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03/18/2005 05:05:17 PM
StreetInsider Alert for DJ:INDU

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --The Dow finished 3.32 points higher to close at 10,629, the Nasdaq fell 8.63 points to close at 2,007, and the S&P 500 lost 0.56 points to close at 1,189.

The markets closed out the trading session mixed today but all of the major indexes rallied in the last hour of trading. The markets continue to feel anxiety over surging oil prices, which closed higher for the sixth consecutive week (near $57 per barrel).

Volume was heavy today due to the triple witching options expiration, with 2.3 billion shares trading on the NYSE and 2.1 billion on the Nasdaq. Decliners outpaced advancers today by a margin of 21:12 on the NYSE and by a margin of 19:12 on the Nasdaq.

In individual stories, Sports Entertainment Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKXE) closed 58.07% higher after acquiring 19 Entertainment Limited, creator of the American Idol television program, and entering into a long-term agreement with Simon Fuller, the founder and the creative force behind 19's most successful projects. On the downside, California Micro Devices Corporation (Nasdaq: CAMD) closed 27.09% lower after A.G. Edwards downgraded the stock as a result of the Company's reduced estimates and poor near term visibility.

There is no major economic data scheduled to be released on Monday.


03/18/2005 04:10:18 PM
StreetInsider Alert for BOL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Bausch & Lomb (NYSE: BOL) announces a settlement agreement ending a patent dispute relating to Alcon's ICAPS AREDS product. The agreement establishes a cross-licensing relationship that permits Alcon to continue to sell its AREDS-based nutraceutical product worldwide, and grants Bausch & Lomb global rights under one or more Alcon patents. The confidential terms of the agreement were approved by Bausch & Lomb's licensor, the United States Public Health Service.


03/18/2005 03:30:10 PM
StreetInsider Alert for ORCL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Oracle Corporation (Nasdaq: ORCL) issued the following statement:

"We have received word from the U.S. regulatory authorities that the Oracle acquisition of Retek has received early termination, clearing the way for Oracle to move forward with the transaction," said Jeff Lettes, Oracle spokesman.


03/18/2005 03:00:16 PM
StreetInsider Alert for BTU

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Peabody Energy Corp (NYSE: BTU) announced that its subsidiaries have acquired selected assets from Lexington Coal Company for $61 million in cash. Strong growth and long-term demand for Illinois Basin coal and increased investments in technologies allows Peabody to further expand its leadership position in the region. The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings in 2006.


~~~ Guidance For Trades ~~~ [ ALT + BACK ARROW ] to Return


ORCL BTU DJ:INDU ( CKXE CAMD CTMI MDTL BE ORCL RSH PLMO MTCT JBL CBR ) (To Earlier Below)


03/18/2005 03:30:10 PM
StreetInsider Alert for ORCL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Oracle Corporation (Nasdaq: ORCL) issued the following statement:

"We have received word from the U.S. regulatory authorities that the Oracle acquisition of Retek has received early termination, clearing the way for Oracle to move forward with the transaction," said Jeff Lettes, Oracle spokesman.


03/18/2005 03:00:16 PM
StreetInsider Alert for BTU

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Peabody Energy Corp (NYSE: BTU) announced that its subsidiaries have acquired selected assets from Lexington Coal Company for $61 million in cash. Strong growth and long-term demand for Illinois Basin coal and increased investments in technologies allows Peabody to further expand its leadership position in the region. The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings in 2006.


03/18/2005 01:40:14 PM
StreetInsider Alert for DJ:INDU

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --03/18: Streetinsider.com's Unusual 11 Afternoon Movers:

Sports Entertainment Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKXE) 27.56% HIGHER; has acquired 19 Entertainment Limited and has entered an agreement with Simon Fuller.

California Micro Devices Corporation (Nasdaq: CAMD) 27.36% LOWER; A.G. Edwards downgraded the stock.

Global Sources Ltd. (Nasdaq: GSOL) 19.79% LOWER; received definitive commitments for the purchase of 3,000,000 shares at $13.50 per share.

CTI Molecular Imaging, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTMI) 15.86% HIGHER; Siemens (NYSE: SI) will acquire the Company for $20.50 per share.

Medis Tech (Nasdaq: MDTL) 14.52% LOWER; Merriman downgraded the stock.

BearingPoint (NYSE: BE) 12.58% HIGHER; Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) CFO, Harry You, announced he is leaving ORCL to run the Company.

RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) 9.60% LOWER; guided lower for Q1 EPS. In addition, Jefferies downgraded the stock.

palmOne Inc (Nasdaq: PLMO) 9.02% LOWER; sees Q4 EPS and revenue below the consensus.

MTC Technologies (Nasdaq: MTCT) 8.42% LOWER; Legg Mason downgraded the stock.

Jabil Circuit Inc (NYSE: JBL) 6.96% HIGHER; guided higher for Q3 and FY05 EPS.

Ciber (NYSE: CBR) 6.89% HIGHER; Wachovia Securities upgraded the stock.




