In Play®

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 Friday After the Close
16:46  PRX Par Pharmaceutical: Strativa Pharmaceuticals provides an update on Zuplenz (Ondansetron) oral soluble film; the FDA has been unable to perform an inspection; FDA cannot approve the application at this time (25.99 +1.20)

Co announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a complete response letter regarding the new drug application (NDA) for Zuplenz (ondansetron) oral soluble film for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with highly- and moderately-emetogenic chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Due to an agency-wide restriction on foreign travel in India, the FDA has been unable to perform an inspection of the clinical and analytical sites for a bioequivalence study, and therefore, cannot approve the application at this time. The FDA advised that they will schedule and perform an inspection of these sites as soon as possible. Strativa will continue to work with the FDA on completing these site inspections and finalization of product labeling. No
16:41  TBNK Territorial Bancorp reports Q4 EPS of $0.27 vs. $0.25 First Call consensus (18.03 +0.31)

Total delinquent loans ninety days or more past due and not accruing was $277,000 (representing five loans) at December 31, 2009, compared to $0 at December 31, 2008. Despite the increase in non-performing assets, asset quality remained strong with the ratio of non-performing assets to total assets being 0.11% at December 31, 2009, compared to 0.02% at December 31, 2008. The allowance for loan losses was $1.7 mln at December 31, 2009 compared to $899,000 at December 31, 2008. The ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans was 0.28% at December 31, 2009 compared to 0.14% at December 31, 2008.
16:37  FIT Health Fitness: Trustmark and FIT announce early termination of Hart-Scott-Rodino Waiting Period (8.77 -0.01)

 
16:37  VRUS Pharmasset files $150 mixed securities shelf offering in an S-3 filing (21.90 +0.75)

 
16:30  DGX Quest Diagnostics reaffirms 2010 EPS and revs in-line with consensus (55.60 +0.17)

Co announced that it is scheduled to speak at the UBS 2010 Global Healthcare Services Conference in New York City. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. During the conference, the co will reaffirm its 2010 guidance for revenue growth of 3-4%, which equates to ~$7.68-7.75 bln vs. $7.71 bln. Co also said operating income is expected to approach 19% of revenues, and diluted EPS of between $4.10-4.30 vs. $4.22 First Call consensus.
16:17  AMAG AMAG Pharma provides Feraheme safety update (37.77 -0.35) -Update-

Co provided a safety update on Feraheme Injection for intravenous use. Since the commercial launch of Feraheme in July 2009, serious adverse events have been reported at a rate consistent with that contained in the U.S. package insert. Of the estimated 35,000 patient exposures to date, 40 serious adverse events have been reported, an approximate rate of 0.1%. No mortality signal has been observed. A single reported death occurred in a patient two days post-Feraheme treatment, which the Company does not believe was the result of Feraheme... Feraheme is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease. Feraheme is contraindicated in patients with evidence of iron overload, known hypersensitivity to Feraheme or any of its components, and patients with anemia not caused by iron deficiency. In clinical studies, hypotension was reported in 1.9% of subjects receiving Feraheme, including three patients with serious hypotensive reactions. Serious hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 0.2% of patients. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity for at least 30 minutes following Feraheme injection and the drug should only be administered when treatment for hypersensitivity reactions is readily available. Excessive therapy with parenteral iron can lead to excess storage of iron with the possibility of iatrogenic hemosiderosis. Patients should be regularly monitored for hematologic response during parenteral iron therapy. As a superparamagnetic iron oxide, Feraheme may transiently affect magnetic resonance diagnostic imaging but will not affect X-ray, CT, PET, SPECT, ultrasound, or nuclear imaging. In clinical trials, the most commonly occurring adverse reactions in Feraheme treated patients versus oral iron treated patients were diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, hypotension, constipation and peripheral edema.
16:05  HDNG Hardinge confirmed that it received an unsolicited proposal from Industrias Romi S.A. of Brazil to acquire all of its outstanding shares for $8.00 per share (8.07 )

 
 Today's In Play
15:45  GDX Sector ETF strength & weakness approaching today's closing bell -Technical-

Actively Traded Leading Sector ETF Plays:
Gold miners- GDX +4.5%, SPDRS metals/mining- XME +2.75%, Semis- SMH +2.25%, IGW +2%, nat gas- UNG +1.75%, VIX volatility index- VXX +1.5%, iShares REITS & real estate- ICF +1.5%, IYR +1.5%, Basic materials- XLB +1.25%, IYM +1.25%, iShares US broker/dealers- IAI +1.25%, SPDRS tech.- XLK +.75%, Regional banks- KRE +.75%, Commercial banks- KBE +.5%, Financials- XLF +.5%, IYF +.5%, NDX 100- QQQQ +.5%, Steel- SLX +.5%, US Dollar index- UUP +.5%

Actively Traded Lagging Sector ETF Plays:
RBOB gas- UGA -2.25%, Heating oil- UHN -2.25%, Base metals- DBB -2%, Global shippers- SEA -2%, Crude/WTI oil- USO -1.75%, OIL -2%, Commods- GSG -1.75%, DBC -1.25%, India- INP -1.75%, iShares S Korea- EWY -1.25%, Emerging mkts- EEM -1.25%, China 25- FXI -1.25%, Silver- SLV -1.25%, SPDRS homebuilders- XHB -1%
15:41  Earnings Preview for the week of Feb 8th-12th:

