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Market Update 110215

4:30 pm : A deluge of data failed to inspire buyers to build on the prior session's two-year closing high. Instead, the major equity averages fell modestly.

Stocks stretched in the prior session so that the S&P 500 came within reach of the 100% gain level from its 2009 low, but participants were generally inclined to sell today. As such, energy and materials plays, which had been leaders in the prior session, succumbed to profit taking. Both sectors logged losses of 1.1%.

Overall pressure was more mild, but utilities (+0.3%) and consumer discretionary stocks (+0.1%) were the only two sectors to score gains. The discretionary space was helped by Marriott (MAR 41.46, +0.46), which reported a better-than-expected bottom line, but issued a mixed outlook.

In other corporate news, Marsh & McLennan (MMC 30.23, +1.36) posted an upside surprise of its own. That helped its shares surge. FedEx (FDX 95.98, +1.99) trimmed its forecast. That was widely forgiven because the revision stemmed from the impact of weather, although higher fuel prices also played a part.

In the latest merger news, NYSE Euronext (NYX 38.12, -1.33) and Deutsche Boerse confirmed that they will combine.

Despite those announcements, data was the theme of the day. Among the more widely watched reports, advance retail sales and sales less autos both increased by 0.3% in January. Economists polled by Briefing.com had expected, on average, increases of 0.5% and 0.6%, respectively. The retail sales picture was further imbued by news that figures for the prior month were revised downward.

The Empire Manufacturing Survey for February came in at 15.4. That was up from the 11.9 posted for the prior month, but in line with the 15.5 consensus call published by Briefing.com.

Import prices for January increased 1.5% month over month, Net Treasury International Capital Flows increased to $48.2 billion in December from $35.6 billion in the prior month, and business inventories for December increased 0.8%. Those reports were assigned secondary status, though.

As for overseas data, China's CPI increased by 4.9% in January. Though that marked an acceleration from the 4.6% increase in December, it wasn't as bad as what had been widely feared. Still, China's PPI for January spiked an even sharper 6.6% after a 5.9% increase in the prior month. Japan reported that its industrial production increased 3.3% during December. The country's central bank also upgraded its economic outlook, but made no change to its key interest rate.

In Europe, France and Germany both reported that their fourth quarter GDP grew 0.4%, but eurozone GDP expanded at a slower 0.3% in the fourth quarter. The eurozone ZEW Survey for February improved to 29.5 from 25.4 in January, but Germany's February ZEW made a more modest improvement to 15.7 from 15.4 from the prior month. Consumer prices heated up even further in the United Kingdom with a 4.0% increase in January after a 3.7% increase in December. That report helped drive the British pound higher against the greenback.

Although the pound gained ground against the dollar, the Dollar Index managed to finish the trading session flat as the dollar advanced against the yen. The Dollar Index just set a three-week high in the prior session.

Advancing Sectors: Utilities (+0.3%), Consumer Discretionary (+0.1%)
Unchanged: Consumer Staples
Declining Sectors: Health Care (-0.1%), Financials (-0.2%), Telecom (-0.3%), Industrials (-0.3%), Tech (-0.5%), Energy (-1.1%), Materials (-1.1%)DJ30 -41.55 NASDAQ -12.83 NQ100 -0.2% R2K -0.7% SP400 -0.5% SP500 -4.31 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1007/2.01 bln/1627 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1131/927 mln/1828

3:30 pm : Commodities were mixed today, with industrials (+0.9%), precious metals (+0.8%), and livestock (+0.1%) all finishing higher and grains (-2.3%), softs (-0.8%), and energy (-0.6%) closing lower.

May wheat shed 3.5% to close at $8.72 per bushel, while May soybeans ended off 2.5% to $13.81 per bushel. Profit taking from recent rallies weighed on ag prices today.

Inflation concerns, following CPI data from China and Britain, supported the precious metals today. April gold ended higher by 0.6% to $1374.10 per ounce, while March silver finished up 0.6% to $30.70 per ounce.

March crude oil finished lower by 0.6% to $84.32 per barrel. Prices traded to their lowest levels since Nov 30. March natural gas ended higher by 0.9% to $3.97 per MMBtu. DJ30 -56.53 NASDAQ -12.56 SP500 -5.64 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 978/1.6 bln/1640 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1196/619.6 mln/1752

3:00 pm : Stocks have started to rebound from their afternoon lows, but lingering weakness has left the major averages in the red. As things currently stand, the stock market is on pace for only its second loss in nine sessions. Only an hour remains before the session's end.

After the close Bob Evans (BOBE 34.05, +0.00), Dell (DELL 13.85, -0.24), and several other names are scheduled to report earnings. Tomorrow morning brings the latest from Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF 53.79, -0.71), Comcast (CMCSA 24.06, +0.19), and Deere (DE 93.58, -1.18), as well as others. A complete list of companies scheduled to report tomorrow and beyond can be viewed on Briefing.com's Earnings Calendar. DJ30 -54.98 NASDAQ -12.77 SP500 -5.49 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 962/1.49 bln/1641 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1154/573 mln/1787

2:30 pm : Stocks have fallen under an afternoon flurry of selling, which has threatened to take the broad market down to a fresh session low. The move has been broad based, but energy stocks and materials stocks are in the worst shape. Those two sectors are down 1.4% and 1.2%, respectively.

Even financials have been caught up in the latest spell of selling. The sector had been up with a narrow gain all morning and into early afternoon trade, but it is now down to a 0.4% loss.

Of the major sectors, only utilities are in positive territory. That sector is clinging to a fractional gain, though. DJ30 -72.31 NASDAQ -16.40 SP500 -7.40 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1000/1.36 bln/1591 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1164/524 mln/1744

2:00 pm : Stocks have spent the entire session chopping along with modest losses in a relatively narrow range. The drift comes after stocks advanced to within about a point of the S&P 500's 100% gain level from its 2009 low, which was registered just beneath the 667 line. The hesitation on the part of buyers to extend the stock market's recent run into today's trade comes amid a mixed batch of data and an underwhelming dose of corporate news.DJ30 -47.11 NASDAQ -9.08 SP500 -4.35 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1125/1.25 bln/1447 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1307/475 mln/1574

1:30 pm : Oil prices had been up nicely in the early going, when they set a high of almost $86 per barrel, but they have since pulled back sharply to trade with a 0.8% loss at $84.15 per barrel. The drop in oil prices certainly hasn't helped stocks in the energy space, which is down 1.0% to trade as the worst performing sector.

Treasuries turned lower in recent trade. They had been up with slight gains for most of the session, but the benchmark 10-year Note is now down a couple of ticks so that its yield has lifted off of the 3.60% line. DJ30 -42.27 NASDAQ -8.31 SP500 -3.83 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1140/1.17 bln/1415 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1312/444 mln/1559

1:00 pm : A mixed bag of data and an absence of leadership have left all three major equity averages to chop along in negative territory all session.

Early morning participants first focused on a deluge of data from abroad. Markets there had a mixed reaction. Among the more widely anticipated reports, China's January CPI increased by 4.9% after a 4.6% increase for December, but its January PPI spiked a heady 6.6% after a 5.9% increase in the prior month. Japan reported an increase in industrial production for December and upgraded its economic outlook, but made no change to its key interest rate. Both France and Germany reported fourth quarter GDP growth of 0.4%. Broader eurozone GDP grew a tepid 0.3% in the fourth quarter, but the eurozone ZEW Survey for February improved to 29.5 from 25.4 in January.

As for domestic data, advance retail sales increased at a smaller-than-expected 0.3% in January. Sales less autos also increased at a smaller-than-expected 0.3%. Figures for the prior month were also revised downward.

The Empire Manufacturing Survey for February came in at 15.4, which is up from the 11.9 that was recorded for the prior month and essentially in step with what had been widely expected.

Other economic reports, including import price data, Treasury International Capital, and business inventories, were generally shrugged off.

Natural resource plays provided leadership in the prior session, but they've been hit with some profit taking today. More specifically, the energy sector is down 1.1% after it advanced 2.0% yesterday. Materials stocks have fallen to a 0.8% loss after climbing 1.0% in the prior session.

As a group, financials have managed to stay out of negative territory, but the sector hasn't really attracted enough support to make it a leader. Instead, it has spent the first part of the session plodding along with a narrow gain, which currently stands at just 0.1%.

Marsh McLennan (MMC 30.30, +1.43) has been standout in the financial sector, though. Better-than-expected earnings have the stock is on pace for its best single-session percentage gain in more than a year, so that it now trades at a two-year high.

In other corporate news, FedEx (FDX 95.82, +1.83) trimmed its forecast. Marriott (MAR 41.71, +0.71) reported an upside earnings surprise, but issued a mixed forecast.DJ30 -38.67 NASDAQ -7.76 SP500 -4.00 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1169/1.09 bln/1370 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1350/410 mln/1514

12:30 pm : The dollar has managed to make a move to the neutral line after trading with a loss all morning. Its early descent had the Dollar Index on pace for its first loss in four sessions. Just yesterday the greenback set a three-week high against competing currencies. The dollar is still down 0.6% this year, though.DJ30 -36.59 NASDAQ -7.54 SP500 -3.36 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1054/1.00 bln/1439 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1234/377 mln/1620

12:00 pm : The major equity averages remain mired in negative territory with modest losses. Their inability to make a move out of the red stems mostly from an absence of broad market leadership.

Volatility is up amid this session's selling effort, such that the Volatility Index (VIX) is up almost 4%. Of course, that comes after it registered a three-year low in the prior session. Contrarian investors frequently use the VIX as a barometer of bullishness or fearfulness because lower levels of volatility often bolsters confidence investors won't get whipsawed. DJ30 -51.39 NASDAQ -14.13 SP500 -5.63 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1037/901 mln/1451 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1151/335 mln/1675

11:30 am : Semiconductor stocks were strong in the prior session, but as a group they have fallen to a 1.1% loss today. That has undermined the broader tech sector and the Nasdaq Composite, both of which currently contend with 0.4% losses.

In contrast, large-cap tech issues like Yahoo! (YHOO 17.22, +0.33) and eBay (EBAY 34.31, +0.45) have been strong performers this session. Shares of YHOO now trade at their best levels in about 10 months. Meanwhile, shares of EBAY are within close reach of their two-year high. DJ30 -34.40 NASDAQ -10.05 SP500 -3.63 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1022/789 mln/1425 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1170/295 mln/1642

11:00 am : Failure to extend an early rebound encouraged sellers to redouble their efforts, but support continues to limit broad market losses. The action has left the stock market only modestly lower for the session.

Energy stocks have been hit with some stiff selling, however. The sector surged more than 2% in the prior session, but participants appear to be taking profits as they send the sector to a 1.2% loss in the face of higher oil prices, which were last quoted with a 0.6% gain at $85.35 per barrel.

Materials stocks were also strong yesterday, when they advanced to a 1.0% gain. They are down 0.7% today. DJ30 -51.54 NASDAQ -14.27 SP500 -5.38 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 906/652 mln/1503 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1017/245 mln/1763

10:35 am : Weakness in the dollar index this morning is providing price support to commodities, however, half of the components in the CRB Commodity Index remains in negative territory.

Cotton, nickel, coffee and silver are the leading four performers in the CRB Index, while, on the downside, sugar, wheat and cocoa are the worst performers.

Cotton futures are showing strong gains after the Australian Bureau of Agriculture & Resource Economics & Sciences cut its cotton crop production estimate by 6.2% from December. Currently, cotton futures are 1.8% higher at $1.8941/lb.

In the energy markets, March crude oil has pulled back from session highs of $85.97 per barrel, but remains slightly higher at $84.96 per barrel, while March natural gas is back at the unchanged line at $3.93 per MMBtu.

Precious metals pulled back a short while ago after the dollar index found strength. April gold touched session highs of $1377.50 per ounce earlier this morning and is now up 0.5% at $1372.40 per ounce. March silver is 0.4% higher at $30.66 per ounce.DJ30 -67.20 NASDAQ -17.79 SP500 -7.60 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 857/453.6 mln/1465 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 932/174.9 mln/1783

10:05 am : Stocks are slowly working their way back from an opening slip. Financials are still out in front, although the sector trades with a gain of only 0.2%.

The dollar is down for the first time in several days. Its greatest loss has come against the British pound, which is up 0.7% to $1.615 following news that the CPI for the United Kingdom increased by 4.0% in January.

Business inventory data for December was just released. Inventories reportedly increased by 0.8% after a 0.4% increase in the prior month. The data has done little to move the broader market. DJ30 -36.29 NASDAQ -5.02 SP500 -2.75 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 903/280 mln/1275 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1017/111 mln/1597

09:45 am : The major equity averages are on the slide in the first few minutes of trade. The move has been broad based, but financials have managed to find favor so that the sector is up 0.1% while every other sector is in the red.

Financials are currently being helped by diversified banks, up 0.4%, and diversified financial services, up 0.3%, after the group had a relatively quiet session yesterday. However, insurance brokers, up 2.8%, have been standouts in the sector following an upside earnings surprise from Marsh McLennan (MMC 30.49, +1.62). DJ30 -37.88 NASDAQ -7.36 SP500 -3.52

09:15 am : S&P futures vs fair value: -5.50. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -7.40. Stock futures suggest a lower start is in order for today's trade. Weakness, though relatively modest, comes after the stock market put in a fresh two-year closing high that was about a point shy of a 100% gain from its 2009 low. A deluge of domestic and foreign data has failed to provide any boost needed to push past that point -- U.S. monthly retail sales increased less than expected, eurozone GDP was somewhat underwhelming, China's CPI climbed slightly less than had been feared initially, and Japan raised its economic outlook. Corporate news has been generally inconsequential as it relates to broad market morning trade. Still, it is worth noting that FedEx (FDX) cut its guidance in response to recent spells of rough weather. Marriott (MAR) posted an upside earnings surprise, but its outlook was rather mixed. Marsh & McLennan (MMC) also beat earnings expectations. Just released was news that NYSE Euronext (NYX) and Deutsche Boerse have confirmed an agreement to combine.