~~~ Consistency In Trading ~~~ [ ALT + BACK ARROW ] to Return

ORCC BLL DJ:INDU ( CAMD GSOL CTMI SI CKXE GSIC PLMO RSH CRME ) UGHO DSX ODP RCL (To Earlier Below)


03/18/2005 11:30:09 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ORCC

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Online Resources Corp. (Nasdaq: ORCC) increased its revenue and EBITDA expectations for the first quarter and full year 2005. It also narrowed its earnings expectations after considering an increase in non-cash equity compensation expense.


03/18/2005 10:50:11 AM
StreetInsider Alert for BLL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. (NYSE: BLL) has been selected by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to build the Global Precipitation Measurement-Microwave Imager (GMI) in support of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. Managed by NASA, GPM is a joint effort with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and other international partners to build a constellation of spacecraft to improve climate and weather predictions through more accurate and frequent precipitation measurements.


03/18/2005 10:35:24 AM
StreetInsider Alert for DJ:INDU

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --03/18: Streetinsider.com's Unusual 8 Morning Movers:

California Micro Devices Corporation (Nasdaq: CAMD) 23.47% LOWER; A.G. Edwards downgraded the stock, citing reduced estimates and poor near term visibility.

Global Sources Ltd. (Nasdaq: GSOL) 18.65% LOWER; received definitive commitments for the purchase of 3,000,000 shares at $13.50 per share.

CTI Molecular Imaging, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTMI) 16% HIGHER; Siemens (NYSE: SI) will acquire the Company for $20.50 per share.

Sports Entertainment Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: CKXE) 12.36% HIGHER; has acquired 19 Entertainment Limited, creator of the American Idol television program. In addition, the Company has entered into a long-term agreement with Simon Fuller, the founder and the creative force behind 19's most successful projects.

GSI Commerce Inc (Nasdaq: GSIC) 9.19% LOWER; Legg Mason downgraded the stock. The firm's rating stemmed from reduced 2005 EPS and revenue estimates as well as a warning about future revenue from PLMO, the Company's largest client.

palmOne Inc (Nasdaq: PLMO) 8.02% LOWER; sees Q4 EPS and revenue below the consensus.

RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) 7.65% LOWER; guided lower for Q1 EPS. In addition, Jefferies downgraded the stock.

Cardiome Pharma (Nasdaq: CRME) 7.40% LOWER; priced 8.5 million shares at $6 per share.


03/18/2005 10:25:15 AM
StreetInsider Alert for UGHO

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Universal Guardian Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: UGHO) announced that the Lake Forest, Illinois Police Department will commence a pilot program with the Company's Cobra StunLight.


03/18/2005 09:50:10 AM
StreetInsider Alert for DSX

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --The 12.375 million share IPO for Diana Shipping (NYSE: DSX) is open for trading. The stock is trading at $17.20 after pricing at $17. The deal is being led by Bear Stearns and Jefferies & Co.