Of the hundreds of companies reporting earnings the week of Feb 8th-12th some of the bigger names include: Monday: BWP, CVS, ERTS, ESLR, FWRD, LNC, and TWTC... Tuesday: BIIB, BJS, KO, CTSH, CVH, TAP, NYX, WMG, NTGR, and DIS... Wednesday: MT, CCE, DF, DISCA, ELN, ICE, LVLT, S, WYN, ALL, BSX, PL, PRU, and SWIR... Thursday: ALU, EXPE, FLIR, JASO, MAR, PEP, PM, STRA, VIA.B, ACL, AB, BJRI, NILE, BWLD, CEPH, CAKE, CMG, CSTR, MFE, and PNRA... Friday: ALE, HCP, PAS, and UPL.
15:32  Conferences and Shareholder/Analyst Meetings of Interest

Monday:
- WAG, HUM, UAM, WLP at UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference
- $24 bln 3-month and $27 bln 6-month Treasury Bills Auctions
- LINC, FFIV, PENN, RAX at Deutsche Bank Securities Small and Mid Cap Conference

Tuesday:
- ODSY, MHS, AET, SUNH at UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference
- RHT, SAP, ADBE, ENTR at Thomas Weisel Technology & Telecom Conference
- $40 bln 3-yr Treasury Notes Auction

Wednesday:
- AMTD, BAC, COF, WFC at Credit Suisse Financial Services Conference
- AMSC, FLO, FMC, POWI at Deutsche Bank Securities Small and Mid Cap Conference
- Fed's Tarullo

Thursday:
- ZION Analyst Meeting
- AMP, LNC, MET, NYX at Credit Suisse Financial Services Conference
- $16 bln 30-yr Treasury Bond Auction

Friday:
- AXAS at NAPE Expo 2010
15:10  TALKX Floor Talk: Late market pop as late-day buying ignites an aggressive round of short-covering; seeing highest volume of the day on this bar -Technical-

 
15:08  SPY S&P -3.8 embarks on best rebound of the day, edges above intraday resistance at 1054/1055 -Update- -Technical-

 
14:57  BRCM NASDAQ 100 (NDX) leaders & laggards moving into today's final hour of trading -Technical-

NDX 100 Best % Performers:
BRCM +5.5%, AMAT +2%, HANS +1.5%, ALTR +1.5%, GENZ +1.25%, CSCO +1.25%, LRCX +1.25%, INTC +1.25%, ROST +1%, ORCL +1%, RIMM +.75%, LLTC +.5%

NDX 100 Worst % Performers:
FWLT -8%, LBTYA -4%, VRTX -4%, ILMN -3.75%, LOGI -3%, NWSA -3%, HOLX -3%, NIHD -3%, WCRX -2.75%, CHRW -2.75%, CELG -2.75%, NRG -2.75%

NASDAQ TRIN @ +1.15
NASDAQ A/D @ -855
14:53  CSCO Dow (INDU) leaders & laggards moving into today's final hour of trading -Technical-

INDU Best % Performers:
CSCO +1%, INTC +1%

INDU Worst % Performers:
GE -4.25%, BA -3%, MRK -2.25%, MMM -2%, DIS -1.75%, MCS -1.75%, JPM -1.75%, CVX -1.75%

NYSE TRIN @ +1.3
NYSE A/D @ -1780
14:51  SPY S&P 500 stabilizes after minor breach of 200 day ema but below intraday line in the sand -Update- -Technical-

(Click for 5 min chart).
14:44  GLD streetTRACKS Gold Shares ETF makes move to session highs along with the GDX ETF (104 -.37) -Update- -Technical-

Some names hitting the new high tape include RGLD, NEM, GOLD, ABX, GDXJ, LIHR, GG
14:44  COMDX CBOT Agriculture and Ethanol and ICE Exchange Sugar Closing Prices

March corn closed lower by 2.5 cent to $3.5150 per bushel, March soybeans closed lower by 0.50 cents to $9.1350 per bushel, March wheat closed lower by 2.50 cents to $4.7325 per bushel, March Ethanol closed lower by $0.025 at $1.75, March world sugar futures closed 1.47 cents lower at 26.17 cents per pound.
14:39  COMDX NYMEX Energy Closing Prices

Crude oil ended the day lower by $1.95 to $71.19, natural gas finished higher by 10.2 cents to $5.518, heating oil shed 6.16 cents to settle at $1.8736 and RBOB gasoline closed lower by 6.53 cents to $1.8855 (all March contracts).
14:01  SPY Stock indices continue to weaken/Dollar Index sets new high -- Dow -156, S&P -17, Nasdaq -22 -Update- -Technical-

 
14:00  PATR Patriot Transportation announces agreement to sell land (88.58 0.00)

Co announced that a subsidiary of the Company, Florida Rock Properties, entered into an agreement to sell ~1,844 acres of land in Caroline County, Virginia, to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Board of Game and Inland Fisheries. The purchase price for the property is $5,200,000. Co is also donating the value of minerals and aggregates. The agreement of sale is subject to certain contingencies including satisfactory completion of the buyer's inspection period, review of the appraisal, federal government funding and additional government approvals. The contract expires if not completed before September 21, 2010. The Company's book value of the property is $222,000. If the sale closes, the Company may use the proceeds in a 1031 exchange for the purchase of real estate.
13:58  IWM iShares Russell 2000 and IWM join S&P 500 in test of its 200 day ema -Technical-

(Click for chart).
13:45  SPY S&P 500 tests 200 ema for first time since the July breakout at 1046 -Update- -Technical-

