events previously observed in pivotal trials of Avastin. Data from the study will be submitted for presentation at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, June 4 to 8, 2010.

01:35

T-Mobile USA reports 4Q09 results

In 4Q09, T-Mobile USA reported 371,000 net customer additions compared to net customer losses of 77,000 in 3Q09. In addition, 3G-capable converged device users and 3G network coverage increased significantly during the year. OIBDA of $1.38 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009 was lower compared to the prior quarter and the fourth quarter of 2008, a decline due primarily to higher customer acquisition and advertising costs.

01:34

AEG AEGON reports 4Q09 results (5.92 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) underlying earnings before tax of EUR 427 mln. Net income was EUR 393 mln, due to improved earnings, realized gains on investments and lower impairments. Co reports impairments of EUR 209 mln, its lowest level in six quarters. Cost reduction measures of EUR 250 mln were realized in 2009, exceeding EUR 150 mln target.

19:10

SPN Sup Energy Svcs misses by $0.01, misses on revs (20.81 +0.21)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.21 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.22; revenues fell 46.2% year/year to $264.6 mln vs the $365.4 mln consensus. The co has renamed two of its reporting segments to more accurately describe the markets and customers served by the businesses operating in each segment. The "Well Intervention Segment" will now be called the "Subsea and Well Enhancement Segment." The "Rental Tools Segment" will now be called the "Drilling Products and Services Segment."

18:52

KAMN Kaman to acquire Fawick de Mexico (26.18 +0.75)

Co announced that its subsidiary, Kaman Industrial Technologies Corporation (KIT) has agreed to acquire the assets of Fawick de Mexico, S.A. de C. V. (Fawick) of Mexico City, Mexico. Fawick will become part of Delamac de Mexico, Kaman's Industrial Distribution Mexican subsidiary. Terms were not disclosed. Fawick, founded in 1965, is a distributor of fluid power and lubrication products, equipment and systems to a wide variety of industries throughout Mexico. In addition, Fawick offers value added services in the areas of pump maintenance, hydraulic and lubrication systems. The co has annual sales of ~$50 mln pesos ($3.9 mln U.S. Dollars).

18:50

CBL CBL & Associates Properties announces pricing of $127.9 mln of Series D Preferred Stock at $25.00 (11.66 +0.45)

Co announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of 6,300,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/10th of a share of its 7.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, liquidation preference $25.00 per depositary share.

18:47

SJW SJW Corp misses by $0.01 (22.64 +0.02)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.14 per share, $0.01 worse than the First Call dual-analyst est of $0.15; revenues fell 1.2% year/year to $48.6 mln vs the $49.7 mln dual-analyst est.

18:44

GOL GOL Linhas Areas Inteligentes S.A. announces 2010 guidance; expects domestic air traffic demand to increase by between 2.5-3.0 times Brazilian GDP (i.e. between 12.5-18.0%) (13.12 -0.10)

GOL expects domestic air traffic demand to increase by between 2.5-3.0 times Brazilian GDP (i.e. between 12.5-18.0%), based on historical demand growth in recent years and on the financial market's estimates of 2010 GDP growth of between 5% and 6%, combined with the continuous expansion of Brazil's potential market led by the accelerated growth of the country's middle class and tourism in South America and the Caribbean. The 5.5 percentage point difference between maximum and minimum demand growth is directly related to the volatility of the Real in relation to the U.S. dollar, WTI oil prices and the maintenance of their historical correlation. The co believes that the lower the volatility of these assets, the higher its ability to encourage demand and increase its penetration of the potential Brazilian market, one of the most underpenetrated worldwide. The expected continuous growth of the potential market in the coming years should be driven by: The strengthening of economic activity in Brazil and South America, fueling business passenger traffic (representing approximately 65% of total Brazilian air traffic). The accelerated growth of the addressable market: according to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) and the FGV (Getulio Vargas Foundation), between 2003 and 2008 the percentage of the population that could afford to fly rose from around 70 million to more than 100 million (around 90 million of whom are earning between R$ 1,000 and R$ 4,500 per month).

18:38

AGO Assured Guaranty no longer to carry Fitch Ratings (19.79 +0.02)

AGO announced that, at the co's request, Fitch Ratings has agreed to withdraw its Insurer Financial Strength and debt ratings of Assured Guaranty, Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp, Assured Guaranty Re Ltd. and other rated subsidiaries of Assured Guaranty at the current rating levels.

18:29

ASMI ASM Intl NV reports Q4 loss of EUR 0.23 vs loss of EUR 0.31 in the prior year's quarter, revs grew 12% to EUR 201.9 mln (22.14 +0.10)

18:26

ROCK Gibraltar Industries misses by $0.19, misses on revs (13.70 -0.06)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.10 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.19 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.09; revenues fell 24.9% year/year to $187.2 mln vs the $206.6 mln consensus.

