Tuesday, March 22, 2011

DailyMarkets.com - Wyndham Expanding In Asia

DailyMarkets.com - Wyndham Expanding In Asia

Wyndham Expanding In Asia

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 05:25 PM PDT

Wyndham Hotel Group, part of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:WYN) has entered into agreements to open and manage Wyndham hotels in Sanya, China, as well as Khao Lak, Thailand. These new properties affirm Wyndham's strategy to expedite its expansion in the Asia Pacific region.
Owned by South Sea Prakarang Resort Co. Ltd, Wyndham Khao Lak Resort is under construction and slated to open by late 2011. The hotel will feature 134 resort rooms and 66 villas along other amenities.
The 26-storied … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

CB&I Awarded LNG Contract

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 05:25 PM PDT

Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE:CBI) has been selected by Yamal LNG LLC to provide front end-engineering & design consultancy services (FEED) for the Yamal LNG project in The Netherlands.
The work is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of the next financial year.
The scope of work includes FEED development for the 16.5 million tonnes per annum LNG liquefaction plant, including LNG storage and loading facilities.
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company is a worldwide provider of fully … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

WFC Raises Dividend, Plans Buyback

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 05:10 PM PDT

Wells Fargo & Company's (NYSE:WFC) Board of Directors recently approved a special first quarter 2011 cash dividend of 7 cents per share on its common stock. Combined with a quarterly dividend of 5 cents per share declared in January 2011, the special dividend brings the total dividend to 12 cents. The increased dividend will be paid on March 31 to shareholders of record on March 28.
The Board also augmented WFC's share repurchase by an additional 200 million. In January 2011, WFC submitted … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Neutral On Barrick Gold

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 05:05 PM PDT

We maintain a Neutral recommendation on the world's largest gold miner, Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:ABX), which posted record fourth-quarter 2010 results, driven by higher gold sales volumes and higher prices for both gold and copper.
Barrick Gold is fully leveraged to gold prices, which are likely to stay strong due to a decline in mine supply. High growth in the world money supply is also supportive of gold prices. In 2009, Barrick completed the elimination of its gold hedges based on an … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Ferrellgas Partners To Lower Debt

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 05:05 PM PDT

Ferrellgas Partners L.P. (NYSE:FGP) announced that together with its unit Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. it will redeem for cash $98 million aggregate principal amount of their outstanding 8.625% Senior Notes due 2020.
The partnership has fixed the redemption date on March 28, 2011. For each $1,000 principal amount of notes, the holders will receive a redemption price of $1086.25 and any accrued and unpaid interest until March 28, 2011 from the partnership.
Last week, Ferrellgas had commenced a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Suntech Sets On Himalayan Adventure

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 05:05 PM PDT

Suntech Power Holdings Company Ltd. (NYSE:STP) will develop a 10MW solar plant in Chek Kang village in the Sangri County, Shannan Prefecture, Tibet.
The solar power plant will be one of the highest on earth at around 4,000 meters above sea level. With targeted completion by the middle of the 2011, the facility will generate around 20,000 MWh of renewable electricity per year to help facilitate sustainable economic development in Tibet.
Suntech has been active in rural electrification projects in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Textron Opens Canadian Facility

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:40 PM PDT

Textron Systems, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), has opened a new facility in Ottawa, Canada that will initially operate as a business office. Textron System hopes that this new facility would be a window for offering the business' broad capabilities to Canadian customers.
Textron has already a much-entrenched presence in Canada with more than 1,800 people employed there. Over the last four years, Textron companies Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Textron Defense Systems, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

School Specialty Upgraded

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:40 PM PDT

We recently upgraded our long-term recommendation on School Specialty Inc. (NASDAQ:SCHS) to ‘Outperform’ with a price target of $16.00 following better-than-expected third-quarter 2011 results.
Earlier, we had a Neutral rating on the stock.
The company delivered a loss of $1.07 per share in the seasonally slow quarter, which fared better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate for a loss of $1.20.
Total revenue dropped 12.9% during the third quarter, following a decline of 15.7% in the second quarter … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Anadarko Signs JV With Korea NOC

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

U.S. independent oil producer Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:APC) has entered a joint-venture agreement with Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) worth $1.55 billion. The effective date of the deal is January 1, 2011.
Under the deal, the Korean state-owned company will gain one-third interest in Anadarko's Maverick Basin assets, located in the highly sought-after Eagleford shale of Texas. Korea National Oil will receive about 80,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford as well as 16,000 additional … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

