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Market Update 110308

4:30 pm : The major equity averages scored strong gains as oil prices failed to fight off selling efforts and financials offered leadership.

Stocks stumbled in the early going as oil prices rallied back from overnight selling pressure. Oil had been hit by news reports that OPEC would increase production. Although later reports indicated that the organization has no plans for an extraordinary meeting, oil still failed to sustain its move and spent the rest of the day oscillating in negative territory. It closed with a 0.4% loss near $105 per barrel.

Financials showed strength from the onset of trade. Even as the broader market made an early dip into negative territory the sector traded higher. Once oil proved unable to sustain a push into positive territory financials attracted additional buying interest. Support for a wide range of financial issues helped drive the sector to a 2.2% gain. Specialized finance (-0.5%) failed to fined favor, though.

Even more impressive, airline stocks soared to a 4.8% gain. That made for the strongest single-session move by the Amex Airline Index in more than four months. The Airline Index is still down almost 6% year to date though.

Of the major sectors, only energy finished in the red. The sector's 0.6% loss was largely the result of weakness in oil and gas refiners, which dropped 2.4%.

There were no economic releases today and earnings announcements were without any real broad market concern. That may have kept some on the sidelines, but total share volume was still close to 1 billion on the NYSE.

The decidedly positive bias among afternoon traders helped the S&P 500 and the Dow undo yesterday's loss. However, relatively lackluster performances by a few large-cap tech issues hampered the Nasdaq today, so it is still down a bit for the week.

While Wall Street had a strong session, action abroad was a bit mixed. Germany's DAX and Britain's FTSE both finished flat, but France's CAC climbed to a 0.6% gain. The Bank of France kept its first quarter GDP forecast unchanged at 0.8% growth. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei and China's Shanghai Composite closed with minor gains, but Hong Kong's Hang Seng surged 1.7% as buyers there were encouraged by news that some banks will have their reserve requirements eased.

Advancing Sectors: Financials (+2.2%), Telecom (+1.6%), Industrials (+1.5%), Utilities (+1.0%), Materials (+1.0%), Consumer Staples (+0.8%), Consumer Discretionary (+0.7%), Health Care (+0.7%), Tech (+0.6%)
Declining Sectors: Energy (-0.6%)DJ30 +124.35 NASDAQ +20.14 NQ100 +0.4% R2K +1.5% SP400 +1.2% SP500 +11.69 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1898/1.85 bln/745 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2243/987 mln/717

3:30 pm : Another mixed session for commodities, with livestock (+1.9%) and softs (+1.3%) the only advancing sectors. Lean hogs added 2.4% to close at $1.01925 per pound.

April crude oil shed 0.4% to close at $105.02 per barrel. A rumor that leaders of the rebel party are considering a conditional offer from Muammar Gadhafi to step down, coupled with talk from OPEC that they were considering an output hike, weighed on crude today. Despite later headlines that conflicted with both of the earlier reports, crude oil finished the day modestly lower. April natural gas shed 1.4% to close at $3.87 per MMBtu.

A rebound in the dollar and a pullback in crude oil caused for April gold to finish lower by 0.4% to $1427.20 per ounce and May silver to end down 0.4% to $36.66 per ounce. DJ30 +141.80 NASDAQ +23.94 SP500 +13.04 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1905/1.5 bln/714 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2300/676.4 mln/694

3:00 pm : Stocks have recovered from a recent slip so that the S&P 500 is now back near its session high. Financials continue to provide leadership as they sport a gain in excess of 2%.

Within the 81-member financial sector, only IntercontinentalExchange (ICE 131.76, -2.96), Assurant (AIZ 38.50, -0.55), and NYSE Euronext (NYX 35.15, -0.44) are in the red. Bank of America (BAC 14.64, +0.61) is still a primary leader in the financial space. DJ30 +148.12 NASDAQ +24.65 SP500 +13.56 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1842/1.34 bln/781 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2252/626 mln/725

2:30 pm : Stocks recently slipped out of their afternoon trading range, but they have stabilized so that the S&P 500 is sitting on the 1320 line. Strength remains broad based in that advancing issues in the broad market outnumber decliners by more than 5-to-1.

Semiconductor stocks are back in the red. The group dove sharply in the prior session then encountered some renewed pressure this morning before a broader market bounce took semiconductor issues into higher ground. They have since turned downward so that they trade with a 0.2% loss. DJ30 +125.60 NASDAQ +18.18 SP500 +10.83 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1919/1.23 bln/694 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2291/583 mln/679

2:00 pm : Stocks spent the past two hours stuck in a narrow range, but a sudden flurry of selling has started to take the major averages down from that range. There is no clear catalyst to account for the slip.

Oil prices aren't quite at afternoon highs, but they continue to oscillate in negative territory. The commodity is currently down a relatively tame 0.4% at $105 per barrel. Lingering weakness in oil prices continues to keep the energy sector in the red, where it trades with a 0.5% loss. DJ30 +129.15 NASDAQ +22.31 SP500 +12.05 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1958/1.14 bln/657 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2322/545 mln/632

1:30 pm : Treasuries haven't done much since the release of results from the latest auction of 3-year Notes. The auction drew a bid-to-cover of 3.22 for dollar demand of $103.0 billion. The indirect bidder participation rate came in at 34.4%. For comparison, the prior auction produced a bid-to-cover of 3.01, dollar demand of $96.3 billion, and an indirect bidder participation rate of 27.6%. An average of the past five auctions results in a bid-to-cover of 3.04, dollar demand of $97.2 billion, and an indirect bidder participation rate of 33.5%.DJ30 +139.90 NASDAQ +27.51 SP500 +13.13 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1954/1.06 bln/640 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2297/509 mln/647

1:00 pm : The broad market is up with a strong gain as oil prices oscillate in negative territory and financials offer leadership.

Stocks stumbled in the first few minutes of trade as participants reacted negatively to a rebound by crude oil prices. Oil prices had been as low as $103.33 per barrel in response to overnight news that OPEC would increase production, but oil prices were able to bounce back to a modest gain by the open of pit trade. Oil's inability to hold that move has rekindled some selling, which has led to volatility in the commodity. Oil prices are currently down 0.5% at $104.90 per barrel.

Although oil is off of its low, stocks have responded positively to its dip today. That has helped the broad market recover from its slide yesterday.

Financials have been especially strong this session. The sector is up 2.0% as banking issues and diversified financial services stocks spike. Bank of America (BAC 14.60, +0.57) has been a top performer in its space; the company is hosting an Investor Day Conference today.

Of the major sectors, only energy has failed to find higher ground. The sector's 0.6% loss comes as oil and gas equipment plays, exploration names, and drillers turn downward in response oil's decline.

Apparel and accessories retailer Urban Outfitters (URBN 32.18, -5.81) has also failed to take part in this session's broad market bounce. The stock is at a multi-month low following news of an earnings miss. In contrast, Hot Topic (HOTT 5.51, +0.10) has overcome a weak start that stemmed from an earnings miss of its own. DJ30 +144.14 NASDAQ +27.26 SP500 +13.25 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1966/981 mln/629 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2308/477 mln/626

12:30 pm : The S&P 500 is within reach of its prior session high, but it has had a little bit of trouble pushing past the 1325 line. The Dow has successfully erased all of its loss from the prior session and now trades at a two-day high. As for the Nasdaq Composite, it suffered an outsized loss yesterday, so it still ha a ways to go before it can turn positive for this week.

Strength among stocks this session has put pressure on Treasuries. Still, losses in that space are relatively modest as the yield on the benchmark 10-year Note trades at 3.54%. Results from an auction of 3-year Notes are due at the top of the hour. DJ30 +145.09 NASDAQ +28.40 SP500 +13.76 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1957/892 mln/606 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2322/437 mln/600

12:00 pm : Stocks continue to climb. As such, the major equity averages are now all up in excess of 1%. That's still not enough to fully offset the losses suffered in the prior session, though.

The stock market's latest push coincides with renewed selling in oil contracts. Oil is now down to $104.15 per barrel with a 1.2% loss.

Volatility is down markedly amid the improved tone of trade. Specifically, the Volatility Index has shed 6% in the wake of its 8% climb in the prior session. DJ30 +152.99 NASDAQ +28.66 SP500 +14.77 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1892/783 mln/645 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2238/385 mln/658

11:30 am : Stocks just moved another leg higher. That puts all three major equity averages at their best levels of the day.

The upward push has come in the face of a rebound by oil prices, which have pared losses so that they are down a relatively tame 0.5% at $104.90 per barrel.

Although oil prices are paring losses, their general weakness this session has hurt energy stocks. The sector is down 0.4%, which makes it the only major sector that has failed to find higher ground.

Meanwhile, financials remain comfortably out in front of the broader market. The sector is now up 2.3%. DJ30 +126.21 NASDAQ +25.36 SP500 +12.89 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1800/669 mln/698 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2131/321 mln/722

11:00 am : The Nasdaq had lagged both the Dow and S&P 500 in the early going, but it has since caught up with counterparts so that all three of the major headline indices sport strong gains. Large-cap tech issues, which had been weak at the onset of trade, are now in strong shape. As such, Oracle (ORCL 32.55, +0.45), Google (GOOG 595.34, +3.68), and Microsoft (MSFT 25.86, +0.14) are leaders.

The recent broad market bounce and pullback in oil prices have helped airline socks ascend to a 3.6% gain, as measured by the Amex Airline Index. In a similar vein, the Dow Jones Transports Index is up 2.0%. DJ30 +73.61 NASDAQ +14.78 SP500 +7.38 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1762/511 mln/680 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2068/250 mln/744

10:35 am : Overnight news that OPEC has plans for production increases sent oil down to $103.33 per barrel, but the commodity rebounded so that it traded with a narrow gain in the first few minutes of pit trade. Even though CNBC reported that OPEC currently has no plans for an extraordinary meeting, a recent spell of selling knocked oil prices down to about $104 per barrel. The commodity has since recovered to $104.50 per barrel so that its loss is now 0.9%.

Natural gas prices have been under pressure all morning. The energy component is currently down 1.8% to about $3.86 per MMBtu.

Precious metals are mixed after extending their recent climb in the prior session. Specifically, gold prices are down 0.3% to $1430.10 per ounce while silver is up 0.3% to $35.95 per ounce.

Generally lackluster action among commodities has the CRB Commodity Index down 0.3%. It advanced for seven straight sessions before a flat finish yesterday. DJ30 +73.38 NASDAQ +17.04 SP500 +7.96 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1679/400 mln/716 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 2027/204 mln/764

10:00 am : Financial stocks have run ahead to a collective 1.2% gain. Bank of America (BAC 14.22, +0.19) has been a leader in the move, but regional plays Regions Financial (RF 7.48, +0.07) and PNC Financial (PNC 61.67, +0.97) have complemented the effort.

Leadership from the financial sector has helped lift the broader market out of negative territory. Recent pressure against oil prices has also been a catalyst for broad market buying. DJ30 +29.67 NASDAQ +0.93 SP500 +2.84 NASDAQ Adv/Vol/Dec 1039/138 mln/1171 NYSE Adv/Vol/Dec 1333/88 mln/1290

09:45 am : As of the first few minutes of trade, the Nasdaq is underperforming its counterparts for the second straight session. Its weakness stems largely from losses among large-cap tech issues as well as renewed selling interest against semiconductor stocks (-0.8%).

Energy stocks have been hit with some of the stiffest selling pressure, though. The sector is already down 1.1%. Pressure therein is largely the result of a recent downturn in oil prices, which are now at $104 per barrel with a 1.3% loss.