(Click for chart).
13:36  SPY S&P 500 brings slide off Jan high to 100 points -- session low 1050 -Update- -Technical-

Its 200 day ema comes into play today at 1046.
13:33  UUP Dollar Index holds above intraday support, edging back toward session high at 80.61 -Update- -Technical-

(see Dollar Index chart is 12:39 update).
13:32  COMDX COMEX Metals Closing Prices

April gold ended off $9.50 to $1053.20, March silver shed 47 cents to close at $14.88 and March copper finished down 2.15 cents to $2.8575.
13:31  MCD McDonald's slides to new session low of 62.96 under midday trough, its 50 day sma comes in at 62.76 (62.96 -1.09) -Technical-

 
13:29  UPS UPS flirts with its late Nov range lows near 56.50 -- session low 56.54 (5.58 -0.71) -Technical-

Note that its 200 day ema comes into play at 56.11.
13:28  TLCR Talecris Biotherapeutics receives orphan drug designation for aerosolized alpha1-proteinase inhibitor to treat alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency (22.39 -0.88)

Co announces that it was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for the development of an aerosol formulation of Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor to treat congenital alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. AAT deficiency is a chronic, hereditary condition that increases the risk of certain diseases, especially emphysema, which typically emerges in the fourth decade of life. Currently, there are no approved, inhaled treatments available for the treatment of AAT deficiency.
13:17  COMDX Natural gas gives up all of its gains to trade into negative territory; now off a penny to $5.406

 
13:11  TIN Temple-Inland increases quarterly dividend by 10% to $0.11 per common share (16.21 -0.58)

 
13:11  SPY S&P 500 -8.1 dips to minor new session low, Dow -70 and Nasdaq -4.7 still holding above -Update- -Technical-

Relative weakness in recent trade (underperforming the S&P) Finance XLF / RKH, Housing XHB, REITs IYR, Coal KOL, Steel SLX, Ag/Chem MOO.
13:03  Moody's upgrades GMAC to B3 with a stable rating outlook; maintains ResCap's C rating

 
12:45  VXX Sector ETF strength & weakness here @ midday trading -Technical-

Actively Traded Leading Sector ETF Plays:
VIX volatility- VXX +3%, Nat gas- UNG +1.25%, Semis- SMH +1%, IGW -.75%, Livestock commods- COW +.85%, US Dollar index- UUP +.75%, iShares real estate & REITS- ICF +.5%, IYR +.5%, Gold miners- GDX +.5%, SPDRS basic materials- XLB +.25%, SPDRS tech- XLK +.25%

Actively Traded Lagging Sector ETF Plays:
RBOB gas- UGA -4%, Heating oil- UHN -3.5%, Crude/WTI oil- USO -3.25%, OIL -3.5%, Silver- SLV -3.5%, Global shippers- SEA -3%, Commods- GSG -3%, DBC -2.25%, iShares S Korea- EWY -2.5%, iShares Brazil- EWZ -2.5%, Emerging mkts- EEM -2.5%, Solar power- TAN -2.5%, China 25- FXI -2.25%, Oil HLDRS- OIH -2%
12:41  BHI Baker Hughes reports Jan international rig count of 1047, up 23 from the 1024 in December and up 3 from 1044 a year ago (43.40 -1.82)

 
12:39  UUP Dollar Index advance gets market's attention -Update- -Technical-

The S&P had maintained a very tight inverse relationship with the Dollar Index for months as the latter dropped steeply off its March 2009 peak.  The first leg up in the Dollar off the 52-wk low in Nov did not trigger pressure in the S&P as it instead drifted sideways for several weeks.  The Jan slide in the Dollar Index alleviated pressure with the S&P able to reach a new 52-wk high.  However, the Dollar held at its 50 day averages and has rebounded aggressively over the last several weeks with this second leg apparently eliciting more interest in the stock market (Click for chart).  Intraday watching the 80.40/80.30 support area in the Dollar as it slips back off the high (80.61).  A posture above would leave the door open for a run back to the high with next resistance at 80.82/80.88 (equality target and July peak). 
12:32  SPY NYSE volume pacing ahead of yesterdays tally thus far, NASDAQ well below-- See volume charts -Technical-

Three hours into today's trading session, the NYSE trading volume is pacing ahead of yesterday's above average totals which signalled very aggressive bearish distribution by mutual funds, hedge funds, & institutions. With the SPX down nearly -.50%%, we could be seeing a follow-through bearish price/volume pattern relationship. Conversely, the NASDAQ volume is noticeably below yesterday's tally thus far in the session, signalling a potential ease in the bearish selling pressure exhibited yesterday.
As of 12:30ET, nearly 624m shares have changed hands on NYSE vs. yesterday's 594M, while on NASDAQ, 1.31b shares have traded vs. the 1.41B seen yesterday.