Diana Shipping operates dry-bulk carriers that transport iron ore, coal and grains, among other cargoes, along worldwide shipping routes.


03/18/2005 09:40:17 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ODP

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --UBS upgrades Office Depot (NYSE: ODP) from 'neutral' to 'buy' with a $30 price target.


03/18/2005 09:30:40 AM
StreetInsider Alert for RCL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Jack Williams will step down as president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) to spend more time championing cystic fibrosis and other charitable causes. Williams has been president of the company since 1997.



~~~ What To Look For ~~~ [ ALT + BACK ARROW ] to Return


CCJ VDSI CKXE INFA SRR MVSN RCL CCL OSCI APD GLW IBAS BIVN WGO CATY DRCT PMCS CAMD COL GSIC CNP GE NOV IHP DIS TMX MHS CMX EOG KEM GBBK EWBC ASBC CATY SCC DRIV ALNY UCBH CKR EWBC ODP ASMI LNET INTC VRTY PLMO MOVI PNM ONXS ANN FLYI AAPL MSTR CPKI GAS CRXL ORCL RETK



03/18/2005 09:25:19 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CCJ

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --UBS upgrades Cameco Corp (NYSE: CCJ) from 'neutral' to 'buy'.


03/18/2005 09:25:07 AM
StreetInsider Alert for VDSI

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Wedbush Morgan upgrades Vasco Data Security (Nasdaq: VDSI) from 'hold' to 'buy'; says recent strategic deals could provide upside in 2005 & 2006.

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03/18/2005 09:20:27 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CKXE

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Sports Entertainment Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a CKX, Inc. (NASDAQ: CKXE), the control of which was recently acquired by Robert F. X. Sillerman, announced today that it has acquired 19 Entertainment Limited, the United Kingdom-based company best known for creating the American Idol(TM) television program. In addition, CKX has entered into a long-term agreement with Simon Fuller, the founder and the creative force behind 19's most successful projects.

This transaction follows CKX's recent acquisition of a controlling interest in Elvis Presley Enterprises, which owns and/or controls the commercial utilization of the name, image and likeness of Elvis Presley, the operation of the Graceland museum and related attractions, as well as revenue derived from Elvis Presley's, television specials, films and certain of his music.

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03/18/2005 09:10:07 AM
StreetInsider Alert for INFA

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Needham & Co. upgraded Informatica Corporation (Nasdaq: INFA) from 'hold' to 'buy'; $9.50 price target. In the firm's opinion, IBM's acquisition of Ascential will be a net positive for INFA. They cited the following key positive factors from this event: 1) alleviation of intense pricing pressure with the exit of Ascential as a standalone competitor; 2) a favorable position as a database- and application-neutral vendor and 3) INFA's opportunities to pursue expanded relationships with current Ascential partners which include Oracle/PeopleSoft, Sybase and large systems integrators.


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03/18/2005 09:05:08 AM
StreetInsider Alert for SRR

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Brean Murray initiated coverage on Stride Rite Corporation (NYSE: SRR) with a 'hold' rating; $14.00 price target.

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03/18/2005 09:00:26 AM
StreetInsider Alert for MVSN

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Avondale Partners LLC initiated coverage on Macrovision Corporation (Nasdaq: MVSN) with a 'market outperform' rating.


03/18/2005 09:00:26 AM
StreetInsider Alert for RCL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Raymond James upgraded Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD (NYSE: RCL) from 'outperform' to 'market perform'; $60.00 price target. The firm raised their outlook on the stock citing the continued strength for bookings and the recent pullback in the shares (particularly RCL).


03/18/2005 08:55:14 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CCL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Raymond James upgraded Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL) from 'market perform' to 'outperform'; $65.00 price target. The firm raised their outlook on the stock citing the continued strength for bookings and the recent pullback in the shares (particularly RCL).


03/18/2005 08:50:15 AM
StreetInsider Alert for OSCI

