UPS und DOWNS bei den AMI-Werten! [Archiv] - Seite 2 - TRENDINVEST - Das Börsenforum zu Aktien, Trading und Investment

actr

08.02.2006, 14:44

Pioneer Reports Fourth Quarter 2005 Results

DALLAS, Feb 08, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD) today announced financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2005.
For the fourth quarter of 2005, Pioneer reported net income of $141 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, an increase of 38% over net income for the same period last year of $102 million, or $.69 per diluted share. Income from continuing operations was $140 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $98 million, or $.66 per diluted share, for the same period in 2004.

Cash flow from operations for the fourth quarter was $372 million compared to $337 million for the same period in 2004. The increase in operating cash flow is attributable to higher prices for oil, gas and natural gas liquids partially offset by cost increases.

During 2005, Pioneer repurchased 20 million shares under announced share repurchase programs for $940 million, including $641 million of the $650 million share repurchase program announced on September 1 for execution during 2005. A $300 million repurchase program was concluded earlier in the year. An additional $350 million share repurchase program is expected to be initiated if the divestitures of Argentina and deepwater Gulf of Mexico assets are successful.

Fourth quarter oil and gas sales averaged 170,619 barrels oil equivalent per day (BOEPD). Fourth quarter oil sales averaged 44,609 barrels per day (BPD) and natural gas liquids sales averaged 21,421 BPD. Gas sales in the fourth quarter averaged 628 million cubic feet per day (MMcfpd). Fourth quarter reported prices for oil and natural gas liquids were $39.15 and $37.41 per barrel, respectively. The worldwide reported price for gas was $6.72 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). North American reported gas prices averaged $8.37 per Mcf.

Fourth quarter production costs averaged $7.55 per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE). Exploration and abandonment costs were $83 million for the quarter and included $23 million of dry hole and abandonments associated primarily with an unsuccessful well in the Falcon area of the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and unsuccessful wells in Argentina, $28 million of geologic and geophysical expenses including seismic costs and $32 million of delay rentals, unproved acreage abandonments and other related costs.

For the same quarter last year, adjusted to exclude discontinued operations from asset sales, Pioneer reported oil and gas sales of 185,420 BOEPD, including oil sales of 47,459 BPD, natural gas liquids sales of 21,287 BPD and gas sales of 700 MMcfpd. Reported prices for fourth quarter 2004 were $35.96 per barrel for oil, $30.68 per barrel for natural gas liquids and $4.42 per Mcf for gas. North American gas prices averaged $5.24 per Mcf.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, net income was $535 million, or $3.80 per diluted share, compared to $313 million, or $2.46 per diluted share for the prior year. Income from continuing operations was $424 million, or $3.02 per diluted share, compared to income from continuing operations of $299 million, or $2.35 per diluted share, for the same period in 2004. Cash flow from operations for 2005 was a record $1.3 billion compared to $1.1 billion in 2004.

Full year 2005 oil and gas sales averaged 175,571 BOEPD, including oil sales of 44,087 BPD, natural gas liquids sales of 19,729 BPD and gas sales of 671 MMcfpd. Reported prices for 2005 were $37.22 per barrel for oil, $32.22 per barrel for natural gas liquids and $5.66 per Mcf for gas, while North American gas prices averaged $6.88 per Mcf.

Full year 2004 oil and gas sales averaged 177,223 BOEPD, including oil sales of 44,982 BPD, natural gas liquids sales of 21,649 BPD and gas sales of 664 MMcfpd. Reported prices for 2004 were $31.60 per barrel for oil, $25.54 per barrel for natural gas liquids and $4.30 per Mcf for gas, while North American gas prices averaged $5.12 per Mcf.

Pioneer's financial results and oil and gas hedges are outlined on the attached schedules. The Company will defer providing guidance ranges for future oil and gas production and operating and other costs until the results of the Gulf of Mexico asset divestiture are known.

Operations Update

During 2005, Pioneer drilled a total of 820 wells, 87% of which were in North America, and had 157 successful wells in the process of being completed and brought on production at the end of the year.

In 2006, Pioneer will significantly increase its drilling activities onshore North America. Most of the onshore program targets resource plays in the U.S. and Canada and includes development of existing fields as well as several pilots to test new plays. The Company will also be active throughout 2006 on two longer-term development projects approved over the last five months, the South Coast gas project offshore South Africa and the Oooguruk oil field development offshore the North Slope of Alaska. Exploration wells are currently drilling in Alaska and offshore Nigeria, and Pioneer also expects increased activity on its acreage in Tunisia this year.

actr

08.02.2006, 14:51

ICE Futures Achieves Record Exchange-Wide Volume February 7 New ICE WTI Crude Futures Contract Volume Exceeds 45,000 Contracts

ATLANTA, Feb 08, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- IntercontinentalExchange (NYSE: ICE), the leading electronic energy marketplace, today reported record exchange-wide volume yesterday at its ICE Futures subsidiary. On Tuesday, February 7, total ICE Futures volume reached 364,064 contracts, exceeding by 21.5% the prior daily record set on January 11, 2006 of 299,585 contracts, and marking the first time that daily exchange volume has exceeded 300,000 contracts.
The record day included 45,962 contracts traded in ICE Futures' ICE West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude futures contract, which was launched on Friday, February 3. The volume that day of 38,633 contracts represented the best first-day volume of any product in the exchange's history. Open interest in ICE WTI Crude futures stood at 30,513 contracts at the close of trading on February 7.

Excluding ICE Futures' recently launched WTI crude futures contract, exchange volume reached 318,102 contracts, exceeding the prior record by 6.2%. Exchange-wide open interest at the close of business stood at 721,434.

Also on Tuesday, the IPE Gas Oil futures contract recorded its second highest volume day, reaching 93,857 contracts compared to its most recent record of 94,646 contracts established January 11, 2006. Open interest in Gas Oil stood at 232,303 at the end of trading on February 7.

About IntercontinentalExchange

IntercontinentalExchange(R) (NYSE: ICE) operates the leading electronic global futures and OTC marketplace for trading energy commodity contracts, including crude oil and refined products, natural gas, power and emissions. ICE conducts its markets for futures trading through its regulated subsidiary, ICE Futures (formerly the International Petroleum Exchange, or IPE), Europe's leading energy futures and options exchange. ICE also offers a range of risk management and trading support services, including cleared OTC contracts, electronic trade confirmations and energy market data. ICE's common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on November 16, 2005. ICE is based in Atlanta, Georgia with offices in Calgary, Chicago, Houston, London, New York and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.theice.com.

actr

08.02.2006, 14:53

REGAL-BELOIT Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share Increase 125% Fourth Quarter and Year 2005 Net Sales, Net Income and EPS Reach Record Levels

Feb 08, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- REGAL-BELOIT CORPORATION (NYSE: RBC) today reported continued strong increases in net sales and earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005. Net sales increased 69.5% to $376.2 million from $221.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. Net income increased 190.0% to $20.3 million as compared to $7.0 million in the comparable period of 2004. Diluted earnings per share increased 125% to $.63 compared to $.28 for the fourth quarter of 2004.
Incremental sales attributable to the HVAC motor and capacitor acquisitions completed on December 31, 2004 were $137.4 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2005. In the Electrical segment, sales increased 90.4% primarily driven by the HVAC business. Sales of generators and industrial motors were also very strong. Sales in the Mechanical segment increased modestly reflecting, in part, the impact of the sale of the Illinois Gear business in May 2005 that reduced segment sales by approximately $2.0 million for the quarter.

The gross profit margin for the fourth quarter of 2005 was 22.8%, which was an increase over the third quarter of 2005 and 250 basis points above the gross profit margin in the fourth quarter of 2004. Income from operations was $38.3 million or 10.2% of sales, a 194.6% increase over the $13.0 million or 5.9% of sales reported for the fourth quarter of 2004. Net income in the fourth quarter of 2005 was $20.3 million, a 190% increase from $7.0 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2004.

The Company's total debt decreased to $412.0 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2005 from $449.5 million at the end of the third quarter of 2005. The reduction in debt was due to a strong operating cash flow as well as the proceeds of $5.3 million from the sale of the Anaheim, California facility.

For the full year ended December 31, 2005, net sales increased 89% to $1.429 billion from $756.6 million in 2004. Incremental sales for the businesses acquired from General Electric in 2004 were $615 million. The sales decrease attributable to the sale of the Illinois Gear business was approximately $5.0 million. Net income for fiscal 2005 was $69.6 million, a 129% increase from $30.4 million reported for fiscal 2004. Diluted earnings per share were $2.25, an increase of 84% over the $1.22 reported in 2004.

"We are extremely pleased with our accomplishments in 2005 and excited about our prospects looking forward into 2006," said Henry W. Knueppel, CEO. "The businesses we acquired in 2004 from General Electric performed above our optimistic expectations and our legacy electrical businesses recorded impressive improvements in the fourth quarter. Even in the face of escalating commodity prices, we were able to deliver upon our financial commitments by accelerating productivity efforts and introducing innovative new products across nearly all segments of our business."

"As we look into 2006, we continue to see a positive sales environment, despite the inventory increases in the HVAC channel that occurred in the fourth quarter of 2005. We are projecting first quarter diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $.62 to $.68 per share. Moving into the future, we expect the continued execution of our strategic initiatives: Innovation, Lean Six Sigma, Globalization, Digitization and Customer Centricity, will continue to drive operating margins and ROIC toward our previously stated goals."

REGAL-BELOIT will be holding a telephone conference call pertaining to this news release at 1:00 PM CST (2:00 PM EST) on Wednesday, February 8, 2006. Interested parties should call 866-868-1109, access code 13843949. A replay of the call will be available through February 17, 2006 at 877-213-9653, access code 13843949.

REGAL-BELOIT CORPORATION is a leading manufacturer of mechanical and electrical motion control and power generation products serving markets throughout the world. REGAL-BELOIT is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin, and has manufacturing, sales, and service facilities throughout North America, and in Mexico, Europe and Asia.

actr

08.02.2006, 14:55

08.02.2006 14:43
US Vorbörse: Überwiegend grün

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actr

08.02.2006, 14:57

Delphi Debuts Four New CV Technologies at 2006 TMC

TROY, Mich., Feb 08, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Delphi Corp. will display four new innovative commercial vehicle products at next week's Technology and Maintenance Council's (TMC) 2006 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Tampa, Fla. Feb. 14-17.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO )

The new technologies, to be shown at Delphi's TMC exhibit (booth #614) at the Tampa Convention Center, include:

* Delphi's new premium CD/MP3 radio, developed specifically for commercial vehicle customers. The radio, which includes an integrated satellite receiver, features robust, digital-quality audio in a compact package at a very competitive price.

* Delphi's advanced roof module, which reflects the growing transition to fully-integrated packages and single-point supply. Market trends show an increased interest in moving from several stand-alone modules for in-vehicle functions to a single module -- one capable of integrating diverse and multiple functions. These modules can include, but are not limited to, microphones, internal/external warning cameras, temperature and rain sensors, and GPS antenna. Other functions can also be integrated, such as interior lighting, sun roof actuation and garage door controls, among others.