18:16

BMS Bemis provides update on regulatory review of the Alcan Packaging Food Americas Acquisition (28.20 +0.04) -Update-

Co announced that it has reached agreement with the Department of Justice that addresses its concerns regarding Bemis' pending acquisition of the Food Americas operations of Alcan Packaging, a business unit of international mining group Rio Tinto plc (LON: RIO; ASX: RIO). The agreement with the Department of Justice requires Bemis to divest certain Alcan Packaging Food Americas packaging assets in the United States after closing. Annual net sales associated with the packaging assets that will be divested represent approximately $100 million of annual net sales and include two facilities with production equipment used to produce packaging for fresh meat and retail natural cheese products. This agreement has been filed with the United States Federal District Court in Washington D.C. Bemis will notify investors once the court has approved this agreement.

18:09

BEXP Brigham Exploration reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (15.69 +0.14)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.03 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.03; revenues fell 12.7% year/year to $22.7 mln vs the $22.2 mln consensus. Co says, for the first quarter, we are forecasting that our total equivalent production volumes will average between 5,100 Boe per day and 5,400 Boe per day. We currently anticipate that our oil volumes will comprise ~65% of our total production volumes for the first quarter 2010."

18:08

NTES Netease.com beats by $0.05, beats on revs (38.24 +0.80)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.64 per share, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of $0.59; revenues rose 47.9% year/year to $189 mln vs the $179 mln consensus. Co said, "In 2010, we will continue to follow our pragmatic approach to executing our game plan in order to further enhance our market share in the MMORPG market in China. For our portal business, we look forward to having active coverage of major international events such as Expo 2010 in Shanghai, the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou and the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, which will provide great opportunities to our advertisers to reach out to a diverse user base of NetEase services throughout 2010. With our relentless effort in expanding and diversifying our game portfolio and user base, as well as cross-pollination of our game business, email and blog services with the portal business, we look forward to seeing another great year for NetEase in 2010."

17:59

USBI United Security Bancshares announces settlement of Fidelity Insurance Claim (17.23 +2.15)

17:50

TS Tenaris misses by $0.05, reports revs in-line (45.88 +0.30)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.38 per share, $0.05 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.43; revenues fell 42.3% year/year to $1.85 bln vs the $1.85 bln consensus. The board of directors proposes, for the approval of the annual general shareholders' meeting to be held on June 2, 2010, the payment of an annual dividend of US$0.34 per share (US$0.68 per ADS), or ~US$401 mln. Co said, "We estimate that apparent demand for OCTG worldwide declined by more than 30% in 2009, reflecting the decline in oil and gas drilling activity and efforts made to adjust inventory levels, particularly in the USA. With activity levels now recovering and inventories at more reasonable levels, we can expect shipments in our Tubes operating segment to show a recovery in 2010 from the low level recorded in 2009. In our Projects segment, however, we expect lower shipments since the order backlog for our large-diameter pipes for pipeline projects in South America declined throughout the year and ended at a low level. In Q1, a low level of shipments of high-end products will continue to affect our results. Subsequently, shipments of high-end products should recover. For the year overall, we expect operating margins to be similar to those recorded in 2009."

17:46

IPHS Innophos Holdings: OCP and Innophos jointly announce settlement of phosphate rock arbitration (20.70 +0.28)

Co OCP S.A. and Innophos Holdings, Inc. (IPHS) jointly announced that Innophos' Mexican subsidiaries, or collectively Innophos Mexico, and their phosphate rock supplier, OCP, had reached agreements fully settling the previously announced commercial contract arbitration before the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France.

17:43

GLRE Greenlight Capital beats by $0.27 (24.38 -0.04)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.55 per share, $0.27 better than the First Call consensus of $1.28; reports gross written premiums growth of 78% to $50.9 mln.

17:38

KAI Kadant beats by $0.03; guides Q1 and FY10 EPS below consensus; guides FY10 revs in-line (15.54 +0.26)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.09 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.06; revenues fell 15.5% year/year to $56.8 mln vs the $56.2 mln consensus. Co sees Q1 EPS of $0.06-0.08 vs. $0.09 consensus. Co sees FY10 EPS of $0.47-0.57, ex $0.02 charge, $0.58 consensus, sees revs of $240-250 mln vs $247.4 mln consensus.

17:32

FARO FARO Techs beats by $0.10, beats on revs (20.68 +0.78)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.12 per share, excluding $0.16 non-recurring items, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.02; revenues fell 18.3% year/year to $46 mln vs the $38.1 mln consensus. Co said, "We feel good about the co's prospects in 2010 and believe we are a stronger organization now than we were at the beginning of last year. We continue to have a strong balance sheet with over $100 million in cash and zero debt and have created a streamlined operating structure from which to execute. Assuming economic conditions continue to improve, we believe our prospects for 2010 are good."