Financials are showing strength, however. The sector is up to an enviable 0.6% gain as bank stocks and diversified financial services plays attract bidders. DJ30 -11.05 NASDAQ -12.08 SP500 -2.95

09:15 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +1.90. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -5.10. Stock futures are mixed ahead of the opening bell. The muddled action comes amid a rebound by oil prices, which are now narrowly positive at $105.50 per barrel after they had been down near $103 per barrel in response to overnight reports that OPEC has plans to increase production. CNBC has since reported that OPEC currently has no plans for an extraordinary meeting. Although China has opted to ease reserve requirements at certain banks, the news hasn't been particularly motivating to domestic traders. Hong Kong's Hang Seng rallied in response to the news, however. Varied gains in Asia and broad losses in Europe have further muddled this morning's backdrop. Outside of equities, the dollar has caught a strong bid in recent trade; it is now up 0.5% against a basket of competing currencies. Treasuries are currently stuck in lackluster trade ahead of results from an auction of 3-year Notes at 1:00 PM ET. There are no economic items on tap for today.

09:05 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +1.30. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -7.10. Oil prices recently turned positive, but they have since slipped back to a 0.1% loss at $105.35 per barrel in the first few minutes of pit trade. Prices had been down near $103 per barrel in overnight trade. Weakness was mostly underpinned by reports that OPEC has plans to increase production, but CNBC recently reported that the organization currently has no plans for an extraordinary meeting. Natural gas prices are under pressure, though; the energy component was last quoted at $3.88 per MMBtu with a 1.1% loss. As for precious metals, gold prices are down fractionally to $1443.20 per ounce while silver is up an impressive 0.7% to $36.10 per ounce. Silver has yet to return to the 30-year high of $36.73 per ounce that it set yesterday.

08:35 am : S&P futures vs fair value: -0.20. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -7.60. Germany's DAX is now down 1.0% after it had started its session in positive territory. BASF and SAP have been the heaviest drags, but shares of Volkswagen are showing strength following an analyst upgrade from UBS. France's CAC has also failed to hold an opening gain. It is now down 0.4%. Total (TOT) has weighed heavily on action after it had offered leadership in the prior session. Sanofi-Aventis (SNY) is weak for the third straight session. During that time the stock has cumulatively lost 2.8% so that shares are now back below their 50-day moving average. In a display of strength, Axa (AXA) has made a strong move higher in the latest round of trade. Britain's FTSE is off by 0.5% as its declining issues outnumber its advancers by 3-to-1. Vodafone (VOD) and HSBC (HBC) have been sources of strength, but their efforts have been more than offset by weakness in natural resouce plays like Rio Tinto (RIO), BHP Billiton (BHP), Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A), and BP Plc (BP).

Even though its decliners edged out its advancing issues, Japan's Nikkei mustered a 0.2% gain in its latest round of trade. That made for a rather tepid recovery effort from the 1.8% dive that was suffered in the prior session. Fast Retailing was a leader in the effort. Tokyo Electron was a laggard. Mainland China's Shanghai Composite gained just 0.1% amid strength in China Shenhua and Inner Mong Bao. China Petroleum (SNP) and PetroChina (PTR) were a couple of key sources of weakness. Action in China closed before any real reaction could be made to news that regulators have decided to lift reserve requirement restrictions on certain banks. However, that news helped shares in Hong Kong's Hang Seng climb to a collective gain of 1.7%. HSBC and China Construction Bank were primary leaders. China Mobile and Tencent Holdings also staged strong gains. Not a single stock in the 45-member Index suffered a loss.

08:05 am : S&P futures vs fair value: +0.30. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: -6.60. Stock futures have drifted off of overnight highs so that they now trade near the neutral line. Dwindling support comes as oil prices work their way up from overnight lows, which were set near $103 per barrel amid reports that OPEC may increase oil production. Oil prices are now near $105 per barrel with a 0.5% loss. A downturn by Europe's major bourses has also weakened the tone of premarket trade. Each is now in the red after trade had opened in higher ground. Asia's major averages made advances overnight, though. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was especially strong as it swung to a 1.7% gain following news that China has lifted punitive reserves on certain banks. There are no meaningful items on today's economic calendar and earnings announcements have limited to only a handful of names, including Hot Topic (HOTT) and Urban Outfitters (URBN). Both came short of the consensus earnings estimate, but shares of URBN are down more than 12% ahead of the open. In contrast, Brown-Forman (BF.B) and Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) each exceeded earnings expectations and issued strong guidance.

06:42 am : [BRIEFING.COM] S&P futures vs fair value: +4.80. Nasdaq futures vs fair value: +2.00.

06:42 am : Nikkei...10525.19...+20.20...+0.20%. Hang Seng...23711.70...+398.50...+1.70%.

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

5:38PM Lan Airlines reports monthly statistics for February 2011; system passenger traffic increased 15.6% (LFL) 21.10 +0.21 : During February, system passenger traffic increased 15.6% as capacity rose 15.2%. As a result, the Company's load factor for the month increased 0.2 points to 82.3%. International passenger traffic accounted for approximately 67% of total passenger traffic. Starting from January 2011, these figures include AIRES' domestic and international operations.

5:33PM Willbros Group delays fourth quarter 2010 earnings release and conference call (WG) 11.67 +0.12 :

5:22PM Honeywell issues mixed guidance for Q1; reaffirms guidance for FY11; authorizes $3 billion repurchase plan (HON) 57.30 +1.11 : Co issues mixed guidance for Q1 (Mar), sees EPS of $0.80 vs. $0.82 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 (Mar) revs of $8.7 bln vs. $8.57 bln Thomson Reuters consensus, both at the high end of the previous guidance range. Co reaffirms guidance for FY11 (Dec), sees EPS of $3.60-3.80 vs. $3.84 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 (Dec) revs of $35.0-36.0 bln vs. $35.93 bln Thomson Reuters consensus. "We continue to see strength in the global economic recovery and are confident in our outlook for 2011 and beyond ... Honeywell has an established track record of strong cash generation, evidenced by another record free cash flow year in 2010. We've also maintained a balanced approach to capital deployment - continuing to invest in our businesses to drive organic growth, making smart disciplined acquisitions that build upon our great positions in good industries, and returning cash to our shareowners through increased dividends and share repurchases." Honeywell's Board of Directors has authorized the company to repurchase up to a total of $3 billion of its common stock.

5:14PM Warner Chilcott announces secondary equity offering of 25 mln shares by selling shareholders (WCRX) 24.41 +0.72 :

5:12PM Senior Housing Properties Trust announces agreement to acquire 20 senior living communities for approximately $304 mln (SNH) 23.33 +0.17 : Co announced that it has entered an agreement to acquire 20 senior living communities for approximately $304 million. The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2011, subject to required regulatory approvals and subject to lender approval for assumption of mortgage debts on certain properties which are currently not prepayable or which SNH has determined to assume because of their favorable financial terms. Fifteen of the 20 communities costing approximately $211.5 million are currently expected to be leased to a taxable REIT subsidiary, or TRS, of SNH and managed by Five Star Quality Care, Inc. (NYSE: FVE), or Five Star, under a long term management contract.

5:05PM Global Payment announced agreements to provide ten casinos with its VIP LightSpeed suite (GPN) 48.51 +1.01 :

4:58PM ReneSola Ltd announces offering of $175 mln of convertible senior notes (SOL) 8.86 -0.06 :

4:47PM Miller Industries increases annual dividend by $0.02 to $0.12 (MLR) 16.09 +0.22 :

4:41PM Orthovita misses by $0.05, misses on revs (VITA) 2.38 +0.07 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.05 per share, $0.05 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.00); revenues fell 4.1% year/year to $23.4 mln vs the $23.8 mln consensus.

4:39PM Rogers Comms prices $1.85 bln senior notes offering (RCI) 34.98 +0.56 : Co announced that it has priced an offering of $1.85 bln of debt securities, consisting of $1,450 mln aggregate principal of 5.34% Senior Notes due 2021 and $400 mln aggregate principal of 6.56% Senior Notes due 2041.

4:39PM Suntech Power reports Q4 (Dec) results, beats on revs; guides FY11 revs above consensus (STP) 9.00 -0.15 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $2.02 per share, which includes acquisitions and is not be comparable to the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.29; revenues rose 61.9% year/year to $945.1 mln vs the $843.7 mln consensus. Co issues upside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $3.4-3.6 bln vs. $3.36 bln Thomson Reuters consensus. For the fourth quarter of 2010, consolidated gross profit was $153.4 million and gross margin was 16.2% compared to consolidated gross profit of $122.0 million and gross margin of 16.4% in the third quarter of 2010. In the first quarter of 2011, Suntech expects PV shipments to be relatively flat compared with the fourth quarter of 2010. Due to the integration of wafer manufacturing capacity, consolidated gross margin in the first quarter of 2011 is expected to increase to approximately 20%. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011, Suntech expects to ship at least 2.2GW of solar products and generate revenues of $3.4 billion to $3.6 billion, subject to changes in foreign exchange rates. Consolidated gross margin for the full year 2011 is expected to be approximately 20% to 22%. Suntech expects to achieve 2.4GW of installed cell and module production capacity by the end of 2011. Suntech expects to achieve 1.2GW of installed wafer capacity by the end of 2011. Full year 2011 capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $250 million to $270 million.

4:38PM Ball Corp entered into an agreement to build a beverage can manufacturing plant in Vietnam (BLL) 36.24 +0.56 : Co has entered into an agreement with its joint venture partner Thai Beverage Can Limited (TBC), a 50 percent associated company owned by Berli Jucker Public Company Limited to build a beverage can manufacturing plant in Vietnam. The plant will be located in the Tan Uyen district in Binh Duong province. Ball will hold an approximately 50 percent economic interest in the joint venture facility, which is expected to begin production in the first half of 2012.

4:37PM American Tower acquired ~960 existing towers for ~$140 million (AMT) 52.12 -0.96 : Co acquired ~960 existing towers from Cell C Limited for an aggregate purchase price of ~$140 million, using cash on hand, local financing, and funds contributed by South African investors who currently hold an approximate 25% minority stake in the subsidiary. American Tower expects to acquire from Cell C approximately 440 additional existing towers during 2011 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $60 million, subject to customary closing conditions. Pursuant to the transaction, which was previously announced in November 2010, American Tower may acquire up to an additional 1,800 towers that are either currently under construction or will be constructed over the next two to three years for an additional aggregate purchase price of up to approximately $230 million. Cell C will be the anchor tenant on each of the towers being purchased.

4:37PM 7 Days Group misses by $0.04, beats on revs (SVN) 21.67 +0.05 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.09 per share, $0.04 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.13. The company expects to generate total net revenues in the range of RMB 405- RMB 410 mln in 1Q11. 7 Days Group expects full-year 2011 total net revenues to grow 32% to 36% over the full-year 2010, which equates to roughly $299.7-$308.9 million. There are no estimates.

4:35PM MVC Capital reports net asset value of $17.33 per share at Jan 31, 2011; vs. $17.71 per share, at the beginning of the qtr (MVC) 14.41 :

4:35PM Great Panther Silver has paid off $4,050,000 in two outstanding $2,025,000 Principal Amount 8% Unsecured Convertible Loan Notes due July 14, 2011 by the issuance of 1.8 mln fully paid common shares at the originally agreed upon conversion price of $2.25/common share (GPL) 4.83 -0.15 :

4:33PM Sequenom misses by $0.06, beats on revs (SQNM) 5.83 -0.12 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.27 per share, $0.06 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.21); revenues rose 27.8% year/year to $13.8 mln vs the $12.1 mln consensus. Gross margin for Q4 was 62% compared with 50% for 4Q09, reflecting improved margins and changes in the mix of products sold in the its genetic analysis segment, as well as improved margins associated with increased test volumes within the diagnostics segment at its wholly-owned molecular diagnostics laboratory.