* The Delphi diesel reformer is a break-through technology that will provide light, medium, and heavy duty vehicle manufacturers with a compelling alternative to today's exhaust aftertreatment options to meet future emission standards. Delphi's on-board Diesel Fuel Reformer uses air to convert diesel fuel into a hydrogen-rich stream of gas called "Reformate" through a catalytic partial-oxidation process. With this advanced design, Delphi's reformer will help reduce cost and performance trade-offs while being robust enough to meet future emissions standards.

* Delphi's Halogen-Free Thin-Wall and Ultra Thin-Wall Cable, which will help truckmakers improve space utilization without sacrificing other vehicle features or encroaching on in-cabin flexibility allowing for greater design and packaging creativity.

actr

08.02.2006, 14:59

Momenta Pharmaceuticals to Present at the Deutsche Bank Small Cap Growth Conference

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb 08, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MNTA), a biotechnology company developing drugs based on its proprietary sugar sequencing technology, announced today that Steven B. Brugger, Senior Vice President, Strategic Business Operations, will present at the Deutsche Bank Small Cap Growth Conference on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 at 9:30 am EST at the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida. A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available on the "Investors" section of the Company's website located at http://www.momentapharma.com. A replay of the presentation will be posted on the Momenta website approximately thirty minutes after the event and will be available through March 15, 2006.
About Momenta:

Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in the detailed structural analysis and design of complex sugars for the development of improved versions of existing drugs, the development of novel drugs and the discovery of new biological processes. Momenta is also utilizing its ability to sequence sugars to create technology-enabled generic versions of sugar-based and complex drug products. The Company's most advanced product candidate is M-Enoxaparin, a technology-enabled generic version of Lovenox(R). Based on its understanding of complex sugars, Momenta has created a diversified pipeline of near-term product opportunities, novel development products and discovery candidates. Momenta was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Cambridge, MA.

To receive additional information about Momenta, please visit our website at http://www.momentapharma.com.

actr

08.02.2006, 15:03

U.S. FDA Accepts Part One of Bioniche Program for Phase III Clinical Trials with MCC for Bladder Cancer - Refractory Study Expected to Get Underway by the Second Quarter of Calendar 2006 -

BELLEVILLE, Ontario, Feb 08, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. (TSX: BNC), a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the first of two Phase III clinical trials using the Company's proprietary Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Approximately 142,000 patients in North America and Europe are newly- diagnosed with high-risk superficial bladder cancer each year. Approximately 96,000 of these are high-risk cases, of which 30%+/- are refractory to standard therapy.

In this first part of the Phase III program, 105 patients will be involved in an open-label study showing the efficacy of MCC as therapy in superficial bladder cancer refractory (unresponsive) to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). BCG is a live, attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis, the current standard therapy for bladder cancer, but one that is often associated with treatment- limiting side effects. This Bioniche study will be conducted in North America. Patient enrolment will commence in the second quarter of calendar 2006. This clinical trial is expected to take between three and four years to complete.

The FDA is currently reviewing the IND for the second part of the Company's Phase III program, in which approximately 600 patients will be involved in a randomized, double-blind, multi-centre study comparing MCC to BCG as first-line therapy in superficial bladder cancer at high risk of recurrence or progression. This study will take place in both North America and Europe. "We are optimistic that we will receive the go-ahead on this second part of our Phase III program shortly," said Dr. Francois Charette, Chief Medical Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. "In approving part one, the FDA has responded positively to our data package, including results of previous human and laboratory animal studies; the mode of action of MCC against bladder cancer; its safety profile: the schedule of treatment; and how it is manufactured."

"This is a significant event in the history of Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.," stated Graeme McRae, President & CEO. "We have been working with our proprietary mycobacterial cell wall technology since 1997, with the intent to develop it as a treatment for human cancers. Bladder cancer, our first indication, is a debilitating disease, affecting more than 140,000 people annually in North America and Europe."

Mycobacterial Cell Wall-DNA Complex (MCC) is formulated from Mycobacterium phlei, a non-pathogenic strain of mycobacteria. MCC has been shown to have immune stimulatory and apoptosis (programmed cell death) activity against cancer cells. The product is a sterile biological composition in a sub-micron suspension. The product is produced at the Bioniche manufacturing facility in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.

"We have conducted numerous studies with MCC over the past nine years," added Dr. Nigel Phillips, Chief Scientific Officer at Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. "MCC's anticancer activity appears to be independent of cell mutational status and does not appear to select for resistance in cancer cell lines. In addition, it has been shown to be effective against multi-drug resistant bladder cancer cells. It is a very impressive technology."

Phase II clinical studies were conducted with MCC as a treatment for bladder cancer. In one study, 55 patients were enrolled. All had been suffering from carcinoma in situ (CIS), one of the most aggressive forms of superficial bladder cancer. Their cancer was not responding to the standard treatments of superficial bladder cancer (BCG and/or chemotherapy). During the study, the patients received one of two doses of MCC -- either 4 mg or 8 mg -- with evaluation at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The complete response as demonstrated by cystoscopy, biopsy, and cytology ranged was dose-related, with the 8 mg dose obtaining a response rate of approximately 50% in previously BCG treated patients. The safety profile in the study was superior to standard therapy.

Dr. Alvaro Morales, Professor of Urology and Oncology at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario was the Principal Investigator in the Phase I/II study, and will be the International Principal Investigator for the Phase III program.

"I am pleased to be joined by approximately 70 urologists internationally in the execution of the Phase III program," said Dr. Morales. "I am particularly pleased that Dr. Harry Herr, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York has agreed to be the North American Principal Investigator and Dr. Laurent Boccon-Gibod, from Hopital Bichat in Paris has agreed to be the European Principal Investigator. Their expertise in the treatment of bladder cancer will ensure a successful clinical study."

About Bioniche Life Sciences Inc.

Bioniche Life Sciences Inc. is a research-based, technology-driven Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of proprietary products for human and animal health markets worldwide. The fully-integrated company employs approximately 175 skilled personnel and has three principal operating divisions: Human Health, Animal Health, and Food Safety. The Company's primary goal is to develop proprietary cancer therapies supported by revenues from marketed products in human and animal health. For more information, please visit http://www.Bioniche.com Except for historical information, this news release may contain forward- looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause, but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting

actr

08.02.2006, 15:07

Oscient Pharmaceuticals Acquires Expanded Worldwide Rights to Lead Clinical Candidate Ramoplanin; Key milestone for commencing Phase III program

WALTHAM, Mass., Feb 08, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Nasdaq: OSCI) and Pfizer Inc subsidiary Vicuron Pharmaceuticals Inc., have restructured the business relationship for Oscient's lead clinical candidate, Ramoplanin, currently in development for the potential treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD). As part of the new arrangement, Oscient, which previously licensed Ramoplanin from Vicuron for the U.S. and Canada only, acquired worldwide rights and assumes full control of Ramoplanin manufacturing, development and commercialization on a global basis. Oscient recently agreed on a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the Phase III program of Ramoplanin.
"Acquiring worldwide rights to Ramoplanin is a major milestone for Oscient," stated Steven M. Rauscher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oscient Pharmaceuticals. "With full ownership of Ramoplanin, we have significantly strengthened our asset portfolio and, after securing a long-term source of product supply, will be poised to advance the product candidate into Phase III development."

As announced previously, the SPA from the FDA calls for two, pivotal Phase III trials to study Ramoplanin in CDAD. The two non-inferiority studies will enroll, in each trial, approximately 490 patients diagnosed with CDAD, from centers in the United States, Canada and other parts of the world. Each patient will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms, in a double-blind regimen: Ramoplanin 200 mg orally twice daily or vancomycin 125 mg orally four times daily for ten days. The primary endpoint will be the response rate at end of therapy.

In exchange for the expanded worldwide rights, Oscient has made a one-time, up-front payment to Pfizer, and will make additional payments upon the achievement of specified regulatory milestones and for royalties on net sales. Additionally, Oscient has assumed all responsibility for drug manufacture and is currently in discussions with potential third-party manufacturers for Ramoplanin. Royalty obligations to Vicuron have been adjusted to reflect the elimination of Vicuron's manufacturing responsibility. Pfizer has agreed to transfer the technological know-how related to the manufacture of Ramoplanin.

About C. difficile-Associated Disease

C. difficile is a spore-forming bacterium known to cause diarrhea and colitis. In the past, C. difficile-associated disease has been mainly a concern in patients who have had recent antibiotic therapy and/or are hospitalized. In recent years, the incidence and severity of CDAD has increased and anecdotal cases are being reported where no antibiotic therapy or exposure to hospitals has occurred. Many countries across the globe have reported rising numbers of CDAD cases, including Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Currently, it is estimated that 400,000-500,000 cases of CDAD occur each year in the U.S. The disease generates an estimated $1.1 billion in hospital health care costs annually in the U.S., and can prolong hospital stays by one to three days. Presently, vancomycin and metronidazole are used to treat CDAD, although only vancomycin is FDA-approved for such use.

About Ramoplanin

Oscient Pharmaceuticals' Ramoplanin is an investigational new drug being studied for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD). Ramoplanin has been shown to be bactericidal in vitro against Clostridium difficile. Because it is not absorbed systemically from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract following oral dosing and exerts its bactericidal activity in the GI tract, Ramoplanin represents a potential new method for managing certain pathogens commonly found in the hospital.

About Oscient Pharmaceuticals

Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the clinical development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to address unmet medical needs. The Company is marketing FACTIVE(R) (gemifloxacin mesylate) tablets, approved by the FDA for the treatment of acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia of mild to moderate severity. In addition to the oral tablet form, Oscient is developing an investigational FACTIVE intravenous formulation for use in hospitalized patients. The Company is also promoting Auxilium Pharmaceuticals' TESTIM(R) 1% testosterone gel to primary care physicians in the U.S

actr

08.02.2006, 15:10

WJ Communications Announces Generation 2 Firmware Upgrade to Support MPR Reader Modules Smallest Hand-Held Solution Available With Gen 2 Capability

SAN JOSE, CA, Feb 08, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- WJ Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: WJCI), a leading designer and supplier of RF solutions for the wireless infrastructure and RFID reader markets, today announced the availability of a firmware upgrade to support the EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 standard for its MPR series PCMCIA type II reader cards(TM). Generation 2 RFID technology provides significantly better read range and performance and can be used anywhere, worldwide. The MPR series are designed for UHF Gen 2 functionality and are FCC certified. These readers represent a new level for size, standards-based compatibility, ease of use and performance. WJ is the first company to offer the industry's smallest solution with Gen 2 capability for compact RFID form factors, such as handhelds and printers.
"In an effort to support the second-generation global RFID standard, WJ has committed to providing its customers with an easy to install firmware upgrade. The Gen 2 firmware upgrade allows customers to immediately begin using any of WJ's multi-protocol MPR series reader cards to effectively read Gen 2 tags without hardware changes," said Chuck Lau, senior vice president and general manager for WJ Communications. "The firmware provides support for multiple inventory sessions, flexible tag filtering and inventory selection, writing to tag memory, control of lock and permalock functions, and other Gen 2 capabilities."