17:24

HLX Helix Energy misses by $0.08, misses on revs (11.04 +0.06)

Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.04 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.08 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.04; revenues fell 66.3% year/year to $180.1 mln vs the $238 mln consensus. Owen Kratz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Helix, stated, "Our fourth quarter results reflected continued weakness in the contracting services market. We had anticipated this slowdown and as a result, diverted much of our pipelay and construction support assets to internal use to complete the necessary infrastructure for two of our deepwater oil and gas developments, Danny and Phoenix. The combination of a weak market and capacity devoted to internal use weighed heavily on our fourth quarter results. In addition, repairs to a third party pipeline servicing our Noonan natural gas field were not completed until early January, thus impacting our fourth quarter oil and gas production. Looking forward, the outlook is better. Customer activity is picking up and we expect utilization in the contracting services business to improve as 2010 unfolds. Furthermore, we are poised to increase our oil and gas production in 2010. I am pleased to announce that production from our Danny oil field commenced in early February and with the completion of third party pipeline repairs, we have increased production from the Noonan gas field. We are putting the finishing touches on the Helix Producer I and we expect to commence production from the Phoenix oilfield by mid-year." Fourth quarter 2009 results excluded approximately $15 million of realized gains associated with the cash settlement of natural gas contracts that were previously recognized as unrealized gains in the first three quarters of 2009.

17:23

ES EnergySolutions beats by $0.06; guides 2010 EPS in-line (5.73 -0.25)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.29 per share, $0.06 better than the First Call consensus of $0.23; revenues rose 9.3% year/year to $319.3 mln vs the $322.7 mln consensus. Co sees 2010 EPS of $0.43-0.50 vs. $0.49 consensus. co says, "Due to the uncertain macroeconomic outlook that continues to impact some of EnergySolutions' market segments -- particularly services and disposal revenues from our commercial customers -- the Company's guidance for 2010 does not assume any significant large component projects or any financial impact from License Stewardship contracts that could be signed during the year. For the full year 2010, EnergySolutions expects EBITDA to range between $140 million and $150 million. The co expects operating income for each segment to be relatively consistent with the 2009 levels.

17:21

BMS Bemis: Justice Department requires divestitures in order for Bemis to proceed with its acquisition of the Alcan Packaging Food Americas Business (28.20 +0.04)

The Department of Justice announced that it has reached a settlement that will require Bemis to divest certain assets used in the production and sale of flexible packaging for natural cheese and fresh meat in order to proceed with its acquisition of the Alcan Packaging Food Americas business from Rio Tinto plc, the parent company of Alcan Corporation. The acquisition is valued at approximately $1.2 billion. The department said that the acquisition as originally proposed would combine Bemis and Alcan, two of the leading U.S. manufacturers of flexible-packaging rollstock for chunk, sliced and shredded natural cheese packaged for retail sale and flexible-packaging shrink bags for fresh meat. Without the divestitures, the department said the acquisition would lead to higher prices, lower quality, less favorable supply-chain options, reduced technical support and less innovation.

17:18

BHB Bar Harbor Bankshares redeems all preferred stock issued under the U.S. Treasury's Capital Purchase Program (27.25 -0.25)

Co announced that it has redeemed all 18,751 shares of its Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (the "Preferred Stock"), it sold to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "Treasury") on January 16, 2009 as part of the Capital Purchase Program (the "CPP") established by the Treasury under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The Company paid $18,774,439 to the Treasury to redeem the Preferred Stock, consisting of $18,751,000 of principal and $23,439 of accrued and unpaid dividends on February 24, 2010. The Company and the Bank received approvals from their respective regulators to redeem the Preferred Stock. The Company's redemption of the Preferred Stock is not subject to additional conditions or stipulations from the Treasury.

17:16

KNDL Kendle beats by $0.04, misses on revs (20.98 -0.07)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.44 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.40; revenues fell 11.5% year/year to $96.6 mln vs the $99.6 mln consensus. Given the continued volatility in the CRO market, particularly with regard to late stage project cancellations and delays, the Company will not be reinstating guidance at this time. The Company continues to review its guidance policy on an ongoing basis.

17:14

CWT California Water misses by $0.04, beats on revs (37.24 -0.023)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.31 per share, $0.04 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.35; revenues rose 7.0% year/year to $107 mln vs the $105.2 mln consensus.

