UPS und DOWNS bei den AMI-Werten!

[actr]

Identix Incorporated
12.01.06 20:19 Uhr

7,13 USD

+23,36 % [+1,35]

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
7,13 USD

Zeit
12.01.06 20:19

Diff. Vortag
+23,36 %

Tages-Vol.
131,39 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
20 Mio.

Viisage and Identix to Merge to Create Biometric Identity Solution Leader

BILLERICA, Mass. & MINNETONKA, Minn., Jan 12, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Viisage Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VISGD) and Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq: IDNX):
-- Establishes the Industry's Most Comprehensive Multi-Modal Biometric Platform for Securing and Protecting Personal Identities

-- Management Team to be Led by Robert V. LaPenta as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

-- Combined Pro Forma Calendar 2006 Estimated Revenue of $220 Million and EBITDA of at Least $40 Million

Identity solutions provider Viisage Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: VISGD) and biometric technology innovator Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq: IDNX) today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge in an all stock transaction. The combined company will blend two complementary approaches to solving the challenge of protecting and securing personal identities by establishing the industry's most comprehensive single platform for multi-modal finger, face, skin and imaging identity solutions. The combination has been approved by the respective boards of directors of each company.

The combined company, on a pro forma calendar 2006 basis, is expected to have revenue of approximately $220 million and EBITDA of at least $40 million, including synergies and operating efficiencies.

Under the terms of the transaction, Identix shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 0.473 newly issued shares of Viisage stock for each share of Identix stock. The transaction is expected to be tax-free to shareholders of both companies for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Based on Viisage's closing stock price of $17.69 on January 11, 2006, the transaction is valued at approximately $770 million on a fully diluted basis.

Upon completion of the transaction, current Identix shareholders will own approximately 59 percent of the combined company and current Viisage shareholders will own approximately 41 percent of the combined company. The combined company's board of directors will consist of 12 directors, with seven of the members designated by Viisage and affiliates and five designated by Identix. The headquarters of the combined company will be in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, certain affiliates of both Viisage and Identix have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the merger.

Following the close of the transaction, the company expects to evaluate alternatives for repurchasing outstanding shares, including the potential issuance of convertible debt.

"The combination of Identix' advanced multi-biometric search technology with Viisage's expertise in secure credentials, document authentication and verification will create a global leader in biometric security, providing end-to-end identity solutions for state, local, national and foreign government use, as well as a wide application across the commercial sector," said Robert V. LaPenta, Chairman of the Board of Viisage. "With its proven technology, strength of management and services, and marquee customer base, the combined entity has the ability to achieve significant revenue growth and profitability."

Upon completion of the merger, Mr. LaPenta, Viisage's Chairman, will become Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company. Mr. LaPenta is the Chairman, CEO and founder of L-1 Investment Partners, Chairman of the Board of Viisage, and former President, Chief Financial Officer and co-founder of L-3 Communications. Dr. Joseph J. Atick, currently Chief Executive Officer of Identix, will become Vice Chairman of the combined company's Board of Directors and Chief Strategic Officer.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the new company's shareholders, employees and customers and will create a formidable combination in the identity solution / management and biometrics sector," said Dr. Joseph J. Atick, CEO of Identix.

Unlocking the Potential of Strong Synergies

Driven by a combined global sales force, the merger unlocks the potential of both organization's strengths in biometrics, credentialing and imaging solutions and offers many natural synergies. For example, Viisage and Identix each have current customer relationships today with the Department of State, with Identix providing biometric facial recognition products for the U.S. VISA program and Viisage acting as the sole source provider for U.S. passports.

The combined technologies are uniquely suited to support multiple identity programs including visa and passport issuance, border control and security, voting program integrity, secure logical access for enterprise and government, and the myriad of government-related access card requirements. In addition, the new company also can successfully meet rigorous government mandates including HSPD12, TWIC, WHTI, US- VISIT, Registered Traveler, HAZMAT, Real ID and ePassport, among others.

The merger positions the new company as a market leader in the biometrics sector. The combined capabilities allow the new company to effectively compete for approximately 80 percent of a market opportunity projected by Frost & Sullivan to reach $3.5 billion by 2008*.

The transaction is expected to close in the second calendar quarter of 2006 and is subject to customary regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, including approval by Viisage and Identix shareholders at their respective stockholder meetings.

Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. is serving as financial advisor to Viisage, while USBX Advisory Services LLC provided a fairness opinion to the Viisage Board. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC is serving as financial advisor to Identix and has provided a fairness opinion to the Identix Board.

[actr]

Ultralife Batteries, Inc.
12.01.06 21:51 Uhr

12,91 USD

+24,02 % [+2,50]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
12,93 USD

Zeit
12.01.06 21:52

Diff. Vortag
+24,21 %

Tages-Vol.
16,67 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
1,4 Mio.


Ultralife Batteries Receives $1.4 Million Production Order from General Dynamics for Land Warrior Batteries and Chargers

NEWARK, N.Y., Jan 12, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ultralife Batteries, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULBI) has received a battery and charger production order from General Dynamics C4 Systems valued at approximately $1.4 million. The contract is for lithium ion rechargeable batteries as well as vehicle, bulk and individual Soldier-based chargers, part of the equipment being delivered to General Dynamics for use in a Stryker battalion operational assessment.
Land Warrior is an integrated, modular fighting system that uses technology to enhance individual soldiers' close-combat tactical awareness, lethality and survivability. The system includes weapon-mounted sensors, an integrated helmet assembly, a communications-navigation computer system and software for friendly-force tracking and command/control programs. Featuring seamless connectivity to the General Dynamics Stryker combat vehicle, the Land Warrior - Stryker Interoperable portion of the program will undergo a comprehensive operational assessment and a Limited User Test this summer.

In February 2004, Ultralife received a $2.7 million development contract from General Dynamics to design and develop the batteries and chargers to equip Land Warrior ensembles with an advanced man-portable power system. Deliveries against the new production order will begin this month and be completed by the end of March.

John D. Kavazanjian, Ultralife's president and chief executive officer said, "Our power systems engineering services capabilities, combined with our superb track record of developing and supplying industry-leading battery and charger designs demonstrates our ability to move highly-engineered products from design into production. These capabilities are proving to be a key competitive advantage for us as the demand for our products continues to grow."

The products being supplied include: Ultralife's UBBL06 (LI-145) Rechargeable battery, which is a lightweight, rugged, high-energy 16.8 volt, 9.4 Ah lithium ion rechargeable SMBus v1.1 compliant smart battery with a state-of-charge indicator; the CH0006 3-Bay Vehicle Based Charger, which is a 3-battery rugged Smart Level-3 charger mounted in different variants of the Stryker Vehicle; the CH0008 Individual Soldier Based Charger Kit, which is a rugged Smart Level-2 charger with global input voltage and frequency capability; and the CH0017 12-Bay Bulk Charger Kit, which is a 12-battery rugged Smart Level-3 charger with AC and DC power source options, having the capability for various field uses, on a vehicle or in a depot setting.

About Ultralife Batteries, Inc.

Ultralife is a global provider of high-energy power systems for diverse applications. The company develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries, charging systems and accessories for use in military, industrial and consumer portable electronic products. Through its portfolio of standard products and engineered solutions, Ultralife is at the forefront of providing the next generation of power systems. Industrial, retail and government customers include General Dynamics, Philips Medical Systems, General Motors, Energizer, Kidde Safety, Lowe's, Radio Shack and the national defense agencies of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia, among others.

Ultralife's headquarters, principal manufacturing and research facilities are in Newark, New York, near Rochester. Ultralife Batteries (UK) Ltd., a second manufacturing facility, is located in Abingdon, England. Both facilities are ISO-9001 certified. Detailed information on Ultralife is available at the Company's web site, www.ultralifebatteries.com.

[actr]

Bad Ticker

By Lawrence Carrel
January 12, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apogee Technology Inc. (ATA1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Wednesday`s close: $1.65
Share price now: $1.92
Change: 16.4%
Volume: 494,600 shares, daily average 31,500 shares
Last time this high: April 26, 2005
52-week high: $4.39
52-week low: 70 cents
Forward P/E before news: n/a
Forward P/E after news: n/a

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

DUE DILIGENCE FOR investors ought to include finding the right ticker symbols before buying stocks.
Apogee Technology (ATA2) shares jumped another 16% to $1.92 Thursday, making the tiny sensor maker`s shares a three-day double. Not bad for a company under threat of delisting from the American Stock Exchange. Through Monday the stock had plunged 80% from the beginning of 2005 to close at 91 cents.

But buyers may not be getting what they think.

According to Streetinsider.com, a Birmingham, Mich., news analysis service that follows momentum stocks and tracks rumors, "the run-up in Apogee Technology is related to a Jim Cramer recommendation on ATS Automation Tooling Systems, which trades under the same symbol in Canada. Traders are apparently buying ATA on the Amex thinking it is the correct company, but it is not." Cramer hosts a popular CNBC stock-picking show called "Mad Money."

"Just look at the volume," says Lon Juricic, president of StreetInsider.com. "On Monday, Apogee`s volume was 2,700 shares. Then Cramer comes on and recommends the other stock and the volume surges to 733,000 on Tuesday. There`s no news, so to me it seems pretty obvious people got confused. But, it`s weird the stock keeps going up. You`d think someone, the company, Cramer or the Amex would put out a statement."

On Monday`s program, Cramer advised viewers to buy solar energy stocks, and one in particular. "I think you should buy ATS Automation Tooling Systems. That`s ATA.CN [on the Canadian Stock Exchange]," said Cramer, according to a transcript of the show. "It trades in Canada. That`s where you should buy it. I don`t want you buying the [American Depositary Receipt] on this one, because it trades on the pink sheets."

Based in Cambridge, Ontario, ATS Automation Tooling Systems makes mechanized manufacturing and test systems, as well as energy cells and modules. Solar products accounted for 18% of revenues for the year ended March 2005, according to James Bradford, an analyst with Toronto broker Blackmont Capital, who initiated coverage of the stock last week with a Buy recommendation.

"I think ATS will experience a turnaround in the core automation business," says Bradford. "Also the solar group is expected to grow stronger in terms of revenue and there`s the potential for unlocking shareholder value by spinning off the solar group."
For its fiscal second quarter ended Sept. 30 ATS posted a loss of $3.3 million Canadian dollars on revenues of C$154.5 million, compared with a year-earlier profit of C$432,000 on sales of C$180.3 million. The company blamed the loss on a sluggish U.S. automotive industry, which supplies a large part of the company`s revenues. ($1 equals 1.16 Canadian dollars.)

Shares of ATS, which closed at C$16.25 on the Toronto Stock Exchange Monday, added 3% on Tuesday. On Thursday, the stock rose to C$17.10.

Until October, Apogee had made semiconductors used in audio amplification. Now it makes pressure sensors for the automotive, consumer and medical markets with a proprietary technology it calls Micro-Electromechanical Systems, or MEMS.

For the third quarter the Norwood, Mass., company posted a net loss of $1.6 million compared with a year-earlier loss $449,000. Revenues fell 24% to $1.5 million. The company has posted just one annual profit in the past five years. As of Sept. 30 it had $812,485 in cash, down from $1.9 million at the end of 2004. In October the company sold its SigmaTel audio division, which included the amplifier technology, for $9.4 million and paid off $2.6 million in debt.

In early October, Price Target Research, an independent firm in Chicago, downgraded its rating on the stock to Unfavorable from Neutral.

"Our ratings are mainly driven by a [proprietary valuation] ratio on the potential for further appreciation," says Phillip Hofmann, senior vice president of Price Target Research. "This ratio has not been favorable for Apogee and we haven`t seen anything that would cause that assessment to be changed. Based on a quantitative view of their fundamental position, there is nothing that has happened this week to change our view."

For most of 2005 the company was under the threat of delisting from the Amex for failing to file its 2004 annual report and results for the March 2005 quarter. It filed those reports in August, but it`s unclear whether the delisting threat has been lifted. The Amex did not respond by press time.

So are investors buying Apogee in a wave of confusion? The company hasn`t released significant news since its November earnings results. Its last press release, dated Dec. 6, merely announced an exhibition of its new line of sensors.

Apogee officials couldn`t be reached for comment.

"This is a company with a lot of moving parts," says Adam Lowensteiner, managing director of Microcapreport.com, an online newsletter focusing on microcaps based in Bergenfield, N.J. "The micro-electromechanical systems is an interesting technology with multiple applications that can be used in consumer and medical markets. They are miniature pressure sensors with multiple advantages over other technologies on the market. After selling the amplifier division it has about $8 million in working capital, which should prevent it from being delisted."

Quote:
"Do they have an obligation to come out and talk about the stock price and do they actually know that this is occurring? We`re not sure," says Joe Romo, a regulatory analyst at the NASD/Amex Regulation Division. "It`s not like Apogee put out a press release. The NASD will conduct a thorough review of this situation."



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[actr]

DRAXIS Receives FDA Approval for Diagnostic Iodine I-131 Capsules Product will supplement existing line of products for treating thyroid cancer

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan 13, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The radiopharmaceutical business unit of DRAXIS Health Inc. (TSX: DAX) (NASDAQ: DRAX) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its supplemental new drug application for Sodium Iodide I-131 Capsules USP, Diagnostic - Oral.
These diagnostic sodium iodide I-131 capsules are intended to be used by physicians to perform the radioactive iodide (RAI) uptake test to evaluate thyroid function prior to treatment with stronger therapeutic doses of sodium iodide I-131. Diagnostic doses of sodium iodide I-131 may also be employed in localizing metastases associated with thyroid malignancies. The diagnostic capsules, which are supplied in a gelatin capsule for oral administration, will be produced by DRAXIMAGE, a division of DRAXIS Specialty Pharmaceuticals Inc., the Montreal-based subsidiary that serves as the operating arm of DRAXIS Health Inc.

DRAXIMAGE plans to introduce the new diagnostic capsules into the U.S. market during the first half of 2006, targeting qualified, approved nuclear physicians and/or radiopharmacists. The DRAXIMAGE sodium iodide I-131 diagnostic capsules will be supplied in several different strengths of radioactivity and DRAXIMAGE will employ a system of color-coding to allow each patient to be administered the precise dose of radioactive iodine prescribed by their physician.

The Sodium Iodide I-131 Capsules USP, Diagnostic - Oral are a further addition to the existing line of I-131 radiopharmaceutical products produced by DRAXIMAGE, including its widely used kit for the preparation of Sodium Iodide I-131 Capsules and Oral Solution for the treatment of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. The FDA-approved kit product for therapeutic use was introduced to the U.S. market in 2003.

Thyroid Cancer

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

The thyroid gland is at the base of the throat and makes important hormones that help the body function normally. According to the website of the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine cancers and is one of the few cancers for which incidence rates in the U.S. have increased over the past several years at a rate of approximately 2 percent per 100,000 people per year. They further estimate that in the year 2005 about 25,690 new cases of thyroid cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. The website states that thyroid cancer would seem to be much more common in women (approximately 75% of new cases) than in men and it mainly affects younger people, between the ages of 20 and 56. According to the same source, thyroid cancer is one of the least deadly cancers with a 5-year survival rate of nearly 97% for all cases.

About DRAXIS Health Inc.

DRAXIS Health, through its wholly owned operating subsidiary, DRAXIS Specialty Pharmaceuticals Inc., provides products in three categories. Sterile products include liquid and freeze-dried (lyophilized) injectables plus sterile ointments and creams. Non-sterile products are produced as solid oral and semi-solid dosage forms. Radiopharmaceuticals are used for both therapeutic and diagnostic molecular imaging applications. Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing services are provided through the DRAXIS Pharma division and radiopharmaceuticals are developed, produced, and sold through the DRAXIMAGE division. DRAXIS Specialty Pharmaceuticals Inc. employs over 500 staff in its Montreal facility.


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[actr]

PHAZAR CORP
13.01.06 20:37 Uhr

16,97 USD

+61,31 % [+6,45]

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
16,96 USD

Zeit
13.01.06 20:38

Diff. Vortag
+61,22 %

Tages-Vol.
77,97 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
5,1 Mio.

Phazar Edging Back from Fresh Extended-Hours Highs in Pre-Market

Boston, Jan 13, 2006 (MidnightTrader via COMTEX) -- Phazar (ANTP) is recently edging back from a pre-market high of 14.70, but still maintaining lofty upside momentum near 14 to 14.30.
Today's early strength above the 14 level firmly outpaces an after-hours high of 13.86 recorded Thursday night after the company posted an increase in Q2 results. It closed last night's session up 28.3% at 13.50.

Second quarter financial results announced by PHAZAR CORP

Jan 13, 2006 (M2 EQUITYBITES via COMTEX) -- PHAZAR CORP (Nasdaq: ANTP) announced on 12 January the results of operations for the quarter and six months ended 30 November 2005.
Net sales for the second quarter of 2005 were USD3.76m, as compared to USD3.29m for the corresponding quarter of 2004.

Net income for the second quarter of 2005 was USD0.69m or USD0.31 per share, as compared with net income of USD0.51m or USD0.22 per share for the corresponding period in 2004.

Net sales for the six months ended 30 November 2005 were USD6.944m, as compared with USD7.578m for the corresponding six months of 2004.

For the six months ended 30 November 2005 the company reported net income of USD1.22m or USD0.54 per share, as compared with net income of USD1.364m or USD0.61 per share for the corresponding six months of 2004.


(C)2006 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

[actr]

TYCO INTL LTD
13.01.06 21:07 Uhr

27,06 USD

-10,72 % [-3,25]
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Börse
NYSE

Aktuell
27,0699 USD

Zeit
13.01.06 21:07

Diff. Vortag
-10,69 %

Tages-Vol.
1,85 Mrd.

Gehandelte Stück
75 Mio.


Tyco Announces Intent to Separate Into Three Publicly Traded Companies

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Jan 13, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Tyco International Ltd. (NYSE: TYC; BSX: TYC) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a plan to separate the company's current portfolio of diverse businesses into three separate, publicly traded companies - Tyco Healthcare, one of the world's leading diversified healthcare companies; Tyco Electronics, the world's largest passive electronic components manufacturer, and the combination of Tyco Fire & Security and Engineered Products & Services (TFS/TEPS), a global business with leading positions in residential and commercial security, fire protection and industrial products and services.
The company intends to accomplish the separation through tax-free stock dividends to Tyco shareholders, after which they will own 100% of the equity in three publicly traded companies. Each company will have its own independent Board of Directors and strong corporate governance standards. Tyco expects to complete the transactions during the first quarter of calendar 2007.

According to Tyco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ed Breen, "In the past several years, Tyco has come a long way. Our balance sheet and cash flows are strong and many legacy financial and legal issues have been resolved. We are fortunate to have a great mix of businesses with market- leading positions. After a thorough review of strategic options with our Board of Directors, we have determined that separating into three independent companies is the best approach to enable these businesses to achieve their full potential. Healthcare, Electronics and TFS/TEPS will be able to move faster and more aggressively -- and ultimately create more value for our shareholders -- by pursuing their own growth strategies as independent companies."

Tyco's Board of Directors and senior leadership have evaluated a broad range of strategic alternatives, including continuation of Tyco's current operating strategy, sales of select businesses, and separation of only one of the businesses. The company and Board concluded that separating into three businesses is the best way to position these market-leading companies for sustained growth and value creation.

Three Leading Global Companies

TYCO HEALTHCARE

With 2005 revenue of nearly $10 billion, Tyco Healthcare is one of the foremost global providers of healthcare products and services. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the attractive dynamics of the healthcare industry and to realize more robust growth. Its product portfolio includes advanced surgical instruments and supplies, respiratory care products, contrast media and diagnostic imaging products, needles and syringes, vascular therapies, sutures and wound care products, and generic pharmaceuticals. Healthcare has more than 40,000 employees.

This proposed separation will create a leading stand-alone healthcare company, which is expected to benefit from a focused and independent healthcare culture to help attract top industry talent and strategic partners, as well as increasing access to emerging healthcare-related technologies. This business will continue to be led by current Tyco Healthcare President Rich Meelia, who will become the company's Chief Executive Officer. Chief Operating Officer Kevin Gould and Chief Financial Officer Chuck Dockendorff will also continue in their current leadership positions with the company.

TYCO ELECTRONICS

Tyco Electronics is one of the world's largest suppliers of electronic components, including connectors, switches, relays, circuit protection devices, touch screens, magnetics, resistors, wire and cable, as well as fiber-optic and wireless components and systems. Electronics has 88,000 employees worldwide.

As a $12 billion stand-alone enterprise, Tyco Electronics will be positioned to move quickly and strategically as competition requires, and will be better able to participate in ongoing electronics industry consolidation. The company's Chief Executive Officer will be Tom Lynch -- current President of Tyco's Engineered Products & Services segment -- who brings broad experience in the communications and electronics industries. Dr. Juergen Gromer, who has led Tyco Electronics since 1999, will continue as President, and will also assume additional responsibilities as Vice Chairman. Jacki Heisse will continue to serve as the company's Chief Financial Officer.

TYCO FIRE & SECURITY/ENGINEERED PRODUCTS & SERVICES

TFS/TEPS will be led by Tyco International Chairman and CEO Ed Breen as well as Tyco International's Chief Financial Officer, Chris Coughlin. TFS/TEPS is an $18 billion world leader in electronic security solutions for residential, business, and governmental customers, fire protection and sprinkler systems, and industrial valves and controls. With more than 118,000 employees, TFS/TEPS has a large, stable recurring revenue base and generates strong cash flow. Dave Robinson will continue to serve as President of Tyco Fire & Security. Naren Gursahaney will succeed Tom Lynch as President of Engineered Products & Services.

Breen added, "We believe this separation is a logical next step in Tyco's evolution and we are absolutely convinced that this is the right decision for the long-term success of our businesses, employees and shareholders."

[actr]

SULPHCO INC
13.01.06 21:24 Uhr

16,60 USD

+10,67 % [+1,60]
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Börse
AMEX

Aktuell
16,60 USD

Zeit
13.01.06 21:24

Diff. Vortag
+10,67 %

Tages-Vol.
32,28 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
2 Mio.

SulphCo Expands Management Team

Jan 11, 2006 (financialwire.net via COMTEX) -- January 11, 2006 (FinancialWire) SulphCo Inc. (AMEX: SUF), whose rivals include NATCO Group Inc (NYSE: NTG), has expanded its management team with the appointment of Michael Applegate as chief operating officer, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations at the company.
Peter Gunnerman, who held the title of COO, continues as president of the company, focusing on strategy, implementation of the company's recently announced ventures and on the commercialization of SulphCo's ultrasound desulfurization process worldwide.

Applegate spent the majority of his career at Applegate Drayage Co., a tractor-trailer fleet operator in California, Nevada and Utah. The company employed more than 100 drivers, dock workers, mechanics and administrative staff. Applegate served as president, a position he held since 1988. Applegate has served as both president and chairman of the board of the California Trucking Association, the largest state trucking association in the United States. He also served on the board of the Nevada Motor Transportation Association.

"Mike has extensive management experience, which will prove valuable to our company," said Rudolf Gunnerman, SulphCo chief executive officer. "Expanding SulphCo's senior management team is an important priority for the company which we intend to address in 2006

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Phazar Locked on Stun

By Lawrence Carrel
January 13, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phazar Corp. (ANTP1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Thursday's close: $10.52
Share price now: $16.09
Change: 53.0%
Volume: 6.0 million shares, daily average 148,300 shares
Last time this high: Oct. 3, 2005
52-week high: $34.00
52-week low: $8.63
Forward P/E before announcement: n/a
Forward P/E after announcement: n/a

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

AN ANTENNA MAKER'S earnings announcement got quite a reception.
Shares of Phazar (ANTP2) soared 53% to $16.09 Friday after the Fort Worth, Texas, company reported a 38% surge in fiscal second-quarter profits. Fueling the results were a pair of $2 million wireless communications contracts completed during the quarter for BAE Systems, Europe's largest defense contractor and Phazar's primary customer.

"Phazar is in a very good space in a very good industry, delivering the infrastructure for the wireless industry," says Michael Voellinger, vice president of wireless services for Telwares, a Pleasanton, Calif., consultant to the industry. "There are a lot of players involved and a lot of intelligent money is being invested in this space. It all boils down to wireless, from Bluetooth to WiMax to Mobile-Fi."

For its fiscal second quarter ended Nov. 30, Phazar posted late Thursday a profit of $698,773, or 31 cents a share, up from $504,753, or 22 cents, a year earlier. Operating income leapt 55% to $1.0 million as revenues climbed 14% to $3.8 million.

Phazar makes and installs antenna systems, towers and communication accessories. Most of the company's sales come from the U.S. government and its military contractors, such as BAE Systems. Formerly called British Aerospace, BAE is one of the Pentagon's top 10 suppliers, and contributed two-thirds of Phazar's sales for the six months ended Nov. 30, up from 53% of total sales for the fiscal year ended May 2005. Canada's Department of National Defence is Phazar's second-largest customer at 11% of total revenues. The U.S. government's direct purchases comprise 8% of sales.

The company said it's slowly adding private-sector customers. Still, with orders for equipment pending or in backlog, BAE Systems and the U.S. government are expected to remain major clients in 2006.

In Securities and Exchange Commission filings the 33-year-old company said: "We believe that Antenna Products enjoys a reputation for building quality products at a competitive price, because we continue to be asked to bid for new work. Because of our size and lack of significant liquid assets we are at a competitive disadvantage to larger companies that have greater resources to be able to bid a job at lower margins... On the other hand, our customers know us, know our personnel and can rely on us to build the antennas or towers or masts, etc., according to their specifications. We, therefore, compete on the basis of our reputation and history of building quality products at reasonable prices."

Cash provided from operating activities for the six months ended Nov. 30 was $1.1 million, vs. $2.7 million for the same time period in 2004. But accounts receivable as of Nov. 30 rose to $1.6 million from $663,098 as of May 31, primarily because of second-quarter sales to BAE Systems. Excluding the BAE Systems contracts, the company's order backlog stood at $1.6 million on Nov. 30. It has no debt and $3.8 million in cash.

"Phazar has good financials and some good contracts," says Telwares's Voellinger. "The opportunity is being in infrastructure and delivering wireless technology. That is huge. It is playing a piece in the infrastructure of wireless. Chips are another piece and security is another. I would rather be an infrastructure guy. It's much safer, and there's more money to be made."

Phazar announced in December the addition of four new mobile directional antennas to its instrument scientific medical (ISM) antenna product line. The ISM antennas are key components in the control systems used to operate automated rapid transit systems and monorails for urban and airport applications. These antennas are currently being deployed at DFW International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. The company added that this year it will provide antennas for the new terminal at Barajas International Airport in Madrid for the longest automated airport transportation system of its kind in Europe. It will also provide transit system antennas for the first driverless transit system in South Korea.

Phazar also reported in November that it added two multiport omni-directional antennas to its cellular and PCS product line. The dual models are capable of supporting up to four service providers per antenna at a site and the quad models are capable of supporting up to eight service providers per antenna at a site.

Phazar received notice on Nov. 3 from the Nasdaq that it was under threat of delisting. It had failed to comply with marketplace rules over the nomination of its board of directors. Six days later Phazar remedied the situation and the delisting threat was withdrawn.

The company's tiny float of two million shares likely contributed to Friday's run-up, as six million shares changed hands. Phazar management didn't return phone calls seeking comment.

Quote:
"Phazar seems to have a solid footing in this industry," says Telwares's Voellinger. "Some of the rapid growth and some of the market reaction is for companies across the board in this space. These companies will put up really good numbers as their revenues keep growing. This is your new bubble. Wireless technology is exploding. And anything that provides the infrastructure is exploding."

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Blodget’s Gedanken zu Google

Erinnert sich noch jemand an Henry Blodget? Als Analyst von Oppenheimer & Co. gab er der Aktie von Amazon.com im Dezember 1998 ein Kursziel von 400 Dollar, wurde alsbald zum Hohepriester des Internet und später zum Symbol der Internet-Blase. Jetzt warnt ausgerechnet Blodget vor allzu hohem Optimismus gegenüber Google.

Henry Blodget hat offenbar einiges gelernt in den letzten Jahren. Zum Beispiel, dass Aktien nicht grenzenlos in den Himmerl wachsen können. Und dass Fundamentaldaten wichtiger sind als Optimismus und Momentum am Aktienmarkt. Blodget sieht viele Aktien heute mit anderen Augen, und mit seiner Meinung hält er nicht hinterm Berg. Da ihm wegen übertriebenen Empfehlungen für schwache Aktien ein lebenslanges Berufsverbot im Wertpapierbereich auferlegt wurde, berichtet er lediglich nicht mehr als Insider über den Markt, sondern als „InternetOutsider“ – so der Name seines Blogs.

In diesem Blog hat sich Blodget nun den größten Internetgewinner der letzten Monate vorgeknöpft: Google. Und während die Aktie von acht Jahren vermutlich eine Kaufempfehlung nach der anderen bekommen hätte, postet der Ex-Analyst heute das Foto eines Furcht einflößenden Bören zu seinem Text. Auf dem Foto ist, wohlgemerkt, nur ein einzelner Bär zu sehen, was der Situation an der Börse ziemlich genau entspricht. Denn zumindest unter den Google-Beobachtern wimmelt es nach wie vor von Bullen: Im eben angebrochenen Jahr haebn schon fünf Analysten das Kursziel für die Suchmaschine angehoben, Mark Stahlman von Caris & Co. zuletzt auf – festhalten! – 2000 Dollar.

Das ist bekanntes Terrain für Blodget, der Google ein Kursziel von 100 Dollar gibt – nicht kurzfristig, wie er selbst schreibt, aber möglicherweise irgendwann.

Das Hauptrisiko für Google sieht Blodget im einseitigen Umsatzfluss. Dass der Verkauf von einzelnen Wörtern als Suchbegriffe fast den kompletten Umsatz für die Suchmaschine einbringt, sei gefährlich. Dass Google zahlreiche andere Produkte habe, verbessere die Situation nicht, denn Google Earth, die Bücherei und der neu vorgestellte Videodienst trügen kaum zum Ergebnis bei.

Blodget widmet sich in seinen Beobachtungen also allein dem Verkauf von Suchbegriffen. Dass für winzelne Wörter immer mehr bezahlt werde, ist für den Internet-Experten ein kurzfristiger Trend, der irgendwann auslaufen werde. Doch sieht Blodget nicht nur den Preis pro Wort rückläufig, sondern eines Tages auch die Investitionen der Unternehmen in Online-Werbung.

Welchen Schaden sinkende Einnahmen anrichten könnte, zeigt Blodget im Vergleich mit der Kostenstruktur bei Google aus. Das Unternehmen habe einen ungewöhnlich hohen Anteil an Fixkosten, so dass sinkende Einnahmen umso stärker auf die Bilanz durchschlagen könnten.

Mit einem Szenario, das Blodget für Google ebenso vorsieht, kennt sich der Ex-Analyst bestens aus: Betrug. Dass Internet-Unternehmen für Betrügereien besonders anfällig sind, ist bekannt, schließlich fällt eine Beurteilung von Aktiva schwer, wo nicht mit Waren, sondern mit Information und Hinweisen gehandelt wird. Käme es aber zu Betrugsfällen bei Google, würden Unternehmen und Aktie umso ärger getroffen, je höher sie zur Zeit gejubelt würden.

Um Google-Anleger nun nicht in alle Winde zu verjagen, macht Blodget in seinem Blog eines klar: Ob und wann sich die Schreckensszenarien für die Suchmaschine einstellen, wisse er nicht. Investment-Hinweise wolle – und per Gericht darf – er darüber hinaus auch nicht geben, und so bleibt der Blog einfach eine von vielen Meinungen. Allerdings immer noch die Meinung von einem, der die Sonnen- und die Schattenseite der Internet-Aktien besser kennt als alle anderen.

Lars Halter

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Zacks.com announces that Donald Rowe highlights the following stocks: AAR Corporation, Administaff, Inc., NetLogic Microsystems, Inc. and UbiquiTel, Inc.

CHICAGO, Jan 16, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Donald Rowe, editor of the Wall Street Digest newsletter, says 2006 will be a super year for the economy and the stock market, and he recommends AAR Corporation (NYSE:AIR), Administaff, Inc. (NYSE:ASF), NetLogic Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: NETL) and UbiquiTel, Inc (Nasdaq: UPCS)


Sampling of Buy Recommendations:

AAR Corporation (NYSE:AIR) is a worldwide leader in supplying aftermarket products and services to the global aerospace/aviation industry. It provides aircraft, engines and engine parts; airframe and accessories products; overhaul, repair and maintenance services and company-manufactured products to customers in all segments of this industry.

Administaff, Inc. (NYSE:ASF) is a leading personnel management company that serves as a full-service human resources department for small and medium-sized businesses throughout the United States.

NetLogic Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: NETL) is a semiconductor company that designs, develops and markets high performance knowledge-based processors for a variety of advanced Internet, corporate and other networking systems, such as routers, switches, network access equipment and networked storage devices.

UbiquiTel, Inc. (Nasdaq: UPCS) is the exclusive provider of Sprint PCS digital wireless personal communications services to four midsize and smaller markets in the western and midwestern United States. The company's business strategy includes the following elements: capitalize on affiliation with Sprint PCS, capitalize on experienced management team, execute optimal network build-out plan, utilize strategic third party relationships in network build-out, implement effective operating structure with a focus on customer service, and focus on midsize and smaller markets.

Read Donald Rowe's commentary regarding the 2006 economy and stock market. Then discover more stocks by clicking: http://at.zacks.com/?id=85

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Reynolds and Reynolds Enhances CRM Solution to Increase Compatibility, Functionality Contact Management 3.2 Answers Dealers' Call for DMS-Neutral Technology

DAYTON, Ohio, Jan 16, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The Reynolds and Reynolds Company (NYSE: REY), a leading provider of software and services to the automotive retailing industry, has launched an enhanced version of its Web- based customer relationship management (CRM) solution.
Contact Management 3.2 now empowers dealers, regardless of their dealer management system provider, to manage the sales process through one CRM provider from inquiry to close -- and at every touch point with the consumer -- whether the customer is on the Web, on the phone, in the showroom or in the service lane.

"Our customers have shared with us their desire to work with a single CRM partner to provide a comprehensive suite of CRM solutions, allowing them to move away from multiple point products that do not work seamlessly with each other," said Jill Gehrhardt, CRM solutions executive, Reynolds and Reynolds. "Contact Management enables dealerships to automate their sales activities with CRM tools and conduct timely follow up and targeted marketing campaigns to build loyalty and repeat business."

With Reynolds Contact Management, dealerships can leverage each interaction with the customer and log that customer immediately into follow-up steps and processes. It helps dealerships to move customers from the Web into the showroom and through the sales process.


Key upgrades to Reynolds Contact Management solution include:


- DMS Neutral: Empowers larger dealer groups with multiple DMS providers

throughout their locations to leverage Contact Management across the

enterprise and derive more consistent reporting. Dealers can choose to

import existing customer data, such as demographic information and

sales and service history, into Contact Management.


- Desk Log Function: Equips the sales management team with a tool to

monitor floor traffic and personalize visits for prospects. Through an

on-screen dashboard, sales managers have a view of dealership sales

activity. Dashboard functions enable managers to access client records,

assign salespersons, add vehicles, update sales steps, add and edit

notes, and create a deal. The function provides key metrics such as

prospect count and sales steps completed.


- Call Tracking: Captures inbound and outbound phone calls to produce

reports that help management monitor sales activity and can improve

employee productivity. Additionally, this optional feature aids sales

managers in coaching their sales team on how to effectively call

customers. The product interfaces with a majority of private telephone

switch (PBX) systems.

Contact Management's architecture combines the advantages of ASP delivery and advanced technology to make the application flexible and easy-to-use.

Reynolds is an automotive retail CRM market leader. Reynolds has more than 10,000 deployed CRM applications across its Reynolds Web Solutions, Contact Management and other lead management solutions.

About Reynolds

Reynolds and Reynolds (http://www.reyrey.com) helps automobile dealers sell cars and take care of customers. Serving dealers since 1927, it is the leading provider of dealer management systems in the U.S. and Canada. The company's award-winning product, service and training solutions include a full range of retail Web and Customer Relationship Management solutions, e-learning and consulting services, documents, data management and integration, networking and support and leasing services. Reynolds serves automotive retailers and OEMs globally through its incadea solution and a worldwide partner network, as well as through its consulting practice.

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Protox receives FDA clearance to begin Phase I prostate cancer trial

VANCOUVER, Jan. 16, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Protox Therapeutics Inc. announced today that the Investigational New Drug (IND) application for PRX302, the Company's lead product for the treatment of recurrent localized prostate cancer, has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As reported previously, the IND application was filed in December, 2005 and its clearance means that the Company may now proceed with the initiation of its Phase I clinical trial. PRX302 is the first of a novel class of targeted prodrugs based on the Company's PORxin(TM) platform. It is a therapeutic pore-forming toxin designed to be activated by prostate specific antigen (PSA), an enzyme which is produced and is active only in the prostate.
"Receiving FDA approval to proceed with our first Phase I clinical trial is a significant and exciting milestone for the growth of Protox and its clinical development programme," stated Dr. Fahar Merchant, President and CEO of Protox. "This milestone underscores the potential therapeutic benefit of our targeted PORxin(TM) platform originally developed by Dr. Tom Buckley, our Chief Scientific Officer."

Dr Merchant added that, "our ability to successfully reach this important goal was due to the commitment and considerable effort by Rosemina Merchant, our Vice President for Development and Regulatory Affairs, and the support from our development partners. We expect to leverage our advances with PRX302 to file an additional IND this year for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate), an indication that is not adequately served by current treatments."

The Phase I clinical trial will be an open-label, dose-escalation study of PRX302 in patients with locally recurrent prostate cancer. Patient enrollment will commence in the next few weeks. The Phase I trial will be conducted at Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas and at least one additional site in the United States. The trial is expected to enroll approximately 24 patients and has been designed to determine safety, tolerability and therapeutic activity of PRX302.

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies in North American men. It is estimated that nearly 250,000 men in North America will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. Every year, more then 30,000 men die of prostate cancer in the US alone.

Current treatment options for localized prostate cancer include surgery (radical prostatectomy), brachytherapy (implantation of radioactive seeds), and external beam irradiation. Unfortunately each of these therapies can result in erectile dysfunction, incontinence, urinary toxicity and rectal toxicity. PRX302 is being developed for the treatment of localized recurrent prostate cancer. At present there are no licensed drugs available for salvage therapy of purely local recurrence of prostate cancer.

About Protox Therapeutics

Protox Therapeutics Inc. is developing novel targeted cancer therapeutics based on engineered protein toxins. Its lead programme (PORxin(TM)) is based on pore forming protoxins such as modified proaerolysin. PORxins(TM) are inactive pro-drugs that are preferentially activated at the tumour site into potent toxins by cancer specific proteases, thereby causing cancer cell death. The Company works in partnership with research groups at the University of Victoria, Johns Hopkins University, Scott & White Hospital and other research institutions.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this press release. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements respecting the Company's business, capital, research and development, and potential future products, which statements can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology, such as "expect", "to generate", "moving forward", "intends", "committed to", "moving", "developing", "believe" or the negative thereof or any other variations thereon or, or that events or conditions "will,", "can", "to", "may," "could" or "should" occur, or comparable terminology referring to future events or results. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous factors, including, without limitation, the need for extensive additional research and development, which is costly and time-consuming and may not produce anticipated or useful results; scientific research and development risks; the risk of technical obsolescence; intellectual property risks; manufacturing and marketing risks; partnership/strategic alliance risks; the effect of competition; the need for regulatory approvals, including without limitation, FDA approvals, which is not assured; product liability and insurance risks; the need for future human clinical trials, the occurrence and success of which is not assured; changes in business strategy or development plans; and the need for additional capital, which may not be obtained; and the fact that the Company may not produce any products or if it does, that such products may not be commercially successful; any of which could cause actual results to vary materially from current results or the Company's anticipated future results. See the Company's prospectus and other documents filed with the TSX Venture Exchange and the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedar.com from time to time for a further discussion of these and other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from results referred to in forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information contained in this press release.

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At the Request of the TSX Venture Exchange, China Diamond Corp. Clarifies Certain Disclosure Information on Its Exploration Projects in China

LONDON, ON, Jan. 16, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- China Diamond Corp., (TSX-V: CDC) has amended the disclosure in its January 3, 2006 news release, which relates to the Company's exploration and mine expansion programs for 2005 and its corporate development plans for 2006, in order to clarify and expand on the disclosure that was contained within.
The 701 Changma Diamond Mine Expansion Plan

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

In December 2004 the Company initiated a major underground capital development program at the Mine by deepening the main decline to the -40 metre level (the bottom-most development horizon for mining Indicated Mineral Resources). The Company is pleased to announce that this program has now been completed. Tonnes processed at the Mine have steadily increased since August 2005, and are now at normal production levels of approximately 10,000 tonnes per month. It is anticipated that 2006 mine throughput will be approximately 118,000 tonnes producing close to 82,000 carats.

Since new management took over the helm of the Company in late 2003, it believes that the value of the diamonds produced at the Mine is not realized to its full potential until the existing processing plant facilities are improved. To this end, the Company commissioned an engineering study to evaluate a processing plant improvement and at the same time, assess a mine expansion scenario to improve the economics of the Mine. The study was completed in December 2005 by the Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy ("BGRIMM"), a First Class Engineering certificate holder in China. The study recommends that annual throughput be increased to 168,300 tonnes, which would result in the recovery of approximately 120,000 carats of diamonds per annum. Additionally, a dense medium separator ("DMS") and x-ray circuit has been recommended for installation in the processing plant. This circuit will update the plant with state-of-the-art technology, resulting in increased recovery of diamonds and better control over security aspects. The installation of inertia cone crushers to replace the existing ball mills is expected to reduce fragmentation of diamonds, and reduce electricity consumption and mine operating costs.

Total capital investment over the life of the Mine is estimated at US$2.9 million, with US$1.5 million required in the next two years. Funds after the next two years are required for continued underground mine development and sustaining capital, which will be financed from after-tax profits. The Company is planning to have an independent 43-101 technical report completed on the property during the first quarter of 2006.



Exploration Projects

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


Diamond Portfolio


702 Diamond Project


During 2005, the Company and its joint venture partner have been actively pursuing the necessary permits and licenses to complete a bulk sampling program and future mining of the 702 deposit. Although an independent engineering study was completed by a Chinese engineering firm during 2005 that indicated the positive aspects of this project, the Company considers that it is prudent to collect a relatively large bulk sample to ascertain the valuation of the diamonds prior to any mine production decision. This will not only provide the necessary confidence in the diamond value but will also provide the necessary information for detailing the optimal mining and processing scenarios for future mine operations. The Company is currently assessing the optimal way to proceed with the bulk sample and once the method and costs are determined, may require additional financing.

703 Diamond Project

Exploration on the 703 project throughout 2005 identified a number of circular magnetic anomalies thought to represent the possible kimberlite source of the diamonds and kimberlite indicator minerals previously recovered from surface soil and stream sediment sampling. In addition, the Company initiated a detailed soil sampling survey and resistivity survey immediately over top of and down slope of the Dajingtou (A1) anomaly. The detailed soil sampling recovered 6 diamonds and over 1,200 kimberlite indicator minerals. To date, six holes have been drilled into this area that have so far recovered a number of pyrope garnets, chrome diopside and chromite grains, all of which are indicative of a kimberlite source rock (October 12 news release). However, due the complex nature of the geology, which hosts a number of cross-cutting faults that may have caused displacement of the original kimberlite rock, core drilling has yet to intersect the kimberlite source rock for the diamonds. However, given the extensive soil sampling and the obvious cluster of diamonds in a relatively small area of less than 2km2, the Company remains confident in the potential of this area hosting a diamondiferous kimberlite, and as such, continues to aggressively explore this area with soil sampling, geophysics and core drilling, which is currently ongoing.

The Company expects to receive 4 other exploration licenses early in 2006 that are in the proximity of the Dajingtou License where exploration work is currently ongoing. The exploration program for 2006, for the Dajingtou license as well as the remaining four licenses (once received) is currently funded in entirety.



Gold Portfolio


Huixian Gold-Copper Project


During 2005, the Company successfully discovered four gold-copper mineralized zones on the Huixian Project with associated alteration and sulfide mineralization, similar to that of the Huixian Mine (September 19, 2005 news release).

The Company is continuing detailed surface exploration on the newly discovered zones, consisting of trenching and ground geophysics to better define the geometry of the mineralized zones beneath the surface to target mineralized zones for future core drilling. In addition, the Company is planning to commence drilling on the Huixian Mine mineralization in order to collect additional information of the gold-copper mineralization at depth prior to updating the estimate of Mineral Resources. The surface work for the project is funded and ongoing, while the core drilling program expected to commence later in 2006 will require additional financing, the amount of which will be determined upon completion of the surface exploration.

In the past two months, a total of 40 surface muck pile samples were collected from the area of the past producing Huixian Mine. The assays (see following Table 1) provide an indication of the high grade gold-copper values within the deposit that correlate well with the known average grade of the deposit.