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Nasdaq: OSCI) has completed the expansion of its primary care sales force with the hiring of 150 new sales representatives. The 250-person sales team, led by 25 district managers, is calling on primary care physicians who account for 40 percent of fluoroquinolone prescriptions written for respiratory tract infections across the United States. As with the initial 100 sales representatives in place at launch, the newest hires have extensive pharmaceutical experience, an average of 5 years, and over two-thirds have sold anti-infectives previously.

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03/18/2005 08:45:16 AM
StreetInsider Alert for APD

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Air Products (NYSE: APD) authorized a $500 million share repurchase program, reflecting the company's strong financial position. The Board of Directors also increased the quarterly dividend on the company's stock to 32 cents per share from 29 cents, a 10% increase.


03/18/2005 08:45:16 AM
StreetInsider Alert for GLW

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Lazard Freres initiated coverage on Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) with a 'hold' rating; $13.00 price target.


03/18/2005 08:45:15 AM
StreetInsider Alert for IBAS

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Kaufman Brothers L.P. reinstated their 'buy' rating on iBasis Incorporated (OTCBB: IBAS). The firm is reinstating their coverage on the stock

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03/18/2005 08:40:18 AM
StreetInsider Alert for BIVN

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Bioenvision (Nasdaq: BIVN) announced today that an update of clinical data from continuing trials of clofarabine in pediatric and adult acute leukemia will be presented at the 6th International Symposium and Expert Workshop on Leukemia and Lymphoma in Amsterdam on March 17th-19th.

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03/18/2005 08:35:11 AM
StreetInsider Alert for WGO

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --BB&T Capital downgrades Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO) from 'buy' to 'hold'.


03/18/2005 08:35:11 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CATY

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Cathay General Bancorp (Nasdaq: CATY) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of up to an aggregate of one million shares of its common stock following completion of the Company's current stock buyback authorization.


03/18/2005 08:35:10 AM
StreetInsider Alert for DRCT

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --BB&T Capital Markets initiated coverage on Direct General Corporation (Nasdaq: DRCT) with 'buy' rating; $28.00 price target. According to the firm, by owning the premium finance company, DRCT can effectively change the terms of financing to retain customers without having to change premium pricing.


03/18/2005 08:35:09 AM
StreetInsider Alert for PMCS

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Lazard initiates coverage on PMC Sierra Inc (Nasdaq: PMCS) with a 'buy' rating and $13 price target.


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03/18/2005 08:30:36 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CAMD

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --A.G. Edwards downgraded California Micro Devices Corporation (Nasdaq: CAMD) from 'buy' to 'hold'. The firm based their downgrade on reduced estimates and poor near term visibility. As a result of CAMD's negative guidance for the March 2005 qtr, they are lowering their FY07 EPS est to 24c a share form 36c a share.


03/18/2005 08:30:35 AM
StreetInsider Alert for COL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Morgan Stanley downgraded Rockwell Collins Inc (NYSE: COL) from 'overweight' to 'equal-weight'.


03/18/2005 08:30:34 AM
StreetInsider Alert for GSIC

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Legg Mason dpwngraded GSI Commerce Inc (Nasdaq: GSIC) from 'buy' to 'hold'. The firm has lowered thier outlook on the stock following PLMO, which is GSIC's largest commerce client with over 15% of merchandise sales coming from PalmOne, warning it would miss forward rev estimates. They feel that the year will be mostly back-end loaded as the launch of Adidas, Aeropostale or RadioShack, will likely occur toward the end of Q3. In addition, they have cut their 2005 EPS 27c from 30c and 2005 rev est to $408 mln from $411 mln.


03/18/2005 08:30:34 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CNP