NYSE 60 min volume chart
NASDAQ 60 min volume chart
11:52  ZBB ZBB Energy announces retirement of COO and new, expanded roles for key executives (1.27 -0.03)

Co announced that, Steven A. Seeker, Chief Operating Officer of the Company, announced his retirement. In connection with his retirement, the Company has entered into agreement with Mr. Seeker that employment with the Company will end effective June 30, 2010 and that prior to such retirement, Seeker will be on a paid leave of absence from the Company. Co also announced today that, Scott Scampini, ZBB's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial officer was appointed to the additional position of Executive Vice President Operations.
11:48  COMDX Gold and silver set fresh lows, at $1045.50 and $14.65 respectively, as the dollar index surges to fresh highs

Gold is now off $17.00 to $1046.10; silver is lower by 68 cents to $14.67.
11:44  COMDX Crude oil now trading below the $70 level; currently down $3.45 to $69.67

Weakness in crude oil is reigning in the rally in natural gas. Nat gas has now given back almost all of its earlier gains and is trading up 4.4 cents to $5.46.
11:44  SPY New low Dow -92 and S&P -8, Nasdaq -8.7 hovering just above -Update- -Technical-

 
11:36  COMDX Crude oil notches fresh lows at $70.69, its worst levels since Dec 16, 2009, as the dollar index trades to fresh highs; crude now off $2.22 to $70.92

 
11:36  SPY Stock indices slip back off rebound highs as Dollar Index retests highs and Financials falter -- Dow -61, S&P -5.9, Nasdaq -2.4 -Update- -Technical-

 
11:30  COMDX Crude oil drops sharply to its lowest levels of the session at $71.75; now down $1.03 to $72.11

 
11:23  Rumor Round Up

We ended the week with another slow rumor session. At the open renewed takeover chatter circulated on Human Genome (HGSI 26.44 +0.34), with Amgen (AMGN 57.41 -0.12) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK 37.91 -0.57) the speculated acquirers. Potash (POT 102.07 +0.18) was also rumored to be hearing interest from BHP Billiton (BHP 68.12 -0.25). We note POT takeover chatter has been circulated in the past and the stock has not reacted to the rumor. As mentioned before, while many rumors circulate during the day, and the validity of the source of these rumors can be questionable, the speculation may increase volatility in the near term.
11:22  PEP PepsiCo shares slide to session lows as price probes notable technical price support here surrounding the 59.00 mark (59.16 -.48) -Technical-

The late Jan. swing/tail low stands @ 59.12 & converges almost to the tick with the 200-day EMA here. Also note the mid-Dec. swing low in play just below current levels @ 58.77.
PEP LoD now @ 59.09 & notably underperforming the SPX @ -.8% vs. -.25%
11:15  COF Capital One sets minor new session low of 34.88, hovering above yesterday's low at 34.85 (34.93 -0.01) -Technical-

Note that if follow through develops, its 200 day ema and Jan/four month low come into play at 34.68/34.65.
11:10  GLD streetTRACKS Gold Shares stabilizes near top of Nov gap at 103.25 -- session low 103.18 (103.77 -0.60) -Technical-

However, only a minor lift after flirting with the upper end of the Nov gap has been noted thus far.  Secondary support is at the bottom of the gap at 102.66.  It hit 104.15 on the initial rebound and drifted so watching this area (also includes 50 sma/ema 5 min chart) to see if follow through interest can develop -- GG, AEM, FCX, ABX, NEM, KGC, AU, IAG, GFI, HMY.
10:55  WTW Weight Watchers settles lawsuit with Jenny Craig (28.40 -0.32)

Co announced it has settled its legal dispute with Jenny Craig. Under the terms of the settlement, Jenny Craig has permanently agreed to terminate its advertising campaign, which made false and misleading claims about the success of their program versus the Weight Watchers program. On January 19, 2010, Weight Watchers filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York charging that Jenny Craig's advertising campaign featured false and misleading claims. The Court granted Weight Watchers' request for a temporary restraining order prohibiting Jenny Craig from broadcasting, publishing or disseminating its deceptive advertisements.
10:35  UNG Sector ETF strength & weakness through today's 1st hour of trading -Technical-

Actively Traded Leading Sector ETF Plays:
UNG +2.75%, iShares real estate & REITS- IYR +2%, ICF +2%, Semis- SMH +1.75%, IGW +1.25%, Regional banks- KRE +1%, RKH +.75%, Basic materials- XLB +.75%, IYM +.5%, iShares US broker/dealers- IAI +1%, SPDRS metals/mining- XME +.75%, Financials- XLF +.75%, IYF +.75%, Commercial banks- KBE +1%, SPDRS tech- XLK +1%

Actively Traded Lagging Sector ETF Plays:
Global shippers- SEA -2.25%, US airlines- FAA -2.25%, India- INP -1.75%, iShares Brazil- EWZ -1.75%, iShares S Korea- EWY -1.75%, SIlver- SLV -1.5%, Emerging mkts- EEM -1.25%, China 25- FXI -1.25%, Base metals- DBB -1%, Coal- KOL -1%, Solar power- TAN -1%, Oil HLDRS- OIH -1%
10:29  UUP Dollar Index and UUP stall on retest of morning highs, helps to underpin Energy/Commodity in recent action -Technical-

 
10:29  LRCX NASDAQ 100 (NDX) leaders & laggards moving thorugh today's 1st hour of trading -Technical-

NDX 100 Best % Performers:
LRCX +1.5%, ROST +1.5%, INTC +1.25%, AAPL +1.25%, BRCM +1.25%, KLAC +1.25%, INTU +1%, ORCL +1.25%

NDX 100 Worst % Performers:
FWLT -5.25%, LBTAY -3.25%, ILMN -3%, LOGI -2%, VRTX -2%, RYAAY -1.75%, HOLX -1.5%, JOYG -1.25%, STX -1%, NRG -1.5%, AKAM -1%

NASDAQ TRIN @ +.50
NASDAQ A/D @ -455
10:28  SMH Intraday relative sector strength on bounce attempt -Update- -Technical-