<<

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16.01.2006 15:11
Presse: General Motors hebt Einsparziel an
Der amerikanische Automobilkonzern General Motors Corp. (ISIN US3704421052 (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs)/ WKN 850000) hat Presseangaben zufolge sein Einsparungsziel weiter erhöht.

Wie die "Financial Times Deutschland" unter Berufung von Aussagen des Konzernchefs Rick Wagoner bei einer Rede vor Analysten berichtet, will der angeschlagene Automobilhersteller seine Kosten bis zum Jahr 2010 um insgesamt 14 Mrd. Dollar senken. Bislang lag das ursprüngliche Ziel bei Kosteneinssparungen von 7 Mrd. Dollar bis zum Jahr 2008. Gleichzeitig betonte Wagoner laut dem Bericht, dass die Sanierung des Nordamerikageschäfts mit einem extremen Gefühl der Dringlichkeit durchgeführt werden soll. Dabei dürfte die bereits angekündigte Streichung von 30.000 Stellen bei General Motors wohl erst der Anfang gewesen sein, hieß es weiter.

Der CEO des weltgrößten Automobilkonzerns steht derzeit angesichts wachsender Kritik der Aktionäre und Analysten zunehmend unter Druck. Durch das neue Einsparungsziel will Wagnoer diesen Vorgaben nun gerecht werden. Vor dem Hintergrund der derzeitigen tarifrechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen müssen jedoch Werksschließungen mit der Automobilgewerkschaft UAW abgestimmt werden. Der Abbau von Stellen ist derzeit laut dem Bericht aufgrund der aktuellen Tarifverträge nahezu unmöglich.

Ein Insolvenzverfahren stellt in diesem Zusammenhang nach Meinung einiger Beobachter einen Ausweg aus der Misere dar. Für Wagoner ist das keine Lösung, weil bei einem Insolvenzantrag die Konsumenten keine GM-Autos mehr kaufen würden: "Die geben bis zu 40.000 Dollar für ein Auto aus, das sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren verwenden wollen", wird Wagoner zitiert. Seiner Meinung nach zählt für Kunden Verlässlichkeit "bei der Garantie oder beim Rückverkauf".

Die Aktie von General Motors notierte zuletzt bei 20,37 Dollar.

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Altair Nanotechnologies Inc.
17.01.06 22:00 Uhr

3,25 USD

+38,89 % [+0,91]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
3,25 USD

Zeit
17.01.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+38,89 %

Tages-Vol.
50,40 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
16 Mio.

Altair Nanotechnologies Lithium Ion Battery Cells Exceed HEV Power Requirements of U.S. FreedomCAR

RENO, NV, Jan 17, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. (NASDAQ: ALTI) today announced that its battery research and development team successfully completed a testing program for lithium ion battery cells containing Altairnano's nano-structured lithium titanate electrode materials.
"The test results demonstrated that the performance of these lithium ion battery cells exceed the system-level power requirements set forth by the U.S. Council for Automotive Research FreedomCAR Energy Storage System Performance Goals for hybrid electric vehicle (HEVs), as well as those requirements published by major U.S. automakers," said Evan House, Ph.D., Program Director, Altairnano's Advanced Materials & Power Systems business unit. These power requirements can be viewed at: www.uscar.org/consortia&teams/consortiahomepages/con-usabc.htm

The battery cells using Altairnano's nano-structured lithium titanate electrode materials in battery cell tests developed for HEV applications demonstrate a useable state-of-charge range twice that of conventional nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries presently used in hybrid electric vehicles. Nano-structured lithium titanate electrode materials offer a near-term promise of lithium ion batteries that exhibit rapid charge and discharge, longer cycle life and more inherently safe performance than either currently available nickel metal hydride or lithium ion batteries. These results support the feasibility of a power lithium ion battery pack half the size of those currently being tested for HEV applications.

"We believe this phase of our testing program provides enough data to demonstrate that lithium-ion batteries utilizing our nano-structured battery electrode materials can have both the energy and power densities that exceed those of the nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries currently being used in HEVs," commented Altairnano President and CEO Alan J. Gotcher, Ph.D. "In our meetings with members of the automotive industry in the U.S. and abroad, we have been told that power-based lithium-ion batteries with the ability to discharge and charge rapidly, combined with greater cycle life and abuse tolerance, are desirable for the future of hybrid vehicles.

"This assessment," continued Dr. Gotcher, "was validated in the October 24, 2005, issue of Automotive News, when Japan's largest maker of nickel metal hydride batteries, used by Ford Motor Company and other carmakers of hybrid vehicles, stated that the future belongs to lithium-ion batteries. This sentiment was echoed in the article by Sanyo Electric Company, Toyota Motor Corporation, General Motors and Ford Motor Company executives."

The power of Altair's cell was first demonstrated and published in the September 2004 edition of the advanced energy industry standard, Journal of Power Sources. In that paper, authored by Dr. Du Pasquier and colleagues of the Rutgers University Energy Storage Group, battery cells using Altairnano's nano-structured battery electrodes demonstrated a three-minute full recharge and more than 9,000 cycles of sequential three-minute, 100 percent, recharges and discharges, validating the superior cycle life characteristics of Altairnano's nano-materials, when compared to traditional lithium ion batteries with a cycle life of 300 to 500 recharges and discharges.

The battery testing programs for applications targeting HEVs and electric vehicles are underway at a specially equipped facility located in the company's corporate headquarters in Reno, NV. Located in Anderson, Indiana, Altairnano's battery product application labs, with rapid prototyping and battery testing capabilities, is expected to be fully equipped and operational and to have its first battery cells manufactured by the end of January.

ABOUT ALTAIR NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC.

Altairnano is a leading supplier and innovator of advanced ceramic nanomaterial technology. Based in Reno, Nevada, Altairnano has assembled a unique team of materials scientists who, coupled in collaborative ventures with industry partners and leading academic centers, have pioneered an array of intellectual property and products.

Altairnano's robust proprietary technology platforms produce a variety of crystalline and non-crystalline nanomaterials of unique structure, performance, quality and cost. The company has scalable manufacturing capability to meet emerging nanomaterials demands. Altairnano's two divisions, Life Sciences and Performance Materials, are focused on applications where the company's nanotechnology may enable new high growth markets. The Life Sciences Division is pursuing market applications in pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, dental materials and other medical markets. The Performance Materials Division is focused on market applications in advanced materials for paints and coatings; air and water treatment, environmental sensing, and alternative energy -- including new lithium ion battery electrode materials. For additional information on Altairnano and its nanomaterials, visit www.altairnano.com.

[actr]

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
17.01.06 22:00 Uhr

22,41 USD

+17,70 % [+3,37]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
22,41 USD

Zeit
17.01.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+17,70 %

Tages-Vol.
382,44 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
19 Mio.

BioCryst Receives FDA Fast Track Designation for Peramivir

Jan 17, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCRX) today announced that the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted "fast track" designation for peramivir injection in the treatment of influenza infections, including highly virulent, life-threatening strains of influenza. Peramivir is an influenza neuraminidase inhibitor that, in preclinical studies, has shown potent, broad- spectrum activity against multiple strains of flu, including the H5N1 virus. On December 22, 2005, BioCryst announced that the FDA had given the company approval to begin human clinical trials using injectable peramivir.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030414/BIOCRYSTLOGO )

The fast track programs of the FDA are designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of new drugs that are intended to treat serious or life-threatening conditions and that demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. In correspondence with BioCryst, the FDA said that it agrees that the use of peramivir in the proposed indication of treatment of influenza infections, including highly virulent, life-threatening strains, meets the criterion of treating a serious life-threatening condition. Based on this conclusion, the FDA designated peramivir injection for influenza infection as a fast track product.

"The FDA's decision supports our belief in the potential of peramivir as an effective therapy for the treatment of influenza, including highly virulent, life-threatening strains like those associated with avian influenza," said Charles E. Bugg, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BioCryst. "We are initially developing the intravenous formulation of peramivir for the treatment of acutely ill influenza-infected patients and anticipate beginning Phase I clinical testing of the intravenous formulation early this quarter, at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. In addition, we are also conducting preclinical studies with intramuscular formulations, which will be directed initially at patients with seasonal influenza infections. We are pursuing both of these development programs in close collaboration with research groups at the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) at the National Institute of Health (NIH)."

About BioCryst

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. designs, optimizes and develops novel drugs that block key enzymes involved in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. BioCryst integrates the necessary disciplines of biology, crystallography, medicinal chemistry and computer modeling to effectively use structure-based drug design to discover and develop small molecule pharmaceuticals.

BioCryst's lead product candidate, Fodosine(TM), is a transition-state analog inhibitor of the target enzyme purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP). The drug is currently in a Phase IIa trial for patients with T-cell leukemia and a combination IV and oral Phase I pharmacokinetic trial in healthy volunteers was recently completed. Results of the Phase IIa and the Phase I pharmacokinetic trial will assist in the design of a planned combination IV and oral Phase IIb pivotal clinical trial in patients with T-cell leukemia. The Company has requested a Special Protocol Assessment from the FDA for this planned trial. Additionally, Fodosine(TM) is currently being studied in a Phase I trial with an oral formulation in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), a Phase II trial in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and a Phase I/II trial in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Fodosine(TM) has been granted Orphan Drug status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for three indications: T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, including CTCL; CLL and related leukemias including T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, adult T-cell leukemia, and hairy cell leukemia; and for treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Additionally the FDA has granted "fast track" status to the development of Fodosine(TM) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory T-cell leukemia.

In August, 2005, BioCryst initiated a Phase Ib study with its second- generation PNP inhibitor, BCX-4208, to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of multiple oral doses of BCX-4208. In November, 2005 BioCryst announced it had entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Roche to develop and commercialize BCX-4208 for the prevention of acute rejection in transplantation and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Additionally, BioCryst has re-initiated clinical development of peramivir, an inhibitor of influenza neuraminidase, with a focus on intravenous and intramuscular delivery. Also, BioCryst has identified a clinical candidate, BCX-4678, in its hepatitis C polymerase inhibitor program, and is advancing this compound through preclinical testing with the goal of filing an IND in 2006. For more information about BioCryst, please visit the company's web site at http://www.biocryst.com.

[actr]

DANA CP
17.01.06 22:01 Uhr

5,40 USD

-20,59 % [-1,40]
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Börse
NYSE

Aktuell
5,40 USD

Zeit
17.01.06 22:01

Diff. Vortag
-20,59 %

Tages-Vol.
42,33 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
7,5 Mio.


Dana Corporation Reports Third-Quarter 2005 Results

Jan 17, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN) today reported financial results for both the quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2005, and announced that it will file its Form 10-Q for the third quarter of 2005 later today. The filing and delivery of this report will eliminate any defaults related to late filing of the third-quarter financial statements under the company's financing agreements.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990903/DANA )

Sales for the third quarter of 2005 were $2,396 million, compared to $2,114 million during the same period in 2004. The company recorded a net loss of $1,272 million, or $8.50 per share, for the quarter, compared to net income of $42 million, or 28 cents per share in the third quarter of 2004. Results for the quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2004 have been restated, as previously disclosed in the 2004 Form 10-K/A filed on Dec. 30, 2005.


About Dana Corporation

Dana people design and manufacture products for every major vehicle producer in the world. Dana is focused on being an essential partner to automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle customers, which collectively produce more than 60 million vehicles annually. A leading supplier of axle, driveshaft, engine, frame, chassis, and transmission technologies, Dana employs 46,000 people in 28 countries. Based in Toledo, Ohio, the company reported sales of $9 billion in 2004. Dana's Internet address is: http://www.dana.com.

[actr]

If It Doesn't Fit...

By Lawrence Carrel
January 17, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AHPC Holdings, Inc. (GLOV1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Friday's close: $3.00
Share price now: $3.62
Change: 20.7%
Volume: 343,154 shares, daily average 4,800 shares
Last time this high: Oct. 18, 2005
52-week high: $5.65
52-week low: $2.32
Forward P/E before announcement: n/a
Forward P/E after announcement: n/a

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

THE ONLY THING missing from a disposable glove maker's rags-to-riches announcement is, well, riches.
Shares of AHPC Holdings (GLOV2) jumped 21% to $3.62 Tuesday after the maker of latex gloves reported winning a five-year federal supply contract. Financial details3 of the pact weren't disclosed by the Glendale Heights, Ill., company.

"The company solidified a deal that's good for five years," says Adam Lowensteiner, managing director of Microcapreport.com, an online newsletter based in Bergenfield, N.J. "That's why a lot of companies like working with the government. The feds give out long contracts that are easier on your sales cycles. The big questions are: How big is the deal, and does it take AHPC to profitability?"

The answers, from the looks of it, are "not very" and "unlikely," based on information we pieced together from the General Services Administration, the federal procurement agency that doles out contracts on behalf of government agencies, and the company's regulatory filings. AHPC didn't return phone calls seeking comment.

"The contract is worth a potential value of $125,000 over five years," says GSA spokeswoman Viki Reath. According to the GSA, there are no preferences or guarantees in the agreement, and AHPC will compete against other government contractors to win sales among federal agencies. For the fiscal year ended June 30, AHPC's revenues totaled $26.6 million.

Formerly known as WRP Corp., AHPC sells gloves for the food service, medical, dental, nursing home and retail industries through its wholly owned subsidiary, American Health Products. AHPC markets latex, vinyl and synthetic disposable gloves under the brand names DermaSafe, Glovetex and SafePrep. Latex-powdered gloves comprise 28% of revenues, while latex powder-free gloves bring in 27% and nonlatex gloves, 36%

The contract, which runs from Dec. 1, 2005, to Nov. 30, 2010, is for DermaSafe and Glovetex examination and specialty latex gloves.

"If it's a real contract why didn't the company tell us the dollar amount?" says Peter Cohan, president of Peter S. Cohan & Associates, a management-consulting and venture-capital firm in Marlborough, Mass. "It seems if the company knew the dollar amount of the contract, it would disclose it. That would add to the credibility of the announcement and give investors a view into how much it's worth."

Recent earnings statements show lackluster results. For the fiscal first quarter ended Sept. 30, AHPC posted a net loss of $498,556, or 41 cents a share, vs. a net loss of $373,649, or 39 cents, for the year-earlier period. Revenues climbed 5.7% to $6.9 million. A 29% revenue increase in the company's health-care business was offset by increased costs for raw materials, primarily latex and low-density polyethylene. Gross margins fell to 20.7% from 23.2% a year earlier.

The company has produced a profit in just one of its past five quarters, and that came from a one-time gain from the sale of its Indonesian manufacturing business. And while annual losses have steadily decreased over the past two years, so have annual sales — they're half of what they were in 2001.

Other concerns loom. In its 2005 annual report AHPC said "during the process of responding to a recent SEC comment letter, the company's management identified an error which led to the identification of a material weakness within the company's financial reporting and disclosure controls." The error related to the reporting of net loss per share after a January 2004 3-for-1 reverse stock split, and forced the company to restate two years' worth of earnings.

"This whole thing brings up the question of whether any of the numbers are real," says Cohan, the venture capitalist. "It seems like it has no cash and it doesn't generate any cash. It survives by convincing credit companies and private investors to give them cash. It's borrowing against receivables."

From June 2004 to June 2005, AHPC's cash balance fell to $16,434 from $359,012. By September it had climbed to $60,000, despite the company posting negative operating cash flow of $755,000 for the quarter.

In September 2004 GE Capital terminated its credit facility with AHPC. This forced the company to work with a privately held commercial financing company called Greenfield Commercial Credit. Greenfield gave the company a $5 million line of credit five months ago and helped with an October private placement of $1.2 million in 7% subordinated promissory notes.

In AHPC's annual report, its accounting firm, Grant Thornton, issued a so-called going concern qualification, meant to warn investors when a company is at risk for eventual insolvency. Last week AHPC fired Grant Thornton and hired independent accounting firm Plante & Moran.

Quote:
"This company reminds me of the company Vandalay Industries, made famous by the 'Seinfeld' TV show," says Cohan. "George, who is trying to get a job, gives Jerry's number for a recommendation, pretending it's a latex firm, Vandalay Industries. The phone rings. Kramer picks it up. George comes out of the bathroom in his underwear screaming, 'Answer Vandalay Industries,' but Kramer says this isn't a company — it's an apartment. Seinfeld then walks in, sees George on the floor in his underwear and says, 'And you want to be my latex salesman?' I think this company has as much a chance of making it as Vandalay Industries."


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[actr]

18.01.2006 08:50
Intel verfehlt im Schlussquartal 05 ... (zwei)
Die niedriger als erwartete Marge begründete Intel (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) mit der schwächeren Umsatzentwicklung im vierten Quartal. Zudem verwies das Unternehmen auch auf den "leichten Wechsel" im gesamten Produktmix hin zu Produkten, die nicht aus dem Mikroprozessorenbereich stammen sowie auf die Neubewertung bei einem Teil der Lagerbestände. Die effektive Steuerrate sei dagegen mit 29,1% niedriger als erwartet ausgefallen. Intel war von einer Rate von rund 31% ausgegangen.

Die Umsatzentwicklung im Schlussquartal ist den Angaben zufolge vor allem auf geringer als erwartete Auslieferungen und Preise bei Desktop-Prozessoren zurückzuführen. Der Chief Financial Officer des Konzerns, Andy Bryant, sagte im Anschluss an die Ergebnispräsentation, dass sich weitere Faktoren negativ auf das Intel-Geschäft ausgewirkt hätten. So habe es bei der Versorgung mit so genannten Chip Sets Engpässe gegeben.

Bryant zufolge verlor Intel im Schlussquartal geringfügig Marktanteile an Konkurrent Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD).

DJG/DJN/abe/nas

[actr]

MORNING UPDATE: Seven Summits Research Issues Alerts for INTC, IBM, YHOO, JPM, and LUV

CHICAGO, Jan 18, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Seven Summits Research issues the following Morning Update at 8:30 AM EST with new PriceWatch Alerts for key stocks.
Before the open... PriceWatch Alerts for INTC, IBM, YHOO, JPM, and LUV, Market Overview, News Leaders and Laggards, Today's Economic Calendar, and the Quote Of The Day.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"We are looking for a new record high in the U.S. trade deficit. The triggers for dollar weakness may come from structural indicators."


-- Todd Elmer, Currency Strategist, Citigroup


New PriceWatch Alerts INTC, IBM, YHOO, JPM, and LUV...

PRICEWATCH ALERTS -- HIGH RETURN COVERED CALL OPTIONS --

-- Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC)

Last Price 25.52 - APR 25.00 CALL OPTION@ $1.70 -> 5.0 % Return assigned*

-- International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM)

Last Price 83.00 - JUN 80.00 CALL OPTION@ $6.90 -> 5.1 % Return assigned*

-- Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq: YHOO)

Last Price 40.11 - FEB 40.00 CALL OPTION@ $2.05 -> 5.1 % Return assigned*

-- JP Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM)

Last Price 39.71 - JUN 40.00 CALL OPTION@ $1.70 -> 5.2 % Return assigned*

-- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV)

Last Price 15.87 - JUN 15.00 CALL OPTION@ $1.85-> 7.0 % Return assigned*


MARKET OVERVIEW

Things are looking a bit ugly overseas, as none of the foreign markets we track are in positive territory. Tokyo Stock Exchange officials had to step in and halt trading 20 minutes earlier than normal as a glut of orders threatened to exceed the systems' 4 million-order capacity. This is only the second time that officials have shut down trading early, and it caused many of the major Asian markets to post losses. European shares also moved lower on Wednesday, thanks in part to the situation in Asia and rising oil prices. Every component of the main French and German indices dropped. Oil stocks comprised the scant amount of companies posting gains in Europe.

The February crude contract surged past $66 per barrel yesterday, closing at their highest level since late September. Supply concerns were the main driver for the high prices, as news from Iran and Nigeria sparked worries. The news out of Iran consists of the resumption of its nuclear program. The country denies that it is planning to develop nuclear weapons, but Europe and the United States are trying to call an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which could result in sanctions against Iran. The country warned that sanctions against it could lead to higher oil prices. In Nigeria, militants have threatened further attacks against the oil industry in the country, which is the world's eighth-largest oil exporter. A glut of attacks against Royal Dutch Shell facilities have caused the company to cut output and withdraw staff from four oil production platforms.


2006 has started well for the OPEC oil nations -- the cartel that controls about 40% of the world's oil output. And according to the US Department of Energy, it's set to increase its revenues by 10% to a record US$522 billion this year. They barely look worse off in 2007, with revenues projected to drop only slightly to US$495 billion. Elsewhere on the power-generating topic, General Electric, Siemens and Alstom have released a combined report detailing how they believe the world is about to experience a power shift from gas to coal. Their research, obtained by the Financial Times, shows that they expect 40% of the new orders for electric turbines over the next decade to be for coal-powered systems. Meanwhile, demand for gas-based systems is expected to drop some 25-30%. So why the shift? Well, there are several reasons. Unsurprisingly, the biggest concern is that gas is becoming increasingly expensive because of supply concerns. Proof of this was seen just recently, as Russia and the Ukraine became embroiled in a dispute over pricing. In addition, new technological advances mean coal is now less of a pollutant that before. Over in Japan, the prospects for more sustained growth are looking brighter. In its new report outlining the state of the country's economy, the Bank of Japan said that all nine regions announced positive data for the final quarter of 2005. Back in October, six of the nine upgraded their outlooks. Conclusion? That, coupled with a statement from Governor Toshihiko Fukui last week that the country is emerging from its prolonged black hole of deflation, Japan's economy has turned the corner.

Read more economic/market/stock analysis from the Taipan Group and 247Profits.com every trading day with the FREE 247Profits Dynamic Market Alert. Featuring: insightful economic commentary from the US and worldwide... profitable investment recommendations...and full access to the leading team of financial experts. Register for free here: http://www.247profits.com/enter.html

NEWS LEADERS AND LAGGARDS

So far today, J.P. Morgan Chase, Southwest Airlines, and Mellon Financial lead the list of companies with the most news stories while SunTrust Banks and Sony Ericsson Mobile are showing a spike in news. CIT Group, International Business Machines, and Johnson & Johnson have the highest srtIndex scores to top the list of companies with positive news while Intel and Yahoo! lead the list of companies with negative news reports. Bank of New York has popped up with a high positive news sraIndex score.


TODAY'S ECONOMIC CALENDAR

7:00 a.m. Jan 13 MBA Refinancing Index

7:45 a.m. Jan 14 ICSC Store Sales Index

8:30 a.m. Dec CPI

8:30 a.m. Dec CPI, ex-food and energy

8:55 a.m. Jan 14 Redbook Retail Sales Index

9:00 a.m. Nov Treasury Intl Capital Flows

12:15 p.m. Richmond Fed Pres Lacker speaks in Baltimore

1:00 p.m. Jan NAHB Housing Index

2:00 p.m. Federal Reserve Beige Book

[actr]

Ivanhoe Energy, Inc. - Common Shares
18.01.06 19:40 Uhr

2,87 USD

+20,59 % [+0,49
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
2,87 USD

Zeit
18.01.06 19:40

Diff. Vortag
+20,59 %

Tages-Vol.
129,31 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
48 Mio.

Conference Call Wednesday, January 18, to discuss Ivanhoe Energy's Heavy-to-Light Oil process

BAKERSFIELD, CA, Jan 18, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Ivanhoe Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: IVAN and TSX: IE, IE.U) will host a telephone conference call for investors and analysts today, Wednesday, January 18, at 4:00 p.m. EST (1:00 p.m. PST).
Briefings will be provided on the successful attainment of performance objectives by the company's Commercial Demonstration Facility in Southern California that is showcasing Ivanhoe's revolutionary heavy-oil upgrading technology (HTL). Ivanhoe Energy now is preparing to test crudes from potential partners, with an initial focus on heavy crudes from California and Western Canada, including bitumen from Canada's Athabasca Tar Sands region.


Ivanhoe Energy is an independent international oil and gas exploration and development company building long-term growth in its reserve base and production. Ivanhoe Energy is a leader in technologically innovative methods designed to significantly improve reserves of oil and gas through the upgrading of heavy oil to light oil, state-of-the-art drilling techniques, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and the conversion of natural gas to liquids (GTL). Core operations are in the United States and China, with business development opportunities worldwide.

Ivanhoe Energy trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market with the ticker symbol IVAN and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) with the symbol IE.

[actr]

NAUTILUS INC
18.01.06 20:11 Uhr

13,969 USD

-24,61 % [-4,561]
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Börse
NYSE

Aktuell
13,969 USD

Zeit
18.01.06 20:11

Diff. Vortag
-24,61 %

Tages-Vol.
119,15 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
9,1 Mio.



Nautilus, Inc. Announces Preliminary Fourth Quarter 2005 Results

VANCOUVER, Wash., Jan 18, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS), a leading marketer, developer, and manufacturer of branded health and fitness products, today provided preliminary fourth quarter 2005 results, and announced the date of its next quarterly conference call with investors.
Based upon preliminary information, the Company announced that it expects fourth quarter 2005 net sales in the range of $179-183 million, with corresponding earnings per share in the $0.07-0.12 range. The Company's previous fourth quarter 2005 guidance presented on November 2, 2005, estimated net sales of $210 million and earnings per share in the $0.44-0.48 range.

"Our innovation-centered business model generated increasing consumer interest in our products again in the fourth quarter, helping us achieve net sales growth of 21 percent in fiscal 2005," said Gregg Hammann, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "However, we are experiencing growing pains in ramping innovation through the manufacturing side of our business, which resulted in delays in the introduction of new products that were expected to have significant sales and earnings in the fourth quarter. We are continuing to make progress in improving our manufacturing and operational capacity as we adjust to a fast pace of product innovation. We are closing gaps and improving efficiencies in each stage of our go-to-market process."

The Company continues to expect 15-20 percent annualized sales growth, and 20-30 percent annualized earnings growth, through its 2006-08 strategic business plan.

The fourth quarter 2005 conference call is scheduled for 5 p.m. EST (2 p.m. PST) February 1, 2006. It will be broadcast live over the Internet hosted at www.nautilusinc.com/events and will be archived online within one hour after completion of the call. In addition, listeners may call 800-729-5806 from anywhere in North America, and 212-676-4919 from outside North America. Participants will include: Gregg Hammann, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Bill Meadowcroft, Chief Financial Officer; and Tim Hawkins, Chief Customer Officer and Chief Marketing Officer.

A telephonic playback will be available from 7:00 p.m. PST February 1 through 7:00 p.m. PST, February 10, 2006. North American callers can dial 800-633-8284 and other international callers can dial 402-977-9140 to hear the playback. The passcode is 21282027.

About Nautilus, Inc.

Headquartered in Vancouver, Wash., Nautilus, Inc. (NYSE:NLS) is a pure fitness company that provides tools and education necessary to help people achieve a fit and healthy lifestyle. With a brand portfolio that includes Nautilus(R), Bowflex(R), Schwinn(R)Fitness, StairMaster(R), Trimline(R) and Pearl iZUMi(R), Nautilus manufactures and markets a complete line of innovative health and fitness products through direct, commercial, retail, specialty and international channels. The Company was formed in 1986 and had sales of $524 million in 2004. It has 1,400 employees and operations in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, China, and other locations around the world. More information is at www.nautilusinc.com.

[actr]

Intel Corporation
18.01.06 21:10 Uhr

22,51 USD

-11,79 % [-3,01]
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Aktuell
22,51 USD

Zeit
18.01.06 21:10

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Despite its third straight year of double-digit earnings growth, Intel reportedly disappointed many Wall Street analysts that expected better numbers from the world's leading computer chip maker.

[actr]

Yahoo! Inc.
18.01.06 21:18 Uhr

35,24 USD

-12,14 % [-4,87]
KGVe:
46,99

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
35,26 USD

Zeit
18.01.06 21:19

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Tages-Vol.
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103 Mio

Yahoo Profit Jumps; Shares Slide

United States, Jan 18, 2006 (Newsbytes via COMTEX) -- Yahoo Inc. said yesterday that its fourth-quarter profit nearly doubled and revenue was up almost 40 percent, but Wall Street viewed the earnings report as disappointing and sent the Web portal's stock tumbling by more than 13 percent in after-hours trading.
For the quarter that ended Dec. 31, Yahoo said it earned $683.2 million, compared with $372.5 million for the comparable period in 2004. For the 2005 fiscal year, the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company earned $1.9 billion, compared with $839.6 million the previous year.

Yahoo executives credited the increase to advertisers moving to the Internet and said advertiser spending could double for the company within the next two years.

Analysts agreed that online advertising sales in the United States would probably see substantial increases, with the fastest growth coming from search-based ads. In that arena, Yahoo's market share slipped to 19 percent in November from 27 percent a year earlier. Google Inc. saw its share jump to 60 percent from 47 percent.

Financial analysts had expected earnings of 17 cents per share, excluding one-time gains and tax benefits. Yahoo missed that forecast by a penny, and its stock plummeted $5.15 in after-hours trading to $34.96.

Simply, analysts said, Yahoo's quarter wasn't good enough to wow Wall Street.

"What's disappointing about it is they didn't really trump people's expectations," said Oppenheimer & Co. analyst Sasa Zorovic. "People are now saying: 'Look, I was anticipating more. I didn't get what I anticipated, so I'm going to scale back.'

"For Yahoo, people always hope they will become more like Google, and this quarter was not Google-like," he said. "Google definitely beats and raises expectations. Yahoo was more ho-hum in that sense

[actr]

Stereotaxis, Inc.
18.01.06 21:24 Uhr

13,33 USD

+14,62 % [+1,70]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
13,33 USD

Zeit
18.01.06 21:24

Diff. Vortag
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Tages-Vol.
13,44 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
1,1 Mio.

Stereotaxis Announces Initial U.S. Clinical Usages of Cardiac Ablation Catheter With Company's Niobe(R) System - Significant Milestone Achieved With Successful Complex Ablations Completed at Three Leading U.S. Electrophysiology Centers Utilizing the

ST. LOUIS, Mo., Jan 12, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Stereotaxis, Inc. (Nasdaq: STXS) today announced the achievement of a significant milestone with three leading electrophysiology sites becoming the first U.S. centers to successfully treat cardiac arrhythmias using the Celsius(R) RMT Diagnostic and Ablation Catheter. This proprietary catheter, which was co-developed by Stereotaxis and Biosense Webster, recently received FDA approval for use with the Stereotaxis Niobe(R) Magnetic Navigation System. This expands applications of the Stereotaxis Niobe System in the U.S. from diagnostic and device delivery procedures into the major therapeutic market for minimally invasive endocardial ablation treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The worldwide market for these procedures is experiencing rapid growth and Stereotaxis estimates that the market currently comprises more than 400,000 procedures per year, of which approximately 70% are conducted in the U.S.
During the week of January 2, Cleveland Clinic, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston completed a total of 15 procedures with the Stereotaxis Niobe system, including successful completion of complex AVNRT ablation, AV node ablation, Atrial Tachycardia Ablation and treatment of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, as well as a number of Bi-Ventricular pacing lead placements for treatment of Congestive Heart Failure. The Cleveland Clinic procedures, which included a complex atrial tachycardia, were successfully completed in the Cleveland Clinic's department of Cardiovascular Medicine, section of Electrophysiology and Pacing, which is co-chaired by Dr. Andrea Natale, M.D., and Patrick Tchou, M.D. Dr. Tchou performed the ablation utilizing Stereotaxis' Niobe Magnetic Navigation system to successfully complete the ablation.

"The Stereotaxis system marks a fundamental change in the way we can treat cardiac arrhythmias," said Dr. Tchou. "During the successful treatment of a patient with an atrial tachycardia, we were able to precisely and easily adjust the tip of the Celsius RMT Diagnostic and Ablation Catheter using computer control. The catheter maintained an extraordinarily consistent contact with the tissue during the application of energy that is not generally achieved in manual ablation. Consistent contact is a critical element to the success of the ablation."

"Until today, in order to map and ablate arrhythmia, it was necessary to manually advance and rotate a fairly stiff catheter in an effort to reach specific points within the heart," said Dr. Natale. "Adding computer control and automation to precisely steer soft, magnetically enabled catheters offers the potential to improve the treatment of complex arrhythmia. We look forward to treating a wide range of arrhythmias with this enhanced technology."

Eric Johnson, M.D., of Baptist Memorial Hospital, successfully completed two AV node ablations with the Stereotaxis system in combination with the Celsius RMT Diagnostic and Ablation Catheter. "The decreased procedure time and increased efficiency seen in our initial experiences using the Stereotaxis system in combination with the Celsius RMT Diagnostic and Ablation Catheter are rarely achieved when relying on manual ablation," said Dr. Johnson. "At a community hospital, speed and efficiency are obviously critical to the center's ability to increase patient volume, and I believe that leveraging this technology could be helpful in increasing patient flow."

Charles I. Hafajee, M.D., of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center commented, after completing successful ablation procedures with the Celsius RMT Diagnostic and Ablation Catheter, "I am very impressed with the combination of the Stereotaxis system and the new mapping and ablation catheters. The system is intuitive, user-friendly and enables us to reproduce accurate and detailed maps of cardiac anatomy."

Physicians in Europe have been able to utilize the Celsius RMT Ablation Catheter with the Niobe system since CE Mark authorization was received in March 2005 and have conducted successful ablation procedures for a variety of arrhythmias, including Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, AVNRT and AVRT.

The Niobe system utilizes a computer-controlled magnetic field to remotely steer a magnetic catheter or other device through the vasculature to the target therapy site and to apply therapy with precision and efficiency, utilizing sophisticated integration of major imaging technologies. Additionally, clinical feedback indicates that use of the Niobe system reduces physician exposure to imaging radiation during procedures and that the system enhances patient safety because the consistent, "soft-touch" contact with the heart wall unique to magnetically enabled catheters may reduce the risk of vessel or other tissue perforation during procedures. The core components of the Stereotaxis system have received regulatory clearance in the U.S. and Europe.

"The use of magnetic navigation to precisely control the therapeutic tip of soft ablation catheters is a fundamental improvement over the existing practice of physicians manually controlling devices that are difficult to manipulate," said Bevil Hogg, President and CEO of Stereotaxis. "We firmly believe that Stereotaxis has the potential to become the new standard of care for both routine and highly complex ablation and other cardiac procedures."

[actr]

One Rep Too Many

By Lawrence Carrel
January 18, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nautilus, Inc. (NLS1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Tuesday's close: $18.53
Share price now: $13.91
Change: -24.9%
Volume: 11.6 million shares, daily average 693,500 shares
Last time this low: Jan. 29, 2004
52-week high: $29.65
52-week low: $16.70
Forward P/E before announcement: 15.4 (based on $1.20 a share)
Forward P/E after announcement: 16.2 (based on 86 cents a share)

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

THE PRICE OF NAUTILUS (NLS2) stock plummeted like a weight stack with a slipped pin Wednesday.
Shares of the manufacturer of health and fitness products fell 25% to a two-year low of $13.91 after the Vancouver, Wash., company warned manufacturing problems would cause fourth-quarter earnings to come in 75% below its previous guidance. Despite plenty of consumer interest for its new products, Ron Arp, Nautilus's director of communications, says production bottlenecks put a damper on results.

" The ramp-out in terms of quantity available for sale proceeded much more slowly than expected; therein lies the shortfall," says Arp. " I would present this as growing pains in a company that seeks to grow its product offerings. It's about a commitment to get it right the first time, and we ended up not selling the kind of volume we expected, despite the fact there was strong consumer interest. We just couldn't meet demand."

The reason Nautilus didn't see the shortfall earlier in the quarter, says Arp, was because half of all fourth-quarter sales occur in December, with a large part coming right before Christmas through New Year's Day, as people make resolutions to exercise more. And while the company may have lost some sales to competitors, Arp says products have a three- to four-year life cycle and that " the market place is hungry for new fitness equipment."

Nautilus now expects fourth-quarter earnings to total between seven cents and 12 cents a share on net sales of $179 million to $183 million. That bears little similarity to the company's November guidance of profits between 44 cents and 48 cents on $210 million in revenues. Thomson First Call had a consensus estimate of 46 cents. The November guidance, too, was the result of a warning; previously the company had said it would earn 55 cents to 57 cents a share. In the year-ago fourth quarter Nautilus earned $14.2 million, or 42 cents, on sales of $169.6 million.

" The company didn't hold a conference call, so it's very hard to get a hold of what caused a $25 million to $30 million top-line shortfall," says Marc Bettinger, an analyst at Stanford Group, an investment bank based in Boca Raton, Fla. " I understand we're talking about a manufacturing issue related to new products, but why this occurred and the planning involved remains unanswered. What steps are being taken to resolve it?" On Wednesday, Bettinger cut his rating on the stock to Hold from Buy.

Nautilus said it was in the process of improving manufacturing and operational capacity, but spokesman Arp declined to offer specifics. Among the 20-year-old company's fitness products are its namesake brand of commercial gym machines, Bowflex home gym equipment, Schwinn Fitness exercise bikes, StairMaster step machines, Trimline treadmills and Pearl iZUMi sports apparel, as well as nutritional supplements. In 2004 Nautilus posted sales of $524 million.

" Management clearly will need to enact significant changes to the company's supply chain to not only address such a lack of operational efficiency in the near term, but to also ensure such problems do not arise in the future," wrote Rommel Dionisio, an analyst at Los Angeles investment bank Wedbush Morgan Securities, on Wednesday. " We still believe that management has done an impressive job of growing the top line in recent quarters, through gaining important new retail customers as well as successful new product introductions. However, it now becomes clear that the company's supply chain and production infrastructure were not up to the challenge of keeping pace with such increased demand."
Dionisio said typically when such significant operational challenges occur in the consumer-products industry, it requires at least two quarters to fix the problems. Accordingly, he cut his rating on the stock to Hold from Buy.

Despite the fourth-quarter stumble, Nautilus reiterated its forecast for 20% to 30% annualized earnings growth on 15% to 20% annualized sales growth from 2006 through 2008. The company expects to release final results on Feb. 1.

In 2002, Nautilus posted record earnings of $98 million. But investors who bought shares at the start of that year had lost 55% two years later. For most of 20033 sales and earnings plunged on what the company called a " challenging business environment4."

The company said it completed a turnaround in 2004 and that 2005 was expected to be a year of growth and investment in the future. But with the stock down nearly 60% from its midyear high of $29.65, some might say the company is still in turnaround mode.

Part of the past year's selloff related to Nautilus being found liable for falsely advertising its Bowflex home gym over a 17-year period. In November, a jury in federal court in Salt Lake City found the company misled customers by saying Bowflex had " patented power rods," when it really was a patented product that used power-rod technologies. A judge is currently reviewing the $7.8 million judgment.

Quote:
" If demand wasn't there I would be concerned, but demand is strong," says Eric Wold, an analyst at San Francisco investment bank Merriman Curhan Ford & Co. " The problem is Nautilus is launching too many new products in too short a period of time. Also, I think there is a big misunderstanding from the press release. The company is expected to earn 70 cents in fiscal 2005 and people are forecasting 2006 earnings of 85 cents to 90 cents. However, management thinks the manufacturing problem is a one-time thing. So, the 30-cent earnings hit for 2005 should be added back in, for a total of $1 a share, before looking for 20% to 30% earnings growth. That means 2006 should see earnings between $1.20 and $1.30 a share."

[actr]

Dynavax's Ragweed Allergy Therapy, TOLAMBA(TM), Achieves Primary Efficacy and Safety Endpoints in Phase 2/3 Trial Statistical Significance Achieved in Primary Endpoint (p=0.024) and Major Secondary Endpoints; Pivotal Phase 3 Trial Anticipated to Begi

BERKELEY, Calif., Jan 18, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Dynavax Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: DVAX) announced that results from a two-year Phase 2/3 clinical trial of TOLAMBA, a ragweed allergy immunotherapeutic, showed that patients treated with TOLAMBA experienced a statistically significant reduction in total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) compared to placebo-treated patients in the second year of the trial, the primary efficacy endpoint of the study (p=0.024). Results also showed significant clinical benefit relative to secondary endpoints, including composite hay fever symptoms and ocular effects, and a significant reduction in antihistamine use (p=0.01). These results were achieved after a single short course of therapy prior to the first ragweed season (2004), and demonstrated that a booster dose prior to the second season (2005) was not required to achieve clinical benefit. Unlike the TOLAMBA-treated group, the boosted group did not achieve statistical significance relative to the primary efficacy endpoint compared to placebo. The safety profile of TOLAMBA was favorable. Systemic side effects were indistinguishable from placebo and local injection site tenderness was minor and transient.
Based on these results Dynavax anticipates initiating a large-scale pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of TOLAMBA in the first half of 2006 and pursuing discussions with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) concerning the potential registration strategy for TOLAMBA. Dynavax intends to present the detailed clinical results of the Phase 2/3 trial at the upcoming meeting of the American Association of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), March 3-7, in Miami, Florida. Dr. William W. Busse, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Clinical Science Center, and principal investigator for the study, will make the presentation at AAAAI. A separate company announcement will provide details of that presentation.

"We believe that the positive outcome in this allergy trial represents a major success for Dynavax and its shareholders and expands our leadership in the TLR-9 agonist space. This achievement provides important validation of our ISS technology's potential to modify disease through immune system reprogramming and complements the positive results shown to date with HEPLISAV(TM), our hepatitis B vaccine," said Dino Dina, MD, president and chief executive officer.

Continued Dr. Dina: "We are fully committed to the development of TOLAMBA and believe this product could represent the cornerstone of our strategy to establish a valuable allergy franchise. We are preparing to initiate our pivotal Phase 3 trial within the next few months and will look forward to upcoming discussions with the FDA concerning key parameters in this study and our regulatory strategy. In addition, our ongoing clinical trial in ragweed allergic children is progressing well and should yield primary endpoint results following the 2006 ragweed season. We sincerely appreciate the support and enthusiasm of our many clinical investigators in the Phase 2/3 trial, and will look forward to building on these relationships as we implement our pivotal Phase 3 trial."

TOLAMBA represents the foundation of a comprehensive allergy franchise for Dynavax, and has the potential to be a novel entrant in the multibillion-dollar global allergy market. In the US alone, approximately 40 million people suffer from allergic rhinitis. Ragweed is the single most common seasonal allergen, affecting up to 75% of those with allergic rhinitis, or 30 million Americans. Current therapeutic options are mainly limited to symptomatic therapies and conventional allergy immunotherapy, which generally requires 60-90 shots over three to five years and represents a significant treatment burden for allergy sufferers. TOLAMBA has the potential to offer a safe, efficacious and convenient alternative for patients suffering from ragweed allergy.

"The results of the Phase 2/3 clinical trial are encouraging, clearly demonstrating that TOLAMBA has a meaningful clinical benefit in reducing the symptoms of ragweed allergy and has an attractive safety profile," said Dr. Busse. "TOLAMBA could represent an entirely novel approach to allergy immunotherapy and has the potential to offer allergy sufferers with severe as well as moderate or mild disease an effective, convenient and safe alternative to conventional treatment."

Phase 2/3 Trial Design

The Phase 2/3 TOLAMBA clinical trial, initiated in early 2004, was a two-year, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted at 29 sites in the midwestern, southwestern and eastern US. The trial involved 462 subjects, aged 18 to 55 years, with moderate to severe ragweed allergy (hay fever). Prior to the 2004 ragweed season, which generally lasts from August through October, subjects received six weekly doses of either placebo or escalating doses of up to 30 micrograms of TOLAMBA, in a two-to-one randomization, TOLAMBA to placebo group. Prior to the 2005 ragweed season, one half of the TOLAMBA-treated subjects received two additional booster shots. The other half of the TOLAMBA-treated group received placebo injections and the original placebo-treated group received placebo injections. The trial protocol permitted subjects to self-administer pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (Sudafed(R), Pfizer, Inc.) and fexofenadine hydrochloride (Allegra(R), sanofi-aventis), as needed.

The primary objective of the trial was to assess the treatment difference in a subject-rated 24-hour total nasal symptom score. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in TNSS during the peak period of the 2005 ragweed season of the TOLAMBA-treated groups compared to the placebo group. TNSS includes nasal symptoms (congestion, sneezing, itching and runny nose) rated on a four-point scale. Patients recorded their symptoms electronically on a daily basis. Results were analyzed comparing the TOLAMBA-to-TOLAMBA and TOLAMBA-to-placebo groups to the placebo-to-placebo treatment group over the two-week peak period of the 2005 ragweed season. Secondary objectives included the change in hay fever symptoms (visual analog score or VAS, recorded electronically on a weekly basis), eye symptoms, aggregate hay fever scores, quality of life, medication use, the change in serum IgG and IgE antibody response to Amb a 1, and safety.

About ISS Technology and TOLAMBA

Immunostimulatory sequences (ISS) are short synthetic DNA molecules that stimulate a Th1 immune response while suppressing Th2 immune responses. ISS contain specialized sequences that activate the innate immune system. ISS are recognized by a specialized subset of dendritic cells containing a unique receptor called Toll-Like Receptor 9, or TLR-9. The interaction of TLR-9 with ISS triggers the biological events that lead to the suppression of the Th2 immune response and the enhancement of the Th1 immune response.