GE In Russian Development

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

General Electric Company's (NYSE:GE) advanced gas turbine technology has been chosen by the Russian power generation company TGK-9, an affiliate of Integrated Energy Systems (IES), for a combined-cycle plant to be used to provide heat and electricity to the residing population of Berezniki, an industrial city in Russia's Urals Federal District. IES is Russia's largest private power supply and gas distribution company.
The government of Russiais undertaking initiatives to update its energy … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Profitable 4Q For Gordmans Stores

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

Gordmans Stores Inc. (GMAN) posted earnings per share of 44 cents in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 41 cents and above the year-earlier quarter performance of 40 cents. Earnings growth was mainly aided by improvements in comparable store sales and gross profit margins.
For fiscal 2010, Gordmans Stores earned 91 cents per share versus $1.02 in the prior year.
Total revenue for Gordmans Stores grew 9.3% year over year in the fourth quarter to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Pall’s System Gains AOAC Validation

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

Pall Corporation's (NYSE:PLL) GeneDisc Rapid Microbiology system was recently certified by the AOAC Research Institute, a leading standards organization of the world, for use in detection of non-O157 STEC in meat. This is the first product to receive AOAC’s multiparametric validation for uncovering four serogroups of commonly seen non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in ground beef and beef trim.
The validation complements the direction received by the Food & Drug Administration to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Fluor Wins FEED Contract

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:35 PM PDT

Fluor Corporation (NYSE:FLR) announced that its offshore solutions unit was awarded a front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract by Woodside for the Browse liquefied natural gas development programme.
The gas fields are located in the Browse Basin, about 425 kilometres north of Broome off the western coast of Australia.
Fluor will staff the program with more than 150 offshore experts from its Perth, Houston and Manila offices. The contract is expected to be completed in late 2011.
The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Willis Group Redeems Notes

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 04:05 PM PDT

Willis Group Holdings plc (NYSE:WSH) will redeem $35 million 12.875% Senior Notes due 2016 on April 17, 2011.
As per the terms of the agreement governing the 12.875% Senior Notes, Trinity Acquisition plc, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Willis Group and the issuer of the 12.875% Senior Notes, will redeem all of the remaining 12.875% Senior Notes for an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount plus any accrued interest to the redemption date. Following the redemption, there will be no … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

GGB Offers Up Shares

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

Brazilian steel producer Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB) recenty announced plans to raise funds from the global market through issuance of common and preferred shares.  It is anticipated that the offering, to be conducted in two phases, would raise roughly R$3.8-R$4.2 billion and be utilized to fund the company’s future capital investment plans.
The primary offering will consist of issuance of roughly 68 million common shares and 203.8 million of preferred shares globally. Preferences will be given to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Goldman To Pay Back Buffett

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:GS) announced on Friday its decision to redeem preferred shares worth $5 billion, constituting the investment made by Warren Buffett in 2008.
During the 2008 financial crisis, Warren Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:AIG) during the crisis.
According to the deal, Goldman was paying 10% interest on preferred shares annually, representing an annual expense of $500 million. Goldman will pay $5.65 billion to buy back preferred shares sold to Berkshire. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Preview: Jabil

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

A leading electronic parts manufacturer, Jabil Circuit Inc. (NYSE:JBL) is scheduled to release its second quarter 2011 results on March 22, 2011, after the market closes.
Jabil shares have risen marginally following the first quarter 2011 results. Jabil's first quarter results beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate as well as management's expectation.
Jabil provided an upbeat second quarter guidance driven by stable business trends and growth across all business areas. Management also pointed out … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

CAT Losses To Weigh Down AIG

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

American International Group Inc. (NYSE:AIG) provided an initial catastrophe (CAT) loss projection of as much as $1.0 billion ($0.9 billion post-tax) in its property-casualty (P&C) unit, Chartis; more than 70% of which account for multiple disasters in Japan. These losses will be considered in the first quarter of 2011.
The recent earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear plant explosions are expected to take a toll on most of the insurers' claims. In addition, AIG's CAT loss estimate also … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Lockheed Gets Fund For Second Ship

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

A team led by Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) was awarded a $376 million U.S. Navy Contract to construct the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
The fixed-price-incentive-fee contract provides funding for the second of 10 ships the U.S. Navy had awarded to the Lockheed Martin team in December 2010. The funding contracts for the remaining eight ships will be awarded through 2015.
Earlier the Lockheed Martin industry team designed and constructed the nation’s first LCS, USS Freedom. USS … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Continental To Offer Wi-Fi In 2012