09:05 am : S&P futures vs fair value: -5.80. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -7.90. Futures for the S&P 500 still trail fair value. Participants abroad continue to digest a deluge of data released overnight and this morning. Domestic data has been thrown into the mix, too; Net Treasury International Capital Flows for December came in at $48.2 billion, up from $35.6 billion in the prior month. So far, the response has been varied.

Germany's DAX is currently up 0.2% following news that its GDP grew by 0.4% in the fourth quarter after a 0.7% increase in third quarter GDP. Germany's February ZEW improved more modestly to 15.7 from 15.4 in the prior month. The latest round of trade has favored Deutsche Bank (DB) and BASF. Adidas and BMW have been out of favor, though. France's CAC is currently up 0.3%, although declining issues and advancing issues trade in near perfect balance. BNP Paribas and Societe Generale have been key sources of support. Danone has also shown strength following its official fiscal 2010 results. Meanwhile, LVMH and Moet Hennesey have been sources of weakness. France's GDP grew by 0.4% in the fourth quarter. That follows a 0.4% increase in third quarter GDP. Britain's FTSE is currently off by 0.2%. Barclays (BCS) is up big following the release of its financial results for the second half of fiscal 2010. Lloyds Group (LYG) has followed it to higher ground. In contrast to the strength exhibited by banking plays, metals and mining issues Rio Tinto (RIO), BHP Billiton (BHP), Anglo American, and Xstrata are all in the red. January consumer prices in the United Kingdom increased by 4.0% in January. That follows a 3.7% increase for December. In broader economic news, eurozone fourth quarter GDP increased by 0.3% after a 0.4% increase in the third quarter. The eurozone ZEW Survey for February improved to 29.5 from 25.4 in January.

Action in Asia was mixed overnight. The widely anticipated January CPI reading from China came showed a 4.9% increase after it had increased by 4.6% during December. Its January PPI increased at an even sharper pace of 6.6% after a 5.9% increase in the prior month. China's Shanghai Composite finished its session flat. It had already rallied in the prior session amid rumors that the inflation data would not show as sharp of an increase as what had been feared initially. China Petroleum (SNP) and PetroChina (PTR) were primary leaders in the latest round of trade, but their efforts were offset by weakness in heavyweights Industrial & Commercial Bank and China Life Insurance. Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 1.0%. Banking plays like HSBC (HBC), China Construction Bank, and Industrial & Commercial Bank were weak and weighed considerably on broader action. Li & Fung put together an impressive 2.1% in the face of broad market weakness. Japan's Nikkei advanced 0.2% amid leadership from Softbank and Honda Motora (HMC), both of which helped offset weakness in Fast Retailing, Olympus, and Canon (CAJ). According to Japan's latest data, industrial production there increased by 3.3% in December. The country's central bank announced no change to its key interest rate, but upgraded the outlook on its economy.

08:35 am : S&P futures vs fair value: -5.30. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -7.90. Stock futures continue to trail fair value by a modest margin following a flurry of economic data. The Advance Retail Sales report for January showed a 0.3% increase in overall retail sales and a 0.3% increase in sales less autos. Respective increases of 0.5% and 0.6% had been expected, on average, among economists polled by Briefing.com. Figures for the prior month were revised downward so that retail sales show an increase of 0.5% and sales less autos show an increase of 0.3%. Separately, the Empire Manufacturing Survey for February came in at 15.4, which is up from the 11.9 that was recorded for the prior month, but just shy of the 15.5 that had been widely expected. Import prices for January increased 1.5% month over month after a 1.2% monthly increase in the prior month.

08:05 am : S&P futures vs fair value: -4.10. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -6.10. Stock futures are down a bit before the latest Empire Manufacturing report, import price data, and advance retail sales figures, all of which are due at the bottom of the our. Treasury International Capital flows follow at 9:00 AM ET, then business inventory data at 10:00 AM ET. Overseas markets are mixed following a deluge of data there. China reported that its January CPI increased by 4.9% after a 4.6% increase for December. Its January PPI increased at an even sharper pace of 6.6% after a 5.9% increase in the prior month. Japan posted a pickup in industrial production for December. Its central bank announced no change to its key interest rate, but upgraded the outlook on its economy. In Europe, both France and Germany reported fourth quarter GDP growth of 0.4%. Broader eurozone fourth quarter GDP grew by 0.3% in the fourth quarter. The eurozone ZEW Survey for February improved to 29.5 from 25.4 in January while Germany's February ZEW improved more modestly to 15.7 from 15.4 in the prior month. Overseas trade has been generally mixed.

06:41 am : [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: -2.30. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -1.60.

http://finance.yahoo.com/marketupdate/update


6:56PM Airgas is 4.7% lower after hours at $60.75/share following news that Air Products (APD) withdrew its offer for Airgas (see 18:53 comment) (ARG) 63.743 +0.41 :

6:53PM Airgas: Air Products (APD) withdraws offer for Airgas (ARG) 63.73 +0.41 : Co commented on the decision by the Delaware Chancery Court to uphold the Airgas, Inc. (NYSE: ARG) poison pill. Co said, "We are disappointed by the court's decision. We believe the Airgas Board of Directors has done a great disservice to Airgas shareholders by never allowing them to decide for themselves whether they want to accept our $70 per share all-cash offer. It is abundantly clear that the Airgas Board is thoroughly entrenched in its position, so we have decided to withdraw our offer and move on." Co continued, "While acquiring Airgas at an appropriate price would have been a value-creating opportunity, APD has many other compelling growth opportunities around the world that we are continuing to pursue. Our business is performing extremely well as evidenced by our most recent results, and we remain focused on executing against our strategic plan and delivering strong results for our shareholders."

6:48PM Airgas comments on Delaware Chancery court ruling (ARG) 63.73 +0.41 : Airgas (ARG) commented on the Delaware Chancery Court's decision upholding the Airgas Stockholder Rights Plan. The Court's Order states, "Plaintiff Air Products' and the Shareholder Plaintiffs' requests for relief are DENIED in their entirety, and all claims asserted against the current and former Defendants in these actions are DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE." Co said, "We are pleased with the Chancery Court's ruling, which is consistent with established Delaware precedent. Airgas' Stockholder Rights Plan has been in place since 1987 and is an important element of our corporate governance structure. ARG remains steadfast in its belief that Air Products' offer is clearly inadequate and is intended only to transfer the value of Airgas to Air Products at a price that does not appropriately compensate our stockholders." In evaluating Air Products' most recent offer, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC and Goldman, Sachs & Co. served as financial advisors, and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal counsel to Airgas and its Board of Directors.

6:40PM Foot Locker increases quarterly dividend 10% to $0.165 (FL) 18.40 -0.02 :

6:31PM Baxter reports positive PREFLUCEL news (BAX) 51.61 -0.10 : BAX announced results of a study published in this week's issue of The Lancet that demonstrate effectiveness and tolerability of Baxter's PREFLUCEL in protecting against seasonal influenza. The study data show nearly 80% protective efficacy against the influenza strains contained in the vaccine and a low adverse event profile. PREFLUCEL is manufactured using Vero cell technology, offering an innovative method of vaccine production compared to conventional embryonated chicken egg production, which has been used for decades. Investigators studied the safety, immunogenicity and protective efficacy of PREFLUCEL through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trial conducted in more than 7,200 healthy volunteers in the United States during the 2008/2009 influenza season. Study results indicated that participants responded positively to the vaccine, with 78.5 percent protective efficacy against culture-confirmed influenza infection (CCII) and robust immune responses (measured as seroprotection rates) against the three viral strains contained in the vaccine: A/H1N1- (88.0%), A/H3N2- (93.3%) and B-specific (97.1%). In addition to protection, study investigators found significantly reduced duration and severity of influenza symptoms in infected subjects in the vaccinated group, as compared with the placebo group in a subsequent analysis. The vaccine was well tolerated, with no treatment-related serious adverse events reported during the trial.

6:15PM Dionex reported that Thermo Fisher (TMO) scientific extends cash tender offer for the co for $118.50/share (DNEX) 117.65 -0.02 : Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO), the world leader in serving science, today announced that its previously announced tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Dionex(DNEX) for $118.50 per share in cash has been extended and will now expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, at the end of Thurs, April 7, 2011, unless further extended. All other terms and conditions of the Offer remain unchanged. As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on February 15, 2011, ~9,084,585 shares of DNEX common stock, representing ~52% of all outstanding shares, had been tendered into and not withdrawn from the offer.

6:05PM Medivation and Astellas announce positive new, long-term follow-up data from phase 1-2 trial (MDVN) 18.63 +0.65 : Medivation (MDVN) and Astellas Pharma Inc. today announced positive, new, long-term follow-up data from the Phase 1-2 trial of MDV3100 in patients with advanced prostate cancer. MDV3100 is a novel, triple-acting, oral androgen receptor antagonist. These new results showed that MDV3100 continues to show durable antitumor activity as evaluated by median times to prostate-specific antigen progression and radiographic progression. These findings confirm the initial Phase 1-2 results published in The Lancet, in which MDV3100 consistently demonstrated anti-tumor activity in both chemotherapy-naive and post-chemotherapy patients across endpoints, as evaluated by PSA levels, radiographic findings and circulating tumor cell counts.

5:31PM Altair Nanotechnologies reported that INE Awards Altairnano Firm Contract for 10 megawatt energy storage system in El Salvador (ALTI) 2.83 -0.04 : ALTI announced it had signed a binding contract with Inversiones Energeticas, S.A. de C.V. (INE), one of El Salvador's largest electric generation utilities, to provide a turn-key 10 Megawatt ALTI-ESS advanced battery system for frequency control. The contract, valued at 18 mln U.S. dollars, requires Altairnano to provide a complete turn-key installation at INE's Talnique power station, including all phases of site preparation, system installation, testing and commissioning. The ALTI-ESS uses Altairnano's patented lithium-titanate battery chemistry for its energy storage system, which has been in commercial operation for approximately two years.

5:31PM FXCM reports monthly metrics; retail customer trading volume of $258 billion in January 2011, 8% higher than Dec 2010 (FXCM) 13.740 +0.59 : Co announced certain key operating metrics for January 2011 for its retail foreign exchange business. Monthly activities included: January 2011 -- Retail customer trading volume(1) of $258 bln in Jan 2011, 8% higher than December 2010 and 5% higher than January 2010; An average of 307,689 retail client trades per day in Jan 2011, 11% higherthan Dec 2010 and 7% lower than January 2010; Tradeable accounts of 173,990 as of Jan 31, 2011, a decrease of 1,250 or 1% from Dec 2010, and an increase of 30,343 or 21% from Jan, 2010. As part of regular account maintenance, FXCM notified clients in Jan 2011 that it would charge a fee for accounts that had not placed a trade in over 12 months. The inactive fee will be assessed in February 2011. As a result, 3,221 previously inactive accounts closed in January. Excluding these closures, tradeable accounts would have increased by 1,971 or 1%.

5:30PM Yadkin Valley Financial Board elects Joseph Towell as new CEO (YAVY) 2.44 -0.08 : Board of Directors of Yadkin Valley Financial Corp (YAVY) elected outstanding banking executive, Joseph H. Towell, as President and Chief Executive Officer of one of the most recognized financial-services companies in the region. Until today's appointment, Towell has served as President of the Co's subsidiary, Yadkin Valley Bank and Trust Company, and Chief Operating Officer of the Co and the Bank. He joined $2.2 bln Yadkin Valley Financial in 2008 as Chief Credit Officer, bringing decades of successful financial-services experiences and knowledge to the Company. Towell's appointment represents the ongoing succession plan, governed by the Company's Board.

5:30PM Hudson Pacific Properties announces $92 mln term loan (HPP) 60.16 +0.01 : Co announced it closed a five-year term loan totaling $92 million with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. secured by the Company's Sunset Gower and Sunset Bronson media and entertainment campuses. The loan bears interest at a rate equal to one-month LIBOR plus 350 basis points. $37 mln of the loan is currently subject to an interest rate swap agreement that swaps one-month LIBOR to a fixed rate of 75 basis points through April 30, 2011. The co is required to hedge at least half of the $92 mln term loan within 30 days of the closing.

5:23PM CTI Industries announced that S.C. Johnson & Son renews supply and license agreement with the co (CTIB) 6.14 +0.01 : CTIB announced that it has received notice from S.C. Johnson & Son that SC Johnson has elected to renew the Supply and License Agreement among them for the manufacture and supply of zippered airtight vacuum storage bags which SC Johnson sells under the ZipLoc(R) name. The agreement was for an initial term expiring on June 30, 2011 and provides for two renewal terms of two years each, at the option of SC Johnson. By the notice received on February 11, 2011, SC Johnson has elected to renew the agreement for a two year term commencing on July 1, 2011.

5:22PM MEMC Elec reported that Samsung Fine Chemicals and the co sign polysilicon joint venture agreement (WFR) 14.14 -0.21 : Samsung Fine Chemicals (SFC) and MEMC Electronic Materials (WFR) announced a joint venture agreement between SFC and MEMC's affiliate, MEMC Singapore, to produce high purity polysilicon in Ulsan, Korea. Through a 50/50 capital investment, the joint venture will build and operate a new facility on an existing SFC property in Ulsan. The facility, which is expected to begin production in 2013, will have an initial capacity of 10,000 metric tons of polysilicon annually, and have the potential to expand to satisfy rapidly growing demand over time.