Outperforming the S&P as it lifts slightly off support (see 10:20, 10:08) are Semi SMH, Retail XRT, Internet HHH, Housing XHB, REITs IYR, Gold Miners GDX, Coal KOL, Steel SLX, Materials XLB, Energy XLE.
10:24  TRV Dow (INDU) leaders & laggards moving through today's 1st hour of trading -Technical-

INDU Best % Performers:
TRV +1.25%, CSCO +1%, DD +1%, INTC +1%, AXP +.5%, MSFT +.75%

INDU Worst % Performers:
GE -2%, BA -2%, CVX -1.25%, KFT -1%, MMM -1%, UTX -1%, DIS -1%

NYSE TRIN @ +.75
NYSE A/D @ -1445
10:20  SPY S&P vacillating near support but no interest evident yet -Update- -Technical-

As noted in The Technical Take the high TRIN close yesterday suggests potential for a near term bounce attempt even if some follow through pressure developed. The S&P has held near first level supports highlighted (1056/1054, session low 1055) but interest has been minimal. Intraday the first steps to improving the bias for the S&P would be a breach of 1061/1062 and the more important 1066/1067 zone.
10:08  SPY Choppy weaker bias with S&P and Nasdaq testing first level supports -Update- -Technical-

The bias has been weaker with only limited bounce attempts leaving the S&P and Nasdaq back near first level supports mentioned in The Technical Take at 2114/2111 Nasdaq (session low 2113), 1056/1054 S&P (session low 1055).
10:06  XLE Energy Select Sector ETF slides to lows here as well as price probes rising 200-day SMA support @ 53.30 (53.41 -.82) -Update- -Technical-

XLE -1.5% vs SPX -.65%
10:00  SPY Minor new session lows for stock indices but pressure contained thus far -- Dow -44, S&P -4.4, Nasdaq -7.2 -Update- -Technical-

 
09:54  OIH Oil Service HOLDRS Trust continues to weaken, hovering modestly above its 200 day ema at 115.05-- session low 115.44 (115.44 -1.34) -Technical-

BHI, BJS, CAM, DO, ESV, HAL, NBR, NE, NOV, RDC, RIG, SII, SLB, TDW, WFT.
09:51  TECHX Transports Index -TRAN- does not participate in bounce, slips under yesterday's low and its 200 day ema at 3813/3809 (3800 -13) -Technical-

 
09:45  IYR iShares DJ Real Estate & ICF REITS ETF show some early recovery strength (43.15 +.38) -Technical-

IYR +1%, ICF +1% vs. SPX +.10%
09:45  SPY Drop just modestly under yesterday's low finds some buy side interest -- Dow +2.2, S&P +0.9, Nasdaq +2.7 -Update- -Technical-

Seeing early relative strength in Finance XLF +1%, Reg Bank KRE +2.2%, Bank KBE +1.3%, REITs IRY +1%, Materials XLB +0.6%.
09:42  XLE Energy Select Sector pulls back near its early Oct gap top at 53.83 and rebounds -- session low 53.75 (54.09 -0.14) -Technical-

It is notable that the lower end of this gap (53.34) lines up with the 200 day sma (53.31).
09:36  TECHX IYE energy ETF probes session lows into 200 day- SMA rising support here @ 31.41 (31.40 -.21) -Technical-

 
09:36  SPY Stock indices falter after limited opening upticks -- Dow -30, S&P -1.7, Nasdaq +1.4 -Update- -Technical-

 
09:34  HUM Humana gaps down, holding above its 50 day sma 45.52 -- session low 45.65 (45.87 -1.30) -Technical-

 
09:33  NKE Nike shares dip to opening lows with price probing 4 month range low resistance surrounding the 62~61.75 key support floor (62.03 -.06) -Technical-

LoD @ 62
09:25  ONP Orient Paper announces unaudited preliminary results for FY09; revenue increased 57% y/y to $102.1 mln (no estimate); reaffirms 2010 net income guidance (9.95 )

Co announces unaudited preliminary results for the year ended December 31, 2009. Total revenue increased 57%, to approximately $102.1 mln from $65.2 million in the year ended Dec. 31, 2008. Full year 2009 unaudited net income was approximately $12.5 mln, or unaudited $1.03 per diluted share, up 43% from $8.8 mln, or $0.81 per diluted share, for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008. Co states, "In fiscal 2009, demand outpaced our production capacity, which resulted in a 57% increase in revenue. Our profitability significantly increased in the full year of 2009, attributable to growth in repeat orders from our current customer base, as well as the addition of new clients. We remain confident that we will continue to achieve strong business growth in 2010, and are confident we will achieve our make good guidance of $18.0 million in net income in fiscal 2010."
09:21  On The Wires

Bank of America (BAC) issued its Q4 Lending & Investing Initiative Report, noting the extension of more than $758 billion in credit during 2009, including nearly $180 billion during the fourth quarter... Accuray (ARAY) announced that more than 12,000 courses of lung cancer treatment have been completed with CyberKnife radiosurgery.
09:20  ASR Grupo Aeroportuario Del Sureste says total passenger traffic for Jan 2010 decreased by 4.6% when compared to Jan 2009 (47.74 )

 
09:10  MPR Met-Pro Corp's environmental air solutions business unit receives equipment orders totaling in excess of $1.0 mln (9.19 )

 
09:01  EPL Energy Partners increases FY10 production guidance; borrowing base under $125 mln Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility has been reaffirmed (8.62 )