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:55 PM PDT

03/22/11 United Continental Holdings’ subsidiary Continental Airlines plans to offer Wi-Fi on 200 domestic Boeing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

EMC Partners With SDL

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

A leading provider of information infrastructure solutions, EMC Corp. (NYSE:EMC) has signed an agreement with the largest global information management solutions provider, SDL. The partnership is expected to complement EMC's existing relationships in Web Content Management (WCM) and Web Engagement Management (WEM) markets.
Currently, EMC offers web content management services in partnership with FatWire. EMC's Documentum FatWire Core Web Content Management provides comprehensive web content … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Pipeline Progress At Roche

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

Roche Holdings Ltd. (RHHBY) recently reported positive mid-stage trial results on vismodegib. The candidate is being evaluated for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma (aBCC). The phase II trial (ERIVANCE BCC), which involved patients whose lesions are not appropriate for surgery, or for whom surgery would result in substantial deformity, met the primary endpoint of tumor shrinkage.
Roche added that the adverse events observed in the trial were consistent with previous trials. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Pioneer Remains Neutral

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:35 PM PDT

We are reiterating our Neutral rating on Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD) on the back of better-than-expected fourth quarter 2010 results. However, our positive views were partially tempered by the volatile oil and gas price environment as well as increasing cost pressure in the prolific shale plays.
The company registered better-than-expected results in the last quarter fueled by improved crude prices, as well as growth in the Spraberry field and Eagle Ford Shale. The Spraberry trend … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Day Ahead: US New Home Sales, EIA Oil Inventories, Annual Meetings – Disney, HP, Starbucks

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 10:20 AM PDT

03/22/11 The stories, data, and stocks that may have the greatest impact during the next trading … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Optimer Remains Neutral

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

We have maintained our Neutral recommendation on Optimer Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:OPTR) with a target price of $13.00 after announcement of fourth quarter and fiscal year 2010 financial results.
Optimer Pharma's fourth quarter 2010 loss of 31 cents per share exceeded the year-ago loss of 28 cents per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate was a loss of 33 cents. The wider loss resulted from increased costs incurred for pre-launch marketing efforts for its antibiotic fidaxomicin.
Optimer does not … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Northrop Grumman $1B Richer

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

A team led by Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) was awarded a follow-on task order of a total potential value of $1.1 billion by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). Per the order the team led by Northrop will operate, maintain and enhance the classified networks for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Northrop Grumman’s team includes, among others, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), Audio Video Systems and BruinWave Solutions. Work on the order will be conducted over a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Tesoro To Dilate Refinery Capacity

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

Refiner and marketer of refined products, Tesoro Corporation (NYSE:TSO) plans to increase the crude-oil processing capacity of its Mandan refinery to 68,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the current level of 58,000 bpd. Over the last three years, the North Dakota based refinery generated an average throughput of about 52,000 bpd. The expansion is expected to be completedby the second quarter of 2012 and cost around $35 million.
The facility, which was constructed in 1954, gets its supply of crude … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

PPG Eyes Equa-Chlor Assets

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

PPG Industries Inc. (NYSE:PPG) entered into an agreement with Equa-Chlor Inc. to acquire some of its assets for an undisclosed amount. PPG plans to acquire Equa-Chlor’s manufacturing operations that produce about 220 tons of chlorine per day. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2011.
The acquisition will not only fortify PPG's chlor-alkali and derivatives business in the Western United States but also allow PPG access to Equa-Chlor’s railcars, which will help it cut logistics … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

ITT Launches Water Pump

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

ITT Corporation (NYSE:ITT) announced the launch of AquaCharge, a portable, rechargeable and fully submersible hand-held water pump.
The device operates on a low-voltage battery and can function continuously for up to 40 minutes. It can be fully submerged and can be used for pumping either fresh or salt water, allowing for both home and marine applications.
 The pump package includes a submersible pump with an eight-foot hose, along with a rechargeable battery and convenient charging … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Preview: Micron Technology