Product Overview

The MPR firmware upgrade, version 3, is available for download from WJ's web site. This version features the following:

-- Added complete Class 1 Generation 2 tag support

-- Significantly faster and enhanced Class 1 inventory performance

-- Improved Class 0 inventory

-- Added support for Non-EPC compliant tag IDs for Class 1

-- Improved Class 0+ write performance

About WJ Communications

WJ Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF) solutions serving multiple markets targeting wireless communications, RF identification (RFID), and broadband cable. WJ addresses the RF challenges in these multiple markets with its highly reliable amplifiers, mixers, RF integrated circuits (RFICs), RFID reader modules, chipsets, and multi-chip (MCM) modules. For more information visit www.wj.com or call 408-577-6200 About EPCglobal

EPCglobal Inc. is a joint venture between EAN International and the Uniform Code Council (UCC). EPCglobal is leading the development of industry-driven standards for the Electronic Product Code(TM) (EPC) to support the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in today's fast-moving, information rich trading networks. EPCglobal is a member-driven organisation comprised of leading firms and industries focused on creating global standards for the EPCglobal Network(TM) with the goal of increased visibility and efficiency throughout the supply chain and higher quality information flow between your company and its key trading partners. For more information visit http://www.epcglobalinc.org

actr

08.02.2006, 15:15

China-AsiaStocks.com-Supply and Demand Issues Fuel China's Automobile, Steel, and Coal Industries

POINT ROBERTS, WASHINGTON, Feb 8, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- China-AsiaStocks.com and SORL Auto Parts, Inc. (OTCBB: SAUP) and China Automotive (NASDAQ: CAAS) and Mittal Steel (NYSE:MT) and Puda Coal, Inc (OTCBB: PUDA) and BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP) -
Suppliers and Participants Mittal Steel, PUDA Coal, SORL Auto Parts, and China Automotive Systems Benefit From China's Growing Industrial Economy

www.China-AsiaStocks.com (CAS), an investor and industry news portal for the China-Asia sector, provides an overview "Supply and Demand Issues Fuel China's Automobile, Steel, and Coal Industries". Massive construction projects all over China are spurring the growth in the steel and coal industry as well as in the heavy duty vehicle and commercial vehicle market.

SORL Auto Parts (OTCBB: SAUP) is meeting the increasing demand as a manufacturer and distributor of automotive air brake valves and hydraulic brake valves mainly for the commercial vehicles market. David He, SORL's Senior Manager of Investor Relations and International Business Strategy and Planning explains, "The trend of urbanization gives China's construction sector a historic opportunity. The booming construction sector also stimulates the development of construction materials and construction machinery, resulting in tremendous increase in demand for transportation, particularly the use of heavy duty vehicles."

Jie Li, Investor Relations Officer for China Automotive (NASDAQ: CAAS) states, "Infrastructure build up reflected in highway, transportation and bridge construction will continue to increase. With the trend of global purchasing of auto parts, the Chinese auto parts market will enjoy 20% annual growth."

The Chinese steel industry has continued to experience double digit annual rates of growth as it has worked to keep pace with the construction boom with Mittal Steel (NYSE:MT) showing great confidence in China's steel industry through its acquisition efforts.

As China continues to expand its infrastructure demand for coal is on the rise globally and within China. Puda Coal (OTCBB: PUDA), a Chinese coking coal producer, is benefiting significantly from the high profitability provided by this trend. According to Puda CEO Zhao Ming, "The factor that drives the demand for coking coal is the mass construction of infrastructure, including but not limited to real estate development, extended urbanization process, western region development and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. These projects require the use of large amounts of steel, and coking coal is essential in making coke, which is largely used in the steel making process."

Mark Lidiard, Vice President Investor Relations and Communications in BHP Billiton (NYSE:BHP), the biggest coking coal producer around the world states, "Metallurgical coal is used in steel making industries, and incremental demand for metallurgical coal is primarily being driven by the growth in the Chinese steel market."

To Read the Full Overview: www.China-AsiaStocks.com/Articles/China_Construction.asp

The CAS Website does not make recommendations, but offers a unique information portal for investors to explore news, articles, and recent research.

Featured Company Disclosure: (CAS is compensated by SORL and PUDA as disclosed in disclaimer.)

Puda Coal, Inc. (OTCBB: PUDC) through its affiliates and controlled entities, supplies premium grade coking coal to the steel making industry for use in making coke. The Company currently produces 1.1 million metric tons of cleaned coking coal annually, and management believes it is one of the largest suppliers of top grade coking coal in the Shanxi province of China. Shanxi province provides 20-25% of China's coal output and supplies nearly 50% of China's coke. www.Puda-Coal.com

For additional information on Puda Coal, Inc., click here: www.china-asiastocks.com/CO/PUDC/Default.asp

SORL Auto Parts, Inc. (OTCBB: SAUP) is engaged primarily in the manufacture and distribution of automotive air brake valves and hydraulic brake valves mainly for the commercial vehicles market, such as trucks, vans and buses, in the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Company distributes products both in China and internationally under SORL trademarks. The Company's product range includes 36 types of brake valves with over 800 different specifications. www.Sorl-Autoparts.com

For more information click here: www.china-asiastocks.com/CO/SAUP/Default.asp

www.China-AsiaStocks.com, a portal within the InvestorIdeas.com content umbrella, offers investors research, news, blogs, RSS Feeds, conferences and links to public companies within the China-Asia sector.

Our Current List of China-Asia Stocks: www.China-AsiaStocks.com/Companies/China-AsiaStocks/Stocks_List.asp

actr

08.02.2006, 15:18

Legend Investment to Acquire Majority Owned Control of GiraSolar B.V.

DETROIT, MI AND DEVENTER, THE NETHERLANDS, Feb 08, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Legend Investment Corp. (OTC: LVCP) today announced that it has entered into a binding letter of intent to acquire fifty-one (51%) percent of Netherlands-based GiraSolar B.V. www.girasolar.nl
In fiscal 2004/2005, GiraSolar generated $12,000,000 in sales revenue. In fiscal 2005/2006, GiraSolar is projecting revenues of approximately $16,000,000, with a further revenue projection of $30,000,000 for fiscal 2007. GiraSolar expects to achieve profitable results in fiscal 2006.

GiraSolar three main divisions consist of 100% owned DutchSolar B.V., 51% owned GiraSolar Turkey Ltd. Ste. (GST), and 100% owned GiraMundo B.V. DutchSolar BV is based in the GiraSolar headquarters in Deventer, The Netherlands, and has production locations in the Netherlands and abroad. DutchSolar carries the GiraSolar brand of photovoltaic solar modules (GS125, GS135, GS145, GS155) and the GiraSolar DPE range of electronic devices, ranging from regulators for PV systems to heavy duty automatic voltage stabilizers, batteries and battery chargers for application in developing countries and disaster or crisis areas (emergency relief applications) as well as 3rd party products. Further, DutchSolar is involved in solar cell supply to manufacturers of solar modules and R&D projects, i.e. fundamental solar cell research and application development and research to improve silicon manufacturing processes. DutchSolar BV exclusively supplies its products to entities associated with the GiraSolar Group. www.dutchsolar.nl

GiraSolar Turkey (GST) supports clients in its geographical area of operation, stretching from Turkey and nearby Mediterranean countries into the Middle East. GST provides a full-service package and currently supplies solar energy components and systems to various governmental solar energy projects, as well as B2B and private clients. Further, it supplies various electronic devices and other components to the group's entities. www.girasolar.com.tr

GiraMundo is primarily a project development company, aiming at identifying possibilities for solar energy applications in rural areas of developing countries. To this end, GiraMundo works closely with partners in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The project team of GiraMundo has extensive experience and was part of the team realizing the electrifying and award-winning "Yeelen Kura" project in Mali, West Africa, bringing light to approximately 20.000 rural dwellers in Southern Sahel.

W.M. Koornstra, CEO of the GiraSolar group, issued the following statement: "Integrating the GiraSolar group with Legend Investment is one of the most exiting events in the history of the company. We expect that the now combined expertise of GiraSolar and Legend will enable even faster growth of revenue and results. This event also allows us to share our international success with those who entrust us to get the job done: clients, business partners and shareholders.

"The solar market is already booming worldwide with rapidly increasing double-digit growth rates over the last 7 years, even exceeding 45% in 2005. With the growing awareness that fossil fuel dependency cannot last, growth rates are not expected to drop below a double-digit figure for another decennium. Now that California has approved its multi-billion dollar 'California Solar Initiative' -- with other states and more countries likely to follow, as in Europe and Asia -- the same growth rates may be expected in the USA as elsewhere. Further, the recently expressed federal support for further development of alternative energy sources by Mr. Bush himself proves that the solar industry has moved passed the phase of being 'alternative' and is ready to assume a solid position in the energy economy. The GiraSolar team members are most excited about joining Legend and we expect to have a significant impact on Legend's development, which just entered into the solar industry in 2005. And not just this year, but for many years to come."

"We are very excited to expand our relationship with GiraSolar BV with this acquisition. We expect it to create significant value for our shareholders in the months and years ahead," said Peter Klamka, President of Legend Investment.

Legend Investment expects to pay for the acquisition of GiraSolar through the issuance of up to eight million shares restricted of Legend Investment common stock. Upon closure, Legend Investment would have approximately 12,678,480 shares issued and outstanding after the closing of the acquisition. The transaction is expected to close by February 28, 2006.

About Legend Investment Corp.

Based in the Detroit area, Legend Investment Corp. is committed to the acquisition and development of commercial enterprises in the alternative energy sector. Legend Investment looks to integrate new technologies with sustainable businesses in alternative and renewable energy. The company is fully reporting.

About GiraSolar B.V.

GiraSolar is a Dutch holding company, based in the Netherlands, but with a focus on the solar energy world market. It is an umbrella organization for subsidiaries, partners and affiliated entities, active in the field of solar energy product development, production and application. The GiraSolar group aims at incorporating excellence in problem solving at competitive quality and price levels. As a holding company GiraSolar is mainly a management and investment company, combining the capacities of its subsidiaries, partners and affiliates, creating economies of scale for each partner. GiraSolar represents various international companies in the Netherlands and abroad and we aim to provide these partners a solid gateway to Europe, Latin America, and Africa. www.girasolar.nl

actr

08.02.2006, 15:26

EMJ Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2006 Results: Revenues Increase 6.8%; Net Income up 302%

LYNWOOD, Calif., Feb 08, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Earle M. Jorgensen Company (NYSE:JOR) ("EMJ"), a leading distributor of metal bar and tubular products in North America, today reported sales and earnings for its third fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2005.
For the three months ended December 30, 2005, revenues increased 6.8% to $428.8 million, compared to $401.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2004. Volume for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was approximately 195,000 tons, compared to approximately 185,000 tons shipped in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Pretax income for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was $30.1 million, a 13-fold increase over the third quarter of fiscal 2005 pretax income of $2.3 million. Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was $18.2 million, compared to net income of $4.5 million for the same period in fiscal 2005. EBITDA for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was $47.0 million, compared to $19.4 million in the same period in fiscal 2005. Third quarter fiscal 2006 financial results include a pretax LIFO (last-in-first-out) charge of $1.9 million versus a charge of $18.1 million for the same quarter last year, which is included in cost of sales. Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 was $0.35 per share, based on 52.5 million diluted weighted shares outstanding, compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.29, based on 15.7 million diluted weighted shares outstanding for the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The significant increase in the diluted weighted shares outstanding in fiscal 2006 compared to fiscal 2005 is the result of the shares issued in conjunction with our merger and financial restructuring and initial public offering in April 2005. The third quarter of fiscal 2006 results include a non-cash $0.6 million mark-to-market adjustment to value our common stock obligation to our retirement savings plan, based on the per share price of our common stock at December 30, 2005. The mark-to-market adjustment was recorded as a decrease in general and administrative expenses. Further, during the third quarter of fiscal 2005, EMJ incurred $28.8 million of certain expenses related to the financial restructuring and IPO, including a $17.3 million non-cash charge for the initial valuation of the special contribution to the stock bonus plan and a $6.3 termination fee to Kelso & Co.