4:31PM Franklin Resources reported preliminary month-end AUM of $693.7 bln at February 28, 2011 vs $681.0 bln prior month (BEN) 127.12 +2.77 :

4:31PM Texas Instruments narrows Q4 guidance; EPS to $0.56-0.60 vs. $0.59 consensus; rev $3.34-3.48 bln vs. $3.41 bln consensus (TXN) 35.86 +0.38 : Previous Q4 guidance: EPS of $0.54-0.62; rev: $3.27-3.55 bln.

4:29PM Finisar reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides Q4 EPS, revs below consensus (FNSR) 40.04 : Reports Q3 (Jan) earnings of $0.47 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.47; revenues rose 57.6% year/year to $263 mln vs the $257.9 mln consensus. Non-GAAP gross margin decreased to 34.7% of revenues from 35.5% in the preceding quarter but increased from 32.2% in the third quarter of the prior year. Co issues downside guidance for Q4, sees EPS of $0.31-0.35, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.48 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q4 revs of $235-250 mln vs. $268.55 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. During Q4, the co will be impacted by the full three months of the annual price negotiations with telecom customers that typically take effect on January 1, the 10-day long shutdown at certain customers for Chinese New Year in February, the adjustment of inventory levels at some telecom customers, particularly for products which had previously been on allocation and long lead times, including WSS and ROADM line cards, and a slowdown in business in China overall.

4:24PM Boston Beer Co misses by $0.03, misses on revs (SAM) 94.01 +0.64 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.87 per share, $0.03 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.90; revenues rose 7.9% year/year to $115.7 mln vs the $118.5 mln consensus. Co issues guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $3.45-3.95, including $0.20-0.30 negative impact from the Freshest Beer Program, may not be comparable to $3.92 Thomson Reuters consensus. "The Company believes that the competitive pricing environment will continue to be challenging and is planning to achieve revenue per barrel increases of approximately 1%... The Company will continue to focus on efficiencies at its Company-owned breweries and is not currently aware of any significant increases in the costs of packaging and ingredients for 2011, but continues to monitor energy costs where any increases could have a material impact on 2011 costs, particularly freight. Full-year 2011 gross margins are currently expected to be between 54% and 56%, after considering the current known impact of implementing the Freshest Beer Program."

4:24PM WebMD Health announces a $300 mln covertible notes private placement offering (WBMD) 57.59 -0.29 : WebMD intends to use up to $50 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repurchase shares of its common stock, and to use the remainder of the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include acquisitions and additional repurchases of its common stock, and for working capital.

4:24PM Commercial Vehicle Group chosen by Beiqi Foton Motor as one of two key seat suppliers for its new H4 heavy truck platform (CVGI) 15.86 +0.81 : Co expects to begin production in the third quarter of 2011. The program is expected to ramp up production over a four-year period with anticipated peak annual volumes of more than 150 thousand units. Co estimates that, at full production, it will provide ~50% of Foton's H4 truck seats. In support of the H4 program, CVG is establishing a new production facility in Beijing, China and will supply product to Foton's new manufacturing plant in Beijing on a just-in-time basis. In addition, this facility will be utilized for other current CVG customers in the region. The Company estimates annualized revenues from the new program to be ~$11.0 million in 2012, growing to more than $30.0 million at full production levels for the H4 program.

4:19PM Inter Parfums also approved a 23% increase in quarterly cash dividend to $0.08 per share (IPAR) 18.63 +0.42 :

4:16PM Airgas Partners with Wholesale Fuels, Inc. to Distribute AiRx Diesel Exhaust Fluid in Southern California (ARG) 63.35 +0.55 :

4:16PM Maxygen reports Q4 net income attributable of $2.40 per share, includes items; revenues in Q4 were $5.9 mln compared to $13.3 mln in prior year (MAXY) 4.15 +0.08 : The increase in net income in 2010 was primarily due to a $53.2 million gain resulting from the fair value recorded for the 5.4 million shares of Codexis, Inc. common stock Maxygen distributed to its stockholders in December 2010, reflected on the consolidated statements of operations as Gain on distribution of equity securities. In addition, a $20.0 million gain was recognized in connection with Maxygen's sale of substantially all of the patents and other intellectual property rights associated with the MolecularBreeding technology platform to Codexis in October 2010 that was reflected on the consolidated statements of operations as Sale of platform technology.

4:15PM Team Health Holdings announces secondary offering closed today; 8 mln secondary shares were sold by TeamHealth's principal stockholder, Ensemble Parent LLC (TMH) 17.28 +0.18 :

4:14PM El Paso Pipeline Partners plans to sell 12 mln common units in an underwritten public offering (EPB) 35.45 -0.92 : The partnership currently intends to use the net proceeds of this offering, including the general partner's proportionate capital contribution, as partial consideration for the previously announced acquisition of an additional 22-percent general partner interest in Southern Natural Gas Company from El Paso (EP). BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, Citi, Credit Suisse, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo Securities will act as joint book-running managers

4:14PM Staples announces 11% sequential increase in quarterly cash dividend to to $0.10 per share (SPLS) 20.25 +0.13 : Co announces its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.10 per share, an increase of 11% over the previous quarterly cash dividend of $0.09 per share.

4:13PM Comcast and Zoom Telephonics (OTCBB: ZMTP) announce settlement; Zoom and Comcast have filed a joint motion to dismiss the complaint (CMCSA) 25.57 +0.15 : Comcast and Zoom Telephonics (OTCBB: ZMTP) announce that they have settled their dispute regarding the testing of Zoom's cable modems intended for sale to consumers at retail outlets and the ability of users to attach Zoom's modems to Comcast's network. As a result, Zoom and Comcast have filed a joint motion to dismiss the complaint that Zoom filed last November with the FCC. Comcast and Zoom believe that the resolution of their dispute benefits both companies and furthers consumer choice in the cable modem marketplace. Comcast and Zoom look forward to working together in the future.

4:12PM PartnerRe initial estimate of losses from New Zealand Earthquake: initial estimate of losses from this event is in the range of US$180 million to US$240 million (PRE) 77.65 +0.17 : Co provided its initial estimate of expected losses relating to the M6.3 earthquake which occurred near Christchurch, New Zealand on February 21. The earthquake resulted in at least 165 deaths and significant damage to both commercial and residential property. The Company's initial estimate of losses from this event is in the range of US$180 mln to US$240 mln. The estimate is based on an analysis of the Company's exposure in the region and is consistent with a modeled total insured loss estimate of NZ$10 bln to NZ$15 bln. The estimate is preliminary, as there is currently only limited information from sources on the ground regarding the extent of structural damage. PartnerRe's loss estimate is pre-tax, net of retrocession and reinstatement premiums, and relates to all reinsurance contracts expected to be impacted by this event. PartnerRe's loss is expected to be contained primarily within the Catastrophe sub-segment.

4:11PM Cumberland Pharma beats by $0.01, beats on revs; guides FY11 revs below consensus (CPIX) 6.25 +0.46 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.04 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.03; revenues rose 19.6% year/year to $12.8 mln vs the $11.7 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $50-54 mln vs. $61.44 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:10PM AeroVironment beats by $0.14, beats on revs; guides FY11 revs in-line (AVAV) 28.54 +0.29 : Reports Q3 (Jan) earnings of $0.52 per share, $0.14 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.38; revenues rose 38.6% year/year to $84.4 mln vs the $78.5 mln consensus. For FY11, co now expects to achieve revenue growth of 12.5%-15% YoY, which calculates to roughly $280.7-286.9 mln (vs. $281.55 mln Thomson Reuters consensus), which is the upper half of its prior guidance range. Co also reiterates its guidance for an operating income margin between 10% and 12% of revenue. .

4:09PM Omega Navigation Enterprises announces that Matthew McCleery stepped down from its Board, Audit and Compensation Committee effective as of Mar 1 (ONAV) 1.13 -0.01 : His resignation, which was a mutual decision between him and the Company, will allow him to take a more active role in and devote more time to the Company in the area of new business development and planning.

4:08PM Emeritus Corp reports Q4 (Dec) results, revs in-line; guides FY11 revs below consensus (ESC) 24.50 +0.61 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.39 per share, may not be comparable to the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.33); revenues rose 23.6% year/year to $283.8 mln vs the $283.9 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $1.20-1.25 bln vs. $1.25 bln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:07PM Inter Parfums beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; reaffirms FY11 EPS guidance, revs guidance (IPAR) 18.64 +0.43 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.20 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.19; revenues fell 8.5% year/year to $112.4 mln vs the $112.5 mln consensus. Co reaffirms guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.98 vs. $1.00 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $525.0 mln vs. $525.86 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. "We are on track to achieve our 2011 guidance which calls for sales of approximately $525.0 million, with resulting net income attributable to Inter Parfums, Inc. of approximately $30.0 million or $0.98 per diluted share. Guidance assumes the dollar remains at current levels."

4:07PM Realty Income commences an underwritten public offering of 6 mln shares of common stock (O) 35.26 +0.32 : The Company expects to use the net proceeds from the offering to fund the recently announced property acquisitions that are expected to close during the first six months of 2011. Any remaining net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes and working capital, which may include additional acquisitions. The underwriters for the offering are expected to be BofA Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo Securities (joint book-running managers), Morgan Stanley, RBC Capital Markets, Raymond James and UBS Investment Bank (co-lead managers), BB&T Capital Markets, Citi, Credit Suisse, J.P. Morgan, Janney Montgomery Scott, Morgan Keegan, and Stifel Nicolaus Weisel (senior co-managers) and BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC (co-manager).

4:07PM CEMEX S.A. to offer U.S. $600 mln aggregate principal amount of convertible subordinated notes due 2016 and U.S. $600 mln aggregate principal amount of convertible subordinated notes due 2018 (CX) 8.88 +0.14 : Co intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes to fund the purchase of the capped call transactions and to repay indebtedness, which will include indebtedness under CEMEX's Financing Agreement, as amended, and Certificados Bursatiles.

4:06PM American Intl repays ~$6.9 billion to United States Treasury, reducing government's interests in AIG (AIG) 37.32 +0.22 :

4:06PM MYR Group beats by $0.11, reports revs in-line (MYRG) 22.60 +1.07 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.29 per share, $0.11 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.18; revenues fell 10.5% year/year to $155.1 mln vs the $154.9 mln consensus. "We experienced a substantial increase in bidding activity in the second half of 2010 on large transmission projects. We were awarded two major contracts at the end of the year, as we previously announced, and were selected as one of the two contractors for the CAPX2020 work in Minnesota in early 2011. These projects will contribute to our work load over the next several years. While we see improvements in the economy, we believe there will be continuing challenges ahead, particularly in our C&I markets and utility distribution business. We also see the first half of 2011 as a transition period of winding down existing large projects while at the same time we begin to ramp up new multi-year large transmission projects... It appears the long-awaited transmission build-out is at hand, and we expect to execute on our plan and put those assets to work." As of December 31, 2010, MYR's backlog was ~$520.9 mln, consisting of $429.0 mln in the T&D segment and $91.9 mln in the C&I segment. Total backlog increased $316.5 mln, or 154.9 percent, from $204.4 mln reported at December 31, 2009. (Stock halted)

4:05PM NABI Biopharma misses by $0.07, misses on revs (NABI) 5.72 +0.12 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.15 per share, $0.07 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.08); revenues fell 61.0% year/year to $4.1 mln vs the $6 mln consensus. In 2011, co expects to complete the last PentaStaph milestone and receive the associated $5 million payment. Also expects final data in the first of the two NicVAX Phase III clinical trials in the second half of 2011.