TOLAMBA consists of Dynavax's proprietary ISS molecule linked to the purified major allergen of ragweed, called Amb a 1. TOLAMBA is designed to target the underlying cause of seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by ragweed. The conjugation of ISS to Amb a 1 ensures that both ISS and ragweed allergen are presented simultaneously to the same immune cells, producing a highly specific and potent inhibitory effect and suppressing the Th2 cells responsible for inflammation associated with ragweed allergy.

Dynavax was founded in August 1996 by Dr. Dennis A. Carson, Dr. Eyal Raz, and Dr. Lawrence M. Lichtenstein, based on work done at the University of California at San Diego. Dr. Raz and Dr. Carson co-invented the conjugation technology linking ISS to allergens and other antigens that is a key aspect of TOLAMBA's mechanism of action.


Dynavax Technologies Corporation
19.01.06 16:47 Uhr

5,62 USD

+29,20 % [+1,27]

Typ: Aktie WKN: 2698737

Börse: NASDAQ



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NASDAQ

Aktuell 5,62 USD

Zeit 19.01.06 16:47

Diff. Vortag +29,20 %

Tages-Vol. 4,23 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück 895.323

Geld 5,61

Brief 5,64

Zeit 19.01.06 16:47

[actr]

JDS Uniphase Corporation
19.01.06 17:11 Uhr

3,09 USD

+7,30 % [+0,2101]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
3,09 USD

Zeit
19.01.06 17:11

Diff. Vortag
+7,30 %

Tages-Vol.
98,87 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
33 Mio.

[actr]

Millicom International Cellular S.A.
19.01.06 18:59 Uhr

36,86 USD

+32,30 % [+9,00]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
36,75 USD

Zeit
19.01.06 18:39

Diff. Vortag
+31,91 %

Tages-Vol.
81,40 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
3,1 Mio.

Millicom International Cellular S.A. announces review of strategic options

Jan 19, 2006 (NORDIC BUSINESS REPORT via COMTEX) -- The Swedish-controlled international telecomms investor Millicom International Cellular S.A. said on Thursday (19 January) that due to the recent receipt of a high number of unsolicited approaches its board of directors had decided to conduct a review of strategic options for the company.
The company has appointed Morgan Stanley as financial advisor.

Millicom said that it remains confident in its current strategy and growth prospects and the outcome of the review may not lead to any transaction.

Swedish investment company Investment AB Kinnevik said in a separate statement that, as the largest shareholder in Millicom, it supports the decision to review strategic options for the company.

[actr]

Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.
19.01.06 19:15 Uhr

16,38 USD

-16,00 % [-3,12]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
16,36 USD

Zeit
19.01.06 19:16

Diff. Vortag
-16,10 %

Tages-Vol.
53,67 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
3,4 Mio.


Charlotte Russe Announces First Quarter Results * First Quarter Sales Rose 34.3% With Same Store Sales Increase of 15.6% * EPS of 29 Cents Per Share Increases 222% Over Same Quarter Last Year * 14 New Stores Opened in Quarter, 35 New Stores Planned f

SAN DIEGO, Jan 19, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHIC), a growing mall-based specialty retailer of fashionable, value-priced apparel and accessories targeting young women in their teens and twenties, today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 ended December 24, 2005.

Mark Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer, remarked: "Our comparable store sales improvement in this first quarter reflects significant progress made in both brands to reclaim market share. Charlotte Russe recorded positive comp sales trends in apparel which was complemented by continued strength in our accessory categories. Rampage, while posting double digit comp sales growth, continues to be a work in process with its brand repositioning."

"At the quarter-end," Mr. Hoffman continued, "inventory levels at comparable stores were up 20% over prior year levels due, in part, to the earlier receipts of transitional Spring merchandise this year. As a result, we were well positioned following Christmas and thereafter. In fact, comparable store sales for the first three weeks of January have been running double-digit during this clearance period. Going into the fourth week of January, inventories at comparable stores were up high teens over the same week last year, and we feel very confident about the fashion Spring content and quality of our merchandise. Our new Spring floor sets should be complete by the second week of February in both brands."

Mr. Hoffman added: "The Charlotte Russe brand continues to trend positively. With respect to the Rampage repositioning, during 2004 we experienced significant negative comp sales until Spring 2005 when the elevated product and price points gained support from our targeted customer base. While we have achieved a rebound in sales, it was partially due to a stronger promotional strategy and higher markdown expense. During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, we continued to build average store volumes for the Rampage chain; however, markdowns ran high and the store-level financial performance was not much better than the same time last year. In summary, we have been successful in rebuilding in part our Rampage store volumes; however, more progress is needed with our product gross margins. For the coming two quarters, we expect that the high level of promotional activities will continue and that, at the store-level, Rampage is expected to show a loss in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 with a projected profit in the subsequent third quarter."

"The continuation of elevated promotional strategies for market share, higher charges for stock options and bonuses this year, and the calendar shift of a later Easter will all impact the second quarter which is the lowest volume period of the year. Because of the calendar shift, we feel that the next two quarters should be viewed together; therefore, for this reason and for this quarter only, we are providing investors with financial guidance for the next two quarters. Assuming no significant change in the overall retailing environment, we would guide investors to expect low double-digit positive comparable store sales in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2006 with a loss of 3 to 7 cents per share for the second quarter, compared to a loss of 3 cents last year, and diluted earnings per share of 20 to 24 cents for the third quarter, compared to 14 cents last year," Mr. Hoffman concluded.

As has been the company's policy, this guidance does not include the potential of any business risks, opportunities or developments that may occur after January 19, 2006. Management does not expect to report on its second quarter financial performance, or to comment on it to the investment community, until after the financial results for the second quarter have been released on or about April 20, 2006.

Financial Results:

Net sales for the first quarter increased 34.3% to $201.5 million from $150.0 million for the first quarter last year. Comparable store sales increased 15.6% during the quarter, compared to a decrease of 9.9% for the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

Operating income for the first quarter was $11.4 million as compared to $3.5 million for the same quarter last year. Net income increased 227% to $7.1 million from $2.2 million during the same quarter last year. Diluted earnings per share of 29 cents for the quarter compared to 9 cents for the same quarter of the prior year, an increase of 222%.

Included in the quarterly results was a $0.6 million pre-tax charge, which represented a 1.5-cent impact on diluted earnings per share, associated with the new requirement to recognize compensation expense for the company's stock option plan. The average number of shares outstanding during the recent quarter was 24.5 million on a diluted basis.

Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. is a growing mall-based specialty retailer of fashionable, value-priced apparel and accessories targeting young women in their teens and twenties. The company operated a total of 422 stores in 43 states and Puerto Rico, as of December 24, 2005, comprised of 356 Charlotte Russe stores and 66 Rampage stores. The company expects to open up to 35 new Charlotte Russe stores during the fiscal year ending in September 2006.

The "Charlotte Russe" stores offer fashionable, affordable apparel and accessories that have been tested and accepted by the marketplace, thus appealing to women who prefer established fashion trends. The "Rampage" stores feature trendsetting apparel and accessories and thus appeal to women with a flair for making fashion statements and who want runway-inspired fashion, quality and value.

[actr]

Lifeline Systems, Inc.
19.01.06 19:34 Uhr

46,95 USD

+18,89 % [+7,46]
KGVe:
39,45

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
46,95 USD

Zeit
19.01.06 19:34

Diff. Vortag
+18,89 %

Tages-Vol.
63,34 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
1,5 Mio.

Lifeline Systems to be Acquired by Royal Philips Electronics; Lifeline Shareholders to Receive $47.75 per Share in Cash

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Jan 19, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Lifeline Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: LIFE) announced today that it has signed a definitive merger agreement with Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE:PHG, AEX:PHI) under which Philips will acquire Lifeline, a leader in personal emergency response services. Philips has agreed to acquire Lifeline for $47.75 per share or a total equity value of $750 million (equaling an aggregate value of $690 million net of $60 million cash and cash equivalents) in a transaction that has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Lifeline. Completion of the transaction is subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, which contains customary closing conditions and is subject to the approval of Lifeline's shareholders.
"The acquisition of Lifeline is an important step on our roadmap for growth in healthcare," says Gerard Kleisterlee, President and CEO of Royal Philips Electronics. "By targeting seniors and other people who want to continue living independently and exerting more control over their health and lifestyle," he added, "we aim to become a global player in the evolving home healthcare market."

The aging of the population provides strong underlying market growth for home healthcare solutions such as those offered by Lifeline. Today, seniors represent around 15% of the population in the developed world and are expected to almost double in size over the next 25 years. At the same time they are becoming increasingly active in managing their own health and wellness. Personal response services are already the largest category of home healthcare solutions purchased out-of-pocket by older adults and their caregivers. Still, penetration in the age group 65 years and older is just 2-3%, allowing for significant future growth.

Lifeline's revenues in 2005 are expected to be approximately $150 million, representing a 15% increase over 2004. A large part of the revenues are recurring in nature. Lifeline's operating margins in 2005 are expected to be approximately 15%. The company has a broad market presence in United States and Canada. The company markets its services through a network of more than 2,500 hospitals and other healthcare providers and serves a subscriber base of nearly 470,000.

Lifeline's twenty-four hours a day service gives independently minded seniors the confidence to maintain an active life at home, knowing if they suddenly need help, they can send an alert to a call-center that indicates they need assistance. Two-way communication allows a caring and extensively trained operator - who has instant access to the pertinent health history and personal profile of the caller - to establish the nature of the problem. Appropriate action can then be taken, including notifying a neighbor or family member, or summoning emergency services.

"Our many years of understanding consumers and their needs have led us to identify 'healthcare at home' as a key sector for us," stated Ivo Lurvink, CEO of Philips Consumer Health & Wellness. "Lifeline is a market-leader that offers us a platform for other home healthcare products and services. As such it complements our existing presence in telemedicine, showcased in Motiva, our advanced interactive healthcare system. We believe our brand, global presence, technology and innovation capabilities will accelerate the growth of the company and we're very much looking forward to working with their experienced management team and talented employees."

Lifeline President and CEO Ron Feinstein said, "Philips' acquisition of Lifeline represents the next phase in the continued evolution and growth of our company. This combination of two industry leaders opens up numerous product and technology synergies, as well as growth opportunities designed to both further and broaden Lifeline's founding mission of providing personal emergency response and support services to the at-risk elderly and their families to enhance their independence and quality of life."

[actr]

Lam Research Corporation
19.01.06 21:02 Uhr

43,54 USD

+13,62 % [+5,22]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
43,54 USD

Zeit
19.01.06 21:02

Diff. Vortag
+13,62 %

Tages-Vol.
429,30 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
10 Mio.


BUYINS.NET: LAM Research (LRCX) SqueezeTrigger Price Is $29.45. Short Sellers Are Down Approximately $73 Million After Company Beats Earnings Estimates.

Jan 19, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- www.buyins.net, announced today that the 5.51 million shares declared short on LAM Research Corp. (NASDAQ: LRCX) have a SqueezeTrigger Price of $29.45 per share. Lam Research Corp. said on Wednesday that second-quarter earnings slipped 7 percent, but results easily beat analysts' estimates, sending shares up in after-hours activity. The developer of semiconductor processing equipment said net income for the quarter ended Dec. 25 was $77.8 million, or 55 cents per share, down from $83.6 million, or 59 cents per share last year. Revenue for the quarter was $358.2 million, down from $379.8 million. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expected the company to earn, on average, 39 cents per share for the quarter on $344.1 million in revenue. Short sellers are down approximately $73 million as the stock is currently trading near $42.84. To access SqueezeTrigger Prices ahead of short squeezes beginning, visit http://www.buyins.net/squeezetrigger.pdf.
From January to December of 2005, an aggregate amount of 227,021,056 shares of LRCX have been shorted for a total dollar value of $6.68 billion. The LRCX SqueezeTrigger price of $29.45 is the volume weighted average price that all shorts are short in shares of LRCX. Since crossing above the SqueezeTrigger Price, shares of STX are up nearly 45%. There is still approximately $235 million worth of potential short covering in shares of LRCX.

Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ: LRCX) engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and service of semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Its products include etch systems, including dielectric etch products, conductor etch products, and resist strip products, as well as synergy cleaning products. The company markets its products and services primarily to companies involved in the production of semiconductors in the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific, Korea, and Japan. Lam Research Corporation was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Fremont, California.

[actr]

Cashing In on Chips

By Lawrence Carrel
January 19, 2005


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. (FCS1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Wednesday's close: $17.85
Share price now: $19.64
Change: 10.0%
Volume: 5.0 million shares, daily average 1.1 million shares
Last time this high: May 28, 2004
52-week high: $18.62
52-week low: $12.80
Forward P/E before news: 33.7 (based on 53 cents a share)
Forward P/E after news: 28.5 (based on 69 cents a share)

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

AN EARNINGS MISS FOR INTEL (INTC2) no longer signals doom for the entire chip industry, it seems.
Shares of Fairchild Semiconductor International (FCS3) climbed 10% to a new 52-week high of $19.64 after the maker of chips for consumer electronics, PCs and industrial equipment reported fourth-quarter results grew substantially over the previous quarter and predicted the trend will continue into the new year.

That stands in sharp contrast to the 11% tumble Intel shares took Wednesday after the company failed to meet its midquarter guidance.

"The industry doesn't march to Intel's beat anymore as the consumer end-market becomes a bigger driver," says Ramesh Misra, an analyst at New York investment bank C.E. Unterberg Towbin. "In general, we are in the early stages of an upswing in the semiconductor cycle. When that happens, the companies that benefit most are often the ones supplying the commodity products, because pricing leverage for those products tends to be the greatest. That's helping Fairchild in the near term."

Fairchild's fourth-quarter results fell well short of year-ago numbers, but showed marked improvement over the third quarter. Adjusted earnings totaled $13.6 million, or 11 cents a share, compared with a year-earlier $24.8 million, or 21 cents. Analysts were looking for seven cents, according to Thomson First Call. Even on an adjusted basis, Fairchild posted posted a net loss of $3 million, or three cents a share in the third quarter.

Revenues climbed 7% sequentially to $370.8 million in the fourth quarter, but fell 2% from the fourth quarter of 2004. Gross margin jumped 3.4 percentage points sequentially, but fell 1.4 percentage points year-over-year.

"Fairchild has gone through a multiquarter process of reducing channel inventories and internal inventories," says Craig Berger, an analyst at Wedbush Morgan Securities, a Los Angeles investment bank. "Its inventory levels drive production, and production amounts drive gross margin. Over the past three quarters it has drained the inventory channels so sales can bounce back."

Fairchild said it reduced internal inventories by more than 20% and channel inventories about 16% compared with 2004. Tighter channel management increased fourth-quarter sell-through by about 4% sequentially, the highest level in more than four years.

Intel's earnings miss was especially disappointing considering the strength of the personal computer market. According to technology research firm Gartner, world-wide PC unit shipments grew an estimated 16% in the fourth quarter on strong holiday sales. Merrill Lynch analyst Richard Farmer wrote on Thursday that he now expects world-wide PC units to grow 10.5% for 2006, up from his previous estimate of 8.5%. Microsoft's (MSFT4) new operating system, Vista, is due out in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Market watchers say Intel's problems don't look industry-specific, but rather company-specific5. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD6), Intel's chief rival, is grabbing market share from the chip giant. Both companies primarily manufacture central processors for PCs. AMD's stock gained 4% on Wednesday.

"I think overall the chip sector is healthy," says Tore Svanberg, an analyst at Minneapolis investment bank Piper Jaffray. "We have to look at the two companies and compare what they do. Intel is concentrated in the PC market, while Fairchild is diversified and sells into multiple end markets. Whether Intel loses market share or not, that doesn't affect Fairchild. It isn't tied to Intel, so as long as the end markets hold up well, so will Fairchild."

Fairchild doesn't make central processors, but the South Portland, Maine, company derives 26% of its sales from the PC industry. Consumer devices like DVD players, game consoles, cameras and personal digital assistants make up 22% of sales. Cellphones bring in 13%, and industrial power supplies, 28%. The rest of sales come from cars, televisions and monitors.

"I don't think that there is the industry disconnect that a superficial analysis of the headlines suggests there is," says Mark Thompson, Fairchild's president and chief executive. "Intel grew in the same range that we grew. It just wasn't as much as their own forecasts. So, when I look at the entire industry, I don't see that disconnect."

Thompson says Fairchild's channel inventories increased significantly in 2004 because demand didn't materialize. But during 2005, Fairchild began selling off inventory, improving its cash flow in the process. The company used the funds to pay down its debt to a record low $100.7 million.

Sales were solid across all the end markets with particular strength in products supporting computing, consumer and industrial applications, said Thompson. He added that bookings outpaced the strong fourth-quarter sales growth, and that the company expects the trend to continue. With a higher backlog position and shipping at levels in line with end-market demand, first-quarter sales are expected to grow 5% to 7% sequentially. Gross margins are forecast to increase another two to three percentage points sequentially.

Quote:
"With the stock up 12% today, I would recommend that people not chase it," says Piper Jaffray's Svanberg. "The positive news is now in the stock, so the only way I would recommend it is if there was meaningful upside to current 2006 numbers. There could be, but it's too early to tell."




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[actr]

CITIC Securities Expected to See Net Profit Up by Over 50%

BEIJING, Jan 20, 2006 (SinoCast via COMTEX) -- CITIC Securities Co., Ltd. (SHSE: 600030) expects to see its net profit for 2005 jump by over 50 percent compared with the previous year.
Most of Chinese securities firms were experiencing restructuring in 2005. But, CITIC Securities, the nation's largest listed brokerage, seized the opportunity to commence its expansion in a large scale. It successively acquired operations from several securities firms, including Wantong Securities, Huaxia Securities and Gold Stone Securities.

The series of acquisition and regrouping vaulted CITIC Securities into the leader in brokerage and investment banking fields. So, the company could achieve the outstanding performance in 2005, said industry insiders.

CITIC Securities is a subsidiary of China International Trust and Investment Corp. (CITIC), the largest financial conglomerate in the country. Compared with majority of the nation's securities firms that incur losses, CITIC Securities is regarded as one of the better players in the industry.

[actr]

Nitches, Inc. 10.60 +4.5501 (+75.21 %)

Sedol: 2087885 Exch: NASDAQ Sym: NICH 20/01 14:41
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Price Time Trades 212

Latest 10.50 14:42 20/01 Traded Shares 82,710

Bid 10.40 14:42 20/01 Trading Volume 868,455.00

Offer 10.65 14:43 20/01 52W High 8.20

Open 10.94 20/01 52W Low 3.192

High 12.72 20/01 1Y High 8.20

Low 10.12 20/01 1Y Low 5.23

Close 6.0499 18:14 19/01 Split (05.05.98) 1 : 2



Nitches, Inc. Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2006 Results:

SAN DIEGO, CA, Jan 20, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Nitches, Inc. (NASDAQ: NICH)

-- Earnings per share of $.42 reverses year ago loss


-- Net Sales increase 132% to $14.7 million


-- Order backlog up 80% to $23.4 million

Nitches, Inc. (NASDAQ: NICH) announced today its results for the three months ended November 30, 2005. The Company earned consolidated net income of $520,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2006, reversing a $12,000 loss in the year ago period. First quarter earnings per share were $.42 versus a loss of $.01 for the first quarter of fiscal 2005. Earnings were negatively impacted due to one time, non-cash adjustments related to the acquisition. Consolidated pretax income before the effect of these one time charges was $1.6 million and net income was $936,000 or $.75 per share. Earnings per share for the current period reflect the effect of 180,000 shares issued for the acquisition of Designer Intimates.

On October 24, 2005, Nitches acquired the remaining seventy-two percent (72%) of Designer Intimates, Inc. which it did not own, resulting in the Company owning one hundred percent (100%) of Designer Intimates. The primary reason for the acquisition was to acquire the trademarks and brand licenses held by Designer Intimates to complement the Company's broad production base and provide a platform for future revenue growth. Nitches currently distributes men's casual lifestyle clothing by Newport Blue(R), Dockers(R) men's swimwear and t-shirts, golf apparel by The Skins Game, women's sleepwear and loungewear by Body Drama(R) and women's western wear by Adobe Rose(R), Saguaro(R) and Southwest Canyon(R). With the recent acquisition of Designer Intimates, the Company markets sleepwear, robes, loungewear, and daywear under the following brands: Argentovivo(R), Derek Rose(R), Princesse tam tam(R), Crabtree & Evelyn(R), The Anne Lewin(R) Collection, The Bill Blass(R) Lifestyle Collection, The Dockers(R) Collection, The Claire Murray(R) Collection and The Vassarette(R) Collection. Products are sold to better department stores, specialty boutiques, moderate department stores, and national and regional discount department stores and chains. The Company also develops and manufactures private label products for many leading retailers and catalogs.

Consolidated net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 increased 132% to $14.7 million versus $6.3 million for the first quarter of 2005. Net sales contributed by the Company's newly acquired Designer Intimates business totaled $6.4 million. At November 30, 2005, the Company had unfilled customer orders of $23.4 million compared to $13.0 million at the same time last year, with such orders generally scheduled for delivery by May 2006 and May 2005, respectively. The increase of $10.4 million is due primarily to the additional orders being reported as a result of the acquisition of Designer Intimates. The amount of unfilled orders at any given time is affected by a number of factors, including the timing of the receipt and processing of customer orders and the scheduling of the manufacture and shipping of the product, which may be dependent on customer requirements.

Nitches, Inc. has been designing and marketing quality apparel for niche markets since 1971. The Company is headquartered in San Diego, California, with offices in Los Angeles, New York City, Hong Kong and Istanbul. The Company's shares are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol NICH. Visit our web site at http://www.nitches.com.

Backlog amounts include both confirmed orders and unconfirmed orders that the Company believes, based on industry practice and past experience, will be confirmed. While cancellations, rejections and returns have generally not been material in the past, there can be no assurance that such action by customers will not reduce the amount of sales realized from the backlog of orders at November 30, 2005.

[actr]

AVI BioPharma, Inc.
20.01.06 18:29 Uhr

8,23 USD

+39,73 % [+2,34]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
8,22 USD

Zeit
20.01.06 18:30

Diff. Vortag
+39,56 %

Tages-Vol.
214,07 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
29 Mio.

AVI BioPharma Reports Confirmation of Efficacy against Influenza Strains; NEUGENE Antisense Efficacy against Influenza Strains, Including Avian Influenza, to Lead to IND Filing with the FDA

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan 20, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII) today announced confirmation from three independent laboratories of NEUGENE(R) antisense efficacy in preclinical experiments against multiple strains of influenza, including avian influenza strain H5N1.
-- Dr. P. Puthavathana at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, confirmed NEUGENE antisense efficacy against an H5N1 viral isolate in her assay system.

-- Dr. Darwyn Kobasa at the Public Health Agency of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba, completed an initial dose-response study in cell culture demonstrating NEUGENE efficacy against both the H1N1 and H3N2 strains.

-- Dr. Manoj Pastey at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore., confirmed efficacy using the same NEUGENE antisense agents against the H7N7 and H3N8 strains.

Taken together, these data confirm efficacy observed with the H1N1 strain previously reported from Drs. Jianzhu and Chen Qin Ge at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston and now represent positive reports from four laboratories using different endpoints and methodologies.

"These confirmations validate our approach to blocking replication of influenza viruses. We now believe that a single NEUGENE drug could be effective against most influenza subtypes, including the H5N1 avian strain," said Patrick L. Iversen, Ph.D., senior vice president of research and development at AVI. "By targeting regions of the viral genetic code that are common to all influenza A subtypes, we expect that our NEUGENE drugs will be effective against avian flu and the far more common influenza A viruses, which kill an average of 35,000 Americans every year."

AVI is also conducting collaborative animal studies evaluating NEUGENE efficacy against influenza strains at Tulane University in New Orleans and at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID) in Frederick, Maryland.

"Based on these recent findings and other results from additional studies, AVI now plans to file an Investigative New Drug (IND) application with the FDA for the treatment of influenza A virus with NEUGENE antisense drugs," said Denis R Burger, Ph.D., chief executive officer of AVI. "We feel confident in the safety, efficacy and potency of our NEUGENE drugs targeting influenza and plan to move forward into the clinical trial process later this year."

AVI's NEUGENE antisense drug development program against the influenza A virus specifically targets genetic regions of the virus that are highly conserved between six viral subtypes that cause human disease. These include three subtypes that caused pandemics in the 20th century -- the 1918 Spanish flu (H1N1), the 1957 Asian flu (H2N2) and the 1968 Hong Kong flu (H3N2) -- and three subtypes of avian flu that have been reported to cause disease in humans (H5N1, H7N7 and H9N2).

AVI's Antiviral Program

AVI's proprietary NEUGENE antisense drug candidates have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical studies against SARS coronavirus, West Nile virus (WNV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), dengue virus, Ebola virus, and Marburg virus. AVI has filed IND applications with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and has ongoing clinical trials in WNV and HCV.

Showing how versatile NEUGENE drugs can be across viral subtypes, AVI demonstrated in its collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that NEUGENE agents are efficacious against all four immunologically distinct subtypes of the dengue virus. This outcome was achieved by targeting a highly conserved region of the dengue viral genetic code. In collaborative work with the USAMRIID targeting the Ebola virus, NEUGENE drugs protected three animal species from lethal challenges with this virus (see PloS Pathog 2(1): e1). Additional clinical development efforts targeting dengue virus and Ebola virus are planned for 2006.

The speed with which effective NEUGENE drugs can be designed and manufactured exceeds any other modern drug development timeframe. For example, NEUGENE compounds targeting SARS, WNV and Ebola were developed within days to weeks of obtaining the appropriate genetic sequences for the viruses.

AVI's Clinical Experience

AVI's NEUGENE antisense drugs have a well-defined safety record in human clinical trials. Approximately 300 patients have been dosed with NEUGENE drug candidates targeting host and viral gene targets in 12 clinical studies under multiple INDs. Five routes of administration have been employed in AVI's clinical studies, and doses up to 450 mg have been administered without a single drug-related, serious adverse event. The combination of AVI's NEUGENE chemistry with conserved viral targets that are not expressed in the human genome makes a strong case for the potential for success in the development of candidates to address influenza, including the possible emergence of a transmittable avian flu.

About Influenza A Viruses

Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. On average 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population is infected with the flu each year. Influenza A virus is an enveloped negative-strand RNA virus, with eight genome segments that code for 10 proteins. Influenza strains are subtyped according to the antigenic and genetic nature of their surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (HA or H) and neuraminidase (NA or N). Fifteen H and nine N subtypes have been identified, with three associated with widespread human disease (H1N1, H2N2 and H3N2). In addition, several subtypes of avian influenza virus -- H5N1, H7N7 and H9N2 -- can infect and cause disease in humans.

The current influenza pandemic in birds throughout Asia, Eastern Europe and Turkey is caused by the H5N1 subtype. It is thought that co-infection of humans or certain animals (such as pigs) with both H1N1 and H5N1 can lead to a reassortment or recombination of viral particles, resulting in the emergence of a virus with dangerous public health properties, namely one to which the human population has no natural immunity and which has the ability to spread easily from person to person. It is believed that emergence of avian flu by this general mechanism may have led to the worldwide pandemics of 1918, 1957 and 1968.

About AVI BioPharma

AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using third-generation NEUGENE antisense drugs. AVI's lead NEUGENE antisense compound is designed to target cell proliferation disorders, including cardiovascular restenosis, cancer and polycystic kidney disease. In addition to targeting specific genes in the body, AVI's antiviral program uses NEUGENE antisense compounds to combat disease by targeting single-stranded RNA viruses, including West Nile virus, hepatitis C virus, dengue virus and Ebola virus. AVI has introduced a NEUGENE-based exon-skipping technology called ESPRIT therapy. More information about AVI is available on the company's Web site at http://www.avibio.com.

[actr]

Hoku Scientific, Inc.
20.01.06 19:00 Uhr

10,25 USD

+12,02 % [+1,10]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
10,25 USD

Zeit
20.01.06 19:00

Diff. Vortag
+12,02 %

Tages-Vol.
13,02 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
1,6 Mio.

Hoku Scientific, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2006 Results

KAPOLEI, HI, Jan 19, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOKU)

Highlights:

-- Quarterly revenue increases to $1.7 million compared to $75,000 in the

year ago period; For nine month period, revenue increases to $4.1 million

compared to $175,000 in the year ago period


-- Net income increases to $0.01 per diluted share from a loss of $0.11

per diluted share in the prior year; For the nine month period, net income

increases to $0.06 per diluted share from a loss of $0.40 per diluted share

in the year ago period


-- Fourth consecutive profitable quarter


-- Hoku successfully completes milestones in contract with Nissan Motor

Co., Ltd.


-- Hoku and Sanyo Electric Company, Ltd. enter into new joint testing

agreement


-- Hoku and IdaTech LLC begin manufacturing 11 fuel cell systems for the

U.S. Navy

Hoku Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOKU), a designer, developer and manufacturer of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and membranes for proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, today announced its financial results for its third quarter ended December 31, 2005 and provided a general update on its business. The Company also announced that it has successfully completed all technical milestones in its contract with Nissan, and entered into a new joint testing agreement with Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. to provide for Sanyo`s testing and integration of the Company`s next generation MEA products at Sanyo`s R&D facility in Japan. Furthermore, the Company conveyed that it successfully completed the remaining milestones in its initial contract with the U.S. Navy and, in coordination with IdaTech LLC, has begun manufacturing eleven fuel cell systems.

Revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2005, was $1.7 million, compared to $75,000 in the quarter ended December 31, 2004. Revenue for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 was $4.1 million, compared to $175,000 for the same nine months in 2004. Total deferred revenue, which is attributable to contracts with the U.S. Navy and Sanyo Electric Company, Ltd. of $2.1 million and $260,000, respectively, declined to $2.4 million at December 31, 2005 compared to $4.2 million at March 31, 2005 primarily due to the recognition of $4.1 million of deferred revenue during the nine months ended December 31, 2005 related to contracts with Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Net income, computed in accordance with GAAP, for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 was $202,000, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to a net loss, computed in accordance with GAAP, of $650,000, or $0.11 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2004. Net income, computed in accordance with GAAP, for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 was $836,000, or $0.06 per diluted share, compared to a net loss, computed in accordance with GAAP, of $2.1 million, or $0.40 per diluted share for the same nine months in 2004.

Non-GAAP net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 was $447,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $336,000, or $0.06 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2004. Non-GAAP net income (loss) for the quarters ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 excludes non-cash stock-based compensation of $245,000 and $314,000, respectively. Non-GAAP net income for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 was $1.6 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $1.2 million, or $0.23 per diluted share for the nine months ended December 31, 2004. Non-GAAP net income (loss) for the nine months ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 excludes non-cash stock-based compensation of $773,000 and $898,000, respectively. The accompanying schedules provide a reconciliation of net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share computed on a GAAP basis to net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share computed on a non-GAAP basis.

Dustin Shindo, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Hoku Scientific, said, "We achieved our fourth consecutive profitable quarter, with revenue and profit growth compared to the same period last year. We continue to execute on the contracts we already have in place with an impressive list of customers. We have successfully completed key technical milestones on or ahead of schedule, while also building out our pipeline of potential customers. Recently, we signed a new contract with Sanyo and successfully achieved all technical milestones in our contract with Nissan. We also moved forward with the first option under our contract with the U.S. Navy.

"During the quarter we installed and tested our new manufacturing equipment making our production line ready for full operations. We also continue to install and test other new manufacturing equipment in an effort to expand our capacity to meet potential future customer demands. We are pleased with the progress of our technology development and the status of our various customer relationships, and remain optimistic about the growth of the fuel cell industry and our competitive position within this growing industry."

Forward Guidance

The Company`s policy is only to provide guidance for the next fiscal quarter. Fluctuations in quarterly revenue are expected to continue in future periods due to uncertainty regarding the level and the timing of revenue from customer contracts and achievement of contract milestones. Based on its current outlook, the Company expects revenue for the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2006 to be in the range of $1.7 to $2.0 million. In addition, the Company expects that it will need to increase its efforts in supporting its new and existing contracts, in developing the Company`s next generation products and in growing its customer base. The result is that the Company expects its costs to increase significantly. Based upon projections, the Company expects net income to be in the range of a loss to break even or slightly profitable. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

[actr]

Supertex, Inc.
20.01.06 20:04 Uhr

32,21 USD

-25,53 % [-11,04]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
32,21 USD

Zeit
20.01.06 20:04

Diff. Vortag
-25,53 %

Tages-Vol.
139,00 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
4,9 Mio.


Supertex Reports Third Fiscal Quarter Results

SUNNYVALE, CA, Jan 19, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Supertex, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUPX) today reported net sales of $19,915,000 for the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005, a 33% increase from the $14,925,000 reported for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year, and a 2% decrease compared with the prior quarter of $20,226,000. Net income for the quarter increased 64% to $3,689,000 or $0.26 per share on a diluted basis from $2,250,000 or $0.17 on a diluted basis for the same quarter of the prior fiscal year, and decreased 13% from $4,247,000 or $0.31 per share on a diluted basis when compared with the prior quarter.
For the nine-month period ended December 31, 2005 compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year, net sales increased 26% from $44,715,000 to $56,134,000, and net income increased 78% from $6,026,000 to $10,755,000.

Dr. Henry C. Pao, President and CEO, commented, "Our net sales decreased by 2% sequentially in our third fiscal quarter, but increased 33% year over year. Our gross margin dropped 2% to 54%, from the prior fiscal quarter mostly due to our slightly lower sales this quarter and operating inefficiencies during the quarter caused by numerous holidays and our production facilities being shutdown in the last week for annual maintenance and upgrade work. Inventory went up by $635,000, partly due to increased inventory at a customer's hub and at some foreign distributors where we found that some of the volume products we shipped to them per their order schedules during the last two weeks of the quarter were not shipped to their end-customers as quickly as is typical. Since we only recognize revenue on shipments to distributors upon their resale of our product, even for our foreign distributors, this caused our revenue to be less than our shipments for the quarter and caused our inventory to increase correspondingly. However, when we checked the inventory at these distributors on January 9, 2006, it had all been shipped to the end customers. In fact, this week we received several big orders to replenish their inventory of the same products. Cash flow was positive in the quarter. Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments increased by $6,667,000 to $102,966,000 during the quarter. Our research and development expenses in the quarter increased $194,000 from prior quarter to $2,792,000 due to increasing activities in new product development. Our sales and marketing expenses decreased by $53,000, or less than 3% from the prior quarter, resulting from the decrease of 2% in net sales compared to the prior quarter. Based on our backlog and forecast from our customers, we are projecting a good sequential top line growth and improvement in our gross margin for our fourth fiscal quarter and the next fiscal year over the previous quarter and fiscal year respectively."

[actr]

FARO Technologies, Inc.
20.01.06 20:34 Uhr

14,83 USD

-28,36 % [-5,87]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
14,83 USD

Zeit
20.01.06 20:34

Diff. Vortag
-28,36 %

Tages-Vol.
32,55 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
2,2 Mio.

FARO Maintains Sales Guidance and Lowers Earnings Guidance for Q4

Jan 19, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FARO) today announced that for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2005, it expects to report sales of approximately $34.6 million, a 21.4% increase from $28.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, and within the $33-$35 million range given by the company on November 3, 2005. Earnings are now expected to be in the range of $0.03 to $0.05 per diluted share, rather than in the previously expected range of $0.19 to $0.27 per diluted share, and below the current First Call consensus estimate of $0.21 per diluted share.
"Our fourth quarter sales and gross margin are expected to be within our forecasted ranges, as are R&D expenditures. However, SG&A expenses and income tax for the quarter are expected to be substantially higher than forecasted," said Jay Freeland, President and COO. "Selling expenses are expected to be approximately $2.5 million higher than forecasted because of higher commissions ($1.5 million) in part related to payment of incentive bonuses for sales people who exceeded their annual goals, higher headcount ($700,000), and higher marketing costs ($300,000). General and Administrative expenses are expected to be approximately $700,000 higher than forecasted due to legal expenses, including patent litigation and our insurance deductible related to a class action suit brought against the Company in December ($450,000), and ramp up costs in our new Singapore headquarters ($250,000). Our income tax rate for the quarter is expected to be approximately 25% vs. our estimate of 15-17% due to higher than expected sales in the Americas and lower than expected sales in Europe, the latter which is a lower tax jurisdiction for the Company. The net impact of higher taxes to the company in the fourth quarter is expected to be approximately $100,000."

"Our expected fourth quarter results will bring annual sales to approximately $125.7 million for fiscal 2005, a 29.6% increase from $97.0 million in fiscal 2004," said Simon Raab, CEO. "Gross margin is expected to be approximately 58% for 2005, and we expect to report net income of approximately $8.5-$8.8 million or approximately 6.8%-7.0% of sales (approximately $0.59-$0.61 per share). The 2005 year was marked with significant positioning investments through geographic expansion and an acquisition, along with high legal expenses related to litigation and a more normalized tax rate of approximately 17.0%. We expect some additional headcount and other expansion expenses to spill over into the first half of 2006, and a continuation of legal costs related to litigation. However, I am optimistic that we will begin to leverage our growth-related expenses into improved operating margins by the second half of 2006."

The company expects to release earnings for the fourth quarter of 2005 on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, before the market opens and will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. eastern time the same day.

About FARO

With more than 9,100 installations and 4,100 customers globally, FARO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FARO) and its international subsidiaries design, develop, and market software and portable, computerized measurement devices. The Company's products allow manufacturers to perform 3-D inspections of parts and assemblies on the shop floor. This helps eliminate manufacturing errors, and thereby increases productivity and profitability for a variety of industries in FARO's worldwide customer base. Principal products include the FARO TrackArm; FARO Laser ScanArm; FARO Laser Scanner LS; FARO Gage and Gage- PLUS; Platinum, Digital Template, Titanium, Advantage FaroArms; the FARO Laser Tracker X and Xi; and the CAM2 family of advanced CAD-based measurement and reporting software. FARO Technologies is ISO 9001 certified and ISO-17025 laboratory registered.

[actr]

A Full Measure of Disappointment

By Lawrence Carrel
January 20, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Faro Technologies, Inc. (FARO1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Thursday's close: $20.70
Share price now: $15.40
Change: -25.6%
Volume: 2.8 million shares, daily average 340,600 shares
Last time this low: Oct. 9, 2003
52-week high: $31.20
52-week low: $16.42
Forward P/E before announcement: 23.5 (based on 88 cents a share)
Forward P/E after announcement: 29.6 (based on 52 cents a share)

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

FARO TECHNOLOGIES (FARO2) MAKES laser-based measurement equipment that can spot a thousandth-of-an-inch error from 230 feet away. But when it comes to earnings forecasts the company shows the precision of a chimpanzee calligrapher.
Shares of the Lake Mary, Fla., company sank 26% to a two-year low of $15.40 Friday after management warned that fourth-quarter earnings would miss its previous estimates by as much as 84% due to higher-than-expected expenses.

" This doesn't surprise us at all," says Jonathan Dorsheimer, an analyst at Boston investment bank Canaccord Adams. " This is the third warning since August."

Faro announced late Thursday that it now foresees fourth-quarter earnings shrinking to between three cents and five cents a share, vs. the company's November guidance of 19 cents to 27 cents. Thomson First Call had a consensus estimate of 21 cents. Sales should increase 21% to $34.6 million, in line with its previous forecast range of $33 million to $35 million. In its second and third quarters, Faro missed analysts' earnings estimates by 24% and 28% respectively.

The company makes robotic arms with laser systems that measure components that go into cars, airplanes, factories and more. By performing 3-D inspections of parts and assemblies on the shop floor, the tools help customers increase productivity and profits by eliminating manufacturing errors.

Faro said fourth-quarter gross margin and research-and-development expenditures should land within previously forecasted ranges. However, the company now anticipates a sharp increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, which include the cost of things like salaries, commissions, executive travel and advertising. Specifically, selling costs are expected to top projections by $2.5 million, of which $1.5 million is attributable to commissions, $700,000 comes from staff additions and $300,000 is due to marketing costs. General and administrative costs are seen exceeding forecasts by $700,000, including $450,000 for legal costs — the company is involved in a patent dispute with rival Hexagon Metrology over laser-scanning technology — and $250,000 for ramping up a new manufacturing facility in Singapore.

The company also expects its income tax rate for the quarter to hit 25%, rather than its earlier forecast of 15% to 17%. This it blamed on higher-than-expected sales in the Americas and lower-than-expected sales in Europe.

" One positive is that 2005 is closed and is now history," wrote A.G. Edwards analyst Mark Jordan in a Friday note reiterating his Buy rating. " What caused the higher operating expenses? Major sales-force and Pacific Rim expansion materially lowered profits; the acquisition of IQvolution [a German laser-scanner maker bought in early 2005] likely cost the company approximately 10 cents per share; and litigation costs associated with the class-action lawsuit and patent litigation probably cost the company six to 10 cents a share. The higher commissions cited in the press release appear to be the result of outperformance on the part of some salespeople."

Separate from the patent dispute with Hexagon, Faro faces numerous class-action suits over alleged violations of federal securities laws. The central allegation is that certain of the company's public disclosures between May 6, 2004 and Nov. 3, 2005, were materially false or misleading. The company " adamantly denies" that any of its public disclosures violated any federal securities law and said the lawsuits are baseless.

Jordan was pleased that sales and gross margin hit their targets. As for the higher-than-expected expenses, he wrote, " these appear not to be ongoing in nature and could be described as an anomaly." Following that logic, Jordan anticipates the company will regain normal margins in the second half of 2006 as sales increase 23% to $155 million. Together, these factors should cause earnings to rebound. Jordan also expects Faro to increase its sales by 20% to 25% in 2007, and boost its operating margin to the 15% it experienced in 2004.

" I am optimistic that we will begin to leverage our growth-related expenses into improved operating margins by the second half of 2006," said Faro President and Chief Operating Officer Jay Freeland in a written statement. The company, which plans to release finalized fourth-quarter results on Feb. 21, didn't return phone calls seeking comment.

Quote:
" Our take on this is that management is currently tied up in the legal battle with Hexagon," says Dorsheimer of Canaccord Adams. " This has distracted management for the past two quarters. The real surprise here is not that SG&A expenses are high — we had been anticipating a high level of SG&A due to Faro's sales-force ramp — but the fact that SG&A expenses are so far out of proportion to the firm's revenue run rate. While we continue to like the Faro story longer term, in the near term we feel the current lawsuit with Hexagon, combined with sharp increases in headcount, are weighing on the company's ability to leverage its business model. We would become more constructive at lower prices, or when the current patent lawsuit is settled and management is able to focus its full attention on growing the business."

[actr]

20.01.2006 22:35
Google erlebt historischen Sell off
Google (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) hat am Freitag einen veritablen Rücksetzer hinnehmen müssen. Der Titel verbilligte sich um knapp 9% auf 399,46 Dollar und erlebte damit seinen bisher größten Kurssturz binnen eines Tages. Gleichzeitig vollzog sich der Ausverkauf bei einem Rekordvolumen. Noch nie, seit der Titel börsennotiert ist, wechselten binnen eines Tages so viele Stücke den Besitzer. 40 Millionen Aktien wurden gehandelt, mehr als bei der Börseneinführung der Suchmaschine.

Zuletzt verlor Google in ähnlicher Größenordnung am 5.November 2004, als die Aktie 8,3% auf 169 Dollar nachgab. Seinerzeit hatte ein UBS-Analyst sich kritisch über die Aussichten des Unternehmens geäußert.

Nachbörslich kann sich der Titel derzeit weitgehend stabilisieren und notiert bei 399,24 Dollar (-0,06%).

[actr]

Google-Aktien auf Talfahrt


http://kurier.at/mmedia/17.12.2005/1134816933_3.jpg

Der Gesamtwert der Microsoft-Aktien ist derzeit mit 281 Milliarden Dollar mehr als doppelt so hoch wie der der Google-Aktien.
Die Aktien des weltgrößten Internetsuchmaschinen-Betreibers und Wall-Street-Lieblings Google sind am Freitag um fast 8,5 Prozent auf 399,46 Dollar (331,01 Euro) eingebrochen. Sie haben damit innerhalb eines Tages fast elf Milliarden Dollar an Wert verloren. Das US-Justizministerium will Google zur Herausgabe von Millionen Suchanfrage-Daten aus einer Woche zwingen. Dies hat Google abgelehnt. Die Wall Street sorgte sich über die Reaktionen von Internet-Nutzern auf die Forderungen Washingtons.

Hinzu kam die Enttäuschung über die in dieser Woche vorgelegten Geschäftsergebnisse des Google-Hauptkonkurrenten Yahoo. Dies ließ an der Wall Street teilweise Befürchtungen über die Google-Zahlen für das Schlussquartal 2005 aufkommen. Sie werden am 31. Jänner vorgelegt.