5:21PM Given Imaging beats by $0.06, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS below consensus, revs in-line (GIVN) 19.17 +0.38 : Reports Q4 (Dec) GAAP earnings of $0.11 per share, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 12.3% year/year to $44.9 mln vs the $41.7 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY11, GAAP sees EPS of $0.35-0.40 vs. $0.41 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $165-173 mln vs. $166.54 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

5:15PM j2 Global beats by $0.10, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (JCOM) 28.80 -0.21 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.60 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.10 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.50; revenues rose 929.0% year/year to $71 mln vs the $70.7 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.21-2.42, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $2.34 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $320-340 mln vs. $336.22 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

5:12PM Dice Holdings announced a public offering of common stock by certain stockholders (DHX) 15.45 -0.25 : Co announced a public offering of common stock by certain stockholders, including affiliates of General Atlantic LLC, Quadrangle Group LLC, as well as by the Company, including senior management. In connection with the offering, certain of the selling stockholders have granted to the underwriters an option to purchase up to a specified percentage of additional shares. The co will not receive any of the proceeds from the offering of shares by the selling stockholders. Dice Holdings, Inc. will use the net proceeds that it receives from the offering to repurchase an equal number of shares of the Co's common stock from certain members of its senior management and board of directors. Jefferies & Co is the lead book-running manager of the offering and Stifel Nicolaus Weisel and William Blair & Company are serving as book-running managers.

5:12PM Rush Enterprises reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (RUSHA) 20.60 -0.14 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.20 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.20; revenues rose 61.6% year/year to $463 mln vs the $394.7 mln consensus.

5:02PM Boston Scientific announced the acquisition of two novel technologies to treat peripheral chronic total occlusions (BSX) 6.98 unch : Co announced the acquisition of two novel technologies to treat peripheral chronic total occlusions. Boston Scientific acquired a re-entry catheter in November 2010 from S.I. Therapies. The Company will also acquire an intraluminal CTO crossing device through its acquisition of Sunnyvale. Together, the transactions are expected to have an immaterial impact on GAAP and adjusted earnings in 2011 and 2012 and be accretive thereafter. Transactional financial terms were not disclosed.

4:59PM ValueClick-correction- ValueClick beats by $0.03; guides Q1 EPS above in-line (VCLK) 14.80 +0.04 : Earlier, we reported that the co reported Q4 EPS of $0.31 and EPS of $0.21-0.22. This was incorrect, as the actual included certain items and is $0.26 for the quarter... The correct post is as follows: Reports Q4 (Dec) GAAP earnings of $0.26 per share, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.23; revenues rose 16.7% year/year to $128.7 mln vs the $124.9 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees GAAP EPS of $0.16-0.17, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.17 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $111-113 mln vs. $107.80 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:36PM Allstate announces that it is seeking agents to open 87 new offices in Illinois (ALL) 30.54 -0.42 :

4:34PM Cadence Financial announced that the Federal Reserve has approved the acquisition of the Company by Community Bancorp for $2.50 in cash per Cadence common share (CADE) 2.48 0.00 :

4:32PM Marchex reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides Q1 revs above consensus; guides FY11 revs above consensus (MCHX) 9.09 +0.13 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.04 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.04; revenues rose 19.7% year/year to $28 mln vs the $26.9 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of $28.5-29.5 mln vs. $26.99 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $118-122 mln vs. $111.97 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:32PM Trimble Navigation's Meridian Systems announces that AECOM and Meridian are working together on a task order from the U.S. General Services Administration's Public Buildings Service to provide Electronic Project Management system administration, support and training (TRMB) 49.00 -0.32 :

4:31PM NPS Pharm beats by $0.11, beats on revs (NPSP) 8.10 +0.10 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.09 per share, $0.11 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.20); revenues rose 9.0% year/year to $24 mln vs the $23.5 mln consensus. NPS expects its 2011 cash burn to be in the range of $85-100 mln. At December 31, 2010, the company's cash, cash equivalents, and marketable investment securities totaled $134 million compared to $75 million at December 31, 2009.

4:31PM Medical Properties Trust invests $88.0 mln in New Jersey and Texas hospitals (MPW) 11.11 -0.04 : Co announced it has acquired the real estate of an acute care hospital in New Jersey and the real estate and, indirectly 9.9% of the operations, of a long term acute care hospital (LTACH) in the Dallas area. Co purchased for approximately $58.0 mln the real estate of a 6-story, 278-bed acute care hospital in the New Jersey area of metropolitan New York, and leased the facility to the operator under a 15-year lease, with six 5-year extension options.

4:31PM Quantum increases StorNext investments and expands partnerships to deliver new solutions for Apple (AAPL) customers (QTM) 2.82 -0.02 : Co announces it is expanding its StorNext commitment to Apple customers. In combination with technology and channel partners, co plans to offer a new range of file storage products which will enable business organizations that use Apple products to leverage their existing IT investments more effectively.

4:30PM Beckman Coulter's board of directors recommends stockholders accept Danaher's (DHR) cash tender offer of $83.50 per share (BEC) 82.86 -0.04 : The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2011 and is subject to various conditions, including the tender of at least a majority of the outstanding shares, calculated on a fully-diluted basis, of co's common stock in the tender offer and the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other applicable regulatory approvals. Following completion of the tender offer, Danaher will acquire all remaining shares of co's common stock through a second step merger at the same price per share paid in the tender offer (without interest and subject to applicable withholding taxes).

4:29PM Smurfit-Stone extends existing employment agreement of CEO Patrick J. Moore until the completion of its pending acquisition by Rock-Tenn Company (SSCC) 39.45 -0.09 :

4:26PM Health Care REIT signs a definitive agreement to form an $890 million partnership with Benchmark Senior Living (HCN) 49.50 +0.30 : The partnership will include 34 Benchmark senior housing communities in six New England states, totaling 3,009 units. Benchmark Senior Living will become the largest operator in Health Care REIT's portfolio.

4:26PM PartnerRe estimated that the total net impact of loss events in Australia that have occurred to date in Q1 of 2011 will be between $80-$110 mln (PRE) 80.76 -0.70 :

4:23PM Argonaut Group appoints John Spencer Non-Executive Chairman, effective immediately, replacing David Spiller (AGII) 36.36 -0.04 :

4:20PM LogMeIn beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (LOGM) 40.09 -1.76 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.28 per share, $0.04 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.24; revenues rose 53.0% year/year to $30.9 mln vs the $29.7 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of 0.13-0.14 vs. $0.15 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $26.3-26.6 mln vs. $26.90 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.68-0.73 vs. $0.73 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $116-120 mln vs. $118.45 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:19PM Wright Express extends its existing fuel-price risk management program through the third quarter of 2012 (WXS) 52.31 -0.79 : On February 9, 2011, co purchased instruments to cover a portion of its anticipated domestic fuel-price-related earnings exposure for the first, second and third quarters of 2012. At this time, co has hedged 80% of its exposure through the first-quarter of 2012, 53% of its second-quarter 2012 exposure and 27% of its third-quarter 2012 exposure. Going forward, co intends to hedge approximately 80% of its domestic fuel-price-related earnings exposure in every quarter on a rolling basis.

4:19PM Archipelago Learning confirms its e-learning system, Study Island, is now compatible with the SMART Response interactive response system from SMART Technologies (SMT) (ARCL) 10.80 -0.34 :

4:19PM Higher One beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs above consensus; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (ONE) 18.33 -0.01 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.17 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.04 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.13; revenues rose 52.5% year/year to $39.8 mln vs the $36.6 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.23-0.25 vs. $0.23 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $51-53 mln vs. $47.15 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.68-0.74, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.72 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $180-188 mln vs. $178.89 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:19PM Enpro Industries to acquire the Mid Western companies, privately held businesses primarily serving the oil and gas drilling, production and processing industries of Western Canada (NPO) 43.20 +0.15 :

4:17PM La-Z-Boy beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line (LZB) 8.28 -0.11 : Reports Q3 (Jan) earnings of $0.12 per share, excluding a $0.06 tax benefit, and $0.01 gain in anti-dumping duries, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.11; revenues fell 4.3% year/year to $291.9 mln vs the $292 mln consensus. Co says "With a rebound in same-store sales for the quarter, it appears the consumer is more comfortable making larger ticket furniture purchases. However, until the housing sector strengthens and we see a steady improvement in the overall consumer confidence level, we are guardedly optimistic that we are experiencing a turnaround in the marketplace for furniture. We believe La-Z-Boy is well positioned to capitalize on an increase in furniture spending based on our industry-leading brand and strong network of branded distribution outlets. We believe our new marketing campaign will continue to drive additional traffic to our dealer network and the changes we have made and continue to make to our cost structure across all business segments are positioning the company for growth and profitability." Co also note the 2011 fiscal fourth quarter will comprise 14 weeks rather than 13.

4:17PM ReachLocal acquires DealOn Media, a local deals company, for ~$10 million (RLOC) 24.14 -0.27 :

4:16PM Autodesk intends to acquire Scaleform Corporation, a privately held user interface tools and middleware company, for ~$36 million in cash (ADSK) 42.71 +0.37 : This transaction is expected to have no impact on previously issued guidance.

4:16PM InnerWorkings beats by $0.02, beats on revs (INWK) 7.08 +0.01 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.07 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 20.9% year/year to $130.4 mln vs the $120.9 mln consensus.

4:16PM ION Geophysical establishes a new seismic data processing center in Rio de Janeiro (IO) 9.75 -0.24 :

4:15PM Insulet reports Q4 (Dec) results, revs in-line; guides Q1 revs in-line; guides FY11 revs in-line (PODD) 17.64 -0.21 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.50 per share, includes $7 bln repayment facility agreement with Deerfield and may not be comparable to the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.26); revenues rose 37.6% year/year to $27.8 mln vs the $27.7 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of $27.5-29.5 mln vs. $28.79 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $123-133 mln vs. $129.07 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:15PM American Medical beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides Q1 revs in-line; guides FY11 revs in-line (AMMD) 20.78 +0.52 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.40 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.04 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.36; revenues rose 0.7% year/year to $147 mln vs the $145.5 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of $135-139 mln vs. $137.49 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $555-575 mln vs. $564.83 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:15PM Newfield Expl provides 2010 operational summary: domestic oil production increased 20% over 2009 (NFX) 71.49 -0.55 : Co's year-end 2010 reserve report reflects margin optimization and an oil focused business strategy. Oil now comprises approximately one-third of the co's total proved reserves and, as a result, the co's PV-10 Value of proved reserves at year end 2010 totaled $6.8 billion, an increase of more than 80% over the comparable year. For the fourth quarter of 2010, co's production was 77 Bcfe, an increase of 20% over the comparable quarter of 2009. Approximately one-third of fourth quarter 2010 production was oil. For the full year, co's production was 288 Bcfe, an increase of 12% over 2009. Approximately 30% of full year 2010 production was oil.

4:15PM Radiant Systems beats by $0.10, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs below consensus; guides FY11 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus (RADS) 19.12 -0.42 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.33 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.10 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.23; revenues rose 16.5% year/year to $90.6 mln vs the $89.1 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.19-0.20, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.20 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $86-87 mln vs. $87.33 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.95-0.98 vs. $0.99 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $370-380 mln vs. $386.12 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:13PM Healthways misses by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (HWAY) 12.75 -0.17 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.25 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.26; revenues rose 11.5% year/year to $195.3 mln vs the $197.1 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.90-1.08 vs. $1.04 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $672-710 mln vs. $676.94 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:11PM American Capital beats by $0.02 (ACAS) 8.72 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.19 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.17. As of December 31, 2010, net asset value ("NAV") per share was $10.71, a 12%, or $1.12 per share increase from the September 30, 2010 NAV per share of $9.59 and a 29%, or $2.42 per share increase from the December 31, 2009 NAV per share of $8.29.

4:10PM SS&C Techs issues a notice of redemption for $66,625,000 in aggregate principal amount outstanding of its 11 3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 (SSNC) 19.72 +0.51 : The redemption price equal to $1,029.375 per $1,000 of principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest on such amount to, but excluding, March 17, 2011.

4:10PM Cincinnati Bell misses by $0.04, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 revs in-line (CBB) : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.03 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.04 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.07; revenues rose 5.2% year/year to $363 mln vs the $359.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $1.4 bln vs. $1.42 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:10PM Sapient reports EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides Q1 revs in-line (SAPE) 12.99 -0.25 : Reports Q4 (Dec) GAAP earnings of $0.11 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.11; service revenues rose 21.5% year/year to $222.9 mln vs the $224.7 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees Q1 service revs of $228 mln or higher vs. $228.83 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:10PM Delphi Fin beats by $0.10 (DFG) 29.38 -0.26 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.96 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.10 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.86; total revenues rose 23.2% year/year to $462.5 mln. Diluted book value per share was $28.16 at December 31, 2010, up 15% since December 31, 2009.

4:10PM EastGroup reports EPS in-line, misses on revs; guides FY11 FFO in-line (EGP) 43.32 -0.37 : Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.71 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.71; revenues fell 1.9% year/year to $41.9 mln vs the $43.5 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees FFO of $2.82-3.00 vs. $2.93 Thomson Reuters consensus. As of December 31, 2010, EastGroup had two mortgage loans maturing in 2011. On January 31, 2011, EastGroup repaid its $36.2 million mortgage with an interest rate of 7.25% that was due in May 2011. The Company now has one mortgage loan with an interest rate of 7.92% that will mature in May 2011 with a balloon payment of $22.8 million. The Company has revolving credit facilities of $200 million and $25 million, of which $91.3 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2010. The Company had borrowing capacity of $131 million remaining on the lines of credit at year-end. These credit facilities mature in January 2012, and the $200 million line of credit has an option for a one-year extension on the same terms and conditions at the Company's request.