17:13

ESS Essex Property announces annual dividend increase of $0.01 (85.22 +0.63)

Co approved a $0.01 per share annualized increase to its regular cash dividend. Accordingly, the first quarter dividend distribution, payable on April 15, 2010 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2010, will be $1.0325 per share. On an annualized basis, the dividend represents a distribution of $4.13 per common share.

17:12

TAL Tal International reports EPS in-line, misses on revs; announces quarterly dividend of $0.25 vs. $0.01 previous quarter (16.54 +0.43)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.26 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.26; revenues fell 26.5% year/year to $79.4 mln vs the $82 mln consensus. "Looking forward, we expect that leasing demand will continue to be supported by some improvement in trade volumes and continued limited direct procurement from our shipping line customers. In the first quarter, we expect our improved utilization will lead to a 10%-20% increase in our Adjusted Pretax Income from the fourth quarter of 2009, and we expect our quarterly results will improve throughout 2010 as utilization fully recovers and as some of the discount incentives we provided in 2009 expire. If current trends continue, we expect our full year results for 2010 to exceed last year's level by 15% - 25%."

17:08

HEI HEICO beats by $0.04, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (45.51 +0.26)

Reports Q1 (Jan) earnings of $0.44 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.40; revenues rose 3.9% year/year to $135.5 mln vs the $135.8 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.78-1.82 vs. $1.78 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $575-585 mln vs. $577.58 mln consensus.

17:08

HCN Health Care REIT reports FFOs in-line, beats on revs; guides FY10 FFO in-line (42.26 +0.72)

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.75 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.75; revenues rose 4.4% year/year to $147.3 mln vs the $144.7 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FFO of $3.10-3.25 vs. $3.19 consensus.

17:08

LBTYA Liberty Global beats by $0.18, beats on revs (26.49 +0.39)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.34 per share, $0.18 better than the First Call consensus of $0.16; revenues rose 19.0% year/year to $3.04 bln vs the $2.91 bln consensus. "Additionally, as a result of our substantial liquidity position and our commitment to stock repurchases, we recently approved an increase of $350 million to our buyback program. This increase brings our total available buyback capacity to over $500 million."

17:07

BDN Brandywine Realty reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides FY10 FFO in-line (11.21 +0.12)

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.34 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.34; revenues fell 1.7% year/year to $146.6 mln vs the $139 mln consensus. Co raises guidance for FY10, sees FFO of $1.25-$1.34 vs. $1.32 consensus.

17:04

RBC Regal-Beloit will not be attending Gabelli Symposium on February 25 because of forecasted extreme weather conditions (57.06 +0.46)

17:04

DCI Donaldson reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; raises FY10 EPS guidance above consensus; increases quarterly dividend 4% to $0.12 (41.31 +0.49)

Reports Q2 (Jan) earnings of $0.39 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.39; revenues fell 5.3% year/year to $436.1 mln vs the $428.5 mln consensus. Co raises guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.89-2.09 vs. $1.87 consensus, up from $1.62-1.83 previously. "We were also very pleased that our sales were better than we had anticipated and that for the third consecutive quarter were up on a sequential basis. With the continued improvement in our overall business conditions, combined with the benefits from our completed cost reduction and restructuring activities, we expect both our sales and earnings comparisons to be positive for the second half of FY10." Gross margin was 33.5 percent for the quarter and 34.1 percent year-to-date, compared to prior year margins of 29.1 and 31.0 percent, respectively. The increase in our gross margin was the result of a higher mix of replacement filter sales, savings from our restructuring actions, and ongoing cost reduction activities.

17:03

RGR Sturm Ruger beats by $0.03, misses on revs (11.55 -0.10)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.31 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.28; revenues rose 9.2% year/year to $63.9 mln vs the $65.9 mln consensus.

17:01

CIE Cobalt International Energy Announces Execution of Risk Services Agreements for Blocks 9 and 21 Offshore Angola (12.54 -0.13)

Co announced Cobalt's execution of Risk Services Agreements for Blocks 9 and 21 offshore Angola with the national oil company of Angola, Sociedade Nacional de Combustiveis de Angola - Empresa Publica, as well as Sonangol Pesquisa e Producao, S.A., Nazaki Oil and Gaz, S.A. and Alper Oil, Limitada. The Risk Services Agreements, which were executed and dated on February 24, 2010, govern Cobalt's 40% interest in and operatorship of Blocks 9 and 21 offshore Angola and form the basis of Cobalt's exploration, development and production operations on these blocks. Their execution is a key milestone that allows for the commencement of Cobalt's offshore Angola drilling program, currently planned to begin within the next twelve months. The terms of the executed Risk Services Agreements are substantially the same as the terms that were finalized and initialed by Sonangol E.P. and Cobalt in October 2009 and disclosed as part of Cobalt's initial public offering.