Weit vom Tief 2005 entfernt

Seit dem am 11. Jänner verbuchten Höchststand von 475,11 Dollar haben die Google-Aktien fast 16 Prozent an Wert verloren. Der Gesamtwert der Aktien fiel seither um rund 22 Milliarden auf derzeit etwa 118 Milliarden Dollar. Der Google-Aktienkurs ist jedoch mit 399,46 Dollar noch mehr als doppelt so hoch wie das Zwölfmonatstief von 172,57 Dollar vom März 2005.

Google liegt beim Gesamtwert seiner Aktien auch weit vor anderen Internet-Riesen wie dem Online-Auktionshaus eBay (Börsenwert 63 Mrd Dollar), Yahoo (47,9) und dem weltgrößten Online-Einzelhändler Amazon.com (18). Die Aktien des weltgrößten Computerkonzerns IBM, deren Gesamtwert hinter Google gerutscht war, sind inzwischen mit 128,5 Milliarden Dollar wieder mehr wert als die von Google.



Artikel vom 21.01.2006 |apa

[actr]

The Banc Corporation Announces Fourth Quarter 2005 Results

Jan 23, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The Banc Corporation (Nasdaq: TBNC) announced today its 2005 fourth quarter results of operations. The Banc Corporation reported net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 of $1,196,000, compared to a net loss of $275,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2004.
CEO Stan Bailey stated, "During 2005, The Banc Corporation successfully addressed the major priorities established by the new management team - transaction deposit growth, wholesale funding reduction, improved credit quality, recruitment of experienced bankers and new investments in key growth markets in northeast Alabama and Florida. These successes are reflected in a 37% enhancement in shareholder value since year-end 2004 and will continue to be our primary areas of emphasis in 2006 and beyond."

Net income (loss) per common share for the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 was as follows:


For the Three-Month For the Twelve-Month

Period Ended Period Ended

December 31, December 31,

(In thousands, except (In thousands, except

per share data) per share data)

2005 2004 2005 2004

Net income (loss) $1,196 $(275) $(6,115) $1,187


Less:

Preferred stock dividends - 228 305 446

Effect of early conversion

of preferred stock - - 2,006 -


Net income (loss) available

to common stockholders $1,196 $(503) $(8,426) $741


Net income (loss) per

common share

Basic $0.06 $(0.03) $(0.44) $0.04

Diluted $0.06 $(0.03) $(0.44) $0.04

The Corporation provided $750,000 to the allowance for loan losses during the fourth quarter. Net charge-offs for the fourth quarter were $763,000. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2005 was $12.0 million, or 1.25% of loans, net of unearned income, compared to $12.5 million, or 1.34% of loans, net of unearned income, at December 31, 2004. Non-performing assets ("NPAs") declined to 0.68% of total loans plus NPAs as of December 31, 2005, compared to 1.32% of total loans plus NPAs as of December 31, 2004.

At December 31, 2005, The Banc Corporation had total assets of $1.416 billion, compared to $1.423 billion at December 31, 2004. Loans, net of unearned income, increased $28 million, or 3.04%, to $963 million at December 31, 2005 from $935 million at December 31, 2004. Investment securities decreased $46 million, or 15.9%, to $243 million at December 31, 2005 from $288 million at December 31, 2004. Deposits decreased 2.14%, to $1.044 billion at December 31, 2005 from $1.067 billion at December 31, 2004. These changes reflect the Corporation's continued strategy of deleveraging its balance sheet and focusing on deposit and loan mix realignment, as well as reduction of its brokered certificates of deposit portfolio, which management expects will continue to improve net interest margin. Net interest margin increased to 3.26% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2005 from 3.06% for the three-month period ended September 30, 2005. Stockholders' equity increased $4.2 million, or 4.2%, to $104.7 million at December 31, 2005 from $100.5 million at December 31, 2004.

Recently, there has been considerable discussion within the accounting profession of the proper way to account for certain derivative instruments under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 ("SFAS 133"), including interest rate swaps commonly used by financial institutions to hedge their interest rate exposure with respect to brokered certificates of deposit. The Corporation has entered into such swap arrangements from time to time, and has historically accounted for these swaps using an abbreviated method of fair value hedge accounting under SFAS 133, known as the "short-cut" method, which assumes that the hedging transactions are effective.

However, in light of recent informal technical interpretations of accounting for these instruments, the Corporation has determined that these swaps may not have qualified for the short-cut method in prior periods because the related certificates-of-deposit broker placement fee caused the swap not to have a fair value of zero at inception, which is a requirement for use of the short-cut method under SFAS 133. Therefore, after discussions with its independent registered public accounting firm, the Corporation has concluded that any fluctuations in the market value of these interest rate swaps should have been recorded through the Corporation's income statement. Accordingly, while the Corporation believes that the swaps have been and will continue to be highly effective hedges, the Corporation will be amending its previously reported results for the first three quarters of 2005 to reflect the Corporation's determination that such swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting under SFAS 133. The cumulative impact of this revised treatment reduced earnings by $625,000, or $.03 per share, for the year ended 2005. The change had no impact on the Corporation's cash flows and no material impact to prior years. The year-end and fourth quarter results of 2005 reported below reflect such revised treatment of the swaps. The Corporation has re-designated these interest-rate swaps as fair value hedges under the "long-haul'' method in order to qualify them under SFAS 133 for fair value hedge accounting in future periods.

The Banc Corporation is a $1.416 billion community bank holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The principal subsidiary of The Banc Corporation is Superior Bank, a southeastern community federal savings bank. Superior Bank has twenty-six branches, with nineteen locations throughout the state of Alabama and seven locations along Florida's eastern panhandle. Superior Bank also has loan production offices in Montgomery, Alabama, Tallahassee, Florida and Panama City, Florida.

[actr]

WebEx Targets $6 Billion IT Systems Management Market With On-Demand System Management Services New WebEx Support Center Service Brings Enterprise-Level System Management to Broader Market Without the Cost, Complexity or Maintenance of Legacy Softwar

Jan 23, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- WebEx Communications (Nasdaq: WEBX), the leading provider of on-demand collaborative business applications, today launched WebEx System Management Services, an on- demand solution for managing software and hardware assets across LAN, WAN and the Internet. According to Gartner the worldwide system management software spending was $6 billion in 2005 and is expected to grow to $7.3 billion by 2008*.
WebEx System Management Services provides on-demand remote access, and support and maintenance capabilities that enable business owners and IT departments to cost-effectively manage, protect and secure software and hardware investments. Since there is no software to install or maintain, WebEx System Management Services removes the risks and costs traditionally found in complex software implementations.

For the first time, small and mid-sized businesses have a cost-effective way to deliver proactive system management including: rapid access to all remote systems, patch management, easy online backup, streamlined software distribution and licensing compliance, asset management, virus protection and more -- all regardless of physical location. Unlike legacy premise-based solutions, WebEx System Management Services does not require specialized hardware, complex software or expensive IT management and maintenance. WebEx System Management Services gives companies the tools they need to ensure desktop assets are secure while allowing IT to remain productive and focused on core business.

"Before WebEx, these advanced IT management capabilities were beyond the reach of many businesses who didn't have dedicated IT departments or big budgets for system management software," said Gary Griffiths, vice president, product management, WebEx. "We partnered with Everdream, a market leader in on-demand system management, to create an enterprise-grade, easy-to-use system management service that delivers value to businesses of all sizes, for a fraction of the cost of traditional legacy software solutions. Our MediaTone on-demand platform allows us to quickly bring new applications to market and offer seamless integration with third-party application providers."

WebEx System Management Services is the latest extension of the market- leading WebEx Support Center suite. WebEx Support Center provides an integrated suite of on-demand support and system management services. WebEx System Management Services includes:


-- Asset Management -- comprehensive dashboard-driven management

interface with detailed information about the location of the assets

as well as the user assigned to each asset and tracks hardware and

software regardless of location

-- Software Distribution -- automatically tracks software usage and

distributes software to targeted assets

-- Patch Management -- eliminates security holes caused by viruses,

worms and bugs by automatically assessing security threats and

rapidly deploying the latest tested patches to all PCs regardless of

location

-- Virus Protection -- identifies virus vulnerabilities and installs

the latest virus definitions remotely without user intervention

-- Backup Management -- secures business data without taxing employee

productivity


About WebEx Communications

WebEx Communications, Inc. is the global leader of on-demand applications for collaborative business on the web. WebEx applications are used across the enterprise in sales, support, training, marketing, engineering and product design. WebEx delivers its range of applications over the WebEx MediaTone Network, a global network specifically designed for secure delivery of on- demand applications. WebEx Communications is based in Santa Clara, California and has regional headquarters in Europe, Asia and Australia. Please call toll free 877-509-3239 or visit www.webex.com for more information * Forecast: Enterprise Systems Management Software, Worldwide, 2003-2008 (Executive Summary); Gartner Dataquest, 2004

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AXA and the Caisse de d?pot et placement du Qu?bec strengthen their private equity partnership

MONTREAL, Jan. 23, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and AXA, via its subsidiary AXA Private Equity, an AXA Investment Managers company for private equity, which have been partners since 1996, have decided to step up their joint private equity efforts on the key markets of North America, Europe and Asia.
The agreement signed today in Paris between the two groups has several components. First, the two organizations will consolidate their joint position on Europe's mid-sized enterprise market through direct investments, funds of funds or a co-investment fund.

The second component of the agreement calls for development, through AXA Private Equity in Asia, of a fund specializing in the Asian market. AXA Private Equity and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec will be the two main partners in the fund.

AXA Private Equity and the Caisse will also work together to develop an investment structure for the mid-sized market in the United States, through a fund of funds and a co-investment fund.

Finally, the Caisse and AXA Private Equity intend to pool their resources to ensure more effective coverage of market intelligence and will share information on best management practices, especially through exchanges of personnel. It should be noted, however, that both partners will maintain their independence in terms of conduct of business. Together, the two organizations will provide more than (euro) 1.5 billion to implement this agreement.

According to Henri-Paul Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Caisse, this agreement will be beneficial for the institution. "Together, our two institutions have the ability to provide substantial amounts of capital and respond quickly to business financing needs". Normand Provost, Executive Vice President, Private Equity, added that "by combining the expertise of our teams, we're convinced that the synergies will swiftly generate added value for both organizations".

Henri de Castries, Chairman of AXA's Management Board and Dominique Senequier, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Private Equity welcome this new stage of AXA Private Equity's development. "We're especially pleased to be able to continue working with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec to promote the exchange of expertise and the professionalism that are the basis for the recognized success of the AXA and Caisse teams."

About the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (www.lacaisse.com)

The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec is a financial institution that manages funds primarily for public and private pension and insurance plans. As at December 31, 2004, it held $102.4 billion of net assets. The Caisse invests in the main financial markets as well as in private equity and real estate. The institution partners with dynamic companies in various sectors, offering them a full range of debt and equity financing products. The Caisse partners with dynamic companies in various sectors, offering them a wide range of financing products, mainly equity investments and loans. As at December 31, 2004, the private equity portfolios held more than 600 investments in funds and companies, for $10.2 billion of net assets.

About AXA Group (www.axa.com)

AXA Group is a world leader in financial protection. AXA's operations are geographically diverse, with major operations in Western Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific area. AXA had (euro) 935 billion of assets under management as at June 30, 2005. In 2004, it had IFRS revenues of (euro) 67 billion and IFRS underlying earnings of (euro) 2,640 million. For the first half of 2005, AXA reported total IFRS revenues of (euro) 37 billion and IFRS underlying earnings of (euro) 1,761 million. AXA's common shares trade on the Paris Stock Exchange under the symbol AXA. In the United States, AXA's American depository shares trade on the NYSE under the ticker AXA.

About AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM- www.axa-im.com)

AXA IM is a multi-expert asset management company within the AXA Group, a world leader in financial protection and wealth management. AXA IM is one of the largest European-based asset managers with approximately (euro) 424.2billion(x) under management. AXA IM employs over 2,100 people(xx) and serves clients in fifteen countries.


(x)Source: AXA IM as at 30 November 2005

(xx)Source: AXA IM as at 30 November 2005


About AXA Private Equity (www.axaprivateequity)


AXA Private Equity, an AXA Investment Managers company, is a management company with an exclusive focus on unlisted investments. It has offices in Paris, Frankfurt, London, New York and Singapore. Its expertise spans all types of private equity: leveraged buyouts, venture capital, expansion and funds of funds. AXA Private Equity manages and/or advises private equity funds with assets in excess of (euro) 7 billion for some of the world's leading investors. With a constant focus on transparency, performance and sustainable profitability, AXA Private Equity is supported by the expertise of its staff and its international experience.

SOURCE: CAISSE DE DEPOT ET PLACEMENT DU QUEBEC

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THQ Announces Exclusive Worldwide Video Game Rights to Stormbreaker Movie Teen Spy Game Expected to Infiltrate Stores on Handheld Formats in Summer 2006

Jan 23, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) today announced the company's exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish video games based on the forthcoming teen spy movie Stormbreaker. Following award-winning author Anthony Horowitz's series of best-selling Alex Rider books, the movie has attracted top acting talent, including Mickey Rourke, Alicia Silverstone, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Robbie Coltrane and Ewan McGregor. The video games, developed by Altron for Nintendo DS(TM) and Razorback Developments for Game Boy(R) Advance, are scheduled for a simultaneous worldwide launch with the movie in Summer 2006.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041118/LATH093LOGO )

"Alex Rider has a huge worldwide following, having sold over nine million books to date," said Jennifer Wyatt-Ambler, senior global brand manager, THQ Inc. "We are excited to work with Anthony Horowitz and Samuelson Productions to bring the Alex Rider movie franchise to a whole new fan base with an exhilarating, action-packed game."

"Our decision to work with THQ to bring the Stormbreaker video game to market was based on the company's vast expertise with leading global licenses," stated Peter Samuelson, who produces the film with his partner, brother Marc Samuelson, Steve Christian and Andreas Grosch. "We look forward to seeing the brand extended into the video game market and allowing consumers the opportunity to be the martial arts, parachuting, scuba diving, 14-year-old action spy who is Alex Rider."

The motion picture Stormbreaker is scheduled for release in the United Kingdom on July 21 by Entertainment Film Distributors, in the United States on August 18 by The Weinstein Company and worldwide throughout summer 2006 by leading local distributors.

About The Stormbreaker Video Game

Players embrace the role of Alex Rider to out-spy, outwit and out-cool evil in this thrilling action adventure on Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. Featuring third-person stealth game play, fast-paced racing action, intense fighting and engaging, gadget-based mini-games, players can relive defining moments from the Stormbreaker movie and become the ultimate spy.

About The Stormbreaker Movie

The first of Anthony Horowitz's six best-selling novels about reluctant schoolboy special agent Alex Rider, Stormbreaker was named in a nationwide poll of children as the book they most wanted to see turned into a movie. The action-packed film, directed by Geoffrey Sax from a screenplay by Anthony Horowitz, stars newcomer Alex Pettyfer as Alex Rider, with Sarah Bolger, Robbie Coltrane, Stephen Fry, Damian Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo, Missi Pyle, Andy Serkis, Alicia Silverstone, Ashley Walters and Mickey Rourke.

About Samuelson Productions

Stormbreaker is produced by Marc Samuelson and Peter Samuelson, whose producing credits include "Arlington Road," "Wilde," "Revenge of the Nerds" and "Tom & Viv" and, as executive producers, "Keeping Mum," "The Libertine" and the forthcoming "Chromophobia."

About THQ

THQ Inc. (Nasdaq: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com and www.thqwireless.com. THQ, THQ Wireless, and their respective logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.

Nintendo, Game Boy Advance and DS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nintendo.

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23.01.2006 14:32
Aktien NYSE/NASDAQ Ausblick: Freundlich - Gemischte Quartalszahlen

Die US-Börsen dürften am Montag nach den deutlichen Verlusten vom Freitag freundlich in den Handel starten. Unterschiedlich ausgefallene Quartalszahlen von Bank of America <BAC.NYS> <NCB.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) und Ford Motor <F.NYS> <FMC1.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) sorgten aber für Vorsicht, sagten Händler.

Der Future auf den S&P-500-Index <INX.IND> legte bis 14.15 Uhr um 3,90 Punkte auf 1.268,70 Zähler zu, der NASDAQ-100-Future <NDX.X.IND> stieg um 4,50 Punkte auf 1.690,00 Zähler.

Ford-Aktien <F.NYS> <FMC1.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) gewannen vorbörslich 6,33 Prozent auf 20,15 US-Dollar. Der Autokonzern hatte im vierten Quartal dank Sondereffekten und der starken Finanzsparte deutlich besser abgeschnitten als vom Markt erwartet. Konkurrent General Motors (GM) <GM.NYS> <GMC.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) legte 0,50 Prozent auf 20,15 Dollar zu.

Bank of America <BAC.NYS> <NCB.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) verloren hingegen 1,95 Prozent auf 43,33 Dollar. Die zweitgrößte US-Bank hatte im vierten Quartal wegen einer höheren Risikovorsorge sowie einem enttäuschendem Handelsergebnis überraschend etwas weniger verdient als ein Jahr zuvor.

Yahoo-Papiere <YHOO.NAS> <YHO.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) gewannen 2,05 Prozent auf 34,43 Dollar. Bear Stearns hatte die Papiere des Internet-Portalbetreibers von "Peer Perform" auf "Outperform" hoch gestuft. Der jüngste Kursrückgang sei "übertrieben" gewesen, hieß es in einer Analyse.

Albertson's <ABS.NYS> <AOI.BER> (Nachrichten) kletterten um 3,44 Prozent auf 24,94 Dollar. Ein Konsortium um die US-Konkurrenten Supervalu <SVU.NYS> <SJ1.BER> (Nachrichten) und CVS <CVS.NYS> <CVS.FSE> (Nachrichten) sowie einer von Cerberus Capital Management geführten Investorengruppe übernimmt die Supermarktkette für 26,29 Dollar je Aktie./he/tw

AXC0098 2006-01-23/14:26

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23.01.2006 14:35
Bristol-Myers stellt wegen Rechtsstreit $185 Mio zurück
Der Pharmakonzern Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) bildet im Zusammenhang mit seinem Herzmedikament Vanlev eine Rücklage von 185 Millionen Dollar. Wie das Unternehmen am Montag weiter mitteilte, wird jener Betrag aufgrund der Erwartung einer möglichen Einigung in einem Rechtsstreit zu jenem Präparat zurückgestellt. So seien beiden Parteien in Finanzfragen und anderen Bereichen zu einer entsprechenden Grundsatzeinigung gelangt. Eine endgültige Einigung sei jedoch noch nicht erzielt. Der an Bristol-Myers gerichtete Vorwurf lautet auf Verletzung von gesetzlichen und behördlichen Sicherheitsvorschriften durch Vanlev.

Bristol-Myers verlieren vorbörslich um 1,2% auf 22,05 Dollar

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23.01.2006 14:35
Bristol-Myers stellt wegen Rechtsstreit $185 Mio zurück
Der Pharmakonzern Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) bildet im Zusammenhang mit seinem Herzmedikament Vanlev eine Rücklage von 185 Millionen Dollar. Wie das Unternehmen am Montag weiter mitteilte, wird jener Betrag aufgrund der Erwartung einer möglichen Einigung in einem Rechtsstreit zu jenem Präparat zurückgestellt. So seien beiden Parteien in Finanzfragen und anderen Bereichen zu einer entsprechenden Grundsatzeinigung gelangt. Eine endgültige Einigung sei jedoch noch nicht erzielt. Der an Bristol-Myers gerichtete Vorwurf lautet auf Verletzung von gesetzlichen und behördlichen Sicherheitsvorschriften durch Vanlev.

Bristol-Myers verlieren vorbörslich um 1,2% auf 22,05 Dollar

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Polycom Integrates Desktop and Group Video Into IBM Collaboration Solutions in Technology Demo at Lotusphere Polycom Brings Business Quality Video to IBM Lotus Web Conferencing; 125 Million IBM Lotus Notes Users to Benefit From Initiating Real-Time V

LOTUSPHERE, ORLANDO, Fla., Jan 23, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM), a world leader in providing unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced a technology demonstration at Lotusphere(R) in which Polycom's market leading desktop and group video systems and bridges are integrated with IBM(R) Workplace(TM) Collaboration Services, IBM Lotus(R) Sametime(R), and IBM Lotus Notes(R). The joint Polycom and IBM demonstration can be seen at Booth # 418 at Lotusphere.
The demonstration shows how users can initiate a web conference in Lotus Sametime and add TV-like video with near CD quality sound using the Lotus Notes buddy list, which displays both people and the Polycom desktop and group video endpoints associated with them. The calls, which can be initiated in real time and involve participants on a variety of audio and video devices, can be point to point or multipoint, from PC to PC, or PC to conference room video as a result of the Polycom MGC bridge integration with Lotus Sametime, Lotus Notes and Workplace Collaboration Services.

In the Lotusphere demonstration, a Polycom PVX(TM) desktop video and VSX group conference room system have been added as "buddies" on an instant message buddy list in Lotus Notes. Integration of the Polycom MGC conference bridge, which supports the broadest array of PTSN, ISDN, H.320, H.323 and SIP devices, with IBM's collaboration servers enables joint Polycom and IBM customers to initiate multipoint calls connecting any type of endpoint over any network for a truly unified conferencing experience. Because conference room video systems are now integrated with desktop PCs, enterprises can expand the reach of Lotus real time collaboration beyond PCs to be a complete collaborative solution end-to-end both within and between organizations.

"Offering business quality multipoint video to users of IBM's enterprise collaboration solutions can help improve the flow of communication within a business and enhance overall productivity," said Ken Bisconti, vice president, Workplace, Portal and Collaboration products, IBM. "Polycom's demonstration at Lotusphere 2006 is a great opportunity for the over 125 million Lotus Notes users to experience this type of convergence first hand."

"Collaborative communications that include video are compelling to enterprises looking to raise productivity among dispersed workgroups," said Mark Roberts, vice president of market development for Polycom's Network Systems Division. "With today's demo, video now joins audio and web conferencing as an equal partner in delivering effective and efficient collaboration. IBM and Lotus customers are a critical audience to be included as we integrate voice, video, and data seamlessly onto core IP communications networks and integrate PCs and applications with systems found in conference rooms."

Presence-based collaboration involves providing desktop users the choice to initiate on-demand voice, video, data sharing, and instant messaging sessions -- all from a single mouse click. The tech demo at Lotusphere illustrates both companies' commitment to broaden the reach and simplify the usage of video communications as part of IBM collaboration.

About Polycom

Polycom, Inc. is a worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence- based networks. With its market driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom website at www.polycom.com.

NOTE: Polycom and the Polycom are registered trademarks and VSX, PVX, MGC, are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

IBM, Lotus, Lotusphere, Sametime, Lotus Notes, Domino and Workplace are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both. Other company, product or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

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Google Wins Higher User Satisfaction than Baidu in China

BEIJING, Jan 23, 2006 (SinoCast via COMTEX) -- Chinese users are more satisfied with Google than Baidu in Internet search services, according to a survey by Keynote Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: KEYN), an Internet performance authority Although Baidu.com Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU) has competitive edges in market share and brand in the Chinese search services market, its customer satisfaction index is lower than that of its strong rival Google.
Jeff Kraatz, directing manager of Keynote Systems Asia-Pacific Region, said the survey entailed visits to Yahoo! China, Baidu.com, Google, and Sohu's Sogou, the top four Chinese-language Internet search service providers, by 1,200 Chinese Internet users, of which 70% came from major Chinese cities.

Keynote Systems appraised the four Internet search service providers in terms of over 250 indices after tracking a series of activities of the 1,200 interviewees, including website searching.

When it comes to the customer experience, Keynote Systems uses 13 indices and Google outnumbered other three peers in 11 indices.


From eNet, Page 1, Friday, January 20, 2006

info@SinoCast.Com

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23.01.2006 14:59
Rambus stockt Aktienrückkaufprogramm auf
Der Chipentwickler Rambus Inc (Nachrichten) . stockt ein laufendes Aktienrückkaufprogramms auf ein Volumen von 5 Millionen Anteilsscheine auf. Die Erweiterung ist als Beitrag zu einem vorangegangenen Programm und einem daraus resultierenden unerledigten Rückkauf von 1,6 Millionen Aktien zu sehen. Wie das Unternehmen am Montag weiter mitteilte, gestattet die positive Bilanzsituation und die starke Barausstattung eine gleichzeitige Investition in die laufende Geschäftsstruktur als auch in Aktienrückführungen.

Rambus legen vorbörslich um 5,5% auf 34,82 Dollar zu

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Agilent Technologies Introduces Liquid Chromatography System, Successor to Its Market-Leading 1100 LC; With New Rapid-Resolution Configuration, 1200 Series is World's Fastest, Most Comprehensive LC System

PALO ALTO, Calif., Jan 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced the Agilent 1200 Series LC (liquid chromatography) system, replacing its market-leading 1100 Series LC. Used by more than 250,000 customers worldwide in applications from forensics to food safety, pharmaceuticals and protein research, LC is a measurement technology used to separate, identify, quantify and purify compounds. It represents a $2 billion market and is one of the largest sources of revenue for Agilent's life science and chemical analysis business.
Since introducing the 1100 Series instrument in 1995, Agilent has sold more than 400,000 modules, or roughly 60,000 LC systems, making it the most popular LC in the industry. To protect customer investments, Agilent has made the 1200 reverse-compatible with the 1100. Customers can combine new and existing modules, and can continue using existing methods without costly new method development, revalidation or retraining of operators. Agilent even provides an 1100 Emulation Mode for customers using non-Agilent software until third-party software upgrades are available.

The Agilent 1200 is the most comprehensive LC available. With more than 60 instrument modules, it can be configured for all major LC applications, including a new rapid-resolution format as well as prep-scale, standard, narrow, capillary, nanoflow, and Agilent's revolutionary chip-based liquid chromatography. Now HPLC-Chips are available to apply this technology for both small and large molecule work, with chromatographic separation or just for infusion of samples. Nanospray HPLC-Chip/MS technology can provide customers with more than a 1,000-fold improvement in sensitivity over conventional LC/MS.

The Agilent 1200 Series Rapid Resolution System

The new 1200 Series Rapid Resolution System provides up to 20 times faster analysis and 60 percent higher resolution than conventional LC, making it twice as fast and three times as precise as the competition's best systems. The system can also still run any traditional LC method, making it the most flexible LC on the market. Further, a special high-throughput configuration of the 1200 Rapid Resolution system allows sequential execution of more than 2,000 samples per day on a single system -- without giving up data quality or method flexibility.

The system features more than 70 new Rapid Resolution High Throughput (RRHT) columns and a new high-performance pump that can handle flow rates from 0.05-5 ml/min and up to 600 bar pressure. It also features a new high-performance degasser, autosampler, column compartment and UV and MS detectors. The system can be optimized for highest speed and resolution in both LC/UV and LC/MS applications.

"The Agilent 1200 Series Rapid Resolution system has been designed to deliver the industry's best speed and resolution without dramatically increasing pressure," said Fred Strohmeier, general manager of liquid phase analysis for Agilent's life science and chemical analysis business. "It optimizes performance while minimizing the risks that ultra-high pressure imposes on instrument reliability and longevity as well as the risk of changes in the physical and chemical properties of compounds. In short, it provides customers a truly secure approach to increased lab productivity."

New Agilent ZORBAX 1.8 Micron RRHT Columns

Expanding on the success of Agilent 400 bar Rapid Resolution High Throughput (RRHT) columns, Agilent is introducing extended-range RRHT columns. They permit faster flow rates, increased pressures and higher efficiencies. Columns range from 1 mm to 4.6 mm internal diameter and from 20 to 150 mm length, and come in more than six bonded phases at 5, 3.5 and 1.8 micron particle sizes. These include:

-- ZORBAX Eclipse XDB (C8 and C18), a general-purpose bonded phase for use up to 60 degrees C.

-- ZORBAX StableBond (C18, C8 and CN), good for low pH and high-temperature applications for faster analysis; temperature resistant to 90 C.

-- ZORBAX Extend (C18), for extended high pH, up to pH 11.5. Temperature resistant to 60 C.

The 1200: A Comprehensive Approach to Performance

The Agilent 1200 Series features improvements in design, manufacturing, software and associated services to provide measurable gains in performance, ease of use and uptime. System specifications vary depending on the complete configuration purchased, but all configurations take advantage of several new ease-of-use and reliability improvements, including:

-- A new handheld Agilent 1200 Series Instant Pilot for system control, with a color display that is highly intuitive and customizable. It allows customers to instantly monitor system status, set parameters for methods, and run basic diagnostics.

-- New Agilent ChemStation and Agilent EZChrom Elite software that provides improved instrument control and faster data analysis, review and retrieval. Customers can now quickly scan through hundreds of chromatograms.

-- New data system-independent instrument diagnostics that can reduce maintenance and troubleshooting efforts.

-- Enhanced services including a "push for help" feature. With a click of a mouse, instrument configuration details, recent logbook, and user contact information are accurately transmitted over a secure connection to an Agilent customer support center for immediate attention. This reduces user involvement in troubleshooting and maximizes instrument uptime.

Agilent offers more than 900 LC columns for the 1200 Series, ranging from 0.075 to 50 mm internal diameter, 15 to 300 mm length, and 1.8 to 10 micron particle sizes. More than 65 bonded phases are available, plus additional special-application columns.

Availability

The Agilent 1200 HPLC Series will be available for order Feb. 1, 2006, in all configurations. For sales information or a complete list of features and benefits per configuration, please contact your sales representative, the Agilent Customer Call Center (phone numbers by country available online at www.chem.agilent.com/scripts/cag_feedback.asp) or visit Agilent online at www.agilent.com/chem/1200pr About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 21,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $5.1 billion in fiscal 2005. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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Earthworks Entertainment Earns First Revenues From Suzy's Zoo Sony Plaza Stores Sales Deal

LOS ANGELES, Jan 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Earthworks Entertainment's (OTCBB: EWKE.OB) President and CEO, Peter Keefe, states: "This is a major strategic accomplishment for Earthworks. We are now benefiting from our Company's first revenue generating transaction through the sale of Suzy's Zoo in the Japan market. We believe that this will be the first of many revenue generating milestones for the Company as we work to make significant further sales of the Suzy's Zoo property, and for all of our entertainment properties throughout the global marketplace."
"Suzy's Zoo generated about 1 billion dollars in sales in a recent four year period in the USA alone from merchandise licensing categories ranging from apparel to toys to greeting cards We are working to build upon that hit property history. The Sony Plaza stores operation, with 20 million customers, is our first step in expanding this world class property."


Earthworks Entertainment creates, produces, markets and distributes high quality children's and family oriented entertainment properties. The Company identifies entertainment properties that it believes have the greatest success potential in the global marketplace. It then develops and markets these properties in exchange for management, production and distribution fees and for a substantial percentage of the worldwide merchandise licensing profits.

Earthworks Entertainment properties are marketed in all areas of commercial licensing including: TV & Home Video, Toys, Video Games, Music, Books, Leisure & Play Items, Gifts & Novelties, Theme Parks, Food & Drink Promotions, and Apparel.

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23.01.2006 15:19
US Vorbörse: Aktien mit dem größten Orderflow
Anbei eine aktuelle Kursliste der US Aktien, die vorbörslich den größten Orderflow pro Zeiteinheit und damit das stärkste Momentum aufweisen.


http://img.godmode-trader.de/charts/46/2005/Orderflow36.gif

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Magma Welcomes Five New IP Partners into MagmaTies Program; Analog and Mixed-Signal IPs, I/O Libraries, Network-on-Chip Interfaces, WiMAX IPs and Magma Software Speed Development of Next-Generation SoC Designs

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Magma(R) Design Automation Inc. (Nasdaq: LAVA), a provider of semiconductor design software, today announced that five new intellectual property (IP) vendors have joined its MagmaTies program to develop "Magma-Ready" IP. Aragio Solutions, Arteris, Go2silicon, SiWave and Soft Mixed Signal have teamed with Magma to provide solutions that enable mutual customers to speed through the semiconductor design and manufacturing processes.
Through the MagmaTies program, IP vendors commit to providing synthesis and reference methodology support for soft IP products and verification of industry-standard views for hard IP products. With this level of support, Magma and its partners ensure that IP products can be quickly integrated into mutual customers' complex integrated circuit (IC) designs. In addition, these efforts provide IC designers with a comprehensive IP portfolio for design deployment.

"With over 15 IP providers already in the MagmaTies program, we have established a proven 'Magma-Ready' IP qualification process," said Michael Ma, vice president of foundry and IP relationships for Magma. "Our customers have already benefited from the time-to-market advantage of using this integrated solution. With these additional partnerships and support, Magma and its partners are creating a broad portfolio of IP products to enable our customers to tackle next-generation SoC designs quickly."

Companies Comment on Partnership with Magma

"Aragio Solutions' I/O libraries provide robust ESD protection and high latch-up immunity solutions for ASIC designs. The company specializes in custom digital and analog IC design with silicon-proven I/O library solutions for industry-standard interfaces, RF and analog circuitry," said Robert L. (Les) Veal, sales and marketing at Aragio Solutions. "Our partnership with Magma makes our solutions even more effective and responsive to customer needs."

"Arteris provides a configurable network-on-chip (NoC) subsystem for system-on-chip (SoC) communications," said K. Charles Janac, CEO of Arteris. "By working with Magma we can assure our joint customers of a rapid path to silicon, reducing SoC unit costs, project costs and time to market."

"We have collaborated to optimize and integrate our high-performance, low-cost analog and mixed-signal IP cores with Magma's tools," said Charles Yang, CEO of Go2silicon. "Through our relationship, 'Magma-Ready' Go2silicon IP is available, bringing value to our mutual customers."

"SiWave is committed to delivering a unique and wide range of PHY IP products that offer the only truly configurable and scalable solution in the 802.16/WiMAX market," said Hanni Bagnordi, CEO of SiWave. "We are very pleased to be part of the 'Magma-Ready' program. Magma's IC implementation system enables us to provide our mutual customers with highly optimized and power efficient shrink-wrap IP solutions for the next-generation portable and mobile WiMAX market.

"Soft Mixed Signal Corporation develops and offers system-level PHY and transceiver IC solutions for LAN, WAN and SAN connectivity markets utilizing proprietary mixed-signal and digital signal processing (DSP) technologies," said Muzaffer Kal, director of system architecture at Soft Mixed Signal. "By teaming with Magma, we will be able to quickly and effectively provide comprehensive IP solutions to our mutual customers."

The MagmaTies Program

The goal of the MagmaTies program is to provide Magma customers with solutions to speed through the semiconductor design and manufacturing processes. These solutions require proven tools and methodologies, along with well-trained service providers. MagmaTies works with ASIC vendors, EDA tool vendors, library vendors, IP providers, design service providers and semiconductor foundries. Through the program, Magma and MagmaTies members work together to qualify tool interfaces, and to test and qualify libraries and foundry processes for use with Magma's software. In addition, Magma works with IP providers to develop a methodology for certifying the performance of IP blocks using Blast Wrap(R). Also, Magma is working in conjunction with design service providers to build a worldwide network of design service providers certified to provide top-flight assistance for Magma customers.

About Magma

Magma's software for integrated circuit (IC) design is recognized as embodying the best in semiconductor technology. The world's top chip companies use Magma's EDA software to design and verify complex, high-performance ICs for communications, computing, consumer electronics and networking applications, while at the same time reducing design time and costs. Magma provides software for IC implementation, analysis, physical verification, characterization and programmable logic design, and the company's integrated RTL-to-GDSII design flow offers "The Fastest Path from RTL to Silicon"(TM). Magma is headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif. with offices around the world. Magma's stock trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol LAVA. Visit Magma Design Automation on the Web at www.magma-da.com.

Magma is a registered trademark and Blast Wrap and "The Fastest Path from RTL to Silicon" are trademarks of Magma Design Automation Inc. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies

[actr]

Onyx Introduces Advanced Wireless CRM For Japanese Market; Mobile CRM Benefits Available To Users Worldwide, Regardless Of Locale

BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Onyx(R) Software Corporation (Nasdaq: ONXS), a worldwide leader in customer management solutions for the enterprise, today announced Onyx Employee Portal Wireless (OEP Wireless) for Japan. Part of an integrated suite of mobile enterprise CRM solutions, OEP Wireless for Japan is immediately available for Foma 3G and mova 2G Series iMode devices.
Onyx's introduction of OEP Wireless for Japan offers 45 million iMode users access to Onyx's versatile CRM platform for delivering enhanced customer service and satisfaction. OEP Wireless for Japan increases business productivity by keeping mobile professionals connected and informed, while delivering advanced capabilities for quickly and easily managing customer and partner account, sales, service and support activities.

OEP Wireless features a thin client mobile interface specifically built to leverage Onyx's XML-based pure Internet platform. For the Japanese market, it has been designed to optimize the unique features and usability techniques of iMode Internet cell phones. With powerful information display and management functions, OEP Wireless for Japan enables users to efficiently perform various tasks that facilitate the delivery of rapid and superior customer service. These include initiating phone calls and emails, requesting and sending literature to customers, receiving time critical alerts directly through links on records, updating sales forecasts, and generating customer quotes.

"Mobile CRM capabilities, especially important in the Japanese market, play a vital role in cultivating customer relationships and the performance and reliability of OEP Wireless offers companies a distinct competitive advantage," said Andie Rees, Senior Vice President, International at Onyx. "There has been strong demand for an iMode-based CRM solution and we are pleased to bring this advanced level of support to Japan's mobile sales and customer service teams."

"One of the big benefits of an enterprise CRM solution is the ability to access vital customer data, regardless of device or locale," said Todd Chambers, Chief Marketing Officer at Onyx. "Onyx customers in the United States, Europe or Japan can now access and leverage customer data in real time. This is of great interest not only to our enterprise-level Japanese customers, but also to our multi-national customers with worldwide operations."

Onyx mobile solutions operate seamlessly across multiple devices, extending the power of Onyx Customer Management technology to laptops and handheld devices for real-time wireless or disconnected access with data synchronization. Onyx's ultra-light Internet architecture offers users greater convenience providing multiple access options, including Onyx Employee Portal Offline Edition as well as Onyx Employee Portal Wireless versions for Blackberry, Palm and Pocket PC devices, and now iMode.

About Onyx Software

Onyx Software Corporation (Nasdaq: ONXS) is a worldwide leader in customer management and process software for mid and large size enterprises. Onyx provides flexible solutions that enable organizations to automate, manage, and evolve their customer processes quickly and cost-effectively for strategic advantage. By providing an integrated suite of customer process automation applications encompassing customer management, process management, and analytics capabilities, Onyx enables enterprises to reduce costs, increase productivity and grow revenue. Major companies are aligning their customer-facing departments and managing their customer processes with Onyx software -- companies such as Amway Corporation, Mellon Financial Corporation, The Regence Group and State Street Corporation. More information can be found at 888-ASK-ONYX, info@onyx.com or http://www.onyx.com/.

[actr]

Chemical Financial Corporation Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings Strategic Restructuring Initiatives on Schedule

MIDLAND, Mich., Jan 23, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Chemical Financial Corporation's (Nasdaq: CHFC) Board of Directors today reported earnings of $0.50 per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2005 compared to fourth quarter 2004 earnings per diluted share of $0.57, a decrease of 12.3 percent. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $12.6 million compared to fourth quarter 2004 net income of $14.4 million. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2005, net income was $52.9 million, or $2.10 per diluted share, compared to net income of $56.7 million, or $2.25 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004, a 6.7 percent decrease in diluted earnings per share between periods.
"The financial results for 2005 were less than satisfactory. Decreasing net interest income resulting from higher interest rates paid on deposits and short-term borrowings had a significant negative impact on fourth quarter and full year financial performance in 2005. The impact of rising rates was also evidenced in our mortgage banking operations, where net revenue decreased by 50 percent from 2004. While we anticipate we will continue to see unfavorable short-term financial effects from further interest rate increases, we expect that the magnitude and number of rate increases will be less severe going forward," said David B. Ramaker, President and CEO of Chemical Financial Corporation.

"We have taken significant steps during the year to stimulate future revenue growth while controlling costs, which we anticipate will over time translate into improved financial performance. While 2006 will continue to be a challenge for the Michigan economy, as well as our Company, we are optimistic that the initiatives we have employed will ultimately benefit our shareholders. Furthermore, our strong capital base positions us well for growth. We remain mindful of the potential effects of excess capital on shareholder returns, and will continue to examine our alternatives to efficiently utilize the Company's capital," Ramaker said.

During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company announced it would undertake a strategic restructuring designed to reposition the bank holding company to better capitalize on growth opportunities in high potential markets and enhance operating efficiencies. The restructuring initiative, which resulted from an intensive examination of the Company's core retail banking franchise, encompassed consolidation of its three subsidiary state bank charters into a single state chartered institution, realigned the existing branch network, announced the closure of eight underperforming branches across the state to be completed in the first quarter of 2006, and reorganized senior management to place a greater emphasis on internal growth initiatives. Management estimated that total costs for the restructuring would not exceed $1 million, and would be incurred primarily during the first half of 2006. During the fourth quarter of 2005, restructuring costs of $0.2 million relating to employee severance were incurred. At year-end 2005, the implementation of the restructuring plan was on schedule, with the back-room

component of the consolidation of the three subsidiary banks scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of 2006.

The Company also announced during the fourth quarter of 2005 an increase in its dividend rate, from $0.265 per share paid in the fourth quarter of 2005 to $0.275 per share payable in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 3.8 percent.

Fourth quarter 2005 net interest income was $35.1 million compared to fourth quarter 2004 net interest income of $37.3 million. The decrease was primarily due to increases in the rates paid on customer deposits and the unfavorable impact of lower average deposits outstanding. These items were partially offset by the positive impact on net interest income of higher average loans outstanding and higher yields earned on loans. Net interest margin (on a tax equivalent basis) was 3.99 percent in the fourth quarter of 2005, down from 4.18 percent in the prior year fourth quarter and up slightly from 3.96 percent in the third quarter of 2005. The Company's interest rate spread, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, decreased from 3.80 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004 to 3.39 percent in the fourth quarter of 2005, as increases in average interest yields earned on interest-earning assets failed to keep pace with increases in average interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

Total assets were $3.75 billion at December 31, 2005, down slightly from $3.76 billion at December 31, 2004, and down from $3.84 billion at September 30, 2005. At December 31, 2005, total loans were $2.71 billion, versus $2.59 billion at December 31, 2004 and $2.70 billion at September 30, 2005. Total loans increased by $125 million, or 4.8 percent, from December 31, 2004 to December 31, 2005, led by strong growth in business loans and real estate construction loans. Investment securities were $743 million at December 31, 2005, down from $893 million at December 31, 2004 and $787 million at September 30, 2005, as investment securities maturities were utilized to fund loan growth.

Total deposits were $2.82 billion at December 31, 2005, down slightly from $2.86 billion at December 31, 2004 and from $2.91 billion at September 30, 2005. In 2005, the markets in which the Company operates saw intense competition for retail deposits translate into increases in deposit pricing and a slight erosion in core deposits. Other liabilities, which include Federal Home Loan Bank advances, totaled $428 million at December 31, 2005, up from $416 million at December 31, 2004, and down from $436 million at September 30, 2005.

The provision for loan losses was $1.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to $1.7 million in the prior year fourth quarter and $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2005. Net loan losses were $1.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, compared to $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.26 percent as of December 31, 2005, down from 1.28 percent at September 30, 2005 and 1.32 percent at December 31, 2004. At December 31, 2005, nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.73 percent, down slightly from 0.75 percent at September 30, 2005 and up from 0.39 percent at December 31, 2004. As the Michigan economy has slowed down, the Company's credit quality ratios have moderated somewhat from the very strong levels experienced over the past few years.

Noninterest income decreased 7 percent to $9.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 from $9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. The decline in noninterest income during the 2005 fourth quarter, as compared to the prior year quarter, was driven primarily by a loss on the sale of investment securities and declining mortgage banking revenue, offset by increases in a number of noninterest income categories, including trust and investment management services and service charges on deposit accounts. Mortgage banking revenue decreased 27 percent to $371,000 for the fourth quarter of 2005 compared to $508,000 for the fourth quarter of 2004, but up 15 percent compared to $322,000 during the third quarter of 2005. The Corporation was servicing $544 million of residential mortgage loans that were sold in the secondary market as of December 31, 2005, compared to $596 million as of December 31, 2004.

For the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company incurred losses on the sale of investment securities totaling $633,000, as compared to gains of $108,000 in the fourth quarter of 2004 and gains of $3,000 in the third quarter of 2005. The fourth quarter 2005 losses were incurred in conjunction with a realignment of the Company's investment securities portfolio. During the quarter, the Company sold $37 million in low-yielding US government agency securities scheduled to mature in 2006 and 2007 and invested the proceeds in higher yielding mortgage-backed securities with longer maturities.