4:05PM Rosetta Genomics announces that the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Staff has determined to continue the listing of co's securities on NASDAQ (ROSG) 0.54 -0.03 : Co satisfied the terms of its February 7, 2011, extension letter by evidencing stockholders' equity in excess of NASDAQ's minimum threshold of $2.5 million for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Market

4:05PM Carmike Cinemas misses by $0.17, misses on revs (CKEC) 6.75 +0.13 : Reports Q4 (Dec) loss of $0.23 per share, $0.17 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of ($0.06); revenues fell 15.5% year/year to $115.9 mln vs the $127.4 mln consensus. Co states, "Disappointing attendance has continued into the first quarter of 2011, with an industry decline at the box office of 20% through February compared to the same period in 2010. Most pundits expect this condition to continue as March 2011 will be competing with a very successful comparable, Alice in Wonderland from 2010. However, many high-profile releases are in the pipeline for the upcoming summer and the remainder of the year looks very promising. The 2011 year will likely be known more for its sequels than for its quantity of 3-D movies, but both bode well for our industry and especially well for Carmike."

4:05PM Homeowners Choice reports Q4 net income of $0.27 per share, two analyst estimate $0.14 (HCII) 8.50 +0.10 : Gross premiums earned for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased to $30.0 million from $25.9 million in the prior year quarter. N

4:04PM Diamond Foods beats by $0.02, misses on revs; guides Q3 EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS in-line, revs in-line (DMND) 51.01 -0.63 : Reports Q2 (Jan) earnings of $0.91 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.02 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.89; revenues rose 39.8% year/year to $257.6 mln vs the $265.1 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q3, sees EPS of $0.45-0.50, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $0.49 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q3 revs of $210-220 mln vs. $208.67 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $2.45-2.51, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $2.51 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $925-950 mln vs. $929.94 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

4:04PM Emdeon reports EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides FY11 EPS, revs in-line (EM) 16.03 +0.39 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.25 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.25; revenues rose 15.5% year/year to $275.7 mln vs the $273.6 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $1.00-1.06, excluding non-recurring items, vs. $1.05 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY11 revs of $1.105-1.135 bln vs. $1.13 bln Thomson Reuters consensus. "We are pleased with our financial results in the fourth quarter. Our revenue cycle management and payment services solutions continued to lead our growth with solid performance. Despite a challenging healthcare utilization environment, we continued to gain share and signed 12 new sole source payer agreements in the fourth quarter alone."

4:02PM Aeropostale announces that it has signed a licensing agreement with Montreal PTE to open ~25 stores across Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia over the next five years (ARO) 24.64 -0.49 : The first store is scheduled to open in Singapore later this year. "We are thrilled to bring the Aeropostale brand to Asia. The Aeropostale brand is evolving into a powerful global brand, and we are excited to continue our international expansion. Additionally, we are very pleased to be working with both Apparel Group and Jay Gee Melwani Group who bring great expertise in understanding their markets, building brands and operating licensed stores."

3:55PM Nielsen expands its music streaming measurement to include Vevo, Slacker, MOG, Thumbplay, Akoo & Cricket (NLSN) 27.08 +0.08 :

3:48PM K-V Pharmaceutical trades +30% following the release of details surrounding it patient assistance program for Makena (KV.A) 13.20 +3.19 : K-V Pharmaceutical is trading +30% following the release of details surrounding it patient assistance program for Makena. The company, and its subsidiary Ther-Rx, noted that Makena will be available for prescribing the week of March 14. The patient assistance program for Makena will cover both uninsured and insured patients, and is based on income eligibility requirements.

2:40PM CBOT Agriculture and Ethanol and ICE Exchange Sugar Closing Prices (COMDX) : May corn finished down 11.75 cents to $7.0575, May wheat dropped 21 cents to close at $7.7975, May soybeans ended lower by 14.5 cents to close at $13.805, May ethanol closed lower by 2.8 cents at $2.548, while May world sugar futures closed up 0.71 cents to 30.70 cents.

2:37PM NYMEX Energy Closing Prices (COMDX) : Crude oil settled lower by 42 cents to $105.02, natural gas shed 6 cents to close at $3.867, heating oil ended off 5.54 cents to $3.0103, while RBOB gasoline finished down 5.86 cents to $2.9453 (all April contracts).

2:37PM Sonoco Products will implement a surcharge on shipments of its paper-based tubes and cores beginning April 4 (SON) 36.23 +0.30 : Co announced it will implement a surcharge on shipments of its paper-based tubes and cores beginning April 4, 2011. The fee is a direct result of escalating diesel costs, which have increased more than 40 percent over the past 12 months.

2:27PM S&P +11.2 slips off high but holds near intraday support (SPY) : The index stalled at second level resistance noted in The Technical Take at 1225/1327 in midday trade and pulled back some this afternoon but it has thus far held near an intraday support in the 1320/1319 area (hit 1320.07 at 14:15). A continued posture above this support area keeps it positioned for a follow through attempt. Resistance of note above is at 1330 and 1332 (range top close/intraday highs). Secondary intraday support on a failure is at 1317/1316.

2:07PM Stock indices slip slightly under midday range lows -- Dow +127, S&P +11, Nasdaq Comp +21 (SPY) : Relative weakness has been noted in Semi (NVDA), Retail XRT, Discretionary XLY.

2:03PM FirstEnergy confirms it seeks fourth Request for Proposal to secure Ohio in-state solar renewable energy credits (FE) 37.58 +0.31 :

2:03PM CSG Systems announced Bret Griess has been named to the role of Chief Operating Officer (CSGS) 20.34 +0.54 :

1:35PM COMEX Metals Closing Prices (COMDX) : April gold ended lower by $8.00 to $1426.50, May silver shed 9.8 cents to $35.77, while May copper gained 1.75 cents to end at $4.3445.

1:02PM Applied Materials approved an increase in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.07 per share to $0.08 per share (AMAT) 15.87 -0.09 :

1:01PM Con-way unit announced that the U.S. Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command has awarded two contract modifications to it (CNW) 35.66 +1.03 :

12:37PM EastGroup is initiating the development of two new business distribution buildings in the Houston market (EGP) 44.24 +0.83 : World Houston 32 will contain 94,000 square feet and has a projected total cost of $6,831,000. The building, which is 100% preleased, is scheduled to be completed before the end of the year. Beltway Crossing 8 will be in EastGroup's Beltway Crossing Center at the Sam Houston Toll Road and Highway 249. It will offer 88,000 square feet of multi-tenant space with a projected total cost of $5,316,000 and will be available for occupancy in October.

12:21PM Stock indices run to second level resistances in midday trade and pause -- Dow +144, S&P +14, Nasdaq Comp +28 (SPY) : Highlighted second level resistances at 2768/2775 Nasdaq Comp (session high 2375), 1325/1327 S&P (session high 1325) and 12230/12241 Dow (session high 12251) and have seen a test and pause near this zone in midday trade. The QQQQ, SMH and IWM met and paused in the vicinity of first level resistances mentioned at 57.53/57.65, 35.64/35.75 and 81.65/81.80, respectively.

12:06PM JC Penney back vacillating near today's peak and yesterday's high at 35.03/35.11 after opening test/reversal off its 50 ema/sma support (JCP) 35.03 +0.62 :

12:05PM MFA Mortgage correction: Co prices 65 mln share offering (MFA) 8.29 -0.19 : Earlier we incorrectly reported that MFA Mortgage priced a $65 mln share offering. The correct comment should have read that the co announced that it has made a public offering of 65 mln shares of its common stock. Co expects to use the net proceeds of the offering to acquire additional mortgage-backed securities, and for working capital, which may include, the repayment of its repurchase agreements. Morgan Stanley and Deutsche Bank Securities are acting as joint book-running managers and JMP Securities and Sterne Agee are acting as co-managers. Our previous comment has been deleted.

12:01PM Caterpillar sets fresh high of 104.30, its two week range top/last week's peak is at 104.43 (CAT) 104.29 +2.16 :

12:00PM Stock indices trend higher into midday -- Dow +144, S&P +13.9, Nasdaq Comp +28 (SPY) : No pressure has developed after the first half hour turnaround with the indices notching new highs again in recent trade. The small cap Russell 2000 is the top performer today and the closest to the top of its two week trading range at 830 (session high 827.59).

11:56AM Gap range trade slightly above low/support zone (GPS) 21.30 +0.04 : The stock was down for the sixth session out of the last seven this morning bringing the decline off the Feb peak to roughly 9%. It has stabilized near the 50% retracement of the Feb rally and its 50 sma at 21.08/21.16 (session low 21.12). Little interest has developed thus far but it is noteworthy that it has held near support of importance after the sizeable retreat.

11:55AM WTI crude oil selling off back toward $104; currently lower by $1.19 to $104.25 (COMDX) :

11:48AM Pebblebrook Hotel Trust prices an underwritten public offering of 5 mln shares of its 7.875% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares at a public offering price of $25.00 per share (PEB) 22.01 +0.49 :

11:32AM 3M working back toward morning peak and its Feb/52-wk high at 93.64/93.65 (MMM) 93.54 +1.14 :

11:26AM Stock indices edge above narrow intraday consolidation to establish new session highs -- Dow +102, S&P +10, Nasdaq Comp +21 (SPY) : Relative sector strength in Housing XHB, Finance XLF, Materials XLB, Computer-Hardware, Steel SLX, Energy XLE (nice hold again at 20 day ema see 10:01 update).

10:56AM Intl Rectifier vacillating near its Feb/previous 52-wk peak at 33.88 (IRF) 33.88 +1.18 :

10:43AM Ford Motor attempting to reclaim its 200 ema (F) 14.45 +0.44 : Noted the test of its 200 sma yesterday at 14.02 with today's rebound extended in recent action near its 200 ema at 14.45.

10:38AM Relative Sector Strength (TECHX) : The stock indices have set minor new highs with relative sector strength coming from Airline FAA, Disk Drive (SNDK, STEC, IMN), Solar TAN (as noted earlier, TAN and several individual names held near 200 day), Housing XHB, Coal KOL.

10:38AM Starwood Hotels to open 50 Hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (HOT) 58.31 +0.57 : Co announced that it will open 50 hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East over the next three to five years. With growth fueled by demand for its design-led and luxury brands, the company will unveil 12 of these hotels in the region this year. Globally, Starwood expects to open 70-80 hotels in 2011.

10:34AM Liz Claiborne announces tender offer for up to euro 155 mln of its 5.0% notes due 2013 (LIZ) 5.46 +0.05 : Co announces that it is commencing a cash tender offer to purchase up to euro 155 mln aggregate principal amount of its euro 350 mln 5.0% Notes due 2013. The Offer will expire at 5:01 a.m. London time (12:01 a.m. New York time) on April 5, 2011.

10:27AM Guggenheim Solar ETF tests/attempts to recover off its 200 sma at 7.75 -- session low 7.76 (TAN) 7.82 -0.04 : The sector ETF has plunged roughly 15% off its Feb high to this morning's low but it has held at its 200 sma and stabilized -- CSIQ, JKS, WFR, STP, FSLR have also tested and held near 200 day as well.

10:21AM Solid extension of morning turnaround for stock indices -- Dow +79, S&P +9, Nasdaq Comp +16 (SPY) : Relative sector strength on this move (outperforming the S&P) has been noted in Housing XHB, Reg Bank KRE, Finance XLF, Airline FAA, Rail, Transports IYT, Industrial XLI.

10:14AM HNI announces the cancellation of its participation at the Raymond James Institutional Investors conference on March 9, 2011 due to an unexpected conflict (HNI) 31.07 +0.45 :

10:11AM SPDR Homebuilders displaying relative strength (XHB) 17.91 +0.40 : The XHB high this morning is 17.93, its two week range top is at 17.96/18.00. MDC +8.1% is providing leadership (upgraded) along with SPF +3.2%, MTH +4.9%, TOL +3.8%, PHM +7.1%, KBH +3.7%, DHI +3%, RYL +4%, NVR +1.9%, LEG +1.7%, LEN +3%, MHK +1.3%, LOW +1%.

