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Market Update 110228

4:30 pm : Stocks overcame some afternoon selling to settle in positive ground with varied gains. That helped secure the sixth straight monthly gain for both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, and the third straight monthly gain for the Dow.

Trade started on a strong note with buyers encouraged by solid gains among most major markets abroad, although disappointing earnings from global banking giant HSBC (HBC 55.09, -2.18) hampered Britain's FTSE. The positive tone to early trade was also helped by a pullback in oil prices following word that Saudi Arabia will make up for any supply disruption that stems from the tenuous circumstances in Libya. April crude oil ended lower by 0.9% to $96.97 per barrel.

Amid the action in oil prices, energy stocks faltered after a strong start, but recovered to settle with a 0.6% gain that is on par with what the broader market ultimately scored. Weakness in semiconductor stocks (-1.1%) weighed on the Nasdaq, which lagged its counterparts for virtually the entire session after it had outperformed late last week.

Amazon.com (AMZN 173.29, -3.95) exacerbated the Nasdaq's problems as participants dropped the stock to a three-week low following news that analysts at UBS downgraded shares of AMZN. Apple (AAPL 353.21, +5.05) offered support as it advanced to its fourth straight gain following three consecutive losses.

Although the Nasdaq had a rather underwhelming performance this session, it locked in a 3.5% gain February. The S&P 500 scored a 4.0% monthly gain while the Dow advanced 3.4% for the month.

Fanfare for the latest dose of data was minimal, despite few blemishes.

January personal income increased by 1.0%, which is stronger than the 0.3% increase that had been expected, on average, among economists polled by Briefing.com. However, January personal spending increased just 0.2%, which is less than the widely anticipated increase of 0.4%. Core personal consumption expenditures for January increased just 0.1% month over month, but that had been broadly expected.

The Chicago PMI for February climbed to a 20-year high of 71.2. It had only ben expected to come in at 67.5 after a 68.8 reading in January.

Pending home sales for January fell 2.8% month over month, but that is still better than the 3.2% decline that had been expected, on average, among economists surveyed by Briefing.com. The January decline is also softer than the 3.2% slide reported for the prior month.

Advancing Sectors: Telecom (+1.5%), Utilities (+1.0%), Materials (+1.0%), Health Care (+0.9%), Energy (+0.6%), Consumer Discretionary (+0.6%), Industrials (+0.6%), Financials (+0.5%), Consumer Staples (+0.4%), Tech (+0.2%)
Declining Sectors: (None)DJ30 +95.89 NASDAQ +1.22 NQ100 +0.2% R2K +0.2% SP400 +0.3% SP500 +7.34 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1328/2.03 bln/1336 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2040/1.25 bln/966

3:30 pm : The CRB Commodity Index finished with a modestly positive bias today, led by a 2% gain in industrials. May cotton finished the session limit up, higher by 3.8%, to $1.91 per pound. Concerns about supply helped the industrial trade higher today.

April crude oil ended lower by 0.9% to $96.97 per barrel. It spent most of the session chopping around the flat line only to pull back toward lows heading into the close. Reports that Saudi Arabia as covering any supply disruption from Libya helped calm a jittery market, for the time being. April natural gas finished higher by 0.9% to $4.04 per MMBtu.

Weakness in the dollar helped push precious metals higher earlier today. March silver rallied for 2.5% to close at $33.80 per ounce. April gold finished near flat at $1409.90 per ounce after it sold off heading into the close of pit trade.DJ30 +83.67 NASDAQ -6.25 SP500 +5.44 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1032/1.5 bln/1595 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1796/629.8 mln/1173

3:00 pm : Only an hour remains in trade and the Nasdaq is still mired in negative territory. Meanwhile, the Dow and S&P 500 are trying to reclaim gains.

Leadership is still lacking in late afternoon trade. Tech, the largest sector by market weight, is in the red with a 0.1% loss. Energy, a leader in the opening minutes of trade, is stuck at the flat line. Financials were also strong in early action, but are now up just 0.3%. Utilities and telecom are up 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively, but together they only carry a market weight of little more than 5%. DJ30 +72.88 NASDAQ -7.19 SP500 +4.29 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1076/1.35 bln/1553 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1807/584 mln/1153

2:30 pm : The stock market has made a modest move up from its session low, but energy stocks, which were early leaders, remain mired near the neutral line.

Refiners have been the biggest burden to the overall energy sector this session, but traders are having a negative reaction to some last minute action in pit trade. Pressure against oil has picked up as the commodity approaches the close of pit trade. The flurry of selling has oil prices down $0.83 to $97.05 per barrel. DJ30 +68.04 NASDAQ -5.93 SP500 +4.44 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1040/1.25 bln/1590 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1803/532 mln/1166

2:00 pm : Stocks are stuck near session lows. Leadership is now lacking after trade had seen broad-based support in the early going.

Tech is the largest sector by market weight, but that weight has hampered broader action, due to the sector's 0.3% loss. Every other sector is still in positive territory; utilities are up the most as they sport a 0.9% gain. DJ30 +41.51 NASDAQ -10.84 SP500 +1.52 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1063/1.14 bln/1540 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1789/490 mln/1151

1:30 pm : Selling has intensified in recent trade. That pressure has taken the stock market down to a fresh session low.

Small-cap stocks have been hit relatively hard. Specifically, the Russell 2000 was up as much as 0.8% at its session high, but it is now down to a 0.5% loss.

Even though the tone of trade has deteriorated, the Volatility Index is still down for the day. It was last quoted with a 1% loss. DJ30 +45.14 NASDAQ -1.55 SP500 +1.80 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1130/1.05 bln/1472 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1867/450 mln/1073

1:00 pm : The broader market has pulled back a bit in recent trade, but it still trades with a solid gain. However, the Nasdaq is already in the red.

Stocks started the session on a strong note, thanks to a combination of impressive overseas performances and a pullback in oil prices. The bid has been generally broad based, but to somewhat of a surprise defensive-oriented plays in the utilities sector (+1.1%), telecom (+0.8%), and health care (+0.7%) are sporting the richest gains.

Retailers have had a relatively rough session. The group is down 0.3%. Amazon.com (AMZN 172.35, -4.89) has been a heavy drag on the group, following news that its shares were downgraded by analysts at UBS. Shares of AMZN are at a three-week low.

Weakness in AMZN has also weighed on the Nasdaq, which recently slipped into the red to trade with a narrow loss. Semiconductor stocks, collectively down 1.4%, have also adversely affected the tech-rich Nasdaq.

Data hasn't had any real impact on trade today. Pending home sales for January fell a softer-than-expected 2.8%. The Chicago PMI for February surpassed expectations by hitting a 20-year high of 71.2. Personal income for January increased by a stronger-than-expected 1.0%, but spending increased a smaller-than-expected 0.2%.DJ30 +60.55 NASDAQ -6.75 SP500 +3.42 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1268/925 mln/1336 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2028/403 mln/912

12:30 pm : The benchmark 10-year Note has spent most of the session trading near the neutral line. That has left its yield to trade only a couple of basis points above 3.40%.

Meanwhile, the dollar has been weak all day. At the moment, the Dollar Index is down 0.5%. Most of the pressure against the greenback is due to strength in the euro and British pound. DJ30 +80.68 NASDAQ +1.90 SP500 +6.30 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1292/843 mln/1288 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1999/371 mln/924

12:00 pm : The Nasdaq recently fell all the way to the neutral line, but support there helped it bounce back to a narrow gain. Semiconductor stocks, now down 0.9% as a group, continue to hamper the tech-rich Index. In contrast, Apple (AAPL 353.07, +4.91) has been a key source of support. There is no clear catalyst or headline to account for its strength.DJ30 +71.33 NASDAQ +3.17 SP500 +5.76 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1274/748 mln/1287 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1960/335 mln/924

11:30 am : The Nasdaq outperformed its counterparts this past Thursday and Friday, but today it is lagging the other headline averages. Overall action in the Nasdaq has been choppy this session, but a recent spell of selling has the tech-rich Index at a session low.

Amazon.com (AMZN 173.88, -3.36), downgraded by analysts at UBS, has been the heaviest drag on the Nasdaq. On pace for its fifth loss in six sessions, shares of AMZN are at a three-week low.

Intel (INTC 21.65, -0.21) has also been a source of weakness for the Nasdaq. The company is scheduled to participate in a Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference that begins today.DJ30 +70.57 NASDAQ +2.78 SP500 +5.67 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1478/615 mln/1085 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2173/285 mln/694

11:00 am : Oil prices were down about 1% at their morning low, but they have rebounded in recent trade so that they now sport a 0.2% gain at $98.05 per barrel. Despite that, energy stocks have yet to reclaim the gains that they had staged in the opening minutes of action; the energy sector is currently up 0.3%, which is half of what the broader market currently boasts.

Utilities stocks, though defensive in nature, have jumped out to a 1.4% gain. The sector's move stems from strength in energy generation and merchant outfits like Exelon (EXC 41.91, +0.62) and Constellation Group (CEG 30.95, +0.77).DJ30 +93.69 NASDAQ +11.39 SP500 +8.69 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1481/499 mln/1032 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2104/235 mln/714

10:35 am : Weakness in the dollar index is benefitting only select commodities this morning as half of the CRB Commodity Index is lower.

April crude oil has been trending lower during today's session, eventually falling into negative territory as Saudi Arabia has reported it fulfilled its promise to cover any supply shortage from Libya. Crude put in new session lows at the top of the hour of $96.71 per barrel and is now down 0.6% at $97.32 per barrel.

April natural gas gained steam earlier this morning and extended those gains after rallying 30 minutes ago into positive territory and new session highs of $4.08 per MMBtu. The energy component remains near those levels and is now up 1.2% at $4.05 per MMBtu.

Cotton futures rose limit-up in overnight trade after India's textile ministry reduced its cotton output forecast by 5% and on further headlines of strong China demand. Currently, cotton futures (continuous contract) is up 7 cents (or +3.8%) at $1.9123/lb.

April gold and March silver ticked higher in recent trade, which pushed March silver futures to new session highs of $33.92 per ounce. April gold pushed off of the unchanged line and is now 0.3% higher at $1414.20 per ounce. March silver is currently up 2.8% at $33.82 per ounce.DJ30 +93.58 NASDAQ +13.72 SP500 +8.40 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1556/348.8 mln/890 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1556/168.4 mln/890

10:05 am : Energy stocks sprinted out to an early gain of approximately 1%, but the sector has started to pull back. It's slip coincides with a drop in oil prices to morning lows of about $96.90 per barrel, which reflects a loss of 1%.

Shares of retailers have failed to stage any kind of collective advance in the early going. The sector is down 0.1% with Amazon.com (AMZN 174.77, -2.47) dragging the group down after it was downgraded by analysts at UBS.

Pending home sales for January were just released. They fell 2.8% month over month, but that isn't as bad as the 3.2% decline that had been expected, on average, among economists surveyed by Briefing.com. Pending sales for the prior month had a 3.2% monthly decline.

Advancing Sectors: Financial (+0.8%), Industrial (+0.8%), Materials (+0.8%), Health Care (+0.7%), Energy (+0.6%), Tech (+0.6%), Telecom (+0.5%), Utilities (+0.4%), Consumer Discretionary (+0.3%), Consumer Staples (+0.3%)
Declining Sectors: (None)DJ30 +87.00 NASDAQ +14.44 SP500 +8.42 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1565/185 mln/760 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2105/108 mln/595

09:45 am : Stocks are up nicely in the first few minutes of tade, but energy has seen the strongest buying interest, so far. Energy stocks are collectively up 0.9%, even though oil prices have pulled back from overnight highs above $99 per barrel to trade with a 0.5% loss at $97.40 per barrel. The energy sector is currently led by integrated oil and gas plays like Dow component Exxon Mobil (XOM 86.42, +1.08).

The Chicago PMI reading for February was just released. It came in at 71.2, which is well above the 67.5 that had been broadly expected to follow the January reading of 68.8. The February figure is the best in 20 years. DJ30 +65.43 NASDAQ +13.01 SP500 +7.04 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1627/49 mln/573 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1673/37 mln/363

09:15 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +4.60. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +8.20. Stock futures continue to point to a solid start for trade. The positive tone has been helped by a pullback in oil prices, which now trade with a 0.3% loss at $97.55 per barrel, and strong performances by many major averages abroad. According to data, eurozone CPI fell 0.7% in January, but the euro has managed to advance against the greenback -- the dollar is currently down 0.6% relative to a collection of competing currencies. Domestic data has been mixed, so far, so it has neither persuaded nor dissuaded buying ahead of the open; personal income for January increased by a stronger-than-expected 1.0%, but spending increased a smaller-than-expected 0.2%. The Chicago PMI for February is due at 9:45 AM ET, followed by pending home sales figures for January at 10:00 AM ET.

09:05 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +5.00. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +8.40. Futures for the S&P 500 have eased off of their morning highs, but they continue to point to a higher start for the session. As for action abroad, Germany's DAX has rallied from a lackluster start to a 1.3% gain. It has been led by Allianz (AZ), SAP AG, and Siemens (SI). Metro AG and RWE AG are currently the only two names in the 30-member bourse that have failed to put together any kind of a gain. According to data, Germany's Import Price Index for January increased by 1.5%, which is much cooler than the 2.3% increase posted in the prior month. France's CAC also turned an unimpressive start into a strong gain of 1.1%. Total (TOT), BNP Paribas, and Societe Generale have been primary leaders. Lafarge SA, PPR, and Michelin make up the only three names in the 40-member Index in the red. France's Producer Price Index increased 0.9% in January, just as it did in December. Britain's FTSE was down as much as 0.6%, but it has turned that loss into a 0.1% gain amid leadership from metal and mining plays Rio Tinto (RIO), Xstrata (XTA), and BHP Billiton (BHP). However, HSBC (HBC) continues to be a heavy drag on trade following the firm's disappointing earnings results. As for eurozone data, the eurozone CPI fell 0.7% in January after a 0.6% increase in the prior month.