For the nine months ended December 30, 2005, revenues increased 11.5% to $1,285.7 million from $1,152.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004. Volume for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was approximately 586,000 tons, compared to approximately 572,000 tons in the same period in fiscal 2005. Pretax income for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $91.2 million, a 118.2% increase over pretax income of $41.8 million for the same period in fiscal 2005. Net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $59.6 million, an increase of 56.6% over $38.1 million during the same period in fiscal 2005. EBITDA for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $140.9 million, compared to $112.5 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2005. The first nine months of fiscal 2006 financial results include a pretax LIFO charge of $9.7 million versus a charge of $42.5 million for the same period last year, which is included in cost of sales. Diluted earnings per share for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 was $1.18 per share, based on 50.7 million diluted weighted shares outstanding, compared to diluted earnings per share of $2.10, based on 15.5 million diluted weighted shares outstanding for the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The first nine months of fiscal 2006 included a one-time IPO cash bonus of $8.5 million, partially offset by a non-cash credit of $3.7 million to mark-to-market the value our common stock obligation to our retirement savings plan, based on the per share price of our common stock at December 30, 2005. The mark-to-market adjustment was recorded as a decrease in general and administrative expenses.

Maurice S. Nelson, Jr., EMJ's Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are very pleased with the strong results in the December quarter, which historically has been our slowest quarter. EMJ's line items shipped were the second highest quarterly total in company history. As we noted last quarter, we have seen gradual improvement in gross margin, which at 25.7% for the third quarter was 50 basis points higher than the second quarter at 25.2%. In addition, we continue to see a small amount of inflation in our inventory which resulted in a $9.7 million LIFO charge in the first nine months of this year compared to $42.5 million in the same period last year." Mr. Nelson continued, "We continue to develop the business and are pursuing strategies to strengthen our position in the marketplace. During the third quarter of fiscal 2006 we made substantial progress on our new Quebec City, Canada and Lafayette, Louisiana facilities. Quebec City began operations in January and we expect to begin operations in Lafayette in March. In each case these facilities will increase the service levels to our customers and those markets in which they serve. We have seen our locations that serve energy-related customers continue to have very solid performances with record-level volumes."

Our revolving line of credit facility decreased $13.3 million during our third quarter of fiscal 2006 to $29.3 million from $42.6 million at September 28, 2005, while the balance at March 31, 2005 was $16.9 million. At December 30, 2005, we had $257.1 million available under our revolving line of credit facility. Largely, as a result of our increased investments in new and expanded facilities, we currently expect our capital expenditures for fiscal 2006 to be approximately $33 million. Our Board has approved a new capital budget of $18.7 million for fiscal 2007. This 2007 budget includes expenditures for the previously announced development of a new facility in Portland, Oregon and significant expenditures for value-added processing equipment purchases throughout EMJ.

We expect business to improve during our historically strong March quarter with increased volumes and substantially unchanged pricing and gross margin levels. As such, we currently expect revenue for our fiscal fourth quarter ending March 31, 2006, to be in the range of $480-$500 million, EBITDA to be within a range of $54-$59 million and diluted earnings per share to be within a range of $0.48-$0.53, based on approximately 53.0 million diluted weighted shares outstanding. Full year totals for fiscal 2006 would be revenues in the range of $1.77 billion to $1.79 billion, EBITDA in the range of $195 million to $200 million, and diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.65 to $1.70, based on approximately 52.0 million diluted weighted shares outstanding.

On January 17, 2006 EMJ and Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYSE:RS) ("Reliance") signed a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Reliance will acquire all outstanding shares of EMJ in a cash and stock merger. A preliminary proxy statement/prospectus has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the"SEC"), and both parties made their filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, on January 20, 2006 with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice. EMJ and Reliance expect the transaction to close as early as the second quarter of 2006, following approval from the EMJ stockholders and regulatory clearance.

EMJ is one of the largest distributors of metal products in North America with 39 service and processing centers. EMJ inventories more than 25,000 different bar, tubing, plate, and various other metal products, specializing in cold finished carbon and alloy bars, mechanical tubing, stainless bars and shapes, aluminum bars, shapes and tubes, and hot-rolled carbon and alloy bars.

actr

08.02.2006, 15:31

Stocks to Watch for Wednesday, February 8, 2006: CEAT -- Creative Eateries & Partner Open Third Kokopelli Sonoran Grill Franchise and Expects to Generate $3 Million Plus per Year in Gross Revenues From All 61 Units Sold to Date! NOTE TO EDITORS: The

ATLANTA, GA, Feb 08, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Market Pulse is pleased to introduce our featured stock, Creative Eateries Corporation (OTC BB: CEAT), to the investment community! Creative Eateries is new to Market Pulse and is poised to become a significant player in the restaurant industry! CEAT just had excellent news out in a press release before today's opening bell announcing that each Kokopelli Sonoran Grill franchise is expected to generate annual royalties of more than $50,000, or more than $3,000,000 per year in gross revenues from all 61 units sold to date! This could be great news for investors! Other notable stocks that should be watched because they look great lately from a fundamental and technical perspective include:
Generex Biotechnology Corp. (NASDAQ: GNBT) : Market Outperform

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) : Attractive

Conexant Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXT) : Bearish

Recommendation Meanings

These recommendations are investment opinions of Market-Pulse.com and reflect the stock's potential to move over the next one to four weeks of trading. This analysis is done from a technical and fundamental perspective.

After Tuesday's Bell Market Commentary

On Tuesday, the markets slipped into negative territory to close lower even as oil prices fell. A barrel of light crude settled at $63.09, down $2.02. The Nasdaq composite fell for a fourth consecutive session. The National Association of Realtors said the U.S. housing market will slow in 2006 but remain relatively strong. Existing-home sales are expected to fall 4.7%, new-home sales are seen dropping 8.5%, and housing starts are predicted to slip 9.3%. The Dow Jones fell 48.51, or 0.45 percent, to 10,749.76. The Nasdaq composite fell 13.84, or 0.61 percent, to 2,244.96. The S&P 500 index fell 10.24, or 0.81 percent, to 1,254.78. The Russell 2000 fell 10.71, or 1.47 percent, to 717.18.

actr

08.02.2006, 15:31

actr

08.02.2006, 15:33

DJ PepsiCo In Talks Over Red Bull - Austrian Magazine -2-

Feb 08, 2006 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- The report said that Pepsico had talks with Red Bull founder and shareholder Dietrich Mateschitz about his stake.
However, in an e-mailed statement, Red Bull said: "Mr. Mateschitz hasn't seen nor spoken to anyone from PepsiCo within the past decade."

Mateschitz also hadn't talked to anybody else concerning that matter, the statement said.

Company Web site: http://www.ats.net

actr

08.02.2006, 15:45

PowerTech increases its manufacturing capacity to support its development activities and meet anticipated growing demand Entrepreneur, Roxboro Excavation, calls the PicBucket the "new market standard"

BLAINVILLE (Quebec), Feb. 8, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Mr. Carol Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer of Power Tech Corporation Inc., "PowerTech" or "Company" (TSX-V: PWB), is pleased to announce that the Company's commercialization strategy is generating tangible results. This strategy has three main development components: an introduction strategy centred on trial programs with leading entrepreneurs in different market sectors (the V.I.PIC program); the establishment of a distribution network geared to the company's product line; and a prospecting strategy on the front line. "We are well aware that our dynamic commercialization plan requires increased manufacturing capacity. This is why we are moving to a new 23,000 square-foot plant in March. This plant will enable us to adequately meet the demand from our distributors, to respect delivery deadlines and ensure the availability of replacement parts for our clients, " said Mr. Murray. This new plant is located in the Haut Terrebonne industrial park.
The initial phase of the V.I.PIC trial program involving renowned entrepreneurs, municipalities and the military industry was highly successful. "The program obtained results that met our expectations. We are thrilled that the participating entrepreneurs all report that they are very satisified with the performance of our technology. Recorded efficiency gains surpassed 100%," noted Mr. Murray.

Roxboro Excavation purchases its first PicBucket

Among the entrepreneurs who participated in the V.I.PIC trial program was Roxboro Excavation, based in Dorval, Quebec. This construction industry leader has just purchased its first PicBucket unit. "We were very impressed by the PicBucket's performance and ruggedness during our trials. It is a major innovation for our industry. The PicBucket provides us with high operational versatility and generates significant cost reductions due to the substantial efficiency gains. At the end of the day, as an entrepreneur this enables us to be more competitive. The PicBucket is bound to become the new standard in the construction industry," said Daniel Théorêt, manager of the machinery park for Roxboro.

Several other entrepreneurs have also accepted to carry out trials of the technology developed by PowerTech. These trials will be gradually conducted as the construction sites, which PowerTech's tools are designed for, begin their work. Some 38 entrepreneurs and potential clients have accepted to participate in the V.I.PIC program with a view to making an eventual purchase of PicBucket units. Fifteen of these are currently trying out the PicBucket. "We are proud to have major entrepreneurs participating, such as the company Neilson Inc., located in Saint-Nicolas on Quebec's south shore. This level of participation demonstrates the industry's serious interest in our technology," said Mr. Yves Sicotte, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing of PowerTech.

Commercialization strategy implementation

PowerTech's roll-out strategy for the North American market is backed by the establishment of a distribution network made up of select heavy equipment distributors who are specialized in the construction and demolition sector. "Until now, our priorities have been to build our business relationships with some key distributors in Canada and the United States by providing demonstration units in their territories. The success achieved to this point enables us to extend our efforts to the whole North American market by tapping into the power of a distribution network adapted to our products. Once complete, our network will include more than 125 distributors with 450 branches. This vast network will include the majority of urban centres in Canada and the United States," added Mr. Sicotte. Internationally, PowerTech's strategy is centred on concluding agreements with large heavy equipment manufacturers who are thoroughly knowledgeable about their markets.

New Internet site

Furthermore, PowerTech is pleased to announce that its new Internet site is on-line as of today. This site offers complete information, in a user-friendly format, for current and potential clients, shareholders and business partners.

In addition, PowerTech is holding its annual meeting this morning at 10:00 a.m. in Montreal at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

About PowerTech (www.powertechci.com)

PowerTech is the only company in the world that manufactures and commercializes a percussion bucket for the construction, demolition, aluminum, mining, tunnel digging, forestry and military industries. PowerTech's PicBucket is a technological breakthrough that combines the power of a hydraulic hammer with the stripping force and maneuverability of a conventional bucket.

Powertech intends to position itself as a leader in the development, integration and commercialization of leading edge technologies that allow for substantial improvements in equipment performance, productivity and functionality.

actr

08.02.2006, 21:58

HEUTE FRISCH:

CROCS INC
08.02.06 21:37 Uhr

29,70 USD

+0,00 % [+0,00

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
29,65 USD

Zeit
08.02.06 21:41

Diff. Vortag
+0,00 %

Tages-Vol.
330,44 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
11 Mio.