10:09AM Massey Energy Highland Mining Company subsidiary received permit from US Army Corps of Engineers to begin operation of new Reylas Surface Mine (MEE) 63.17 -1.08 :

10:07AM IAMGOLD signs a MOU with China National Gold Group to confirm the mutual intention of co and China Gold to cooperate in the pursuit and development of mineral deposits in the regions of co's focus (IAG) 21.52 -0.46 :

10:04AM S&P +5 edges above Monday's late bounce high (SPY) : Note in The Technical Take that if the S&P could hold in the 1308/1307 zone during early gyrations it would be positioned for follow through upticks. This morning it fell to 1306.86 and has recent pushed above yesterday's afternoon recovery high (session high 1315.19). The next resistance area is between 1318 and 1320 (retracement of yesterday's decline, congest).

10:01AM Curtiss-Wright's Scientech and DevonWay announce cyber security alliance partnership (CW) 37.55 +0.20 : Under the terms of the partnership, DevonWay supplies its pre-configured CyberWay software preloaded with all controls specified in NEI 08-09 rev.6 guidelines, and Scientech bundles its nuclear engineering expertise to assist in mapping controls to assets during assessment walk-downs of digital asset at each plant. As part of 10 CFR 73.54, the Cyber Security Rule, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has mandated that each nuclear generating plant identify and monitor the security of each critical digital asset.

10:01AM Energy Select Sector extends aggressive retreat back to its 20 day ema (XLE) 76.63 -1.17 : This average has provided solid support on an intraday or close for the last six months (at 76.40, session low 76.38). OIH, XOP, IEO are near/slightly under their 20 day as well.

9:57AM Apricus Biosciences announces removal of auditor's 'going concern' opinion and increased cash reserves (APRI) 5.01 -0.10 : Co announced today that the going concern paragraph has been removed from its audit opinion contained in its upcoming filing of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the Company has increased cash reserves in 2010 compared to the previous year. Apricus Bio will file its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 by the close of business on Thursday, March 10, 2011. "At December 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $9.1 million in cash reserves and our current cash reserves of approximately $11 million should provide us with sufficient cash to fund our operations into the second half of 2012. In addition, we will receive upfront payments and we may receive milestone payments and royalties in 2011 from existing and future licensing deals. We would expect such payments to extend our cash runway even further."

9:54AM Opening Point Gainers/Losers (TECHX) : Point Gainers: BSFT (+8.16), VRUS (+2.53), INFY (+1.60), DKS (+1.93), SSI (+1.56), MDC (+1.36), AHD (+1.52), ATRN (+1.29), GTY (+1.26), ARW (+1.08), CSR (+1.07)

Point Losers: NFLX (-7.75), CMG (-6.00), URBN (-5.61), WLT (-4.52), CASY (-3.80), ICE (-3.87), GOLD (-3.39), SI (-2.69), VRTX (-2.48), CF (-1.85), OIH (-2.28)

9:53AM Gold drops to lows; now off $9.20 to $1425.30 (COMDX) :

9:52AM Stock indices slip to minor new session lows but holding firmly above Monday troughs and bounce -- Dow +4.5, S&P -0.07, Nasdaq -7.6 (SPY) :

9:49AM WTI crude continues pullback; now off $1.52 to $103.92 (COMDX) :

9:48AM PDL BioPharma announces conversion rate adjustments for 2.00% convertible senior notes due february 15, 2012 and 2.875% convertible senior notes due february 15, 2015 (PDLI) 5.65 -0.01 : The conversion rate for the 2012 Notes and the 2015 Notes, as adjusted, is 144.474 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount or $6.92 per share. The conversion rate for the 2012 Notes and the 2015 Notes was previously 140.571 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2012 Notes and the 2015 Notes. In connection with a cash dividend, the conversion rate is increased by multiplying the previous conversion rate by a fraction, the numerator of which is the average closing price of PDL's common stock for the five consecutive trading days immediately preceding the ex-dividend date of March 4, 2011, for the cash dividend, and the denominator of which is the difference of such average closing price less the dividend amount.

9:46AM SPDR Retail is lagging thus far today, slips under both its 50 sma/ema at 48.04 -- session low 47.93 (XRT) 47.94 -0.44 : The bottom of its roughly two week trade range from late Feb is at 47.69 -- NFLX -3.8%, URBN -15%, AMZN -0.9%, SHLD -0.9%, PLCE -1.7%, JCP -2.9%, CHS -1.5%.

9:39AM Mixed/mildly positive start for stock indices weakens with S&P -0.3 and Nasdaq Comp -6.9 setting minor new lows -- Dow +2 did not confirm this move yet (SPY) :

9:37AM April WTI crude pulling back from flat line; now off 44 cents to $105.00 (COMDX) :

9:36AM Energy Select Sector taking some early heat, slips under yesterday's trough (XLE) 77.20 -0.61 : Yesterday's trough marks the low of the 52-wk high bar with a breach/close under having potential negative implications --CVX, COP, DVN, XOM, MRO, OXY, SLB, RIG, APA, APC.

9:34AM Bank of America and Finance XLF are providing some early leadership (BAC) 14.32 +0.29 : KBE +0.8%, KRE +0.8%, XLF +0.7%, RKH +0.7%, KIE +0.6%.

9:32AM Plains All Amer has priced an underwritten public offering of 6.9 mln of its common units representing limited partner interests at $64.00 per common unit (PAA) 63.55 -1.82 : The Partnership intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, including potential additional proceeds from any exercise of the over-allotment option, to reduce outstanding borrowings under its credit facilities and for general partnership purposes. Citi, BofA Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, UBS Investment Bank and Wells Fargo Securities are joint book-running managers of the offering.

9:27AM Harris strategically reaffirms FY11 EPS guidance of $4.80-4.90 vs $4.89 Thomson Reuters consensus; realigns business segments; enhances position in fast-growing global market for highly reliable integrated network solutions (HRS) 45.59 : Co announces that it has strategically realigned its operating businesses to provide increased market focus and address the fast-growing global market for integrated communications and information technology and services. The realignment will enable the company to effectively integrate its technology, products and services to meet the demands of government and commercial markets.

9:19AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:19AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:19AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:19AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:19AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:19AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:19AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:18AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:18AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:18AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:18AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:18AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:17AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:17AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* BTU International (BTUI) announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment. The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.
* Pegasystems (PEGA) announced at the Gartner BPM Summit, that it has extended its relationship with Capgemini through its selection as one of the strategic BPM Global Service Line technology partners.
* EasyLink Services International Corporation (ESIC) announced Trans-Trade, Incorporated has entered into a multi-year reseller agreement with EasyLink.
* American CareSource Holdings (ANCI) announced the signing of MedFocus Radiology Network, based in Santa Monica, a nationwide radiology provider network with over 3,000 quality radiology sites in 45 states as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
* SEI (SEIC) announced that 2010 was a year of strong growth for the SEI Advisor Network as it signed on 406 new Registered Investment Advisors, increased assets under management to nearly $31 billion and generated $5 billion in new receipts. The number of new advisors that joined SEI continues to increase rapidly and represents a more than 60 percent increase in new advisors from 2009.
* CTS Corporation (CTS) announced that CTS Automotive Products has secured its second global popular small-car vehicle platform for its pedal modules with the addition of two new production program wins. The two recently awarded pedal module programs come from one of CTS' largest customers, a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer, and are valued at $14 million over the five-year program life for the European and South American volumes.
* Flextronics (FLEX) announced that Eastman Kodak Company (EK) has signed an agreement for the expansion and renewal of the business relationship that the two companies formed in 2007.

9:16AM Dreamworks Animation announces feature film release slate through 2014; scheduled to release 9 films (DWA) 26.56 : Co announces its feature film release slate through 2014. The co's current plan features six original films and is anchored by three sequels based on its hit Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragon franchises. Co's theatrical release schedule is currently planned as follows:

* Kung Fu Panda 2 for May 26, 2011
* Puss In Boots for November 4, 2011
* Madagascar 3 for June 8, 2012
* Rise of the Guardians for November 21, 2012
* The Croods for March 1, 2013
* Turbo for June 7, 2013
* Me and My Shadow for November 8, 2013
* Mr. Peabody & Sherman for March 21, 2014
* How to Train Your Dragon 2 for June 20, 2014.

9:08AM China Security and Surveillance jumps 20% following receipt of non-binding 'going private' proposal at $6.50 per share (CSR) 4.10 : See 9:02 comment

9:07AM J.M. Smucker appoints new executives; Richard Smucker will become the sole CEO effective August 16, 2011; Timothy Smucker will continue to serve the as Chairman; appoints new Pres and COO (SJM) 69.51 : Co announces several executive appointments by its Board that are consistent with the co's long-term succession planning and development of family leadership. Effective August 16, 2011, Richard Smucker will become the sole CEO of the co. Timothy Smucker will continue to serve as Chairman. The Board also announces that Vincent Byrd will assume the role of President and COO effective May 1, 2011. Byrd has 34 years experience with the co serving in a number of key positions throughout the organization. He currently serves as President, U.S. Retail Coffee.

9:06AM Catalyst Pharma to sell ~2.25 mln shares of common stock at $1.12/share (CPRX) 1.12 : Catalyst expects to receive net proceeds, after underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Company, of approximately $2.2 million. Catalyst expects to use the net proceeds from this offering to complete the non-clinical studies necessary to file an Investigational New Drug Application with the FDA for CPP-115, to fund a Phase I human clinical trial of CPP-115 and for general corporate purposes. Roth Capital Partners acted as sole manager for the offering.

9:05AM Radient Pharm issues statement on 'TheStreet.com' article; taking proactive steps to address the article and intends to issue a public statement later today (RPC) 0.42 : Coresponds as its stock has been halted by the New York Stock Exchange due to unusual trading activity believed to be caused by an inaccurate article published on 'TheStreet.com' on March 7, 2011 regarding co's collaboration with a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education and its study to compare the effectiveness of RPC's Onko-Sure In Vitro diagnostic cancer test to the Carcino-Embryonic Antigen marker in a large population of patients with all stages of colorectal cancer. Co is taking proactive steps to address the article and intends to issue a public statement later today providing existing and prospective shareholders with information correcting certain inaccuracies set forth in the article. For

9:04AM Loopnet reports visitor traffic for first two months of 2011 (LOOP) 11.21 : LoopNet.com averaged more than 2.7 million unique visitors per month during January and February 2011, representing a 40% increase over the same period in 2010 as well as a new all-time high for the company according to Google Analytics.

9:03AM BTU Int'l announced the receipt of orders for nuclear fuel sintering equipment (BTUI) 11.95 : The total value of the orders, consisting of a Walking Beam furnace and parts approaches $3.5 million. The units will be shipped this year to customers located in Asia.

9:03AM Shaw Group acquires Coastal Planning & Engineering, a coastal engineering and restoration company, an all-cash transaction valued at ~$26 mln (SHAW) 39.84 :

9:02AM China Security and Surveillance announces receipt of non-binding 'going private' proposal at $6.50 per share (CSR) 4.07 : Co announces that its Board of Directors has received a non-binding proposal letter from its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Guoshen Tu, for Mr. Tu to acquire all of the outstanding shares of its common stock not currently owned by Mr. Tu, certain members of the management and their affiliated entities, in a going private transaction for $6.50 per share in cash subject to certain conditions. According to the proposal letter, the acquisition is intended to be financed with a combination of debt and equity capital to be secured by Mr. Tu. He currently beneficially owns approximately 20.9% of CSST's common stock. As previously disclosed, CSST's Board of Directors has formed a special committee consisting solely of independent directors to consider, among other things, any proposal made by Mr. Tu.

9:02AM Virgin Media reports the company repurchased 428K of common stock on Mar 7 between $27.22-27.55 (VMED) 27.52 : Co announced the repurchase of 428,000 shares of common stock on 7 March 2011 as a part of the Company's capital return program previously announced on 28 July 2010. The highest price paid per share was $27.55 and the lowest price paid per share was $27.22.