4:07PM Dell beats by $0.16, reports revs in-line; guides FY12 revs above consensus (DELL) 13.91 -0.18 : Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.53 per share, $0.16 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.37; revenues rose 5.3% year/year to $15.69 bln vs the $15.71 bln consensus. Reports Q4 non-GAAP operating margins of 6.5% vs 6.3% Thomson Reuters consensus. Dell sees FY12 rev +5-9% vs. +4.7% consensus (equates to ~$64.6-67.0 bln vs. $64.43 bln Thomson Reuters consensus). Dell sees FY12 non-GAAP operating income growth of 6-12%, may not compare to +5.6% consensus... For its fiscal-year 2012, Dell expects revenue growth of 5 to 9 percent, non-GAAP operating income growth of 6 to 12 percent, and continued strong execution on cash flow with cash flow from operations exceeding net income. In its first quarter of fiscal-year 2012, Dell expects normal seasonal declines in its consumer and public businesses and, as such, a slight sequential decline in revenue (consensus calls for -1.5% QoQ). Stock is halted.

4:07PM Rocky Brands beats by $0.21, beats on revs (RCKY) 12.62 -0.10 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.41 per share, $0.21 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.20; revenues rose 8.1% year/year to $66.7 mln vs the $63.5 mln consensus.

4:07PM Gen-Probe beats by $0.06, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (GPRO) 62.74 -0.08 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.61 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.55; revenues fell 1.6% year/year to $136.7 mln vs the $137.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.28-2.40, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $2.39 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $570-595 mln vs. $586.59 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. "As we said in our recent analyst day, we forecast continued, high-single-digit growth in product sales, even as instrument sales decline. We also expect improving gross and operating margins to drive solid earnings growth, despite increased legal expenses and lower non-operating income."

4:06PM Analog Devices beats by $0.05, reports revs in-line; guides Q2 EPS above consensus, revs in-line (ADI) 41.00 +0.01 : Reports Q1 (Jan) earnings of $0.70 per share, includes $0.04 of one-time tax benefit items, $0.05 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.65; revenues rose 20.8% year/year to $728.5 mln vs the $728.2 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q2, sees EPS of $0.65-0.69 vs. $0.64 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q2 revs of $730-760 mln vs. $730.27 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. For the balance of the year, co is planning for expenses to grow slower than revenues.

4:06PM Gen-Probe authorizes the repurchase of up to $150 million of co's common stock over the next year (GPRO) 62.75 :

4:05PM FMC Tech receives $96 Million Subsea Equipment Frame Agreement award from ConocoPhillips (COP) (FTI) 88.26 -3.29 : Co announces that it has signed a three-year frame agreement with ConocoPhillips Indonesia Inc. Ltd for the manufacture and supply of subsea production equipment. The contract includes an immediate $57 million call-off and is expected to result in ~$96 million in total revenue to FMC Technologies if all of the subsea equipment included in the agreement is ordered.

4:05PM L.B. Foster announces Grand Island facility shutdown after UNP does not extend contract (FSTR) 40.38 -0.61 : "The contract that we have with our key customer at this facility, the Union Pacific Railroad, expired on December 31, 2010. They have opted not to exercise their right to extend this contract. As a result, we will be winding down operations at this facility through the year with an expected third quarter closure."

4:05PM American Campus Communities beats by $0.28, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS above consensus (ACC) 32.38 -0.17 : Reports Q4 (Dec) FFOM of $0.45 per share, $0.28 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.17; revenues rose 20.4% year/year to $98.1 mln vs the $84 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY11, sees FFOM of $1.64-1.76 vs. $0.44 Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:05PM Allscripts-Misys Healthcare beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (MDRX) 21.58 -0.39 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.20 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.18; revenues rose 10% year/year to $337.1 mln vs the $335.4 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.86-$0.90 vs. $0.89 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $1425-1450 vs. $1.44 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:04PM Masimo beats by $0.03, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS above consensus, revs in-line (MASI) 29.46 +0.29 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.29 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.26; revenues rose 14.0% year/year to $105.6 mln vs the $105 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.17-1.25 vs. $1.14 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $446-463 mln vs. $448.66 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:04PM Orthofix beats by $0.03, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (OFIX) 29.30 +0.36 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.44 per share, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.41; revenues fell 0.1% year/year to $143.8 mln vs the $142.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.60-2.70 vs. $2.65 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $580-590 mln vs. $589.24 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:03PM RC2 misses by $0.10, misses on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line (RCRC) 21.33 -0.15 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.45 per share, $0.10 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.55; revenues rose 2.4% year/year to $124.2 mln vs the $135.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.80-1.95 vs. $1.95 Thomson Reuters consensus. "The Company expects that first quarter 2011 sales and profit as compared with first quarter 2010 will be hampered by continued soft retailer ordering and the impact of the $9.5 million discontinued product lines sell-off in first quarter 2010."

4:03PM Discovery Labs announced that it intends to offer, subject to market and other conditions, shares of its common stock and common stock purchase warrants in an underwritten public offering (DSCO) 2.94 -0.04 : Lazard Capital Markets LLC is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering and Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. and Global Hunter Securities LLC are acting as co-managers.

4:01PM Pacira Pharma announces that additional safety data are being highlighted from its Phase 3 trial of EXPAREL in bunionectomy; data showed comparable safety in wound healing and significantly improved efficacy in pain reduction compared to placebo (PCRX) 6.91 -0.09 : Co reported preliminary efficacy data in October 2009, and presented updated efficacy data during the Orthopaedic Research Society meeting (January 2011). These study results include: -- Statistically significantly more patients treated with EXPAREL were pain-free at 2, 4, 8 and 48 hours compared to placebo (p<0.05) and statistically significantly less opioids were consumed -- The median time to first use of opioid rescue medication was 7.2 hours for patients treated with EXPAREL compared with 4.3 hours for patients treated with placebo (p<0.0001) -- A larger percentage of patients treated with EXPAREL avoided any opioid rescue medication during the first 24 hours after surgery compared to placebo (7% vs.1%; p<0.05) -- EXPAREL was well tolerated in patients who received postsurgical treatment for pain following bunionectomy -- There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups in wound assessments (erythema, drainage, edema, and in duration) -- No patients demonstrated any evidence of malunion or non-union. Follow-up radiographs and documentation of wound healing were collected for 82% of patients four to six weeks post bunionectomy procedures -- The incidence of adverse events was lower in the EXPAREL group (60%) than in the placebo group (68%); the most common events in both groups were nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.

2:57PM Stock indices lift off afternoon lows -- Dow -51 rebounds 17 points, Nasdaq Comp -11.9 did not confirm the new session low this afternoon, S&P -5.1 (SPY) :

2:35PM NYMEX Energy Closing Prices (COMDX) : Crude oil settled lower by 49 cents to $84.32, natural gas gained 4.7 cents to close at $3.972, heating oil shed 1.96 cents to finish at $2.7308 while RBOB gasoline ended down 2.74 cents to $2.49 (all March contracts).

2:32PM Rovi and Cablevision (CVC) sign intellectual property license agreement (ROVI) 65.45 -0.08 : The cos have entered into a multi-year agreement whereby Cablevision will license Rovi interactive program guide intellectual property. The agreement provides Cablevision with a license to the Rovi IPG patent portfolio for next-generation set-top box, online and mobile platforms.

2:31PM S&P -7.6 joins Dow -72 at new session low, Nasdaq Comp -16 is hovering two points above its morning low (SPY) :

2:30PM Basic Energy Services will redeem on March 17, 2011, the redemption date, all $285,000 of the outstanding principal amount of its 11.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2014 (BAS) 18.02 -0.44 : The redemption price is equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus the applicable premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes to, but not including, the redemption date.

2:28PM Stock indices weakening, Dow -72 sets new session low, S&P -7.4 and Nasdaq Comp -16 working back toward first hour lows (SPY) : Noted earlier that the action in the S&P was similar to last Wednesday when the buy the first hour dip did not pan out (see 13:23 for chart).

2:19PM Stock indices slip further off midday bounce highs Dow -60 came within 4 points of early low -- S&P -5.9, Nasdaq Comp -13 (SPY) :

1:39PM Ballard Power entered into contract for supply of fuel cell power modules to power five zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses (BLDP) 2.08 -0.07 : Under the contract announced by Ballard, Belgian coach manufacturer Van Hool NV has contracted with Ballard - following a competitive bidding process - to use the company's FCvelocity fuel cell module in the buses it will provide to the HyNor Oslo Buss group, comprised of the Ruter transit agency, Akershus County Administration, Oslo Municipality and Zero, an environmental organization. Siemens will also be a participant in the project, providing electric drive systems that will draw power from the Ballard fuel cell modules. Increased volumes of fuel cell-powered buses are expected to support cost and price reductions through scale economies, enabling fuel cell solutions to compete effectively with incumbent transit technologies.

1:31PM COMEX Metals Closing Prices (COMDX) : April gold finished higher by $8.90 to $1374.00, March silver gained 19.1 cents to end at $30.725, while March copper shed 9.5 cents to close at $4.5335.

1:31PM ADVENTRX Pharma announces that the FDA determined that ANX-514 could not be approved based on the findings from the bioequivalence study of ANX-514 and that additional development activities would be required for approval (ANX) 2.05 -0.16 : Co met with the FDA to discuss required activities. "We are pleased with the outcome of our discussion with FDA, at which the conceptual design of a single, additional clinical study that could support approval of ANX-514 was discussed. We believe the study requested by the Agency is reasonable, and we are developing a study protocol for submission to the FDA. We will provide a further update after receiving feedback from FDA on the protocol..."

1:28PM Cooper Industries declares 7% annual dividend increase to $1.16 from $1.08 (CBE) 65.15 -0.61 :

1:23PM S&P -4.2 thus far unable to reach opening high on rebound extension (SPY) : Buy the dip has been firmly entrenched but thus far today the S&P has not been able to reach its opening high on the intraday rebound Click for chart.

1:22PM Ag commodities extend losses in recent trade; wheat hits new session lows and continues to be worst performer in CRB Commodity Index (JJG) 54.83 -1.65 : Grains are extending losses from yesterday's USDA 10-Yr Baseline report, which was modestly bearish corn and bearish for wheat, while slighly bullish for soybeans. However, soybeans are lower today.

Wheat futures put in new session lows of $8.305/bu and are currently -4.4% at $8.34/bu, corn is -2.0% at $6.81258/bu and soybeans are -2.3% at $13.70/bu. As a result, grain/food related ETFs are lower, such as JJG -2.9%, FUD -2.5%, JJA -2.1% and DBA -1.7%.

1:22PM Crude oil breaks below $84 to notch fresh ~2.5 month lows at $83.87; now off 86 cents to $83.95 (COMDX) :

1:15PM Goodrich authorizes increase in common stock repurchase plan by $500 mln to $1.1 bln (GR) 91.53 -0.71 : Co approved an increase to the company's existing Share Repurchase Plan to authorize the repurchase of up to an additional $500 mln of the company's common stock, bringing the total authorization to $1.1 mln. The company has repurchased 8.9 mln shares for a total of $537 mln, from November 2006 through January 2011.

12:53PM Casey's General signs a definitive purchase agreement to acquire 11 convenience stores from NuWay Cooperative (CASY) 42.97 +0.12 : Co expects this acquisition to be immediately accretive to earnings and provide further earnings enhancements as operating efficiencies are realized and the prepared food program is added.

12:44PM Relative Sector Strength (TECHX) : Sectors that have displayed relative strength during the recent rebound extension include: Internet FDN, Semi SMH, Retail XRT, Discretionary XLY, Casino BJK, Solar TAN, Networking IGN.

12:41PM Natural gas now higher by 5.7 cents to $3.982 (COMDX) :

12:39PM Chipotle Mexican Grill weak early after downgrade, sets new low slightly above the low of yesterday's 52-wk high bar at 265.90 -- session low 266.14 (CMG) 266.42 -6.53 :

12:37PM S&P -3.1 and Nasdaq Comp -6.8 edge to new intraday bounce highs -- Dow -34 has not yet confirmed (SPY) :

12:32PM The fertilizer/seed names continue to see profit taking and are not participating in the broader market bounce off the lows. The group performance is as follows: CF -4.965.1%, MOS -3.7%, POT -3.8%, IPI -3.4%, MON -3.3%, AGU -3.0% (COMDX) : As mentioned at 10:47, we haven't seen any news to account for today's move, but note that it follows yesterday's crop report from the USDA. Ag futures are getting hit as well today (down 1-3%), after seeing a more modest reaction to the report yesterday. As we've mentioned, the increased acreage indicated by the report is a negative for grains prices. However, this may not necessarily be as negative for the fertilizer producers, because the increased acreage requires increased volumes of fertilizer, which could offset the effect of lower grain prices.

12:29PM U.S. Oil Fund ETF tests support zone (USO) 35.51 -0.37 : Noted the test of yesterday's three month low (35.78) in an earlier update (10:24) with a support zone highlighted at 35.57/35.46 being tested. This area includes its 200 sma, 50% retrace of Aug-Jan surge and equality with the Jan leg lower.

12:23PM Crude oil drops to fresh ~2 month lows at $84.22; now down 54 cents to $84.27 (COMDX) :

12:20PM TPC Group announces that operations at its facilities were unaffected by the recent extended periods of freezing temperatures experienced in the Texas Gulf Coast region (TPCG) 29.77 -0.07 : In addition, feedstock supply has remained unaffected following the previously announced fire at Enterprise Products Partners L.P. Mont Belvieu complex.