Co reports that it expects to exceed 4Q09 production guidance and has increased its full year 2010 production guidance. EPL also announced its borrowing base under its $125 mln Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility has been reaffirmed. As previously announced, the company had three rig operations underway in 4Q09 on the Gulf of Mexico shelf. The operations on all three wells, which were completed just prior to or after the end of 2009, were successful and the production from the program significantly enhanced 4Q09 production averages and expectations for 2010 production averages. As a result, the company estimates its 4Q09 production was approximately 13,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day, slightly above the production guidance given for 4Q09 of 12,500 to 13,500 boe per day. The company also estimated that 1Q10 production should average between 14,000 and 16,000 boe per day. Additionally, the company increased its full year 2010 production guidance to 13,000 to 15,000 boe per day from the previous range of 12,500 to 13,500 boe per day.
08:57  SPY E~mini index futures post positive results now & with fair value calculations post even stronger gains, led by the NQ e~mini -Technical-

ES +1.50
NQ +8.25
YM +17
08:36  On The Wires

Regenerex (RGN) announces that a research team in Washington, D.C. has found that dystrophin-deficient Mdx mice, treated twice a week for six months with Tb4, showed a significant increase in skeletal muscle regenerating fibers compared to untreated mice. No effects related to muscle function or fibrosis and no adverse reactions were observed in the mice... ZOLL Medical Corporation (ZOLL) announces that SAMU Brasilia has equipped its ambulances with the AutoPulse Non-Invasive Cardiac Support Pump. SAMU Brasilia has installed AutoPulse units in its fleet of ambulances, one for each vehicle plus four spare training boards, in a contract valued at $500,000 (U.S.). The AutoPulse was granted health clearance in January 2009 and is the only automatic chest compression system available for sale in Brazil.
08:35  SPY E~minis see some upside momentum here & trade @ the best levels since 2:00a.m. ET here, NQ e~mini the relative strength leader vs. peers -Technical-

ES -2.50
NQ now +3.75
08:32  DMAN Demandtec announces distribution of stock by Crosspoint Venture Partners (6.00 )

Co announces that after the close of stock market trading on Feb 4, 2010, it received notice from James Dorrian, a managing member of Crosspoint Venture Partners 2000, that two of Crosspoint's venture funds, Crosspoint Venture Partners 2000, L.P. and Crosspoint Venture Partners 2000, had distributed to its limited and general partners an aggregate of approximately 6.0 mln shares of DemandTec's common stock after market close on Feb. 4, 2010.
08:32  NNN National Retail Properties misses by $0.02, beats on revs (19.96 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.36 per share, $0.02 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.38; revenues rose 0.5% year/year to $57.8 mln vs the $55.9 mln consensus. "NNN remains well positioned and our previously issued 2010 guidance is not impacted by the non-cash impairments taken this quarter. Our high quality net leased retail portfolio is 96.4% occupied and has remained at least 96% leased for the last seven years. Our balance sheet is extremely strong which will allow us to take advantage of acquisition opportunities as they become available. While the acquisition volume has not been robust, we are encouraged with the quality of the opportunities that we are seeing."
08:31  SPY E~mini index futures near GLOBEX lows but hold in very active & illiquid trade following Jan. Nonfarm payrolls data -Technical-

ES -8.5
NQ -7.50
YM -71
08:31  TEVA Teva Pharm announces settlement in principle regarding certain drug pricing lawsuits; will record a charge of ~$315 mln in 4Q09 results (57.92 )

Co announces that several of its subsidiaries in the United States reached a settlement in principle to resolve claims brought by Ven-A-Care of the Florida Keys, on behalf of the United States, Texas, Florida, and California under federal and state False Claims Acts. The cases, which are pending in federal and state courts, generally allege that the prices reported by pharmaceutical companies caused governments to pay inflated reimbursements for drugs under Medicaid or other programs. Teva denies the allegations. Upon execution of definitive settlement documents and certain government and court approvals, the settlement will resolve a lawsuit relating to federal contributions to all state Medicaid programs and claims of Texas, Florida, and California relating to their Medicaid programs. The settlement will eliminate the majority of the alleged damages asserted against Teva in the various drug pricing litigations. Teva will record a charge of approximately $315 mln in its fourth quarter, 2009 results. This charge includes both the settlement in principle and a reserve for the remaining drug pricing lawsuits to which Teva is a party.
08:27  ECONX Reminder: Employment Report is out in 3 minutes... DJ futures -39, S&P futures -5

 
08:16  ECONX Reminder: Jobs report due out in about 14 min at 8:30ET

 
08:08  AXL American Axle beats by $0.02, reports revs in-line; guides FY10 revs below consensus (43.53 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.14 per share, excluding multiple items, $0.02 better than the First Call consensus of $0.12; revenues fell 7.8% year/year to $464 mln vs the $459.5 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of $1.9-$2.1 bln vs. $2.18 bln consensus. Co expects to be profitable and generate EBITDA in the range of 12% to 15% of sales in 2010. AAM expects cash payments for restructuring costs to range from $40-$50 mln in 2010. These payments relate primarily to AXL's remaining obligations under hourly and salaried attrition programs and the Buydown Program for UAW represented associates at AAM's Detroit, Michigan; Three Rivers, Michigan; and Cheektowaga, New York manufacturing facilities. AXL's updated 2010 outlook is based on the assumption that the U.S. Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate of light vehicle sales increases from approximately 10.4 mln vehicle units in 2009 to a range of 11- 11.5 mln vehicle units in 2010.
08:08  HA Hawaiian Airlines reports January statistics; RPMs increased 2.2% year/year; load factor increased 3.9 pts year/year (6.08 )