9:01AM Safeway sees FY11 comparable EPS in-line; Board of Directors approves a $1.1 bln dividend from Canada to the U.S., expected to be accretive in FY12 and beyond (SWY) 21.60 : Sees FY11 EPS of $1.60-1.80, ex-items, vs $1.67 Thomson Reuters consensus. Co's Board of Directors has approved a $1.1 bln dividend from Canada to the United States, which is expected to be paid in two installments. The first dividend of $600 million is expected to be paid in the first quarter of 2011 with cash on hand in Canada. The second dividend of $500 million is expected to be paid in the second quarter of 2011 primarily with new borrowings in Canada. As a result of the dividend, Safeway expects to incur income tax expense of ~$80 million (7.3% of the dividend) in the first quarter of 2011 and to pay ~$95 million (8.6% of the dividend) of cash taxes in the second quarter of 2011. The co plans to pay off $600 million of U.S. debt and use the after-tax balance of the $1.1 billion dividend for share repurchases. The dividend will reduce 2011 EPS by $0.15 due to tax expense ($0.22 per diluted share), partially offset by share repurchases ($0.06 per diluted share) and lower interest expense ($0.01 per diluted share). The combined impact of the dividend and related share repurchases is expected to be accretive to earnings per diluted share in 2012 and beyond. Adj. for the impact of the Canadian dividend, co sees FY11 EPS of $1.45 to $1.65 per diluted share, and free cash flow of $0.75-0.85 bln. At the same time, cash flow available to return to shareholders, or for debt pay-down, increases to $1.35 billion to $1.45 billion in 2011.

9:01AM Majesco Entertainment appointed Michael Vesey as its Chief Financial Officer; has been acting as interim CFO since August 2010 (COOL) 1.68 :

9:00AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Southcross Energy announced that the company has entered into a long-term agreement with Swift Energy Company (SFY) to provide natural gas gathering, transportation and processing services for production from Swift Energy's acreage in McMullen County, Texas.
* Cytori (CYTX) received US Patent No. 7,901,672 ('the 672 patent) from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a method of enriching a patient's own fat with their own adipose derived stem and regenerative cells to create a cell-enriched fat graft.
* Standex International Corporation (SXI) announced that it has acquired Metal Spinners Group, a U.K.-based metal fabrication supplier to the medical, general industrial and oil and gas markets in the U.S., U.K., and China. Privately held Metal Spinners Group, a subsidiary of Precision Engineering International Ltd., recorded revenue of approximately US$19.2 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2010.
* Kaplan University, a Washington Post Co (WPO) business, announced the extension of the Kaplan Commitment to include the majority of its graduate degree programs, following recent launches throughout Kaplan University, Kaplan College and other Kaplan Higher Education undergraduate schools.
* SodaStream (SODA) unveiled the new and innovative Bio Bottle, a technology being applied to the packaging of SodaStream flavors, enabling the packaging to decompose much faster than conventional plastic.
* Entertainment Gaming Asia (EGT) announced it entered into a new casino development project in the Kampot province of Cambodia near the Vietnam border.
* SPS Commerce (SPSC) announced that it has expanded its operations in Asia and opened an office in Hong Kong.

8:57AM April WTI crude oil trades into positive territory; now up 21 cents to $105.65 (COMDX) :

8:42AM Natural gas to fresh lows at $3.858; now down 6.2 cents to $3.865 (COMDX) :

8:35AM Forest Labs Commences Tender Offer for All Outstanding Shares and Certain Notes and Warrants of Clinical Data (CLDA) (FRX) 32.25 : Co announces the commencement of a tender offer by its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Magnolia Acquisition, for all outstanding shares of common stock, $0.01 par value, of Clinical Data (CLDA) for $30.00 per share in cash plus contingent consideration of up to $6.00 per share that may be paid pursuant to the terms of a Contingent Value Agreement to be entered into by Forest, FL Holding CV, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Forest, and Magnolia for the benefit of tendering security holders based upon achievement of certain milestones related to Viibryd, and for certain outstanding notes and warrants issued by Clinical Data that are convertible into or exerciseable for shares of Clinical Data's common stock.

8:34AM DJSP Enterprises submits written notice to NASDAQ of its intent to voluntarily delist (DJSP) 0.15 :

8:34AM Standex International has acquired Metal Spinners Group; expected to become accretive to earnings during the first full year of ownership (SXI) 35.05 : Privately held Metal Spinners Group, a subsidiary of Precision Engineering International Ltd., recorded revenue of approximately US$19.2 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2010. The acquisition was funded substantially with Standex's foreign cash on hand and is expected to become accretive to earnings during the first full year of ownership. The acquisition of Metal Spinners is expected to be dilutive to Standex's earnings in the Q3 fiscal 2011 in the range of $0.03-0.04 per diluted share, and from $0.00 to $0.01 of dilution in Q4 of the fiscal year due to the impact of purchase accounting and acquisition related expenses. Co expects that Metal Spinners will contribute $0.14-0.17 per diluted share to earnings in fiscal 2012.

8:33AM Open Text to acquire weComm; terms not disclosed; acquisition does not bring significant pre-existing revenues or profit (OTEX) 56.72 :

8:33AM Yamana Gold advances Agua Rica strategy through agreement with Xstrata and Goldcorp (GG); targeting integration into Alumbrera (AUY) 12.58 : Co announces an arrangement, subject to formal documentation, with Xstrata Queensland and Goldcorp (GG) that would facilitate the ultimate integration of Agua Rica into Minera Alumbrera. Co currently owns 100% of Agua Rica. Following the integration of the projects, Xstrata, GG and Yamana would own interests in the combined project of 50%, 37.5% and 12.5% respectively, consistent with their current interests in Alumbrera. The terms of the agreement provide for Yamana to receive from Xstrata and GG a combination of payments summarized as initial payments totaling $110 mln and further payments totaling $200 mln.

8:32AM TD Ameritrade Reports Monthly Metrics: average of 453,000 client trades per day in February 2011, +31% YoY and essentially flat sequentially (AMTD) 22.45 : Co announces, for Feb 2011, that it had an average of 453,000 client trades per day in February 2011, up 31 percent from February 2010 and essentially flat from January 2011. Approximately $408 billion in total client assets as of February 28, 2011, up 26 percent from February 2010 and up 3 percent from January 2011. Average spread-based balances of $60.5 billion, up 15 percent from February 2010 and up 2 percent from January 2011. Average fee-based balances of $78.7 billion, up 35 percent from February 2010 and up 3 percent from January 2011.

8:32AM US Gold Corp announces continued exploration success at and surrounding its El Gallo project in Sinaloa State, Mexico (UXG) 8.12 : Co announces continued exploration success at and surrounding the company's El Gallo project in Sinaloa State, Mexico. Drilling continues to expand the size of the silver-gold resources and further delineate the mineralization associated with the recently discovered veins. In addition, exploration has intersected near surface, bulk tonnage mineralization in a new area.

8:31AM Swisher Hygiene acquires Healthcare and Hospitality division of Solvents and Petroleum Service and ADCO Services (SWSH) 5.98 : Co announced that it has acquired the healthcare and hospitality division of Solvents and Petroleum Service, a New York-based hygiene and chemicals company, and ADCO Services, an Atlanta-based hygiene and chemicals company. Total consideration paid by Swisher Hygiene in connection with the acquisitions was $0.7 mln, consisting of $0.2 mln in cash, the assumption of certain liabilities and the issuance of 93,306 shares of Swisher Hygiene common stock subject to certain restrictions, including acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange.

8:31AM Vermillion announces presentation of positive ovarian biomarker data for next generation test (VRML) 4.85 : Co announces the presentation of positive preliminary data from its collaboration with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to identify biomarkers that improve on the specificity of CA125 for the identification of malignant ovarian tumors. The poster titled "Identification of Biomarkers to Improve Specificity in Preoperative Assessment of Ovarian Tumor for Risk of Cancer" evaluated more than 20 candidate biomarkers for their ability to complement CA125 in distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors, with an emphasis on markers that could improve on the clinical specificity. Of the candidate markers, three markers demonstrated the ability to complement CA125 using multivariate logistic regression.

8:27AM Natural gas drops to its lowest levels of the morning; now off 3.4 cents to $3.893 (COMDX) :

8:21AM A-Power Energy receives advance payment for Thailand Biomass Power Plant of $8.97 mln (APWR) 5.20 : Co announces that it has received from Thailand's Biomass Electricityan advance payment of $8.97 mln that starts the implementation phase of a project to develop a 150 MW biomass-fueled power plant in the Prachinburi province of Thailand. The $8.97 mln deposit is 10% of the total equipment value in the contract. Biomass Electricity expects to make an advance payment for plant construction and equipment installation in a short time.

8:13AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR) announced that the United States District Court for the Northern District of California had issued an order finding O2 Micro International, Ltd. liable for ~$340,000 in costs and MPS's "reasonable attorneys' fees" in connection with the patent litigation that MPS won last year.
* Telles, a joint venture between Metabolix (MBLX) and Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), announced that AL-PACK Enterprises will launch a new home and garden mulch film based on Mirel bioplastic; Reef Interests is launching a biodegradable product based on Mirel DP9002 for managing waste generated in aquariums and marine environments; TECNARO is incorporating Mirel bioplastic into its Arboblend line of thermoplastic compounds that are biodegradable in certain environments, including industrial composting and anaerobic digestion systems.
* Peregrine Pharmaceuticals (PPHM) announced the initiation of an investigator-sponsored trial for patients with chemotherapy naive stage IV non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
* Swift Energy Company (SFY) entered into a long term agreement for natural gas gathering, processing and transportation services in South Texas with Southcross Energy and its affiliates. This agreement will involve the construction of a new pipeline to the Company's AWP operating area. Co will have up to 90 mln cubic feet of gas per day of firm capacity for those services. Co currently expects the new pipeline to be in service mid-2011.
* Navarre (NAVR) signed an agreement with iGrill to distribute and provide logistics services for iGrill in the United States and Canada.
* TechPrecision Corporation (TPCS) received an order valued at ~$900,000 for an advanced vacuum chamber for the CleanTech market. The order is expected to ship by the end of the third quarter of 2011, the second fiscal quarter.
* Omnicell (OMCL) announced Saint Francis Health System has selected Omnicell as its primary vendor for automated medication and supply management solutions.
* Context Optional announced a partnership with Websense (WBSN). "By combining the power of Websense TRITON Defensio with the capabilities of Context Optional, brands can now take full advantage of the social Web."
* Monsanto (MON) and Sapphire Energy announced an agreement to enter a multi-year collaboration that will leverage Sapphire's algae-based research platform to discover genes that could be applied to agriculture, particularly in the field of yield and stress.
* Gastar Exploration (GST) announced that the Belin #2 well was successfully drilled to a depth of 19,650 feet and encountered approximately 130 net feet of pay in the lower Bossier formation within five separate sand intervals. Gastar plans to complete the well in two initial zones and, depending upon the availability of frac stimulation services, expects the first of these initial completions to be on-line by the end of April.

8:09AM Idera Pharma announces IMO-2125 data presentation at the meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (IDRA) 2.61 : Co announces that data from its Phase 1 clinical trial of IMO-2125, its novel immune modulator for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection, in treatment-naive genotype 1 HCV patients will be presented at the Meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver. The presentation entitled "IMO-2125 plus ribavirin gives substantial first-dose viral load reductions, cumulative antiviral effect, is well tolerated in naive genotype 1 HCV patients: a Phase 1 trial," D. Guyader, et al., will be made in a poster session entitled Viral Hepatitis C: Clinical.