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:10 PM PDT

Micron Technology Inc. (NYSE:MU) is scheduled to announce its second quarter fiscal 2011 results on March 23. We do not see any variation in analyst estimates at this point.
First Quarter Overview
Micron Technology reported an adjusted loss per share of 2 cents for its first quarter, against the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings of 28 cents. The quarter's miss was largely due to decreasing average selling prices (ASPs) stemming from softening PC demand. The adjusted figure excludes a … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

U.S. Rig Count On Upward March

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

In its weekly release, Houston-based oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. (NYSE:BHI) reported a rise in the U.S. rig count (number of rigs searching for oil and gas in the country), primarily reflecting an increase in the tally of land rigs.
The Baker Hughes rig count, issued since 1944, acts as an important yardstick for drilling contractors such as Transocean Inc. (NYSE:RIG), Diamond Offshore (NYSE:DO), Noble Corp. (NYSE:NE), Pride International (NYSE:PDE), Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR), Patterson-UTI … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Finally A GoM Drilling Approval!

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Energy major Royal Dutch Shell PLC (NYSE:BP) oil rig disaster in April last year – is being hailed as an important step towards safer deepwater exploration.    
As a reminder, on April 20, 2010, offshore driller Transocean Inc's (NYSE:RIG) ultra-deepwater Horizon drilling platform, contracted to BP, sank following an explosion while operating in the U.S. GoM off the coast of Louisiana.
The incident killed 11 workers and spewed more than 200 million gallons of crude in what is … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

ITW Provides Revenue Update

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW) reported an 11% year-over-year rise in its operating revenues for the three months ended February 28, 2011. The increase records a 9% growth, which can be ascribed to a hike in base revenue and 3% to acquisitions. Currency translation had a negative 1.0% impact on the revenue. End markets were strong with a solid demand for the company’s products.
Transportation revenue grew by 15.7% year over year, while Industrial Packaging by about 13.2%. Power Systems and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

PX Names New Asian Operations Head

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Praxair Inc. (NYSE:PX) recently named president of Praxair Electronics Anne Roby, as the president of the company's Asian operations. She will be responsible for developing the company's businesses in China, India, South Korea, and Thailand. Additionally, growth of the electronics business in Asia, Europe and North America will be her responsibility.
Appointment of Anne Roby as the president of Asian operations is very encouraging, especially in the light of her commendable performance and … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

WellPoint Cuts Rate Hike

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

WellPoint Inc. (NYSE:WLP) has planned to cut its proposed increase of premium for individual policy holders in California and will simultaneously delay co-pay and deductible increases.
WellPoint’s Anthem Blue Cross unit in California has reduced its proposed rate increase to an average of 9.1% from the previous proposal to an increase of 16.4%. Further, WellPoint's new rate increase of 9.1% will go into effect on July 1, from the previously proposed April 1, and it will delay increases in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Watsco-Carrier JV Agreement

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Watsco Inc. (NYSE:WSO) has entered into a definitive agreement to form a 60:40 joint venture with Carrier Corporation's northeastern distribution network.
Carrier is a leader in high technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions. It is a unit of  United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), a leading global provider to aerospace and building systems.
The joint venture will give Watsco access to Carrier's distribution network of 28 locations encompassing 11 states. Watsco … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Tyco Acquires Security Business

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE:TYC) announced its agreement with Oceania Capital Partners Limited to acquire OCP’s Signature Security Group for AU $171 million ($170 million).
Tyco is likely to integrate Signature Security’s Australian and New Zealand operations with its ADT Security business.
The acquisition will enable Tyco to strengthen ADT’s business in the Australian and New Zealand security markets while advancing its strategy for growth in the global security industry.
Tyco fills a wide … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Higher Dividend From State Street

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:05 PM PDT

State Street Corp. (NYSE:STT) has raised its quarterly cash dividend to 18 cents per share. This dividend is payable on April 15, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 1, 2011.
Hence, the annual dividend payable to the shareholders amounts to 72 cents per share, a substantial rise from the prior annual dividend of 4 cents per share.
It was in the third quarter of 2008 that State Street had last increased its quarterly dividend by 1 cent to 24 cents per share, which … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

The Republican’s Big Lies About Jobs (And Why Obama Must Repudiate Them)

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 03:00 PM PDT

And if all others accepted the lie which the party imposed – if all records told the same tale – then the lie passed into history and became the truth.
– George Orwell, 1984 (published in 1949)

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor was in town yesterday (specifically, at Stanford's Hoover Institute where he could surround himself with sympathetic Republicans) to tell this whopper: "Cutting the federal deficit will create jobs."
It's not true. Cutting the deficit will creates fewer … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Neutral On Devon Energy