Co announces that RPMs increased to 661,560 in January 2010 from 647,616 in January 2009, a 2.2% increase. Load factor increased 3.9 pts to 82.2% in January 2010 from 78.3% in January 2009. ASMs decreased to 804,896 from 827,302, a decrease of 2.7% and PAX increased to 668,737 in January 2010 from 637,946 January 2009, an increase of 4.8%.
08:04  SEP Spectra Energy LP misses by $0.06, beats on revs (29.32 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.39 per share, $0.06 worse than the First Call consensus of $0.45; revenues rose 57.2% year/year to $52.2 mln vs the $49.4 mln consensus. The increase in net income and earnings per limited partner unit for the quarter resulted primarily from the $294.5 million acquisition of Ozark Gas Transmission and Ozark Gas Gathering in May 2009 and the strong performance across Spectra Energy Partners' other operations. Spectra Energy Partners is also announcing its 2010 financial outlook which includes estimated cash available for distribution of $175 million and estimated expansion capital expenditures of $60 million.
08:03  PSMT PriceSmart announced that for the month of Jan 2010, net sales increased 9.2% to $106.4 mln (20.02 )

Co announced that for the month of January 2010, net sales increased 9.2% to $106.4 million from $97.4 million in January a year earlier. For the five months ended January 31, 2010, net sales increased 5.7% to $567.1 million from $536.7 million in the same period last year. There were 26 warehouse clubs in operation at the end of January 2010 compared to 25 warehouse clubs in operation in January 2009. For the four weeks ended January 24, 2010, comparable warehouse sales for the 26 warehouse clubs open at least 12 full months increased 5.8% compared to the same four-week period last year. For the twenty-one week period ended January 24, 2010, comparable warehouse sales increased 1.9% compared to the comparable twenty-one week period a year ago.
08:01  AVII AVI BioPharma drug candidate AVI-5038 receives European Orphan Drug Designation for duchenne muscular dystrophy (1.42 )

The co announces that it received an orphan drug designation from the Committee for Orphan Medical Products of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for AVI-5038, a drug candidate being developed by AVI for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a genetic muscle-wasting disease caused by failure to produce dystrophin. The orphan drug designation potentially may provide AVI up to 10 years of market exclusivity if the drug candidate is approved for marketing in the European Union (EU). AVI-4658, another drug being developed by AVI for DMD, received European orphan drug designation in 2008, and also potentially may receive up to 10 years of marketing exclusivity if approved in the EU.
08:01  ZN Zion Oil & Gas to resume operations on its Ma'anit-Rehoboth #2 Well (5.00 )

The co announces that the Company is mobilizing its drilling rig, currently situated at the Elijah #3 well, to resume production testing operations on the Ma'anit-Rehoboth #2 well as soon as possible within approximately two weeks.
08:01  TSTC Telestone Tech reaffirms FY09 revs of $70 mln (13.89 )

Co reaffirms guidance for 2009, sees revenue of $70 mln (no estimates). "The pace of network installations for the nationwide 3G roll-out accelerated significantly during 2009," opened Chairman and CEO, Mr. Han Daqing. "The fourth quarter of 2009 was the largest contributor of our revenue for the year and consistent with our expectations. We are confident in achieving our revenue guidance of $70 mln for 2009, which will be a record for our company. We also made further progress during the quarter in collecting long-term receivables from our previous customers who were subsequently absorbed by the remaining "Big 3" Wireless Carrier."
08:01  FOLD Amicus Therapeutics Board of Directors names Chief Executive Officer John Crowley Chairman of the Board (3.61 )

The co announces that its Board of Directors has elected John Crowley as Chairman of the Board in addition to his current role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Mr. Crowley will succeed Donald Hayden, Jr., who will become the Lead Independent Director of the Board.
08:01  ARTG Art Technology prices a public offering of 25,000,000 shares of its common stock at $3.50 per share (3.73 )

 
07:54  COMDX Natural gas trades to its best levels of the morning at $5.564; currently higher by 12.2 cents to $5.538

 
07:50  AIG American Intl: ILFC CEO Steven Udvar-Hazy to retire (22.59 )

The co and International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) announce that Steven Udvar-Hazy will retire as director and chief executive officer of ILFC, effective February 5, 2010. The ILFC Board is considering the long-term management of ILFC, and President John Plueger will succeed Mr. Udvar-Hazy as acting CEO. Mr. Benmosche said that AIG expects a smooth transition. Mr. Plueger has worked at ILFC for 23 years and has served as its President and Chief Operating Officer since 1995.
07:48  BPL Buckeye Partners beats by $0.11, beats on revs (55.50 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $1.03 per share, excluding $0.14 in special items, $0.11 better than the First Call consensus of $0.92; revenues rose 9.7% year/year to $579 mln vs the $441.3 mln consensus. Buckeye also announced today that its general partner, Buckeye GP LLC, declared a cash distribution of $0.9375 per LP unit for the quarter ended December 31, 2009 (up 5.6% YoY). "Despite lower volumes in our Pipeline Operations and Terminalling and Storage segments, we generated an 18 percent increase in Adjusted EBITDA during the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the same quarter in 2008. We continue to identify opportunities to grow and strengthen our business. In mid-November 2009, we completed the previously announced acquisition of 310 miles of refined petroleum products pipelines and three refined petroleum products terminals from ConocoPhillips and integrated these strategic assets into our business."
07:45  BTIM BioTime, Inc. reported recently-released results from an independent study evaluating the use of Hextend (5.29 )