8:07AM Douglas Dynamics misses by $0.05, misses on revs; reaffirms outlook (PLOW) 14.76 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.23 per share, $0.05 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.28; revenues fell 1.2% year/year to $48.5 mln vs the $52.5 mln consensus. This slight decrease in net sales reflects the late start to the snow season in the Company's key markets. In many areas, significant snowfall did not begin until late December. Parts and accessories sales remained strong, at a similar level to the prior year, driven by the continued trend toward repair rather than replacement as a result of continuing poor economic conditions. Consistent with previously stated annual range guidance, the co expects Adjusted EBITDA in any given year to be in a range from $35.0-75.0 mln.

8:06AM PriceSmart for the five weeks ended March 6, 2011, comparable warehouse sales for warehouse clubs open at least 12 full months increased 18.5% YoY (PSMT) 34.64 : Co announces that for the month of February 2011, net sales increased 23.6% to $124.1 million from $100.4 million in February a year earlier. For the six months ended February 28, 2011, net sales increased 22.5% to $817.6 million from $667.5 million in the same period last year. There were 28 warehouse clubs in operation at the end of February 2011 compared to 26 warehouse clubs in operation in February 2010. For the five weeks ended March 6, 2011, comparable warehouse sales for warehouse clubs open at least 12 full months increased 18.5% compared to the same five-week period last year. For the twenty-six week period ended March 6, 2011, comparable warehouse sales increased 17.0% compared to the comparable twenty-six week period a year ago.

8:04AM Investment Tech releases February 2011 US Trading Volumes of 3.6 bln shares vs 4.2 bln shares in Jan (ITG) 18.76 : Co announces that February 2011 US trading volume was 3.6 billion shares and average daily volume was 187 million shares. This compares to 4.2 billion shares and ADV of 212 million shares in January 2011 and 3.3 billion shares and ADV of 174 million shares in February 2010.

8:03AM Bristol-Myers and AstraZeneca (AZN) announce that the FDA has accepted for review a NDA for dapagliflozin; Sets PDUFA for 10/28 (BMY) 26.31 : Co and AstraZeneca announced that the FDA has accepted for review a New Drug Application (NDA) for dapagliflozin, an investigational compound for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) for dapagliflozin has also been validated by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The NDA and MAA submissions for dapagliflozin were filed in December 2010. The PDUFA goal date for the FDA is October 28, 2011.

8:02AM Douglas Dynamics Board of Directors has declared a special cash dividend of $0.37 per share (PLOW) 14.77 : "Our priorities for excess cash remain the same: debt pay-down, acquisitions and dividends. In light of the fact that we have recently begun to evaluate opportunities to restructure our debt and had not completed any acquisitions as of December 31, 2010 based on our disciplined acquisition strategy, the board decided it was appropriate to return some excess cash to shareholders."

8:01AM Oxford Lane Capital announces inaugural dividend distribution of $0.25 per share for the quarter ended March 31 (OXLC) 19.11 : Co announced today that its Board of Directors has declared an inaugural dividend of $0.25 per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2011 payable April 1, 2011 to holders of record on March 21, 2011.

7:59AM China Metro-Rural's CEO discusses the consolidation of the agricultural foundation with shareholders (CNR) 4.30 : "CNR's agricultural logistics platforms are strategically invested in rural areas and agricultural areas... the China policies forester the agriculture industry in China. Annual central government spending on agricultural, rural areas and famers totaled 857.97 billion RMB in 2010, which is up 18.3% from the previous year... We supported the construction of distribution infrastructure such as wholesale markets for agricultural products, grain and edible oils storage facilities, and cold-chain logistics for agricultural products... Our management believes that implementation of China rural and agriculture policies will benefit the rural population as well as CNR."

7:52AM SAIC receives a prime task to provide mission support information technology services in support of the USDA Risk Management Agency; task order valued at $208 mln (SAI) 16.53 : Co announces it was awarded a prime task to provide mission support information technology services in support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency. The task order, competitively awarded under the GSA Alliant contract by the U.S. General Services Administration Federal Systems Integration and Management Center, has a one year base period of performance, four one-year options and a total value of $208 million if all options are exercised. Work will be performed primarily in Kansas City, Mo. and Washington, D.C.

7:49AM TiVo proposes private offering of $120 mln Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 (TIVO) 9.06 : Co announces that it intends to offer $120 mln of Convertible Senior Notes due 2016 in a private offering. The notes will be convertible into shares of common stock. The interest rate, conversion rate and offering price are to be determined by negotiations between co and the initial purchaser of the notes. Co intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to fund intellectual property litigation and research and development spending and for general corporate purposes, which may include funding sales and marketing expenses, increasing working capital, making capital expenditures and potentially for strategic acquisitions.

7:47AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Fujitsu Frontech North America announced a strategic teaming agreement with Globecomm Systems (GCOM). The agreement opens the door for Globecomm to provide a wide range of advanced technology and digital media solutions from Fujitsu Frontech North America and to deliver end-to-end turnkey solutions to customers in the commercial and government markets.
* Axion Power International (OTCBB: AXPW) announced that it has received a series of orders for the production and immediate delivery of flooded lead-acid batteries. The batteries will be branded by the purchaser, and will not carry an Axion Power identification label. Axion anticipates weekly shipments of these batteries in 2011 with a total minimum purchase price of $3.5 million dollars and a potential maximum purchase price of $8 million dollars. The maximum number is based on the purchaser's forecast, which was projected from their historical data.
* Jacobs Engineering (JEC) announced that it received a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory/ Enterprise Business System Program Office. The five-year contract has an estimated value of $23 mln. Additionally, co announced today that it was awarded the role of engineering and environmental consultant by the National Roads Authority of Ireland for the provision of design and environmental services associated with the N8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange Improvement scheme. Officials did not disclose the contract value, however indicated the contract duration is two years.

7:34AM Dick's Sporting Goods beats by $0.04, beats on revs; guides Q1 EPS in-line; guides FY12 EPS above consensus (DKS) 37.67 : Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.76 per share, $0.04 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.72; revenues rose 13.6% year/year to $1.52 bln vs the $1.45 bln consensus, due primarily to a 9.4% increase in consolidated same store sales and the opening of new stores. The 9.4% consolidated same store sales increase consisted of an 8.6% increase at Dick's Sporting Goods stores, a 2.2% increase at Golf Galaxy and a 36.3% increase in our e-commerce business. The inventory per square foot was 4.1% lower YoY at the end of Q4. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.26-0.28 vs. $0.27 Thomson Reuters consensus, with comps up ~4-5%. Co issues upside guidance for FY12, sees EPS of $1.89-1.91 vs. $1.86 Thomson Reuters consensus, with comps up ~3%.

7:31AM Hutchinson announces manufacturing consolidation & restructuring plan; actions expected to lower annual costs by $45-60 mln (HTCH) 3.10 : Co announces a manufacturing consolidation and restructuring plan intended to help the company achieve its goal of being the lowest cost manufacturer of suspension assemblies. Under the plan, the company will consolidate its Hutchinson, Minnesota components operations into its operations in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The company's site in Hutchinson will continue to serve as its corporate headquarters and its center for research and development and other specialized operations. The company also is taking additional actions to resize the company, reduce costs and improve cash flow while keeping intact capabilities core to its competitive position and future growth. The consolidation and restructuring effort includes a 30-40% reduction of its current U.S. workforce, which totaled ~2,275 at the end of February. These actions are expected to take place over the next 12 months and to lower the company's costs by $45 million to $60 million on an annualized basis.

7:31AM Qualcomm announces cash dividend will increase to $0.215 per share from $0.19 effective for quarterly dividends payable after March 25, 2011 (QCOM) 57.58 :

7:28AM Cameron receives a contract valued at approximately $200 million from ConocoPhillips to provide equipment and services on two new platforms in the Greater Ekofisk Area Development offshore Norway (CAM) 61.95 :

7:15AM WTI and Brent contracts trading just shy of the flat line this morning, after retracing overnight selloffs (COMDX) :

* April WTI currently off 25 cents to $105.19.
* April Brent down 26 cents to "14.78.

7:09AM Endeavour Silver expands its silver/gold resources for 7th consecutive year (EXK) 10.20 : Co releases its updated NI 43-101 reserve and resource estimates to December 31, 2010 for its two producing silver mines and two exploration projects in Mexico. Co's reserves dipped by year-end as a result of mine production exceeding forecast targets and mine development falling behind schedule. Notwithstanding the decrease in reserves the Company's Indicated Resources gained 16% to 27.4 million oz. and Inferred Resources increased by 62% to 29.7 million oz. In addition, the Company plans to accelerate mine development this year in order to once again expand the reserves in 2011.

7:08AM Sasol announces a CAD1.050 bln acquisition of a 50% interest in Cypress A with Talisman (TLM) (SSL) 55.64 : Co announces, in strategic partnership with Talisman (TLM), it has entered the North American shale gas market in December 2010 through the acquisition of a 50% interest in the Farrell Creek assets. This is co's second shale gas acquisition comprises a 50% interest in TLM's Cypress A acreage for a purchase consideration of CAD1.050 bln (ZAR 7.413 bln). The resultant impact on the North American gas market provides co with an opportunity to accelerate growth within its upstream resource base by way of the acquisition of high quality natural gas assets, and also grow its international GTL portfolio.

7:08AM Endeavour Silver says for the seventh consecutive year, it has grown its silver and gold resources in Mexico (EXK) 10.21 : Co announces for the seventh consecutive year, it has grown its silver and gold resources in Mexico. Endeavour's reserves dipped by year-end as a result of mine production exceeding forecast targets and mine development falling behind schedule. Notwithstanding the decrease in reserves the Company's Indicated Resources gained 16% to 27.4 million oz. and Inferred Resources increased by 62% to 29.7 million oz. In addition, the Company plans to accelerate mine development this year in order to once again expand the reserves in 2011.

7:04AM MGIC Investment releases monthly operating statistics: Primary New Insurance Written was $0.9 bln (MTG) 8.25 :

7:03AM Deluxe plans to offer $200 mln principal amount of Senior Notes due 2021 in an unregistered offering (DLX) 25.53 : Co announced that it has received, pursuant to its previously announced tender offer to purchase for cash any and all of its 5.00% Senior Notes due 2012 and the concurrent consent solicitation, the requisite consents to adopt proposed amendments to the indenture governing the Notes, providing for, among other things, the elimination of substantially all of the restrictive covenants contained in the Indenture.

7:02AM Amicus Therapeutics: FDA removes the clinical hold for the AT2220 Investigational New Drug Application (FOLD) 5.85 : Co announces that the FDA has removed the clinical hold for the AT2220 Investigational New Drug Application. AT2220 is a pharmacological chaperone in development as a treatment for Pompe disease. Based on data provided by Amicus, the FDA agreed with the Company's proposal to resume clinical development of AT2220, starting with a new Phase 2 study designed to evaluate the use of AT2220 when co-administered with enzyme replacement therapy in subjects with Pompe disease. The Company expects to commence this study in the first half of 2011 and to report preliminary results in the second half of 2011.

7:02AM Salix Pharma receives Complete Response Letter from FDA; deems the XIFAXAN 550 mg sNDA for non-C IBS is not ready for approval (SLXP) 31.86 : Co announces that the FDA issued a Complete Response Letter for the supplemental New Drug Application for XIFAXAN 550 mg tablets for the proposed indication of treatment of non-constipation irritable bowel syndrome and IBS-related bloating. The CRL reconfirms the co's understanding that the FDA deems the XIFAXAN 550 mg sNDA for non-C IBS is not ready for approval primarily due to a newly expressed need for retreatment information. At this time, the co intends to request a Type A meeting with the Agency to discuss the XIFAXAN 550 mg sNDA for non-C IBS.

7:02AM Healthways announces planned Transition of President, Stefen Brueckner, to Senior Advisor Role (HWAY) 14.73 : Co announces the planned transition of Stefen Brueckner, who has served as the co's President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2008, to the role of Senior Advisor reporting to the Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2011. Accordingly, Healthways Chief Executive Officer, Ben Leedle, will resume the role of President in addition to his responsibilities as CEO. As part of the transition plan, Mr. Brueckner's responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer were previously transferred to Thomas Cox on January 1, 2011.