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --RBC Capital Markets initiated coverage CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) with an 'outperform' rating; $15.00 price target. The firm thinks CNP will produce stable earnings and cash flow growth that should be typical of a utility.


03/18/2005 08:30:33 AM
StreetInsider Alert for GE

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Smith Barney raised its 2005 EPS outlook on General Electric (NYSE: GE) to $1.82 from $1.80 and raised 2006 and 2007 EPS estimates 5 cents to $2.05 and $2.25, respectively. The analyst also raised their price target from $44 to $45 and reiterates a 'buy' rating.

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03/18/2005 08:25:09 AM
StreetInsider Alert for NOV

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Morgan Stanley downgraded National-Oilwell Varco, Incorporated (NYSE: NOV) from 'overweight' to 'equal-weight'; $55.00 price target. The firm lowered its rating due to valuation.


03/18/2005 08:25:08 AM
StreetInsider Alert for IHP

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Merrill Lynch initiated coverage on IHOP Corporation (NYSE: IHP) with a 'buy' rating; $55.00 price target. The firm established a Buy rating on the stock believing that F.C.F. should exceed $400 mln ($19.90/sh) over the next 5 yrs and IHP may repurchase over 35% of its share base, or increase dividend to around $3.50 (yield of 7.2%).


03/18/2005 08:25:07 AM
StreetInsider Alert for DIS

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Lehman Brothers initiates coverage on Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) with an 'Equal-weight' rating and $32 price target. The analyst says the strength and sustainability of DIS's recovery remain in question.

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03/18/2005 08:20:19 AM
StreetInsider Alert for TMX

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Morgan Stanley downgraded Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (NYSE: TMX) from 'equal-weight to 'underweight'; target price increased from $36.00 to $38.00. The firm sees accelerating deterioration. They also feel that better than expected wireless traffic growth last year makes TMX much more vulnerable, and valuation does not look compelling.


03/18/2005 08:20:18 AM
StreetInsider Alert for MHS

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --SunTrust initiates coverage on Medco Health Solutions (NYSE: MHS) with a 'buy' rating and $55 price target.


03/18/2005 08:20:15 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CMX

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --SunTrust initiates coverage on Caremark Rx Inc (NYSE: CMX) with a 'buy' rating and $50 price target.

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03/18/2005 08:20:19 AM
StreetInsider Alert for EOG

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Morgan Stanley upgraded EOG Resources Incorporated (NYSE: EOG) from 'equal-weight' to 'overweight'. The firm raised their recommendation on EOG noting it is positioned to continue its trend of outperformance.


03/18/2005 08:20:16 AM
StreetInsider Alert for KEM

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --UBS Securities upgraded Kemet Corporation (NYSE: KEM) from 'reduce' to 'neutral'. The firm believes that passive component demand should begin to improve as channel inventory adjustments come to an end.

______* More Coming *

03/18/2005 08:15:19 AM
StreetInsider Alert for GBBK

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Merrill Lynch initiated coverage on Greater Bay Bancorp (Nasdaq: GBBK) with a 'sell' rating. The firm assigned their Sell rating as they see earnings growth challenges, as focus on the depressed Silicon Valley commercial real estate sector is likely to prevent a quick earnings rebound.


03/18/2005 08:15:18 AM
StreetInsider Alert for EWBC

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Merrill Lynch initiated coverage on East West Bancorp Inc (Nasdaq: EWBC) with a 'buy' rating; $42.00 price target. The firm assigned their Buy rating as they look for strong earnings growth.


03/18/2005 08:15:18 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ASBC

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Merrill Lynch initiated coverage on Associated Banc-Corp (Nasdaq: ASBC) with a 'buy' rating; $37.00 price target. The firm assigned their Buy rating as they think valuation offers attractive upside potential with dividend support.


03/18/2005 08:15:17 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CATY