Operating expenses were $23.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, unchanged from $23.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 and down from $24.8 million in the third quarter of 2005. Operating expenses remained stable as increases in occupancy, equipment and other expenses were offset by a decrease in salary and employee benefits expense. The Company's efficiency ratio rose to 54.2 percent in 2005, from 52.6 percent in 2004, as a result of the decrease in net interest income.

The Company's return on average assets during 2005 was 1.40 percent, down slightly from 1.47 percent in 2004. Shareholders' equity increased from $485 million at December 31, 2004 to $501 million at December 31, 2005. During the year, the Company repurchased 126,900 shares of its common stock at an average price of $30.32 per share. At year-end 2005, the Company's book value stood at $19.98 per share, versus $19.26 at year-end 2004. The decline in return on assets combined with the increase in shareholders' equity resulted in a decline in return on average equity to 10.7 percent in 2005 from 12.0 percent in 2004.

Chemical Financial Corporation is the fourth largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan. Effective December 31, 2005, the Company's banking operations began operating as a single subsidiary bank, Chemical Bank, with 132 banking offices spread over 32 counties in the lower peninsula of Michigan. Chemical Financial Corporation common stock trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CHFC and is one of the issues comprising the Nasdaq Financial 100 index.

[actr]

und nun zum Sport

Nach der ersten Woche der Ertragssaison gehen die Meinungen an der Wall Street weit auseinander – wie immer. Einig sind sich die Experten eigentlich nur darüber, dass die enttäuschenden Zahlen vieler Blue Chips und anderer prominenter Werte die Stimmung gedrückt und unter anderem die Kursstürze vom Freitag verschuldet haben.

Von den ersten Dow-Unternehmen, die bisher gemeldet haben, kam tatsächlich kein einziges ohne schlechte Nachrichten aus. Bei GE stimmte der Gewinn, aber der Umsatz war schwach. Alcoa und Citigroup verfehlten komplett. JP Morgan leidet unter schwachem Aktienhandel. IBM kam mit starken Zahlen, aber einem schwachen Ausblick, ebenso wie Apple und Ebay außerhalb des Dow. Yahoo und Intel wiederum verfehlten die Schätzungen auf ganzer Linie.

So ein Überblick sieht nicht gut aus. Auch nicht, wenn die Statistiker darauf hinweisen, dass immerhin 60 Prozent der Unternehmen bisher die Erwartungen geschlagen haben. Wen kümmern schon ein kleiner T-Shirt-Laden oder die Lokalbank in Florida, wenn die Großen alle patzen.

Und überhaupt: Die Quote der Enttäuschungen steigt auch ein wenig. 24 Prozent der Unternehmen blieben bisher unter den Prognosen zurück. Kann es sein, dass die Prognosen zu optimistisch waren? Es sieht so aus. Die Analysten sind in das bereits vierte Jahr des Bullenmarktes mit dem gleichen Optimismus eingestiegen wie in das ertse und zweite. Und wenngleich die Unternehmen 2002 sämtliche Schätzungen bei weitem übertroffen haben, berechtigt das noch lange nicht zu grenzenloser Euphorie bis an den jüngsten Tag. Immerhin: 2002 und 2003 war das Gewinnwachstum in Corporate America nicht zuletzt deshalb so stark, weil ich die Vergleichsdaten des Vorjahres schwach waren und üppiges Wachstum erst zuließen.

Jetzt, langsam und einer nach dem anderen, senken die Analysten ihre Erwartungen für das angebrochene Jahr. Damit laufen die Experten dem Trend wieder einmal hinterher. Erneut zeigt sich, dass die meisten Analysen im Vorfeld nicht so sehr auf fundamentalen Nachfroschungen beruht haben, sondern auf Euphorie.

Und das kann langtfristig nicht hinhauen. Zwar ist optimistische Stimmung immer besser als pessimistische, und viel Optimismus kann die Wirtschaft auch antreiben und sozusagen zu einer sich selbst erfüllenden Prophezeihung werden. Aber es gibt eben doch auch eine Schattenseite: Die Gefahr von Enttäuschungen steigt.

Und nun zum Sport: Der US-Skifahrer Bode Miller wird in wenigen Wochen bei den Olympischen Spielen in Turin an den Start gehen, und könnte dort, laut dem Time-Magazin als erster „fünf Medaillen“ holen. Damit sind die Erwartungen gesetzt. Kommt Miller mit drei Mal Gold zurück, werden die Fans enttäuscht sein. Kommt er hingegen mit fünf Medaillen zurück, werden sie nicht begeistert sein. Immerhin hat Miller nur sein Soll erfüllt.

Lars Halter

[actr]

Nitches, Inc.
23.01.06 21:24 Uhr

5,95 USD

+23,79 % [+1,1433]

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
5,95 USD

Zeit
23.01.06 21:24

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Tages-Vol.
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2,6 Mio.

Nitches, Inc. (NASDAQ: NICH) announced its results for the three months ended November 30, 2005. The Company earned consolidated net income of $520,000 for the first quarter of fiscal 2006, reversing a $12,000 loss in the year ago period. First quarter earnings per share were $.42 versus a loss of $.01 for the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

[actr]

REMINGTON OIL & GAS
23.01.06 21:29 Uhr

44,83 USD

+18,10 % [+6,87]
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Börse
NYSE

Aktuell
44,85 USD

Zeit
23.01.06 21:30

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+18,15 %

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6,9 Mio.

Remington Oil and Gas Corporation Announces Merger with Cal Dive International and Provides Operations Update

DALLAS, Jan 23, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Remington Oil and Gas Corporation (NYSE: REM) announced it has agreed to a merger with Cal Dive International, Inc. (Nasdaq: CDIS) Consideration for the offer from Cal Dive will be $27.00 in cash and .436 shares of Cal Dive stock for each Remington share. Completion of the merger is subject to customary conditions to closing, including, without limitation, approval by Remington's stockholders at a meeting to be called for that purpose. Remington's Board of Directors has unanimously recommended approval and adoption of the merger agreement and the merger by Remington's stockholders. Randall & Dewey, a division of Jefferies & Company, acted as financial advisor to the Company. Remington will host a conference call today at 11:30 A.M. EST (10:30 A.M. CST). The teleconference can be joined at 1-800-706-3705. International calls can join at 1-706-679-5649. A replay of the call will be available from two hours after completion of the conference by dialing 1-800-642-1687, or international calls 1-706-645-9291, conference ID #4655326.
2006 Capital Budget

Remington's Board of Directors approved a capital budget of $293 million for 2006, representing a 202% increase over its initial 2005 budget of $145 million. Management expects that this level of expenditures will be within the Company's available cash flow based on currently forecast commodity prices. Remington's approved budget includes planned exploratory wells and known developments. The budget includes the costs associated with risked completions of new exploratory successes. The 2006 program assumes drilling 26 offshore exploratory wells and 2 onshore exploratory wells for a total investment of $146 million. Two of the 26 offshore exploratory wells are located in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Development capital of $39 million will allow for platform and pipeline installations on recent discoveries, along with development drilling on existing fields. Additionally, the Company has budgeted $73 million for anticipated development expenditures related to the 2006 exploratory program. The remaining $35 million will be used for seismic acquisitions, workovers, and lease acquisitions. This budget assumes three to four operated rigs working continuously during the year.

Drilling Program


Listed in the table below are wells recently drilled, currently drilling

or completing, along with wells that are scheduled to be drilled in the near

term.


Prospect Category W.I. Status/Spud Date Operator

%

Offshore


Vermilion 389 #1 Exploratory 60 P&A Remington

S. Marsh Island 116 #1 Exploratory 60 Discovery-Tested 13 Remington

MMCFE/D

S. Pass 87 #6 Exploratory 50 P&A Marathon

(Aquarius)

West Cameron 383 #2 Exploratory 52 Drilling Below Remington

5,000'

Vermilion 249 #1 Exploratory 30 Discovery-T&A Tana

East Cameron 346 #6 Development 75 January Spud Remington

Vermilion 250 #1 Development 50 February Spud Remington

Eugene Island 391#1 Exploratory 50 1st Qtr. Spud Remington

Main Pass 200 #1 Exploratory 50 January Spud Cimarex

The Company's South Marsh Island 116 #1 exploratory well discovered oil and gas pay in a single sand below 8,000 feet. This well has been sub sea completed and was flow tested at 7 million cubic feet of gas and 1,000 barrels of condensate per day. Forward plans are to construct the flow line and umbilical then connect the sub sea well to a nearby platform. We expect first production from this discovery to commence in the 2nd quarter 2006. Remington operates South Marsh Island 116 and owns a 60% working interest. Cimarex (NYSE: XEC) owns the remaining 40% working interest.

Drilling operations at the Company's South Pass 87 #6 (Aquarius) well have resulted in a dry hole. This well was drilled to 22,214 feet and found no commercial quantities of hydrocarbons. The wellbore is currently being temporarily abandoned for future use for possible sidetrack opportunities on the eastern half of block 87. Information gained from this exploratory test will be beneficial to future deep potential on our adjacent blocks 86 and 89. Remington owns a 50% working interest in this Marathon Oil Company operated well (NYSE: MRO). Drilling costs incurred to date for the well are approximately $55 million. We expect take an estimated $25 million pre-tax dry hole expense for this well in the 4th quarter 2005. The remaining costs associated with the well will be incurred in the 1st quarter 2006.

Production Update

Remington's 4th quarter 2005 production is expected to range between 48 to 52 million cubic feet of gas equivalents per day compared to an average of 81 MMCFE/D for the third quarter 2005. The Company exited 2005 producing approximately 95-100 MMCFE/D. Management expected to exit 2005 at approximately 125 MMCFE/D. However, ten (10) of the Company's fields remain shut-in primarily due to third party pipeline infrastructure damage. Remington's East Cameron 346 and surrounding satellite fields remain shut-in due to problems related to the gas export line owned by a third party. Based on communications in November of 2005 from the operator and owner of this line, the line was expected to be operational in December of 2005. However this line has yet to be re-commissioned and most recent communications indicate service to be restored in the mid-first quarter 2006. Production volumes that remain shut-in from these ten fields accounted for approximately 35 to 40 MMCFE/D prior to Hurricane Rita. The Company anticipates most of the company's storm related, shut-in production to be restored by the end of the first quarter 2006.

Remington does carry business interruption insurance for most of its offshore producing assets. Because of the ongoing shut-ins the Company is experiencing, the entirety of the business interruption claim is not yet known. Rough estimates, based on the Company's interpretation of the policy, result in an expected reimbursement from the policy for the fourth quarter 2005 of approximately $8.5 million. In addition, the Company's business interruption policy covers its largest producing field, East Cameron 346, for a total of 365 days.

The Company anticipates the external audit of our year-end 2005 reserves to be completed in February 2006. Internal estimates of our year-end 2005 total proven reserves range between 270 to 285 billion cubic feet of gas equivalents. Based on this internal estimate, the Company expects 2006 annual production to range between 45 to 49 billion cubic feet of gas equivalents. A prolonged shut-in period at our East Cameron 346 complex beyond our previously stated mid-first quarter start-up could materially impact this production guidance. A more detailed guidance will be provided on 2006 production volumes, DD&A rates per Mcfe and cash costs per Mcfe upon final completion of the audited 2005 year-end reserves.

Organizational Update

Mr. Gregory B. Cox has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Exploration. Mr. Cox was previously Vice President of Exploration for the Company. He joined the Company as Exploration Manager in November of 1997.

Remington Oil and Gas Corporation is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with operations concentrating in the onshore and offshore regions of the Gulf Coast.

[actr]

SPORTS AUTHORITY NEW
23.01.06 21:39 Uhr

36,83 USD

+18,62 % [+5,78]
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Börse
NYSE

Aktuell
36,83 USD

Zeit
23.01.06 21:39

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The Sports Authority, Inc. to Be Acquired by Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and Management for $37.25 Per Share in Cash

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Jan 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Sports Authority, Inc. (NYSE:TSA), announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an investor group led by Green Equity Investors IV, L.P., an affiliate of Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. and including members of Sports Authority's senior management team for $37.25 per share in cash.
The board of directors of Sports Authority, on the recommendation of a special committee of independent directors, has unanimously approved the merger agreement and recommends that Sports Authority's shareholders adopt the agreement.

The total transaction value, including assumed debt, is approximately $1.3 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second fiscal quarter of 2006, and is subject to Sports Authority's shareholder approval, as well as other customary closing conditions, including the receipt of financing and regulatory approvals.

Gordon Barker, chair of the special committee of Sports Authority's board of directors that approved the transaction said, "The Company received an acquisition proposal from Leonard Green & Partners and after extensive negotiations and careful consideration in conjunction with our independent advisors, the independent committee of Sports Authority's board has unanimously concluded that this transaction is in the best interest of our shareholders. This transaction, which will provide Sports Authority's shareholders with an immediate and substantial cash premium for their investment in the Company, reflects the success of the merger and integration of the Company's predecessors Gart Sports and The Sports Authority. In accordance with the merger agreement, the Company will also be conducting a market test for the next 20 days to ensure that the transaction is the best available for our shareholders."

Doug Morton, Chairman and CEO, said, "Not only does this transaction provide Sports Authority's shareholders with a substantial premium for their shares, but we believe it will be good for the company's associates, customers and suppliers. As a private company, Sports Authority will have greater flexibility to accomplish its long-term goals. Leonard Green & Partners has an excellent track record of building value at its portfolio companies by providing strong financial and strategic support. Leonard Green & Partners also has significant past experience in the sporting goods industry from its prior ownership of several sporting goods retailers."

Jonathan Seiffer, Partner of Leonard Green & Partners said, "We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with this exceptional management team and build on the company's track record of growth and success in the retail sporting goods industry."

Merrill Lynch is acting as financial advisor for Sports Authority in connection with the merger transaction and has rendered a fairness opinion to the special committee of Sports Authority's board of directors. Banc of America Securities LLC is acting as financial advisor for Leonard Green & Partners in connection with the merger transaction. Bank of America N.A. and TCW/Crescent Mezzanine have provided commitments for the debt portion of the financing for the transaction, which are subject to customary conditions.

The Sports Authority, headquartered in Englewood, CO, is one of the nation's largest full-line sporting goods retailers offering a comprehensive high-quality assortment of brand name sporting apparel and equipment at competitive prices. As of December 31, 2005, The Sports Authority operated 398 stores in 45 states under The Sports Authority(R), Gart Sports(R), and Sportmart(R) names. The Company's e-tailing website, located at www.thesportsauthority.com is operated by GSI Commerce, Inc. under a license and e-commerce agreement. In addition, a joint venture with AEON Co., Ltd. operates "The Sports Authority" stores in Japan under a licensing agreement.

Leonard Green & Partners is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm specializing in organizing, structuring and sponsoring management buy-outs, going-private transactions and recapitalizations of established public and private companies. Leonard Green & Partners is the largest private equity firm in Southern California managing approximately $3.7 billion of private equity capital.

[actr]

Google Inc.
23.01.06 21:49 Uhr

427,45 USD

+7,01 % [+27,9899]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
427,45 USD

Zeit
23.01.06 21:49

Diff. Vortag
+7,01 %

Tages-Vol.
8,48 Mrd.

Gehandelte Stück
22 Mio.

Google subpoena roils the Web

Jan 21, 2006 (The Boston Globe - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) -- The US government's demand for millions of Internet search records from Google Inc. and other prominent search firms has raised new questions about the vast amounts of personal information collected by companies.
While federal investigators said they weren't seeking any data that could be traced to individuals, Internet privacy activists and some lawmakers said the action underscored concerns about what the search engines know about computer users and what could become of that information.

"Internet search engines provide an extraordinary service," said Representative Edward Markey, a Malden Democrat, "but the preservation of that service [should] not rely on a bottomless, timeless database that can do great damage despite good intentions."

Markey said yesterday that he will propose legislation as early as next month that would force search companies to destroy records containing personal information after "a reasonable period of time." Markey said that he'd been working on the legislation since last year, modeling it on a law that requires cable television firms to destroy personal data about customers' viewing habits.

Google is vowing to resist efforts by the US Justice Department to obtain information about the searches run by millions of its users, even though investigators are seeking aggregate data about Internet use, not individual users' records. The Justice Department wants the information as part of its effort to defend the Child Online Protection Act, a 1998 federal law that seeks to ban Internet sites from displaying content that the government deems "harmful to minors." The Supreme Court has ruled that the law can't be enforced unless the government shows less intrusive measures such as Internet filtering are inadequate. The government hopes to use search results from Google and other companies to show that Internet pornography is so pervasive that only a federal law can protect children from it.

Yahoo Inc., Microsoft Corp.'s MSN search service, and Time Warner Inc.'s AOL service have all agreed to provide the information, according to a Justice Department spokesman. But Google has refused, saying that releasing the data would compromise its users' privacy and the company's trade secrets. "Google is not a party to this lawsuit and their demand for information overreaches," said Nicole Wong, Google's associate general counsel. "We intend to resist their motion vigorously."

Meanwhile, shares of Google had their biggest decline ever yesterday as the company continued to resist the Justice Department's demand. Google dropped nearly 8.5 percent, to close at $399.46.

During each visit to Google or any other Internet site, a visitor's computer reveals a numerical address assigned by the user's Internet provider. The site can store that information, along with the date and time of the visit. This information can be used by researchers, marketers, or investigators to trace the visitor's identity.

In papers filed yesterday at a federal court in San Jose, Calif., government attorneys said that they are not seeking information about individuals. They want the search companies to provide a sample of a million websites from the billions they currently index, as well as all the search terms typed into the services during a one-week period. All information that could identify individuals is to be removed before the data is given to the government. The government could use the data to estimate how pervasive pornography is on the Internet and how often pornographic sites come up in random Internet searches.

The federal subpoenas have dismayed Internet privacy activists. "There's something disturbing about the notion that when you search for something the government is going to be looking over your shoulder," said Kurt Opsahl, staff attorney for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an Internet civil liberties group.

The subpoenas also drew attention to how the major search services have become repositories of their users' personal data. "They have lots of information," said Danny Sullivan, editor of Search Engine Watch, an industry trade publication. "They know what people are clicking on. They know what people are searching for." By analyzing their vast databases of past searches, the companies can improve their software to help users find data more quickly. The companies can also upgrade the lucrative software that places paid advertisements on the search results pages. Currently, Google retains information about Web users' online activity for as long as it deems the data useful, according to a company spokesman.

Some privacy activists have long feared that companies like Google could abuse the data, by providing it to government officials or by using it themselves to track individual Internet usage. One public interest group, Public Information Research Inc. of San Antonio, runs scroogle.org, an Internet service that disguises the Internet address of searchers who want to run Google and Yahoo searches anonymously.

Opsahl suggested that Internet users concerned about privacy should do their Internet searches through Scroogle or other Internet "proxies" that hide the address of the searcher. But he also urged Google and other search companies to regularly erase their database of saved searches. "Perhaps they should consider whether it's worthwhile to keep all this information indefinitely," he said.

By Hiawatha Bray

[actr]

SULPHCO INC
23.01.06 21:55 Uhr

10,10 USD

-48,21 % [-9,40]

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örse
AMEX

Aktuell
10,10 USD

Zeit
23.01.06 21:55

Diff. Vortag
-48,21 %

Tages-Vol.
165,96 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
14 Mio.


BUYINS.NET: BAS, CAPB, NSU, NVEC, PZZ, SUF have been removed from naked short lists today

Jan 19, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- BUYINS.NET, www.buyins.net, announced today that these select companies have been removed from the NASDAQ, AMEX and NYSE naked short threshold lists: Basic Energy Services, Inc. (NYSE: BAS), CapitalSouth Bancorp. (NASDAQ: CAPB), Nevsun Resources, Ltd (AMEX: NSU), NVE Corporation (NASDAQ: NVEC), Prospect Medical Holdings, Inc (AMEX: PZZ), SulphCo, Inc. (AMEX: SUF)


About SulphCo, Inc.

SulphCo has developed a patented safe and economic process employing ultrasound technology to desulfurize and hydrogenate crude oil and other oil related products. The company's technology upgrades sour heavy crude oils into sweeter, lighter crudes, producing more gallons of usable oil per barrel. From time to time, the company may issue forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. This statement may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as actual results could differ and any forward-looking statements should be considered accordingly.

[actr]

Itron, Inc.
23.01.06 22:00 Uhr

46,99 USD

+16,20 % [+6,55]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
46,99 USD

Zeit
23.01.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+16,20 %

Tages-Vol.
76,79 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
1,8 Mio.


Itron Reports Q4 2005 New Order Bookings of $149 Million; Record New Order Bookings of $655 Million in 2005

SPOKANE, Wash., Jan 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) announced today that it set a new record for total orders received in a single year. The 2005 total of $655 million in new order bookings surpasses the previous record of $358 million set last year in 2004.
Fourth quarter new orders of $149 million include the Company's largest order ever for its distribution line design software, received from Pacific Gas & Electric, and contracts for over 2 million automatic meter reading (AMR) modules and AMR-equipped meters. For the full year 2005, new order bookings include contracts to automate over 10 million electric, gas and water meters.

"Our success rate in winning new orders in 2005 demonstrates that the business case for Itron's technology is very compelling for many utilities," said LeRoy Nosbaum, chairman and CEO. "While we continue to be very excited about the prospects for fixed network AMR and AMI in the future, Mobile AMR technology provides our customers with a valuable tool for controlling costs, increasing operating efficiency and improving customer service. And, our wide range of software solutions gives our customers leading edge tools and analytics needed to make better, more informed decisions across their operations."

Itron is scheduled to release financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2005 on February 14, 2006 at approximately 1:00 pm PT, at which time additional details about fourth quarter results will be made available.


About Itron

Itron is a leading technology provider and critical source of knowledge to the global energy and water industries. Nearly 3,000 utilities worldwide rely on Itron's award-winning technology to provide the knowledge they require to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Itron creates value for its clients by providing industry-leading solutions for electricity metering; meter data collection; energy information management; demand response; load forecasting, analysis and consulting services; distribution system design and optimization; web-based workforce automation; and enterprise and residential energy management. To know more, start here: www.itron.com.

[actr]

23.01.2006
McAfee: Gewinn- und Umsatzwarnung
Der Anbieter von Antivirensoftware McAfee Inc. prognostizierte nach Börsenschluss für das vierte Fiskalquartal einen Gewinn je Aktie zwischen 16 und 20 cents und einen Umsatz von 254 Millionen Dollar. Vor Einrechnung von Sondereffekten soll der Gewinn je Aktie zwischen 25 und 27 cents liegen. Die von First Call ermittelten durchschnittlichen Analystenerwartungen lagen bei einem Gewinn je Aktie (vor Einmaleffekten) von 38 cents und einem Umsatz von 274 Millionen Dollar.

Die Aktie verliert nachbörslich um 14,4 Prozent auf 23,65 Dollar.
(boerse-go.de, wirtschaftsblatt:online Partner)

[actr]

Johnson & Johnson Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2005 Results 2005 Full-Year EPS Rose 21.8% on Sales Increase of 6.7% 2005 Fourth-Quarter EPS Rose 78.0% on Sales Decline of 1.1%

Jan 24, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Johnson & Johnson today announced sales for the fourth quarter of $12.6 billion, a decline of 1.1% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2004. Operational growth was .7% with a negative currency impact of 1.8%. Domestic sales were down 4.2%, while international sales increased 3.1%, reflecting operational growth of 7.5% and a negative currency impact of 4.4%. The fourth-quarter fiscal period of 2005 included 13 weeks of sales versus 14 weeks of sales in 2004. Worldwide sales for the year 2005 were $50.5 billion, an increase of 6.7% over 2004, increasing operationally by 6.0% with currency contributing .7%.
Net earnings and diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2005 were $2.2 billion and $.73. Net Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2004 included a special charge of $789 million related to taxes associated with funds repatriated under the American Jobs Creation Act. Excluding special charges, 2005 fourth-quarter net earnings were $2.2 billion and earnings per share were $.73, representing increases of 9.1% and 9.0%, respectively, as compared with the same period in 2004.*

Net earnings and diluted earnings per share for the year, as reported, were $10.4 billion and $3.46, increases of 22.4% and 21.8%, respectively, as compared with 2004. Full year 2005 included a gain of $225 million for a tax adjustment associated with a technical correction made to the American Jobs Creation Act and after-tax in-process research and development charges of $359 million. Full year 2004 results included a tax charge of $789 million related to the American Jobs Creation Act and after-tax in-process research and development charges of $12 million. Excluding these items, net earnings for the year were $10.5 billion and earnings per share were $3.50, representing increases of 13.3% and 12.9% as compared with the same period in 2004. *

"The year 2005 was a solid one for Johnson & Johnson, despite significant challenges," said William C. Weldon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We delivered excellent full-year earnings results, while continuing to make the major investments that will fuel future growth."

Worldwide, the Medical Devices and Diagnostics segment achieved annual sales of $19.1 billion in 2005, representing an increase over the prior year of 13.1% with operational growth of 12.5% and a positive impact from currency of .6%. Domestic sales increased 10.6%, while international sales increased 15.7% (14.5% from operations and 1.2% from currency).

Cordis' circulatory disease management products were a key contributor to the segment results with the primary driver being the CYPHER Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent, which reduces restenosis (reblockage) of a treated coronary artery. CYPHER is the worldwide leader in drug-eluting stents having now been used to treat more than 1.7 million patients with coronary artery disease.

Also contributing to the strong performance of the segment were the results from DePuy's orthopaedic joint reconstruction and spinal products, LifeScan's blood glucose monitoring products, Vistakon's disposable contact lenses and Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics' professional diagnostic products.

During the quarter, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Animas Corporation, a leading manufacturer of insulin infusion pumps and related products. In January 2006, the Company also announced the acquisition of Hand Innovations LLC, a privately held manufacturer of implants used for the repair of wrist fractures.

Worldwide Pharmaceutical sales of $22.3 billion for the full year 2005 represented an increase of .9% versus the prior year with operational growth of .4% and a positive impact from currency of .5%. Domestic sales decreased 3.2%, while international sales increased 9.4% (7.8% from operations and 1.6% from currency).

Sales results for DURAGESIC, a transdermal patch for chronic pain; ULTRACET, an analgesic; SPORANOX, an antifungal; and hormonal contraceptives were all negatively impacted by generic competition in the U.S. market. Offsetting the impact of generic competition was the strong performance of RISPERDAL, an antipsychotic medication; REMICADE, a biologic approved for the treatment of a number of Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases; TOPAMAX, an antiepileptic and a treatment for the prevention of migraine headaches; LEVAQUIN, an anti-infective; and CONCERTA, a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

During the quarter, the Company submitted new drug applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Paliperidone Extended-Release Tablets, a once daily, oral medication for the treatment of schizophrenia, and TMC114, a protease inhibitor being studied as a potential treatment for people infected with HIV-1. The Company also announced that it had entered into an agreement with Bayer HealthCare to jointly develop and market BAY 59-7939 (Factor Xa inhibitor) for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis. In addition, the Company announced that it had entered into an agreement with Biovail Corporation for the marketing and distribution of two novel formulations of tramadol hydrochloride.

Worldwide Consumer segment annual sales in 2005 were $9.1 billion, an increase of 9.2% over the prior year with operational growth of 7.8% and a positive impact from currency of 1.4%. Domestic sales increased 4.3%, while international sales increased 14.2% (11.3% from operations and 2.9% from currency).

Strong growth in Consumer sales was achieved by McNeil Nutritional's SPLENDA sweetener and the skin care lines of NEUTROGENA, AVEENO and RoC.

During the quarter, the Company announced that it had completed the acquisition of the REMBRANDT Brand of oral care products from The Gillette Company.

Johnson & Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of health care products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices and diagnostics markets. The more than 200 Johnson & Johnson operating companies employ approximately 115,600 men and women in 57 countries and sell products throughout the world.

[actr]

JUPITER Global Holdings, Corp. Announces Plan to Become Target for Acquisiton or Merger

LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan 24, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- JUPITER Global Holdings, Corp. ("JUPITER" or the "Company") (OTC: JPHC) today announces that its Board of Directors has authorized its management to commence preparations to develop a plan to become a target for acquisition or merger by a suitable strategic buyer.
Specifically, management has undertaken certain preparations that include, but not be limited to: (i) the Company continuing its efforts to become current with its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; (ii) consideration of possibly securing other strategic acquisitions; (iii) making efforts to improve the Company's balance sheet, such as the recent reduction of company debt; (iv) the successful execution of the Company's recently announced stock buyback program.

The Board of Directors and management feel that upon completion of a cohesive plan to ready the Company for a possible acquisition, JUPITER will become a more attractive target to be acquired by, or merged with other companies that see JUPITER as an ideal candidate.

The Company believes that these steps are a fundamental aspect of building shareholder value by seeking to attract one or more buyout opportunities that the Board of Directors may consider.

ABOUT JUPITER GLOBAL HOLDINGS, CORP.

JUPITER Global Holdings, Corp. is a holding company with interests and developments in a diverse number of growing industries. JUPITER plans to achieve a leadership position through the building of a synergistic network of innovative, profitable and global businesses.

[actr]

Market Pulse Breaking News Alert for Tuesday, January 24, 2006: BIEL -- BioElectronics Corporation Announces the Addition of Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD and W. Thomas McCellan, MD to the Company's Medical Advisory Committee! NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following

ATLANTA, GA, Jan 24, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Market Pulse News Alert for this AM, Stocks to Watch are: BioElectronics Corporation (OTC: BIEL), Generex Biotechnology Corp. (NASDAQ: GNBT), Google Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG) and Apple Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) Investors need to be watching BioElectronics Corporation (OTC: BIEL) this AM! BioElectronics is the developer and marketer of advanced, inexpensive, disposable, drug-free, medical devices cleared by the US FDA, the European Union and the Canadian regulatory authorities. The company's primary suite of products are the ActiPatch(TM) Therapy medical devices. These devices are miniaturized, battery operated and deliver pulsed electromagnetic frequencies, which are embedded in a dermal patch for continuous therapeutic treatment for a few dollars a day. The company's patented technology provides therapy designed to reduce swelling, relieve pain and enhance healing of surgical incisions, chronic wounds and orthopedic conditions. BioElectronics is emerging from a development stage company and is ready to capitalize on the potential market for effective therapies which is estimated at $6.5 billion in the U.S. and over $20 billion worldwide. BIEL is poised to become a significant player in the medical devices industry. BIEL just had excellent news out in a press release before today's opening bell announcing the addition of Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD and W. Thomas McCellan, MD, of the Lahey Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, to the company's Medical Advisory Board! Investors should be watching this one closely!
BioElectronics Corporation (OTC: BIEL) announced today the addition of Jeffrey Weinzweig, MD and W. Thomas McClellan, MD, of the Lahey Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, to the company's Medical Advisory Board. Drs. Weinzweig and McClellan have been elected to the company's Medical Advisory Board to facilitate the collaboration of clinical studies using the renowned Lahey Clinic (Burlington, MA) and to assist with the research and development of the company's ActiPatch(TM) Therapy products.

Dr. Jeffrey Weinzweig, Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery for the Lahey Clinic, joins the board with a long history of clinical research, surgical experience and medical education. Dr. Weinzweig has authored more than a hundred and fifty scientific papers and chapters on various topics within the plastic surgery, hand surgery and craniofacial surgery arena and is currently editing his fifth textbook. He also serves as Director of the Institute of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery and Director of Research of the Craniofacial Biology & Tissue Engineering Laboratory at Lahey and has lectured to medical professionals around the world.

Dr. W. Thomas McClellan, Chief Plastic Surgery Resident at the Lahey Clinic, also joins the committee with a long-standing reputation for excellence in medicine. In addition to serving as chief resident, Dr. McClellan has also authored numerous scientific papers and been awarded such prestigious honors as 2002, 2003 and 2004 Resident Physician Teacher of the Year from West Virginia School of Medicine and admission into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

"We are thrilled and quite fortunate to have these two esteemed surgeons join our team. We look forward to having their insight and talents enhance our mission in the clinical study of our break through technology," said Bioelectronics' Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Thomas O'Connor.

"To have such talent as Drs. Weinzweig and McClellan join our board speaks volumes about ActiPatch(TM) and the scientific advancements being generated at BioElectronics. I look forward to working with them in these important endeavors," said BioElectronics' Medical Advisory Board Chairman Lawrence L. Michaelis, MD.

The appointments are effective immediately.

ActiPatch(TM) is a drug-free, anti-inflammatory patch with an embedded battery operated microchip that delivers weeks of continuous pulsed therapy for less than a dollar a day. The unique ActiPatch(TM) delivery system, using patented technology, provides a cost-effective, patient friendly method to reduce soft tissue pain and swelling.

[actr]

Tidewater Reports Third Quarter Results For Fiscal 2006

NEW ORLEANS, Jan 24, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tidewater Inc. (NYSE:TDW) announced today third quarter net earnings for the period ended December 31, 2005, of $60.0 million, or $1.04 diluted earnings per common share, on revenues of $234.6 million. For the same quarter last year, net earnings were $19.8 million, or $.34 per share, on revenues of $187.6 million. Net earnings in the immediately preceding quarter ended September 30, 2005, were $82.2 million, or $1.42 per share (inclusive of a $42.8 million, or $.74 per share, gain related to the sale of six vessels during the quarter), on revenues of $204.4 million.
As previously announced, Tidewater will hold a conference call to discuss December quarter earnings on Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. CST promptly following the Company's release of quarterly earnings.


TIDEWATER INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and par value data)


December 31, March 31,

ASSETS 2005 2005

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

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents $ 167,064 15,376

Trade and other receivables, net 232,148 169,784

Marine operating supplies 40,351 38,959

Other current assets 4,437 3,837

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

Total current assets 444,000 227,956

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

Investments in, at equity, and advances to

unconsolidated companies 35,240 32,074

Properties and equipment:

Vessels and related equipment 2,442,080 2,483,970

Other properties and equipment 50,047 48,512

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

2,492,127 2,532,482

Less accumulated depreciation and

amortization 1,121,782 1,080,296

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

Net properties and equipment 1,370,345 1,452,186

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

Goodwill 328,754 328,754

Other assets 116,971 172,203

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

Total assets $ 2,295,310 2,213,173

=========== ===========


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses 81,129 82,261

Accrued property and liability losses 8,368 9,286

Income taxes 10,024 695

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

Total current liabilities 99,521 92,242

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

Long-term debt 300,000 380,000

Deferred income taxes 179,903 184,410

Accrued property and liability losses 28,144 34,778

Other liabilities and deferred credits 95,695 79,041

Stockholders' equity:

Common stock of $.10 par value,

125,000,000 shares authorized, issued

60,488,807 shares at December and

60,718,231 shares at March 6,049 6,072

Other stockholders' equity 1,585,998 1,436,630

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

Total stockholders' equity 1,592,047 1,442,702

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

Total liabilities and

stockholders' equity $ 2,295,310 2,213,173

=========== ===========

[actr]

Eaton Announces Record Date for First Quarter 2006 Dividend

CLEVELAND, Jan 24, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As announced in yesterday's fourth quarter 2005 earnings news release, the Board of Directors of diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) has declared a first quarter dividend of $.35 per share, representing a 13 percent increase over the previous quarterly dividend of $.31 per share.
The dividend is payable on February 24, 2006 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 6, 2006. Eaton has paid dividends on common shares every year since 1923.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer with 2005 sales of $11.1 billion. Eaton is a global leader in electrical systems and components for power quality, distribution and control; fluid power systems and services for industrial, mobile and aircraft equipment; intelligent truck drivetrain systems for safety and fuel economy; and automotive engine air management systems, powertrain solutions and specialty controls for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has 59,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 125 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

[actr]

Compuware Corporation to Announce Third Quarter Results on January 26, 2006

Jan 24, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Compuware Corporation (Nasdaq: CPWR) today announced that it will report results for its third quarter -- ended December 31, 2005 -- after market-close on January 26, 2006. The company will also hold a conference call to discuss these results at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (22:00 GMT) on January 26.

Compuware Corporation (NASDAQ: CPWR) maximizes the value IT brings to the business by helping CIOs more effectively manage the business of IT. Compuware solutions accelerate the development, improve the quality and enhance the performance of critical business systems while enabling CIOs to align and govern the entire IT portfolio, increasing efficiency, cost control and employee productivity throughout the IT organization. Founded in 1973, Compuware serves the world's leading IT organizations, including more than 90 percent of the Fortune 100 companies. Learn more about Compuware at http://www.compuware.com.

[actr]

Head-To-Head Study Shows More Elderly Patients With Community-Acquired Pneumonia Recovered at Days 3 to 5 With AVELOX(R) (Moxifloxacin HCl) Compared to LEVAQUIN (Levofloxacin) CAPRIE first clinical study to compare fluoroquinolones in elderly populat

KENILWORTH, N.J., Jan 24, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Significantly more elderly patients treated with AVELOX(R) (moxifloxacin HCl) for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) recovered at days 3 to 5 of a 7 to 14 day course of treatment than those treated with LEVAQUIN (levofloxacin), according to results of a clinical study published in the current issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.(1) The first comparative, head-to-head evaluation of two fluoroquinolone antibiotics in hospitalized elderly CAP patients showed that 97.9 percent of AVELOX patients recovered at days 3 to 5 compared to 90.0 percent of LEVAQUIN patients (P=0.01). There was no significant difference between the two treatments with regard to cardiac safety, the primary endpoint of the study, or clinical cure rates 5 to 21 days after the end of treatment, the primary efficacy endpoint.
Additional analyses examined cure rates across CAP severity and age subgroups, including mild to moderate CAP, severe CAP, CAP in patients 65-74 years of age, and CAP in patients 75 years of age or older. Patients treated with AVELOX achieved a cure rate of 90 percent or greater in all CAP severity and age subgroups. The rates of investigator-reported drug-related adverse events in the study were similar for both treatment regimens.

The clinical study, called CAPRIE (Community-Acquired Pneumonia Recovery In the Elderly), is one of only a few studies that have specifically evaluated CAP treatment among elderly (age 65 or older) and very elderly (age 75 or older) patients. These patients are 60 percent more likely to contract CAP than the general population.(2)

"The incidence of pneumonia increases with age and elderly pneumonia patients are a vulnerable patient population that faces a high mortality rate when they enter a hospital," said Dr. Antonio Anzueto, lead study author and associate professor of medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio. "The CAPRIE study findings not only reinforce that AVELOX is an effective and safe treatment option for elderly patients with CAP, but also show that more patients taking AVELOX recovered at days 3 to 5 compared to patients taking LEVAQUIN."

Each year, there are nearly one million cases of community-acquired pneumonia among the elderly in the United States and among those age 85 or older, at least 1 in 20 have to be hospitalized.(3,4) The disease is the fifth leading cause of death in the elderly and research has shown that the appropriate and timely administration of antibiotics to elderly CAP patients may lead to decreased mortality and faster hospital discharge.(5)

Study Design

The CAPRIE study was a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, comparative study conducted at 47 centers across the United States. Patients were stratified by CAP severity before randomization to I.V./oral AVELOX 400 mg once daily or I.V./oral LEVAQUIN 500 mg once daily for seven to 14 days. The study enrolled 394 patients, of which 281 were valid for the primary efficacy analysis. Most patients had multiple co-morbidities, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiac disease and diabetes, and 16 percent of patients had severe CAP.

About Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

Community-acquired pneumonia affects 5.6 million adults in the United States annually, resulting in nearly two million cases of hospitalization.(6,7) It is the fifth leading cause of death among people older than 65 years, and a larger percentage of these patients have frequent co-morbidities and require hospitalization and longer hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays.(8,9) The cost of treating CAP patients is estimated at $10 billion per year, with 92 percent of those costs spent on hospitalized care.(10) Community-acquired pneumonia is a particular concern for seniors and people with chronic illnesses or impaired immune systems, although it also affects young and healthy people. The elderly population is 60 percent more likely than the general population to be affected by CAP.(11)

About AVELOX

AVELOX, available in tablet and I.V. formulations, was developed by Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation and is marketed in the United States by Schering- Plough. AVELOX offers patients a once-daily dosing regimen that does not require dosage adjustment when switching from I.V. to oral therapy. AVELOX patients suffering from renal impairment do not need to have their dosage adjusted.

AVELOX is approved to treat: Acute Bacterial Sinusitis (ABS) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis; Acute Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis (ABECB) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Moraxella catarrhalis; Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug resistant strains*), Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydia pneumoniae; Uncomplicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (uSSSI) caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes; Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections (cSSSI) caused by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Enterobacter cloacae; and Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections (cIAI) including polymicrobial infections such as abscesses caused by Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus constellatus, Enterococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron or Peptostreptococcus species.

* MDRSP, multi-drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, includes isolates previously known as PRSP (penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae), and are strains resistant to two or more of the following antibiotic classes: penicillin (MIC greater than or equal to 2 mcg/mL), second generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefuroxime), macrolides, tetracyclines and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

SAFETY INFORMATION about AVELOX

AVELOX is generally well tolerated, with adverse events being similar to standard therapy. The most common side effects caused by AVELOX, which are usually mild, include dizziness, nausea and diarrhea. Patients should be careful about driving or operating machinery until they are sure that AVELOX is not causing dizziness. Patients should inform a health care professional of other side effects.

Patients who have ever had an allergic reaction to AVELOX or any of the other group of antibiotics known as "quinolones," such as levofloxacin should avoid taking AVELOX.

Patients who have been diagnosed with an abnormal heartbeat such as an arrhythmia or are using certain medications used to treat an abnormal heartbeat should avoid taking AVELOX. These medications include quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone and sotalol.

AVELOX is not for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown. AVELOX is not for children under the age of 18 years.

Convulsions have been reported in patients receiving quinolone antibiotics. Patients should be sure to let their physician know if they have a history of convulsions.

Many antacids and multivitamins may interfere with the absorption of AVELOX and may prevent it from working properly. Patients should take AVELOX either 4 hours before or 8 hours after taking these products.

Please see full prescribing information for AVELOX available at www.AVELOXUSA.com.

About Schering-Plough Corporation

Schering-Plough is a global science-based health care company with leading prescription, consumer and animal health products. Through internal research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough discovers, develops, manufactures and markets advanced drug therapies to meet important medical needs. Schering-Plough's vision is to earn the trust of the physicians, patients and customers served by its more than 30,000 people around the world. The company's Web site is www.schering-plough.com.

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24.01.2006 14:43
US Vorbörse mit Kursgewinnen


http://img.godmode-trader.de/charts/8/2005/4018.gif

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Verint Expands ULTRA Actionable Intelligence Suite With IntelliScreen Analytics Solution New Analytics Solution Transforms Unstructured Desktop Screen Data into Actionable Intelligence to Optimize Contact Center and Enterprise Performance

MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan 24, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Verint Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: VRNT), a leading provider of analytic software-based solutions for communications interception, networked video security and business intelligence, today announced the introduction of ULTRA(TM) IntelliScreen, a new analytical solution for generating actionable intelligence from unstructured data displayed on desktop screens.
IntelliScreen is the latest addition to the ULTRA Analytics(TM) suite consisting of IntelliFind speech analytics and IntelliMiner performance analytics solutions. This powerful trio provides a comprehensive view of business process, customer interactions and performance trends and delivers actionable intelligence about quality and performance issues across the enterprise.

"Verint's ULTRA suite transforms customer interactions and other enterprise data into actionable intelligence that can help drive business improvement," said Dan Bodner, President and CEO of Verint Systems Inc. "ULTRA IntelliScreen(TM), the latest addition to our actionable intelligence portfolio, delivers valuable insight into the ongoing effectiveness of customer operations."

ULTRA IntelliScreen monitors activity on the desktop screen of a contact center agent or back-office worker and tracks application usage, data entry, and screen content. IntelliScreen then analyzes this data, and can trigger a broad range of actions and alerts based on the resulting intelligence. These alerts can provide insight into operational performance and business process issues, automate agent assistance and trigger target coaching or other actions.

With ULTRA IntelliScreen, enterprise transaction information, such as call outcome or transaction value, is intelligently linked to customer interactions. This data can then facilitate optimization of front office and back office processes, enable targeted data mining of specific transaction types and power more effective speech analysis. ULTRA's unique root cause analytics automatically surfaces potential quality and performance issues that are not yet identified, before they impact operational efficiency or threaten customer satisfaction.

Continued Bodner, "ULTRA IntelliScreen is designed to help businesses extract actionable intelligence from the screen data captured in their contact centers and other transaction-intensive departments across the enterprise and enables a more intelligent approach to performance management and process optimization initiatives."

About ULTRA

Verint's ULTRA solution and its Analytics suite drive total quality by enabling organizations of all sizes to cost-effectively capture all customer interactions and extract actionable intelligence from telephone, Voice-over-IP, email or chat. Easy access to all customer data through ULTRA's Web-based desktop portal enables enterprises to use what they learn from customer contacts to optimize their processes, increase productivity, comply with risk management requirements and improve service to their customers.

About Verint Systems Inc.

Verint Systems Inc., headquartered in Melville, New York, is a leading provider of analytic software-based solutions for communications interception, networked video security and business intelligence. Verint software, which is used by over 1,000 organizations in over 50 countries worldwide, generates actionable intelligence through the collection, retention and analysis of voice, fax, video, email, Internet and data transmissions from multiple communications networks. Verint is a subsidiary of Comverse Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CMVT) Visit us at our website www.verint.com.