In Asia, Japan's Nikkei put together a 0.9% gain. Fanuc Corp and Softbank were primary drivers of the move. Fast Retailing lagged. Japan's preliminary industrial production posted a 2.4% increase during January, after a 3.3% increase during December. Construction orders for January tumbled 10.7% after a 13.1% spike in December. Mainland China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 0.9% gain amid broad-based buying that saw advancing issues outnumber decliners by about 7-to-1. Sany Heavy Industry, Citic Securities, and China Petroleum led the list of advancers. Industrial & Commercial Bank was among the more notable laggards. China's Premier Jiabo indicated during the weekend that China's economy is expected to grow by approximately 7% over the next five years. Hong Kong's Hang Seng ascended to a 1.4% gain. HSBC was a leader ahead of its report. Fellow banking plays China Construction Bank and Industrial & Commercial Bank were also strong. Hang Seng Bank was a laggard, however. Hong Kong & China Gas was also one of the weaker issues.

08:35 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +5.80. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +10.20. Stock futures remain near morning highs, unfazed by today's first dose of data. In January personal income increased by 1.0%, which is stronger than the 0.3% increase that had been expected, on average, among economists polled by Briefing.com. Personal spending during January increased just 0.2%, though; it had been widely anticipated to increase by 0.4%. Core personal consumption expenditures for January increased a tepid 0.1% month over month, as had been broadly expected after no change for the prior month. Still to come this morning are the Chicago PMI for February (9:45 AM ET) and pending home sales figures for January (10:00 AM ET).

08:05 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +5.70. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +10.20. Stock futures point to a solid start to trading for this week. The bid comes as oil prices succumb to some modest selling pressure -- oil prices were last quoted with a 0.5% loss at $97.40 per barrel after they had been above $99 per barrel in overnight trade. Overseas markets are mostly higher, although Britain's FTSE has fallen to a fractional loss amid weakness in HSBC (HBC) following results from the global banking giant. Other corporate news is rather light, but a few doses of data are on their way, beginning with monthly personal income and spending figures at the bottom of the hour. The latest Chicago PMI is follows at 9:45 AM ET, then pending home sales figures at 10:00 AM ET.

07:11 am : [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: -0.40. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +1.90.

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

6:59PM U.S. Steel reports Macsteel Service Centers USA Acquires Steel Coil Services from the co (X) 57.49 +0.73 : Macsteel Service Centers USA announced the acquisition of the assets and business of Steel Coil Services in Catoosa, Oklahoma, a subsidiary of United States Steel Corporation ( X).

6:52PM DISH Network issues statement on LIN Media retransmission negotiations (DISH) 23.25 -0.20 : DISH Network L.L.C. issued the following statement about its ongoing retransmission negotiations with LIN Media regarding continued carriage of local channels in 17 markets: (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100611/LA19624LOGO) "LIN Media, a corporate media conglomerate, is threatening to block DISH Network customers from watching its local channels in 17 markets across the country. LIN Media is demanding more than a 140 percent rate hike and other burdensome contract terms that ultimately will result in higher prices for consumers. We are pleased the FCC is meeting this week to seek changes to the outdated retransmission consent process. In the meantime, DISH Network is diligently negotiating with LIN Media, and we're hopeful we can reach a fair agreement."

6:51PM Homex Development misses by $0.15 (HXM) 27.23 -1.05 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings per ADR of $0.64 per share, $0.15 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.79; revenues rose 12.6% year/year to $493 mln vs the $475.9 mln consensus.

6:40PM Franklin Covey reiterates FY11 outlook; announces that Q2 sales and earnings are expected to be significantly higher than those reported in the same period of FY10 (FC) 8.13 +0.06 : The Co's sales momentum, as represented by booked days, remained strong through the quarter ended February 26, 2011 and the number of booked days for future delivery at Feb 26, 2011 increased significantly compared to the same period of the prior year. Co said, "We continue to be encouraged by our strong business momentum and are looking forward to reporting the operating results for our second quarter of fiscal 2011." The co is also affirming its previously provided fiscal 2011 outlook for Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $18-21 mln, representing growth of ~35-57% compared to fiscal 2010 Adjusted EBITDA.

6:34PM PRG-Schultz beats by $0.09 (PRGX) 5.69 +0.17 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.17 per share, $0.09 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.08; revenues rose 1.6% year/year to $50.3 mln vs the $49.6 mln consensus.

6:30PM Peabody Energy and SSA Marine enter into long term agreement for Powder River Basin coal exports (BTU) 65.49 +0.19 : Co announced an agreement with SSA Marine to initially export up to 24 million metric tons of coal per year through the planned Gateway Pacific Terminal in Whatcom County in northwest Washington. Coal export volumes would be dependent upon global market demand, terminal capacity and other factors. The terminal is being permitted to handle a variety of dry bulk commodities and would serve as a West Coast hub for exporting Peabody's clean Powder River Basin coal to fast-growing Asian markets. Coal is among multiple commodities including grain, potash, iron ore and calcined coke that could be exported or imported through the terminal during multiple decades of operation. Extensive engineering and permitting work is under way to develop the facility, and port operations could begin within several years based on achievement of key project development milestones. Peabody has rights to throughput over the life of the operation and could expand its capacity in future years. The co already exports Powder River Basin coal from Western Canada to Asia and South America.

6:25PM Allied Nevada beats by $0.04; Gold production is expected to be lower in the first half of 2011 and increase through the remainder of the year (ANV) 30.34 +0.34 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.07 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 94.4% year/year to $31.5 mln (No consensus). In 2011, we expect Hycroft to mine ~44 million tons of material, including 24 million tons of ore at average grades of 0.014 opt gold. The average grades in 2011 are expected to be lower than the average grades mined in 2010 as the mine moves through a lower grade phase of mining of the Brimstone pit. The silver to gold production ratio is expected to be 2.5 ounces of silver for each ounce of gold. Gold sales for 2011 are expected to be 125,000-135,000 ounces at an expected cost of sales per ounce of gold sold of $450-$490 (with silver as a byproduct credit). Production is expected to be lower in the first half of 2011 and increase through the remainder of the year as the impact of mining more tons and placing more ore begins to take effect.

6:21PM Fiserv acquires M-Com to enhance mobile banking and payments capabilities (FISV) 63.27 +0.27 : Co announced that it has acquired Mobile Commerce Ltd. (M-Com), an international mobile banking and payments provider, to enhance Fiserv's existing mobile channel capabilities. The two companies have been partners since 2008, developing and delivering Mobile Money from Fiserv to hundreds of financial institutions. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

6:11PM Emergent Group announces expiration of 'go-shop' period (LZR) 8.42 +0.01 : Co announced the expiration of the 21-day "go-shop" period that is part of its definitive agreement with Universal Hospital Services (UHS), whereby UHS will make a cash tender offer of $8.46 per share for all outstanding shares of Emergent Group, followed by a merger of Emergent Group with a wholly owned subsidiary of UHS pursuant to which the remaining Emergent Group stockholders would receive the same per share consideration as offered in the cash tender offer.

6:07PM Youku.com misses by $0.10, beats on revs; see Q1 revs up 105-115% YoY (YOKU) 41.59 +1.99 : Reports Q4 (Dec) GAAP loss of $0.13 per share, incl share-based compensation expenses and change in fair value of derivative financial liabilities and warrant liability, $0.10 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.03); revenues rose 181.7% year/year to $23.1 mln vs the $20.8 mln consensus. For the first quarter of 2011, the co expects the year-on-year net revenues growth at a rate of 105% to 115%.

6:02PM Majestic Capital announces postponement of special general meeting of shareholders to approve Bayside transaction (MAJC) 4.18 +0.03 :

6:02PM Celanese announces price increases (CE) 41.45 +0.43 : Co will increase list and off-list selling prices for the following products, in the amounts indicated, effective March 1, 2011, or as contracts allow: Acetic +$50 USD/MT Asia; Acetic Anhydride +EUR60 in Europe; VAM +$0.05USD/Lb in USA, Canada and Mexico, +$100 USD/MT in Central and South America, +EUR60 in Europe and +$80 USD/MT in Asia; ETAC +$0.04 USD/lb and +$80 USD/MT in Central and South America.

6:00PM Olin acquires PolyOne's interests in SunBelt partnership (OLN) 18.61 +0.12 : Co announced that it has acquired PolyOne Corp's (POL) 50% interest in the SunBelt Chlor Alkali Partnership for $132.3 million in cash plus the assumption of a PolyOne guarantee related to the Partnership debt. With this acquisition Olin becomes the 100% owner of SunBelt. The parties have also agreed to a three year earn out based on the performance of SunBelt. At December 31, 2010 SunBelt had $85.3 million of debt outstanding. In conjunction with this transaction Olin expects to record a non-cash, pretax gain, in excess of $80 million, associated with the revaluation of its existing 50% interest in the SunBelt partnership.

5:57PM GMX RESOURCES announces underwriters' exercise of over-allotment option to acquire an additional 1,098,518 shares of GMXR common stock (GMXR) 5.19 -0.22 : Co announced that the underwriters have exercised their over-allotment option to acquire an additional 1,098,518 shares of GMXR common stock. The Co expects the closing of the over-allotment shares to occur on March 2, 2011. As a result of the over-allotment, the Co will receive incremental net proceeds of ~$4.9 million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions. any. Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC were the joint book-running managers for the offering. Other underwriters included Capital One Southcoast, Inc., Pritchard Capital Partners, LLC, Johnson Rice & Company, L.L.C., and Howard Weil Incorporated.

5:56PM Range to sell its Barnett Shale properties in the Fort Worth Basin for a purchase price of $900 million (RRC) 54.30 +0.02 : RRC announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with a private co to sell its Barnett Shale properties in the Fort Worth Basin for a purchase price of $900 mln. The sale is expected to close in late April and is subject to customary closing conditions and purchase price adjustments. The properties included in the sale encompass 390 producing wells covering ~52,000 net acres. Current production is ~113 Mmcfe per day. RRC is retaining certain non-producing acreage in the Barnett Shale, which it values at ~$50 mln. The co also announced that its 2011 capital expenditure budget has been set at $1.38 billion. The 2011 capital budget includes $1.13 billion for drilling and recompletions, $160 mln for land, $55 mln for seismic and $35 mln for pipelines and facilities. Approximately 86% of the budget will be directed toward the Marcellus Shale play. The remaining budget is currently divided as follows: 6% for the Midcontinent division, 4% for the Appalachian division and 4% for the Southwest division. The 2011 capital budget will be funded with operating cash flow and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Barnett Shale properties. RRC has also identified $200-250 mln of miscellaneous properties it plans to offer for sale over the next 12 months. After combining 2011 estimated cash flow and the expected proceeds from the property sales, less the 2011 CapEx, co anticipates carrying over approximately $400 mln into 2012. The co currently plans to fund its 2012 capital budget with the $400 mln carryover proceeds, operating cash flow and drawing approximately $150 mln under its bank credit facility. Based on current future prices, Range currently anticipates it can fully fund its 2013 capital spending with expected cash flow. For 2011, RRC is targeting year-over-year production growth of 10%, including the impact of the expected property sales. Adjusting for the property sales, 2011 production growth would be 25%. Looking to 2012, the co currently anticipates year-over-year production growth in the 25-30% range. For 2011 and 2012, all-in finding and development costs are currently projected to be $1.00 per mcfe or less.

5:56PM GMX RESOURCES extends its cash tender offer for its 5.00% convertible senior notes due 2013 (GMXR) 5.19 -0.22 : Co announced that it is extending its previously announced tender offer for up to $50,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2013 (the "Convertible Notes"), of which $122,750,000 aggregate principal amount is currently outstanding.

5:49PM Rogers agrees to purchase 1.2 mln Class B non-voting shares for cancellation in private purchase (RCI) 35.30 +0.20 : Co announced that it has agreed to purchase for cancellation 1,200,000 of its outstanding Class B Non-Voting shares ("Class B shares"), or ~0.27% of the Class B shares outstanding at January 31, 2011, pursuant to a private agreement between Rogers and an arm's-length third party seller (the "Private Purchase") for an aggregate purchase price of $38,363,760, which is at a discount to the current market price of the Class B shares. The Private Purchase was made under an issuer bid exemption order issued by the Ontario Securities Commission. The Class B shares purchased under the Private Purchase will be included in calculating the number of Class B shares that Rogers may purchase through its outstanding normal course issuer bid.

5:49PM Ferro beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY11 revs above consensus (FOE) 15.92 +0.21 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.24 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.23; revenues rose 17.1% year/year to $537 mln vs the $486.8 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $2.23-2.3 bln vs. $2.16 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

5:43PM Phoenix Companies revises Q4 balance sheet; identifies an error was identified that resulted in an understatement of its valuation allowance against deferred tax assets (PNX) 2.66 +0.11 : PNX reported that on Feb 10, 2011 it reported Q4 and full-year 2010 results, including preliminary, unaudited financial statements. In preparing its annual report on Form 10-K, an error was identified that resulted in an understatement of its valuation allowance against deferred tax assets and therefore an overstatement of other comprehensive income (OCI) and total stockholders' equity by $103.1 mln. There was no effect on reported income tax expense, net income, earnings per share, or on the company's non-GAAP measures (operating income, operating income per share, and book value per share excluding AOCI). Therefore, the Feb 10, 2011 news release is updated and replaced by this news release. The changes are reflected in the tables entitled "Balance Sheet," "Balance Sheet Summary" and "Consolidated Balance Sheet." Co reported a net loss of $11.6 mln, or $0.10 per share, and operating income of $7.8 mln, or $0.07 per share, for Q4 of 2010. Excluding a $10.0 mln tax expense, Q4 2010 core operating income was $17.8 mln, or $0.15 per share. Operating results reflect the impact of the improved equity markets on net investment income and the annuity product line as well as favorable mortality. For full-year 2010, the co reported a net loss of $12.6 mln, or $0.11 per share, and an operating loss of $9.6 mln, or $0.08 per share. Excluding a tax benefit and other unusual items detailed in the table below, full-year 2010 core operating income was $38.5 mln, or $0.33 per share.

5:33PM Innovaro issues "no comment" on increased market activity in its common stock (INV) 1.80 +0.27 : Innovaro (INV) reported that the NYSE Amex has contacted the Company and, in accordance with its usual practice, requested that the Company issue a press release regarding the increased market activity in the Company's common stock. As a matter of policy, the Company does not comment on such matters.

5:29PM Anika Therapeutics launches ANIKAVISC ophthalmic product under new U.S. distribution agreement (ANIK) 9.05 +0.48 : Co announced that Kansas City-based Visco Technologies LLC will serve for the next five years as a U.S. distributor for ANIKAVISC, the Company's viscoelastic for cataract surgery. Anika recently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the ANIKAVISC product. For more than 20 years, the co has manufactured premium ophthalmic viscoelastics for companies including Bausch & Lomb, Staar Surgical and HOYA Surgical Optics.