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

We reiterate our Neutral recommendation on Devon Energy Inc. (NYSE:DVN). Devon Energy ranks among the leading independent oil and gas companies in the U.S. and has leverage to some of the best North American natural gas assets. However, we expect the present constrained commodity environment to continue weighing on Devon's financial performance in the near term.
Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy is an independent energy company engaged primarily in exploration, development and production of oil … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Preview: Accenture

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is scheduled to announce its second quarter of fiscal 2011 results on March 24. There have been some changes in analyst estimates post its first quarter results.
First Quarter Overview
First quarter results were impressive, with earnings per share (EPS) of 81 cents substantially exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 75 cents.
Revenue of $6.05 billion was up 12.3% from $5.38 billion reported in the year-ago quarter. Net revenue was above the company's guided range of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

RIO Extends Riversdale Offer

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Global miner Rio Tinto Plc. (NYSE:RIO) extended the offer period for acquiring Australia-based Riversdale Mining Limited to April 6, 2011. The previous offer date was April 1, 2011 and the period now stands extended by three working days.
Currently, the company has approximately 82.7 million shares of Riversdale, representing 34.94% of the total shares, up from 33.04%.
Rio Tinto's increased offer price of $16.50 will be applicable only if Rio Tinto acquires more than 50% stake by the extended … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

RIMM To Ship PlayBook

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Blackberry-maker Research In Motion, Ltd., (NASDAQ:RIMM) plans to launch its much-hyped Wi-Fi-based PlayBook tablet on April 19, 2011. The company will launch three different models with storage capacity of 6GB, 32GB or 64GB and will cost $499, $599 and $699, respectively. The starting price of PlayBook is at par with the starting price of Apple Inc's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad2.
PlayBook tablet will be available at more than 20,000 retail outlets across the US and Canada from next month onwards. The device … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Embraer Jets For Alitalia

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A., or Embraer (NYSE:ERJ) agreed to deliver fifteen EMBRAER 175 and five EMBRAER 190 jets to Alitalia, a leading Italian airline.
The delivery is expected to begin in the third quarter 2011. EMBRAER 175 and EMBRAER 190 have a seating capacity of 88 and 100, respectively.
In mid-March, the company delivered the nineteent EMBRAER 195 jet to Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras, which was the 100th E-Jet to go into operation in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Positive Data For Medtronic’s BKP

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

Leading devices player Medtronic's (NYSE:MDT) Canada unit, Medtronic of Canada Ltd., recently presented favorable data for kyphon balloon kyphoplasty procedure (BKP) for the treatment of spinal fractures in cancer patients.
It was observed that patients treated with the BKP got better results compared with non-surgical care after one month of treatment. The study was published in the March 2011 issue of 'The Lancet Oncology.'
The study (Cancer Patient Fracture Evaluation or CAFE) was … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

AXIS Capital Forecasts Cat Losses

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (NYSE:AXS) guided first quarter 2011 preliminary losses from natural catastrophes to be between $275 million-$315 million, pre-tax and net of reinstatement premiums. The total amount comprises $185 million-$215 million attributable to the New Zealand earthquake and $90 million-$100 million for the Australian floods and Cyclone Yasi.
AXIS Capital expects the losses will mainly impact the reinsurance segment of the company. The company also estimates net impact from the … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Good News For ViroPharma Drug

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:35 PM PDT

ViroPharma Inc. (NASDAQ:VPHM) recently announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommended the approval of Cinryze. The company is seeking approval to market the drug as a treatment for hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adolescents and adults.
The panel recommended European approval of the drug for pre-procedure prevention of angioedema attacks in patients suffering from HAE. Moreover, approval is also recommended for the routine … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Closing Bell Market Monitor: WAG, BJ, STJ

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:30 PM PDT

03/22/11 The latest in news, commentary, and information on what’s moving the US equities … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Did You Hear The One…?