12:18PM Nat gas ticks to its best levels of the day; now up 4 cents to $3.965 (COMDX) :

12:15PM Warren Resources: Correction -- Our 9:33 comment incorrectly indicated that 2010 production decreased 9%, when in fact production increased 9% (WRES) 5.37 -0.27 : The correct information is as follows: WRES announced today that production for the year ended December 31, 2010 was an estimated 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent ("MMboe"), a 9% increase from the previous year. In 2010, Warren produced 969 thousand barrels of oil and 4.7 billion cubic feet ("Bcf") of natural gas, compared to 953 thousand barrels of oil and 3.9 Bcf of natural gas in 2009. Warren's average full year 2010 realized crude oil prices increased to $71.47 per barrel from $53.93 per barrel in 2009, and average full year 2010 realized natural gas prices increased to $4.09 per thousand cubic feet ("Mcf") from $3.09 per Mcf in 2009. Total production in the fourth quarter of 2010 was an estimated 0.4 MMboe, a 7% increase over the fourth quarter of 2009.

Our prior comment has been removed.

12:02PM Fluor reached teaming agreement with Boeing (BA) to pursue work from the DoE at its Sandia National Laboratories (FLR) 73.20 -1.01 : Sandia is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility that is managed on behalf of the DOE's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Sandia has major facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and Livermore, Calif., and an annual operating budget of approximately $2.5 billion. The current contract expires in September 2012.

12:01PM MoneyGram renewed contracts to provide money transfer services in 287 Raley's and Stater Bros. Markets (MGI) 2.87 0.00 :

11:52AM Endologix announces presentation of favorable initial PEVAR Trial Results (ELGX) 6.10 +0.06 : Co announced the presentation of the initial clinical results from the PEVAR Trial at the 2011 iCON (International Congress of Endovascular Specialists) annual meeting... Among 33 patients enrolled in the Roll-In phase of the trial, technical success rates of 97% (access) and 100% (endovascular repair) have been achieved, with no major adverse events observed. Patients were discharged from the hospital at an average of 1.4 days following the procedure.

11:51AM Crude drops into negative territory; now off 2 cents to $84.79 (COMDX) :

11:49AM S&P -5.4 and Dow -48 retrace 50% of off yesterday's peak but have slipped in recent trade -- Nasdaq Comp -13 retraced 38% (SPY) :

11:47AM Marriott pulls back 2.7% after gap higher start (MAR) 41.60 +0.60 : Marriott posted an upside earnings surprise with stock gapping up to fractionally breach its Dec/previous 52-wk high of 42.68 (session high). Its outlook was mixed and the stock has dropped as much as 2.7% intraday to test the low end of today's gap/Monday high at 41.50 in recent trade (session low 41.56).

11:07AM Stock indices lift off morning lows -- Dow -42 pushed 27 points off its low, S&P -4.2, Nasdaq Comp -12 (SPY) :

11:01AM Worthington unit and Gestamp form a Jjoint venture with focus on producing towers for wind turbines being constructed in the North American market (WOR) 19.72 +0.17 :

10:55AM iShares DJ Real Estate displaying some intraday relative strength in recent trade (IYR) 59.19 -0.16 : PEI, MAC, VNO, BXP, SPG, PCL, AIV, EQR, PSA, CPT, PLD, KIM.

10:51AM Amazon.com currently in the red putting 10 day win streak in danger (AMZN) 189.09 -1.33 : The stock rallied for the 10th session in a row through Monday to test its 52-wk close/intraday highs from Jan at 191.25/191.60 (Monday's peak 191.40) which extended the rally off its late Jan low to 14.7%. Thus far this morning it has held in the vicinity of yesterday's low (188.35, session low 188.25) but a penetration and close below would be a short term negative.

10:47AM Seeing relative weakness in the fertilizer/seed names this morning CF -4.4%, MOS -3.7%, AGU -2.6%, POT -2.7%, IPI -2.5%, MON -2.2% (COMDX) : We not seeing any direct catalyst for the downside. However, note yesterday the USDA reported its 10-yr baseline projections report, which showed an increase in corn acres planted (the most fertilizer-intensive crop) to 92 mln from ~88.2 mln. Although this is negative for corn prices initially, on a net basis, this could be seen as a positive driver for the fert/seed stocks given the higher volumes of applications.

10:44AM Carnival reports reservations hit record booking of 165,308 guests between Feb. 7-13, 2011 (CCL) 46.43 -0.41 :

10:41AM Convergys announces expansion into Colombia with contact center to provide customer care services for corporations in the Americas (CVG) 14.19 -0.06 :

10:29AM Morning slide continues with fresh session lows established -- Dow -65, S&P -7.3, Nasdaq Comp -17.4 (SPY) :

10:28AM UMB Financial Corporation announces that it has achieved a 35% increase in the number of its health spending accounts (UMBF) 42.08 +0.01 : Co now services 1.8 million health spending accounts, including Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements.

10:28AM Crude oil continues pullback toward flat line; now up 20 cents to $85.01 (COMDX) :

10:24AM U.S. Oil Fund ETF notches new session low of 35.81, nearing its three month low set yesterday at 35.78 (USO) 35.81 -0.07 : Support of note if a sustained penetration is seen is at 35.54/35.46. This marks its 200 sma, 50% retrace of the Aug-Jan surge and an equality target based on the Jan decline.

10:23AM Delta Air Lines confirms it eliminated the SkyMiles mileage expiration (DAL) 11.79 -0.03 :

10:22AM Intel is a Dow component laggard, sets new session low of 21.28 to probe its 50 sma/ema at 21.30/21.26 (INTC) 21.29 -0.28 :

10:20AM Silver pulling back toward flat line; now up 5.6 cents to $30.59 (COMDX) :

10:16AM Monsanto tests its two week range floor and 20 day ema at 73.74 -- session low 73.79 (MON) 73.89 -1.24 : The bottom of its early month gap comes into play at 73.38.

10:12AM Minor new session lows for stock indices -- S&P -6, Dow -61, Nasdaq Comp -14 (SPY) :

10:11AM Relative Sector Weakness on recent slide (TECHX) : Sectors that are underperforming the S&P on the recent intraday slide off the bounce highs include: Semi SMH, Retail XRT, Housing XHB, Energy XLE, Ag/Chem MOO, Disk Drive, Networking IGN, Computer-Hardware, Copper JJC.

10:10AM Cotton futures remain near session highs of $1.9175/lb following news that Australian crop production expectations were cut in Australia (BAL) 96.96 +2.73 : The Australian Bureau of Agriculture & Resource Economics & Sciences cut its cotton crop estimate by 6.2% from Dec. Currently, cotton futures are 2.6% higher at $1.9084/lb, just below all-time highs of $1.9455/lb, which were hit on February 11.

10:08AM Stock indices pull back off morning bounce highs after Dow -56 and Nasdaq Comp -10 failed to confirm S&P -5.2 push to the upside (SPY) :

10:02AM S&P -2.3 sets minor new intraday bounce high after data, Dow -33 and Nasdaq Comp -4.9 did not confirm this intraday move (SPY) :

10:02AM SMTC Corp receives commendation from the City of San Jose (SMTX) 3.50 -0.06 : Co received a Letter of Commendation from the City of San Jose in recognition of the company's presence and operations in Silicon Valley and for its efforts in growing the regional economy. A brief ceremony was held at City Hall and hosted by San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed.

10:01AM Manulife Financial division, John Hancock Asset Management, acquires Optique Capital Management; terms not disclosed (MFC) 18.80 +0.37 : Optique's mutual fund and separate account assets under management were ~$800 mln.

9:57AM Lockheed Martin receives 8-yr, $270 million C-130 aircrew training system contract (LMT) 80.68 -0.19 :

9:54AM Financial Select Sector SPDR displaying relative strength, flirting with its April peak and Friday's high at 17.12/17.13 (XLF) 17.13 +0.04 : JPM +1.1%, TRV +0.6%, AXP +0.4%, WFC +0.6%, MS +0.8%, USB +0.4%.

9:52AM Dynatronics announces $1 million stock buyback program (DYNT) 0.94 +0.04 :

9:50AM Mkt Vectors Jr Gold Miners ETF gaps higher, vacillating near its 50 sma at 38.07 (GDXJ) 38.09 +0.77 : Note that this average capped the upside during last week's rally -- NGD, GRS, SVM, HL, CDE, SSRI, SGR, ANV.

9:47AM S&P -3.3 lifting off first level support (SPY) : Noted first level support for the S&P at 1327/1326 in The Technical Take and have seen a quick test and stabilization attempt this morning. On this push higher watching the 1330.50/1331 zone for a read on the underlying health of the Feb breakout.

9:43AM Opening Point Gainers/Losers (TECHX) : Point Gainers: DGIT (+5.14), NSIT (+2.81), CLDA (+1.89), CRM (+2.02), X (+2.09), FDX (+2.07), LLNW (+1.73), AGQ (+1.91), MMC (+1.77), AEM (+1.60), DLTR (+1.27), GPS (+1.22)

Point Losers: NFLX (-6.63), FOSL (-4.01), NYX (-2.64), FTI (-2.34), UCTT (-2.00), WLT (-2.01), ENS (-1.61), RIO (-1.52), CLI (-1.54), DLB (-1.53), JDSU (-1.34)

9:42AM Cedar Shopping Centers announces purchase and sale of JV interests; 20% interests in 8 properties to be sold for $9.7 mln; 80% interest in one J.V. property to be purchased for $5.3 mln (CDR) 6.00 -0.04 :

9:39AM Hewlett-Packard gap down start with it probing last week's gap bottom at 47.53 before stabilizing -- session low 47.54 (HPQ) 47.73 -0.58 :

9:35AM Silver Trust ETF gaps up near its 52-wk close high from late Dec at 30.18 -- session high 30.12 (SLV) 30.11 +0.15 : Its 52-wk intraday high from early Jan comes into play at 30.44

9:32AM Apple testing last week's high at 360.00 (AAPL) 359.91 +0.73 :

9:31AM LML Payment Systems unit entered into an agreement to provide the web-based transaction processing services behind First Data's eCommerce products in Canada (LMLP) 4.75 +0.10 :

9:30AM Luminex and Partners HealthCare announce collaboration agreement (LMNX) 19.29 -0.18 : Co has teamed with Partners HealthCare toward the discovery of novel biomarkers and development of clinical assays. This program will enable Partners HealthCare Center for Personalized Genetic Medicine (PCPGM) to develop novel molecular diagnostic assays based on biomarkers discovered within Partners HealthCare entities. These innovative tests will operate on Luminex's proprietary xMAP testing platform. Under the terms of the agreement, Luminex and PCPGM will evaluate opportunities for novel assays which will be developed and validated in the PCPGM's CLIA-certified Laboratory for Molecular Medicine.

9:28AM Verto approves a stock repurchase program that authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $1.0 million of its common stock (VTRO) 3.42 :

9:19AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Takeda Pharmaceutical (TKPYY) unit announced that its Pharmaceutical Development Division has entered into strategic partnerships with Covance (CVD) and Quintiles, two of the full-service contract research organizations. The cos will work in close partnership with Takeda to plan and execute global development programs to support new compounds in all therapeutic areas, except oncology.
* Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Grand at Foxwoods announced an extended agreement with TransAct Technologies (TACT) to install the EPICENTRAL Print System in slot machines throughout the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. This expansion calls for an increase in the installation of the EPICENTRAL system from 300 slot machines to all 1,100 machines at MGM (MGM) Grand at Foxwoods.

9:18AM NYSE Euronext, Deutsche Boerse confirm agreement to combine; each share of Deutsche Boerse stock will be exchanged for 1 share of the new co stock and each share of NYX stock will be exchanged for 0.4700 shares of the new co stock (NYX) 39.45 : Deutsche Boerse and NYX announced that they have entered into a business combination agreement following approval from both companies' Boards. The combined group will have 2010 combined net revenues of EUR1 4.1 billion/US$ 5.4 billion, and 2010 EBITDA of EUR 2.1 billion /US$ 2.7 billion. Based on 2010 net revenues, the combined group will earn approximately 37% of total revenues in derivatives trading & clearing, 29% in cash listings, trading & clearing, 20% in settlement & custody, and 14% in market data, index & technology services. Each share of Deutsche Boerse stock will be exchanged for 1 share of the new company stock and each share of NYSE Euronext stock will be exchanged for 0.4700 shares of the new co stock... The combination is expected to generate annual cost savings of some EUR 300 million/US$ 400 mln. The cost synergies are expected to be realized at an annual run rate of 25% by the end of year 1, 50% by the end of year 2, and 100% by the end of the 3rd year following consummation of the transaction... The transaction is structured as a combination of Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext under a newly created Dutch holding company, which is expected to be listed in Frankfurt, New York and Paris... Following full completion of the contemplated transactions, the former Deutsche Boerse shareholders would own 60% of the combined group and the former NYSE Euronext shareholders would own 40% of the combined group on a fully diluted basis and assuming that all Deutsche Boerse shares are tendered in the exchange offer.