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Salomon Smith Barney initiated coverage on Cathay General Bancorp (Nasdaq: CATY) with s 'hold' rating; $37.00 price target. The firm views Cathay as having s a clear, sustainable competitive advantage over non-Chinese-American banks in: 1) small and miiddle-market China-related import finance (a Cathay General specialty), 2) commercial real estate finance for Chinese-Americans and 3) consumer banking for first-generation Chinese-American immigrants. They note that these factors, along with acquisitions, should drive well-above-peer EPS growth for at least 5-10 years.


03/18/2005 08:10:19 AM
StreetInsider Alert for SCC

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Security Capital Corporation (AMEX: SCC) announced that its majority owned subsidiary, Octagon Risk Services, Inc. ("Octagon"), has entered into a stock purchase agreement, dated March 17, 2005, with Continental Casualty Company ("Continental") to acquire all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Managed Care Holdings Corporation ("Managed Care Holdings") for $16,000,000. The purchase price is subject to adjustment based upon the working capital of Managed Care Holdings as of the closing date. The terms of the stock purchase agreement were established through arm's-length negotiation between Octagon and Continental.

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03/18/2005 08:10:05 AM
StreetInsider Alert for DRIV

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Digital River, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRIV) announced it acquired SWReg, a provider of e-commerce services for software authors. Under the terms of the agreement, Digital River acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities, vendor contracts and intellectual property of SWReg for $8.8 million in cash. Digital River may make additional earn-out payments of cash based on achieving specific revenue and development goals over the first 12 months following the closing of this acquisition. This acquisition did not impact the company's first quarter 2005 revised financial expectations announced on March 17, 2005.


03/18/2005 08:05:40 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ALNY

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY) announced the presentation of in vivo efficacy data on its lead candidate RNAi therapeutic for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection at The Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) in San Antonio, Texas. Experiments performed by researchers at Alnylam and collaborators from the University of Georgia demonstrated that a single low dose of Alnylam's lead RSV candidate, ALN-RSV01, an optimized siRNA, inhibits RSV replication both as a prophylactic and as a treatment when administered by intranasal delivery in a liquid form. Alnylam collaborator Dr. Ralph Tripp, Ph.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia presented the results.


03/18/2005 08:05:39 AM
StreetInsider Alert for UCBH

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Merrill Lynch initiated coveraeg on UCBH Holdings Inc (Nasdaq: UCBH) with a 'neutral' rating. Salomon Smith Barney started the stock at 'buy'; $50.00 price target. The firm says UCBH is one of the best growth stories among small-cap banks, with "built-in" China-related growth. They believe UCBH has a clear, sustainable competitive advantage over non-Chinese-American banks and should drive well-above-peer EPS growth for at least 5-10 years.


03/18/2005 08:05:39 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CKR

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Merrill Lynch initiates coverage on CKE Restaurants (NYSE: CKR) with a 'buy' rating and $22 price target; still sees significant upside potential.


03/18/2005 08:05:39 AM
StreetInsider Alert for EWBC

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Merrill Lynch initiated coverage on East West Bancorp Inc (Nasdaq: EWBC) with a 'buy' rating; $42.00 price target. The firm assigned their Buy rating as they look for strong earnings growth. Salomon Smith Barney started the stock at 'buy'; $46.00 price target. The firm says EWBC is one of the best growth stories among small-cap banks, with "built-in"


03/18/2005 08:00:40 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ODP

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Banc of America upgrades Office Depot (NYSE: ODP) from 'neutral' to 'buy' with a $29 price target.


03/18/2005 08:00:40 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ASMI

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Jefferies initiates coverage on ASM Intl NV (Nasdaq: ASMI) with a 'buy' rating and $20 price target.


03/18/2005 08:00:39 AM
StreetInsider Alert for LNET

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --UBS initiates coverage on LodgeNet (Nasdaq: LNET) with a 'buy' rating and $24 price target. The analyst says the stock offers reasonable growth with attractive valuation.