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:25 PM PDT

For those who think I don’t have a sense of humor: did you hear the one about the economic recovery…?
“Fed's Pianalto Sees 'Virtuous Cycle of Growth' in Economy” (Bloomberg)
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Sandra Pianalto said today she sees the U.S. economy continuing to expand at a 'moderate pace."
"I am seeing clearer signs of a virtuous cycle of growth," Pianalto said in a speech in Akron, Ohio. "Rising incomes and rising profits are supporting growth in … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Diageo Gets Another Bulleit

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Bulleit Whiskey, owned by Diageo Plc. (NYSE:DEO), has added another variety of whiskey to their portfolio. The whiskey veteran had been engaged in preparing Bulleit Bourbon loaded with rye grain bourbons for the past 150 years, but of late its has added a new variety called Bulleit Rye. This new introduction is expected to have the highest percentage of American rye among the whiskeys available in the U.S.
Bulleit Rye is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $27.99 for a 750 ml … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Broadcom Will Acquire Provigent

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Leading chipmaker Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM) recently signed an agreement to acquire privately-held Provigent for approximately $313 million.
Provigent is a leading provider of innovative Systems-on-a-Chip (SoC) solutions for the broadband wireless transmission industry, offering highly integrated, high performance, mixed signal semiconductors for microwave backhaul systems. The company has offices in Israel and Santa Clara, California.
The transaction will close in the second quarter of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Higher Dividend From Raven

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:05 PM PDT

Raven Industries Inc. (NASDAQ:RAVN) announced that its board of directors has approved an increase of 12.5% in its regular quarterly dividend, being the 25th consecutive enhancement in its dividend payment.
Raven will now pay 18 cents per share to its shareholders, 2 cents more than the previous dividend of 16 cents per share. The increased dividend will be paid on April 15, 2011, to shareholders of record as on March 31, 2011.
Raven has a long history of paying increased dividends to its … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

JetBlue To Form A Single Ticket Partnership With Virgin Atlantic

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 02:00 PM PDT

03/22/11 JetBlue announced Tuesday that it has formed a partnership with Virgin Atlantic that will allow customers to fly on both airlines with a single … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Down At The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:55 PM PDT

Forex Pros – The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Tuesday.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4194, down 0.22% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3873, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 1.4248, today's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.56% to hit 0.8674 and EUR/JPY falling 0.30% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hot Stock Movers To Watch On Wednesday

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:53 PM PDT

 ( click to enlarge )

Flotek Industries, Inc. (NYSE:FTK) broke out to a new all-time high today accompained by a strong volume suggesting higher levels. The stock has been on a remarkable run since November and it doesn't looks like the trend will change soon. The technical chart still showing a bullish bias. KD line shows positive signs as %K line is rising on top over %D line and RSI continue moving up. The MACD has also formed an upside cross. I suspect the stock may continue to … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Boeing Progressing With 747-8

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Aerospace and defense giant, The Boeing Company's (NYSE:BA) newest and largest passenger plane, the 747-8 Intercontinental, smoothly completed its first flight. The flight was the first of a months-long test program that will log more than 600 flight hours. Boeing is planning to commercially launch the 747-8 plane by the end of fiscal 2011.
This new 747-8 model only retains the iconic shape of the first 747, but is by far more advanced than the initial 747s rolled out from Boeing’s factory. The … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

TJX Stays Neutral

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

We currently reiterate our Neutral recommendation on The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX).
The TJX Companies Inc.’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings grew 12.0% to $1.05 a share from 94 cents in the year-ago period. The quarterly earnings were ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.02 a share. Profits were primarily driven by prudent inventory management and increased store traffic.
For full year 2011, TJX reported a 23% increase in earnings to $3.49 a share versus $2.84 reported in fiscal … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Xerox Buys CredenceHealth

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Affiliated Computer Services Inc., a subsidiary of Xerox Corp. (NYSE:XRX), entered into a definite agreement to buy Nashville, Tennessee-based CredenceHealth Inc.
This is the fifth acquisition by ACS, since it is acquired by Xerox in February 2010. The other four acquisitions by ACS include the Europe-based Unamic/HCN in February 2011 and Spur Information Solutions in November 2010 and U.S.-based TMS Health in October 2010 and ExcellerateHRO in August 2010.
CredenceHealth is a clinical software … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

MWIV Veterinary Buys Nelson

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

MWI Veterinary Supply Inc. (NASDAQ:MWIV), a leading distributor of animal health products for veterinarians across the US and UK has taken a step forward to expand its veterinary product range. The company recently acquired Nelson Laboratories for $7 million. Nelson, a distributor of animal health products, recorded revenues of $35 million for calendar year 2010.
In order to increase its market share further, MWIV has taken various initiatives over the past few years. The company has acquired many … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Broadcom Will Acquire Provigent

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Leading chipmaker Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM) recently signed an agreement to acquire privately-held Provigent for approximately $313 million.
Provigent is a leading provider of innovative Systems-on-a-Chip (SoC) solutions for the broadband wireless transmission industry, offering highly integrated, high performance, mixed signal semiconductors for microwave backhaul systems. The company has offices in Israel and Santa Clara, California.
The transaction will close in the second quarter of … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – USD/JPY Down Toward The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Forex Pros – The U.S. Dollar was lower against the Japanese Yen on Tuesday.