7:01AM MoneyGram announces recapitalization agreement (MGI) 2.68 : Co announces that it has entered into a recapitalization agreement with affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Partners, THL co-investors, and affiliates of Goldman, Sachs & Co., holders of the Company's Series B Participating Convertible Preferred Stock and non-voting Series B-1 Participating Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the terms of the Recapitalization Agreement, THL and its co-investors will convert all of their Series B Preferred into common stock in accordance with the terms of the Series B Preferred, and Goldman Sachs will convert all of its Series B-1 Preferred into shares of Series D Participating Convertible Preferred Stock, a non-voting equivalent to common stock, in accordance with the terms of the Series B-1 Preferred. The Recapitalization Agreement provides that THL and its co-investors will receive ~28.2 million additional shares of common stock and $140.8 million in cash, and Goldman Sachs will receive ~15,504 additional shares of Series D Preferred and $77.5 million in cash as consideration for completing the recapitalization transaction.

7:01AM Vanda Pharma receives Orphan Drug designation in Europe for tasimelteon (VNDA) 7.25 : Co announced that the European Commission has granted Orphan Drug designation for tasimelteon, an oral dual melatonin receptor agonist in Phase III clinical trails for Non-24-Hour Sleep/Wake Disorder in blind individuals with no light perception.

7:00AM Top Image Systems awarded Argentinean census valued at $760,000 (TISA) 1.14 : Co announces announced it is has been selected to provide its eFLOW Unified Content Platform for Argentinean census. The National Institute of Statistics and Censuses of Argentina is overseeing the project, which calls for a solution to digitally capture and process more than 187 million census forms. The contract is valued at $760,000.

6:37AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* Acacia Research Corporation (ACTG) announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Location Based Services, has entered into a license and settlement agreement with AT&T Mobility LLC, and the case against AT&T Mobility LLC pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio has been dismissed.
* Sasol (SSL) announced that the Board has made good progress in finding a CEO successor and it is envisaged that a further announcement will be made by the end of June 2011.
* Orbotech (ORBK) announced receipt by its subsidiary, Orbotech LT Solar, of the first order for its newly-developed product for the deposition of anti-reflective coating on crystalline silicon photovoltaic wafers for solar energy panels.
* Getty Realty (GTY) announced that the full monthly rental payment due under the Master Lease on March 1, 2011 was received from Getty Petroleum Marketing today. In addition, Getty reported that it met with and has commenced discussions with the new management of Marketing.
* iPass (IPAS) annunced an extended agreement with Orange Business Services, a key brand of France Telecom (FTE). Orange Business Services will offer the iPass Open Mobile platform, a cloud-based services delivery system, as part of its enterprise mobility solution.
* Q-Cells North America has signed an 83- megawatt solar cell supply agreement with SunPower Corp. (SPWRA, SPWRB). Q-Cells solar technology will be used in select commercial and utility scale solar projects.
* Mindspeed Technologies (MSPD) announced the world's first commercially available 10 Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network burst-mode receiver chipset at The Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition and the National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference.

6:29AM Harbinger Group to acquire Old Mutual U.S. Life Holdings for $350 million (HRG) 5.07 : Co announced last night that it has signed a definitive agreement today with Harbinger Capital Partners Master Fund I for the right to acquire Old Mutual U.S. Life Holdings for $350 million pursuant to an agreement entered into with OM Group Limited. The acquisition of U.S. Life is expected to close around the end of the first calendar quarter of this year after receipt of regulatory approvals. The purchase price will be funded from cash on hand.

6:16AM American Ecology Corp. beats by $0.16, beats on revs; guides FY11 EPS in-line (ECOL) 16.77 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.25 per share, $0.16 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.09; revenues rose 67.4% year/year to $39.5 mln vs the $27.5 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees EPS of $0.79-0.85 vs. $0.79 Thomson Reuters consensus. The co generally expects economic conditions to improve in 2011, as compared to 2010. With increased refinery activity, expanded thermal recycling opportunities are also expected in 2011. Company-wide, including Stablex, capital spending for 2011 is estimated to range from $10-11 mln.

6:12AM RadNet beats by $0.05, beats on revs; guides FY11 revs in-line (RDNT) 3.47 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.09 per share, $0.05 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.04; revenues rose 10.2% year/year to $145.3 mln vs the $140.2 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY11, sees FY11 revs of $575-605 mln vs. $578.15 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Additionally, co sees FY11 Adjusted EBITDA of $110-120 mln, and may not compare to $100.2 mln Thomson Reuters consensus; Capital Expenditures of $35-40 mln. For the fourth quarter of 2010, as compared with the prior year's fourth quarter, MRI volume increased 16.4%, CT volume increased 4.6% and PET/CT volume decreased 7.4%.

6:05AM Stage Stores beats by $0.01, reports revs in-line; guides Q1 EPS in-line, revs in-line; guides FY12 EPS in-line, revs in-line; authorizes $200 mln buy back (SSI) 16.05 : Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.86 per share, $0.01 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.85; revenues rose 5.1% year/year to $453.7 mln vs the $452.9 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for Q1, sees EPS of $0.06-0.08 vs. $0.07 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees Q1 revs of $350-356 mln vs. $352.10 mln Thomson Reuters consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY12, sees EPS of $1.07-1.17 vs. $1.10 Thomson Reuters consensus; sees FY12 revs of $1.514-1.543 bln vs. $1.53 bln Thomson Reuters consensus. For the 2011 fiscal year, comparable store sales for the fiscal year are expected to increase 1-3%. The co is planning to open 35 - 40 new stores and anticipates spending $40 mln in net capital expenditures. Additionally, co announces $200 mln stock repurchase program.

5:49AM Simcere Pharma beats by $0.07, beats on revs (SCR) 12.91 : Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.17 per share, $0.07 better than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.10; revenues rose 12.8% year/year to $89.1 mln vs the $86.4 mln consensus. Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2010 was 84.1%, compared to 83.6% for the same period in 2009.

3:52AM On The Wires (WIRES) :

* National Semiconductor (NSM) announced that its award-winning WEBENCH Designer tools are now available in the Traditional Chinese language.
* Boeing (BA) and Air China signed an agreement for the purchase of five 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners. Air China is the first Chinese carrier to contract the passenger version of the new, fuel-efficient 747-8.
* iPass (IPAS)announced an extended agreement with Orange Business Services.
* AMD (AMD) announced the launch of the fastest graphics card in the world, the AMD Radeon HD 6990. AMD Radeon HD 6990 graphics cards are available immediately from retailers worldwide, with select models starting at $699 MSRP.
* Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide (HOT) announced that its global powerhouse Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has opened a new hotel in Milan, Italy, further expanding the brand's international portfolio.
* NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) announced a new generation of GreenChip power solutions which feature the lowest standby capability in the industry, reaching levels below 10mW.

3:23AM AU Optronics reports February 2011 consolidated revenues of of NT$27,095 mln, down 17.1% YoY; down 10.2% sequentially (AUO) 9.00 :


3:17AM Fresenius Medical acquires Hema Metrics Crit-Line System Business (FMS) 68.69 : Co announces the acquisition of all assets of Hema Metrics related to its Crit-Line system. Based on its strong dialysis product business and sales organization, co intends to establish this technology as the standard of care for fluid and anemia management in the North American market. The Crit-Line system is an excellent fit with co's 2008K, 2008K2, and 2008T hemodialysis machines.

3:14AM Advanced Semi reports Feb net revs of NT$13,872 mln, up 6.8% YoY; down 11.1% sequentially (ASX) 5.87 :

1:56AM Chesapeake Utilities beats by $0.17; beats on revs (CPK) 41.67 : Reports Q4 (Dec) EPS of $0.74, $0.17 better than Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.57; revs increased 28.4% YoY to $117.8 mln vs $95.3 mln Thomson Reuters consensus.

1:48AM Hot Topic misses by $0.01, beats on revs (HOTT) 5.41 : Reports Q4 (Jan) earnings of $0.12 per share, excluding non-recurring items, $0.01 worse than the Thomson Reuters consensus of $0.13; revenues fell 0.8% year/year to $212.4 mln vs the $209.2 mln consensus. Total co comparable store sales declined 2.1% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, the co closed 23 Hot Topic stores, opened one Torrid store and closed three Torrid stores. The co also remodeled four Hot Topic stores during the quarter, bringing the total number of remodeled or relocated stores during fiscal 2010 to 24.

1:42AM United Micro reports sales for February 2011 increased 4.3% YoY, down 5.4% sequentially (UMC) 2.86 : Co reports unaudited net sales for the month of February 2011 of NT$9,007,512 an increase of 4.32% YoY, down 5.43% MoM.

1:38AM Zoran comments on results of Ramius consent solicitation (ZRAN) 1064 : Co confirms that Ramius Value and Opportunity Master Fund, a stockholder, has delivered the requisite consents to elect three new independent directors to co's Board in substitution for three of co's current independent Board members. "We welcome the new directors to the Zoran Board and look forward to working together on behalf of our stockholders. We would also like to thank our three departing board members for their many years of service and contribution to Zoran's success."

1:34AM Copa Holdings reports consolidated traffic for February increased 19.4% (CPA) 53.44 : Co releases preliminary passenger traffic statistics for February 2011: For the month of February 2011, co's system-wide passenger traffic (RPM) increased 19.4%, while capacity (ASM) increased 25.7%. System load factor for February 2011 was 76.7%, a 4.1 percentage point decrease when compared to February 2010.

1:31AM LKQ Corp confirms credit facility discussions (LKQX) 23.86 : Co is confirming reports that the Company is engaging in discussions with J.P. Morgan, Merrill Lynch, RBS Securities and Wells Fargo concerning syndication of a proposed new senior secured credit facility for the co. No definitive documentation or final terms have been agreed upon and there can be no assurance that a final agreement will be reached.

1:24AM Allergan Chairman and CEO to assume the role of President upon departure of Mike Ball to Hospira (HSP) (AGN) 71.85 : Co announces that its Board has reappointed David Pyott as President. Pyott will also continue to serve co in his current roles as Chairman andCEO. Pyott's role as President succeeds the duties performed by Michael Ball, who has accepted the position of CEO of Hospira (HSP).

1:19AM Hospira names Michael Ball new CEO; Christopher Begley to assume Executive Chairman (HSP) 53.32 : Co's Board announces the election of Michael Ball as the co's new CEO and a member of the board, effective March 28, 2011. Ball is currently President of Allergan (AGN), succeeds the co's founding CEO, Christopher Begley, who will assume the role of executive chairman.

1:14AM St. Joe Company appoints Park Brady as COO effective March 21, 2011 (JOE) 26.24 : Co announces the appointment of veteran real estate executive Park Brady, as its COO, effective March 21, 2011. Brady has served as President and CEO of ResortQuest, the nation's largest vacation rental company, since June 2007.

1:11AM Basic Energy Services reports select operating data; Feb rig count remained constant (BAS) 20.89 : Co reports well servicing rig count remained constant at 412 as of February 28, 2011. Well servicing rig hours for the month of February 2011 were 53,300, producing a rig utilization rate of 59%, a decrease from 61% in January 2011 and an increase from 46% in February 2010. During the month, co's fluid service truck count increased by five to 824 as of February 28, 2011, as a result of adding seven trucks offset by two retirements. Fluid service truck hours for the month of February 2011 were 147,400 a decrease from 167,300 in January 2011 and an increase from 134,300 in February 2010. Drilling rig days for the month of February 2011 were 168, producing a rig utilization of 100%, an increase from 91% and 73% in January 2011 and February 2010, respectively.

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