Co reported recently-released results from an independent study evaluating the use of Hextend in hemodynamically unstable trauma patients. The study reported that initial resuscitation with Hextend was associated with no obvious coagulopathy and reduced mortality compared to fluid resuscitation without Hextend. Results of the study showed that overall mortality for the patients treated with Hextend was significantly lower at 5.2 percent compared to 8.9 percent (p=0.0035) for the patients receiving fluid resuscitation without Hextend. Additionally, similar benefits were seen in penetrating injuries (p=0.0016) and in those severely injured.
07:37  TSN Tyson Foods beats by $0.24, reports revs in-line (13.99 )

Reports Q1 (Dec) earnings of $0.42 per share, $0.24 better than the First Call consensus of $0.18; revenues rose 1.7% year/year to $6.63 bln vs the $6.58 bln consensus. Co states that, "We expect seasonal demand will improve as we get further into fiscal 2010, and we expect the pricing environment to improve aided by cold storage inventories and pullet placements which are down relative to the levels we have seen over the last several years. We also currently expect to see grain costs down as compared to fiscal 2009. Additionally, we will continue to focus on making operational improvements to help maximize our margins."
07:37  KELYA Kelly Services beats by $0.29, beats on revs (13.25 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.06 per share, excluding 29 cent restructuring charge, $0.29 better than the First Call consensus of ($0.23); revenues fell 6.6% year/year to $1.19 bln vs the $1.05 bln consensus. "We look forward to 2010, and will focus on maximizing profitability across all operations; accelerating growth of higher-margin Professional & Technical disciplines and outsourcing and consulting services; winning new business; and helping our customers manage their ever-changing workforce needs."
07:33  LRN K12 beats by $0.17, misses on revs; guides FY10 revs in-line (19.11 )

Reports Q2 (Dec) earnings of $0.32 per share, $0.17 better than the First Call consensus of $0.15; revenues rose 20.1% year/year to $93.2 mln vs the $95.1 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FY10 revs of $380-$390 mln vs. $384.55 mln consensus. Co sees FY10 operating income of approximately $27 million to $31 million and EBITDA of approximately $56 million to $60 million. In addition, the company is forecasting for fiscal year 2010: Net income-K12 Inc. of approximately $14.6-$17.1 mln; Depreciation and amortization of approximately $28-$30 mln; Non-cash stock compensation expense of approximately $6.0- $6.5 mln; Interest expense, net of interest income of approximately $1.0-$1.2 mln.
07:32  TE TECO Energy reports EPS in-line, misses on revs; guides FY10 EPS in-line (15.17 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) earnings of $0.25 per share, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.25; revenues fell 0.6% year/year to $765 mln vs the $906 mln consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees EPS of $1.20-1.35 vs. $1.31 consensus. "We're seeing some early signs of an economic recovery in Florida, particularly in the housing market, but we expect 2010 to be another challenging year for the State's economy. Our unregulated coal and Guatemalan operations are well-positioned to deliver improved results in 2010 as a result of their 2009 efforts."
07:12  TM Toyota Motor: S&P places Toyota and group suppliers on watch negative (71.78 ) -Update-

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services today placed its 'AA' long-term corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Japan-based automaker Toyota Motor Corp. (Toyota) and a number of related entities, including Toyota Financial Services Corp. (TFS), Toyota Finance Corp., and Toyota Motor Credit Corp. (TMCC). We also placed our long-term corporate credit ratings on Toyota group suppliers, Denso Corp. (Denso), Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd. (Aisin), and Toyota Industries Corp. (Toyota Industries) on CreditWatch with negative implications, as well as our 'A-1+' short-term rating on Toyota Industries. At the same time, we affirmed our short-term ratings on Toyota, Denso, and Aisin. The CreditWatch placements reflect Standard & Poor's increased concern over the potential negative impact on Toyota's business risk profile of unfolding developments related to recent quality-related issues. A series of Toyota's recent quality-related issues, which started with unintended acceleration caused by non-genuine floor mats and followed by the January recall of the acceleration pedals, has now expanded to include negative publicity over customer complaints about the brake system for the Prius hybrid model, particularly in Japan and the U.S.
07:04  AIV Apt Inv & Mgt reports EPS in-line, beats on revs; guides Q1 FFO below consensus; guides FY10 FFO in-line (15.26 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.36 per share, excluding non-recurring items, in-line with the First Call consensus of $0.36; revenues fell 0.5% year/year to $302.8 mln vs the $295.7 mln consensus. Co issues downside guidance for Q1, sees FFO of $0.26-$0.30 vs. $0.32 consensus. Co issues in-line guidance for FY10, sees FFO of $1.25-$1.35 vs. $1.26 consensus.
07:02  BPO Brookfield Properties beats by $0.11, beats on revs (12.21 )

Reports Q4 (Dec) funds from operations of $0.43 per share, $0.11 better than the First Call consensus of $0.32; revenues rose 14.1% year/year to $816 mln vs the $548 mln consensus.  Co also said "We are beginning to see positive signs within the office industry, and given our high-quality tenant base, our 95% occupancy rate and our low near-term lease rollover exposure, we are well positioned to benefit as the economic recovery takes hold."

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