9:16AM Mack-Cali Realty prices a public offering of 6,250,000 shares of common stock today at a price per share of $33.00 (CLI) 34.62 :

9:12AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Catalyst Telecom, a sales unit of ScanSource (SCSC) signed a distribution agreement with Acme Packet (APKT).
* DeVry University (DV) entered into a corporate education program agreement with global software and technology services leader SunGard. The agreement is expected to provide SunGard's more than 20,000 employees worldwide with additional options for career-enhancing learning solutions and advanced degree programs.
* GP Strategies Corporation (GPX) announced that its principal operating subsidiary, General Physics Corporation, acquired Communication Consulting, a China-based training and consulting company with offices in Shanghai and Beijing, China, and Haryana (New Delhi) in India.
* Satcon Technology Corporation (SATC) announced that it has been selected by relatio to supply 39 PowerGate Plus 500 kilowatt solar inverter solutions for the 19.5 megawatt Tauberlandpark installation in Wertheim-Dorlesberg, Germany.
* Mannatech (MTEX) announced the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore has granted the company a patent for technology related to its GI-ProBalance product.
* Lime Energy (LIME) announces acquisition of landfill gas rights for development of 4.2MW electricity generating facility.
* Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings (POM) has signed a Master Agreement with Energy Services of Pensacola, a natural gas provider that is owned and operated by the City of Pensacola, Florida.
* I.D. Systems (IDSY) announced that the United States Postal Service has awarded I.D. Systems a national contract extension for industrial vehicle management technology.

9:08AM RADA Electronic Industries agrees to sell its Chinese unit for ~$3.125 mln (RADA) 2.52 :

9:06AM News Corp commences a cash tender offer for any and all of its outstanding 9 1/4% Senior Debentures due February 1, 2013 with a total principal amount outstanding of $500 million (NWS) 18.08 : Co announces the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of its outstanding 9 1/4% Senior Debentures due February 1, 2013 with a total principal amount outstanding of $500 mln. The Securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by co.

9:05AM Exxon Mobil announces additions to its proved reserves in 2010 totaled 3.5 bln oil-equivalent barrels, replacing 209% of production (XOM) 84.91 :

9:05AM Stanley Black & Decker Board of Directors approved a 21% increase of its quarterly cash dividend to $0.41 per common share (SWK) 73.48 : Co says the dividend increase reflects their confidence in the cash generation potential of the company.

9:04AM Cedar Fair misses by $0.90, beats on revs (FUN) 19.62 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $1.14 per share, $0.90 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.24); revenues rose 22.8% year/year to $129.7 mln vs the $126.2 mln consensus. For the 2011 season, Kinzel reported that the Company will be investing ~$75 million in capital improvements across its properties, highlighted by the addition of four 300-foot-tall swing rides at its four largest properties. "We continue to believe a 2-3% annual growth rate for revenues and adjusted EBITDA over the next three to five years is achievable with our capital plan as currently configured."

9:02AM Aurizon Mines and Azimut re-evaluate tungsten values on the copper-gold Augossan Zone at Rex South; grades of up to 4.62% have been received from check analysis (AZK) 7.21 : Co announces that high tungsten grades of up to 4.62% have been received from check analysis performed on 37 tungsten-bearing grab samples collected during the 2010 field program on the Rex South property, Nunavik, Quebec. An average grade increase of 130% for tungsten was obtained due to the use of the more accurate X-Ray fluorescence method of analysis.

9:01AM Starbucks entering into an agreement with Courtesy Products to provide Starbucks ground coffees for use in Courtesy's CV1 in-room and on-demand brewed coffee system in up to 500,000 hotel rooms (SBUX) 33.58 : Co announced today that it is entering into an agreement with Courtesy Products, the nation's leading provider of in-room coffee service to hotels, to provide Starbucks ground coffees for use in Courtesy's patented CV1 in-room and on-demand brewed coffee system in up to 500,000 luxury and premium hotel rooms across the U.S. Starbucks plans to begin offering its premium quality coffees for the CV1 this fall... With the addition of the Starbucks brands, the CV1 will also deliver Starbucks quality and flavor and the Starbucks Experience in a single-serve format to guests in the luxury and premium segment of the hospitality industry. "The single-serve coffee category in the U.S., and much of the world for that matter, is in its beginning stages of development," said Jeff Hansberry, president, Starbucks Consumer Products Group. "At this very early stage, there are numerous contenders and no demonstrated, long-term winners related to either format or machines. Following our very successful introduction of Starbucks VIA Ready Brew in the U.S. and into a growing number of international markets, Starbucks will continue to explore the many single-serve and on-the-go solutions and options available to us, and to participate in those where we can better and more conveniently serve our customers wherever they may be. Look for further announcements from Starbucks as we continue to expand our presence in the premium single-serve category."

8:56AM DCT Industrial Trust prices a public offering of 19 mln shares of common stock at a price per share of $5.35 (DCT) 5.56 :

8:49AM Annaly Capital Management prices an underwritten public offering of 75 mln shares of its common stock at a price per share of $17.30 for expected gross proceeds of ~$1.3 billion before expenses (NLY) 17.94 :

8:45AM AC Moore announces that it is exploring strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value including, but not limited to, a potential sale of co, corporate financing or capital raise (ACMR) 2.44 : Janney Montgomery Scott LLC has been engaged to serve as co's financial advisor in this process. The Company has received third party expressions of interest.

8:40AM Audiocodes files an universal shelf registration statement on Form F-3 with the SEC to sell up to $150 mln of ordinary shares warrants and debt securities, either separately or in units (AUDC) 7.72 : The shelf registration statement also provides for the sale by certain selling shareholders of up to 3,000,000 ordinary shares solely in connection with any future offering by AudioCodes.

8:36AM Eagle Bulk Shipping provides update on Korea Lines; currently is owed ~$7.3 mln (EGLE) 4.19 : Co provides an an update to the market concerning Korea Lines decision last month to file for protective receivership. Co is owed ~$7.3 mln of charter hire from KLC, of which ~$3.00 mln was due and owing prior to KLC filing for rehabilitation on January 25, 2011. Co's management remains in active negotiations concerning the status of its charters with KLC, with the following recent developments: All of co's charters to KLC remain intact, though no charter hire payments are currently being received. Co has been advised by KLC that it expects to receive Court approval in Sout. To cover the period until the Court allows KLC to resume hire payments, and subject to court approval, co is working with KLC on arrangements to take over the employment of some of the affe. With regard to the "Nighthawk," a newbuilding vessel which is due to deliver to KLC later in the first quarter, co and KLC have agreed in principle, again subject to Court approval, to defe Eagle.

8:36AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Ariba (ARBA) announced that it has signed an agreement with Gasunie. As part of ongoing efforts to reduce costs and improve profits, Gasunie is tapping into the Ariba Commerce Cloud to drive a more efficient, effective commerce process that generates savings and efficiencies across its operations.
* Spire Corporation (SPIR) announced it has supplied a solar module manufacturing line along with systems technology to Rahimafrooz Renewable Energy, Ltd., Bangladesh.
* Acuity Brands (AYI) announced that it was selected to supply its ROAM remote monitoring system for the city of Austin, Texas' street lighting upgrade project.
* MovieTickets.com, a joint venture between AMC Entertainment, Hollywood Media (HOLL), National Amusements, Cineplex Entertainment, Marcus Theatres (MCS), Viacom (VIA) and Time Warner (TWC) announced a long term extension with MCS. Since 2000, MovieTickets.com has been the exclusive online ticketing partner for the theater chain's 55 locations, consisting of 684 screens across major Midwest markets.
* Suniva announced that it is working with Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates (VSEA) to use ion implantation of boron in the manufacture of solar cells.
* Emdeon (EM) announced a strategic alliance with LabCorp (LH) to deliver a co-branded Electronic Health Record Lite solution to physician practices nationwide.
* Apple (AAPL) announced a new subscription service available to all publishers of content-based apps on the App Store , including magazines, newspapers, video, music, etc.

8:34AM Leading Brands announces that its Board of Directors has authorized an increase in its share repurchase program of an additional $500,000 for the purpose of acquiring its outstanding common stock (LBIX) 3.66 :

8:32AM Crosshair Exp. & Mining announces the appointment of Sonya Atwal as CFO, effective immediately (CXZ) 2.31 :

8:27AM CME Group remains committed to creating shareholder value; in the meantime, co says its their policy not to comment on rumor or speculation. (CME) 302.57 : "We remain committed to creating shareholder value by executing our strategy to pursue organic growth opportunities in our core derivatives business, expand globally, and extend our capabilities into OTC markets and index services. Like other industry participants, we will continue to monitor ongoing developments in the global exchange sector and the implications of those developments on our long-term growth strategy. In the meantime, it is our policy not to comment on rumor or speculation."

8:20AM Gold, silver tick to fresh highs following open of pit trade (COMDX) :

* Gold now up $10.70 to $1375.80
* Silver higher by 28.6 cents to $30.82

8:20AM Anika Therapeutics reports it has not yet received a date for an Advisory Panel meeting, but continues to believe that MONOVISC should receive FDA approval (ANIK) 9.52 : As previously disclosed, co is also in the process of moving the manufacturing of its products from its Woburn, Massachusetts, facility to its Bedford, Massachusetts, facility. Co believed that it had an agreement with the FDA to move that equipment, validate its use in Bedford and then briefly return it to service in Woburn, and have the validation data and reports reviewed as part of a final inspection of the Bedford facility, scheduled in December 2010. That final inspection did not occur and will not occur now until the equipment is permanently installed in Bedford. In order to fill product orders and build sufficient safety stock to accommodate any further approval delays, manufacturing of the ophthalmic and orthopedic products will continue in Woburn into June 2011. During this period, expenses will be managed in Bedford to minimize the impact of operating duplicate facilities.

8:15AM PowerSecure receives $10 million of new awards for its Interactive Distributed Generation smart grid power systems, and LED lighting products (POWR) 7.04 :

8:14AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Ryder System (R) is expanding and refreshing its North American rental fleet with 6,700 new trucks, tractors, trailers, and vans to meet accelerating demand as the economy continues to rebound.
* CSC (CSC) announced =that the U.S. Army awarded the company a task order to support the Program Executive Office Command Control Communications - Tactical and subordinate program managers and offices. The task order, which was awarded during CSC's fiscal 2011 second quarter, has a one-year base period and a 10-month option, bringing the estimated total 22-month value to $67 million.
* VeriFone Systems (PAY) and LifeNexus announced an agreement to provide iChip acceptance software on VeriFone payment acceptance solutions.
* Autodesk (ADSK) announced the expansion of its Clean Tech Partner Program to Japan.
* WCA Waste Corporation (WCAA) announced that it has entered into an operating agreement with Stoughton Recycling Technologies with an option to purchase the company.
* The Home Depot (HD) announced it will hire more than 60,000 seasonal associates in time for the co's second annual Spring Black Friday event. Co is also adding net new part-time and full-time positions in 2011.
* Verizon (VZ) and Intrado joined forces to deploy next-generation 911 services nationwide.
* BioSante Pharmaceuticals (BPAX) presented critical female sexual dysfunction market data at the ISSWSH (The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health) annual meeting. The data presented include results of a survey of over 100 Obstetrician/Gynecologists and Primary Care Physicians regarding the need for an FDA-approved drug to treat a form of Female Sexual Dysfunction.
* Sanofi-aventis (SNY) and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre announced that they have entered into a research agreement and licensing option for vasculotide, an investigational compound to treat chronic wounds.
* General Motors (GM) announced that it "will continue investing aggressively in China to ensure the long-term success of our company."

8:12AM Oculus Innovative Sciences and Amneal announce broad multi-market, multi-product collaboration for Microcyn-based drugs and devices (OCLS) 2.04 : Amneal Enterprises and co announce that Amneal alliance members have formed a broad multi-year collaboration with Oculus to realize the development and commercial potential of Microcyn Technology. The highligts of the deal include: Co will receive $1 mln upfront payment. The cos will combine for mutual exploration of Microcyn-Based drug prospects, starting immediately with acne. With regard to dermatology, Amneal will market current and future Microcyn-Based Dermatology Products in United States and Canada, including recently cleared atopic dermatitis hydrogel. In Chronic Wound Care, Amneal wil co-promote Microcyn-based products to podiatrists.

8:10AM Jo-Ann Stores confirms "go-shop" period concludes with no alternative offer (JAS) 60.63 : Despite an active and extensive solicitation of potentially interested parties in connection with the "go-shop" period since the announcement of the merger agreement, the Company did not receive any alternative acquisition proposals. If the acquisition is approved by the holders of a majority of Jo-Ann Stores' shares of common stock, the transaction is expected to close by the end of March 2011. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, but is not subject to any condition with regard to the financing of the transaction.

8:08AM Arabian American Developmnt provides update on Al Masane Al Kobra Mine activities; receives payment of $38 mln from Saudi Industrial Development Fund (ARSD) 4.85 : Co announces that the Al Masane Al Kobra mine, in which Arabian American is a 41% equity owner, has received the first US$38 mln payment related to a permanent loan from the Saudi Industrial Development Fund. This initial draw enabled A.M.A.K to repay the initial bridge loan from a Saudi French Bank and allowed A.M.A.K to arrange a further bridge loan from the Saudi French Bank in the amount of approximately US$44 mln which is needed for the completion of the mine's construction and working capital. This bridge loan will be repaid via the second draw on the S.I.D.F loan later in the year.

8:08AM CB Richard Ellis announces definitive agreements to acquire majority of ING Group N.V.'s global real estate investment management businesses for ~$940 mln (CBG) 24.63 : Co announces that it has entered into definitive agreements to acquire the majority of the real estate investment management business of ING Group N.V. (ING) for ~$940 million in cash. The acquisitions include substantially all of the ING Real Estate Investment Management operations in Europe and Asia, as well as Clarion Real Estate Securities, its U.S.-based global real estate listed securities business. Co will also acquire ~$55 million of CRES co-investments from ING and potentially interests in other funds managed by ING REIM Europe and ING REIM Asia. In addition, co expects to incur transaction costs relating to the acquisitions of ~$150 million, including financing, retention and integration costs.