5:22PM Terremark announces omnibus settlement with putative class action plaintiffs regarding acquisition by Verizon (TMRK) 18.98 +0.04 : Co announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) providing for the settlement of all eight putative class action lawsuits that have been brought in Delaware and Florida in connection with the previously announced Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 27, 2011 among Terremark, Verizon Communications (VZ) and Verizon Holdings, whereby all outstanding shares of Terremark common stock will be acquired by Verizon in a tender offer and merger transaction for $19.00 net per share in cash.

5:03PM Universal Health misses by $0.03, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (UHS) 45.71 +0.49 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.58 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.61; revenues rose 20.8% year/year to $1.56 bln vs the $1.54 bln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $3.50-3.65, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $3.54 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $7.6-7.7 bln vs. $7.57 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

5:01PM Mindray Medical announced an agreement to acquire a controlling stake of Shenzhen Shenke Medical Instrument Technical Development; terms of the transaction were not disclosed as the transaction is non-material to Mindray's financial statements (MR) 27.05 +0.68 :

4:56PM Papa John's announces Chief Financial Officer transition (PZZA) 29.18 +0.18 : Co announced that David Flanery is retiring from Papa John's after 16 years with the company, and named Lance Tucker as Chief Financial Officer. Flanery will continue at the company through May, working closely with Tucker to ensure a smooth transition of duties and responsibilities. Tucker has served as co's Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning and Chief of Staff since 2010, responsible for strategic planning and overseeing the company's Information Services, Risk Services and Project Management Office. He has 20 years of finance and management experience, including two terms with co's- including in manager and director of finance roles from 1994 to 1999, focusing on budgeting, analysis and financial reporting; and rejoining the company in 2009 as Chief of Staff and to oversee strategic planning. From 2003 to 2009, Tucker was CFO of Evergreen Real Estate, LLC, an entity owned by company Founder, Chairman and co-CEO, John Schnatter. Tucker is a Certified Public Accountant and started his career with Ernst & Young.

4:55PM Mindray Medical beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 revs in-line (MR) 27.08 +0.68 : Reports Q4 (Dec) GAAP earnings of $0.35 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.33; revenues rose 11.8% year/year to $211 mln vs the $210.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs to be more than 16% greater than 2010 revs of $704,309, which calculates to ~$817 mln vs. $822.83 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:48PM Data I/O reports Q4 EPS of $0.07 vs. $0.00 in last year's quarter; revs grew 40% to $6.9 mln (DAIO) 5.78 -0.10 :

4:35PM TreeHouse Foods announces its intention to close its Springfield, Missouri pickle plant (THS) 52.17 +0.15 : Most plant production will cease in August 2011, with full plant closure occurring by December 2011. The plant has 46 employees.

4:32PM MarkWest Energy misses on the top and bottom line (MWE) 44.90 +0.20 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.76 per share, including items, $1.11 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.35; revenues rose 32.0% year/year to $300 mln vs the $324.8 mln consensus. The Partnership increased its 2011 DCF forecast to a range of $260 million to $310 million based on forecasted operational volumes from existing operations, growth capital projects that will be completed and commence operations during 2011, derivative instruments currently outstanding, and a reasonable range of price estimates for crude oil and natural gas. The Partnership also updated its 2011 growth capital expenditure forecast to a range of $600-650 million, which includes the $230 million acquisition of EQT's Langley processing complex and the Ranger NGL pipeline. The Partnership forecasts maintenance capital for 2011 in a range of $10-20 million.

4:32PM Health Care REIT intends to offer concurrent underwritten public offerings of 25.0 million shares of its common stock and $625 million of cumulative convertible perpetual preferred stock (HCN) 52.60 +0.38 : The company intends to use the net proceeds from these offerings to finance a portion of the purchase price of its previously announced anticipated acquisition of substantially all of the real estate assets of privately-owned Genesis HealthCare Corporation for a purchase price of $2.4 billion. If that acquisition is not consummated, the company intends to use the net proceeds from these offerings for general corporate purposes, including investing in health care and senior housing properties and repaying borrowings under the company's unsecured line of credit and other outstanding indebtedness. UBS Investment Bank, BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, Deutsche Bank Securities, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo Securities will act as joint book-running managers for each of the offerings and KeyBanc Capital Markets will act as co-lead manager.

4:31PM LPL Investment executives adopt 10b5-1 plans (LPLA) 33.52 +0.74 : Co announces that Mark Casady, Chairman and CEO, Esther Stearns, President and COO and William Dwyer III, Managing Director, President - National Sales & Marketing have each established Rule 10b5-1 stock trading plans to effect the orderly sale of a portion of their holdings of LPL Investment Holdings Inc. common stock. The adoption of these plans is a part of a strategy for asset diversification, liquidity and generation of cash to pay taxes associated with their holdings of LPL common stock.

4:31PM Lin TV announces retransmission consent contract with DISH Expires March 4, 2011 (TVL) 6.11 +0.27 :

4:30PM Quest Diagnostics will reaffirm its 2011 guidance (DGX) 56.75 +0.08 : During the conference, the company will reaffirm its 2011 guidance. The company expects revenues to grow ~1%, operating income to approximate 18% of revenues, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations before special items of $4.25-4.45 vs. $4.43 Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:27PM Exterran Holdings and Exterran Partners, L.P. announce secondary offering of 5.25 mln outstanding common shares (EXH) 22.70 +0.37 : Wells Fargo Securities, BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, J.P. Morgan and RBC are acting as joint book-running managers.

4:24PM Fifth Street Finance announces improved pricing on its Wells Fargo (WFC) credit facility (FSC) 13.77 +0.07 : The interest rate of the facility has been reduced to LIBOR plus 3.0% per annum, with no LIBOR floor. In addition, the maturity date of the facility has been extended to February 25, 2014.

4:23PM ExlService beats by $0.07, beats on revs; guides FY11 revs above consensus (EXLS) 22.22 +0.54 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.27 per share, $0.07 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.20; revenues rose 17.8% year/year to $70 mln vs the $65.4 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $295-305 mln vs. $293.98 mln Thomson Reuters consensus, with an adj. operating margin of 13-14%.

4:23PM Comstock prices underwritten public offering of $300 million of senior notes due 2019 (CRK) 26.55 -0.40 : Co intends to use the net proceeds of the proposed offering to fund its pending tender offer and consent solicitation for its existing 6 7/8% senior notes due 2012 ($172.4 million), to repay outstanding borrowings under its bank credit facility and for general corporate purposes. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, BMO Capital Markets and J.P. Morgan Securities are acting as joint book-running managers, with BBVA Securities, BNP Paribas Securities, Capital One Southcoast, Comerica Securities, Lloyds TSB Bank plc, Mitsubishi UFJ Securities (USA), Morgan Keegan, Natixis Securities North America, Scotia Capital (USA), SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, and U.S. Bancorp Investments acting as co-managers.

4:21PM EOG Resources announced the commencement of a registered underwritten public offering of 11.8 mln shares of its common stock (EOG) 112.31 +0.56 : Co announced the commencement of a registered underwritten public offering of 11.8 mln shares of its common stock. EOG will grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 1.77 mln additional shares of common stock. Net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, including funding of future capital expenditures. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Barclays Capital are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering.

4:21PM Noble Energy confirms that it has received an approved permit to resume drilling at the Santiago prospect in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico (NBL) 92.66 +3.47 : Co confirms that it has received an approved permit to resume drilling at the Santiago prospect in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Well operations were suspended in June 2010 as a result of the deepwater Gulf of Mexico drilling moratorium. Noble Energy is the operator with a 23.25% working interest. The Ensco (ESV) 8501 rig, which performed completion operations on the Santa Cruz and Isabela discoveries at the Galapagos project during the second half of 2010, will perform the drilling at Santiago. (SEE 15:47)

4:21PM Altra Holdings announces proposed convertible senior note offering of $75 mln (AIMC) 21.63 -0.01 : Co announced its intention to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $75 mln aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2031 in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. AIMC also expects to grant a 13-day option to the initial purchasers of the notes to purchase up to an additional $10 mln aggregate principal amount of notes solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

4:19PM Team Health Holdings commences a secondary offering of 8 mln shares of its common stock to be sold by certain stockholders (TMH) 18.49 +0.40 : Barclays Capital, Citi, BofA Merrill Lynch and Goldman, Sachs & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers and Deutsche Bank Securities, Morgan Keegan and Stephens Inc. are acting as co-managers for the offering.

4:18PM Advance America Cash names Patrick O'Shaughnessy to Succeed Ken Compton as President and CEO (AEA) 5.38 -0.05 : Co announced that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth E. Compton, retired on February 28 after leading the Company for more than five years. Mr. Compton will continue to serve as a member of the Company's Board of Directors. The Company's Board of Directors has unanimously elected J. Patrick O'Shaughnessy, the Company's current Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to succeed Mr. Compton as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. O'Shaughnessy will assume his new role today.

4:17PM Praxair notifies bulk and packaged industrial gas customers in the United States and Canada of increases in prices effective March 15, 2011 (PX) 99.38 +1.08 : The price increases are as follows: Up to 15% for nitrogen, oxygen, argon, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide... Up to 20% for helium... Up to 15% for facility fees or monthly bulk product charges and cylinder rental rates... Up to 6% on equipment and consumables.

4:17PM Sonus Networks beats by $0.05, beats on revs; guides FY11 revs above consensus (SONS) 3.03 -0.03 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.04 per share, $0.05 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.01); revenues rose 94.4% year/year to $83 mln vs the $65.1 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $265-285 mln vs. $257.44 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:16PM Hoku announces the appointment of Xiaoming Yin as President (HOKU) 1.95 -0.05 : Prior to his selection as president by Hoku's board of directors, Dr. Yin served since 2007 as founder and managing director of SinoTransPacific Ventures, a private equity firm headquartered in Los Angeles.

4:15PM Avago Tech announces sale of 25 mln ordinary shares by selling shareholders (AVGO) 33.99 -0.37 : Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and Barclays Capital Inc., are listed as underwriters in the registered public offering of those shares.

4:14PM Western Gas Partners announces public offering of 3 mln common units (WES) 36.20 +0.39 : Net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used to repay amounts outstanding under the partnership's $450 million revolving credit facility. Citi, Barclays Capital, Morgan Stanley and RBC Capital Markets are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering.

4:11PM Verisk Analytics beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line (VRSK) 32.35 -0.14 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.39 per share, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.37; revenues rose 10.6% year/year to $293.2 mln vs the $292.5 mln consensus.

4:11PM Sykes Enterprises misses by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs below consensus (SYKE) 18.60 +0.28 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.31 per share, $0.01 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.32; revenues rose 44.9% year/year to $309.1 mln vs the $307.7 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.25-0.28, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.28 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $300-305 mln vs. $302.68 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.30-1.40, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.30 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $1.215-1.23 bln vs. $1.24 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:11PM W.R. Berkley increases co's share repurchase authorization by 7% to 10 mln shares of common stock (WRB) 29.95 +0.02 :

4:10PM Live Nation reports Q4 results; adjusted operating income decreased 35% year-over-year to $56.8 mln, revenue decreased 2% y/y to $1.23 bln (LYV) 10.62 +0.04 :

4:10PM Stereotaxis beats by $0.06, misses on revs; issues in line guidance (STXS) 3.95 -0.04 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.05 per share, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.11); revenues rose 2.8% year/year to $14.5 mln vs the $15.6 mln consensus. For FY11, total revenue growth expected to be in the range of 20% to 30%, vs. consensus espectations for +26% growth. Gross margins expected to be in the high-60% range (consensus is for ~70.6%).

4:09PM Warnaco Group beats by $0.03, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS below consensus, sees rev growth of 7-9% YoY (WRC) 58.69 +0.71 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.74 per share, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.71; revenues rose 17.0% year/year to $591.5 mln vs the $576.5 mln consensus. Gross margin for the qtr decreased 80 basis points primarily due to lower domestic gross margins, resulting from increased dilution, higher sales to the off-price channel, and increased transportation expense. Co issues mixed guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $3.85-4.05 vs. $4.09 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 rev growth of 7%-9% YoY, which calculates to roughly $2.46-2.51 bln vs. $2.51 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:09PM Ascent Solar announced today that it has been notified by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Loan Guarantee Programs Office (LGPO) that Ascent's loan guarantee application for its proposed 150MW FAB3 project has been selected to advance to the LGPO's due diligence phase of review. (ASTI) 3.35 +0.02 : The project has an approximate value of $375 million, $275 million of which would be under the loan guarantee program.

4:08PM RXi Pharmaceuticals offers to sell shares of its common stock and common stock purchase warrants in an underwritten public offering (RXII) 1.48 -0.31 : Co announces that it is offering to sell shares of its common stock and common stock purchase warrants in an underwritten public offering. All of the securities in the offering are to be sold by co. Lazard Capital Markets LLC is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering and ROTH Capital Partners, LLC is acting as co-manager.

4:08PM Integrated Electrical announces sale of non-strategic electrical distribution business, terms not disclosed (IESC) 3.83 +0.07 :

4:08PM Chesapeake Lodging Trust announces 11.5 mln offering of common stock (CHSP) 18.60 0.00 : The Company expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 1,725,000 additional common shares. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. are the joint book-running managers for the offering. (PRICE)

4:08PM DigitalGlobe misses by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (DGI) 32.32 -0.18 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.03 per share, $0.02 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.05; revenues rose 14.7% year/year to $83.6 mln vs the $84 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.20-0.40 vs. $0.37 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $345-365 mln vs. $362.93 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:08PM URS misses by $0.15, misses on revs; guides FY11 revs below consensus (URS) 46.53 +0.04 : Reports Q4 (Dec) GAAP earnings of $0.75 per share, $0.15 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.90; revenues rose 12.7% year/year to $2.38 bln vs the $2.54 bln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $9.8-10.0 bln vs. $10.07 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:07PM A123 Systems misses by $0.06, misses on revs (AONE) : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.43 per share, $0.06 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.37); revenues fell 2.0% year/year to $24 mln vs the $26.4 mln consensus. Revenue Mix: During the fourth quarter of 2010, transportation revenue was $13.4 mln, electric grid revenue was $2.3 mln and commercial revenue was $3.8 mln. This compares to a revenue mix of $11.3 mln, $4.8 mln and $3.8 mln, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2009. During the fourth quarter of 2010, A123 Systems recorded product shipments equivalent to 18.0 mln watt hours, compared to 21.7 mln watt hours in the fourth quarter of 2009.