USD/JPY was trading at 80.93, down 0.11% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 78.23, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 82.00, Thursday's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was up against the Euro and down against the British Pound, with EUR/USD shedding 0.21% to hit 1.4197 and GBP/USD rising 0.40% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Google Voice Integrated By Sprint

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

In a recent blog post, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) announced an agreement between Sprint (NYSE:S) and Google Voice. The agreement calls for a seamless integration of Sprint and Google Voice services. The date on which the agreement comes into effect is uncertain, although it may be expected within the next 2-3 months.
Once operational, the integration would enable an existing Sprint mobile number to be used as a Google Voice number and vice versa, depending on what the customer chooses. In either case, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Earnings Preview: Darden

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Darden Restaurants Inc. (DRI) is slated to release its third quarter 2011 earnings on March 24, after the market close. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate is $1.05 for the third quarter (reflecting year-over-year growth of 10.49%).
Darden has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate thrice and missed once in the last four quarters. The average earnings surprise was a positive of 1.63%.
Second Quarter Flashback
Darden's second quarter fiscal 2011 earnings of 55 cents per share inched past … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Charles Schwab Buys OptionsXpress

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PDT

Charles Schwab Corp.(NASDAQ:SCHW) announced an all-stock deal to acquire optionsXpress Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:OXPS) for $1.0 billion. Incorporated in 2001, optionsXpress is a retail online brokerage company mainly focused on equity options and futures.
For the past two years, as a result of low interest rates and declining trading volumes Charles Schwab has been struggling to retain its growth momentum. So the deal will enhance its equities-focused business by expanding into lucrative derivatives … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Down Toward The End Of U.S. Session

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:25 PM PDT

Forex Pros – The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Tuesday.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4202, down 0.17% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3873, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 1.4248, today's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.55% to hit 0.8674 and EUR/JPY falling 0.29% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

U.S. Markets Close Lower; Dow Jones Down 0.15%

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:10 PM PDT

Forex Pros – U.S. stocks were down after the closing bell on Tuesday.

At the close of U.S. trade, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15%, the S&P 500 index shed 0.36%, while the Nasdaq 100 index declined 0.21%.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, European stock markets closed lower. France's CAC 40 was down 0.21%; Germany's DAX shed 0.52%; Britain's FTSE 100 declined 0.40%; and the EURO STOXX 50 fell … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Action Date For Shire’s Firazyr

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 01:06 PM PDT

Shire (NASDAQ:SHPGY) recently announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new action date for Firazyr (icatibant). The FDA is treating Shire's response to the agency's complete response letter (CRL) as a class II resubmission and has set a target date of August 25, 2011.
Shire is looking to get Firazyr approved in the US for treating acute attacks (types I and II) of hereditary angioedema (HAE). HAE is a rare genetic disease characterized by acute swelling of the hands, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Rogers Plans Share Repurchase

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

Canada-based Rogers Communications Inc. (NYSE:RCI) plans to repurchase 3.2 million class B (non-voting) shares. The shares planned to be purchased are currently trading at a discount totaling $101.56 million.
These class B shares will be acquired privately in an arrangement with a third party dealer. Ontario Securities Commission, which administers and enforces securities legislation in the Canadian province, has issued exemption orders relating to these purchases of shares. These … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Goodyear Hikes Tire Price

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (NYSE:GT) announced that it would raise prices of its commercial truck tires by 15% and the price of tread rubber by as much as 7% from the next month. The price increases were driven by soaring price of raw materials.
Rubber, both natural and synthetic, is primarily used for manufacturing tires. This apart, carbon black, sulfur and other chemicals are used in tires.
Recently, natural rubber prices reached historic high due to surging demand in Asia, particularly … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Hershey Stays Neutral