Crocs, Inc. Prices Its Initial Public Offering

NIWOT, Colo., Feb 08, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) today announced that its initial public offering of 9,900,000 shares of common stock has been priced at $21.00 per share. Crocs, Inc. is offering 4,950,000 shares of common stock and selling stockholders are offering the remaining 4,950,000 shares. In addition, the selling stockholders have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 1,485,000 shares at the initial public offering price to cover over-allotments. The Company will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. Crocs, Inc. common stock will be listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "CROX."
Piper Jaffray and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC are serving as joint book runners with SG Cowen & Co., BB&T Capital Markets, D.A. Davidson & Co. and Wedbush Morgan Securities serving as co-managers for the offering.

actr

08.02.2006, 22:28

Adolor Corporation
08.02.06 22:00 Uhr

22,29 USD

+41,43 % [+6,53]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
22,29 USD

Zeit
08.02.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+41,43 %

Tages-Vol.
136,80 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
7 Mio.

Study results positive for Entereg: The drug, which Adolor and Glaxo are developing, is to speed recovery from gastrointestinal surgery

Feb 08, 2006 (The Philadelphia Inquirer - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) -- Adolor Corp. and its partner GlaxoSmithKline P.L.C. announced yesterday positive results from a pivotal late-stage study of their experimental drug Entereg to speed gastrointestinal recovery after bowel-resection surgery. Shares of Exton-based Adolor, which closed at $15.76, soared 24.4 percent to $19.61 at one point in after-hours trading on the Nasdaq. Shares of London-based GlaxoSmithKline closed at $50.31 on the New York Stock Exchange. In July, the Food and Drug Administration issued an "approvable" letter for Entereg, but asked for more proof of the drug's effectiveness. The companies said the latest results from a 654-patient study showed that a 12-milligram dose of Entereg, also known as alvimopan, achieved "statistically significant" results, compared with a placebo, for the study's primary goal of quicker recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery. "We believe these data address the FDA's request for additional data outlined in the approvable letter received by Adolor in July," said Adolor's chief scientific officer and president of research, James Barrett. The companies said they intend to submit the final study results as part of a complete response to the FDA by June. The most frequently reported side effects were nausea, vomiting and abdominal distention. Entereg treats a condition known as postoperative ileus, a temporary impairment of the gastrointestinal tract after bowel-resection surgery, which is exacerbated by narcotic opioid painkillers. Adolor and GlaxoSmithKline, which are collaborating in the worldwide development and commercialization of Entereg, submitted four late-stage clinical trials involving 2,100 volunteers in their new drug application to the FDA. But the fourth study, while showing a favorable trend, did not prove Entereg restored patients' GI function as much as intended. Then, in December 2004, a European study by GlaxoSmithKline found that Entereg failed to meet the study's main goal. In January 2005, the FDA asked for more information from the European study. Contact staff writer Linda Loyd at 215-854-2831 or lloyd@phillynews.com.
By Linda Loyd

actr

09.02.2006, 08:29

Gut Reaction

By Lawrence Carrel
February 8, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adolor Corp. (ADLR1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Tuesday's close: $15.76
Share price now: $22.29
Change: 41.4%
Volume: 6.9 million shares, daily average 350,800 shares
Last time this high: July 3, 2001
52-week high: $16.75
52-week low: $7.95
Forward P/E before announcement: n/a
Forward P/E after announcement: n/a

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INVESTORS ADORED ADOLOR (ADLR2) on Wednesday.
After three years of fits and starts, the drug developer released trial results that suggest its postsurgery bowel treatment is closing in on regulatory approval. Shares of Adolor climbed 41% to a five-year high of $22.29.

"Based on the data we've seen, we think regulators will find a positive benefit/risk ratio," says Greg Wade, an analyst at San Francisco investment bank Pacific Growth Equities. "There's a good chance it will be approved by the end of the year and be on the market in early 2007." (Wade owns shares of Adolor; Pacific Growth has an investment-banking relationship with the company.)

Late Tuesday, the Exton, Pa., company reported promising results from its Phase III trial of Entereg. The drug is designed to speed up the recovery time from bowel resection surgery, which involves the removal of a diseased portion of the intestines.

It the clinical trial, a 12-milligram dose of Entereg achieved a statistically significant improvement over a placebo. Not only were Entereg patients able to tolerate solid foods 20 hours sooner than placebo patients, but they were also discharged from the hospital 18 hours sooner. If approved, the drug could be a boon to patients who want to get home faster, hospitals that want to make beds available to new patients, and insurers that don't want to pay for an extra night of recovery.

Abdominal-surgery patients typically receive opiate-based pain killers such as morphine and codeine. These provide pain relief, but paralyze the gastrointestinal system, causing a condition called postoperative ileus (POI). That keeps patients from eating solid foods and prolongs hospital stays, which in turn increases treatment costs. Entereg blocks opioids from attaching to the intestines, thereby speeding up the time it takes them to start working again. In the trial, the drug was generally well tolerated, with nausea, vomiting and abdominal distention as the most common side effects.

It's been a stomach-churning journey for the company, which has no drugs on the market. Adolor's stock doubled in 2003 after successful trials concluded in April3 and September4. In June 2004 it filed a new drug application for Entereg with the Food and Drug Administration. But in December, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK5), Adolor's collaborator on the drug, produced disappointing results in a European trial. The FDA demanded another U.S. trial. Last July the FDA sent Adolor an approvable letter, saying it wanted yet another study demonstrating statistically significant results. The FDA sends an approvable letter if a drug application substantially meets the requirements for approval, but specific additional information is required before it can be approved.

"The results are robustly positive across all the endpoints," says James Barrett, Adolor's chief scientific officer. "We feel strongly that these results position us well to move forward to an approval status."

For the first three quarters of 2005, Adolor posted a loss of $41 million, vs. a loss of $32.0 million for the same period in 2004. Sales for the same period fell 46% to $11.5 million. As of Sept. 30 the company had $118.9 million in cash, down from $162.3 million at the end of 2004.

Adolor's pipeline consists of a sterile lidocaine patch for postsurgical incisional pain that's currently in a Phase II clinical trial and some preclinical compounds. Entereg is also in Phase III trials for an alternate use called opioid bowel dysfunction. The drug would act as a constipation aid for chronic users of prescribed pain killers like morphine. The drug would also conceivably work for users of illicit drugs like heroin, say analysts.

Pacific Growth's Wade forecasts Adolor could post revenues of $29 million in 2007, with peak sales of $400 million within three years.

Lou Lemos, director of research at Variant Research, an independent research house in Boca Raton, Fla., forecasts Entereg achieving revenues for treatment of postoperative ileus in excess of $200 million by 2010. Should Entereg get approved for opioid bowel dysfunction, he predicts revenues for this condition could hit $500 million. Both analysts expect Adolor to achieve profitability by 2009.

Quote:
"We expected a few dollars upside based on favorable results," says Variant's Lemos. "More important, Adolor started the Phase III trial for opiate-induced constipation in September. We took a look at the previous Phase II trial, and for people that take narcotics it clearly showed strong efficacy. We think there is a 60% probability Entereg will be approved for this in 2008."

actr

09.02.2006, 13:47

09.02.2006 13:35
Timberland steigert Gewinn im vierten Quartal, weitet Aktienrückkauf aus
Der amerikanische Bekleidungshersteller Timberland Co. (ISIN US8871001058 (Nachrichten)/ WKN 873525) konnte im vierten Quartal trotz Einmalaufwendungen einen Gewinnanstieg verbuchen.

Wie der auf die Herstellung von Bekleidung und Schuhen am Donnerstag erklärte, lag der Nettogewinn im Berichtszeitraum bei 46,9 Mio. Dollar bzw. 71 Cents je Aktie, nach 45,0 Mio. Dollar bzw. 64 Cents je Aktie im Vorjahreszeitraum. Ohne die Berücksichtigung von Einmalbelastungen in Zusammenhang mit der Schließung von Produktionsniederlassungen in der Karibik lag der Nettogewinn bei 73 Cents je Aktie. Die erfreuliche Ergebnisentwicklung steht dabei in Verbindung mit gesteigerten Absätzen bei Kinder- und Herrenbekleidung, welche die Rückgänge im Damenmodesegment sowie bei Stiefeln kompensieren konnten. Der Konzernumsatz verbesserte sich im Vorjahresvergleich von 454,66 Mio. Dollar auf 465,29 Mio. Dollar.

Analysten hatten im Vorfeld ein EPS von 62 Cents sowie einen Umsatz von 456 Mio. Dollar erwartet. Für das laufende Quartal liegen die Markterwartungen bei einem EPS von 60 Cents sowie einem Umsatz von 372 Mio. Dollar.

Des Weiteren gab der Konzern bekannt, dass das Board of Directors den Rückkauf von bis zu sechs Millionen weiteren eigenen Aktien beschlossen hat. Im Rahmen eines zuvor beschlossenen Rückkaufprogramms hat Timberland das Recht, weitere 1,5 Millionen eigene Aktien zu erwerben.

Die Aktie von Timberland notierte zuletzt bei 34,07 Dollar.

actr

09.02.2006, 15:00

09.02.2006 14:55
US Vorbörse: Positive Vorzeichen

http://img.godmode-trader.de/charts/46/2005/ISLAND42.gif

actr

09.02.2006, 15:05

L-3 Communications' Henschel Inc. Receives Multiple Awards to Provide Announcing Systems for U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Vessels

NEW YORK, Feb 09, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Henschel subsidiary (L-3 Henschel), a major supplier of communications and announcing systems to the U.S. Armed Forces, received the following contract awards:
-- Lockheed Martin awarded L-3 Henschel a contract to provide a fully integrated Alarm and Announcing System (A&AS) for the United States Coast Guard's Deepwater Maritime Security Cutter, Large (WMSL) as an integral component of the Integrated Voice Communications System (IVCS). This program includes eight vessels. The announcing systems will also meet the needs of other deepwater vessels, such as the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) and Fast Response Cutter (FRC), in accordance with their individual requirements.

-- U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Charleston selected L-3 Henschel to assume design authority over the CVN-69 announcing system and to manufacture three systems for the CVN-70, 71 and 72 through a contract for system deliverables and technical support. The contract also includes a partial system for a land-based test site. L-3 Henschel's experience and expertise with surface ship communications and announcing systems were critical factors in this award.

-- Northrop Grumman Ship System's Ingalls Operations awarded a follow-on contract for the L-3 Henschel-designed announcing system for the LPD-21. This program includes system deliverables, documentation and technical support. Additional contracts for the LPD-22 and 23 are anticipated in 2006 and 2007.

L-3 Henschel's A&AS provides the means for ship-wide broadcasts of all alarms and announcements for tactical, damage control and general purpose communications. Operators can access the system through dedicated microphone stations, ship phone systems and integrated communication systems from anywhere on the ship.

"These awards reinforce L-3 Henschel's position as a leading supplier of quality communications systems to the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard and we look forward to follow-up contracts in support of these on-going programs and new ship construction programs, such as DDX, CVN21, JHSV, Seabasing and others," said Don Roussinos, president of L-3 Henschel.