4:07PM Excel Maritime Carriers reports EPS in-line, beats on revs (EXM) 5.22 +0.06 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.14 per share, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.14; revenues rose 4.3% year/year to $107 mln vs the $104.9 mln consensus.

4:07PM Encore Capital announces that certain selling stockholders intend to offer an aggregate of 2,454,734 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering (ECPG) 27.24 -0.24 : Co announces that its selling stockholders, JCF FPK I LP, Red Mountain Capital Partners II, L.P. and Red Mountain Capital Partners III, L.P., intend to offer an aggregate of 2,454,734 shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering. Co will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling stockholders. JMP Securities LLC is acting as the sole book-running manager for the offering.

4:06PM Thomas & Betts promotes Charles Treadway to President and COO (TNB) 55.39 +0.22 : Treadway has served as senior vice president and group president of the co's global electrical business since joining the company in early 2009. Prior to joining T&B, Treadway spent more than 20 years leading international businesses for Schneider Electric, Prettl International and Yale Security.

4:06PM TNS Inc misses by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS below consensus, revs in-line (TNS) 18.85 0.00 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.56 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.58; revenues fell 1.7% year/year to $135.1 mln vs the $135.6 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.00-2.20 vs. $2.49 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $544-560 mln vs. $547.53 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:05PM Agilent acquires Lab901 to expand electrophoresis portfolio for molecular biology applications, terms not disclosed (A) 42.08 -0.28 :

4:04PM Altra Holdings beats by $0.02, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (AIMC) 21.63 -0.01 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.24 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.22; revenues rose 16.8% year/year to $130.5 mln vs the $127.8 mln consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.25-1.35, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.25 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $560-580 mln vs. $556.79 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. 2011. "Our strategy focuses on capitalizing on growth opportunities in new and existing markets, increasing our presence in key underpenetrated geographic regions, entering new high-growth markets and pursuing strategic acquisitions. In addition, we fully expect that as our sales continue to grow, our excellent business model leverage will result in strong profitability for 2011."

4:04PM Sotheby's beats by $0.06, beats on revs (BID) 49.22 +0.96 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.38 per share, $0.06 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.32; revenues rose 45.7% year/year to $318 mln vs the $298 mln consensus. "The positive momentum continues in 2011... Overall, aggregate auction sales through the first two months of 2011 solidly improved from the first two months of 2010. We hope that 2011 will be another strong year for Sotheby's and for the art market."

4:03PM Chesapeake Lodging Trust to acquire the 204-room Courtyard Washington Capitol Hill/Navy Yard located in Washington, DC for a purchase price of $68 million (CHSP) 18.32 -0.28 : The Company intends to fund the acquisition by assuming ~$37.7 million of existing mortgage debt and by borrowing under its revolving credit facility. The existing mortgage debt has a fixed interest rate of 5.90% per annum and matures in November 2016.

4:02PM Vivus misses by $0.01 (VVUS) 7.61 -0.03 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.23 per share, $0.01 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.22). The co did not report any rev for the qtr.

4:02PM PDL BioPharma misses by $0.01, beats on revs (PDLI) 5.55 +0.69 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.20 per share, $0.01 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.21; revenues rose 30.7% year/year to $76.1 mln vs the $74.1 mln consensus.

4:02PM Health Care REIT to acquire the real estate assets of Genesis HealthCare for $2.4 bln (HCN) 52.22 +1.36 : Genesis will continue to operate the facilities pursuant to a long-term triple-net master lease. Co will have the right to own certain facilities that Genesis currently leases from third-party landlords, pursuant to fixed price purchase options, as well as any facilities that Genesis acquires or develops during the initial 15-year term of the lease at pre-determined attractive lease yields. In addition, co has the option to acquire a 9.9% ownership interest in Genesis for a fixed price equal to $47 mln throughout the initial lease term. The long-term triple-net lease with Genesis will provide for rent in the first year of $198 mln with an initial cash yield of 8.25%. The rent, which includes a combination of fixed and CPI escalators, is expected to increase by 3.5% on the first five anniversary dates of the lease and 3.0% per year thereafter. EBITDAR coverage is expected to be 1.5x. Genesis will have a renewal option at the conclusion of the initial term for an additional 15 years with rent increased to the greater of 103% of the prior year's rent or fair market value.

4:02PM ISIS Pharm beats by $0.08, beats on revs (ISIS) 9.12 +0.04 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.14 per share, $0.08 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.22); revenues fell 18.3% year/year to $26.4 mln vs the $22.6 mln consensus.

4:02PM SuperGen reports Q4 net income of $6.7 mln ($0.11/share), two analyst estimate $0.04/share; net revenue increased 25% y/y to $15.3 mln, two analyst estimate $14.1 mln (SUPG) 2.97 -0.03 :

4:01PM SMSC announces that NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) has licensed co's patented Inter-Chip Connectivity technology (SMSC) 26.33 +0.63 : ICC enables the USB 2.0 protocol to be delivered over short distances consuming a fraction of the power of a traditional USB 2.0 analog interface while retaining 100 percent software compatibility with an analog USB 2.0 connection.

4:00PM CBL & Assoc announces 5% increase in common dividend distribution to $0.21 per share (CBL) 17.84 +0.27 : Co announced that its Board of Directors has declared a 5% increase in the quarterly cash dividend for the Company's Common Stock to $0.21 per share for the quarter ending March 31, 2011. The Board also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.484375 per depositary share for the quarter ending March 31, 2011, for the Company's 7.75% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.The Board also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.4609375 per depositary share for the quarter ending March 31, 2011, for the Company's 7.375% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock.

2:51PM Johnson & Johnson notches new session high of 61.04 to retest its 200 sma at 61.04 (JNJ) 61.01 +1.37 : This average is of technical interest as its capped the upside on rebound attempts the last two weeks.

2:43PM CBOT Agriculture and Ethanol and ICE Exchange Sugar Closing Prices (COMDX) : May corn finished up 9 cents to $7.31/bu, May wheat rose 5.75 cents to close at $8.17, May soybeans fell 10.25 cents to close at $13.6475, Mar ethanol closed up 0.054 at $2.598, while May world sugar futures closed up 0.99 cents to 32.51 cents.

2:43PM Gold extending selloff in electronic trade; now off $3.90 to $1405.40 (COMDX) :

2:38PM NYMEX Energy Closing Prices (COMDX) : April crude oil settled lower by 91 cents to $96.97, April natural gas gained 3.5 cents to close at $4.04, March heating oil finished down 0.51 cents to April crude oil settled lower by 91 cents to $96.97, April natural gas gained 3.5 cents to close at $4.04, March heating oil finished down 0.51 cents to $2.9258 while March RBOB gasoline ended off 0.99 cents to $2.7296..9258 while March RBOB gasoline ended off 0.99 cents to April crude oil settled lower by 91 cents to $96.97, April natural gas gained 3.5 cents to close at $4.04, March heating oil finished down 0.51 cents to $2.9258 while March RBOB gasoline ended off 0.99 cents to $2.7296..7296.

2:33PM Stock indices lift off afternoon pullback lows -- Dow +68, S&P +4.5, Nasdaq Comp -5.6 (SPY) : Seeing some relative sector strength on this move in Semi SMH, Housing XHB, Retail XRT, Discretionary XLY, Materials XLB.

2:31PM YRC Worldwide achieves agreement in principle restructuring milestone (YRCW) 3.36 -0.06 : Co announces that it had reached an agreement in principle, in the form of a non-binding term sheet, with certain of its key stakeholders providing for a comprehensive restructuring plan for co. The term sheet was approved by those parties necessary to satisfy the "agreement in principle" condition in the company's credit agreement, including the Teamsters National Freight Industry Negotiating Committee of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and a more than two-thirds majority of the lenders under the company's credit agreement. The non-binding term sheet provides YRCW with new and additional capital, improvement in its liquidity position, conversion of some of its debt obligations into equity and the replacement or restructuring of certain of its debt obligations. The term sheet contemplates a very substantial dilution of existing equity holders.

2:29PM Crude oil tests lows with less than a min left in pit trade; ow off 83 cents to $97.05 (COMDX) :

2:14PM Enterprise Products purchased from Trinity Pipeline L.P. a 39-mile carbon dioxide pipeline (EPD) 43.37 -0.04 : Co announced it has purchased from Trinity Pipeline L.P. a 39-mile carbon dioxide pipeline which will be converted to crude oil service in connection with the partnership's strategy to expand its gathering system in the Permian Basin of West Texas. The 8-inch diameter pipeline, which extends from Reeves County, Texas to Lea County, New Mexico, has a capacity of ~54,000 barrels per day (BPD) of crude oil.

2:13PM Credit Acceptance announced that it priced the $100 mln of its 9.125% first priority senior secured notes due 2017 (CACC) 70.35 -0.01 : Co announced that it priced the $100 million of its 9.125% first priority senior secured notes due 2017 in its previously-announced offering. The issue price is 106.0% of the principal amount of the notes. The closing of the sale of the notes is expected to occur on or about March 3, 2011, subject to customary closing conditions.

2:00PM Harley-Davidson to implement new production system at Kansas City following vote approving contract (HOG) 40.66 -0.21 : Co announced today it will move forward with the implementation of a new production system at its Kansas City, Mo. vehicle operations following a vote by the plant's unionized employees ratifying a new seven-year labor agreement. The adoption of a new labor agreement in Kansas City completes a cycle of labor negotiations throughout the Company that has restructured all labor agreements to provide for a more flexible and efficient operating and cost structure. Similar agreements were ratified by employees at the Company's operations in York, Pa. in December 2009 and in Milwaukee and Tomahawk, Wis. in September 2010.

1:49PM Furmanite acquires Self Leveling Machining Technology (FRM) 7.05 -0.11 : The co provides engineering, fabrication and execution of highly-specialized machining solutions for large-scale equipment or operations, generating annual revenues of $7 million.

1:41PM Pfizer: XIAPEX authorized in the EU for dupuytren's contracture (PFE) 22.14 : Co announced that XIAPEX, a new non-surgical treatment option for Dupuytren's contracture in adult patients with a palpable cord, has been granted marketing authorization by the European Commission and is expected to be available for use in some European markets later this year. Pfizer (PFE) has the marketing rights to collagenase clostridium histolyticum in Europe, and Auxilium Pharmaceuticals (AUXL) has the rights in the rest of the world.

1:32PM COMEX Metals Closing Prices (COMDX) : April gold ended higher by $0.70 to $1410.00, March silver gained 63.7 cents to close at $33.535, while March copper finished up 2.95 cents to $4.4655.

1:27PM Lockheed Martin selected as one of four companies that will compete for task orders for three-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract has an $831 million ceiling value (LMT) 79.05 -1.06 : The U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) selected Lockheed Martin as one of four companies that will compete for task orders to enhance situational awareness on U.S. Navy ships, submarines and shore stations. The three-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract has an $831 million ceiling value, with one two-year option period that potentially raises the ceiling value to $1.375 billion.

1:03PM New session low Nasdaq Comp -8.7, new pullback low S&P +2.5 and Dow +53 (SPY) : Relative sector weakness in recent trade (underperforming the S&P) has been noted in Internet FDN, Retail XRT, Semi SMH, Materials XLB, Industrial XLI, Disk Drive, Networking IGN, Ag/Chem MOO, Solar TAN.

12:55PM NASDAQ 100/Comp and Russell 2000 slip into the red, S&P +4 set new pullback low off morning peak (QQQQ) :

12:44PM Macerich joint venture partnership acquires full ownership of Kierland Commons; in acquiring 50% ownership, co's share of the purchase price included $34.2 mln of cash, in addition to assuming a pro rata share of debt of $18.6 mln (MAC) 50.07 +1.45 : Co announces the acquisition of full ownership of Arizona's Kierland Commons from its developers, Dallas-based Woodbine Development Corporation and the Herberger Interests of Phoenix/Scottsdale. This transaction gives the joint venture full ownership in Kierland Commons, 50% to Macerich and 50% to IMI. Macerich will continue to manage and lease the retail component as it has since 2005. In acquiring 50% ownership of the property, Macerich's share of the purchase price included $34.2 million of cash, in addition to assuming a pro rata share of debt of $18.6 million.

12:34PM Netflix slides to new session low of 206.28 in recent trade (NFLX) 206.46 -5.98 : The next area of interest below if follow through develops is at its Feb low/50 ema at 205.39/205.07.

12:25PM American Electric announces it will file, along with FirstEnergy (FE), to withdraw the applications for state regulatory approval of the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) project (AEP) 35.75 +0.47 : Co announces it will file, along with FirstEnergy, to withdraw the applications for state regulatory approval of the Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline (PATH) project following an announcement by regional grid operator PJM Interconnection that the project has been suspended.

12:00PM Infinera has been selected by MedNautilus to upgrade its subsea network for speed of deployment and scalability of the Infinera submarine solution (INFN) 7.92 -0.21 :

11:45AM Currency Chart Watch (TECHX) : The Euro continuous futures contract has retested its Feb/three month high (Click for chart). The Euro / Yen contract has rebounded off its overnight low/support (Click for chart). The Dollar Index has tested its 2008/2009 trendline once again (Click for chart).

11:19AM Silver trades to new highs at $33.965; now up $1.052 to $33.95 (COMDX) :

11:08AM Electronic Arts and Bigpoint International Services announce strategic relationship to distribute select titles within EA's high-quality Play4Free portfolio to a global audience (ERTS) 19.00 -0.18 :

10:55AM Pulse Electronics jumps over $0.50 following Bel Fuse (BELFA, BELFB) proposal to acquire the co for $6.00/share (PULS) 6.01 +0.60 : See 10:53 comment

10:54AM Stock indices taking limited breather (SPY) : Noted in the 10:13 update that momentum was slowing as the Nasdaq 100/Comp, the small-/mid-cap indices and several sectors did not confirm the new Dow/S&P highs. Pressure has been limited but the indices have slipped back slightly in recent trade. The Nasdaq Comp and S&P stalled at/near the 70.7% retrace of the slide off the Feb high this morning while the Dow paused at the 62% retrace level.