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ICE Announces Point-to-Point Connectivity with Addition of Chicago Hub Additional Hubs in London and Singapore Planned

ATLANTA, Jan 24, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- As part of its global network strategy, IntercontinentalExchange (NYSE: ICE), the leading electronic energy marketplace, today announced its second telecommunications hub with the launch of its new Chicago hub located within the Equinix Chicago Internet Business Exchange(TM) (IBX(R)) center. The hub is designed to improve access and reduce connectivity costs to ICE's electronic energy trading platform for current and prospective ICE market participants in the region.
Six trading and technology firms that are co-located within Equinix's Chicago center have connected to the ICE platform via the new hub, enabling hundreds of their traders and customers to access ICE's markets.

The ICE global network strategy includes plans to open additional regional connection hubs in London in February, Singapore in April and New York in May. In 2005, ICE launched its European hub outside of London. Approximately 20 customers utilize the regional connection hub to access ICE's energy futures and over-the-counter (OTC) markets from within the United Kingdom and Western Europe.

"We are very pleased to be among the first to connect to ICE's new Chicago hub from our U.S. data center in the same facility," said Hamish Purdey, President of FFastFill Inc., the U.S. unit of London-based FFastFill plc. "ICE's energy markets have captured a great deal of attention in the Chicago market, and the continued build-out of their connectivity infrastructure demonstrates that both ICE and FFastFill share in a commitment to serving the electronic trading community with superior technology and cost-efficient solutions." FFastFill is the leading provider of application services to the global derivatives community.

"To continue to grow our electronic energy markets, we are taking an aggressive approach to technology enhancements and expanded connectivity options to meet the needs of participants around the globe," said Chuck Vice, ICE's President and Chief Operating Officer. "Chicago is an important market for us, and we are gratified by the early response to the new hub."

ICE's Chicago hub offers customers the ability to connect directly to ICE via data circuits ordered through their preferred local telecommunication vendors or via cross-connected Ethernet circuits within the state-of-the-art Equinix facility. Customers can determine the bandwidth size for their connections, as well as the number and type of circuits they require to meet their specific data needs.

Equinix, Inc. is the leading provider of network-neutral data centers and Internet exchange service. Equinix's Chicago facility, which is recognized as a leading connectivity point for the financial trading industry, features an aggregation of leading financial trading companies all operating within the same center. It also provides a redundant and secure infrastructure, with interlocking "mantrap" doors, multiple layers of biometric hand-geometry scanners controlling access, hundreds of surveillance cameras and 24-hour security officers. The power operations of the center include a high- performance back-up system that guarantees uninterrupted power even in the event of utility power disruption.

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.

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24.01.2006 14:50
McDonald's verdient im vierten Quartal mehr - Trifft Analystenschätzungen

Die weltgrößte Fast-Food-Kette McDonald's <MCD.NYS> <MDO.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) hat im vierten Quartal bei einem Umsatzzuwachs mehr verdient als vor einem Jahr. Der Gewinn je Aktie sei auf 0,48 (Vorjahr: 0,31) Dollar gestiegen, teilte das Unternehmen am Dienstag in Oak Brook mit. Damit traf McDonald's exakt die Schätzungen der Analysten. Der Umsatz kletterte um vier Prozent auf 5,23 (Vorjahr: 5,01) Milliarden Dollar. Bei konstanten Wechselkursen wuchsen die Erlöse um sechs Prozent.

Im Gesamtjahr betrug der verwässerte Gewinn je Aktie 2,04 (Vorjahr: 1,79) Dollar, teilte McDonald's weiter mit. Das operative Ergebnis stieg von 3,54 Milliarden Dollar in 2004 auf 4,02 Milliarden Dollar. Die Gesellschaft setzte mit 20,46 Milliarden Dollar sieben Prozent mehr um als im Vorjahr.

Im ersten Quartal des laufenden Geschäftsjahres will McDonalds eigene Aktien im Wert von einer Milliarde Dollar zurückkaufen. Weiterhin plant die amerikanische Fast-Food-Kette 1,8 Milliarden Dollar in die Eröffnung von 800 neuen Filialen stecken.

McDonald's bekräftigte am Dienstag zudem seine langfristigen Wachstumsziele. Danach soll der Umsatz jährlich zwischen drei bis fünf Prozent wachsen. Für das operative Ergebnis peilt das Unternehmen einen jährliches Plus von sechs bis sieben Prozent an./ne/tav

ISIN US5801351017

AXC0116 2006-01-24/14:49

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BiovaxID(TM) Yields 89% Survival in Patients with Aggressive Non-Hodgkins Mantle Cell Lymphoma at Median Follow-up of 3.8 Years Personalized Anti-Cancer Vaccine, BiovaxID, Stimulates Patient's Immune System to Seek out and Destroy Cancer Cells withou

WORCESTER, Mass., Jan 24, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Biovest International, Inc. (OTCBB: BVTI), a subsidiary of Accentia Biopharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ: ABPI), reports follow-up data to a Phase 2 trial conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that shows Biovest's BiovaxID yielded an 89% survival rate in mantle cell lymphoma patients. The median follow-up was 3.8 years. Historically, patients with this type of lymphoma only have had a 50% chance of surviving 3 years and 20% chance of surviving 5 years. BiovaxID, an investigational personalized anti-cancer vaccine, stimulates the immune system to seek out and destroy tumor cells. The data were published in a recent edition of Nature Medicine (Nat Med.2005; 11(9):986-91).
In this single-arm, open-label Phase 2 clinical study, patients with untreated mantle cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were administered six cycles of dose-adjusted EPOCH-R, a chemotherapy regimen that includes Rituxan(R)(1) (rituximab). Of the 26 patients in the study, 23 received vaccinations with BiovaxID commencing at least three months after completing their last chemotherapy and Rituxan treatments. Upon the 46-month (3.8-year) follow-up, the overall survival rate was 89%. This study showed that, despite an almost complete depletion of normal B-cell lymphocytes due to EPOCH-R therapy, BiovaxID did induce anti-tumor T-cell lymphocyte responses in most patients. Depletion of normal B-cell lymphocytes is a consequence of the combination of chemotherapy and Rituxan, but not of BiovaxID therapy. Thus, "it is justifiable to administer vaccines in the setting of B-cell depletion, but vaccine boosts after B-cell recovery may be necessary for optimal humoral responses," concluded the investigators.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. There are two types of lymphocytes: B-cell lymphocytes, which produce antibodies ("humoral" immunity) in response to immune stimulation; and T-cell lymphocytes, which mediate cell responses to immune stimulation ("cellular" immunity). B-cell lymphocytes can undergo malignant transformation to become non-Hogkins lymphoma, multiple myeloma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

"This is the first human cancer vaccine study to see T-cell responses in the absence of B-cells," said the study's first author, Sattva Neelapu, M.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Lymphoma at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. "This paves the way to use vaccines in a number of hematological cancers that are treated by eliminating diseased B-cells."

Biovest is now enrolling patients in a pivotal Phase 3 trial to test BiovaxID against follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Follicular NHL is an indolent (slow-growing) form of lymphoma not considered curable with existing therapies. The impressive findings from the Phase 2 clinical trial using BiovaxID in mantle cell lymphoma suggest the vaccine could potentially be used to treat other types of NHL, in addition to follicular NHL.

Background on immunotherapeutics for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Rituxan is a passive immunotherapeutic consisting of a monoclonal antibody administered intravenously. The monoclonal antibody is directed to an antigen (CD20) present on most B-lymphocytes. Accordingly, Rituxan promotes the elimination of cancerous and normal B-lymphocytes bearing this antigen. Rituxan therapy is typically repeated as necessary at intervals in order to control the lymphoma. Annual sales for Rituxan are about $1.5B.

BiovaxID is an active immunotherapeutic that stimulates the production of anti-tumor antibodies and induces a cell-mediated immune response to cancerous B-lymphocytes but not to normal B-lymphocytes. As an active immunotherapeutic, BiovaxID may also provide ongoing immunosurveillance for recurrent tumors.

BiovaxID is a personalized therapeutic comprised of tumor-derived Id protein (tumor-specific antigen) conjugated (linked) to KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) as a carrier protein administered with GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor). GM-CSF is commercially available for other indications. BiovaxID is administered on an outpatient basis in the oncologist's office by means of a subcutaneous injection similar to an insulin shot.

BiovaxID is a premiere example of a targeted therapeutic. It stimulates the immune system to seek out and destroy only cancerous B-cell lymphocytes without collateral damage to normal B-cell lymphocytes or to other cells.

BiovaxID is produced using a hybridoma cell-line developed by and licensed exclusively from Stanford University. BiovaxID contains high-fidelity copies of a tumor-specific antigen that is unique to each patient and that is found exclusively on the surface of each and every malignant B-lymphocyte but not found on the surface of normal B-lymphocytes or other cells. Competing technologies use recombinant techniques, which are copies of just a portion of the tumor-specific antigen. Biovest believes that a complete copy of the tumor specific antigen results in higher rates of immune responses in patients and more robust clinical outcomes, including molecular remissions.

Patients who believe they may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial with BiovaxID are encouraged to call 1-877 654-6052 or visit the web site at http://www.accentia.net.

About Biovest International

Biovest International, Inc. is a pioneer in the development of advanced individualized immunotherapies for life-threatening cancers of the blood system. Biovest is a majority owned subsidiary of Accentia Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. with its remaining shares publicly traded. Biovest has a foundation in the manufacture of biologics for research and for clinical trials. In addition, Biovest develops, manufactures, and markets patented cell culture systems, including the AutovaxID(TM), an instrument which is being developed for multiple commercial applications inclding automated vaccine manufacturing. Biovest's therapy for follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is currently in a Phase 3 pivotal clinical trial at over 20 major centers in the U.S. being conducted under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Cancer Institute. For further information, please visit Biovest's website: http://www.biovest.com.

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Syntax-Brillian Chief Financial Officer, Wayne Pratt, to Speak at Upcoming Brean Murray, Carret & Co. Institutional Investor Conference '06

TEMPE, Ariz., Jan 24, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Syntax-Brillian Corp. (NASDAQ: BRLC) Chief Financial Officer Wayne Pratt will be a presenter at the Brean Murray, Carret Small Cap Institutional Investor Conference, Feb. 1, 2006, at the Grand Hyatt New York.
The two-day event, Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2006, is designed to introduce institutional clients to top small cap investment opportunities through a series of sector-specific presentations. Pratt will present an update on the Syntax-Brillian merger and highlight the company's 2006 strategic plans as part of Wednesday's Technology track presentations. The presentation will be posted on the investor relations section of the Syntax-Brillian Web site after the event.

About Syntax-Brillian

Founded in December 2005, with the merger of Syntax Groups Corp. and Brillian Corp., Syntax-Brillian is one of the world's leading manufacturers of LCD and LCoS(TM) HDTVs and digital entertainment products. With its extremely successful Olevia brand of widescreen HDTV-ready LCD TVs, one of the fastest-growing global TV brands, and its highly acclaimed Gen II LCoS(TM) 720p and 1080p rear-projection HDTVs, for the high-end video/audio market, Syntax-Brillian is uniquely positioned to deliver quality digital entertainment products that span from high-end, specialty applications to the fast-growing global mass market. Syntax-Brillian has established retail and distributor sales channels in North America, a global supply chain, and operations in Asia that allow it to leverage economies of scale to deliver both extraordinarily high-quality products and outstanding value. Company information is available at www.syntaxgroups.com as well as www.brilliancorp.com.

Brillian is a registered trademark and LCoS is a trademark of Syntax-Brillian Corp. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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FuelCell Energy Announces Sale of Its First 1 Megawatt Power Plant in Japan at Sharp Electronics Manufacturing Facility Ultra-Clean, Efficient Power Generation Takes on Central Role in Electronic Product Developer's Certification of the Site as a Low

DANBURY, Conn., Jan 24, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NasdaqNM:FCEL), a leading manufacturer of ultra-clean electric power generation plants for commercial and industrial customers, today announced that its Asian distributor, Marubeni Corporation (TSE:8002), has sold a one megawatt (MW) Direct FuelCell(R) (DFC(R)) power plant to provide electric power and high-quality heat for a Sharp Corp. production facility in Japan that manufactures advanced flat-screen TVs.
The DFC power plant will provide Sharp's Kameyama manufacturing facility with a portion of its base load electricity needs and supply heat byproduct for air conditioning by means of absorption chilling. The Kameyama factory, situated in the Mie prefecture, occupies 3.5 million square feet (330,000 square meters) and hosts end-to-end production of LCD TVs -- construction of the LCD panels through final product assembly. Sharp estimates its share of the market for LCD panels is over 30 percent worldwide.

"This is our first international megawatt-class installation, showing growing acceptance in Japan of our larger ultra-clean DFC power plants," said R. Daniel Brdar, President and CEO of FuelCell Energy. "The manufacturing sector, one of the 10 vertical markets we continue to target, demands the efficient and firm, 24/7 reliable power generation that our DFC units deliver."

The 1 MW DFC power plant will be part of a green onsite generation power system in which the fuel cells will provide base load power, and a photovoltaic array will provide peaking power. The combined heat and power (CHP) application of the DFC power plant is expected to reduce the Kameyama factory's CO2 emissions by 2,300 tons. Because the plant integrates LCD manufacturing with assembly, Sharp eliminated the need to transport LCD panels between locations, reducing the need for interim packaging material and further lowering CO2 and NO2 emitted by transport vehicles.

"With eight installations in Japan since 2003, and with ratification of the Kyoto Protocol earlier this year, Marubeni has seen a greater commitment from Japanese industrial companies for fuel cell applications to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Mamoru Sekiyama, Corporate Senior Vice President and COO, Plant, Power & Infrastructure Projects Division of Marubeni. "FuelCell Energy's DFC products have the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any fossil-fuel power generation technology in their size range, which makes them consistent with Sharp's goals of pursuing environmental sustainability in every part of its business."

The Kameyama plant is Sharp's first "Super Green Factory" -- so designated for establishing technologies and policies to achieve maximum environmental protection. For example, Sharp recycles 100 percent of its manufacturing process wastewater and introduced a Liquefied Natural Gas cogeneration system -- moves that earned the company the 2004 Japan Sustainable Management Award.

As fuel prices have increased around the globe, the high efficiency of DFC power plants in CHP applications versus other onsite power generating technologies of similar size gives operators an important advantage in effectively managing their fuel costs. The high electrical and thermal efficiencies of DFC units translate into lower fuel use per kilowatt hour of electricity and BTU of heat generated.

Because Japan historically has had few domestic power sources like oil or natural gas, its industries have focused on ways to save energy in their manufacturing operations. For example, the Wall Street Journal (in its Oct. 7, 2005, editions) noted that Japanese companies rely on highly efficient power-generation systems to minimize the fuel they use to manage their energy costs.

Installation of the DFC power plant is expected to be complete by second calendar quarter of 2006. The unit will operate on liquefied natural gas -- supplied via a newly installed 17-kilometer pipeline from Toho Gas. The pipeline eliminates the need for LNG tanker truck transportation of fuel, reducing emissions associated with the delivery vehicles.

C-Energy, a subsidiary company of Chubu Electric, will own the equipment and sell the power and heat output to Sharp. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is providing a subsidy.

About Marubeni

The Marubeni Corporation (http://www.marubeni.co.jp/english/index.html), established in 1858, is one of Japan's leading general trading/marketing houses (sogo shosha). The company was ranked as the 25th largest in Fortune Magazine's Global Fortune 500 list for 2002. Marubeni has 12 Divisions with operations that encompass domestic, import/export, offshore trade and investment activities, which range from the development of natural resources to the retail marketing of finished products. The Company, based in Tokyo, conducts these operations through a worldwide business network that includes 52 overseas corporate offices and 28 overseas subsidiaries, for a total of 131 offices in 73 countries.

Marubeni's Utility & Infrastructure Division has been involved in the development of over 20,000 megawatts of power generation worldwide. The Division has expanded its efforts to include distributed generation technologies, power quality & reliability technologies and energy & environmental services.

About FuelCell Energy

FuelCell Energy Inc. develops and markets ultra-clean power plants that generate electricity and heat with higher efficiency than conventional fossil fuel plants and with virtually no air pollution. Fuel cells produce base load electricity giving commercial and industrial customers greater control over their power generation economics, reliability and emissions. Emerging state, federal and international regulations to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions consider fuel cell power plants in the same environmentally friendly category as wind and solar energy sources -- with the added advantages of running 24 hours a day and the capacity to be installed where wind turbines or solar panels often cannot. Headquartered in Danbury, Conn., FuelCell Energy services over 40 power generation sites around the globe that have produced more than 80 million kilowatt hours, and conducts R&D on next-generation fuel cell technologies to meet the world's ever-increasing demand for ultra-clean distributed energy. For more information on the company, its products and its worldwide commercial distribution alliances, please see www.fuelcellenergy.com.

Direct FuelCell, DFC and DFC/Turbine are registered trademarks of FuelCell Energy, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The Company's sub-megawatt DFC fuel cell power plant is a collaborative effort combining its Direct FuelCell technology with a Hot Module(R) balance of plant design from MTU CFC Solutions, GmbH, a subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler.

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24.01.2006 15:11
Cingular Wireless dreht in die Gewinnzone
Das aus AT&T und BellSouth Corp. bestehende Mobilfunk-Joint-Venture Cingular Wireless erwirtschaftete im dritten Geschäftsquartal einen Gewinn von 204 Millionen Dollar. Im Vergleichszeitraum des Vorjahres wies Cingular einen Nettoverlust von 495 Millionen Dollar aus. Auf Pro Forma-Basis wurden 811 Millionen Dollar verdient. Die Erlöse stiegen um 9,4% auf 8,8 Milliarden Dollar. Das größte US-Mobilfunkunternehmen generierte in der abgelaufenen Periode 1,8 Millionen neue Kunden.

Wie Cingular am Dienstag weiter mitteilte, sanken die durchschnittlichen Einnahmen pro Nutzer um 2,2% auf 48,86 Dollar. Die Rückläufigkeit sei auf einen harten Wettbewerb und einen höheren Anteil von Kunden mit geringer Ausgabebereitschaft zurückzuführen.

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Market Pulse Announces its AM Stock Picks for Tuesday, January 24, 2006: AMD, BIEL, CSCO, NENG

ATLANTA, Jan 24, 2006 (PRIMEZONE via COMTEX) -- Market Pulse is pleased to announce the following stock recommendations. Bernard Schmitt of Market Pulse states, "These notable stocks should be watched because they look great from a fundamental and technical perspective." Bernard possesses many years of experience in the financial industry recommending and evaluating stocks. He rates them as follows:
Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NYSE:AMD) : Market Outperform

BioElectronics Corporation (Pink Sheets:BIEL) : Attractive

Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO) : Bearish

Network Engines Inc. (Nasdaq: NENG) : Attractive


After The Bell Market Commentary

According to Bernard Schmitt, "On Monday, the markets posted modest gains as crude oil prices slipped 38 cents to settle at $68.10. The Conference Board said its Index of Leading Economic Indicators rose 0.1 percent last month, smaller than the 0.2 percent gain forecast by analysts. The Board's coincident index also improved, gaining 0.2 percent, following a 0.4 percent increase in November. The Dow rose 21.38, or 0.2 percent, to 10,688.77. The Nasdaq composite index gained 0.77, or 0.03 percent, to 2,248.47. The Standard & Poor's 500 index added 2.33, or 0.18 percent, to 1,263.82. The Russell 2000 index rose 3.22, or 0.46 percent, to 707.82."

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24.01.2006 15:23
AMD: Kapitalerhöhung
Der Prozessorhersteller AMD (Nachrichten) plant eine Kapitalerhöhung im Umfang von 496 Millionen Dollar. Der Intel-Rivale will die Erlöse aus der Kapitalerhöhung, die durch die Ausgabe von 14,1 Millionen Aktien zu einem Kurs von 35,20 Dollar abgewickelt werden soll, zur Tilgung von ausstehenden Anleihen mit einem Kupon von 7,75 Prozent verwenden. Die Anleihen haben eine generelle Laufzeit bis 2012. Ein Teil des Erlöses aus der Kapitalerhöhung soll zudem für allgemeine Geschäftszwecke verwendet werden.

Die Aktie steigt vorbörslich um 0,79 Prozent auf 35,75 Dollar.

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Applix Announces New Partnership with Information Technology Consulting Firm SKYTEC AG Agreement to Help Expand TM1's Reach in Germany, Austria With Solutions for Business Performance Management, Real-Time Analytics for SAP BW

MUNICH and WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Jan 24, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Applix, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLX), a global provider of single platform solutions for Business Performance Management (BPM) and Business Intelligence (BI), today announced a new partnership with SKYTEC AG, an IT consulting firm and service provider. With this partnership, Applix is further expanding its global partner network to meet the needs of firms using SAP.
SKYTEC, employing 150 staff in its Munich and Stuttgart, Germany, and Vienna, Austria offices, specializes in Business Intelligence -- from strategic consulting for data warehouse architectures to solution suites for business performance management, as well as implementation and customization services for SAP BW.

Applix TM1 is among the top five third-party software packages used as a front end to SAP, according to The OLAP Survey 51. Adding more complex and flexible analytics, TM1 enables SAP customers to gain more insight into their business through their SAP applications.

"The new partnership with Applix is an important addition to our solution portfolio on two levels: first, TM1 has achieved certified integration with SAP BW, and many of our customers deploy SAP BW," said Marco Kiernan, director of sales and consulting, SKYTEC. "Secondly, TM1 presents an extremely powerful, single application for all aspects of business performance management -- i.e., planning, budgeting, business modeling, analysis, and reporting -- which are becoming more important to all of our customers, and Applix is the only vendor of an OLAP-based solution offering such a complete package."

"SKYTEC is an ideal partner for Applix, with deep BI/BPM knowledge, experienced consultants, and the ability to leverage TM1's real-time, read/write environment to help extend the customer's SAP BW investment," said Hans-Georg Schieb, managing director, Applix GmbH. "Because TM1 is ranked the top solution for overall business benefits achieved in The OLAP Survey 5, it is a compelling choice for SKYTEC's prospects and customers."

Applix TM1

Applix's TM1 is a unified, multidimensional application, delivering business planning, reporting and analytics for powering strategic analysis of financial, operational, transactional and other business data. The 2005 OLAP Survey 5 (http://www.survey.com/olap) by independent analyst Nigel Pendse, gave TM1 the highest marks for speed of query, deployment, and data load and pre-calculation, as well as the highest ranking for overall business benefits achieved and the lowest number of technical problems. The annual BPM Partners "Beyond the Hype" Webcast (http://www.bpmpartners.com/events_webinars.shtml) named Applix the 2004 leader in the tools category and in 2005 recognized that Applix customers had the highest level of satisfaction of any of the leading BPM solutions, suites, tools and vendors. Customers using TM1-based applications have won industry awards from several leading publications, including Start Magazine and Business Finance Magazine.

Applix recently released TM1 Version 9.0 with its high performance Web solution for real-time business performance management and reporting across the enterprise. The company also offers TM1 Planning Manager(TM) to provide workflow and compliance capabilities for all TM1-based applications, TM1 Financial Reporting(TM) for rapid and easy reporting applications, TM1 Financial Consolidations(TM) to streamline journal entries, inter-company eliminations and other consolidation processes, and TM1 Web(TM), a Web-enabled front end for global and remote read/write capabilities of BPM and BI applications.

About Applix

Applix (Nasdaq: APLX) is a global provider of Business Performance Management and Business Intelligence solutions. These solutions, based on Applix's TM1 analytics platform, enable the continuous planning, management and monitoring of performance across the financial and operational functions within the enterprise. Applix is a founder of the BPM Standards Group (http://www.bpmstandardsgroup.org), and has been recognized by numerous industry analyst groups for its technical leadership and vision in the marketplace.

More than 2,100 customers worldwide use TM1 for business performance management because of its tight integration with Excel, real-time response, adaptability, and low total cost of ownership. Delivered by Applix and by a global network of partners, TM1-based solutions help customers manage their business performance and respond to the marketplace in real time. Headquartered in Westborough, MA, Applix maintains offices in four countries in Europe, North America and the Pacific Rim. For more information about Applix, please visit http://www.applix.com.

[actr]

24.01.2006 20:50
McDonald's will hunderte eigene Filialen an Franchisenehmer geben
DES MOINES (Dow Jones)--Die McDonald's Corp, (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) Oak Brook, will hunderte bislang in Eigenregie betriebene Fast-Food-Restaurants außerhalb der USA an Franchisenehmer vergeben. Das teilte der US-Konzern am Dienstag nach Veröffentlichung seiner Zahlen für das vierte Quartal und Gesamtjahr 2005 mit. "Wir glauben, dass einige der rund 8.000 Restaurants, die wir besitzen, besser in den Händen von Franchisenehmern aufgehoben sind", sagte Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Matthew Paull während einer Telefonkonferenz vor Analysten.

McDonald's werde sich bei den geplanten Maßnahmen zunächst vor allem auf den britischen Markt konzentrieren. Dort sind den Angaben zufolge rund 800 McDonald's-Restaurants im Unternehmensbesitz. Spekulationen um eine Abspaltung des Franchise-Geschäfts erteilte (CFO) Paull erneut eine Absage. Demnach gehörten Franchise und der eigene Betrieb von Filialen für ein erfolgreiches Geschäft von McDonald's zusammen.

Für die geplanten rund 800 Neueröffnungen von McDonald's-Restaurants im laufenden Jahr sollen die USA, China, Frankreich und Russland die Hauptzielmärkte sein. Rund 125 Filialen sollen 2006 in China eröffnet werden.

-Von Richard Gibson, Dow Jones Newswires, +49 (0)69 - 29725 111,

unternehmen.de@dowjones.com

[actr]

InterDigital Communications Corp.
24.01.06 21:25 Uhr

24,88 USD

+33,69 % [+6,27]
http://isht.comdirect.de/charts/big.chart?hist=1d&type=CONNECTLINE&ind0=VOLUME&&currency=&&lSyms=IDCC.NAS&lColors=0x000000&sSym=IDCC.NAS&hcmask=
http://isht.comdirect.de/charts/big.chart?hist=10d&type=CONNECTLINE&ind0=VOLUME&&currency=&&lSyms=IDCC.NAS&lColors=0x000000&sSym=IDCC.NAS&hcmask=
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
24,88 USD

Zeit
24.01.06 21:25

Diff. Vortag
+33,69 %

Tages-Vol.
134,93 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
6,1 Mio.


BUYINS.NET: InterDigital Communications Corp. (IDCC) SqueezeTrigger Price Is $17.57. Short Sellers Are Down Approximately $15 Million After Company Signs 5 Year Deal With LG Electronics.

Jan 24, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- www.buyins.net, announced today that the 2.27 million shares declared short on InterDigital Communications (NASDAQ: IDCC) have a SqueezeTrigger Price of $17.57 per share. According to TheStreet.com, the wireless technology outfit struck a five-year license agreement with LG Electronics. The license covers the sale of second-generation and third-generation wireless technology on the time division multiple access standard. LG is obligated to pay InterDigital three equal installments of $95 million, in the first quarters of 2006, 2007, and 2008. At the end of the five-year term, LG will receive a paid-up license to sell single-mode GSM/GPRS/EDGE terminal units under the patents included under the license. Short sellers are down approximately $15 million as the stock is currently trading near $24.28. To access SqueezeTrigger Prices ahead of short squeezes beginning, visit http://www.buyins.net/squeezetrigger.pdf.
From January to December of 2005, an aggregate amount of 35,007,183 shares of IDCC have been shorted for a total dollar value of $615 million. The IDCC SqueezeTrigger price of $17.57 is the volume weighted average price that all shorts are short in shares of IDCC. Since crossing above the SqueezeTrigger Price, shares of IDCC are up nearly 38%. There is still approximately $55 million worth of potential short covering in shares of IDCC.

InterDigital Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: IDCC) engages in the design, development, licensing, and sale of wireless technology solutions for voice and data communications. Its solutions primarily include time division multiple access and code division multiple access technologies, as well as technologies covering 2G, 2.5G, 3G, and 802 standards. The company's solutions are incorporated in various products, which principally comprise mobile phones and personal digital assistants; other wireless devices, such as laptops, PC cards, and USB sticks; base stations and other infrastructure equipment; and modules and components for wireless devices. InterDigital Communications offers its solutions to semiconductor companies and equipment producers primarily in Japan and Europe. The company was incorporated in 1972. It was formerly known as International Mobile Machines Corporation and changed its name to InterDigital Communications Corporation in 1992. InterDigital Communications is headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

BUYINS.NET has built a massive database that collects, analyzes and publishes a proprietary SqueezeTrigger for each stock that has been shorted. The SqueezeTrigger database of nearly 550,000,000 short sale transactions goes back to January 1, 2005 and calculates the exact price at which the Total Short Interest is short in each stock. This data was never before available prior to January 1, 2005 because the Self Regulatory Organizations (primary exchanges) guarded it aggressively. After the SEC passed Regulation SHO, exchanges were forced to allow data processors like Buyins.net to access the data.

The SqueezeTrigger database collects individual short trade data on over 7,000 NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ stocks and general short trade data on nearly 8,000 OTCBB and PINKSHEET stocks. Each month the database grows by approximately 50,000,000 short sale transactions and provides investors with the knowledge necessary to time when to buy and sell stocks with outstanding short positions. By tracking the size and price of each month's short transactions, BUYINS.NET provides institutions, traders, analysts, journalists and individual investors the exact price point where short sellers start losing money and a short squeeze can begin.

[actr]

China Natural Resources, Inc.
http://isht.comdirect.de/charts/big.chart?hist=1d&type=CONNECTLINE&ind0=VOLUME&&currency=&&lSyms=CHNR.NAS&lColors=0x000000&sSym=CHNR.NAS&hcmask=
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
7,28 USD

Zeit
24.01.06 21:01

Diff. Vortag
+95,49 %

Tages-Vol.
13,43 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
1,9 Mio



China Natural Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHNR), through its subsidiary, iSense Limited, provides advertising, promotion, and public relations services in Hong Kong and Mainland China. It offers advertising and promotions services to local and international customers operating in various industries, including technology and new media, healthcare products, and consumer goods. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

[actr]

Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation
24.01.06 22:00 Uhr

2,74 USD

+23,42 % [+0,52]
http://isht.comdirect.de/charts/big.chart?hist=1d&type=CONNECTLINE&ind0=VOLUME&&currency=&&lSyms=VTSS.NAS&lColors=0x000000&sSym=VTSS.NAS&hcmask=
http://isht.comdirect.de/charts/big.chart?hist=10d&type=CONNECTLINE&ind0=VOLUME&&currency=&&lSyms=VTSS.NAS&lColors=0x000000&sSym=VTSS.NAS&hcmask=
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
2,74 USD

Zeit
24.01.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+23,42 %

Tages-Vol.
112,40 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
44 Mio

bellwetherreport.com: The Bellwether Report continues its watch of Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation

Jan 24, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Today the Bellwether Report has identified Vitesse Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ: VTSS), a company that our analysts will be tracking over the ensuing weeks. They recently came out with a significant corporate development this month, causing a positive correction

Yesterday after market close the company announced their first quarter financials, sending shares up over 16% this morning. Revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2006 were $53.0 million, compared to $44.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, and $48.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.
Non-GAAP net loss including the effect of share-based payment charges for the first quarter of fiscal 2006 was $7.9 million, or $(0.04) loss per share, compared to net loss of $9.5 million, or $(0.04) loss per share, in the first quarter of fiscal 2005, and net loss of $9.4 million, or $(0.04) loss per share, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

During the quarter, the Company implemented a restructuring program in order to align its costs with its projected revenues. This restructuring involved the closure of one design facility and the termination of approximately 70 employees. In connection with this restructuring, the Company recorded a charge for severance, fixed asset impairment and lease termination costs in the amount of $1.3 million.

Vitesse's President and CEO, Lou Tomasetta, said, " I am pleased to see our revenues grow 10% sequentially to $53.0 million in the first fiscal quarter in spite of the challenges we faced with longer assembly and test lead times.

[actr]

24.01.2006 22:35
Sun Microsystems muss Verlust ausweisen
Die Sun Microsystems Inc. (ISIN US8668101046 (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs)/ WKN 871111) hat am Dienstag nach US-Börsenschluss die Zahlen für das zweite Quartal vorgelegt.

Demnach belief sich der Nettoverlust auf 223 Mio. Dollar bzw. 7 Cents je Aktie, nach einem Gewinn von 4 Mio. Dollar, bzw. Break-Even je Aktie im Vorjahreszeitraum. Um außerordentliche Effekte bereinigt belief sich der Verlust auf 1 Cent je Aktie, was den Erwartungen der Analysten entspricht.

Die Umsatzerlöse beliefen sich auf 3,34 Mrd. Dollar, nach 2,84 Mrd. Dollar im Vorjahreszeitraum. Im Vorfeld hatten die Analysten Umsätze von 3,49 Mrd. Dollar erwartet.

Für das dritte Quartal erwarten die Analysten derzeit einen Verlust von 3 Cents je Aktie bei Umsätzen von 3,22 Mrd. Dollar.

Die Sun-Aktie schloss heute an der NASDAQ bei 4,37 Dollar. Nachbörslich gab die Aktie 2,29 Prozent auf 4,27 Dollar ab.

[actr]

Virulent Selling

By Lawrence Carrel
January 24, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McAfee, Inc. (MFE1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Monday's close: $27.63
Share price now: $22.75
Change: -17.7%
Volume: 25.8 million shares, daily average 2.0 million shares
Last time this low: May 5, 2005
52-week high: $33.24
52-week low: $20.35
Forward P/E before announcement: 19.3 (based on $1.43 a share)
Forward P/E after announcement: 17.2 (based on $1.32 a share)

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

A MAKER OF ANTIVIRUS software saw infectious selling in its stock Tuesday.
McAfee's (MFE2) shares tumbled 18% to $22.75 following a warning late Monday that fourth-quarter results would miss Wall Street's expectations. The Santa Clara, Calif., company did little to clarify the reasons behind the shortfall in its press release and subsequent conference call. Analysts, surprised by the 11th-hour guidance reduction, were quick to punish McAfee with stock downgrades.

"Everyone thought that McAfee was completely in the clear at this point in the quarter, so it begs the question of what is new that caused them to release these results," says Gregg Moskowitz of Susquehanna Financial Group, an investment bank based in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. "One thing we can tell is that gross margin took a very significant hit quarter-over-quarter, four percentage points or more, which for a software company is very rare. But we don't have good visibility on the nature of the declines."

McAfee said it now expects fourth-quarter adjusted earnings to total $44 million to $46 million, or 25 cents to 27 cents a share, on sales of $254 million. Those numbers are well below the Thomson First Call consensus profit estimate of 38 cents a share on $274.5 million in sales, and they're a slim improvement from the fourth quarter of 2004. A year ago McAfee posted adjusted earnings of 23 cents a share on sales of $244 million.

Chris Hovis of Memphis-based investment bank Morgan Keegan & Co. blamed the earnings shortfall on an increased contribution from lower-margin products like combination hardware-software devices, as well as pricing pressure on business products.

"We heard anecdotes throughout the quarter about the company — and some of its competitors, e.g., Trend Micro (TMIC3) — becoming more aggressive with pricing in an effort to win business," wrote Hovis in a Tuesday note in which he lowered his rating on the stock to Market Perform from Outperform. "[We] believe McAfee's results likely indicate an even tougher environment than anticipated."

McAfee makes antivirus and firewall programs that improve computer security by blocking outside intrusions and preventing system disruptions. The earnings warning comes at a particularly bad time for the company. Two weeks ago its president, Gene Hodges, stepped down to become chief executive of Websense (WBSN4), which makes software that allows bosses to monitor workers' computer usage. The resignation came soon after the departure of Vincent Gullotto, vice president of McAfee's Anti-Virus Emergency Response Team.
Late Monday, the company held a short conference call during which management declined to answer questions. "We did more large transactions in the fourth quarter than we have in recent quarters, and those deals, because of their size and nature, led to more ratable revenue recognition," said Chief Executive George Samenuk during the call. "Fourth-quarter bookings that did not go into revenue this quarter will come off the balance sheet and post as profits and revenues in future quarters. The demand for McAfee's proven security remains strong and we are excited about new 2006 products additions." Samenuk said the company was continuing to analyze the results and would provide more information on Feb. 9.

Bookings for the fourth quarter increased 14% year-over-year and 23% sequentially to $361 million world-wide — an amount the company called a record high. Of that, $152 million was from consumers, $73 million was from small and medium businesses, and $136 million was from large enterprises. Deferred revenue grew sequentially by approximately $87 million to $744 million, another new high.

But Morgan Keegan's Hovis noted that McAfee reports gross bookings, which don't back out anticipated rebates that are common to antivirus software packages. In their financial reports companies subtract the value of rebates before arriving at their "net revenues," or sales. So $361 million in gross bookings doesn't necessarily equate to $361 million in sales.

"In addition to questions arising from 'gross bookings' vs. 'net revenue' reporting, we are somewhat concerned that bookings have increased due to a longer average term of contracts, which is spreading out revenue recognition over longer subsequent periods," Hovis wrote. "McAfee noted approximately half its $87 million in deferred revenue was long term, which dropped their ratio of total current-to-long-term deferred revenue revenue [by 18%]."

McAfee recently began selling security software through PC companies under multiyear, rather than just single-year, contracts. With sales having to be recognized over two or three years vs. much shorter periods, booking numbers are showing larger gains than sales.

Katherine Egbert of Jefferies & Co. cut her rating on the stock on Tuesday to Underperform from Hold. "Our concerns regarding consumer antivirus software is predicated on: (1) the looming presence of Microsoft's (MSFT5) ongoing push into consumer security, and (2) our belief that service providers will increasingly bundle such security technology for free or at a very discounted price," she wrote.

Not everyone was down on McAfee. "In nearly six years of covering the software industry, this is the latest [earnings warning] I have witnessed, in terms of 23 days after the quarter has ended," says Daniel Ives, an analyst at Friedman Billings Ramsey & Co., an Arlington, Va., investment bank. "This implies that this is more of a revenue recognition issues in respect to a few large deals, rather than anything systemic."

Ives says investors should focus on core bookings as the key metric to determine McAfee's health, rather than revenue. He says bookings tell investors the company's core organic growth rate in both the consumer and enterprise businesses. McAfee derives about 75% of its sales from deferred revenues. Since sequential bookings showed the biggest growth in a year, Ives thinks the company remains healthy.

McAfee officials didn't return phone calls seeking comment.

Quote:
"Shares will remain under pressure until McAfee reports on Feb. 9," says Ives of Friedman Billings Ramsey. "We think investors should use this weakness as a buying opportunity."

[actr]

WellPoint Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 * Medical enrollment was 33.9 million members at December 31, 2005 * Net income was $1.04 per share in fourth quarter, exceeding previous guidance * Full year net income was $3.94 per sh

Jan 25, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE: WLP) today announced that fourth quarter 2005 net income was $652.0 million, or $1.04 per share, including net realized investment losses of $0.01 per share. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2004 was $184.5 million, or $0.46 per share, which included expenses of $0.24 per share due to the repurchase of high coupon surplus notes and $0.15 per share for undertakings related to the Anthem-WellPoint Health Networks merger.
Net income for the full year of 2005 was $2.5 billion, or $3.94 per share. These results included expenses of $0.10 per share due to the multi-district litigation settlement agreement in the second quarter and net realized investment losses of $0.01 per share, partially offset by benefits of approximately $0.04 per share for the favorable resolution of a tax matter in the first quarter.

Full year 2004 net income was $3.05 per share, which included expenses of $0.30 per share for the surplus note repurchase and $0.20 per share for the merger-related undertakings, partially offset by benefits of $0.14 per share for a first quarter tax law change and net realized investment gains of $0.09 per share.

"Looking back, 2005 was truly an exceptional year for our company as we accomplished a number of milestones including achieving organic growth of 1.2 million members, acquiring WellChoice and Lumenos, delivering strong financial results in all four quarters, and generating $3.3 billion in full year operating cash flow," said Larry C. Glasscock, chairman, president and chief executive officer of WellPoint, Inc. "Going forward, we have high expectations for 2006 and believe we are uniquely positioned in the marketplace resulting from our broad portfolio of products, extensive and cost-effective provider networks, and distinctive customer service."


COMPARABLE BASIS INFORMATION

On November 30, 2004, Anthem, Inc. acquired WellPoint Health Networks Inc. and Anthem, Inc. changed its name to WellPoint, Inc. Accordingly, fourth quarter and full year 2005 financial results include operations of the combined company for the entire periods. Fourth quarter and full year 2004 financial results, however, only include operations of the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. for the one month ended December 31, 2004.

On December 28, 2005, WellPoint, Inc. acquired WellChoice, Inc. For accounting purposes, the transaction was assumed to have closed on December 31, 2005. Accordingly, fourth quarter and full year 2005 income statement and operating cash flow results do not include operations of the former WellChoice, Inc. However, balance sheet and membership information as of December 31, 2005, does include the former WellChoice, Inc.

Unless otherwise indicated, the analysis in this press release compares reported financial results and does not adjust results for the effects of these acquisitions. In certain areas, we have included "comparable basis" analyses that we believe provide more meaningful comparisons between periods, due to the inclusion of operations of the former WellPoint Health Networks Inc. in the comparable historical results. The "comparable basis" information is not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the results that WellPoint, Inc. would have reported had the acquisitions been completed as of the dates presented, and should not be taken as representative or indicative of our future results. The methodologies for calculating the comparable basis information are either described within the text of the press release, or in the tables at the end of the press release where such comparable basis information is reconciled to WellPoint, Inc.`s reported GAAP financial results.


CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS

Membership: Medical enrollment totaled approximately 33.9 million members at December 31, 2005, an increase of 6.1 million members since December 31, 2004. The increase included approximately 4.8 million members acquired on December 28, 2005, through the WellChoice transaction.

Organically, enrollment increased by almost 1.2 million members during 2005, with growth realized in every region and across all lines of business. The increase in organic enrollment was driven by the National Accounts business unit and also included strong gains in State Sponsored operations. Enrollment grew organically by 81,000 members during the fourth quarter, with most of the increase in the State Sponsored and National Accounts businesses.

Self-funded membership represented approximately 48 percent of medical enrollment at December 31, 2005, compared with approximately 50 percent at September 30, 2005, reflecting the addition of WellChoice`s enrollment base during the quarter. Self-funded membership represented approximately 47 percent of medical enrollment at December 31, 2004.

Operating Revenue: Operating revenue was $11.3 billion in the fourth quarter 2005, an increase of 67.5 percent from $6.7 billion in the prior year quarter. Full year 2005 operating revenue exceeded $44.5 billion, more than double the total of $20.5 billion in 2004.

On a comparable basis, fourth quarter 2005 operating revenue increased by $617.6 million, or 5.8 percent, compared with $10.6 billion in the prior year period. The increase was driven primarily by disciplined pricing, with membership gains in the Individual and Small Group ("ISG") and Senior businesses also contributing to the overall operating revenue increase.

Full year 2005 operating revenue increased by more than $2.9 billion, or 7.0 percent, versus the comparable prior year results. Increases were realized in every line of business, led by the ISG, Large Group and National Accounts operations. Revenue growth resulted from disciplined pricing and membership growth and reflected the shift in business mix towards more self- funded medical enrollment that occurred prior to the merger with WellChoice, Inc.

Benefit Expense Ratio: The benefit expense ratio was 80.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2005, a decrease of 140 basis points, compared with 81.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004. The ratio was 80.6 percent for the full year of 2005, a decrease of 140 basis points from 82.0 percent in 2004.

On a comparable basis, the fourth quarter 2005 ratio declined by 110 basis points, compared with 81.2 percent in the prior year quarter. The full year 2005 ratio declined by 50 basis points from the comparable prior year ratio of 81.1 percent. The decrease in both the fourth quarter and full year 2005 reflected lower than anticipated medical costs and successful results from the Company`s medical management and health improvement initiatives.

Premium and Cost Trends: Trends include Large Group and ISG fully-insured businesses.

Medical trend for the rolling 12-month period ended December 31, 2005, continued to decline and was less than 8.5 percent. The primary drivers of medical trend were outpatient and inpatient costs. The Company`s contracting and medical cost management programs continue to be successful, and certain of the synergies related to the Anthem-WellPoint Health Networks merger have reduced medical costs.

Commercial premium yield for the rolling 12-month period ended December 31, 2005, exceeded total cost trend, where total cost trend included medical costs and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expense, resulting in an improvement in underwriting margin.

SG&A Expense Ratio: The SG&A expense ratio decreased by 50 basis points, to 16.5 percent in the fourth quarter 2005, compared with 17.0 percent in the fourth quarter 2004. The full year 2005 ratio declined by 70 basis points to 16.3 percent, versus 17.0 percent in the prior year.