03/18/2005 08:00:39 AM
StreetInsider Alert for INTC

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Deutsche Bank upgrades Intel Corp (Nasdaq: INTC) from 'hold' to 'buy'; $27 price target. The analyst says near-term earnings risk is discounted.


03/18/2005 08:00:38 AM
StreetInsider Alert for VRTY

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Verity Inc. (Nasdaq: VRTY) announced that IBM (NYSE: IBM) has upgraded the search and content organization capabilities of its digital asset management solution for publishing with the integration of Verity K2 Developer.


03/18/2005 08:00:38 AM
StreetInsider Alert for PLMO

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Bear Stearns upgrades palmOne (Nasdaq: PLMO) from Underperform to Peer Perform on valuation.


03/18/2005 08:00:37 AM
StreetInsider Alert for MOVI

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Movie Gallery (Nasdaq: MOVI) reports Q4 earnings of $0.50 per share (excluding items), in-line with estimates. Q4 revenues were $208.4 million, lower than analysts estimates of $209.79 million. MOVI reaffirms Q1 and full-year earnings outlook.


03/18/2005 08:00:37 AM
StreetInsider Alert for PNM

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --PNM Resources (NYSE: PNM) said it plans to make separate concurrent public offerings of 3,400,000 shares of common stock and approximately $215 million of equity-linked securities, officials announced today.


03/18/2005 08:00:36 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ONXS

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Onyx Software Corporation (Nasdaq: ONXS) announced that Robert J. Chamberlain will join the company as its chief financial officer effective March 28, 2005. Chamberlain brings to Onyx more than two decades of relevant experience attained through financial leadership, board positions and auditing roles.


03/18/2005 08:00:35 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ANN

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Wachovia upgrades AnnTaylor (NYSE: ANN) from Underperform to Market Perform on positive outlook vs peers.


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03/18/2005 08:00:25 AM
StreetInsider Alert for FLYI

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Merrill Lynch downgrades FLYi (Nasdaq: FLYI) from Neutral to Sell, citing increased fuel costs and more competition.


03/18/2005 08:00:25 AM
StreetInsider Alert for AAPL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Morgan Stanley upgrades Apple Computer (Nasdaq: AAPL) from Equalweight to Overweight on strong sales outlook.


03/18/2005 08:00:24 AM
StreetInsider Alert for MSTR

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Smith Barney upgrades MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR) from Hold to Buy, telling clients to buy on recent dip in stock price-Price target $88.



03/18/2005 08:00:23 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CPKI

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --RBC Capital Markets upgrades California Pizza Kitchen (Nasdaq: CPKI) from Underperform to Sector Perform on positive outlook.


03/18/2005 08:00:23 AM
StreetInsider Alert for GAS

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) announced that Russ M. Strobel has been named chief executive officer of Nicor Inc. in addition to his current role as president of Nicor Inc. and chief executive officer and president of Nicor Gas.


03/18/2005 08:00:22 AM
StreetInsider Alert for CRXL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Crucell N.V. (Nasdaq: CRXL) announced that it has obtained an exclusive license to certain patents of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to develop and commercialize recombinant vaccines against Ebola.


03/18/2005 08:00:21 AM
StreetInsider Alert for ORCL

Mar 18, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL) Chief Financial Officer, Harry You, announced he is leaving the company to run BearingPoint (NYSE: BE)


03/18/2005 08:00:20 AM
StreetInsider Alert for RETK

Mar 17, 2005 (streetinsider.com via COMTEX) --Oracle Corporation (Nasdaq: ORCL) raised its cash tender offer to purchase all of the outstanding shares of Retek Inc. (Nasdaq: RETK) to $11.25 per share. Oracle already purchased 5.5 million shares of Retek common stock, representing nearly 10 percent of total shares outstanding.

NOTE - Earlier today SAP (NYSE: SAP) raised its bid for RETK to $11/share. The bidding war for the company started on 02/28 when SAP announced its first offer of $8.50/share.

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