10:53AM Pulse Electronics: Bel Fuse (BELFA, BELFB) proposes to acquire Pulse Electronics for $6.00 per share (PULS) 5.80 +0.38 : The co announced that it has made a proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Pulse Electronics Corporation (PULS) common stock for per share consideration of $6.00. Bel's proposal would allow Pulse Electronics shareholders the ability to choose whether to receive the consideration in cash or Bel Class B common stock. Bel also announced today that it has nominated a slate of four highly qualified independent director nominees for election to Pulse Electronics' Board at its upcoming annual meeting of shareholders, which is expected to be held in May. If elected, these Directors will constitute a majority of Pulse Electronics' Board.

10:39AM Hewlett-Packard notches new session high of 43.67 (HPQ) 43.66 +0.98 : Two days of recovery gains have brought the stock back near last week's bear gap bottom at 43.72 with its 200 sma just above at 43.85

10:27AM Honeywell retests its mid-month/previous 52-wk high at 58.07 and pauses -- session high 58.08 (HON) 57.93 +0.65 :

10:13AM Short term momentum slowing (SPY) : The Dow and S&P set new session highs but thus far the Nasdaq Comp/100 along with the small- and mid-cap indices did not confirm the move. From a sector perspective we did not see a new session high with the Dow/S&P from Discretionary XLY, Semi SMH, Housing XHB, Retail XRT, Energy XLE, Oil Service OIH, Telecom IYZ.

10:07AM Silver spikes ~30 cents to fresh highs; now up 91.2 cents to $33.81 (COMDX) :

10:02AM Minor new session high for Dow +87 after data, S&P +8.2 testing high, Nasdaq Comp +14 lagging slightly (SPY) :

10:01AM Medtronic mosaic heart valve demonstrates long-term durability up to 12 years in international study (MDT) 39.96 +0.07 : Co announced that its Mosaic bioprosthetic heart valve has demonstrated positive performance results at 12 years in a study published online in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. The Mosaic valve was evaluated in patients who had aortic valve replacement and mitral valve replacement, and with 12 years of follow-up, the study revealed a freedom from structural valve deterioration of 93.3% of AVR patients 60 years and older and in 95.3% of MVR patients 70 years and older. In addition, hemodynamic performance data showed stability up to 10 years, indicating durability of the Mosaic bioprosthesis over time.

9:59AM April WTI crude oil trades below $97 to put in fresh lows at $96.71; now off $1.09 to $96.79 (COMDX) :

9:55AM Relative Sector Weakness (TECHX) : Relative sector weakness has been noted in Oil Service OIH (RIG, ATW, DO, NE, BHI, NBR), Retail XRT, Discretionary XLY, Solar TAN (TSL, YGE, CSIQ, SOL, SPWRA, JASO, LDK, WFR, FSLR), Telecom IYZ, Airline FAA.

9:49AM iShares DJ Real Estate runs to new Feb/multi-year high in early trade (IYR) 59.92 +0.58 : SPG +1.3%, PL +1.2%, PSA +1.2%, CPT +1.2%, MAC +1.1%, AIV +1%, BXP =0.9%, PEI +0.8%, GGP +0.7%, VNO +0.7%, KIM +0.7%, PCL +0.6%.

9:46AM Stock indices slip fractionally off highs immediately after better PMI data -- Dow +65, S&P +7, Nasdaq Comp +12.3 (SPY) :

9:44AM Opening Point Gainers/Losers (TECHX) : Point Gainers: MRX (+6.26), AAPL (+6.42), NHP (+4.38), HUM (+3.47), KCI (+3.17), AGQ (+2.55), CDE (+2.85), SINA (+2.32), CYH (+2.10), CF (+1.94), BIDU (+1.86), CLF (+2.29)

Point Losers: CRM (-3.07), HBC (-2.60), FSLR (-2.57), AMZN (-2.32), NFLX (-2.15), FDO (-1.15), VTR (-1.21), TSL (-1.20), DECK (-1.23), LINE (-1.04), SFY (-0.95)

9:42AM Market Vectors Coal ETF testing its three week range top high at 47.53 -- session high 47.53 (KOL) 47.49 +0.52 : Its early Feb high comes into play at 48.11 -- ANR, ACI, CNX, JOYG, BTU, WLT, BUCY, MEE.

9:39AM Early sector leadership from Health Provider -RXH- (TECHX) : HMA +4.7%, CYH +3.7%, LPNT +3.7%, OCR +1.3%, SRZ +5.9%, UHS +2%.

9:38AM US Geothermal entered into agreements with strategic investors, pursuant to which they have agreed to acquire, ~5 mln units of the co at a price of $1.00 (HTM) 1.03 +0.01 :

9:35AM Star Scientific: Roskamp Institute Obtains IRB approval for multi-site human clinical trial with Rock Creek Pharmaceutical RCP-006 Compound (CIGX) 1.90 -0.02 : Rock Creek Pharmaceuticals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Star Scientific, has been notified by the Roskamp Institute of Sarasota, Florida that the Institute has received institutional review board (IRB) approval to conduct a three-month, multi-site clinical trial with Rock Creek's RCP-006 nutritional supplement formula. The study (referred to as the "Flint Study"), will enroll approximately 200 subjects and begins with subject recruitment and enrollment.

9:35AM Amazon.com Kindle 3G coming to AT&T (T) stores nationwide beginning March 6 (AMZN) 175.01 -2.22 :

9:34AM Amazon.com gaps down to new low for the month but quickly rebounds back above previous low at 174.39 (AMZN) 174.97 -2.27 :

9:31AM Quantum Fuel regains compliance With Nasdaq listing requirements (QTWW) 5.02 0.00 :

9:22AM XL Capital increase in quarterly dividend to $0.11 per ordinary share (XL) 23.28 : Co announces that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on February 25, 2011 of $0.11 per ordinary share payable on the Company's ordinary shares. This action increases the quarterly dividend to $0.11 per ordinary share from $0.10 per ordinary share.

9:20AM MarineMax announces a strategic business alliance with Marinas International (HZO) 8.63 : This business alliance will allow co access to Marinas International's marinas and the opportunity to establish sales brokerage offices while supplying Marinas International with increased traffic and occupancy for its more than 15,000 slips.

9:11AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Mentor Graphics Corporation (MENT) announced that Shanghai HuaLi Microelectronics Corp has chosen the Calibre RET and OPC Computational Lithography platform to support its 65, 55 and 45nm development and production.
* Black Box Corporation (BBOX) announced the opening of a new office in Korea - Black Box Network Services Korea Limited.
* Harris (HRS) has received $14 mln in orders from the Federative Republic of Brazil to provide Falcon III and Falcon II tactical radios to the country's armed forces.
* EMC (EMC) and IBM (IBM) announced the extension of a technology licensing agreement that enables customers to install and utilize EMC and IBM products in heterogeneous IBM zEnterprise mainframe server environments.

9:07AM Kinder Morgan Partners announces acquisition and the formation of a crude oil JV; investing ~$25 mln for a 50% stake in existing crude oil tank farm (KMP) 73.25 : Co announced an acquisition and the formation of a crude oil joint venture with Deeprock Energy Resources and Mercuria Energy Trading. KMP is investing ~$25 million for a 50 percent stake in an existing crude oil tank farm that has storage capacity of 1 million barrels and for the construction of three new storage tanks that will have an incremental storage capacity of 750,000 barrels. The new tanks are expected to be in service third quarter 2011... Additionally, KMP has entered into a development agreement with Deeprock that gives KMP an option to participate in future expansions on Deeprock's remaining 254 acres of undeveloped land.

9:05AM TRC Co has acquired privately-held Alexander Utility Engineering; transaction is expected to be accretive in fiscal 2011 (TRR) 4.13 : Co announces that it has acquired privately-held Alexander Utility Engineering through a combination of cash, stock and subordinated debt. AUE's projected net service revenue for 2010 is approximately $3 million. The transaction is expected to be accretive in fiscal 2011.

9:04AM CyberDefender reaches agreement with GR Match on the restructuring of the current $5.0 mln credit facility and $5.3 mln long-term convertible debt financing provided by GRM (CYDE) 2.19 : Co announces that it has reached an agreement with GR Match, an affiliate of Guthy-Renker, on the restructuring of the current $5.0 mln credit facility and $5.3 mln long-term convertible debt financing provided by GRM. The $5.0 mln revolving credit facility previously due prior to March 31, 2011 or before the closing of an equity offering, has been restructured into a note due March 31, 2012, convertible into common stock at a price of $2.20 per share. In addition, co's $5.3 mln convertible note due March 31, 2012 has been restructured to reflect a new conversion price of $2.20 per share.

9:03AM Timberline Resources to sell 5,263,158 shares of common stock of the Company at $0.95 per share (TLR) 1.16 : Co has entered into agreements to sell 5,263,158 shares of common stock of the Company at $0.95 per share, for expected gross proceeds of ~$5 million, pursuant to a registered direct offering to institutional investors in the United States. Co intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for exploration of their Lookout Mountain Project in Nevada, exploration and development of other existing or acquired mineral properties, working capital requirements, acquisitions, or for other general corporate purposes.

9:03AM EMC and IBM Corp (IBM) announced the extension of a technology licensing agreement that enables customers to install and utilize EMC and IBM products in heterogeneous IBM zEnterprise mainframe server environments (EMC) 26.91 :

9:03AM Conns announces Timothy Frank stepped down as President and CEO and resigned as a director of co to pursue other opportunities; appoints Theodore M. Wright as the Interim CEO and President (CONN) 4.54 : Co announces that Timothy Frank has elected to step down as President and CEO te Company and has resigned his position as a director of the Company to pursue other opportunities. The Company's Board of Directors has appointed Theodore M. Wright as the Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. Conn's, Inc. will immediately commence a formal search to identify a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

9:02AM MAG Silver reports high-grade Juanicipio Vein intercept (MVG) 10.79 : Drilling in Hole 17.5R on the Juanicipio Vein has cut another high grade intercept: 1.72 metres (true thickness) grading 1,597 g/t gold, 0.81% lead and 2.06% zinc. A 0.73 metre section within this intercept assayed 3,470 g/t silver, 15.45 g/t gold and 1.65% lead and 4.44% zinc. Hole 17.5R lies ~50 metres below Hole 18R that cut 1.56 metres (true thickness) grading 4,223 g/t silver, 2.97 g/t gold, 5.57% zinc, and 3.00% lead. Both of these holes lie 100-150 metres below and outside of the Juanicipio Vein Inferred Resource, which includes 4.7 million ounces of silver at a grade of 553 g/t. Drilling of Hole 17Q, 200 metres to the east in the Juanicipio Vein, is in progress.

9:02AM LECG Corp expects to sign an amendment to its credit agreement and announces the transition of practice groups to other firms (XPRT) 0.72 : Co expects to sign an amendment to its credit agreement and to transition two expert practice groups to FTI Consulting. LECG also announced it has agreed in principle to transition two other practice groups to Grant Thornton and a third practice group to Grant Thornton and WeiserMazars. The tenth amendment to the credit agreement is expected to allow LECG to transition several practice groups to other firms and determines the process for similar transactions in the immediate future. The tenth amendment also will limit how LECG may use its cash until it repays its lenders. The facility matures on March 31, 2011 and approximately $27.8 million is outstanding. Absent sufficient proceeds from the transition of practice groups, the company will not have adequate cash resources to repay amounts outstanding under the facility... Co continues to negotiate the possible transition of the majority of its remaining practice groups, with the advice of its restructuring advisors. LECG will initially use the majority of the proceeds from practice group transitions to repay the $27.8 million in principal outstanding under its credit facility. Co does not believe there will be any value remaining for the common stockholders after taking into account the expected net sale values of these transactions in the aggregate, and the use of the proceeds to fund payments to the lenders and unsecured creditors. Contractually, the remaining value available to equity holders, if any, would be first allocated to the outstanding preferred stock.

9:02AM CNO Financial announced that it is making a $50 mln voluntary prepayment of its senior secured credit facility (CNO) 7.01 : Co announces that it is making a $50 million voluntary prepayment of its senior secured credit facility. After this payment, the outstanding principal balance of the facility will be $325 million and the next scheduled principal payment under the facility will be due September 30, 2012.

9:01AM Shire Plc says FDA approves INTUNIV extended-release tablets for use as adjunctive therapy to stimulants for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents (SHPGY) 84.91 :

8:59AM South Jersey Inds beats by $0.01, beats on revs (SJI) 54.42 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.87 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.86; revenues rose 27.9% year/year to $283.5 mln vs the $255.5 mln dual estimate.

8:57AM Natural gas ticks to highs at $4.033; now up 2.6 cents to $4.031 (COMDX) :

8:54AM Lakeland Industries appoints Stephen M. Bachelder as Chairman of the Board following retirement of Raymond J. Smith, effective Feb 25 (LAKE) 8.28 :

8:40AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* EnerNOC (ENOC) announced that it has extended its demand response contract with the Tampa Electric Company, the principal subsidiary of TECO Energy (TE), for five years through 2016. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, EnerNOC will provide a total of up to 40 megawatts of firm, dispatchable demand response capacity to the Florida utility through its Networked Demand Response program.
* Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT) announced a new grocer will join Congressional Plaza. The Fresh Market, a North Carolina-based specialty grocer, will open their first location in Montgomery County in 19,860 square feet at Congressional Plaza.
* EnerSys (ENS) announced that it has purchased the lithium-ion battery business, ABSL Power Solutions from CIP Industries L.P. Incorporated, which was represented by XMS Capital Partners in the transaction.
* Verenium (VRNM) announced that Terminal 6, a major producer of soybean meal, oil and biodiesel, has successfully begun use of Verenium's Purifine enzymatic degumming process at its Puerto General San Martin facility in Argentina.
* Carver Bancorp (CARV) announced that Carver Community Development, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carver, was awarded $25 Million in New Markets Tax Credits by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, which is administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

8:38AM Allegheny Tech's Patrick Hassey to retire as Chairman and CEO, effective May 1; names current Pres and COO to Chairman, Pres and CEO (ATI) 66.36 : Co announces Patrick Hassey has announced his decision to retire as Chairman and CEO, effective May 1, 2011. In accepting Hassey's decision, the Board of Directors has selected Richard Harshman, current Pres and COO, to serve as Chairman, President and CEO, effective May 1, 2011.

8:34AM Invesco acquires retail properties from Thor Equities (IVZ) 26.40 : Co announces it has recently made two retail acquisitions. Co purchased a 19,700 square foot retail condominium property in the Broadway Retail Corridor of New York City's SoHo neighborhood. Additionally, co purchases 910 Lincoln Road.