Located in Newburyport, Massachusetts, L-3 Henschel is a leading supplier of design, engineering, manufacturing and integration of shipboard communications, navigation and control systems and produces other technologically advanced solutions for naval applications, such as the integrated communications system for the USS VIRGINIA-class attack submarines, the amplified announcing system for the SAN ANTONIO-class amphibious ships, the video data distribution system for the ARLEIGH BURKE-class Guided Missile Destroyers and the computer information system and integrated communication system for the UK HMS ASTUTE-class submarines.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.

actr

09.02.2006, 15:07

Millennium Cell to Host Fourth Quarter Conference Call

EATONTOWN, N.J., Feb 09, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Millennium Cell Inc. (NASDAQ: MCEL), will host a conference call that will be simultaneously Webcast on Thursday, February 16, 2006. The Company's management will discuss the financial and operational results for the fourth quarter.
The conference call and live Webcast will begin at 10:00 a.m. ET. Please call the following number approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled time of the call: 1-800-706-7745 passcode 33547879. A telephonic replay of the conference call will also be available through February 23, 2006, by calling 1-888-286-8010, passcode 23474214.

To listen to a live broadcast of the call over the Internet or to review the archived call, please visit: www.millenniumcell.com under the "Investor Relations" section.

About Millennium Cell

Millennium Cell develops hydrogen battery technology through a patented chemical process that safely stores and delivers hydrogen energy to power portable devices. The borohydride-based technology can be scaled to fit any application requiring high energy density for a long run time in a compact space. The Company is working with market partners to meet demand for its patented process in four areas: military, medical, industrial and consumer electronics. For more information, visit www.millenniumcell.com.

SOURCE: Millennium Cell Inc.

actr

09.02.2006, 15:11

Rick's Cabaret Reports January 2006 Nightclub Sales up 78.9% over Previous Year; Same Store Sales Grow 27.7%

HOUSTON, Feb 09, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rick's Cabaret International, Inc. (NASDAQ: RICK) said today its consolidated adult nightclub sales for January 2006 increased by 78.9 percent over the same month last year. Same-club-same-period nightclub monthly revenue rose by 27.7 percent over January 2004.
Total nightclub revenue for the month of January 2006 was $1,758,455, compared with $982,800 in January 2004. Same club sales in January 2006 were $1,255,396 compared with $982,800. The figures do not include revenues from the company's Internet activities or from discontinued operations.

"Club Onyx in Houston, the XTC Club in Austin and the Rick's Cabaret clubs in New York City and Minneapolis all performed very well in January as our brand name awareness marketing programs throughout the system continue to have a positive impact," said CEO Eric Langan.

About Rick's Cabaret

Rick's Cabaret International, Inc. (NASDAQ: RICK, ricks.com) operates upscale adult nightclubs serving primarily businessmen and professionals that offer live adult entertainment, restaurant and bar operations. The company owns, operates or licenses adult nightclubs in New York City, New Orleans, Houston, Minneapolis and other cities under the names "Rick's Cabaret," "XTC" and "Club Onyx," as well as the "Hummers" sports bar in Houston. No sexual contact is permitted at any of these locations. Rick's Cabaret also owns the adult Internet membership Web site, couplestouch.com, and a network of online auction sites for adult products under the flagship URL naughtybids.com. Rick's Cabaret common stock is traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap market under the symbol RICK. For further information contact ir@ricks.com.

actr

09.02.2006, 15:13

09.02.2006 14:59
Coca-Cola Enterprises weist Quartalsverlust aus
Die Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. (ISIN US1912191046 (Nachrichten)/ WKN 871964), das größte Abfüllunternehmen für Getränke der Coca-Cola Co. (ISIN US1912161007 (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs)/ WKN 850663), verbuchte im Schlussquartal 2005 einen Nettoverlust.

Wie das Unternehmen am Donnerstag verkündete, wuchsen die Umsatzerlöse auf 4,49 Mrd. Dollar, nach 4,40 Mrd. Dollar im Vorjahresquartal. Dies entspricht einem Anstieg von 2 Prozent.

Ferner verschlechterte sich das Nettoergebnis von 82 Mio. Dollar oder 17 Cents je Aktie im vierten Quartal 2004 auf nun -57 Mio. Dollar bzw. -12 Cents pro Aktie. Bereinigt um Sondereffekte betrug das EPS 15 Cents, während Analysten durchschnittlich mit einem EPS von 14 Cents gerechnet hatten.

Im gesamten Jahr 2005 erhöhten sich die Umsätze um 3 Prozent auf 18,71 Mrd. Dollar, wogegen der Nettogewinn um 14 Prozent auf 514 Mio. Dollar oder 1,08 Dollar pro Anteilschein zurückging.

Für das laufende erste Quartal 2006 gehen Analysten von einem Gewinn pro Aktie von 9 Cents sowie Umsatzerlösen in Höhe von 4,33 Mrd. Dollar aus.

Gestern stiegen die Aktien an der NYSE um 0,36 Prozent und schlossen bei 19,46 Dollar.

actr

09.02.2006, 15:17

Genzyme Launches Key Test to Monitor Gleevec(R) Resistance Two Additional Personalized Medicine Tests Also Now Available

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb 09, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Genzyme Corporation (Nasdaq: GENZ) announced today the availability of an important new test to monitor drug resistance in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who are treated with Gleevec(R) (imatinib mesylate). Despite high response rates to Gleevec, approximately four to five percent of patients who were initially treated successfully will develop resistance during therapy. Genzyme's new BCR-ABL Mutation Analysis test will assist physicians in evaluating resistance to therapy and facilitate appropriate adjustments to treatment.
The molecular hallmark of CML is a mutation known as BCR-ABL. This mutation is the specific target for Gleevec and is found in 95 percent of patients with CML. In relapse patients, the majority of secondary mutations in the ABL portion of the gene correlate with treatment failure. Genzyme's new test detects all secondary BCR-ABL mutations and therefore predicts resistance to Gleevec.

"This is a very exciting time for leukemia patients and their caregivers because this test will provide them with more information about their disease and will give them the ability to personalize their treatment," said Mara Aspinall, president of Genzyme Genetics, the business unit of Genzyme Corp. focused on the research and development of high quality, complex testing services.

"We are pleased to offer another important predictive test that can play a critical role in the way oncologists and patients manage their cancer," she added. Genzyme recently launched several other personalized medicine tests in the areas of lung cancer and leukemia and lymphoma.

Because of its high efficacy and limited side effects, Gleevec as a first- line therapy is considered to have revolutionized long-term survival of patients with CML. Gleevec was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May, 2001 as the first drug in a new class of molecular targeted therapies for CML. Over 90 percent of patients treated with Gleevec respond initially to treatment, and many experience a complete remission. However, four to five percent of these patients eventually develop resistance to the treatment and experience a relapse of their disease.

The discovery of the BCR-ABL mutations was made by researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Jonsson Cancer Center in 2001, who are currently working to determine if the same mutations in patients with CML may also lead to resistance to newer investigational treatments.

In October, Genzyme announced that it entered into a license agreement with UCLA to obtain exclusive, worldwide diagnostic rights to UCLA's discovery of gene mutations believed to be associated with drug resistance to Gleevec.

A Commitment to Personalized Medicine -- EGFR FISH & JAK2 Expand Cancer Menu

Genzyme Genetics offers two tests that identify non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients likely to respond to therapies. The presence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations have been shown to correlate with clinical response to certain drugs, including Tarceva(R) (erlotinib) and IRESSA(R) (gefitinib), used in treating this deadly form of cancer. Genzyme now offers EGFR by FISH (fluorescence in-situ hybridization), which detects over amplification of the EGFR gene. This new test complements Genzyme's EGFR Mutation Assay, which also detects the presence of EGFR in patients with NSCLC.

Genzyme has also made available a new assay that detects a mutation in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene common in chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs). MPDs are a large group of pathogenetically related diseases (including CML) characterized by proliferation of one or more myeloid cell lines in the bone marrow and increased numbers of mature and immature cells in the peripheral blood diseases. This new JAK2 test allows for the classification, diagnosis, and potential treatment of these diseases.

About Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Chronic myeloid leukemia is also known as chronic myelogenous leukemia. According to the American Cancer Society, CML is a type of cancer that starts in blood-forming cells of the bone marrow and then invades the blood. It can spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and other parts of the body. CML can also change into a fast-growing acute leukemia that invades almost any organ in the body.

The American Cancer Society estimated that there were approximately 4,600 new cases of CML diagnosed in 2005. Approximately 25,000 CML patients are living in remission on therapy in the U.S. today. The average age of people with CML is around 50 years.

About Genzyme Genetics

Genzyme Genetics is a leading, nationwide provider of high-quality, complex testing services for physicians and their patients. With CLIA- certified laboratories and counseling facilities located across the U.S., Genzyme Genetics offers extensive diagnostic testing services, supported by innovative technology and a commitment to quality service and trusted information. Genzyme Genetics is a business unit of Genzyme Corporation.

About Genzyme Corporation

One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Genzyme's founding. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up to a diversified enterprise with more than 8,000 employees in locations spanning the globe and 2005 revenues of $2.7 billion. Genzyme has been selected by FORTUNE as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for" in the United States.

With many established products and services helping patients in more than 80 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company's products and services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease, orthopaedics, cancer, transplant and immune diseases, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development program focused on these fields, as well as heart disease and other areas of unmet medical need.

actr

09.02.2006, 15:27

Westport Reports Third Fiscal 2006 Quarter Results and 30% Revenue Increase Year to Date

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Feb 9, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Westport Innovations Inc. (TSX:WPT), a leading developer of environmental technologies that allow engines to operate on clean-burning gaseous fuels, today reported its third quarter financial results for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2005, and provided an update on business operations.
Westport's loss for the three months ended December 31, 2005 was $3.6 million, or $0.05 per share, a 13% improvement from the same period last year. Consolidated revenues were $8.6 million compared to $9.2 million for the third quarter last year. For the nine months ended December 31, 2005, net loss was $13.1 million, a 22% improvement from the prior year's loss of $16.9 million with loss per share of $0.18 and $0.25 respectively. Consolidated revenues for the same period were $31.4 million, a 30% increase over the prior year period. Product revenue rose 24% and parts revenue increased by 46%.

During the third quarter, better warranty claims experience than anticipated in Cummins Westport Inc. (CWI) and lower amortisation and depreciation compensated for the slightly lower sales volume. Quarterly sales volumes are volatile and dependant on the timing of major engine shipments. For the three months ended December 31, 2005, net research and development expenses decreased by $1.1 million primarily as a result of increased government and partner funding of R&D programs. Sales and marketing expenses increased by $0.9 million as several global marketing initiatives continue to develop.

Cash used in operations before changes in working capital was $2.2 million for the quarter and $6.7 million year to date, up $0.1 million from the same period last year but $3.8 million better year to date. Cash and short term investments as of December 31, 2005 totalled $11.5 million.