8:06AM Outdoor Channel acquires MyOutdoorTV.com; trms of the transaction were not disclosed. (OUTD) 8.15 : Co announces the acquisition of MyOutdoorTV.com. The site, which has a dedicated library of more than 300 television shows and 8,400 online videos on the outdoor lifestyle, will join co's digital network of web sites. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

8:05AM Libbey Chairman/CEO intends to retire by end of 2011 (LBY) 17.98 : Co announces that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Meier has announced his intention to retire by the end of 2011.The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board, with the assistance of an executive search firm, will lead a search process to determine his successor, with both internal and external candidates being considered.

8:05AM Vermillion to sell 4 mln shares of common stock at $5.45/share (VRML) 5.60 : The Company expects that the net proceeds of the offering will be approximately $20,210,000 after deducting underwriting discounts and expected offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to fund the expansion of the US Sales organization and the associated reimbursement activities, to pursue its expansion and capitalize upon the international opportunities, to accelerate the clinical trials of its diagnostic test for peripheral arterial disease and OVA2, to develop additional diagnostic tests, to pursue product diversification opportunities, and for other general corporate purposes. Roth Capital Partners acted as the sole manager of the offering.

8:05AM Pulse Electronics plans to increase prices for its components in the coming weeks (PULS) 5.37 : Co announced it plans to increase prices for its components in the coming weeks. "The price increases are necessitated by higher minimum wage rates that will take effect in many provinces in China in March, as well as rising costs for raw materials... We have implemented higher pricing on select new quotes and contracts. We will also implement a broader price increase across most of our customer base and in our distribution channel in April."

8:04AM Shaw Group awards an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract of up to $2 billion from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (SHAW) 40.12 : Co announces it has been awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract of up to $2 billion from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. Shaw will provide design-build, construction, supply, furnishing, shipping and site installation services for containerized housing and office units to support the Department of State's Foreign Service Posts worldwide. Shaw is one of 13 firms selected to compete on task orders under this indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.

8:03AM Active Power reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs in-line (ACPW) 2.54 : Reports Q4 (Dec) net of breakeven, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.00); revenues rose 37.9% year/year to $19.3 mln vs the $18.8 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of ($0.02)-0.00 vs. ($0.01) Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $16-19 mln vs. $16.92 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. While this expectation reflects traditional seasonality when compared to the previous quarter, it would represent an increase between 44% and 71% as compared to the same year-ago quarter. Gross profit margin in the fourth quarter was 28%, compared to 30% in the previous quarter and 19% in 4Q09.

8:03AM Cambium Learning prices $175 mln of 9.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (ABCD) 3.83 :

8:02AM Spartan Motors beats by $0.02, beats on revs (SPAR) 7.53 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.11 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.09; revenues rose 31.5% year/year to $126.9 mln vs the $117.9 mln consensus. "In 2010 we continued to implement the strategic initiatives that we started in the second half of 2009. Although we have already begun to see positive financial and operating results from those actions, we are even more optimistic about the opportunities and longer-term growth potential that we have. We did expect some margin compression in this year's results because of the addition of the service and delivery vehicle business. However, this addition effectively diversified our revenue stream by 23%, further reducing Spartan's industry-specific market exposure."

8:02AM Cynosure misses by $0.03, beats on revs (CYNO) 11.95 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.06 per share, $0.03 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.03); revenues rose 15.5% year/year to $22.3 mln vs the $21.9 mln consensus.

8:01AM Alkermes announces positive preliminary results from phase 2 study of ALKS 37; Alkermes plans to advance ALKS 37 into a pivotal development program in mid calendar 2011 (ALKS) 14.00 : Co announced positive preliminary results from a phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study of ALKS 37, an orally active, peripherally restricted opioid antagonist for the treatment of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OBD), which includes constipation and associated gastrointestinal (GI) abnormalities resulting from chronic use of opioid pain medications. Data from the study showed that ALKS 37 significantly improved GI motility and increased the frequency of bowel movements in patients with OBD, while simultaneously preserving the analgesic effects of opioid treatment. The study also demonstrated that ALKS 37 was generally well tolerated with limited systemic exposure and bioavailability. Based on these results, Alkermes plans to advance ALKS 37 into a pivotal development program in mid calendar 2011.

7:50AM SAIC awarded $2.5 bln task order by the U.S. Department of State (SAI) 16.40 : Co announced that it was awarded the Vanguard 2, Task Order 2.2.1 by the U.S. Department of State to engineer, design, secure, operate and maintain its critical enterprise-wide IT network infrastructure in support of the Bureau of Information Resource Management (IRM). The single award task order has a one-year base period of performance, nine one-year options and a total value of $2.5 billion, if all options are exercised.

7:39AM Mylan Labs launches first generic version of Vfend tablets (MYL) 23.37 : Co announces its unit has launched Voriconazole Tablets, 50 mg and 200 mg, under a previously announced settlement and license agreement with Pfizer (PFE). Co was the first company to have filed a substantially complete ANDA containing a Paragraph IV certification for Voriconazole Tablets and was awarded 180 days of marketing exclusivity.

7:33AM Watsco reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (WSO) 63.81 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.31 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.31; revenues rose 16.6% year/year to $657.2 mln vs the $599.2 mln consensus, reflecting 23% growth in air conditioning and heating (HVAC) equipment (63% of sales), 6% growth in other HVAC products (31% of sales) and 19% growth in commercial refrigeration products (6% of sales). Sales of HVAC equipment benefited from strong replacement demand, market share growth and an improved sales mix of higher-efficiency replacement HVAC systems. Operating cash flow for 2010 increased 73% to a record $153 million (~$5.00 per diluted share) reflecting a 10% or $47 million reduction in operating assets and liabilities.

7:32AM EXACT Sciences reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (EXAS) 6.27 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.08 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.08); revenues rose 16.7% year/year to $1.4 mln vs the $1.3 mln consensus. Exact ended the fourth quarter of 2010 with cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $95.4 million, compared to $24.3 million at Dec. 31, 2009. The company completed a $64.7-million stock offering during the fourth quarter of 2010.

7:31AM Alliance Data provides private label performance update for January 2011; Avg receivables down 4% YoY (ADS) 79.88 : Co provides an an update on its Private Label segment. Co states its average receivables decreased 4% YoY to $5,149,603; Net charge offs were $36,649. January's loss rate is 8.5% as compared to a net charge-off rate of ~10.0% for January 31, 2010. Co reports Delinquency rate of 5.6% ytd vs 6.1% in same period last year.

7:30AM Watsco announces 10% increase in its regular quarterly cash dividend to $0.57 per share from $0.52 per share (WSO) 63.81 :

7:20AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* SMSC (SMSC) announced that Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) has licensed SMSC's patented Inter-Chip Connectivity technology.
* AECOM Technology Corporation (ACM) announced that a joint venture in which it participates with Rummler, Klepper & Kahl LLP has been awarded an eight-year, US$60-million program-management contract by the Maryland Transit Administration of the Maryland Department of Transportation.
* Garmin International, a unit of Garmin (GRMN), announced that Tiara Yachts has selected Garmin to be an electronics supplier to outfit its line of luxury fishing and cruising yachts.
* OmniVision Technologies (OVTI) introduced the OV3660, the company's first 3-megapixel complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor image sensor based on its advanced OmniBSI pixel architecture.
* Numerex Corp (NMRX) announced that it will collaborate with Cinterion to distribute and integrate Cinterion modules across all M2M markets, enabling customers to securely and rapidly implement M2M applications.
* Wizzard Media (WZE), the world's leading podcast network, announced it achieved a new milestone with 1,100 mobile Apps for Apple and Android devices now available for purchase and the Company experienced a 64% increase in podcast App sales in January.

7:15AM Watson Pharm reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (WPI) 56.70 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.93 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.93; revenues rose 21.3% year/year to $952.7 mln vs the $928.4 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $3.85-4.15 vs. $4.12 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $4.2 bln vs. $4.24 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

7:14AM Marsh McLennan beats by $0.02, beats on revs (MMC) 28.87 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.41 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.39; revenues rose 8.6% year/year (+6% underlying) to $2.79 bln vs the $2.74 bln consensus.

7:12AM Qwest beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line (Q) 7.42 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.12 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.10; revenues fell 3.2% year/year to $2.9 bln vs the $2.9 bln consensus. Strategic services revenue increased 7 percent on a year-over-year basis, and data integration revenue increased 15 percent. This growth was offset by an 11 percent annual decline in legacy services revenue.

7:09AM Capella Education misses by $0.01, reports revs in-line; issues Q1 enrollment guidance (CPLA) 63.31 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.09 per share, $0.01 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.10; revenues rose 21.4% year/year to $114.7 mln vs the $114.4 mln consensus. New enrollment growth decreased by 10.7% from fourth quarter 2009. Co expects to adjust spending levels and reduce excess support capacity by eliminating ~125 positions representing about 8% of non-faculty workforce, resulting in a charge of about $2 million in the quarter ending March 31, 2011 and an annualized cost savings of ~$12 to $12.5 million. Co sees Q1 total enrollment is expected to grow by 4.5 to 6.5% and revenue by 8.5 to 9.5% yr ago (calc to revs of $109.8-110.8 mln vs. $114.21 mln Thomson Reuters consensus). The operating margin is anticipated to be ~17 to 18 percent of total revenue for the first quarter of 2011, including charges of ~$2 million. While re-registration of existing learners is expected to be strong y/y, new enrollment is expected to decline in Q1 by ~35% y/y. New enrollment growth is impacted by very difficult comparisons as Q1 2010 new enrollment growth was well over 2 times the average annual new enrollment growth of 24.4 percent in 2010. In addition, the expected decline in new enrollment growth reflects market conditions, including weaker demand and tougher competition; undergraduate assessments implemented in November 2010; and changes related to program accreditation requirements.

7:05AM Omnicom beats by $0.02, beats on revs (OMC) 49.95 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.83 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.81; revenues rose 9.8% year/year to $3.59 bln vs the $3.44 bln consensus.

7:03AM DG FastChannel beats by $0.06, beats on revs (DGIT) 30.57 : Reports Q4 (Dec) GAAP earnings of $0.51 per share, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.45; revenues rose 32.3% year/year to $76.1 mln vs the $68.7 mln consensus.

7:02AM Gran Tierra Energy provides South American operations update (GTE) 8.94 : Colombia: Initial drilling and logging results have been obtained from the Moqueta-4 delineation well located ~1.5 kilometers to the west of the Moqueta-1 discovery well in the Chaza Block of the Putumayo Basin... Peru: On February 8, 2011 drilling operations commenced on the Kanatari-1 exploration well on Block 128... Argentina: In the Valle Morado gas field, sidetrack drilling operations on the VM.x-1001 delineation well will be suspended due to a number of operational challenges that have been encountered... Brazil: application for approval of the acquisition of a 70% interest in Blocks REC-T-129, -142, -155 and -224 in the on-shore Reconcavo Basin, Brazil has been submitted for regulatory approval from Brazil's Agencia Nacional de Petroleo Gas Natural e Biocombustiveis.

7:01AM ArthroCare received clearance from the FDA for its Spartan 5.5 Needled Anchor (ARTC) 31.64 :

7:01AM Fossil beats by $0.11, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs above consensus; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (FOSL) 83.51 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.46 per share, $0.11 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.35; revenues rose 32.8% year/year to $701.1 mln vs the $649.8 mln consensus; Q4 comps +20.3%. Co issues guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.62-0.65 vs. $0.63 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of +28-30% YoY to ~$503.3-511.2 mln vs. $456.87 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $4.22-4.32 vs. $4.28 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of +19-21% to ~$2.417-2.457 bln vs. $2.28 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

6:56AM CleanTech Innovations wins initial $4.4 million wind tower supply contract from China Guodian (CTEK) 5.00 :

6:51AM Gartner announced that ValueAct Capital Master Fund offers 8 mln shares of IT common stock in a registered public offering (IT) 38.53 : Gartner will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock in the offering. Credit Suisse Securities and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as underwriters

6:50AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Openwave Systems (OPWV) announced a collaboration arrangement with Amobee Media Systems in which the parties intend to develop an end-to-end advertising ecosystem solution for interested mobile operators.
* Fundtech (FNDT) announced the introduction of the Global CASHplus Enhancement Pack. R. R. Donnelley & Sons (RRD) announced that it has been awarded a new multi-year agreement by L.L.Bean.
* ST-Ericsson (ERIC) introduced its smartphone and tablet platform performance with its new Nova application processors, its new Thor advanced modems and its range of NovaThor complete integrated platform solutions. This was selected by Quanta Computer for its LTE tablets.
* Skyhook announced that Citysearch, a unit of IAC (IACI) has integrated Skyhook's Location Engine into its popular Mobile by Citysearch app for Android and the new Deals by Citysearch app for Android.
* Broadcom (BRCM) and ARM (ARMH) announced the signing of a broad reaching license agreement, enabling Broadcom to access the entire range of ARM processors, from the smallest, lowest-power ARM CortexTM-M0 processor, through to the newly introduced, high-performance Cortex-A15 application processor and beyond.
* YourCash selected Transaction Network Services (TNS) for secure and resilient transaction delivery to ATMs in remote locations in the Netherlands. eQuest, a unit of
* Safeguard Scientifics (SFE) announced an exclusive agreement with Beyond.com that will give eQuest OFCCP Compliance users exclusive rights to post jobs to The Beyond Diversity Network.