8:34AM Trius Therapeutics reports positive results from Phase 1 lung study of Torezolid Phosphate; second generation oxazolidinone antibiotic achieves high exposure in lung (TSRX) 6.24 : Co announces results from its Phase 1 clinical trial to evaluate the ability of torezolid to penetrate into the lung for potential use to treat lung infections. In the Phase 1 lung study, the exposure of torezolid in ELF was 48-fold higher than that achieved in plasma. This exposure was significantly above the minimum inhibitory concentration, for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae for the full daily dosing interval providing a pharmacokinetic rationale for the administration of a single 200 mg dose of torezolid phosphate every 24 hours for the treatment of lung infections caused by these pathogens. These results are consistent with those of prior animal studies that demonstrated considerable penetration of torezolid into lung fluids and tissues which translated into high efficacy in lung infections due to S. pneumoniae and S. aureus pathogens.

8:33AM Edison misses by $0.02; guides FY11 EPS below consensus (EIX) 36.01 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.58 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.60. Co issues downside guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.60-2.90 vs. $3.00 Thomson Reuters consensus.

8:32AM Dow Chemical announces an investment of $100 million in projects that will reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions (DOW) 363.32 :

8:32AM Isle of Capri beats by $0.05, misses on revs (ISLE) 9.24 : Reports Q3 (Jan) loss of $0.08 per share, $0.05 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.13); revenues rose 2.2% year/year to $232 mln vs the $237 mln consensus.

8:32AM Sangamo BioSci presents positive clinical data from novel ZFN therapeutic approach for the treatment of HIV/AIDs; The data demonstrate that a single infusion of SB-728-T was well tolerated (SGMO) 8.50 : Co announced the presentation of positive preliminary clinical data from its Phase 1 trial. The trial is being conducted in immunologic non-responders, HIV-infected subjects who are currently on highly active antiretroviral therapy and have undetectable levels of virus but suboptimal CD4+ T-cell counts. The data demonstrate that a single infusion of SB-728-T was well tolerated; the CCR5-modified cells successfully engrafted in all subjects and resulted in a durable improvement in total CD4+ T-cell counts in five of six of the subjects analyzed.

8:31AM Ameristar Casinos to purchase 26,150,000 shares of Ameristar common stock held by the Neilsen Estate at a price of $17.50 per share, for a total price of $457,625,000 from the estate of Craig H. Neilsen (ASCA) 16.63 : Co announces that it has entered into a binding agreement with the Co-Executors of the Estate of Craig Neilsen to purchase 26,150,000 shares of Ameristar common stock held by the Neilsen Estate at a price of $17.50 per share, for a total price of $457,625,000. The shares to be repurchased represent approximately 45 percent of Ameristar's outstanding shares and 83 percent of the Neilsen Estate's current ownership in Ameristar. In connection with the transaction, Ameristar plans to obtain approximately $2.1 billion in new debt financing, the proceeds of which will be used to retire its approximately $1.5 billion of existing indebtedness, to fund the share repurchase and for general working capital purposes.

8:28AM PPG Industries has reached an agreement to lease property for development of Marcellus Shale natural gas resources at its Natrium, W.Va., chemicals site (PPG) 87.44 : Co announces it it has reached an agreement to lease property for development of Marcellus Shale natural gas resPPG estimates the net present value of the future before-tax cash flows generated by this lease will total approximately $50 million over the life of the anticipated well development, which is estimated to be over 30 years. This includes an initial cash payment of approximately $10 million. ources at the company's Natrium, W.Va., chemicals site.

8:25AM DigitalGlobe appoints Jeffrey R. Tarr as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 5, 2011 (DGI) 32.50 : Tarr succeeds Jill Smith, who, in September 2010, announced her intention to leave the company and was both the company's CEO and Chairman. Co also named current DigitalGlobe Board Member General Howell M. Estes III as its new non-executive Chairman.

8:24AM Public Storage Q4 earnings clarification (PSA) 110.57 : Co Friday afternoon reported Q4 funds from operations of $1.34 vs. the $1.37 consensus. Earlier we reported PSA's Q4 same store rev of $360.4 mln; PSA reported Q4 total rev +4.0% YoY to $418 mln, however Thomson Reuters is comparing the $342.4 mln in same store rental income to the $382.5 mln consensus... The original comment has been removed. PSA last traded at $108.00 Friday night.

8:22AM Kingsway Fin has given notice to its Trust Preferred trustees of its intention to exercise its voluntary right to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters (KFS) 1.20 : Co announced the first in a series of strategic actions intended to position the company to rebuild shareholder value over the long term. Pursuant to the contractual terms of its outstanding Trust Preferred indentures, which permit interest deferral, the Company has given notice to its Trust Preferred trustees of its intention to exercise its voluntary right to defer interest payments for up to 20 quarters. This action is expected to reduce the Company's annual cash debt service by ~$4.1 million and does not constitute a default under its Trust Preferred indentures or any of its other debt indentures. "The deferral, which is completely permissible under the terms of the indentures, affords us an increased margin of comfort so that we can focus on our ongoing operations and also pursue new opportunities with a long-term perspective," said Larry G. Swets, Jr., Kingsway's President and Chief Executive Officer. "When added to the significant unencumbered cash already on our balance sheet, this provides increased flexibility and resources to invest in those businesses that will provide benefit to shareholders as we continue in our turnaround efforts."

8:19AM Ligand Pharma: FDA grants full approval for PROMACTA for treatment of rare blood disorder (LGND) 10.08 : GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and co announce that the FDA granted full approval for PROMACTA,an oral tablet that can raise platelet counts in patients with the rare blood disorder chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura who have had an insufficient response to corticosteroids, immunoglobulins or splenectomy. PROMACTA was discovered as a result of a research collaboration between GlaxoSmithKline and co. It was developed by GSK.

8:17AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* OSI Systems (OSIS) announced U.S. government upheld a $24 million award to co for Eagle mobile high energy cargo and vehicle inspection systems.
* Amyris (AMRS) announced that it has received the first purchase order for Amyris renewable squalane.
* ShoreTel (SHOR) and Polycom (PLCM) announced an expansion of their technology partnership to further their shared mission of delivering advanced business communications systems based on open standards.
* Veeco Instruments (VECO) announced that Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology in Korea has selected Veeco's TurboDisc K465i Gallium Nitride Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition System for advanced GaN on Si research for power electronics.
* Boeing (BA) and TAM Linhas Aereas (TAM) announced TAM ordered two additional 777-300ERs with two purchase rights. The order is valued at approximately $568 mln at current list prices.
* On Track Innovations (OTIV) received an additional order for 100,000 MediSmart healthcare biometric ID cards for use by Kenyan-based Smart Applications International.
* Peregrine Pharmaceuticals (PPHM) announced that data from four studies investigating the company's lead phosphatidylserine have been accepted for poster presentation at the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research to be held in Orlando, Florida, April 2-6, 2011.

8:10AM Amerigon agrees to acquire a majority interest in W.E.T. Automotive Systems (ARGN) 11.58 : Co announces had entered into a purchase agreement with shareholders representing 75.6% of the voting shares of W.E.T. Automotive Systems, a publicly-traded German co. Co would purchase all of the shares held by such shareholders at a price of EUR40 per share (or ~$55 per share). W.E.T.'s reported worldwide revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 were ~EUR227 mln(or ~$311 mln). The EUR40 price for W.E.T. shares is a 52% premium over a volume-weighted average trading price of W.E.T.'s shares over the past three months of euro 26. The purchase agreement and the planned tender offer have the approval of the Supervisory Board of W.E.T. and of its Management Board. ARGN and W.E.T. are presently engaged in lawsuits concerning intellectual property. They have agreed to jointly apply to the applicable court for a temporary suspension of proceedings pending successful completion of the acquisition.

8:09AM VMware authorized the purchase of up to $550 mln of its Class A common stock through the end of 2012 (VMW) 85.62 :

8:09AM Leapfrog appoints current CEO William Chiasson to Chairman; names John Barbour as the co's new CEO (LF) 4.50 : Co announced the appointment of current CEO William Chiasson to Chairman of the Board and named John Barbour as the company's new CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors. These changes will be effective as of March 7, 2011.

8:06AM The Knot announces repurchase of shares from Macy's (M); buys back approximately 10.7% of its outstanding shares for $37.7 million (KNOT) 10.26 : Under the terms of the transaction, The Knot purchased all 3,671,526 shares of its common stock owned by Macy's, which represent approximately 10.7% of the outstanding shares of The Knot. The aggregate purchase price was $37.7 million, based on a price of $10.26 per share, equal to the closing price of The Knot common stock on The Nasdaq Global Market on February 25, 2011, the day the purchase agreement was signed. The Knot funded the repurchase with its available cash. At December 31, 2010, The Knot had cash and cash equivalents of $139.6 million. The repurchased stock will be retired by The Knot, returning to the status of authorized and unissued shares. At December 31, 2010, The Knot had approximately 34.3 million shares outstanding.

8:06AM Techprecision received defense contract order valued at ~$1.19 mln from an existing customer; order is expected to ship in the first-half of fiscal 2012 (TPCS) 1.82 :

8:05AM SVB Financial Group secures $20 mln credit facility from Silicon Valley Bank and Oxford Finance (SIVB) 54.30 : Co announced that it has secured a $20M credit facility from Silicon Valley Bank and Oxford Finance Corporation. The funds will be used to help complete clinical trials and commercialize POGO, a fully-integrated blood glucose monitoring system.

8:04AM Crude oil continues to move lower, trading to fresh lows at $97.17; now down 52 cents to $97.36 (COMDX) :

8:04AM DayStar Technologies announced that Magnus Ryde has resigned from his roles as Chief Executive Officer in order to pursue other opportunities, effective today (DSTI) 1.29 : Peter Lacey, co's Chairman of the Board, has been appointed to the additional position of Interim Chief Executive Officer.

8:04AM Arrow Elec Board of Directors approves repurchase of $50 million of common stock through a share repurchase program (ARW) 39.41 : Co expects to repurchase shares to offset the dilution from the common stock issued in accordance with equity-based compensation plans.

8:04AM Gammon Gold adds proven and probable reserves and measured and indicated resources; addition of 0.5 mln oz of gold equiv (GRS) 8.85 : Co reported its updated Reserves and Resources, as at December 31st, 2010 which include the addition of 0.5 million gold equivalent ounces to Proven and Probable Reserves and an increase of 0.2 million gold equivalent ounces to Measured and Indicated Resources. Addition to company-wide Proven and Probable Reserves of 459 thousand gold equivalent ounces, an increase of 18% before mining depletion. Addition to company-wide Measured and Indicated Resources of 238 thousand gold equivalent ounces, an increase of 47%.

8:03AM Rexahn Pharmaceuticals was granted European patent No. 1819698 to Rexahn for its novel anti-cancer quinoxalinyl-piperazine compounds (RNN) 1.59 :

8:02AM Vitesse Semi announces that its common shares have been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market; co to trade under ticker "VTSS" (VTSS) : Co announces that its common shares have been approved for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market. The company expects that its common stock will commence trading on NASDAQ on March 2, 2011 under the symbol "VTSS." Until then, its shares will continue to be quoted on Pink Sheets under the symbol "VTSS.PK.

8:02AM Thermo Fisher announces redemption of 3.25% convertible senior subordinated notes due 2024 (TMO) 55.56 : Co has given notice of its intention to redeem all of the outstanding 3.25% Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024. As of February 25, 2011, $329,229,000 mln in aggregate principal amount of the Notes was outstanding. In accordance with the terms of the indenture governing these Notes, they will be redeemed on March 30, 2011, at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date. The Notes are convertible at any time prior to March 29, 2011, at a rate of 24.8756 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes surrendered. The Notes surrendered for conversion will be settled in cash in accordance with the provisions of the indenture.

8:02AM Validus Holdings expects its loss from February 2011 New Zealand Earthquake to be in the range of $25.0-50.0 million. (VR) 30.70 : Given the magnitude and recent occurrence of this event, there is a lack of data available from industry participants and clients, resulting in significant uncertainty with respect to potential insured losses, and also with respect to the potential losses from this event. However, based on current preliminary loss estimates from commercial catastrophe model vendors and the Company's own internal analysis, the Company currently anticipates that the total insured industry loss from the February 2011 New Zealand Earthquake will be larger than the September 4, 2010 New Zealand earthquake which measured 7.1 in magnitude. The Company has taken note of the preliminary loss estimates from commercial catastrophe model vendors and conducted an analysis of its exposed insurance and reinsurance contracts as well as the outward reinsurance, retrocession and industry loss warranty protections purchased by the Company. Based on this analysis, the Company believes that for insured industry losses ranging from NZ$8.0 billion to NZ$10.0 billion (~$6.0-7.5 billion at current exchange rates), co currently expects its loss from the February 2011 New Zealand Earthquake to be in the range of $25.0-50.0 mln.

8:01AM Varian Medical enters into new $280 mln accelerated stock repurchase program (VAR) 68.66 : Co announced that it has entered into a new agreement with Bank of America N.A. to repurchase $280 million of its common stock under an accelerated share repurchase program. Under the accelerated repurchase agreement, Varian will pay $280 million to Bank of America N.A. and receive approximately 3.5 million shares, or 85% of the shares to be repurchased based on the closing share price of the company's common stock on February 23, 2011.

8:01AM Altra Holdings to acquire assets of Danfoss Bauer relating to its gearmotor business for a cash consideration of 43.1 mln Euro (AIMC) 21.61 : Co has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Danfoss Bauer GmbH relating to its gearmotor business for a cash consideration of 43.1 million Euro. The finalization of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals, and is expected to take place during the second quarter of 2011. The acquisition is anticipated to be accretive to Altra Holdings' earnings in 2011 excluding any one-time or acquisition related costs.

8:01AM Oceaneering Intl announces McEvoy to Succeed Collins as President and CEO (OII) 82.51 : Co announced that T. Jay Collins will retire from his position as President and CEO immediately following the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is scheduled to be held on May 6, 2011. M. Kevin McEvoy, Oceaneering's Executive Vice President and COO, has been designated to succeed Mr. Collins as President and CEO.