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

We currently maintain a Neutral rating on The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY), as we expect it to perform in line with the market. The adjusted fourth quarter earnings of $0.61 a share remained in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but was down 3.2% from $0.63 earned in the prior-year quarter.
For the full year 2010, the company reported adjusted earnings of $2.55 a share which was up 17.5% versus 2009. Full year earnings were also in line with Zacks Consensus Estimate.  
The Hershey … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Prepaid Cards From HP

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

The world's largest personal computer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE:HPQ) recently initiated a prefunded card service. The latest innovation provides banking clients an easy and efficient delivery solution for prefunded cards.
This will allow banks to provide card-based payment services, beyond one's credit eligibility. This new product will help banks to meet unique market opportunities that are relevant to different organizations, agencies, and government entities. We believe … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Estee Lauder Upgraded To Outperform

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

We are currently upgrading our recommendation on Estee Lauder (NYSE:EL) to Outperform from Neutral, as we anticipate the company to perform well above the market.
Moreover, a robust second quarter 2011, which included an earnings improvement of 38% year-over-year that outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 23%, provided a boost. Profits in the quarter were primarily driven by strong holiday season sales and weak U.S. dollar.
With revenues of $7.6 billion in fiscal 2010, … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Starbucks Aroma Spreads To Guatemala

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:55 PM PDT

Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ:SBUX) entered Guatemala with joint venture partner Corporación de Franquicias Americanas, and inaugurated its first store in the region on March 19, 2011. The coffeehouse, located in the Condado Concepción shopping center, will mainly advertise Starbucks premium single-origin coffee, Guatemala Finca El Faro.
The location will offer Local single-origin coffee, namely Guatemala Finca El Faro, as well as the full range of Starbucks beverages. Starbucks has long standing … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – GBP/USD Up During The U.S. Session

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:45 PM PDT

Forex Pros – The British Pound was higher against the U.S. Dollar on Tuesday.

GBP/USD was trading at 1.6385, up 0.47% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.5979, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 1.6402, today's high.

Meanwhile, the British Pound was up against the Euro and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.62% to hit 0.8668 and GBP/JPY rising 0.34% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Stock Market Summary For Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Special Alert SH, PSQ, RWM

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:44 PM PDT

We are going to add intra-day to our watch list additional positions in the ProShares Short S&P Fund (symbol: SH) at $42.22, the ProShares Short QQQ Fund (symbol: PSQ) at $33.74, and Short Russell 2000 Fund (symbol: RWM) $30.71.  We now have two positions in each of these ETFs in our watch … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Tata Motors Nano Crosses Border

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:35 PM PDT

India-based Tata Motors Ltd (NYSE:TTM) has decided to start exporting its Nano minicars to Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Africa by December this year with an objective to boost its sales and in turn reducing its dependency on the domestic market.
However, Tata Motors has been exporting many other models, particularly trucks and buses to more than 30 countries and cars and sport-utility vehicles to 16 countries.
In the first phase only 1,000 nano cars will be exported to the selected regions … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Keepin AOB At Neutral

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:35 PM PDT

We are maintaining our Neutral recommendation on American Oriental Bioengineering Inc. (NYSE:AOB) with a target price of $1.75.
American Oriental Bioengineering, based in Beijing, China, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a pharmaceutical company which develops, manufactures and commercializes both plant-based pharmaceutical (PBP) and plant-based nutraceutical (PBN) products.
American Oriental Bioengineering recently reported fourth quarter 2010 earnings per share of $0.04, which fell … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – USD/CAD Up In U.S. Trade

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 12:10 PM PDT

Forex Pros – The U.S. Dollar was higher against the Canadian Dollar on Tuesday.

USD/CAD was trading at 0.9794, up 0.16% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 0.9747, today's low, and resistance at 0.9932, Wednesday's high.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar was up against the Euro and down against the British Pound, with EUR/USD shedding 0.13% to hit 1.4208 and GBP/USD rising 0.44% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates

Forex – EUR/USD Down In U.S. Trading Hours

Posted: 22 Mar 2011 11:45 AM PDT

Forex Pros – The Euro was lower against the U.S. Dollar on Tuesday.

EUR/USD was trading at 1.4208, down 0.13% at time of writing.

The pair was likely to find support at 1.3873, Wednesday's low, and resistance at 1.4248, today's high.

Meanwhile, the Euro was down against the British Pound and the Japanese Yen, with EUR/GBP shedding 0.55% to hit 0.8674 and EUR/JPY falling 0.24% to hit … [visit site to read more] or compare Best Credit Cards and Best CD Rates
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