"We are pleased with CWI's sales growth year to date, which is better than our goal of 20% annual revenue growth in US dollar terms. While our quarterly results will be volatile from quarter to quarter, CWI products have shown steady improvements in quality and increasing market penetration around the world," said David Demers, Westport's Chief Executive Officer. "With CWI's recent launch of production in India with Cummins India Ltd., and the recent conclusion of a similar production agreement with Dongfeng Cummins Engine Company Ltd. in China, CWI is now positioned to move into the largest potential markets in the world with lower cost, locally assembled products. We expect continued strong growth as high oil prices, an ever-increasing focus on urban air pollution and climate change draw new customers to the demonstrated benefits of natural gas vehicles."

"We are also continuing to improve bottom line performance year over year while still making strategic investments in new products, technologies and markets," added Mr. Demers. "To fund commercialisation, we will continue to look for industry, strategic partner, and government funding to finance operations. If needed, we also have the option of realising gains on some of our non-core assets. We are excited by our business progress over the last three quarters and are positioning ourselves to capitalize on several near-term opportunities for growth, including our LNG tank joint venture with Beijing Tianhai Industry Co. and large scale demonstration projects."

Business Programs Update - Third Quarter 2006

Cummins Westport Inc.

Cummins Westport continues to execute on its strategy of maintaining a leading position in environmental leadership and product quality. Lower overall cost of ownership is emerging as the primary reason for shifting to natural gas as a fuel for commercial fleets. To effectively compete in India and China, local manufacturing through local alliances has been the primary strategy.

In China, Cummins Westport finalised its agreement with Dongfeng Cummins Engine Company (DCEC) to manufacture Cummins Westport B-series engines which will be jointly marketed and sold. Under CWI's agreement, DCEC will manufacture engines for CWI for resale in China, but will also supply its other parent, Dongfeng Motors, with this natural gas engine. Dongfeng Motors was ranked the largest manufacturer of heavy-duty trucks and buses in China in 2005.

In India, with Cummins India Ltd. (CIL), the manufacturing launch in January marks the start of production of B Gas International engines by CIL with natural gas-specific components from Cummins Westport. CIL will market the engines in India to Tata, the largest manufacturer of buses in that market.

Local manufacturing will also allow CWI and its partners to build a base for potentially exporting from India and China to price-sensitive, developing regions.

On the quality and emissions side, a Cummins Westport-powered bus won two awards in Russia for "Best City Bus" and "Development of Ecological Transport" at the Moscow International Motor Show.

Cummins Westport recently signed a contract with Utilization Technology Development, with program management and research by Gas Technology Institute, for US$350,000 for demonstration of the advanced Cummins Westport ISL G natural gas engine. The ISL G will meet US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) 2010 emissions regulations at launch in 2007, while also improving fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions.

actr

09.02.2006, 15:30

MGM MIRAGE Provides Update on Las Vegas Development Plans Approves Design and Budget for Project CityCenter; Releases Profitability Forecast for Current Residential Program at MGM Grand Las Vegas

Feb 09, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved the design and budget for Project CityCenter, the Company's previously announced urban development project at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Project CityCenter will feature approximately 2.3 million square feet of residential space; a 4,000-room luxury hotel and casino; two 400-room, non-gaming boutique hotels; and over 470,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space. The approved design will further enhance the overall significance and profitability of Project CityCenter, which is expected to provide owners and visitors alike a truly unique experience.
The overall cost of Project CityCenter is estimated at approximately $7 billion, excluding preopening and land costs. After estimated proceeds of $2.5 billion from the sale of residential units, the Company believes that the net project cost will be approximately $4.5 billion. Project CityCenter will be located on approximately 66 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo on the Las Vegas Strip, and will be connected to these resorts via a state-of-the-art people mover system. The Company expects to break ground in mid-2006, and estimates that Project CityCenter will open in the fourth quarter of 2009. The detailed design phase of the project is still under way, and the budget, scope and timing of Project CityCenter are subject to change.

"The market for casino resorts and vertical residential space in Las Vegas is very robust," said Terry Lanni, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGM MIRAGE. "We believe the most important aspects of successful casino resorts and residential and retail developments are embodied within Project CityCenter: location, brand and amenities. Our Board and management believe that Project CityCenter will be the catalyst for a new kind of experience on the Las Vegas Strip, and forever change the way we view Las Vegas."

Jim Murren, President, CFO and Treasurer of MGM MIRAGE noted, "Our financing plan for Project CityCenter calls for significant residential proceeds to supplement our available borrowing capacity and free cash flow to efficiently fund this major development, while maintaining maximum flexibility for other expansion initiatives. We also continue to explore potential partnerships and other financing vehicles to ensure the most efficient use of capital. We expect to earn cash flow returns in the mid-teens on the net project cost, which is considerably above our cost of capital."

The Company, along with its partner Turnberry Associates, is constructing The Signature at MGM Grand, three 576-unit towers which are designed as condo- hotels. Towers 1 and 2 are sold out, under construction, and are expected to be completed in the second and fourth quarters of 2006, respectively. Tower 3 is also under construction, with available units being nearly fully sold out at prices significantly above the first two towers. The Company believes that these sales and pricing trends will continue with the residential offerings at Project CityCenter.

Mr. Murren added, "Our belief in the Las Vegas residential market has been confirmed with the very strong sales at The Signature at MGM Grand, where we expect to record our 50% share of that venture's profit on Tower 1 in the second quarter and Tower 2 in the fourth quarter, at approximately $45 million and $60 million, respectively. Our estimated share of profits on Tower 3 is in excess of $100 million. We see residential development as a long-term competitive advantage for our Company, particularly given our substantial real estate holdings on the Las Vegas Strip, and as a key component in future resort developments."

MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM), one of the world's leading and most respected hotel and gaming companies, owns and operates 23 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has investments in three other properties in Nevada, New Jersey and Illinois. MGM MIRAGE has also announced plans to develop Project CityCenter, a multi-billion dollar mixed-use urban development project in the heart of Las Vegas, and has a 50 percent interest in MGM Grand Macau, a hotel-casino resort currently under construction in Macau S.A.R. MGM MIRAGE supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its properties. MGM MIRAGE also has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative and its community philanthropy programs. For more information about MGM MIRAGE, please visit the company's website at http://www.mgmmirage.com.

actr

09.02.2006, 15:35

XOMA Announces Successful Exchange Offer With A Tender of 100% of Its Existing Notes and Placement of $12 Million of New Notes

BERKELEY, Calif., Feb 09, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- XOMA Ltd. (Nasdaq: XOMA) announced today that $60 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company's 6.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2012, or 100% of the total outstanding, were tendered and not withdrawn in its previously-announced exchange offer which expired at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on February 8, 2006. As a result of the exchange offer, the Company will issue $60 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Convertible SNAPssm due 2012. The Company also announced the placement of $12 million in aggregate principal amount of additional Convertible SNAPssm to the public for cash. Due to investor demand, the size of the offering was increased from $10 million to $12 million and the public offering price was set at 104% of principal. Both the exchange offer and the placement of new notes are expected to close on February 10, 2006.
Piper Jaffray & Co. and Canaccord Adams Inc. served as dealer managers for the exchange offer and placement agents for the cash offer. A prospectus related to the exchange offer and the new money offering is available free of charge from the information agent, Georgeson Shareholder Communications Inc., 17 State Street, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10004 (888-867-6963).

About XOMA

XOMA is a pioneer and leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of therapeutic antibodies, with a therapeutic focus that includes cancer and immune diseases. XOMA has a royalty interest in RAPTIVA(R) (efalizumab), a monoclonal antibody product marketed to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. XOMA's discovery and development capabilities include antibody phage display, bacterial cell expression, and Human Engineering(TM) technologies. The company pipeline also includes proprietary and collaborative programs in preclinical and clinical development.

actr

10.02.2006, 12:24

CHORDIANT SOFTWARE: Chordiant Software announces financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2006 ended December 31, 2005 Deferred revenue increased to $27.5 million; Backlog up 12% sequentially to $37.2 million

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA, Feb 10, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Chordiant Software, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHRD) today announced financial results for the first quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2006, ended December 31, and that it filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
First Quarter Fiscal Year 2006 Highlights

* Chordiant signed five $1 million plus license transactions with new and existing customers;

* Chordiant sold its first financial transactions services product (formerly known as Chordiant Teller);

* Chordiant announced a Premier Alliance with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS);

* Chordiant's total revenues consisted of 57 percent from North America and 43 percent from International for the first quarter of FY 2006;

* Chordiant's deferred revenue of $27.5 million is at its highest level in the past three years;

* Chordiant's backlog increased 12 percent sequentially to $37.2 million; and

* Chordiant generated positive cash flow from operations in the first quarter of FY 2006.

First Quarter Fiscal Year 2006 Results Total revenues for the first quarter of FY 2006 were $22.6 million, an increase from the $21.7 million reported for the three months ended December 31, 2004. License revenues for the first quarter of FY 2006 were $9.1 million, compared to $8.8 million reported for the three months ended December 31, 2004. Service revenues for the first quarter of FY 2006 were $13.4 million, compared to $12.8 million reported for the three months ended December 31, 2004.

Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue increased to $27.5 million as of December 31, 2005, compared to $26.2 million as of September 30, 2005, and a balance of $20.2 million as of December 31, 2004. Deferred revenue in the first quarter of FY 2006 is at its highest level in the past three years.

Customer Success "From a market perspective, Chordiant's momentum remains strong," said Steven R. Springsteel, Chordiant's President and Chief Executive Officer.

"We are continuing to win significant license transactions with world-class customers in our core vertical markets of financial services and telecommunications and completed five $1.0 million-plus license transactions with new and existing customers. Notable customer wins included Lloyds TSB, where Chordiant's Mortgage Case Manager Solution will orchestrate the mortgage loan application process from initiation through resolution across multiple channels; CompuCredit Corporation, where Chordiant's Financial Transactions Component Applications will enable them to implement services-oriented applications for lending which will drive a range of consumer focused desktop applications, web self-service and back-office BPM; O2 added Chordiant's Marketing Director Solution; and AOL Germany added Chordiant's Decision Management and Marketing Director Solutions" Mr.

Backlog of Business For the first quarter of FY 2006, Chordiant's backlog increased 12 percent to $37.2 million, compared to $33.1 million reported for the September FY 2005 quarter. Backlog is comprised of non-cancelable current software license orders which have not met all of the required criteria for revenue recognition, deferred revenue from customer support contracts, and deferred consulting and education orders for services not yet completed or delivered.

Cash Position Chordiant increased its cash balances in aggregate by $1.4 million in the first quarter and had $42.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at December 31, 2005.

About Chordiant Software, Inc.

Chordiant solutions automate and manage operational business processes for leading service-driven global organizations with a focus on retail finance and telecommunications.