7:56AM Voyager Oil & Gas announces that its shares of common stock have been approved for listing on the NYSE Amex stock exchange under the symbol "VOG" (VYOG) 5.29 :

7:51AM Aeterna Zentaris receives a net sales milestone of $2.5 million from Cowen Healthcare Royalty Partners (AEZS) 1.81 :

7:44AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* NaviSite (NAVI) announced that International Turnkey Systems has selected NaviSite's Managed Cloud Services to deliver its higher education solutions to colleges and universities.
* BlackRock (BLK) and NTR plc announce the formation of a strategic relationship agreement to launch a new renewable power investment group.
* Sea Ray named KVH Industries (KVHI) its exclusive satellite partner for the next three years.



7:43AM Flagstone Reinsurance announced its preliminary estimate from loss events that have occurred in Australia in Q1 of 2011 is expected to be between $60-80 mln (FSR) 11.15 :

7:35AM Linn Energy to acquire oil properties for a total combined contract price of $434 mln; announces public offering of 14 mln units; announces cash tender offers and consent solicitations (LINE) 39.70 : Co signs three definitive purchase agreements to acquire oil properties for a total combined contract price of $434 million. One acquisition of non-operated properties marks LINN's entry into the Bakken play, located in the Williston Basin of North Dakota. The additional two are bolt-on acquisitions, which further expand the Company's position in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. Co plans to conduct a public offering of 14 mln units of its limited liability company interests; net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used to fund a portion of its pending acquisitions of oil properties in the Williston Basin and Permian Basin. Citi, Barclays Capital, RBC Capital Markets, UBS Investment Bank, BofA Merrill Lynch, Credit Suisse, Raymond James and Wells Fargo Securities, will act as joint book-running managers for the offering. In addition co commences a cash tender offers and related consent solicitations to purchase any and all of its outstanding 11.75 percent senior notes due 2017 and 9.875 percent senior notes due 2018.

7:34AM Kenneth Cole announces Departure of Jill Granoff as CEO; Kenneth Cole to serve as interim CEO (KCP) 13.97 : Co announces that it and Chief Executive Officer Jill Granoff have mutually agreed that Ms. Granoff will leave her position as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and resign her seat on the Company's Board, effective immediately. Kenneth Cole, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer, will act as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Paul Blum, who was with the Company for 15 years and served as President from 2002 to 2006, has agreed to return to the Company and assume the role of Vice Chairman.

7:33AM Brigus Gold intersects high-grade gold mineralization at Black Fox Complex (BRD) 1.55 : Co announced that exploration drilling at the Contact Zone has returned high grade assay results over significant widths, including 12.60 grams per tonne over 9.75 metres and 9.04 gpt over 18.00 m. The Contact Zone is part of Brigus' 100% owned Black Fox Complex covering an area of ~18 square kilometres within the Timmins Mining District, Ontario.

7:33AM Regeneron Pharms reports ARCALYST meets primary and all secondary endpoints in second Phase 3 Trial for prevention of gout flares in patients initiating uric acid-lowering therapy (REGN) 37.00 : Co announces that in a second Phase 3 study in gout patients initiating allopurinol therapy, ARCALYST met the primary and all secondary study endpoints. Patients who received ARCALYST at a weekly, self-administered, subcutaneous dose of either 160 mg or 80 mg had a 72% decrease in mean number of gout flares compared to the placebo group. These results were consistent with those previously reported in the first, identical Phase 3 efficacy study. Compared to placebo, treatment with ARCALYST reduced the proportion of patients who experienced at least one gout flare during the study period by 63% for ARCALYST 160mg and by 54% for ARCALYST 80 mg. Compared to placebo, treatment with ARCALYST reduced the proportion of patients who experienced two or more flares by 82% for ARCALYST 160 mg and by 74% for ARCALYST 80 mg. ARCALYST was generally well tolerated with the incidence of serious adverse events generally well-balanced across the placebo and ARCALYST groups. Injection site reactions, usually considered mild, were reported more commonly with ARCALYST than with placebo. Co plans to submit supplemental Biologics License Application in mid-2011.

7:32AM Mobile Mini beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; expects to achieve top and bottom line growth in 2011 (MINI) 21.88 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.18 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.17; revenues rose 0.1% year/year to $87.4 mln vs the $87.1 mln consensus. "The actions taken operationally and financially should enhance the operating leverage inherent in our business model as the economy strengthens and our utilization improves. We expect to achieve top and bottom line growth in 2011."

7:32AM Endo Pharm beats by $0.09, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs above consensus (ENDP) 34.33 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.06 per share, $0.09 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.97; revenues rose 30.7% year/year to $511.2 mln vs the $483.8 mln consensus. Co raises guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $4.20-4.30 vs. $4.23 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $2.35-2.45 bln vs. $2.27 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

7:31AM Celgene announces that the FDA has granted Priority Review classification to its Supplemental New Drug Application regarding ISTODAX for injection for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (CELG) 53.52 :

7:31AM Howard Hughes: NorthStar Realty Finance (NRF) announces CFO Andrew Richardson departing to become CFO of HHC (HHC) 56.32 : NorthStar Realty Finance (NRF) announced that Andrew Richardson, its executive vice president and chief financial officer, has resigned effective as of March 27, 2011 to become chief financial officer of HHC. NRF has commenced a chief financial officer search with Mr. Richardson's assistance to ensure a smooth transition.

7:31AM Derma Sciences announced receipt of 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its patent-pending MEDIHONEY Gel Wound and Burn Dressing (DSCI) 10.29 : This is the fourth product in the expanding MEDIHONEY franchise, and will be launched into the market by the Company's 20-person U.S. sales force at the major annual wound conferences this spring.

7:22AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Astra Tech, an unit of Astrozeneca (AZN), announced a global strategic alliance with 3Shape A/S, the Danish-based provider of 3D scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions.
* Neptune Technologies & Bioressources (NEPT) and Acasti Pharma, a Neptune subsidiary, announced that Acasti has received conditional approval for the listing of its class A common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol APO.
* Beacon Power (BCON) announced that it has signed a lease agreement with NorthWestern Energy (NWE) for a one-megawatt Beacon Smart Energy Matrix flywheel energy storage system. The initial term of the lease will be 15 months, which, at NWE's option, can be extended up to two additional 12-month terms. NWE will pay Beacon $500,000 for the first 15-month term and $500,000 for each subsequent term should it choose to extend the lease to a second or third term. At any point NorthWestern Energy can opt to purchase the 1 MW system outright for ~$4 mln.
* Flotek Industries (FTK) announced that the Company has entered into formal Representation Agreements with Basin Supply Corp to market certain Flotek chemical and downhole tool products and services in select international markets.
* Rentrak (RENT) announced the introduction of time-shifted ratings data within its StationView Essentials service. Neptune Technologies & Bioressources (NEPT) announces that Acasti has received conditional approval for the listing of its class A common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol APO.
* Nile Therapeutics (NLTX) announced plans to collaborate with Medtronic (MDT) on the clinical development of Nile's proprietary natriuretic peptide, cenderitide for heart failure and renal disease applications.

7:17AM The Bancorp commences public offering of $50 mln shares of common stock as part of existing shelf registration (TBBK) 8.49 : The co expects to use the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including the support of its ongoing and future anticipated growth.

7:16AM PDL BioPharma announces European Patent Office determination of validity of PDL's European patent is final; says opposition appeal hearing is terminated (PDLI) 4.86 : Co announces that the Technical Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office has cancelled its hearing in which three appellants sought to have a 2007 decision upholding PDL's European Patent No. 0 451 216B overturned and the patent revoked. The effect of the termination of the opposition appeal proceeding is that the 2007 EPO decision upholding the claims of PDL's '216B Patent as valid will become the final decision of the EPO. The hearing was scheduled for February 28 and March 1, 2011. In the year ended December 31, 2010, approximately 35% of PDL's revenues were derived from sales of products that were made in Europe and sold outside of the United States. These revenues could have been negatively impacted or eliminated entirely by an adverse ruling at the hearing.

7:13AM Comstock to offer $250 mln of senior notes due 2019; commences a cash tender offer and consent solicitation for any and all of its $172 mln of 6 7/8% Senior Notes due 2012 (CRK) 26.95 : Co intends to use the net proceeds of the proposed offering to repurchase all $172 million of its 6 7/8% Senior Notes due 2012 that are currently outstanding, to repay outstanding borrowings under its bank credit facility and for other general corporate purposes. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, BMO Capital Markets Corp. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, are acting as joint book-running managers.

7:09AM Northgate Minerals sells entire portfolio of auction rate securities for total consideration of ~$40.9 mln (NXG) 2.87 : Co had previously estimated the fair market value of its ARS at ~$36.6 mln. The proceeds from the sale were used to repay the outstanding balance of the loan, originally made by Lehman Brothers, collateralized by the ARS held in the corp's investment account managed by Lehman. The loan and associated ARS account were subsequently acquired by Barclays.

7:07AM PDL BioPharma enters into a definitive settlement agreement with Novartis (NVS) that resolves all disputes between them (PDLI) 4.86 : Co announced that it has entered into a definitive settlement agreement with Novartis. Under the settlement agreement, PDL agreed to dismiss its claims against Novartis in its action in Nevada court, which also includes Genentech, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche (RHHBY) as defendants. Novartis agreed to withdraw its opposition appeal in the European Patent Office challenging the validity of PDL's Queen patent in Europe. In addition, PDL agreed to pay Novartis certain amounts based on net sales of Lucentis made by Novartis during calendar year 2011 and beyond. The settlement with Novartis does not affect PDL's claims against Genentech and Roche in the Nevada state court action.

7:06AM BPZ Energy releases year-end 2010 reserves estimates: year-end total proved crude oil reserves of 38.9 mln barrels; co's reserve replacement for 2010 was ~ 195% (BPZ) 6.25 :

7:04AM Credit Acceptance Corp proposes $100 mln Senior Secured Notes offering (CACC) 70.37 : Co announces that it plans to offer $100 million of its 9.125% first priority senior secured notes due 2017. Co intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund, in part, the purchase of shares of our common stock in the tender offer announced February 9, 2011 and the payment of fees and expenses relating to the tender offer.

7:04AM Maxwell Tech issues 514,086 shares of co's common stock to Sandell Asset Management Corp. to retire the remaining balance of $8.3 mln owed on a privately placed convertible debenture issued in December 2005 (MXWL) 18.32 : The conversion price was $16.21 per share. Retirement of the convertible debt lifts the restriction on $8 million of cash that the company was required to hold as collateral to guarantee repayment, and, as a result of the conversion, the company's remaining debt is now ~$5.5 million primarily related to bank lines of credit.

7:04AM Armstrong World Industries misses by $0.05, misses on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (AWI) 43.87 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.11 per share, $0.05 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.16; revenues fell 1.5% year/year to $642.9 mln vs the $656.5 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.04-2.53 vs. $2.13 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $2.8-3.0 bln vs. $2.92 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

7:03AM Shire files complete response to FDA's not approvable letter for FIRAZYR for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedem (SHPGY) 84.91 : Co announced that it has submitted a complete response to the not approvable letter issued by the FDA to Jerini AG in April 2008 regarding its New Drug Application for FIRAZYR for the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema. Once the FDA acknowledges receipt of the file, a timeline for completing the review of this Class II resubmission will be communicated to Shire.

7:03AM China Security and Surveillance misses by $0.03, misses on revs; reaffirms FY11 EPS guidance, revs guidance (CSR) 4.60 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.38 per share, $0.03 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.41; revenues rose 17.1% year/year to $214 mln vs the $259.5 mln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY11, sees GAAP EPS of $1.13-1.15 vs. $1.15 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $870-890 mln vs. $876.69 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

7:03AM Titanium Metals misses by $0.01, misses on revs (TIE) 19.15 : Reports Q3 (Sep) earnings of $0.13 per share, $0.01 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.14; revenues rose 18.4% year/year to $217.3 mln vs the $220.7 mln consensus. "Demand for our products has consistently improved throughout 2010 as customers, particularly in the commercial aerospace supply chain, right sized their inventory levels and prepared for increased output in 2011 and beyond. Our 2010 results reflect these improved industry conditions which we expect to continue through 2011. Increases in our sales volumes for melted and mill products of 90% and 12%, respectively, together with our ongoing focus on cost control and manufacturing efficiency, contributed to the 120% increase in operating income for 2010... The improvement in customer order trends that we experienced during 2010 has continued into 2011. Our sales order backlog at the close of the year was 32% higher than a year ago. The combined effects of announced increases in build rates for certain commercial aircraft, together with the continued ramp up of next generation aircraft, contribute to the increasing demand trends that we expect for the year ahead. We believe that the rate of increase in demand is likely to continue, fueled by the combined effects of recovery in commercial and military aircraft sales, as well as anticipated growth in industrial markets. Based on such factors, we currently expect our overall volume growth for 2011 to be comparable with 2010, with our production rates increasing accordingly."

7:02AM Mylan Labs receives final approval from FDA for its ANDA for Gabapentin Capsules USP, the generic version of Pfizer's (PFE) neurontin capsules (MYL) 22.61 : Co announced that its subsidiary Matrix Laboratories Limited has received final approval from the FDA for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Gabapentin Capsules USP, 100 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg, the generic version of Pfizer's Neurontin Capsules used to treat a painful complication of shingles.

7:01AM Concho Resources signes an agreement with Linn Energy (LINE) to sell its North Dakota Bakken assets for $196 million (CXO) 109.79 : The sale is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2011 and is subject to customary closing conditions and purchase price adjustments.

7:01AM FMC Tech announced that Peter Kinnear will be succeeded by John Gremp as President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 1 (FTI) 92.64 : Co announces that Peter Kinnear will be succeeded by John Gremp as President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 1, 2011. Additionally, Mr. Gremp has joined the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Kinnear will continue in the role of Chairman of the Board until October 31, 2011, at which time Mr. Gremp will assume the additional role of Chairman of the Board.

6:56AM Quicksilver Resrcs beats by $0.03, beats on revs; guides Q1 production (KWK) 15.67 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.18 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.15; revenues rose 2.5% year/year to $239.9 mln vs the $221 mln consensus. First-quarter 2011 production volume is expected to average in the range of 390 MMcfe to 400 MMcfe per day, co also gives specific line item expense guidance for Q1. The co has hedges in place to cover ~64% of expected production for the first quarter of 2011. A total of 190 MMcf per day of natural gas is covered by collars with a weighted-average floor price of $5.95 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) and 10,500 barrels per day of NGLs are covered by fixed-price swaps with a weighted-average price of $38.84 per barrel for the first quarter and full year of 2011.