17:01

LTC LTC Properties reports Q4 funds from operations of $0.48 vs $0.47 First Call consensus; revs $17.5 mln vs $17.22 mln First Call consensus (26.39 +0.35)

17:01

NP Neenah Paper beats by $0.14 (14.63 +0.43)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.33 per share, excluding charges, $0.14 better than the First Call dual-analyst est of $0.19; revenues rose 5.4% year/year to $154.5 mln vs the $148.6 mln dual-analyst est. Co expects, a continued modest recovery in market demand in both segments.

16:52

FCH FelCor Lodging beats by $0.05, beats on revs; guides FY10 FFO below consensus, revs in-line (4.03 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) adjusted funds from operations loss of $0.29 per share, $0.05 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.34); revenues fell 12.0% year/year to $219.1 mln vs the $216.4 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees funds from operations of ($0.80)-(0.61) vs. ($0.59) consensus; sees FY10 revs of $ vs. $913.72 mln consensus. Co RevPAR to decrease between 1-5%.

16:49

GME Gamestop drops 5% following CFO resignation (18.86 -0.01) -Update-

16:47

DVR Cal Dive Intl reports Q4 EPS of $0.03 vs $0.10 First Call consensus; revs $147.4 mln vs $177.16 mln First Call consensus (7.20 -0.29)

"While the fourth quarter was certainly a slow close to the year, 2009 was a successful year for Cal Dive in terms of offshore execution, significant international awards, safety performance and solid financial results. Long term, we believe the underlying fundamentals for demand for our services remain strong and we expect the market to improve during the second half of 2010 and beyond based on current bidding activity levels, drilling forecasts and outlooks of key customers. However, we do anticipate a challenging market during the first half of 2010 and our earnings for that period to be well below that of the corresponding period for 2009."

16:47

GME Gamestop: CFO Resigns; accepts a position with WMT

Co announced that Catherine R. Smith has resigned from her role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to accept a position with Walmart International. The company has also announced that Robert A. Lloyd, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of GameStop, has been named interim Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.

16:46

GPRE Green Plains Renewable Energy proposes offering of 5 mln shares of its common stock (16.95 -0.19)

16:43

FLS Flowserve beats by $0.09, beats on revs (96.69 -0.05)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.96 per share, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of $1.87; revenues rose 14.1% year/year to $1.2 bln vs the $1.11 bln consensus.

16:43

TDSC 3D Systems beats by $0.07, beats on revs (13.90 +0.26)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.16 per share, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.09; revenues rose 4.3% year/year to $36.4 mln vs the $31.6 mln consensus. "We believe that our ability to improve our bottom line on lower revenue for the third quarter in a row demonstrates the leverage we achieved from the cost reductions and productivity improvements we implemented over the past two years, which has enabled us to be profitable for the year in total."

16:37

CIR Circor beats by $0.10, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs in-line (32.27 +1.01)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.32 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.22; revenues fell 21.7% year/year to $158.1 mln vs the $156.7 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.10-0.15 vs. $0.28 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $148-158 mln vs. $151.21 mln consensus. "Although we began to see some market stability in the fourth quarter, especially at our Flow Technologies and Energy Groups, we continue to have limited visibility," said Higgins. "In Energy, the short-cycle business improved slightly in the fourth quarter as rig counts have strengthened and we expect distributors to work through inventory destocking within the first quarter. Quoting activity continues on large international product orders, although pricing pressure continues to challenge margins. We believe industrial end markets in Flow Technologies bottomed in the second quarter of 2009 and on balance we expect them to remain stable through the first half of 2010. We expect the commercial aerospace business will likely remain soft while the military aerospace market should continue to benefit from prior orders."

16:36

GNK Genco Shipping & Trading beats by $0.09, beats on revs (20.33 +0.06)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.13 per share, $0.09 better than the First Call consensus of $1.04; revenues fell 5.3% year/year to $96.2 mln vs the $95.1 mln consensus.

16:32

ANW Aegean Marine Petrol beats by $0.01, beats on revs (30.39 +0.92)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.35 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.34; revenues rose 53.7% year/year to $851.8 mln vs the $781 mln consensus.

16:21

ECL Ecolab announces strategic cooperation agreement with Belimed (42.01 +0.43)

Co announced that it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Belimed Inc. to provide optimized cleaning solutions for hospital sterile processing departments. Until now, Belimed has supplied both cleaning solutions and equipment to meet the instrument reprocessing needs of its customers. Going forward, Belimed will focus on equipment, and Ecolab will be the preferred cleaning solutions supplier. Ecolab will begin supplying Belimed's existing cleaning supply customers immediately and will be the recommended supplier for Belimed's future equipment installations.