On a comparable basis, the SG&A expense ratio increased by 20 basis points in the fourth quarter 2005, compared with 16.3 percent in the prior year period. The increase reflected advertising and implementation spending for Medicare Part D, higher incentive compensation accruals due to strong financial results, and the more rapid growth in self-funded membership. Collectively, these items offset increased efficiencies in the Company`s administrative cost structure, including the realization of synergies from the Anthem-WellPoint Health Networks merger.

The full year SG&A ratio improved by 10 basis points from the comparable 2004 ratio of 16.4 percent. The effective management of administrative costs across a growing membership base, including the achievement of Anthem- WellPoint Health Networks merger synergies, resulted in a lower ratio for 2005, despite the trend towards self-funded enrollment and additional expenses incurred during the year for Medicare Part D, the multi-district litigation settlement agreement, information technology outsourcing costs, and higher incentive compensation accruals.

Operating Cash Flow: Full year 2005 operating cash flow reached $3.3 billion, or 1.3 times net income. In the fourth quarter of 2005, operating cash flow was $964 million, or 1.5 times net income.


About WellPoint, Inc.

WellPoint, Inc. is the largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company in terms of membership in the United States. WellPoint, Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and serves its members as the Blue Cross licensee for California; the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee for Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area), Nevada, New Hampshire, New York (as Blue Cross Blue Shield in 10 New York City metropolitan counties and as Blue Cross or Blue Cross Blue Shield in selected upstate counties only), Ohio, Virginia (excluding the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.), Wisconsin; and through UniCare. Additional information about WellPoint is available at http://www.wellpoint.com

[actr]

Ameritrade December Quarter Produces Record Net Revenues; Eighth Consecutive Quarter of Pre-Tax Margin Above 50 Percent

OMAHA, Neb., Jan 25, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ameritrade Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AMTD) today announced results for the quarter ended Dec 31, 2005, that highlight the Company's ability to produce sound financial results while also executing on its long-term strategy.
Quarterly results included the following:

-- Record net revenues of $277 million

-- Net income of $86 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, $0.22 per diluted share excluding unrealized losses on the Company's prepaid variable forward contracts on its investment in Knight Capital Group, Inc.(1)

-- Pre-tax income of $140 million, or 51 percent of net revenues

-- Operating margin(1) of $178 million, or 64 percent

-- EBITDA(1) of $148 million, or 53 percent

-- Average client trades per day of approximately 156,000

-- Annualized return on equity (ROE) of 22 percent for the quarter

-- Client assets of approximately $85.5 billion, including $13.6 billion of client cash and money market funds

-- Liquid assets(1) of $490 million; cash and cash equivalents of $188 million

-- 61,000 new accounts at an average cost per account of $435; 39,000 closed accounts; 3,739,000 Total Accounts; 1,722,000 Qualified Accounts(2)

-- Average client margin balances of approximately $3.7 billion. On Dec. 31, 2005, client margin balances were approximately $3.9 billion.

"Ameritrade has again delivered strong results, illustrated by record net revenues and excellent pre-tax margins," said Joe Moglia, chief executive officer. "We would have had a record quarter if you adjusted the days to our last quarter and excluded the impact of Knight. Moving forward, we expect to continue leveraging our low-cost platform and producing superior financial returns for TD Ameritrade shareholders."

Knight Investment Liquidated

Unrealized losses on the Company's previously disclosed Knight Capital Group, Inc. prepaid variable forward contracts decreased earnings by approximately $12 million, or $0.01 per share, for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2005. The Company liquidated its position in Knight and the prepaid variable forward contracts on Jan. 17-20, 2006, resulting in a one-time net gain of approximately $79 million that will be recorded in the quarter ending March 31, 2006. This is reflected in the Outlook Statement available at the Company's corporate Web site located at www.amtd.com


About Ameritrade Holding Corporation

For 30 years, Ameritrade Holding Corporation has provided investment services to self-directed individuals through its brokerage subsidiaries. Ameritrade develops and provides innovative products and services tailored to meet the varying investing and portfolio management needs of individual investors and institutional distribution partners. A brokerage industry leader, Ameritrade, Inc.,(3) a subsidiary of Ameritrade Holding Corporation, recently received a four-star rating in the Barron's 2005 Review of Online Brokers for its Apex active trader program. For more information, please visit www.amtd.com.

[actr]

Sino Express Reports Fourth Quarter 2005 Unaudited Financial Results

HONG KONG, Jan 25, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Sino Express Travel Limited (OTC:SXPT), a leading travel service provider in the greater China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended December 30, 2005.


China. Acquired on 1st January 2006.


A -- The pro forma Net revenues were US$2.18 million in the fourth

quarter of 2005.


A -- The pro forma Gross profit was US$241,177


A -- The pro forma Net income was US$83,499

"We are pleased to announce a solid fourth quarter performance. The Sino team will continue focusing on its long-term development plan in the New Year. As we execute our expansion strategies in the greater China, we expect 2006 will be a year of high growth in profits and sales in this fragmented industry," commented Xia Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Sino Express.

Sino Express Travel Limited (www.sinoexpresstravel.com), together with its 100% owned subsidiaries, GS Travel (Hong Kong) Ltd., NSIBC Ltd., YTD Ltd. and www.v222.com, is an international travel company with operating offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Guangzhou, Vancouver, Toronto and Seattle. Sino intends to grow its business by acquiring and operating a diversified travel business portfolio, seeking to invest in profitable travel related companies with reputable management and high growth potential.

[actr]

25.01.2006 15:08
Aktien NYSE/NASDAQ Ausblick: Freundlich - Quartalsberichte stützen

Gestützt von ermutigenden Quartalsberichten einiger Unternehmen dürften die US-Börsen am Mittwoch freundlich in den Handel starten. Der fallende Ölpreis sorge für zusätzliche Unterstützung, sagten Händler.

Der Future auf den S&P-500-Index <INX.IND> legte bis 14.15 Uhr 3,00 Punkte auf 1.273,40 Zähler zu, der NASDAQ-100-Future <NDX.X.IND> stieg um 8,50 Punkte auf 1.701,50 Zähler.

Aktien von Bristol-Myers Squibb <BMY.NYS> <BRM.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) kletterten im vorbörslichen Handel um 3,05 Prozent auf 21,98 US-Dollar. Der Pharmakonzern hatte im vierten Quartal des abgelaufenen Geschäftsjahres trotz eines Umsatz- und Gewinnrückgangs beim Ergebnis vor Sonderposten die Erwartungen des Marktes leicht übertroffen.

Xerox <XRX.NYS> <XER.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) legten 1,66 Prozent auf 14,70 Dollar zu. Der Kopiergerätehersteller hatte im vierten Quartal 2005 seinen Überschuss je Aktie (EPS) von 24 Cent im Vorjahreszeitraum auf 27 Cent gesteigert. Das EPS vor Sonderposten belief sich nach Unternehmensangaben auf 32 Cent und lag damit punktgenau auf der Prognose der acht von Thomson First Call befragten Analysten.

Colgate-Palmolive <CL.NYS> <CPA.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) könnten von einem überraschend deutlichen Anstieg des Gewinns im vierten Quartal profitieren. Vor Sonderposten stieg der Gewinn je Aktie (EPS) von 59 auf 69 Cent. Experten hatten im Schnitt 68 Cent erwartet. Der Umsatz erhöhte sich von 2,8 auf 2,9 Milliarden Dollar. Hier hatten die Analysten-Schätzungen allerdings einen Wert von 2,96 Milliarden Dollar vorgesehen.

Pixar <PIXR.NYS> <PIX.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) legten 2,92 Prozent auf 59,25 US-Dollar gewonnen. Am Dienstag hatte Walt Disney <DIS.NYS> <WDP.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) nach Börsenschluss bekannt gegeben, das Trickfilmstudio für 7,4 Milliarden Dollar in Aktien übernehmen zu wollen. Die Akquisition werde voraussichtlich im Sommer 2006 abgeschlossen. Disney-Papiere kletterten um 0,23 Prozent auf 26,05 Dollar.

Guidant <GDT.NYS> <GDT.FSE> (Nachrichten) gaben 1,67 Prozent auf 75,50 Dollar ab. Nach dem Rückzug von Johnson & Johnson <JNJ.NYS> <JNJ.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) ist der Bieterkampf um den Medizintechnik-Hersteller zunächst beendet. Johnson & Johnson gewannen 1,33 Prozent auf 60,15 Dollar. Nach dem Rückzug wird nun Boston Scientific <BSX.NYS> <BSX.FSE> (Nachrichten) Guidant übernehmen. Boston Scientific gaben 1,25 Prozent auf 23,70 Dollar ab./he/hi

AXC0133 2006-01-25/15:04

[actr]

Praxair Increases Quarterly Dividend 39%

DANBURY, Conn., Jan 25, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The board of directors of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) has declared a quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share, an increase of 39% over the previous quarter. The dividend is payable on March 15, 2006 to shareholders of record on March 7, 2006.
"Praxair's track record of consistently strong performance in varied economic environments gives us the confidence to make this substantial increase in the dividend as well as demonstrates our continued commitment to deliver increased shareholder value," said Dennis H. Reilley, chairman and chief executive officer.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2005 sales of $7.7 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.

SOURCE: Praxair, Inc.

[actr]

Katanga Reports 2005 Financial Results

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Jan 25, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Katanga Mining Limited, (TSX VENTURE:KAT) ("Katanga") announces its results of operations for the year ended September 30, 2005.
During the year ended September 30, 2005 Katanga entered into an option agreement ("Option Agreement") whereby Katanga can acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Kinross Forrest Ltd. ("KFL"). KFL owns 75% of Kamoto Copper Company SARL ("KCC"). KCC is a Congolese joint venture company that was formed to hold 100% of the Kamoto Project's mineral reserves, mining, milling, hydrometallurgical facilities and other assets that are subject to a joint venture between KFL and Gecamines, a Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC"). The joint venture and KCC have been formed and approved under DRC Presidential Decree. As well, Katanga completed a private placement financing in October 2004 under which it raised gross proceeds of US$898,320 (C$1,125,000) by issuing 4.5 million units at a price of US$0.20 (C$0.25) per unit. Each unit consisted of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Katanga's loss for the year, consisting primarily of general and administrative expenses, was US$49,752 (2004 - US$59,121) or US$0.01 per share (2004 - US$0.06).

Subsequent to year end Katanga completed a C$17.5 million private placement financing of 14 million common shares at a price of C$1.25 per share. GMP L.P. (formerly GMP Securities Ltd.) and Quest Securities Corporation, as co-lead agents, together with a syndicate that included Haywood Securities Inc., acted as agents in connection with the private placement. The net proceeds of the offering:

- will be used to fund the completion of the feasibility study of the Kamoto Joint Venture under the Option Agreement;

- were used to repay a C$1.0 million promissory note issued on November 2, 2005 to provide interim financing for the feasibility study; and

- were used to fund the purchase of a 23.33% ownership interest in KFL from Kinross Gold Corporation for C$5.45 million.

The Option Agreement and the Kamoto Joint Venture relate to the rehabilitation of the mines and plants located in Kolwezi in the DRC. At its peak production in 1986, Gecamines produced 476,000 tonnes of copper and 14,500 tonnes of cobalt, the majority of which came from the Kolwezi operations.

The Option Agreement requires Katanga to fund all costs associated with preparation of the Kamoto Project feasibility study. In order to exercise the option, Katanga must also arrange financing for capital needed to complete the first phase of redevelopment. It is estimated that the costs associated with the completion of the feasibility study will be approximately US$7.0 million. The consideration that must be paid by Katanga on the exercise of the option is set forth in Katanga's press release issued on August 2, 2005. The exercise of the option by the Company is subject to the further filing, review and acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Arthur Ditto, President and CEO of Katanga noted that "Katanga has made substantial progress in the past year in securing the option on the Kamoto Project. The funds from the private placement allowed Katanga to purchase its initial stake in KFL and will fund the completion of the Kamoto Joint Venture feasibility study. The feasibility study is proceeding well and the results of this study are expected by April 2006".

[actr]

Rediff.com India Limited - American Depositary Shares
25.01.06 19:37 Uhr

20,61 USD

+36,58 % [+5,52]
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KursdatenBörse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
20,61 USD

Zeit
25.01.06 19:37

Diff. Vortag
+36,58 %

Tages-Vol.
186,75 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
10 Mio


Jan 25, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- StockHeadquarters.com, the newsletter, known for making stock alerts to its subscribers just days or weeks prior to big surges in the stock price does it again with an early alert in Rediff.com India Limited (Nasdaq: REDF) The newsletter has alerted the stock two times starting at $8.75 a share. The last alert was placed at $12.91 a share. Last check the stock has reached $22.12 a share for a whopping 153% gain.

[actr]

Ivanhoe Energy, Inc. - Common Shares
25.01.06 21:00 Uhr

2,251 USD

-16,32 % [-0,439]

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
2,2508 USD

Zeit
25.01.06 21:00

Diff. Vortag
-16,33 %

Tages-Vol.
40,09 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
19 Mio.

Ivanhoe Energy's California deep gas well test disappointing

BAKERSFIELD, CA, Jan. 25, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Ivanhoe Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: IVAN and TSX: IE, IE.U) announced today that the test phase of the Aera Energy LLC Northwest Lost Hills 1-22 deep well has begun. Ivanhoe Energy has a 28% working interest in the project, but is not funding any of the cost of the test phase.
The NWLH 1-22 well was flow tested for two days, beginning January 21, which was followed by a pressure build-up. Natural gas rates from the production test were less than expected and water rates were high. A second 24-hour flow test is scheduled for January 25, followed by a 24-hour pressure build up, which will be used to verify the initial test data.

"The test data is still being evaluated, however the initial results are not promising," said Leon Daniel, Ivanhoe Energy's President and CEO. "A final determination by the operator of the future of the project is expected to be made before the end of the first quarter of 2006."

The well is in Kern County, California, and is operated by Aera Energy LLC. Designed to evaluate the natural gas and condensate reserve potential of the deep Temblor formation, drilling of the well began in August 2001 and reached a depth of 21,000 feet in August 2002. Several high-pressure sandstone formations were penetrated during the drilling, indicating the presence of natural gas. Operations were suspended by the operator in 2002 while a partner was sought to share the costs of the testing program. Completion activities were resumed in September 2005. During clean out of the well, natural gas was encountered and flared and the pressure, both downhole and at the surface, was extremely high.

Ivanhoe Energy currently holds a 28% working interest. Ivanhoe Energy originally had a 42% interest in the 9,600-acre block, but farmed out a portion of its ownership in exchange for the cost of testing of the well. Ivanhoe Energy is being carried through the initial completion and testing phase by other partners in the venture.

Ivanhoe Energy is an independent international oil and gas exploration and development company building long-term growth in its reserve base and production. Ivanhoe Energy is a leader in technologically innovative methods designed to significantly improve reserves of oil and gas through the upgrading of heavy oil to light oil, state-of-the-art drilling techniques, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and the conversion of natural gas to liquids (GTL). Core operations are in the United States and China, with business development opportunities worldwide.

Ivanhoe Energy trades on the NASDAQ Capital Market with the ticker symbol IVAN and on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) with the symbol IE. On the TSX, Ivanhoe Energy is listed and traded in both Canadian and U.S. dollars. The U.S. dollar trading symbol on the TSX is IE.U.

[actr]

RF Micro Devices, Inc.
25.01.06 21:14 Uhr

7,34 USD

+15,23 % [+0,97]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
7,34 USD

Zeit
25.01.06 21:14

Diff. Vortag
+15,23 %

Tages-Vol.
179,74 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
27 Mio.

BUYINS.NET: RF Micro Devices (RFMD) SqueezeTrigger Price Is $5.56. Short Sellers Are Down Approximately $23.6 Million After Q3 Earnings Come In Strong.

Jan 25, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- www.buyins.net, announced today that the 13.91 million shares declared short on RF Micro Devices (NASDAQ: RFMD) have a SqueezeTrigger Price of $5.56 per share. According to AP, RF Micro Devices Inc., a maker of radio frequency chips, on posted a steep jump in third-quarter profit from higher sales during the period. The company also pegged its fourth-quarter results above Wall Street estimates. Quarterly income surged to $14.7 million, or 7 cents per share, from $582,000, or nil per share, the year before. Setting aside one-time items and stock-option costs, earnings were $16.4 million or 8 cents per share. Its adjusted earnings compared with the average estimate for income of 7 cents per share from analysts polled by Thomson Financial. Revenue for the quarter ended Dec. 31, totaled $208 million, a 23 percent increase from $168.9 million a year earlier but missing analysts' consensus target of $209.7 million. RF said its revenue growth was driven by sales of power amplifier modules, transmit modules and Polaris radio transceivers. Looking forward, the company forecast fourth-quarter earnings of 5 cents to 6 cents per share, or 6 cents to 7 cents before items and stock options, on revenue of $200 million to $215 million. Analysts are currently looking for a profit of 4 cents per share and $192.9 million in revenue. Short sellers are down approximately $23.6 million as the stock is currently trading near $7.29. To access SqueezeTrigger Prices ahead of short squeezes beginning, visit http://www.buyins.net/squeezetrigger.pdf.
From January to December of 2005, an aggregate amount of 345,665,513 shares of RFMD have been shorted for a total dollar value of $1.92 billion. The RFMD SqueezeTrigger price of $5.56 is the volume weighted average price that all shorts are short in shares of RFMD. Since crossing above the SqueezeTrigger Price, shares of RFMD are up nearly 31%. There is still approximately $101 million worth of potential short covering in shares of RFMD.

RF Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: RFMD) engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of proprietary radio frequency components and system level solutions for wireless communications products and applications. The company offers various products, including power amplifiers; mixers; modulators/demodulators and single chip transmitters; Bluetooth products; and receivers and transceivers. It develops components for satellite radio and global positioning systems (GPS); and solutions for handsets, personal digital assistants, handheld navigation applications, and telematics systems. The company's infrastructure products consist of components for wireless base stations, quadrature modulators, and driver amplifiers. Its products are used primarily in cellular phones, base stations, wireless local area networks, cable television modems, and GPS. RF Micro Devices sells its products to both domestic and international original equipment manufacturers and original design manufacturers through directly sales force, as well as through sales representative firms and distributors. The company has a strategic relationship with Jazz Semiconductor, Inc. RF Micro Devices was founded in 1991 by William J. Pratt, Powell T. Seymour, and Jerry D. Neal. The company is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina

[actr]

SULPHCO INC
25.01.06 21:20 Uhr

7,83 USD

+13,81 % [+0,95]
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Börse
AMEX

Aktuell
7,83 USD

Zeit
25.01.06 21:20

Diff. Vortag
+13,81 %

Tages-Vol.
43,59 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
5,6 Mio.

SulphCo Sonocracking(TM) Technology - the Facts

Jan 24, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- After close consultation with other members of the Board of Directors of SulphCo, Inc., (Amex: SUF) Robert H.C. van Maasdijk feels compelled to respond to the article in Barron's Magazine over the weekend as, in his opinion, the article is materially misleading regarding the company, its management and its technology. In response, Mr. van Maasdijk has decided to focus exclusively on his assessment of the Sonocracking(TM) technology, and in particular, test results furnished not only by SulphCo, but also those produced by one of the leading oil companies in the Middle East, a company which has tested the Sonocracking technology at the facilities during the entire month of December 2005. In the opinion of Mr. van Maasdijk, these results indicate that the Sonocracking technology developed by SulphCo will not only reduce sulphur and nitrogen content in processed crude, but more importantly, will substantially increase the yield of light distillates.
SulphCo has previously stated that its technology will increase the API gravity by 6 to 11 points, depending on the quality of the crude processed (light, medium or heavy). These test results confirm that, in volume terms, Sonocracking can yield between 20% to 50% more light oil per barrel, depending on the grade of crude processed. In dollar terms, this can mean an uplift of between $5 and $10 per barrel.

Sonocracking technology has minimal operating costs and is adaptable to both upstream and downstream applications.

SulphCo will install, by the beginning of June 2006, its first 210,000 barrels of Sonocracking capacity (seven 30,000 barrels per units) in Fujairah. The equipment will be manufactured by NTG Technology in Germany, following which 300,000 barrels of additional capacity will be installed in the following months. It is the opinion of NTG that once the seven units of 30,000 barrels each have been installed, an accelerated rollout is anticipated.

Last but not least, SulphCo is in the final stages of negotiations with several oil producing nations and companies, as has been stated before. As a consequence, the Board of SulphCo is fully focused on the rollout of the Sonocracking equipment.

About SulphCo, Inc.

SulphCo has developed a patented safe and economic process employing ultrasound technology to desulfurize and hydrogenate crude oil and other oil related products. The company's technology upgrades sour heavy crude oils into sweeter, lighter crudes, producing more gallons of usable oil per barrel.

[actr]

Entrust, Inc.
25.01.06 21:32 Uhr

4,06 USD

-17,48 % [-0,86]

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
4,06 USD

Zeit
25.01.06 21:33

Diff. Vortag
-17,48 %

Tages-Vol.
20,83 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
5,2 Mio

Entrust Announces Financial Results for 4th Quarter and Fiscal 2005 Highest Quarter and Annual Earnings in Company History

DALLAS, Jan. 24, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Entrust, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENTU), a world leader in securing digital identities and information, today announced financial results for its fiscal quarter and year ended December 31, 2005.
Revenue for the fourth quarter was $24.8 million, an increase of 5% from $23.7 million in Q3, 2005, and a decrease from $27.1 million in Q4, 2004. Revenue for 2005 was $98.1 million, an 8% increase from $91 million in 2004. Product revenue for 2005 reached $34.2 million, which is up 17% from $29.3 million in 2004.

Entrust recorded Q4, 2005, net income in accordance with GAAP of $3.4 million, or $0.05 per share compared to Q3, 2005, net income of $956 thousand or $0.02 per share and Q4, 2004, net income of $2.6 million, or $0.04 per share. Entrust recorded full year 2005 net income of $6.4 million, or $0.10 per share, compared to 2004 net income of $1.1 million, or $0.02 per share. Net Income for Q4, 2005, and for the full year was the highest in company history.

Entrust recorded Q4, 2005, pro forma (non-GAAP) net income of $3.5 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to Q3, 2005, pro forma net income of $1.1 million, or $0.02 per share and Q4, 2004, pro forma net income of $2.8 million, or $0.04 per share. For the full year, Entrust recorded record pro forma (non-GAAP) net income of $7.0 million, or $0.11 per share, compared to $1.3 million or $0.02 per share for 2004, an increase of 450%. The Q4, 2005, and full year 2005 pro forma (non-GAAP) net income figures exclude approximately $202 thousand and $802 thousand respectively of purchased intangibles amortization in cost of goods sold and approximately $19 thousand and $75 thousand respectively of amortization of purchased intangible assets in operating expenses.

"While fourth quarter revenue was below our expectations, we are very pleased with the customer, product, and earnings momentum in our business," said Bill Conner, Entrust chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We continued to gain traction with IdentityGuard, which increased pilots from 55 to 88. We increased our total transaction count to 84, our highest level in 5 years, and added 35 new customers. We also increased our earnings to 5 cents per share, our highest quarter of profitability in company history."



2005 Highlights:

-- Product revenue of $34.2 million increased 17% from $29.3 million in

2004.

-- Pro forma Earnings per share of $0.11, up 450% from $0.02 in 2004.

-- Entrust added 80 new customers in 2005, which represented a 150%

increase from 2004.

-- New Products: IdentityGuard and Boundary Messaging represented 11% of

total product revenue or $3.5 million for 2005, compared to $883

thousand in 2004.

-- Entrust IdentityGuard finished its first year of commercial

availability with 29 customers and 88 pilots, reaching sales of

$2.0 million. Sales for the year represented 2.4 million

IdentityGuard licenses shipped to customers such as SHUFA, the

Government of Sweden, Commercebank, and a number of leading

Government and Financial Institutions worldwide.

-- Entrust Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) products revenue increased

15% over 2004.

-- Entrust gained additional traction within its extended government

vertical. Government product revenue was 159% higher than it was for

2004.

-- Entrust signed eight value added resellers under its U.S.

distribution network.

-- As part of its share purchase program, Entrust purchased 3.94 million

shares in 2005 for $17.9 million at an average share price of $4.54.

The company ended 2005 with $82.5 million in cash and marketable

securities and no debt.


"2005 was a terrific year for Entrust," continued Bill Conner. "We brought new products to market that delivered 11% of total product revenue, which underpinned our total product revenue growth of 17%. We also grew our revenue transactions by 26% and our new customer base by 150% in the year. All of this led to our highest earnings in the company's history at $0.11 per share, or a 450% increase. These results, coupled with the strength of our product portfolio, the overall IT market, and our funnel, give us confidence to execute on our 2006 guidance."



Q4, 2005 Business and Financial Metrics:


-- Revenues of $24.8 million consisted of 37% product ($9.1 million) and

63% services and maintenance ($15.7 million). The top five product

transactions accounted for 16% of Q4, 2005, revenues. There was one

product transaction over $1 million in the quarter.

-- Product revenue for the quarter was 57% Extended Government and 43%

Extended Enterprise.

-- The average purchase size in the fourth quarter was $91 thousand.

Total transactions in Q4, 2005 reached 84, which is up from 67 in Q3,

2005, and 75 in Q4, 2004. Thirty five of the transactions in Q4,

2005, were from new customers, up from 15 in Q3, 2005. Over 11% of

total transactions in Q4, 2005, were from Entrust's target product

areas of Entrust IdentityGuard and Boundary Messaging.

-- Entrust services revenue was $15.7 million. Entrust's support and

maintenance delivered its highest fourth quarter revenue in the

company's history.


Solutions Revenue Breakout


-- Entrust Secure Identity Management Solutions accounted for 66%

($6.0 million) of product revenue for Q4, 2005, representing a 2%

decrease ($144 thousand) from Q3, 2005, and a 22% decrease

($1.65 million) from Q4, 2004. Entrust IdentityGuard represented 7%

($0.6 million) of product revenue for Q4, 2005. Entrust Certificate

Services continued its 13th consecutive increase in quarter over

quarter revenue.

-- Entrust Secure Messaging Solutions accounted for 24% ($2.2 million)

of product revenue, a 97% increase ($1.1 million) from Q3, 2005, and

a 9% decrease ($217 thousand) from Q4, 2004.

-- Entrust Secure Data Solutions accounted for 10% ($0.9 million) of

product revenue, an increase of 112% ($469 thousand) from Q3, 2005,

and an increase 4% ($26 thousand) from Q3, 2004.


In order to better reflect the dynamics of its business, Entrust will be transitioning from solutions revenue to product categories for 2006. The new categories will be: Emerging Growth Products including Entrust IdentityGuard and Boundary messaging, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) including all certificate based products and Single Sign-On Products. A table is available at http://www.entrust.com/investor bridging the old and new reporting methods

[actr]

Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
25.01.06 21:48 Uhr

49,03 USD

+18,03 % [+7,49]
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Börse
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Aktuell
49,03 USD

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25.01.2006 23:11
Silicon Storage mit starkem Turn-around
Silicon Storage Technology hat am Mittwoch nachbörslich einen Quartalsgewinn von 8,44 Millionen Dollar oder 8 Cent je Aktie berichtet. Im Vorjahresquartal war noch ein Verlust von 26,9 Millionen Dollar oder 28 Cent je Aktie angefallen. Analysten hatten im Schnitt mit einem Gewinn von 2 Cent je Aktie gerechnet. Der Umsatz legte von 104,1 Millionen auf 133,2 Millionen Dollar zu. Analysten hatten hier mit 135 Millionen Dollar gerechnet.

Silicon notiert nachbörslich bei 5,86$.

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Oncolytics Biotech Inc. Announces Issuance of Fourth Canadian Patent - Method of Extracting Virus from Cell Culture -

CALGARY, Jan. 26, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- Oncolytics Biotech Inc. (TSX: ONC, NASDAQ: ONCY) ("Oncolytics") has been granted Canadian Patent 2,437,962 entitled "Method of Extracting Virus from Cell Culture." The claims describe methods of producing and extracting infectious reovirus from a culture of cells.
"The claims in this Canadian patent broaden the intellectual property coverage for our manufacturing process," said Dr. Matt Coffey, Chief Scientific Officer for Oncolytics. "The Company's patent portfolio now includes 13 U.S. patents, four Canadian patents and two European patents."

About Oncolytics Biotech Inc.

Oncolytics is a Calgary-based biotechnology company focused on the development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics. Oncolytics' clinical program includes a variety of Phase I and Phase I/II human trials using REOLYSIN(R), its proprietary formulation of the human reovirus, alone and in combination with radiation. For further information about Oncolytics please visit www.oncolyticsbiotech.com

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Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) Announces Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2005 -- Peabody posts record 2005 results -- Net income increases 141% to $422.7 million -- Earnings per share rises 128% to $3.15 -- Operating cash flow increases 148% to $

Jan 26, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) today reported that 2005 net income rose 141 percent to $422.7 million, or $3.15 per share, compared with $175.4 million, or $1.38 per share, in the prior year. EBITDA rose 56 percent for the year to $870.4 million.
"The Peabody team delivered record 2005 results for safety, volume, revenue, EBITDA, income and total shareholder return," said Peabody President and Chief Executive Officer Gregory H. Boyce. "We believe that Peabody's successes in 2005 and plans for 2006 mark the early stages of a long period of sustainable growth and ever-improving financial results. We are adding low- cost capacity to meet market demand and repricing contracts at much higher levels. All of our markets are experiencing very strong demand and prices - particularly our largest operating region, the Powder River Basin."

Published pricing for benchmark Powder River Basin (PRB) coal has tripled in the past year, with recent over-the-counter prices exceeding $20 per ton. The Powder River Basin, where Peabody is the number-one producer, represents nearly two-thirds of Peabody's U.S. production. The company is reaching multiple-year agreements that capture the value of these strong markets along with premiums for ultra-low sulfur coal driven by record prices for SO2 emission allowance credits. In addition, Peabody is currently securing new business at significantly higher levels in the Colorado and Illinois Basin markets, where Peabody is also the number-one producer.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

Peabody's full-year 2005 revenues of $4.6 billion were $1 billion higher than in 2004. Fourth quarter revenues of $1.2 billion grew 21 percent compared with the prior year. 2005 sales volumes increased 5.6 percent to a record 240 million tons, driven by growing customer demand in all regions where Peabody operates. EBITDA totaled $870.4 million for the year compared with $559.2 million in 2004. Operating profit of $518.4 million more than doubled prior-year results.

2005 EBITDA from Mining Operations increased 41 percent to $1,036.3 million. Margins expanded significantly in 2005, overcoming geology constraints and transportation disruptions in the United States and Australia. Peabody's solid results from operations generated 148 percent greater operating cash flow compared with the prior year.

Net income totaled $422.7 million for 2005, or $3.15 per share, and $162.2 million for the fourth quarter, or $1.21 per share. Net income more than doubled from the $175.4 million, or $1.38 per share, and $67.9 million, or $0.51 per share in the respective prior-year periods. Peabody provided a record 105 percent total return to shareholders in 2005.

Peabody operations set new production records in 2005 at eight mines representing more than 60 percent of the company's production. Peabody's Powder River Basin operations were also the three most productive mines in America, based on latest available industry data. Also during 2005, the company was honored with five environmental and community excellence awards given by the Department of the Interior, including the Gold, Silver and Bronze "Good Neighbor" Awards. Peabody operations in Colorado, Midwest and Appalachia earned an additional six reclamation awards in 2005.

Peabody's safety ratings improved another 33 percent in 2005, marking a 48 percent improvement over the last three years. Four operations achieved the company's goal of zero accidents. Peabody's record 2005 safety performance is 45 percent better than the U.S. average, based on available industry data, and received recognition at operations in both the western and eastern United States. The North Antelope Rochelle Mine received the "Safe Sam" award for the second consecutive year, recognized as the safest mine in Wyoming. The Harris Mine earned the Mountaineer Guardian Award for outstanding safety achievement from the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health, Safety and Training and the West Virginia Coal Association.

MARKET OVERVIEW

"U.S. and global market fundamentals are exceptional," said Boyce. "Amid expensive oil and natural gas, we are experiencing record coal demand to satisfy electricity plants that are operating at higher rates. New generating plants are being developed at a record pace, global steel demand continues to grow, and interest in projects to turn coal into natural gas, transportation fuels and hydrogen is rapidly increasing."

The global supply-demand balance for coal remains extremely tight, driven by the growing U.S. and China economies and increasing demand for electricity generation and steel production in the Pacific Rim. Global and U.S. coal- fueled generation is expected to reach record levels in 2006. U.S. generator stockpiles of approximately 100 million to 105 million tons are at historic low levels, and replenishing these inventories will take considerable time due to strong underlying demand growth and limited rail improvements.

Demand for metallurgical coal remains very strong around the world. In the fourth quarter, for instance, Peabody reached agreements for significant 2006 metallurgical coal deliveries in the United States at prices above the strong prior-year levels. Metallurgical coal supply agreements from Australia for the fiscal year beginning April 1 are still being negotiated.

The current record high prices of SO2 allowances are resulting in premiums of $3 to $4 per ton above the benchmark 8,800 Btu per pound Powder River Basin coal for ultra-low sulfur products from Peabody's North Antelope Rochelle Mine and the planned School Creek Mine. Sulfur emissions allowances, which have increased nearly 11-fold since 2003, are expected to remain high due to delayed scrubber installations and tightening emissions regulations.

Competing fuels remain very limited. Nuclear units continue to operate near capacity and the cost of oil and natural gas remains high due to limited supplies and very strong global demand. Recent forecasts by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) further reinforce the favorable long-term markets for coal. EIA's Annual Energy Outlook increased the long-term price estimate of crude oil by two-thirds to $54 per barrel by 2025. Long-range estimates of liquid natural gas (LNG) supplies to the United States were reduced approximately one-third due to increased global demand that makes LNG less available and more expensive in U.S. markets. The estimate of coal's share of U.S. electricity generation has been raised to 57 percent by 2030. Total U.S. coal demand is now estimated to grow from 1.1 billion tons per year in 2005 to nearly 1.8 billion tons per year by 2030.

Interest in new coal-fueled generation remains strong. Globally, approximately 435 gigawatts of new coal-based electricity generation are under various stages of planning and development. In the United States, the Department of Energy has identified 129 power plants that have been announced or are under development in 40 states, representing 77 gigawatts of electricity and more than $100 billion of investment.

During the fourth quarter, Peabody reached agreements with customers for 2006, 2007 and 2008 delivery of premium PRB coal for prices that are more than 130 percent higher than Peabody's average 2005 realized prices. As previously mentioned, prices for benchmark premium PRB coal have more than tripled over the past year. Much of the rise occurred in the second half of 2005, therefore benefiting contracted volumes for 2007 and beyond.

Peabody has substantial volumes of PRB coal that will be priced in the current favorable market conditions. Peabody's total unpriced volumes at year-end include 15 million to 25 million tons for 2006, 90 to 100 million tons for 2007, and 155 to 165 million tons for 2008.

New markets for coal are rapidly emerging via Btu Conversion initiatives. Coal to natural gas and coal to liquids greatly expand the product line for coal and Peabody long-term. For instance, the U.S. EIA for the first time estimates coal-to-liquids applications will add another 190 million tons per year of additional demand over the next 25 years. Peabody is uniquely positioned to participate in these emerging markets, with more than 9 billion tons of proven and probable coal reserves.

GROWTH INITIATIVES

Capital expenditures for 2005 totaled $503 million (excluding acquisitions) and included a number of productivity and growth investments, including $118 million related to the acquisition of high-Btu, ultra-low sulfur Powder River Basin reserves.

"In anticipation of strong Powder River Basin demand, we made the largest investment in reserves and capacity additions in the Powder River Basin in recent years," said Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Richard A. Navarre. "This positions Peabody to capture both surging demand and pricing in the PRB over the next several years."

Peabody is targeting 2006 capital expenditures of $450 million to $525 million, excluding previously committed PRB lease payments, as the company implements a number of growth initiatives by focusing investments on high-growth, high-return projects. Approximately $250 million is allocated toward maintenance and replacement capital, including construction of the Black Stallion metallurgical coal mine in West Virginia. Replacement and maintenance capital represents about $1 per ton of production capacity.

The remainder of the capital is associated with growth projects and corporate initiatives. Peabody will invest more than $90 million to increase production by 15 million to 20 million tons at its PRB mines in 2006 to accommodate customer demand. Another $65 million is being invested for mine expansion projects in the Midwest to serve growing markets with an additional 4 million tons of production coming online by 2007.

"Peabody's unique combination of high-quality reserves in growth markets, expected strong cash flows and sales backlog allows us to target organic capacity growth of more than 75 million tons by 2010," said Navarre. "We expect these capital investments to average $15 to $20 per ton of new capacity, which is substantially more efficient than the industry average."


OUTLOOK

Peabody is targeting full-year 2006 EBITDA of $1 billion to $1.15 billion and earnings of $3.75 to $4.85 per share. Performance will be largely impacted by metallurgical coal production and pricing, as well as PRB rail performance. While customer indications suggest that 2006 Powder River Basin demand could increase by 15 percent or more, the railroads expect that they will only be able to accommodate half of this pent-up demand. Peabody is targeting 2006 production of 230 to 240 million tons and total sales of 255 to 265 million tons.

For the first quarter, Peabody is targeting EBITDA of $200 to $250 million and earnings per share of $0.60 to $0.90. Results will reflect lower production and higher costs related to significant longwall system installations at several of the company's longwall operations, as well as an increase in fuel, explosives and health care costs.

"We are targeting significant earnings growth in 2006, and an even brighter outlook beyond," said Boyce. "The full impact of improved prices in our key coal markets will be realized as long-term contracts are repriced. We also look forward to benefiting from planned capacity additions, new higher- priced contracts, and the expanded markets created by Btu Conversion projects."

Peabody Energy (NYSE: BTU) is the world's largest private-sector coal company. Its coal products fuel more than 10 percent of all U.S. electricity and 3 percent of worldwide electricity.

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Midwest Air Group Reports Fourth Quarter Results Summary: Fourth Quarter 2005 vs. Fourth Quarter 2004 - Operating revenue increased 37.8% to $142.8 million - Scheduled service revenue passenger miles increased 40.2% to 863.4 million on a 36.6% increa

MILWAUKEE, Jan 26, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Midwest Air Group, Inc. (Amex: MEH) today reported fourth quarter results for its Midwest Airlines and Skyway Airlines (dba Midwest Connect) operations.
"The competitive environment and high fuel prices continued to challenge us in the fourth quarter, as they have throughout a difficult year," said Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive officer. "Although disappointing from an earnings perspective, the quarter included numerous bright spots. We significantly increased revenue while lowering non-fuel costs, posted impressive gains in market share, and ended the year in a strong cash position."

Comparing fourth quarter 2005 to fourth quarter 2004, operating revenue increased 37.8% to $142.8 million. Operating results improved to a $14.0 million loss from a $19.2 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2004, while net results improved to a $13.8 million loss from a $19.4 million loss. (Due to accumulated losses, Midwest Air Group discontinued recording federal income tax benefit on losses beginning with second quarter 2004 and state income tax benefit on losses beginning with second quarter 2005.) Per share results were a loss of $0.79, compared with a $1.11 loss in the same quarter a year earlier.

The revenue increase reflects a 40.2% increase in passenger traffic, due to strong customer demand in response to strategic pricing actions and schedule and service enhancements. A 1.2% increase in revenue yield was driven primarily by the improving industry pricing environment. Total operating expenses increased 27.6%, due to increases in fuel expense, station costs and aircraft rental expenses. Fuel expense increased $23.4 million, or 75.7% -- of which $12.9 million ($0.74 per share) was related to price increases (calculated by applying 2004 prices to actual gallons consumed in 2005 and comparing the result to actual 2005 expense). The company also recorded $1.0 million ($0.06 per share) for the write-off of aircraft purchase deposits. Fuel expense includes the effect of hedging, which favorably impacted fuel costs by $2.1 million ($0.08 per gallon) in the quarter.

Midwest posted sizeable gains in market share in its Milwaukee and Kansas City hubs in November, the most recent month for which market share results are available:


-- Midwest Airlines and Midwest Connect carried 50.9% of all passengers

departing from Milwaukee during November, up from 41.2% in the same

month a year earlier. In November 2005, the airlines transported

145,376 Milwaukee passengers, up 34% from 108,588 passengers in

November 2004.

-- In Kansas City, Midwest market share rose to 8.9% for November from

5.2% in the same month a year earlier. In November 2005, Midwest

Airlines carried a total of 36,068 Kansas City passengers, up 71% from

21,123 passengers in November 2004.

For the year ended 2005, operating revenue increased 25.9% to $523.0 million. Operating results fell to a $65.2 million loss from a $45.3 million loss in 2004, while net results fell to a $64.9 million loss from a $43.1 million loss last year. Included in the 2004 loss was a tax benefit of $4.0 million. Results per share fell to a $3.71 loss from a $2.47 loss in 2004. Fuel expense increased $69.7 million, or 64.3% -- of which $48.9 million ($2.79 per share) was related to price increases.

Year-end 2005 results include a $15.6 million ($0.89 per share) impairment charge for the disposal of aircraft, $1.0 million ($0.06 per share) for the write-off of aircraft purchase deposits and $0.8 million ($0.05 per share) for the write-off of capitalized lease arranger and legal expenses, a $0.9 million ($0.05 per share) litigation settlement, and $0.7 million ($0.04 per share) in severance costs. A change in the employee vacation policy reduced expense by $1.9 million ($0.11 per share). Year-to-date 2004 results include $1.2 million ($0.07 per share) of costs related to the disposition of aircraft.

At Midwest Airlines, revenue per scheduled service available seat mile increased 6.4% in the quarter. Load factor increased 1.3 percentage points due to a 43.0% increase in passenger traffic on a 40.4% increase in capacity. Revenue yield increased 4.1%. For the year, revenue per scheduled service available seat mile increased 9.6%. Load factor increased 7.0 percentage points due to a 36.0% increase in passenger traffic on a 22.6% increase in capacity. Revenue yield decreased 1.9%.

Into-plane fuel prices increased 32.0% in fourth quarter 2005, averaging $2.10 per gallon versus $1.59 per gallon in fourth quarter 2004, and resulted in an $11.3 million (pre-tax) unfavorable price impact. Fuel consumption increases resulted in a $9.9 million (pre-tax) unfavorable impact in the quarter, primarily as a result of an increase in the number of operating hours.

In the quarter, cost per available seat mile (unit costs) at Midwest Airlines decreased $0.0079 to $0.1089, or 6.7% (excluding fuel, decreased $0.0178 to $0.0696, or 20.4%) compared with fourth quarter 2004. Contributing to the improvement in unit costs was a $1.4 million ($0.0012 per ASM) reduction in expenses due to a change in the company vacation policy.

At Midwest Connect, revenue per scheduled service available seat mile increased 14.1% in the quarter. Traffic increased 12.0% on a 2.8% increase in capacity, resulting in a 5.3 percentage point improvement in load factor, while revenue yield increased 4.8%. Cost per available seat mile increased $0.0664 to $0.3060, or 27.7% (excluding fuel, increased $0.0504 to $0.2339, or 27.5%) compared with fourth quarter 2004, due primarily to labor costs associated with new ramp and dining services functions performed for Midwest Airlines; the transfer of ramp and dining services functions to Midwest Connect has lowered the total cost to Midwest Air Group. The company recorded $1.0 million ($0.0104 per ASM) for the write-off of aircraft purchase deposits. A change in the company vacation policy reduced expenses by $0.5 million ($0.0051 per ASM). Into-plane fuel prices increased 31.2% in fourth quarter 2005, averaging $2.19 per gallon versus $1.67 per gallon in fourth quarter 2004, resulting in a $1.7 million (pre-tax) unfavorable price impact. Fuel consumption was virtually unchanged quarter over quarter.

Note: Cost per available seat mile excluding fuel expense is an industry measurement that provides management and investors the ability to track changes in cost absent fuel-related expenses.

The company ended the quarter with $99.0 million in unrestricted cash, up from $76.2 million on September 30, 2005 and $81.5 million at December 31, 2004. The improvement in the company's cash position was primarily due to the signing of a multi-year contract amendment and extension with Juniper Bank, the vendor of its Midwest Airlines MasterCard, which included a change in payments from quarterly in arrears to annually in advance starting in December 2005. The company's cash position also benefited from the overall improvement in the airline industry environment in recent months, as well as its own pricing and marketing initiatives. Capital spending -- net of credits used to fund such spending -- resulted in a cash outlay of $9.2 million for the year and consisted primarily of costs associated with the acquisition of additional spare parts for the Boeing 717 fleet, purchase of an MD-80 engine, and equipment and leasehold improvements for the in-house dining services program.