6:55AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Seattle Genetics (SGEN) announced that it has submitted a Biologics License Application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the use of brentuximab vedotin in relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma and relapsed or refractory systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
* Seadrill (SDRL) has entered into an agreement for the construction of two tender rigs with the COSCO Nantong Shipyard in China. The two new units, T15 and T16, are scheduled for delivery in the first quarter and third quarter 2013, respectively. Total project price is estimated at US$225 million, which includes project management, drilling and handling tools, spares and capitalized interest.
* Hercules Offshore (HERO) announced that the administrative agent under the Company's Credit Agreement has received the lender consents necessary to amend the terms of its Credit Agreement that governs its $475 million term loan and $175 million revolving credit facility.

6:43AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) has named John Harvey Chief Executive Officer of its subsidiary, Wells Fargo Bank International.
* HP (HPQ) Enterprise Services UK Limited announced that Centrica plc has signed a seven-year outsourcing services agreement worth more than $400 million.

6:42AM Nationwide Health beats by $0.01, beats on revs; co is being acquired in a stock transaction at a ~15% premium, see 6:32 ET comment (NHP) 38.96 : Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.60 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.59; revenues rose 20.3% year/year to $116.7 mln vs the $112.6 mln consensus. "In February 2011, our tenant, Hearthstone Senior Services, notified us that it would be unable to pay the rent then due under its leases with us, and asked us to amend certain terms of the leases to make rents achievable. In order to substantially increase the ability of Hearthstone to meet its future obligations, we agreed to certain modifications of the terms of our leases with Hearthstone." Co is being acquired at a ~15% premium, see 6:32 ET comment.

6:34AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Trimble (TRMB) announced that a SITECH Technology Dealer has been established in Singapore and Malaysia.
* China Technology Development Group Corporation (CTDC) announced that the company's wholly-owned subsidiary has signed a Sales Contract for the Year 2011 of 20MW solar modules with well-known Italian photovoltaic system integrator ConSae S.r.l..

6:32AM Nationwide Health: Ventas (VTR) to Acquire Nationwide Health Properties in $7.4 bln transaction; transaction equivalent to $44.99 of VTR stock for each NHP share; expected to be immediately accretive to FFO (NHP) 38.96 : VTR and NHP announced that the Boards of both cos have unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which VTR will acquire all of the outstanding shares of NHP in a stock-for-stock transaction valued at $7.4 bln. NHP shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.7866 Ventas shares for each share of NHP common stock they own. Based on the closing stock price for VTR on Friday, February 25, 2011, this consideration would be equivalent to $44.99 of VTR stock for each NHP share, representing a premium to NHP shareholders of ~15% over NHP's closing stock price on that day. VTR shareholders are expected to own ~65% and NHP shareholders are expected to own ~35% of the combined co. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to VTR's normalized FFO and and FAD.

6:30AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Gastar Exploration (GST) announced that it and its joint venture partner, Atinum Marcellus I, have leased an additional ~3,300 gross acres in Marshall County, West Virginia to develop the liquids-rich Marcellus Shale formation.
* Finisar (FNSR) announced that its EPON Stick is available as the first Multi-Source Agreement Small Form-factor Pluggable ONU that interoperates with other EPON equipment based on CableLabs DOCSIS Provisioning of EPON specifications.
* Fujitsu Semiconductor and ARM (ARMH) announced that they have signed a comprehensive license agreement for ARM IP products. Additionally, NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) and ARMH announced that they have expanded their strategic relationship with a long-term subscription licensing agreement around the ARM Cortex-M series processors for microcontrollers.
* Unisys (UIS) announced that its French subsidiary has signed a multi-year contract to provide end-user IT support services for 60,000 employees of Air France and its subsidiaries at multiple locations throughout France.

6:18AM Perry Ellis to offer 2.0 mln shares of its common stock and $125 mln in aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes due 2019 (PERY) 29.87 : Co announces that it intends to offer 2.0 million shares of its common stock and $125 million in aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes due 2019 through concurrent public offerings. Co will not receive any proceeds from this secondary offering. Co intends to use the net proceeds from the common stock offering to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under its senior credit facility. Co intends to use the net proceeds from the Senior Subordinated Notes offering to redeem its currently outstanding 8 7/8 % senior subordinated notes due 2013 and to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under its senior credit facility. BofA Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank Securities will serve as joint book-running managers for the common stock offering. BofA Merrill Lynch and Deutsche Bank Securities will also serve as joint book-running managers for the Senior Subordinated Notes offering.

6:17AM JinkoSolar Holding beats by $0.80, beats on revs; guides Q1 revs above consensus; guides FY11 revs above consensus (JKS) 29.24 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $2.36 per share, $0.80 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $1.56; revenues rose 148.3% year/year to $267.7 mln vs the $228.3 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees Q1 revs of $280-290 mln vs. $231.65 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $1.4-1.5 bln vs. $978.93 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. The co expects to increase its in-house annual silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module production capacities to ~900 MW each by the end of the first quarter of 2011. For the full year 2011, total solar module shipments are expected to be in the range of 950-1,000 MW. The Company expects to increase its in-house annual silicon wafer, solar cell and solar module production capacities to ~1,500 MW each, as compared to its original guidance of 1,000 MW each by the end of 2011.

6:16AM Gold Resource declared sspecial cash dividend of $0.03 per common share to its shareholders of record March 18, payable March 25 (GORO) 25.62 :

6:05AM Unisource Energy beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line; inceases Q1 dividend to $0.42 per share from $0.39 (UNS) 35.91 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.29 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.28; revenues rose 7.9% year/year to $359.2 mln vs the $347.1 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.60-2.90 vs. $2.80 Thomson Reuters consensus. Additionally, co's Board declared a first quarter dividend for common shareholders of $0.42 per share. The dividend will be paid on March 23, 2011 to common shareholders of record as of March 11, 2011. In 2010, the co's quarterly dividend was $0.39 per share.

5:58AM VanceInfo Tech beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS below consensus, revs below consensus; guides FY11 EPS below consensus, revs in-line (VIT) 32.37 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.22 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.21; revenues rose 37.3% year/year to $59.6 mln vs the $57.5 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.19 vs. $0.21 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $56-57 mln vs. $59.55 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues mixed guidance for FY11, sees EPS of at least $0.94 vs. $0.99 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of at least $270 mln vs. $271.55 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co states Revenues from the top five clients totaled 55.5% of the Company's net revenues in 2010, compared to 56.3% in 2009.

5:38AM 51job beats by $0.03, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS above consensus, revs above consensus (JOBS) 60.23 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.35 per share, $0.03 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.32; revs of $45.7 mln vs $42.0 mln Thomson Reuters consensus Co issues upside guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.36-0.39 vs. $0.29 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $46.2-47.7 mln vs. $41.12 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:49AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* GT Solar (SOLR) announced that it has received an order valued at over $41 mln dollars for its advanced sapphire crystallization furnaces. Ford (F) announced it is expanding the reach of Ford SYNC globally with the European launch of its popular voice-controlled connectivity system, with the capability of now offering 19 languages.
* Citrix Systems (CTXS) announced an investment in Primadesk, marking the first funding commitment for the Citrix Startup Accelerator, its Silicon Valley-based seed investment initiative launched in December 2010.
* AT&T (T) Advanced Ad Solutions and Placecast announced an agreement to provide ShopAlerts by AT&T, which are special offers delivered to consumers via their mobile phones when they are near a participating store or brand.
* Websense (WBSN) announced new product Websense Defensio and its new social networking security features that are specifically designed to protect corporate brand presence and properties on the social Web.
* Life Technologies (LIFE) announced today that it has launched a regional distribution hub in Singapore to address strong customer demand in the Asia Pacific regions of India, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
* HP Enterprise Services UK, a unit of HP (HPQ) announced that Centrica has signed a seven-year outsourcing services agreement worth more than $400 mln.
* Consip has awarded Accenture (ACN) a four-year, $6 mln contract to develop, build and maintain an eProcurement system that will help transform the way the Italian government manages its procurement operations by increasing efficiencies and ensuring value for money across suppliers.

2:44AM Wabtec acquires Brush Traction for ~31 mln; expected to be accretive in first year (WAB) 55.32 : Co announces has acquired Brush Traction Group for ~$31 mln. The co has annual sales of ~$55 mln. Co expects the transaction to be accretive in the first year.

2:27AM Endeavour Intl receives approval of the Rochelle Field development plan; production estimated to begin in 2012 (END) 13.30 :

2:23AM Forest Labs and Gedeon Richter reports evidence of a treatment effect in the high-dose arm of the study Results in a Phase II Study of Cariprazine as Adjunctive Therapy in major depressive disorder (FRX) 31.88 : Co and Gedeon Richter announce preliminary top-line results from an 8-week Phase II clinical trial of the novel, investigational antipsychotic agent cariprazine as adjunctive therapy in major depressive disorder. Although the overall difference observed between the drug-treated and placebo-treated groups was not statistically significant, over the course of the trial, there was evidence of a treatment effect in the high-dose arm of the study compared to placebo. In addition, tolerability results for cariprazine support further investigation in this patient population. Approximately 3% of patients discontinued the study early due to adverse events in the high-dose and 1% in the low-dose study arm compared to 3% in the placebo arm. The cos are considering conducting an additional Phase II dose-response trial examining a wider range of doses.

1:56AM 3M provides preliminary final results of tender offer for shares of Winterthur Technologie; offer to result in ownership of 85.3% (MMM) 90.25 : Co announces the preliminary final results of its tender offer for shares of Winterthur Technologie. Shares representing 56.1% of the shares of Winterthur were tendered during the offer period. Together with shares purchased from shareholders outside of the offer process, the tender offer will result in co owning 85.3% of Winterthur's shares. Co continues to believe that a complete merger between Winterthur is in the best interest of all stakeholders, including customers, employees and shareholders. Accordingly, co intends to continue to look for opportunities to increase its stake in Winterthur.

1:51AM Santarus and Pharming receives FDA Refusal to File Letter for RHUCIN Biologics License Application (SNTS) 3.25 : Co and Pharming announce the receipt of a "refusal to file" letter from the FDA for the RHUCIN Biologics License Application submitted by Pharming. In the letter the FDA indicated that the BLA was not sufficiently complete to enable a critical medical review. In reaching its conclusion, the FDA indicated that the previously conducted studies evaluating RHUCIN for the treatment of acute attacks of Hereditary Angioedema did not provide data for a sufficient number of subjects to support the proposed dose of 50 U/kg and lacked prospective validation of the visual analog scale used in measuring the clinical effects of RHUCIN. The FDA also provided other comments on the prior clinical studies and indicated that they will provide additional feedback on the design of the ongoing Phase IIIb clinical study, which had been initiated based on previous discussions with the FDA. In addition, the FDA requested that the results of the Phase IIIb clinical study be included in any future BLA submission for RHUCIN. Co has licensed certain exclusive rights from Pharming to commercialize RHUCIN in North America for the treatment of acute attacks of HAE and other future indications. Pharming is responsible for conducting and paying for the current Phase IIIb clinical study with RHUCIN in the treatment of acute attacks of angioedema in patients with HAE.

1:46AM Merck: Fujifilm to acquire co's unit, Merck Biomanufacturing Network; terms not disclosed (MRK) 32.19 : Co announces that FUJIFILM and co announce they have entered into a definitive agreement by which Fujifilm will acquire the co's unit, Merck BioManufacturing Network. Fujifilm will purchase all of the equity interests in two of co's subsidiaries (Diosynth and MSD Biologics) which together own all assets of the Merck BioManufacturing Network comprising facilities located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (Diosynth) and Billingham, U.K. (MSD Biologics); and including manufacturing contracts; business support operations and workforce. As part of the agreement with Fujifilm, Merck/ MSD has committed to certain continued development and manufacturing activities with these two cos. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

1:38AM Ballard Power receives up to CAD7 mln Federal Clean Energy award (BLDP) 2.04 : Co announces it has been conditionally awarded up to CAD7 mln by Sustainable Development Technology Canada. This funding will be used to extend the operating life and lower the product cost of FCgen-1300, the fuel cell power plant that powers Ballard's CLEARgen distributed generation system. Receipt of SDTC project funding is contingent on final agreements being reached between co, ERCO Worldwide and BC Hydro as well as internal Board approvals. Subject to these agreements being approved, the manufacturing and site commissioning work is planned for 2012-13.

1:34AM Ampal-American Israel: EMG's gas supply to Israel to resume no later than March 4th, 2011 (AMPL) 2.00 : Co announces that it was advised by East Mediterranean Gas that the gas supply to EMG, and therefore to EMG's Israeli Clients, is expected to resume no later than March 4th, 2011. Co has a 12.5% interest in EMG. The Egyptian National Gas Co informed EMG that repair works on GASCO's pipeline system are continuing; testing of the system will start on Monday, March 2nd, 2011; and the target date for commercial gas delivery is no later than Friday, March 4th, 2011.

1:28AM VimpelCom confirms supervisory board recommendation that shareholders vote 'FOR' proposals; announces ISS decision (VIP) 13.93 : Co confirms that the its Supervisory Board recommends that VIP shareholders vote "FOR" approval of the issuance of common shares and convertible preferred shares and the increase of co's authorized share capital needed to complete the combination of VIP and Wind Telecom. The co also believes that Institutional Shareholder Services, a proxy advisory firm, has reached an incorrect conclusion in its recommendation regarding the proposed combination of VimpelCom and Wind Telecom, a conclusion which is contrary to the recommendation of co's three independent directors. In contrast to the recommendation of ISS, recommended that VIP shareholders vote "FOR" the issuance of common and convertible preferred shares and the increase in authorized share capital needed to complete the combination, saying that "the Company should be provided the flexibility to use its equity in a manner that could provide funding for its operations and enhance shareholder value."

1:15AM Humana receives south region TRICARE contract from DOD; raises FY11 EPS guidance; no longer anticipates incurring $0.25 loss assoicated with loss of TRICARE contract (HUM) 62.60 : Co announces that the DOD has awarded the South Region TRICARE contract to co's wholly owned subsidiary, Humana Military Healthcare Services. Humana Military will continue supporting the DoD's delivery of health care services to 3 mln active duty and retired service members and their families. In light of the announcement, co is raising its guidance for diluted earnings per common share for the year ending December 31, 2011, to a range of $5.95-6.15, as the co no longer anticipates incurring expenses in 2011 of ~$0.25 per share associated with the loss of the TRICARE South Region contract in early 2012.
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