16:19

CXO Concho Resources beats by $0.19, beats on revs (45.48 +0.32)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.62 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.19 better than the First Call consensus of $0.43; revenues rose 49.0% year/year to $177.6 mln vs the $171.2 mln consensus. Production for Q4 of 2009 totaled 2.8 MMBoe (1.9 MMBbls of oil and 5.4 Bcf of natural gas), an increase of 22% as compared to 2.3 MMBoe (1.6 MMBbls of oil and 4.6 Bcf of natural gas) produced in Q4 of 2008.

16:18

ATA Truck Tonnage Index jumped 3.1% in January

The American Trucking Associations' advance seasonally adjusted (SA) For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index jumped 3.1 percent in January, following a revised 1.3 percent increase in December 2009. The latest gain boosted the SA index from 107 (2000=100) in December to 110.4 in January, its highest level since September 2008. The not seasonally adjusted index, which represents the change in tonnage actually hauled by the fleets before any seasonal adjustment, equaled 99.5 in January, down 3.3 percent from the previous month. ATA recently revised the seasonally adjusted index back five years as part of its annual revision. Compared with January 2009, SA tonnage surged 5.7 percent, which was the best year-over-year reading since January 2005 and the second consecutive increase. For all of 2009, the tonnage index was down 8.7 percent (slightly larger than the previously reported 8.3 percent drop), which was the largest annual decrease since a 12.3 percent plunge in 1982. Related tickers (YRCW, JBHT, CNW, WERN, KNX, HTLD, ODFL, ABFS, LSTR, FWRD, SAIA, MRTN, UACL, DDMX and USAK).

16:18

LTD Limited beats by $0.03, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line (21.54 +0.66)

Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $1.01 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.98; revenues rose 2.4% year/year to $3.06 bln vs the $3.05 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.05-0.10 vs. $0.07 consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.40-1.60 vs. $1.41 consensus. "The economic environment in 2009 was very challenging. We managed inventory, expenses and capital conservatively. We focused on executing with flexibility and speed, and those disciplines helped us achieve better results in the fourth quarter. We made good progress, but we recognize there is more to do and are very focused on continued improvement." The company expects to report a February comparable store sales increase in the high single to low double digit range, versus its previous estimate of roughly flat.

16:17

FLS Flowserve announces 7.4% increase in quarterly cash dividend to $0.29/share from $0.27/share (96.69 -0.05)

16:17

FFBC First Financial completes full redemption of its senior preferred stock in the amount of $80 mln from U.S. Treasury (18.60 +0.70)

Co announced that it has redeemed all of the $80 mln of senior preferred shares issued to the U.S. Treasury in December 2008 under its Capital Purchase Program (CPP), a component of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). First Financial will include in its computation of earnings per diluted common share the impact of a deemed dividend of $0.8 million, representing the unaccreted preferred stock discount remaining on the transaction date. This one-time deemed dividend is in addition to the first quarter 2010 preferred cash dividends paid through the redemption date, totaling $1.1 mln. A warrant issued in connection with the preferred shares will continue to be held by the U.S. Treasury. The warrant enables the U.S. Treasury to purchase up to approximately 465,117 shares of First Financial common stock at an exercise price of $12.90 per share until its expiration on December 23, 2018. First Financial does not intend to repurchase the warrant at this time.

16:15

SMSI Smith Micro Software beats by $0.10, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 revs in-line (7.73 -0.20)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.26 per share, $0.10 better than the First Call consensus of $0.16; revenues rose 12.1% year/year to $29.7 mln vs the $29.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of $125-135 mln vs. $129.05 mln consensus. "We enter 2010 with strong financial momentum, look forward to capitalizing on the coming deployments of 4G networks in North America and throughout the world. We are poised to build upon our successes in 2009 as we continue to deliver next generation intelligent wireless software solutions across the connectivity, communications and multimedia space."

16:15

KBR KBR awarded a contract to provide instrument and electrical support services to Shell's Chemical plant (20.31 +0.06)

16:09

DGI DigitalGlobe beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus (21.69 -0.22)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.30 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.29; revenues rose 1.0% year/year to $72.9 mln vs the $71.8 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.25-$0.55 vs. $0.84 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $330-$360 mln vs. $378.45 mln consensus. Full year 2010 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be between $185-$210 mln. Capital expenditures for 2010 are expected to be between $30-$35 mln.