Chordiant orchestrates the unique processes of an organization from the point of customer interaction, through the front and back offices to multiple transactional systems, corporate applications and data stores. Our solutions integrate existing infrastructure to orchestrate the assembly, enhancement and delivery of optimal role based business processes to the appropriate channels. Business value is realized through improved employee productivity, savings in operational costs, and increased business adaptability. Chordiant is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

actr

10.02.2006, 14:23

Diagnostic Products Corporation Announces Record Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Results

LOS ANGELES, Feb 10, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Diagnostic Products Corporation (NYSE:DP) today reported fourth quarter sales of $123.8 million, a 4% increase over the fourth quarter of 2004. Earnings were $13.1 million, or $.43 per diluted share, up 17% from $11.1 million or $.37 reported for the fourth quarter of 2004. The Brazilian Real strengthened relative to the dollar while the Euro weakened, and the net effect of foreign currency movements was a 2% decrease in sales. Domestic sales increased 8% to $38.2 million while international sales grew at 3%.
Sales of IMMULITE products grew 5% over the fourth quarter of 2004. IMMULITE product line sales reached $114.0 million for the quarter. IMMULITE reagent sales increased 6% this quarter over the fourth quarter of 2004 to $95.4 million, and IMMULITE instrument and service revenue increased by 5% to $18.6 million. Sales of RIA products were $5.1 million, a 13% decline from last year's fourth quarter. Sales of other products were $4.7 million, the same as the fourth quarter last year.

Sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $481.1 million, an 8% increase over the $446.8 million recorded in 2004. Net income for the year was $67.2 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, versus $61.7 million, or $2.06, per share last year. The Brazilian Real strengthened relative to the dollar and the Euro weakened slightly, the net effect of foreign currency was a 2% increase in sales.

For the year, IMMULITE product line sales were $440.4 million, compared to $404.9 million in 2004, an increase of 9%. Sales of the mature RIA product line were $21.4 million for the year, down 11% from last year. Sales of other products were $19.3 million for the year, up from $17.8 million in 2004. The Company shipped a total of 256 IMMULITE Instruments in the fourth quarter, including 184 IMMULITE 2000's and 2500's. The total number of IMMULITEs shipped is now over 10,900.

"While reagent sales were disappointing we are very pleased with the number of instruments shipped," said Michael Ziering, CEO of DPC. "We believe the strong shipments coupled with the release of certain key assays put us in a very good position going forward."

Diagnostic Products Corporation, founded in 1971, is a global leader dedicated to immunodiagnostics. DPC's product menu includes over 75 immunoassays and more than 375 specific allergens and allergy panels. In addition, DPC addresses the chemistry and laboratory automation testing needs of its customers through partnerships with manufacturers of chemistry systems and reagents. The combined chemistry and immunoassay menu is one of the largest and most diversified available, covering most laboratory tests requested. DPC also designs and manufactures automated laboratory instrumentation, which provides fast, accurate results while reducing labor and reagent costs. DPC sells its products to hospitals, clinics and laboratories in more than 100 countries. Additional Company information can be found on DPC's website at www.dpcweb.com.

actr

10.02.2006, 14:49

Atheros Communications Delivers a Cellular/Wi-Fi Connectivity Solution Compatible with QUALCOMM Chipsets Strategic Collaboration Contributes to the Development of Advanced Cellular Mobile Handsets with Wi-Fi Connectivity

Feb 10, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Atheros Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless solutions, today announced a collaboration with QUALCOMM Incorporated to develop interoperability between Atheros' highly integrated, single-chip Radio-on-Chip for Mobile(TM) (ROCm) solution and select QUALCOMM Mobile Station Modem(TM) (MSM(TM)) chipsets. The ROCm solution will initially interoperate with the MSM6550(TM) for CDMA2000(R) networks and the MSM6280(TM) chipset for WCDMA (UMTS) networks. The combined solutions will enable cellular devices to support 802.11g and 802.11a/g wireless LAN (WLAN) technology.
"We are pleased to work with QUALCOMM, the recognized leader in CDMA and 3G cellular technologies," said Craig Barratt, president and chief executive officer of Atheros Communications. "Our relationship has resulted in the combination of two of the world's most popular wireless technologies in a single solution. This will result in true mobility, enabling wireless users to achieve anywhere, anytime connectivity to people, content and services."

"The strategic collaboration between QUALCOMM and Atheros focuses on the growing worldwide demand for additional connectivity features in mobile handsets," said Mike Concannon, vice president of strategic products for QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies. "Having support for Atheros' ROCm solutions on our MSM chipsets helps us continue to bring a new level of mobility to wireless users and deliver numerous new possibilities to the wireless industry."

The ROCm solutions supported by QUALCOMM's MSM chipsets will provide handset OEMs and ODMs with an additional way to address the rapidly growing market for advanced mobile phones that deliver voice, data, multimedia content and services across both cellular and Wi-Fi networks. WLAN technology offers support for applications such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP), voice calls with simultaneous data transfer and other data-intensive applications.

The Atheros ROCm solution offers cellular device OEMs and ODMs the benefit of significant time-to-market advantage delivered with this turnkey, pre-packaged, cellular/Wi-Fi solution. In addition, this optimized solution satisfies the demanding design requirements for WLAN inclusion in mobile phones with its small form factor, low power consumption and high-performance connectivity. ROCm Wi-Fi solutions have achieved significant design wins with leading OEMs in every segment of the mobile market based on their ability to satisfy these requirements.

The initial interoperable Atheros ROCm and QUALCOMM MSM solution will be demonstrated next week at 3GSM in Barcelona and is scheduled to be commercially available by June 2006.

About Atheros Communications, Inc.

Atheros Communications is a leading developer of semiconductor system solutions for wireless communications products. Atheros combines its wireless systems expertise with high-performance radio frequency (RF), mixed signal and digital semiconductor design skills to provide highly integrated chipsets that are manufacturable on low-cost, standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Atheros technology is being used by a broad base of leading customers, including personal computer, networking equipment and handset manufacturers. For more information, visit www.atheros.com or send email to info@atheros.com

actr

10.02.2006, 14:57

ChipMOS ANNOUNCES ThaiLin ENTERED INTO A NT$3 BILLION SYNDICATED LOAN AGREEMENT

HSINCHU, Taiwan, Feb 10, 2006 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD. ("ChipMOS" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: IMOS) announced today that ThaiLin Semiconductor Corp. ("ThaiLin"), a subsidiary 34.1% owned by the Company's 69.8% subsidiary, ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES INC. ("ChipMOS Taiwan") has signed a syndicated loan agreement with a bank syndicate consisting of six local banks in Taiwan. ThaiLin currently expects to use the loan to expand its capacity in providing testing services for flash memory, high speed DRAM, and LCD TV peripheral IC. Mr. S.J. Cheng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ChipMOS, together with Mr. Lafair Cho, President of ThaiLin, and representatives from the bank syndicate were present at the signing ceremony held in Taipei, Taiwan.
The six-year floating-rate loan provides a NT$3 billion (approximately US$93.8 million) credit line to ThaiLin. Among the participating banks, Hua Nan Commercial Bank, Bank of Taiwan, and China Development Industrial Bank are acting as the co-lead managers of the syndicate. The other three participating banks are Land Bank of Taiwan, The Farmers Bank of China, and Hsinchu International Bank.

S.J. Cheng, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ChipMOS, said, "The purpose of this loan facility is to fund a major portion of ThaiLin's required capital expenditure investments in 2006 as we support our existing customers, new programs scheduled to be rolled out this year and the overall expected growth in flash, DDR II memory and LCD TV peripheral IC products. I would like to express my appreciation to Hua Nan Commercial Bank, Bank of Taiwan, China Development Industrial Bank and the other three banks for their confidence in and support of ThaiLin and its management team."

About ChipMOS TECHNOLOGIES (Bermuda) LTD.:

ChipMOS ( http://www.chipmos.com.tw/ ) is a leading independent provider of semiconductor testing and assembly services to customers in Taiwan, Japan, and the U.S. With advanced facilities in Hsinchu and Southern Taiwan Science Parks in Taiwan and Shanghai, ChipMOS and its subsidiaries provide testing and assembly services to a broad range of customers, including leading fabless semiconductor companies, integrated device manufacturers and independent semiconductor foundries.

actr

10.02.2006, 15:03

Unity Wireless to Acquire Wireless Broadband System Developer and Supplier

BURNABY, British Columbia, Feb 10, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Unity Wireless Corporation (OTCBB: UTYW), a developer of wireless systems and coverage-enhancement solutions, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Israeli-based Avantry Ltd. Avantry develops and supplies wireless point-to-point microwave radio-for-broadband backhaul solutions for wireless and wireline communications networks.
The acquisition, which is subject to certain standard terms and conditions, will broaden the Unity Wireless product line and customer base and will allow for cross-selling opportunities that are expected to increase revenues. The Company believes that revenues from the acquisition, combined with an expected increase in worldwide sales in its existing core business, could result in 2006 revenues that are significantly greater than those generated in fiscal 2005. In addition, joint-integration initiatives are expected to bring the Company closer to profitability. The combination of certain sales, marketing and product distribution activities is expected to help reduce overhead costs and create better operational efficiency throughout the entire organization.

The prospective acquisition of Avantry will bring to Unity Wireless a broad transmission product line that integrates microwave radio systems aimed at carrying flexible combinations of SDH, PDH voice and data and Ethernet traffic. Avantry systems are widely installed and supported in more than 25 countries through an extensive network of VARs, distributors and OEM's. Its customer base includes major national cellular and fixed-network operators, ISPs, and a variety of enterprises, government agencies and prestigious vendors.

The purchase agreement provides for a purchase price of $1,750,000 in notes that are convertible at $0.25 per share and are due April 15, 2007, and 600,000 warrants that are exercisable at $0.40 per share. The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, and is expected to close within 90 days.

Ilan Kenig, President and CEO of Unity Wireless, commented, "Avantry's products complement our coverage-solutions business by offering proven, carrier-grade wireless backhaul solutions in addition to offering a line of scalable voice and data transmission solutions for both OEM and enterprise customers. According to published market research, the market for this equipment is expected to exceed $5 billion this year. Entering this market through the acquisition of Avantry, with its mature product lines, should help us accelerate our top-line growth as we can now provide a broader line of products to new and existing customers. I am pleased to welcome Avantry's excellent team into the Unity Wireless family."

"Our team is excited about this transaction and looks forward to making a positive contribution to the success of Unity Wireless," said Avantry CEO Dror Wertman. "We feel that the business cultures of the organizations are well aligned, which should facilitate a rapid and smooth integration of our business. Together, we are positioned to grow our business in new markets and with new opportunities, while the combined customer and revenue base adds up to a very respectable organization."

Benny Maidan, Partner of venture capital company Formula Ventures and current Chairman of Avantry, added, "While Avantry is gaining commercial market share on its own, we definitely see the benefit the combination, with its inherent synergies, could have on accelerating Avantry's growth. Furthermore, we have significant confidence in Ilan and his team at Unity Wireless to successfully integrate Avantry's dedicated individuals and management team into an organization positioned to capitalize on the many opportunities in the wireless markets."

About Avantry (www.avantry.com)

Avantry is a leader in the area of advanced broadband business transmissions. With solid technological foundations in digital microwave radio, optical and Ethernet networking, Avantry enables rapid and cost-effective high-capacity network connectivity for mobile cellular infrastructure, fixed networks, private networks and enterprises.

About Unity Wireless (www.unitywireless.com)

Unity Wireless is a developer of wireless systems and coverage-enhancement solutions for wireless communications networks. The products that Unity Wireless develops and sells are an integral part of the base station and repeater infrastructure that comprise the backbone of wireless communications networks around the world. From analog cellular to 3G mobile, and from 450 MHz to 3.5 GHz, Unity Wireless products deliver enhanced efficiency and performance with field-proven quality and reliability in thousands of wireless products around the world.