6:46AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Energy Partners (EPL) announced the closing of three transactions, including the acquisition of oil-weighted Gulf of Mexico shelf properties, closing of $210 million of 8.25% senior Notes due 2018 used to fund the acquisition and entry into a new $250 million credit facility with $150 million of undrawn revolving capacity.
* SMART Technologies (SMT) announced that it has become aware that a class proceeding has been commenced in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice on behalf of purchasers of shares of SMART in the July 2010 initial public offering of 38.8 million shares.

6:45AM Capital Gold responds to Timmins Gold hostile bid and reaffirms support for Gammon (GRS) transaction (CGC) : Co acknowledges that on February 10, 2011, Timmins Gold filed a Form F-4 Registration Statement to proceed with an unsolicited exchange offer to acquire control of co. In the F-4, Timmins questions co's rejection of its previously announced proposal, the due diligence process undertaken by the special committee of the Board of CGC and its Board's unanimous determination to terminate consideration of the Timmins proposal. In response to Timmins' assertions, co provides additional information about the process undertaken and supports a transaction with GRS in part due to what CGC believes that there is considerable risk associated with Timmins' ability to raise that amount of capital. By contrast, GRS has sufficient cash on hand to fund its own and CGC's operational goals going forward, does not require approval of its stockholders for the transaction with CGC and has an established and experienced board and management team.

6:34AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (RPTP) announced it has reopened enrollment in its Phase 3 clinical trial of its proprietary delayed-release oral formulation of cysteamine bitartrate in patients with nephropathic cystinosis.
* Deutsche Telekom (DTEGY), Orange (FTE), Telecom Italia (TI), Telefonica (TEF) and Vodafone (VOD) intend to commercially launch RCS across several European markets from late 2011, and additional operators are expected to launch later in 2012.
* Openwave Systems (OPWV) announced a collaboration arrangement with Amobee Media Systems in which the parties intend to develop an end-to-end advertising ecosystem solution for interested mobile operators.

6:30AM Enersys to sell 2,845,869 shares of its common stock to Goldman, Sachs & Co (ENS) 37.82 : All net proceeds from the sale of the common stock will be received by the selling stockholders. EnerSys will not receive any of the proceeds.

6:27AM PMI Group misses by $0.46, beats on revs (PMI) 3.26 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $1.14 per share, $0.46 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.68); revenues fell 18.2% year/year to $139.6 mln vs the $137.3 mln consensus. U.S. Mortgage Insurance Operations' losses and LAE declined to $281.8 mln in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to $317.1 mln in the third quarter of 2010 and $549.4 mln in the fourth quarter of 2009. The number of primary loans in default decreased to 127,478 at December 31, 2010 from 131,891 at September 30, 2010 and 150,925 at December 31, 2009. New notices of default received in the fourth quarter of 2010 totaled 28,664 compared to 29,715 in the third quarter of 2010 and 37,835 in the fourth quarter of 2009. Rescission and claim denial of delinquent risk in force totaled $271.8 mln in the fourth quarter of 2010 compared to $208.8 mln in the third quarter of 2010 and $217.0 mln in the fourth quarter of 2009.

6:21AM Colfax beats by $0.06, beats on revs (CFX) 18.90 : Reports Q4 (Feb) earnings of $0.39 per share, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.33; revenues rose 27.3% year/year to $166.7 mln vs the $151.9 mln consensus. Co reports Fourth quarter orders of $133.6 mln, an increase of 31.5%. Co reports Backlog of $313.5 mln at period end.

6:21AM Holly Energy Partners beats by $0.08, beats on revs (HEP) 55.28 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.68 per share, $0.08 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.60; revenues rose 28.6% year/year to $49.4 mln vs the $47.3 mln consensus. This was due to revenues attributable to our December 2009 and March 2010 asset acquisitions, increased pipeline shipments and a $0.8 million increase in previously deferred revenue realized. Overall pipeline shipments increased 9% over the fourth quarter of 2009, reflecting a 7% and 26% increase in affiliate and third-party pipeline shipments, respectively. "Currently, we are on track to complete the interconnect pipeline project at Holly's Tulsa refinery in the spring and are finalizing terms to provide throughput services under a long-term service agreement with Holly. Looking forward, we will continue to explore other opportunities to provide further growth in our distributable cash flow, asset base and geographic footprint."

6:17AM American Water preannounces mixed Q4 results, sees FY11 EPS above consensus (AWK) 27.00 : Co preannounces Q4 (Dec) results, sees EPS of $0.23 vs. $0.24 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q4 (Dec) revs of $664.5 mln vs. $646.97 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY11 (Dec), sees EPS of $1.65-1.75 vs. $1.65 Thomson Reuters consensus. Recent optimization activities include the co's agreement to acquire Aqua America's regulated assets in Missouri and to sell American Water's regulated operations in Texas as well as the company's agreement to sell its regulated water and wastewater operations located in Arizona and New Mexico for an estimated purchase price of $470 million to EPCOR Water (USA) Inc. The completion of these transactions is subject to regulatory approval.

6:13AM Host Hotels misses by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY11 FFO below consensus (HST) 19.66 : Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.26 per share, $0.01 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.27; revenues rose 12.7% year/year to $1.49 bln vs the $1.45 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY11, sees FFO of $0.87-0.92 vs. $0.97 Thomson Reuters consensus. Additionally, Q4 Comparable hotel RevPAR increased 6.2% for the quarter and 5.8% for full year 2010. Co sees FY11 net income ~$19-54 mln vs $36.2 mln; Co sees FY11 Adjusted EBITDA ~$1,000-1,035 mln vs 1,017.1 mln.

6:05AM Nice Systems beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs above consensus; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs above consensus; initiates share repurchase program (NICE) 34.35 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.51 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.49; revenues rose 14.7% year/year to $187 mln vs the $180 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.43-0.47 vs. $0.46 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $179-183 mln vs. $178.19 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.96-2.06 vs. $2.03 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $775-800 mln vs. $762.38 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. The co also announced that its Board has authorized a program to repurchase up to $100 mln of its issued and outstanding ordinary shares and ADRs.

5:32AM Nice Systems acquires CyberTech for ~$60 mln; expected to add $25 mln to 2011 revs; accretive to 2011 non-GAAP EPS (NICE) 34.35 :

5:29AM Nova Measuring beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides Q revs above consensus (NVMI) 10.20 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.28 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.26; revenues rose 77.2% year/year to $27 mln vs the $25.3 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q, sees Q revs of $27.5-29.5 mln vs. $24.62 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

3:54AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Knight Capital Group (KCG) announced that Hotspot FX added SEB as a prime broker on its institutional foreign exchange ECN.
* The GSMA and Neustar (NSR) ,announced that they will work with Twitter, Inc. to ensure subscribers can reliably access their Twitter stream in real-time, even when they change mobile operators, by using the GSMA PathFinder Service.
* Achronix Semiconductor today announced the closing of a formal agreement with Mentor Graphics (MENT) to provide advanced synthesis support for Achronix Semiconductor's Speedster22i Field Programmable Gate Arrays.
* IBM (IBM) announced new services for mobile operators, Internet Service Providers, communication service providers and cable cos transforming their network infrastructures to address exploding data demands while launching their next generation voice, video, data and mobile services.
* Three Laws Mobility, a subsidiary of Motorola Mobility (MMI), in conjunction with HTC, Sony Ericsson, Pantech and Sharp Electronics announced plans to launch a complete end-to-end mobile management solution based on the 3LM Android enterprise platform.

3:48AM Equinix acquires ~90% interest in ALOG Data Centers of Brazil valued at $127 mln (EQIX) 90.44 : Co and Riverwood Capital announce that they have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ~90% of ALOG Data Centers of Brazil S.A. in an all cash transaction valued at ~$127 mln. Co will hold controlling interest, Riverwood will hold a significant minority stake and ~10% will be held by current members of ALOG's management team. Beginning three years following the close of the transaction, co has the right, and in certain circumstances may be required, to acquire 100% of ALOG.

2:58AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Wipro Technologies, a unit of Wipro (WIT) announced the launch of Wipro COMET, the Advanced digital Content Monetization Solution which will enable media and telecommunications service providers to roll out new content services cost effectively and drive increased revenue streams by targeting offers to the specific wants of individual consumers.
* RF Micro Devices (RFMD) announced that Samsung has selected RFMD's PowerSmart power platforms and WiFi components to enable a broad portfolio of next-generation 3G/4G devices, Galaxy S 2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1. Additionally, co announced the addition of four new products to its expanding portfolio of front end modules for 3G/4G switch and signal conditioning applications.
* Kontron unveiled today the 40GbE ATCA packet processor blade AT8242 designed with two powerful OCTEON II cnMIPS64 multi-core processors from Cavium Networks (CAVM). CAVM was also selected by Airspan in its next-gen 4G LTE products.
* LSI (LSI) and Zarlink Semiconductor announced a collaborative solution that pre-integrates Zarlink's Timing over Packet expertise with the LSI Axxia Communication Processor family, speeding time to market and simplifying integration for networking OEMs.
* Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) introduced a new family of antenna switch modules for dual and triple-mode smart phones, tablets and datacards. and power efficiency of the SPARC T3 to the communications market.
* Ericsson (ERIC) and Polycom (PLCM) announced collaboration around an integrated end-to-end solution for hosted telepresence services that will enable telecom operators to deliver affordable, high-definition visual communications services to businesses and consumers.

2:26AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* LeapFrog Enterprises (LF), today announced LeapPad Explorer, a multifunctional learning tablet that ushers in the next generation of learning, digital reading and personal creativity for children ages four and up, available beginning summer 2011 in global English markets.
* Western Refining (WNR) announced that its El Paso refinery began starting various units late last week and anticipates returning to normal operations later this week. The El Paso refinery experienced damage and interruption to its operations due to record-breaking low temperatures and interruptions to its electrical supply beginning February 2, 2011.
* Jefferies (JEF) announced that the firm was named an approved Exchange Participant of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, effective January 31, 2011. With this designation, Jefferies Hong Kong began executing Hong Kong equity orders in Jefferies' name on Monday, February 7.
* Del Monte Foods (DLM) announced that it will adjourn its previously scheduled February 15th shareholder meeting to vote on the acquisition by instutional funds.
* Powerwave Technologies (PWAV) introduced its new lineup of mobile broadband site solutions that are optimized for operators to quickly and cost-effectively deploy 4G services over existing 2G/3G infrastructure.
* HP (HPQ) and VMware (VMW) announced their intent to collaborate on developing and marketing next-generation Intrusion Prevention System solutions designed and optimized for VMware vSphere-based virtual and cloud environments.
* In a series of announcements, Gemalto announced that it has entered into a Technology Collaboration Agreement with iPass (IPAS). Gemalto additionally teamed up with Trimble (TRMB) to pair the companies' state-of-the-art M2M and GPS technologies.
* Sierra Wireless (SWIR) announced that NetComm has selected Sierra Wireless AirPrime MC7750 and MC7710 intelligent embedded modules to provide 4G cellular network connectivity for its new NetComm Liberty Series LTE WiFi Router. Additionally, co announced that LANCOM has selected Sierra Wireless AirPrime intelligent embedded modules to provide wireless network connectivity for its new line of 4G cellular broadband VPN routers.

1:53AM 1st United Bancorp misses by $0.01; misses on revs (FUBC) 6.60 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.07, $0.01 worse than Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.08; revs increased 55.7% to $9.81 mln vs $10.76 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. "Non-performing assets not covered by FDIC Loss Share Agreements were reduced by $3.3 mln (14%) during the quarter ended December 31, 2010, as compared to September 30, 2009."

1:46AM Ramco-Gershenson misses by $0.05; beats on revs; co reiterates 2011 FFO guidance (RPT) 13.46 : Reports Q4 FFO of $0.44, $0.05 worse than Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.49; revs increased 1.6% to $30.8 mln vs $29.3 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co reaffirms and issues in-line guidance for FY11 (Dec), sees funds from operations of $0.90-1.00 vs. $0.98 Thomson Reuters consensus.

1:38AM Stifel Financial beats by $0.26, beats on revs (SF) 66.15 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.11 per share, $0.26 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.85; revenues rose 25.7% year/year to $401.6 mln vs the $364.3 mln consensus.

1:24AM CVD Equipment reports new orders in Jan totaled ~9.3 mln; files shelf registration to support continued growth (CVV) 8.00 : Co announces that new orders received during the month of January, 2011 totaled ~$9.3 mln dollars. These orders are for both production and research equipment in the fields of Solar, LED's and Nanotechnology. In an effort to support continued and projected growth, co's Board has filed a shelf registration giving co the ability to conduct registered offerings of up to $20 mln of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants to purchase these securities, unit offerings or any combination of such securities in multiple transactions over a period of up to three years. Co states: "To be clear, we currently have an ample amount of cash and positive operating cash-flow. However, we realize that to meet increasing order levels and minimize segment risk, we may need to raise capital to support the expansion of product offerings, personnel, equipment and facilities."

1:17AM Cascade releases information regarding operations in Australia; damage to require $5-7 mln write off (CASC) 50.04 : Co announces that its facility in Brisbane, Australia was significantly damaged in the mid-January flooding. The resulting damage will require a Q4 write-off of between $5-7 mln. Recovery of insurance proceeds is not expected until fiscal 2012. Australian operations account for about 5% of co's global revenues.

1:09AM Kraton Performance Polymers announces Asia Pacific HSBC and SBS price increase (KRA) 31.09 : Co announces a general price increase in Asia Pacific Region of $250/MT for all of co's HSBC polymers and compounds. Additionally, co announces a general price increase in Asia Pacific Region of $125/MT for Kraton SBS, and OE SBS polymers and compounds. Subject to the terms of any applicable contracts, these price increases will take effect March 1, 2011.
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