16:08

CBOU Caribou Coffee misses by $0.04, beats on revs (7.65 +0.11)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.15 per share, $0.04 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.19; revenues rose 26.4% year/year to $76.5 mln vs the $75.7 mln consensus. The additional week in the period accounted for approximately $0.02 per share in 2009. The company ended the quarter with $23.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and no long term debt. Caribou Coffee authorized a stock buyback program. The current authorization is to repurchase up to $10 mln of its outstanding ordinary shares. "This quarter concludes a successful year of positive revenue and earnings growth for Caribou Coffee. These results highlight our strategy to diversify and strengthen our business model by expanding beyond our retail coffeehouse business into a multi-channel branded coffee company. With a successful growth strategy in place, strong cash flow and secure financial position, we are confident in our ability to deliver shareholder value for our investors and rewarding experiences for our team members and customers."

16:08

SCI Service Corp beats by $0.03, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS in-line (8.19 +0.14)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.14 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.11; revenues rose 2.9% year/year to $531.8 mln vs the $498.7 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.48-0.56 vs. $0.50 consensus. "We were pleased with our operating results for the fourth quarter. Our strong finish to the year was especially gratifying in light of the challenging economic conditions that existed throughout the period. Our sales team demonstrated impressive leadership by developing dynamic market initiatives and delivering a solid performance in preneed sales that more than offset the softer atneed market. We also improved our profit margins during the period, reflecting the continued containment of field operating expenses. 2009 was a testament to the focus, hard work, and dedication of our 20,000 employees who made this success possible."

16:08

TQNT TriQuint Semi beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus; guides FY10 revs above consensus (6.75 +0.20)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.14 per share, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.13; revenues rose 11.7% year/year to $193.3 mln vs the $188.3 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.08-$0.10 vs. $0.07 consensus; sees Q1 revs of $170-$175 vs. $168.56 mln consensus. For the full year co sees revs growth of about 20%, which calculates to roughly $785.2 mln (vs $746.1 mln).

16:08

ANDS Anadys Pharma says ANA598 demonstrates 73% cEVR in combination with interferon and ribavirin (2.31 +0.07) -Update-

Co announces preliminary results from an ongoing Phase II study demonstrating that 73% of hepatitis C patients treated with 200 mg ANA598 twice daily in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin achieved undetectable levels of virus at week 12, known as complete Early Virological Response or cEVR. No patient experienced viral rebound on ANA598. ANA598 was well tolerated through twelve weeks, with no serious adverse events reported and a profile of adverse events in the ANA598 group comparable to the group receiving SOC alone.

16:07

GEF Greif beats by $0.04, beats on revs; reaffirms FY10 EPS guidance (49.45 +0.17)

Reports Q1 (Jan) earnings of $0.65 per share, $0.04 better than the First Call consensus of $0.61; revenues rose 6.5% year/year to $709.7 mln vs the $682.8 mln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $4.00-4.25 vs. $3.97 consensus. The co's management continues to anticipate a gradual improvement in sales volumes and the full realization of the fiscal 2009 permanent cost reductions. In addition, it expects to mitigate the impact of the temporary margin contraction for Paper Packaging with other actions including full implementation of the January containerboard price increase.

16:06

OMI Owens & Minor names Charles C. Colpo as COO (45.40 -0.44)

16:06

NCIT NCI wins DISA BRAC $84 mln task order (27.83 +0.60)

Co announced that it has been awarded a single-award task order to provide support for the U.S. Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC), Enterprise Systems Engineering Directorate in support of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence/Information Technology (C4I/IT) relocation effort to Ft Meade, MD. The total potential value of the task order award is $83.7 mln if all options are exercised. The period of performance for the base and option period is February 22, 2010, to June 30, 2011.

16:06

TRLG True Religion beats by $0.03, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus (20.78 +0.66)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.59 per share, $0.03 better than the First Call consensus of $0.56; revenues rose 27.1% year/year to $92.8 mln vs the $84.5 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $2.00-2.10 vs. $2.12 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $360 mln vs. $347.66 mln consensus. The Company's net sales guidance relies on the following assumptions: Net sales growth within the Company's consumer direct segment are forecasted to grow between 40% and 45% compared to 2009. This growth assumes 28 new retail stores (27 in the U.S. plus one store in Toronto) and the full year impact of the 28 stores opened in 2009. Net sales in the Company's U.S. wholesale segment are expected to decrease in the mid-teens on a percentage basis as compared to 2009, mostly driven by management's decision to reduce sales to the off-price channel by $10 million and instead place a greater emphasis on regular-price wholesale sales. The international segment's net sales are forecasted to increase by approximately 20% as compared to 2009. The Company's licensing revenues are expected to increase by approximately 15% as compared to 2009.

16:05

CRM Salesforce.com reports Q4 deferred revenues of $704 mln vs Street consensus of ~$667 mln (69.44 +1.20)

16:05

PPO Polypore Intl beats by $0.19, beats on revs (13.69 +0.11)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.36 per share, $0.19 better than the First Call consensus of $0.17; revenues rose 4.4% year/year to $152 mln vs the $135.1 mln consensus.

16:04

PRA ProAssurance beats by $1.13, beats on revs (53.71 +0.81)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $2.42 per share, $1.13 better than the First Call consensus of $1.29; revenues rose 34.8% year/year to $183.8 mln vs the $169.8 mln consensus. Gross Premiums Written in 2009 increased 17% over the prior year, to $554 mln, and were $119 mln in the fourth quarter, 23% higher than the year-ago quarter. Book Value per share is $52.59, an increase of 23% during 2009.

16:04

WRI Weingarten Realty beats by $0.01, beats on revs; narrows FY10 FFO in-line; announces quarterly dividend increase of 4% to $0.26 (20.31 +0.24)

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.42 per share, incl $0.02 in charges, $0.01 better than the First Call consensus of $0.41; revenues fell 2.4% year/year to $142.2 mln vs the $139.2 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, co narrows FFO's to $1.58-1.70 vs. $1.66 consensus, from $1.54-1.78. During Q4 retail and industrial occupancy declined slightly to 91.8% and 87.8%, respectively, compared to Q3 occupancy of 92.1% for retail and 88.0% for industrial. Overall occupancy for Q4 was 90.8% compared to 91.1% during Q3 of 2009. Same Property Net Operating Income (NOI) was down 2.3% overall during the quarter, with retail properties down 2.0% and industrial properties down 4.8%. Full year Same Property NOI was down 3.8%.

16:04

MANT ManTech reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (48.12 +0.62)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.82 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.82; revenues rose 9.6% year/year to $542.1 mln vs the $536.1 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $3.50-3.75 vs. $3.51 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $2.63-2.85 bln vs. $2.63 bln consensus.

16:04

ESRX Express Scripts beats by $0.07, beats on revs; guides FY10 EPS above consensus (87.75 -0.24)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.97 per share, $0.07 better than the First Call consensus of $0.90; revenues rose 49.0% year/year to $8.2 bln vs the $7.4 bln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $4.80-5.00 vs. $4.69 consensus. Co reports gross margin of 8.4% vs. 9.3% First Call Consensus. For FY10 total adjusted claims are expected to be in a range of 740 to 760 million. Adjusted EBITDA per script is expected to be in a range of $3.15 to $3.25. Cash flow from operations is expected to be in excess of $2 billion. The Company continues to expect the acquisition of NextRx to generate more than $1 billion of incremental EBITDA once fully integrated.

16:03

MSSR McCormick & Schmick's beats by $0.02, misses on revs; guides FY10 EPS in-line, revs in-line (8.87 +0.10)

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.19 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.17; revenues fell 9.7% year/year to $89.2 mln vs the $91.4 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $0.40-0.45 vs. $0.40 consensus; sees FY10 revs of $355-365 mln vs. $363.71 mln consensus. In 2010, the Company plans to open two restaurants, the first in West Palm Beach, Florida, which opened in February and the second in Houston, Texas which is planned to open in the second quarter. Based on capital availability and depending on economic conditions, the Company may open additional restaurants in 2010.

16:02

AHT Ashford Hospitality Trust reports Q4 adjusted FFO of $0.32 vs. $0.29 First Call consensus; revenue decreased 18.3% y/y to $234.6 mln vs. $243.9 mln consensus (5.72 -0.12 )

At December 31, 2009, the company's net debt to total gross assets (as defined by the corporate credit facility) was 59.0%. As of December 31, 2009, the company had $2.8 bln of mortgage debt. Including the swap and flooridors its blended average interest rate was 2.95%. Including its $1.8 billion interest rate swap, 98% of the company's debt is variable-rate debt. The company's weighted average debt maturity including extension options is 5.2 years.

16:02

RSCR Res-Care updates New Mexico judgment (9.57 -0.06)

Co reported that the New Mexico trial court judge has reduced a December 2009 jury award from $53.9 mln to $15.5 mln. Ruling on post trial motions filed by the Company in the case of Larry Selk, by and through his legal guardian, Rani Rubio v. Res-Care New Mexico, Inc., Res Care, Inc., et al., on February 19, 2010, the Court ordered the punitive damage judgment reduced from $49.2 mln to $10.8 mln. The compensatory damage judgment of $4.7 mln was not changed.

16:00

CO China Cord Blood acquires stake in Shandong Cord Blood Bank (5.20 +0.00)

Co announces that as part of its nationwide expansion strategy, it has entered into an agreement to acquire an effective 19.92% equity interest in Shandong Cord Blood Bank for US$20.5 mln in an all-cash transaction. The Company intends to use its available cash to fund the acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2010, CCBC's equity interest in SCBB is expected to yield dividend income of US$1.04 million.

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