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Platinum Energy Resources Announces Merger Agreement with Tandem Energy Holdings

NEW YORK, Jan 26, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Platinum Energy Resources, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PGRI), (OTC Bulletin Board: PGRIU), (OTC Bulletin Board: PGRIW) ("Platinum Energy"), a special purpose acquisition corporation focused on the energy industry, today announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement with Tandem Energy Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: TDYH) ("Tandem"). Tandem is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of oil and gas properties and the production of oil and gas. Under the terms of the agreement, Tandem Energy Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tandem Energy Holdings, owning substantially all of its assets, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Platinum Energy. Platinum Energy will pay $105 million in cash and fees and will be guaranteed $5 million in working capital. Platinum Energy will be responsible for capital expenditures as of January 1, 2006.
Tandem's producing properties are located primarily in Texas and New Mexico. On September 30, 2005, Tandem's estimated net proved reserves were 8.849 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE), of which approximately 64% were crude oil and 36% were natural gas. 34.4% of its total reserves were Proven Developed Producing (PDP's). Preliminary due diligence has revealed expected low-risk probable reserves and "behind pipe" opportunities of an additional 16 million BOE.

Barry Kostiner, chief executive officer of Platinum Energy, stated, "Tandem's strong producing properties combined with its development opportunity are a perfect foundation on which to execute our business plan of optimizing profit irrespective of the global energy market's performance. We look forward to building on the attractive value created by Tandem's management."

"We are looking forward to working with Platinum Energy throughout the merger process," said Tim Culp, president and CEO of Tandem Energy Holdings. "Our low-risk oil and gas resources fit very well into Platinum's stated business strategy."

James Dorman, executive vice president, geology of Platinum Energy said, "As the head of the geology team, I am extremely excited about the potential of Tandem's diverse properties. We will have the unique opportunity to build on Tandem's current proven reserves substantially by utilizing a low-cost drilling program."

Platinum Energy, based in Montvale, New Jersey, was incorporated in April 2005 to acquire an operating business in the energy industry. Platinum Energy completed its initial public offering on October 24, 2005, receiving net proceeds of approximately $106 million through the sale of 14.4 million units of its securities at $8.00 per unit. Each unit was comprised of one share of Platinum Energy common stock and one redeemable and convertible common stock purchase warrant having an exercise price of $6.00. Platinum Energy holds over $105 million in a trust account maintained by an independent trustee, which will be released to the company upon the closing of the merger with Tandem (less any amounts returned to Platinum Energy stockholders who elect to convert their shares to cash in accordance with Platinum Energy's charter).

Merger Conditions

The closing of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including Platinum Energy stockholder approval of the merger. In addition, the closing is conditioned on holders of fewer than 20 percent of the shares of Platinum Energy issued in the IPO voting against the business combination and electing to convert their Platinum Energy shares into cash, as permitted by the Platinum Energy certificate of incorporation. The Platinum Energy initial stockholders, officers and directors, who hold approximately 20% of Platinum Energy's voting stock, have agreed to vote their shares on the merger in accordance with the vote of the majority of the non-affiliated Platinum Energy stockholders. If approved by Platinum Energy stockholders, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2006.

About Platinum Energy Resources, Inc.

Platinum Energy Resources is a special purpose acquisition corporation seeking to acquire assets or operating businesses in the global oil and gas exploration and production industry. Platinum Energy anticipates aggressively building a portfolio of assets using multiple acquisitions subsequent to its first acquisition which will require approval of shareholders in the amount of 80% of those voting. Platinum Energy's strategy calls for the aggressive use of hedging strategies to optimize profit irrespective of the performance of the global energy market's performance.

About Tandem Energy Holdings Inc.

Tandem Energy Holdings Inc. is an oil and gas exploration and development company based in Midland, Texas. The Company's activities are focused on low- risk properties in Texas and New Mexico.


Investor and Media Contact

Alan Katz

Cubit Jacobs & Prosek Communications for Platinum Energy Resources

212-279-3115 ext. 211

alan@cjpcom.com


Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, about Platinum Energy, Tandem and their combined business after completion of the proposed merger. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Platinum Energy' and Tandem's management, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: Business conditions in the U.S. and abroad; changing interpretations of generally accepted accounting principles; outcomes of government reviews; inquiries and investigations and related litigation; continued compliance with government regulations; legislation or regulatory environments, requirements or changes adversely affecting the businesses in which Tandem is engaged; fluctuations in oil and gas prices and in customer demand; management of rapid growth; intensity of competition; general economic conditions; as well as other relevant risks detailed in Platinum Energy' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its report on Form 10-QSB for the period ended September 30, 2005. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. Neither Platinum Energy nor Tandem assumes any obligation to update the information contained in this press release.

Additional Information

Platinum Energy stockholders are urged to read the proxy statement regarding the proposed transaction when it becomes available because it will contain important information. Copies of filings by Platinum Energy, which will contain information about Platinum Energy and Tandem, will be available without charge, when filed, at the Securities and Exchange Commission's internet site (http://www.sec.gov), and, when filed, will be available from Platinum Energy, without charge, by directing a request to Platinum Energy Resources, 3 Paragon Drive, Montvale, NJ 07654.

The respective directors and executive officers of Platinum Energy and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed merger. Information regarding Platinum Energy's directors and executive officers is available in its Prospectus dated October 24, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 26, 2005. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission when they become available.

SOURCE Platinum Energy Resources, Inc.


CONTACT: Investor and Media, Alan Katz of Cubit Jacobs & Prosek Communications for

Platinum Energy Resources, +1-212-279-3115, ext. 211, alan@cjpcom.com


URL: http://www.prnewswire.com

www.prnewswire.com

Copyright (C) 2006 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.



KEYWORD: New York

Texas

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OIL

OTC

SUBJECT CODE: TNM

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26.01.2006 14:43
US Vorbörse mit anhaltend fester Tendenz



http://img.godmode-trader.de/charts/8/2005/4044.gif

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Sybase Reports 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Results, Exceeding First Call EPS Consensus Estimates - Annual License Revenues Increase 6% Year-Over Year - Annual Mobile & Wireless Business Grows 23% Year-Over-Year

Jan 26, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Sybase, Inc. (NYSE: SY), a leading provider of enterprise infrastructure and wireless software, today reported financial results for the 2005 fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2005.
For the year, total revenues increased 4% to $818.7 million from $788.5 million for 2004. Total license revenue for the year increased 6% to $291.7 million from $275.9 million in 2004. Pro forma operating income increased 11% to $148.9 million, representing 18% margin. Operating income calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for 2005 increased 36% to $121.9 million, representing 15% margin. Pro forma net income for the year increased to $117.8 million, or earnings per diluted share of $1.26. This compares with pro forma net income of $101.6 million, or earnings per diluted share of $1.04, for 2004. GAAP net income for 2005 increased to $85.6 million, or GAAP EPS of $0.92, compared with GAAP net income of $68.0 million, or GAAP EPS of $0.69 for 2004.

Total revenues for the fourth quarter increased to $223.0 million compared with $218.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2004. License revenues grew 5% to $91.3 million for the 2005 fourth quarter compared with $87.2 million for the same quarter a year ago.

Pro forma operating income for the 2005 fourth quarter was $50.2 million, representing 23% operating margin, compared with pro forma operating income of $51.6 million, or 24% operating margin, for the fourth quarter of 2004.

GAAP operating income for the 2005 fourth quarter was $43.4 million, representing 19% operating margin, compared with operating income of $34.4 million, or 16% operating margin for the fourth quarter of 2004.

Pro forma net income for the fourth quarter reached $42.0 million, or earnings of $0.45 per share on a diluted basis (EPS). This compares with pro forma net income of $38.5 million, or EPS of $0.40 for the 2004 fourth quarter.

GAAP net income for the 2005 fourth quarter was $28.4 million, or EPS of $0.31. This compares with GAAP net income of $24.1 million, or EPS of $0.25 for the fourth quarter of 2004.

Pro forma amounts exclude amortization of certain expenses including certain purchased intangibles, unearned stock-based compensation, and restructuring costs. Accompanying this release is a reconciliation of pro forma and GAAP amounts for the 2005 fourth quarter and year-end.

"We're very pleased with our performance for the year, which marks another solid year for Sybase. We achieved our financial objectives on revenue and EPS growth, margin improvement, and cash flow from operations, as promised at the beginning of the year," said John Chen, chairman, CEO and president of Sybase.

"Sybase benefited from strong growth in our mobile/wireless business and renewed growth in our database business," added Mr. Chen. "The mobile/wireless revenues increased 23% year-over-year, while the combined license revenue from our analytics engine, Sybase IQ, and our flagship database, Adaptive Server Enterprise, grew 9% in 2005.

"We're looking forward to continuing our strong performance in 2006," concluded Mr. Chen.

Balance Sheet and Other Data

At December 31, 2005, Sybase reported $865.3 million in cash and cash investments, including restricted cash of $5.4 million. The company generated $38.5 million in cash flow from operations in the fourth quarter and $170 million for the full year.

Sybase repurchased approximately $24.5 million worth of its stock during the 2005 fourth quarter. The company repurchased a total of $169.1 million worth of its stock in 2005. Approximately $59.6 million remains authorized in the company's current share repurchase program.

Days sales outstanding for the fourth quarter was 68 days.


About Sybase, Inc.

Sybase is the largest global enterprise software company exclusively focused on managing and mobilizing information from the data center to the point of action. Sybase provides open, cross-platform solutions that securely deliver information anytime, anywhere, enabling customers to create an information edge. The world's most critical data in commerce, finance, government, healthcare, and defense runs on Sybase. For more information, visit the Sybase Website: http://www.sybase.com.

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Phase III Medical Completes Acquisition of NeoStem, Inc., an Adult Stem Cell Company

MELVILLE, N.Y., Jan 26, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Phase III Medical, Inc. (Phase III) (OTCBB: PHSM), has completed the acquisition of NeoStem, Inc., a company that specializes in the collection and storage of adult stem cells.
Pursuant to the terms of the acquisition, Phase III, through its wholly owned subsidiary, has purchased certain assets, properties and rights of NeoStem that relate to its adult stem cell collection and storage business in exchange for the issuance of 5,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock and the assumption of certain of NeoStem's liabilities.

Executives from NeoStem have joined with Phase III executives to form the management of the new enterprise, which will focus on the business of NeoStem, a commercial autologous (donor and recipient are the same) adult stem cell bank pioneering the pre-disease collection, processing and storage of stem cells that donors can access for their own present and future medical treatment. The new Company's objective is to be the leading provider of adult stem cells for therapeutic use in the burgeoning field of regenerative medicine, including treatment for heart disease, certain types of cancer and other critical health problems.

Mark Weinreb, President and CEO, Phase III, said, "We are extremely pleased to complete this acquisition and look forward to working hard in the coming year to drive growth and position our new Company for leadership in this critical new medical arena."

Larry May, previously CEO of NeoStem, Inc. and now a member of the Phase III management team, noted, "The merger of these two companies creates a company with great potential. The business knowledge and experience of Phase III management in the life science industry, combined with NeoStem's unique capabilities to collect and store adult stem cells, present an extraordinary opportunity to provide an important service in the emerging stem cell industry."

About Phase III Medical. Inc.

Phase III Medical, Inc. (OTCBB: PHSM), a Delaware corporation, is an innovative, publicly traded company that, through the acquisition of NeoStem, is positioned to become a leader in the adult stem cell field and to capitalize on the increasing importance the Company believes adult stem cells will play in the future of regenerative medicine. The management and board of directors and advisors of Phase III have collective experience in life science marketing, business management, and financial expertise, as well as significant technical, medical and scientific experience.

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Norfolk Southern Corp. reports 37 percent increase in profits

NEW YORK, Jan 26, 2006 (The Virginian-Pilot - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) -- Norfolk Southern Corp.'s outgoing chairman David Goode was anything but retiring Wednesday as he capped his nearly 14-year run as the railroad's top executive with record results, smashing the expectations of Wall Street. A beaming Goode eagerly jumped right into the Norfolk-based company's quarterly and annual financials, skipping his usual discussion of its safety record at what was his last quarterly meeting with rail stock analysts in midtown Manhattan. "By any standard, Norfolk Southern reported a remarkably strong performance in 2005," said Goode, who will be succeeded as the railroad's chairman by Wick Moorman on Wednesday. Norfolk Southern earned $362 million, or 87 cents per share, in the October-to-December quarter. That's up 37 percent from the same period last year when it made $264 million, or 65 cents per share. For all of 2005, Norfolk Southern earned $1.28 billion, or $3.11 a share, up nearly 39 percent from 2004's $923 million, or $2.31 a share. Results for both years include some one-time gains and charges but largely reflect the railroad's revenue growth and operating performance. The results easily exceeded the average expectations of analysts who had projected Norfolk Southern would earn 75 cents per share in the fourth quarter and $2.70 a share for the year, according to Nelson Information. The railroad's stock surged $1.84 to an all-time high of $47.64 a share in trading Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange. "Great job on the quarter," Merrill Lynch analyst Ken Hoexter told the railroad's executives during a question-and-answer session after the presentation. Hoexter issued a report titled "Norfolk Southern Blows Past Targets" later Wednesday, reiterating his "buy" recommendation for the railroad's stock and crediting the railroad's strong revenue growth for the gains. Norfolk Southern railroad generated $2.26 billion in revenue for the quarter and $8.53 billion for all of 2005, increases of 16 percent and 17 percent , respectively. Much of the revenue growth came from increased rates the railroad is able to charge its customers, but volumes also grew. While revenue per unit jumped 13 percent for the year, volume was up 4 percent. The railroad experienced revenue growth across all its lines of business, led by a 22 percent gain in its coal-hauling franchise. Its so-called intermodal business -- the shipment of truck trailers and international shipping containers -- saw 19 percent revenue growth. The intermodal growth was driven in large part by shipments of containers inland from ports in Hampton Roads; Savannah, Ga.; New York and New Jersey, said Ike Prillaman, Norfolk Southern's vice chairman and chief marketing officer. International shipping lines are increasingly using East Coast ports for imports from Asia, Prillaman said. In its merchandise sector, Norfolk Southern's 13 percent revenue growth was driven by volume gains in its agricultural, paper, and metals and construction materials businesses, Prillaman said. However, volumes slipped in both its chemicals and automotive sectors. The chemical business was down because of disruptions caused by last year's hurricanes along the Gulf Coast, while the automotive decline reflects the domestic auto industry's troubles, Prillaman said. And, while its overall coal franchise is strong, driven by demand from electric utilities, its export coal business faltered in 2005 with shipments slipping 11 percent. Norfolk Southern serves coal export terminals in Norfolk and Baltimore. Demand from Europe and Asia for U.S. coal used in steel-making declined even as supply was constricted by production problem's at Consol's Buchanan mine in southwestern Virginia, Prillaman said. Even as Norfolk Southern beat Wall Street's best estimates, executives expressed some caution about 2006. Prillaman estimated that Norfolk Southern would lose between $35 million and $40 million of revenue from plant closings announced recently by Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. Increasing diesel fuel costs, especially as the railroad phases out a price- hedging program, will prove a "headwind" in 2006, as will rising wage and benefit costs, said Henry Wolf, Norfolk Southern's vice chairman and chief financial officer. I mplementation of a new rule for accounting for stock options will result in about $20 million to $25 million in added compensation costs in the current quarter, Wolf said. Despite the cautionary words, Norfolk Southern officials remained optimistic about the economy and the railroad's opportunities. "I have every expectation that NS will continue to push ahead, and we will gain new business and margin expansion," said Moorman, the president and chief executive officer. Independent rail analyst Anthony B. Hatch of ABH Consulting in New York says Norfolk Southern will continue to take advantage of what he calls the railroad renaissance. "If you had told me that automotive and export coal were struggling, I would have assumed that the obstacles would have been too big to overcome for NS," Hatch said. He credits Goode and his team for transforming Norfolk Southern by adding a dimension of market savvy to what was an operationally and financially sound, yet old-school railroad. When Goode assumed the mantle of chairman in 1992, Norfolk Southern was a coal and merchandise carrier serving the Southeast. During his tenure he engineered the break-up of Conrail Inc.'s northeastern rail network with rival CSX Corp. after a contentious takeover battle. In the process, Norfolk Southern assumed billions of long-term debt and encountered operational difficulties, but Goode and his team managed the railroad through it. In the past two years, the railroad's stock has doubled as its results have steadily improved. Wednesday's "outstanding" announcement capped it off, Hatch said. "This has been a very good year," Hatch said. "These are flashy numbers from an 'unflashy' company." The numbers were f lashy enough to leave Moorman wondering how he's going to improve on them . "This quarter he's raised the bar to the point where I look up and my heart beats a little faster," Moorman said of the outgoing chairman. Goode will remain at the railroad through February, traveling to talk to and thank employees, he said. H e will serve out his term on the railroad's board, which ends in May. He is looking forward to some down time with his wife and two grown daughters after what he called an "intense" tenure as Norfolk Southern's chairman. He doesn't know what else retirement holds for him, but he said he has agreed to join the board of the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk and another public company, though that has yet to be announced. Goode admits that passing the mantle to Moorman is bittersweet. However, "it's certainly fun to be able to retire with something like this," he said . Reach Chris Dinsmore at (757) 446-2271 or chris.dinsmore@pilotonline.com.
By Christopher Dinsmore

Copyright

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Baldwin Technology Q2 Net Income Up 75%

SHELTON, Conn., Jan 26, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Baldwin Technology Company, Inc. (AMEX: BLD), a leading global manufacturer of press accessories and control equipment, announced today that net income for the second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005 rose 75% to $1,383,000, or $0.09 per diluted share, up from $788,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, from the comparable quarter last year. Currency translation negatively impacted quarterly net income by $208,000.
Net sales for the quarter were $43,826,000, compared to $41,232,000 for the second quarter last year, an increase of more than 6%. However, excluding the unfavorable effects of currency translation of $3,524,000 in the quarter, sales would have increased by close to 15%.

Net sales for the six months ended December 31, 2005 of $86,471,000 represented an increase of more than 6% from net sales of $81,229,000 for the six months ended December 31, 2004. Excluding the effects of currency translation, net sales grew by more than 11%. Year-to-date net income was $2,576,000, or $0.17 per diluted share, compared to $1,507,000, or $0.10 per diluted share, for the comparable six-month period in the prior year. The currency impact decreased year-to-date net income by $213,000.

Backlog at the end of the quarter was $51,580,000, essentially flat when compared to the level at September 30, 2005, but up approximately 7% from the beginning of the fiscal year.

Vijay C. Tharani, Vice President and CFO, commented, "Earnings improved significantly in comparison to the same quarter last year despite the loss of royalty income from expired patents. Our gross margin percentage improved by about 3% quarter over quarter, and our interest expense was less than half of the comparable quarter's figure of a year ago. I am particularly pleased with the strength of our top-line growth, which was approximately 15% excluding the effects of currency. In addition, our operating cash flows for the quarter were approximately $2,800,000."

President and COO Karl S. Puehringer, said, "The second quarter results reflected another strong business performance by Baldwin Technology. Printing markets worldwide continued to see steady, stable growth. At the same time, however, market dynamics are driving a growing need in the industry to aggressively reduce costs and improve press productivity. This translates into more demand for the type of process automation that Baldwin Technology's products provide the market."

Chairman and CEO Gerald A. Nathe added, "Our products and their benefits will be on display during the next several months at exhibitions such as Graphitec in France and IPEX in England as well as other shows in America and Asia. We remain optimistic about our business prospects, and we see additional opportunities in the global printing accessory and controls business."

Baldwin will review its second quarter results and discuss its business outlook during a conference call today beginning at 11 a.m. EST. Call-in information is available on the company's website at http://www.baldwintech.com under the Investor Relations section. Interested investors are encouraged to log onto the website and either participate in the call or access the webcast and replay of the call.

Participating in the call will be Baldwin Technology Chairman and CEO Gerald Nathe, President and COO Karl Puehringer and Vice President and CFO Vijay Tharani.

About Baldwin

Baldwin Technology Company, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of press accessories and controls for the commercial and newspaper printing industries. Baldwin offers its customers a broad range of market-leading technologies, products and systems that enhance the quality of printed products and improve the economic and environmental efficiency of printing presses. Headquartered in Shelton, Ct., the company has sales and service centers, product development and manufacturing operations in the Americas, Asia and Europe. Baldwin's technology and products include cleaning systems, fluid management and ink control systems, web press protection systems and drying systems. For more information, visit http://www.baldwintech.com.

Investors may contact Frank Hawkins or Julie Marshall at (305) 451-1888 or e-mail info@hawkassociates.com. For an online investment kit, visit http://www.hawkassociates.com. An investment profile about Baldwin Technology may be found at http://www.hawkassociates.com/baldwin/profile.htm.

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AIG Edison Life Replaces Siebel With Onyx; Leading Japan-based Insurance Company Replaces Siebel With More Cost-effective Solution

BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan 26, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Onyx(R) Software Corporation (Nasdaq: ONXS), a worldwide leader in customer management solutions for the enterprise, today announced that AIG Edison Life Insurance, a Tokyo-based division of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG), world leaders in insurance and financial services, has selected Onyx to support its ongoing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategy and business growth. AIG Edison Life is leveraging the Onyx Migration program, announced September 28, 2005, to replace a Siebel (Nasdaq: SEBL) implementation that had proven extremely costly to maintain.
"After considering our options, it was clear that AIG Edison had to re-address our CRM strategy. Our current CRM environment with our current vendor was requiring a lot of maintenance for every AIG Edison product change, and an upgrade to the latest supported web-based version was going to cost over one million dollars," said Tohru Futami, chief information officer of AIG Edison Life. "Thus, AIG Edison wanted to be able to leverage work being done by other projects in AIG Japan since Onyx was chosen as the standard in June 2004," continued Futami.

AIG Edison determined that an Onyx solution would provide the best integration with their current systems, a strong analytical tool set, and an architecture that would allow them to scale as they grow, at a cost effective price. "The Onyx solution will be seamlessly deployed into our existing architecture and require minimum resources to maintain. That's a very important consideration to AIG Edison Life as our CRM software needs to enable us to scale up to support our growing business. Onyx stood clearly above its competitors for AIG Edison Life -- it's the ideal solution for our needs," concluded Futami.

"Enterprise CRM customers like AIG Edison are naturally concerned with the future and ongoing costs of their existing CRM infrastructure in light of recent market events," said Todd Chambers, chief marketing officer of Onyx Software. "AIG Edison understands that Onyx provides them with an enterprise solution that will support them as they continue to grow."

About AIG

American International Group, Inc. (AIG), world leaders in insurance and financial services, is the leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional and individual customers through the most extensive worldwide property-casualty and life insurance networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of retirement services, financial services and asset management around the world. AIG's common stock is listed in the U.S. on the New York Stock Exchange and ArcaEx, as well as the stock exchanges in London, Paris, Switzerland and Tokyo. For more information visit www.aig.com.

About Onyx Software

Onyx Software Corporation (Nasdaq: ONXS) is a worldwide leader in customer management and process software for mid and large size enterprises. Onyx provides flexible solutions that enable organizations to automate, manage, and evolve their customer processes quickly and cost-effectively for strategic advantage. By providing an integrated suite of customer process automation applications encompassing customer management, process management, and analytics capabilities, Onyx enables enterprises to reduce costs, increase productivity and grow revenue. Major companies are aligning their customer-facing departments and managing their customer processes with Onyx software -- companies such as Amway Corporation, Mellon Financial Corporation, The Regence Group and State Street Corporation. More information can be found at 888-ASK-ONYX, info@onyx.com or http://www.onyx.com.

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LaCrosse Footwear Opens New Sourcing Office in China Focus on Improved Efficiency and Flexibility While Maintaining High Product Quality

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan 26, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. (Nasdaq: BOOT), a leading provider of branded work and outdoor footwear for expert users, announced the opening of its first sourcing office, located in Zhong Shan, China, in the heart of the Pearl River Delta manufacturing district.
The new China location offers a number of key benefits including: reducing LaCrosse's product development timelines; increasing the Company's ability to diversify its sourcing and improve the delivery of premium-quality footwear; and allowing for closer monitoring of the production process to comply with the Company's high quality standards. Approximately 20% of LaCrosse Footwear's manufacturing takes place in its US facility and 80% in China.

"We are continually striving to improve our efficiency, product quality and the reliability of our manufacturing base," said Joseph P. Schneider, President and CEO. "We also see the ability to develop products quickly and efficiently as key to being competitive in today's ever-changing marketplace. The opening of our China office is a significant step for us in our long-term strategy to become a global leader in premium, branded footwear."

"We are also thrilled to have Steve Schneider overseeing our Asian operations as Country Manager. Steve brings a wealth of expertise as a long-time footwear professional with extensive experience developing and manufacturing rubber and leather footwear in Asia."

About LaCrosse Footwear

LaCrosse Footwear is a leading developer and marketer of branded, premium and innovative footwear for expert work and outdoor users. The Company's trusted Danner(R) and LaCrosse(R) brands are distributed domestically through a nationwide network of specialty retailers and distributors, and internationally through distributors in Asia and Europe. Work customers include people in law enforcement, agriculture, firefighting, construction, industry, military services and other occupations that need high-performance and protective footwear as a critical tool for the job. Outdoor customers include people active in hunting, outdoor cross training, hiking and other outdoor recreational activities. For more information about LaCrosse Footwear products or to locate a dealer, please visit our Internet websites at www.lacrossefootwear.com, www.danner.com, www.firetechboots.com and www.lacrossesafety.com. For additional investor information, see our corporate website at www.lacrossefootwearinc.com.

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L-3 Communications Link Simulation and Training Division Awarded $33.4 Million Option to Build AVCATT Helicopter Training Systems

NEW YORK, Jan 26, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Link Simulation and Training (Link) division has been awarded a $33.4 million follow-on production contract to build four additional U.S. Army Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) suites.
Under this award Link will be building the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth AVCATT suites ordered by the U.S. Army to date. These four AVCATT suites will be delivered during 2007. The U.S. Army currently has plans to acquire 23 AVCATT trainer suites. Link has been prime contractor on AVCATT since the program's award in 1999 and is providing both the U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard with helicopter training systems that support realistic, high-intensity virtual combat training.

"Award of this new production option closely coincides with positive reports coming from our U.S. Army and U.S. Army National Guard users as to how AVCATT systems are better preparing aviators to execute company-level missions involving a wide range of helicopter assets in a high threat environment," said Lenny Genna, vice president of U.S. Army programs for Link. "We are very pleased to have received this contract option and look forward to continuing to deliver AVCATT training suites that help prepare Army aviators to succeed on the battlefield."

AVCATT's networked training capability includes the ability to be interoperable with the U.S. Army's Close Combat Tactical Trainer system, the service's currently fielded mechanized armor training system. This interoperable combined arms training capability provides an unprecedented level of training realism, involving both simulated air and mechanized armor vehicle forces.

AVCATT suites consist of two mobile 53-foot trailers that house six reconfigurable simulators, a battle master control room and an after-action review theater. The AVCATT simulators can be reconfigured to represent any combination of AH-64D, AH-64A, OH-58D, UH-60 and CH-47D platforms.

During a simulated AVCATT exercise, commanders can mix and match rotary wing platforms to best support the training objective. Friendly and opposing intelligent semi-automated forces, communications degradation, adverse weather effects and visual, infrared and radio frequency clutter all contribute to AVCATT's ability to support realistic training.

AVCATT's battle master control station, home to the battle master, training unit observer controller, semi-automated force controller and role players, provides the capability to monitor and record each unit's mission performance. Four role player stations in the battle master control room enable individuals to serve as artillery, joint air support, ground, engineer or logistics force commanders.

When a mission is completed, the recorded data and video is presented in the after-action review theater. During this mission debrief, aircrews review their performance and determine which skills or tactics need to be further honed. The after-action review theater can also be used to view training in progress.

Link Simulation and Training is a systems integration organization that delivers and supports training systems and equipment to enhance operational proficiency. Link's services include conducting front-end analysis, program design, simulator design and production and field support. Link has major operations in Arlington, TX, and other key bases of operation in Binghamton, NY; Orlando, FL; Broken Arrow, OK and Phoenix, AZ.

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.

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Teryl Resources Corp. Announces New Gold Targets Located by the 2005 Exploration Activities on the Gil Joint Venture

FAIRBANKS, Alaska, Jan 26, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Teryl Resources Corp. (TSX VENTURE:TRC)(Pink Sheets:TRYLF) is pleased to announce an exploration update for the Gil Joint Venture as follows:
Exploration Introduction

The objective of the 2005 Gil Venture exploration program was to generate new gold targets by integrating geologic and geochemical information with newly acquired geophysical data. Work by Fairbanks Gold Mining Inc./Kinross Gold consisted of an update of the geologic database and a high-resolution electromagnetic (HEM) airborne geophysical survey.

The database update began in January and continued intermittently throughout the year. Work focused on revising soil sample locations using updated GPS coordinates, compiling data for geologic map production and revising the resource model. Additional database work is planned for the first quarter of 2006.

In July, Fugro Airborne Surveys Inc., under contract to Fairbanks Gold Mining Inc./Kinross Gold, initiated an HEM airborne geophysical survey of the area. HydroGeophysics Inc. interpreted the geophysical data and identified several targets within the Gil Joint Venture claim block. Additional geophysical analysis is scheduled for 2006.

In July of 2005, Hydrogeophysics Inc. (HGI) delivered an interpretation map with recommendations for geological and geophysical follow-up based on the low resolution geophysical data. Two target areas were identified and recommended for further geologic and geophysical investigation within the Gil Joint Venture area. These targets are as follows:

1) Last Chance Creek

This target occurs on a shear zone approximately 3.1 miles east and 1.2 miles south of the Fort Knox Mine in close proximity to the south end of an interpreted intrusive. The claims in this area are part of the Gil Joint Venture or are held by Fairbanks Gold Mining Inc.

2) Too Much Gold Creek

The Too Much Gold Creek target lies on a shear located on the west edge of an intrusive approximately 6.2 miles east and 1.8 miles north of the Fort Knox Mine. This target is largely located within the Gil Joint Venture, although a portion lies in the Fish Creek Claims. The Fish Creek claims are 50% owned by Linux Gold Corp. and optioned to Teryl Resources Corp., but are not part of the Joint Venture.

The final interpretation was completed on December 16th, 2005 and outlined six areas of interest within or partially within the Gil Joint Venture. Drill holes for three of these target areas were proposed within the Gil Joint Venture.

Gil Joint Venture Recommendations

The goal of the 2006 Gil Joint Venture exploration program should initially focus on completing an overall update of the database. This would include the production of new geologic and geochemical maps. Fieldwork should consist of mapping and sampling across interpreted geophysical and geochemical anomalies. This updated information could then be integrated with the geophysical data to further define existing exploration targets or generate new targets in the Gil Joint Venture claim block.

About Teryl Resources Corp.

With interests in four gold properties, Teryl Resources Corp. is one of the main landowners in the Fairbanks Mining District, Alaska. The Gil project is a joint venture (80% Kinross/20% Teryl) with Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX: K; NYSE: KGC). The Company's holdings also include the Fish Creek Claims, 50% optioned from Linux Gold Corp. (OTC BB: LNXGF), and the Stepovich Claims, where Teryl has a 10% net profit interest from Kinross. The Company also has a 100%-interest in the West Ridge property, and has obtained a mining lease on the adjoining Fox Creek Claims. Teryl Resources Corp. also has one joint venture silver prospect located in Northern BC, Canada. For further information visit the Company's website at http://www.terylresources.com.

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Bush kritisiert GM und Ford

In Detroit ist die Stimmung trübe. Die Automobilindustrie steckt in einer schweren Krise, allein in dieser Woche hat man etwa 35 000 Entlassungen bei Ford und DaimlerChrysler und einen Verlustvon 5 Milliarden Dollar bei GM gemendet. Und jetzt kommt auch noch Schelte aus Washington, wo man eigentlich Hilfe erwartet hatte.

Seit langem nämlich versuchen General Motors und Ford, die Milliardenlöcher in ihren Pensionskassen vom Steuerzahler auffüllen zu lassen. Und dank guter Beziehungen zu Bush & Co. war das gar kein allzu gewagter Gedanke. Zwar verhandeln die Unternehmen weiter mit der Gewerkschaft über Zugeständnisse von Mitarbeitern und Pensionären sowie eine künftige höhere Eigenbeteiligung an der Krankenversicherung, doch war die Notlösung Washington immer ein durchaus realistisches Szenario.

Nun die Absage. „Statt in Washington auf Hilfe zu hoffen, sollen die einfach bessere Autos bauen“, knurrt Präsident George W. Bush nach Informationen des Wall Street Journal. Das sind ganz neue Töne gegenüber der Industrie. Doch trifft Bush ausnahmsweise einmal den Nagel auf den Kopf. Kritische Experten sagen schon lange, dass ein Auto-Hersteller nicht nur wegen hoher Pensionsverpflichtungen in Schwierigkeiten sein kann, sondern immer auch weil er nicht genug Autos verkauft.

In den Sorgen um Renten und Versicherungen, Bilanzen und Entlassungen haben GM und Ford längst ihr Kerngeschäft vergessen. Aktuelle Umfragen vom Marktforscher J.D. Powers zeigen das. Das Institut führt seit Jahren Statistik über die Zuverlässigkeit aller möglichen Modelle und notiert, welcher Wagen in den ersten drei Jahren wie oft zur Reparatur muss.

Eines vorweg: Die Amerikaner haben sich in den letzten beiden Jahren gegenüber der japanischen Konkurrenz durchaus verbessert. Im Luxus-Segment, zum Beispiel, fahren die Detroit-Marken Lincoln, Cadillac und Buick nur knapp hinter Porsche und Lexus und haben die teuren Serien von Toyota ebenso abgehängt wie die Luxustöchter Infiniti von Nissan und Acura von Honda.

Unterhalb der Oberklasse sieht es weniger gut aus, da fahren GM und Ford im internationelen Vergleich nur im Mittelfeld mit.

Fast durchweg enttäuschend fallen allerdings Verbraucherumfragen aus, die J.D. Powers neben den Wartungsstatistiken führt. In der Meinung der Verbraucher kommen die amerikanischen Marken deutlich schlechter Weg als Toyota und Subaru, und selbst die technisch etwas abgeschlagene Markt Suzuki bekommt in vielen Kategorien besere Noten.

Die Diskrepanz beruht größtenteils darauf, dass Autofahrer längst andere Schwerpunkte setzen als die Unternehmen. Die bauen zwar sicherere Autos als früher, konzentrieren sich sonst aber eher auf Zubehör und bessere Ausstattung statt auf wesentliche Dinge wie den Motor. Der verbraucht bei GM und Ford noch immer mehr als bei den Asiaten, und in Zeiten hoher Benzinpreise ist das ein schlagendes Argument für oder gegen den Kauf eines Autos – das zeigt nicht zuletzt die unterdurchschnittliche Bewertung der GM-Luxuskiste Hummer, der übelsten Spritschleuder auf amerikanischen Straßen.

Laut einer aktuellen Statistik der US-Umweltministeriums EPA verbaucht der durchschnittliche Kleinwagen bei GM 7,6 Liter auf 100 Kilometer, bei Ford ganze 8,6 Liter. Das Vergleichsmodell kommt bei Toyota mit 6,6 Litern und bei Honda mit 6,2 Litern aus. In der Mittelklasse sieht es nicht anders aus, und erst bei Kleinbussen und SUV gleichen sich die Zahlen etwas an, immer noch mit einem Vorteil für die Asiaten.

Ein weiteres Problem für US-Wagen sind die zahlreichen Rückruf-Aktionen. Sorgfältiges Arbeiten und bessere Kontrollen bei Zulieferern hätten GM und Ford in den letzten Jahren hunderte Millionen Dollar gespart und das Image bewahrt. Das nämlich leidet auch unter einer Rückrufaktion, wenn nur ein kleines, noch so bedeutungsloses Plastikteil ausgetauscht werden muss. Ein Grund mehr für GM, sich bei den Verhandlungen mit dem wichtigsten Zulieferer Delphi auf das Wesentliche zu konzentrieren. Das dürfte jetzt aber auch leichter fallen, denn der verlockende Ausweg nach Washington scheint nun erst einmal blockiert zu sein.

Lars Halter

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Maritime Disaster

By Lawrence Carrel
January 26, 2006


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Brunswick Corporation (BC1)

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Share price as of Wednesday's close: $41.44
Share price now: $36.04
Change: -13.0%
Volume: 6.9 million shares, daily average 677,000 shares
Last time this low: Oct. 27, 2005
52-week high: $49.77
52-week low: $35.00
Forward P/E before announcement: 11.2 (based on $3.70 a share)
Forward P/E after announcement: 10.8 (based on $3.35 a share)

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INVESTORS WERE IN no mood to go down with this ship maker.
Despite a 52% increase in Brunswick's (BC2) fourth-quarter profits, shares of the manufacturer of pleasure boats, bowling balls and billiards tables slipped 13% to $36.04 on Thursday. Wall Street was put off by the Lake Forest, Ill., company's disappointing outlook for 2006, which placed earnings well below analysts' expectations.

"We see nothing which indicates retail demand across the marine industry will be anything but flat with 2005," said Dustan McCoy, Brunswick's chairman and chief executive, in a written statement. "In fact, there could be downward pressures on marine retail demand driven by economic weakness in certain markets such as the Midwest."

Fourth-quarter earnings swelled to $88.3 million, or 90 cents a share, from $58.8 million, or 59 cents, in the year-ago quarter. Excluding a one-time tax benefit, Brunswick posted earnings of 73 cents a share, a penny better than the Thomson First Call consensus estimate. Revenues increased 12% to $1.49 billion.

But 2006 guidance drenched shareholders. The company said it would earn 56 cents to 60 cents a share in the first quarter; analysts were looking for 73 cents. For the full year, Brunswick said sales would increase 6% to 8% and earnings would stay mostly flat, totaling $3.25 to $3.45 a share. The sales guidance was in-line with analysts' forecasts, but the earnings outlook wasn't even close. First Call's consensus stood at $3.88 a share.

Brunswick sells an array of leisure and fitness products including yachts, marine engines, Life Fitness and Hammer Strength home gyms, billiard tables, bowling gear and more. In 2005 boats contributed 47% of total sales and marine engines, 45%. The company's new technologies division sells things like satellite-based navigation systems and software for marine dealers.

Brunswick said all of its business segments contributed to its fourth-quarter sales gain, led by strong performances from boat brands Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Bayliner and Hatteras. By segment, fourth-quarter sales increased by 8% within the marine engine division, 19% in boats, 2% in fitness equipment, and 5% in billiard and bowling. Acquisitions helped, too, contributing half the sales increase. Operating margin for the quarter improved by half a percentage point to 6.8%.

The country's No. 1 boat maker by sales said it expects to post low- to midsingle digit sales growth for 2006 in its marine businesses on a combination of pricing, new products, 2005 acquisitions, share gains and growth in international markets. In its nonmarine businesses, fitness equipment sales are expected to increase in the high-single digits, and bowling and billiards sales, in the midsingle digits. The company said its new technologies division would "continue its fast-paced growth." In 2005 the unit's sales surged 76%.

"We're looking for 2006 [industry] sales to be very similar to 2005, flat in units but dollars up in the midsingle digits," says Thom Dammrich, president of the Chicago-based National Marine Manufacturers Association, a trade group representing 1,600 boat manufacturers. "Sales have been flat for a couple of years. The economy is growing, but the growth is expected to moderate and interest rates are going higher. We are being cautious because we don't know what will happen with oil prices. If everything goes our way, then this estimate will be conservative." McCoy, Brunswick's recently appointed CEO, is a member of the association's 32-member board of directors.

The disappointing forecast for Brunswick adds to investor unease over the December departure of CEO George Buckley. Analysts call Buckley a visionary who transformed the boating industry during his five years at the helm of Brunswick. Several say it was Buckley's skill with brand-building and technology that led industrial giant 3M (MMM3) to lure him to a CEO post there.

Quote:
"We believe the story has changed significantly — what is in part an ongoing turnaround story involving a 'reinvention' of the boating industry was supposed to drive significant margin expansion and earnings growth, and it appears that will not be the case this late into cycle," wrote Goldman Sachs analyst Jonathan Shapiro in a Thursday note downgrading the stock to Neutral from Outperform. "We do not believe investors were paying for top-line acceleration. That said, without margin expansion and with a potential slowdown in U.S. consumer [spending] not even in the numbers, we believe it is difficult to make a compelling argument for owning the shares." (Goldman Sachs has an investment-banking relationship with Brunswick.)

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Patriot Capital Funding Closes $9.15 Million ``One Stop'' Financing in Support of the Acquisition of Sidump'r Trailer Company by Gemini Investors and Timepiece Capital

WESTPORT, Conn., Jan 27, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Patriot Capital Funding, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCAP), a specialty finance company providing customized financing solutions to small- and mid-sized companies primarily in transactions initiated by private equity sponsors, today announced that it closed a $9.15 million "one stop" financing in support of the acquisition of Sidump'r Trailer Company ("Sidump'r") by Gemini Investors and Timepiece Capital. Sidump'r is a leading manufacturer of proprietary, patented bi-directional side dump trailers, primarily for the road construction, quarry and general construction industries.
"With a clear focus on the lower middle market, Gemini Investors and Timepiece Capital are a great fit for Patriot Capital Funding, and we are excited to be working with them on this transaction," said Richard Buckanavage, President and CEO of Patriot Capital Funding.

About Patriot Capital Funding, Inc.

Patriot Capital Funding, Inc. (www.patcapfunding.com) is a specialty finance company providing customized financing solutions to private equity sponsors focused on making investments in small- to mid-sized companies. Patriot Capital Funding typically invests in companies with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million, and which operate in diverse industry sectors. Investments usually take the form of senior secured loans, junior secured loans and subordinated debt investments - which may contain equity or equity-related instruments. Patriot Capital Funding also offers "one-stop" financing, which typically includes a revolving credit line, one or more senior term loans and a subordinated debt investment. Patriot Capital Funding also makes equity co-investments up to $2.0 million.

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Apollo Gold Closes Previously Announced US$3.5 Million Private Placement with Jipangu Inc.

DENVER, Jan 27, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Apollo Gold Corporation ("Apollo" or the "Company") (TSX: APG) (AMEX: AGT) is pleased to announce the closing of the US$3.5 million private placement with Jipangu Inc. on January 26, 2006, which the Company previously announced in its press release issued November 21, 2005. After giving effect to the closing, Jipangu owns 21,650,000 Apollo common shares, representing 18.2% of Apollo's issued and outstanding common shares, based on 119,106,451 common shares outstanding as of the close of business on January 26, 2006. In addition, Jipangu may be deemed to beneficially own an additional 2,000,000 common shares of Apollo, which are issuable upon exercise of the warrants Jipangu purchased in the private placement.
Mr. R. David Russell, Apollo's President and CEO, stated: "We are pleased to complete the closing of the private placement with Jipangu. Following completion of this closing, we will continue to focus our efforts on the Black Fox exploration and development program, which continues to exceed our expectations with high-grade gold intercepts and continued demonstration of continuity. The Company expects to release an updated Black Fox project NI 43-101 report in the first quarter of 2006, which we expect will outline both open pit and underground gold reserves. In addition, we expect to complete the Black Fox project feasibility study in the third quarter of 2006."

Black Fox Project

The Black Fox project is located along the Destor-Porcupine fault system within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, a world-class mining district that has yielded over 75 million ounces of cumulative gold production from renowned mines such as the Dome, Hoyle Pond, Hollinger, Holt McDermott and Harker Holloway. Black Fox was acquired by Apollo in late 2002 during a period of depressed metal prices as part of a strategic plan for the Company to explore and develop high-grade gold assets to replace its older and lower-grade producing properties.

Apollo Gold Corporation

Apollo Gold is a gold mining company with a mine in Montana, the Black Fox advanced stage development project in Ontario, Canada, and the Huizopa Project an early stage exploration project in the Sierra Madre Gold Belt in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Jipangu Inc.

Jipangu is a Tokyo-based gold mining and exploration company that also invests in companies that explore for and produce gold. Wellington West Capital Markets is acting as financial adviser to Jipangu in connection with the private placement.

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P&G Delivers Results Above Expectations - Raises Fiscal Year Outlook Strong Sales Growth on P&G and Gillette Drives Higher EPS Results

Jan 27, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) announced earnings per share for the October - December quarter of $0.72. Earnings growth was driven by strong sales growth on P&G and Gillette businesses. P&G's organic sales increased eight percent behind broad-based increases across all business units and geographies. Organic sales exclude the impact of acquisitions, divestitures, and foreign exchange. Reported net sales, which include the addition of the Gillette business, increased 27 percent.

Executive Summary

- Unit volume grew 27 percent. Organic volume, which excludes

acquisitions and divestitures, increased six percent. Organic volume

increased across every segment and every region.

- Net sales increased 27 percent to $18.34 billion. Organic sales, which

exclude acquisitions, divestitures and foreign exchange impacts, grew

eight percent. Organic sales for the Gillette business unit increased

six percent versus prior year pro forma results.

- Net earnings increased 29 percent to $2.55 billion driven largely by

the addition of Gillette. Diluted earnings per share were $0.72, in-

line with prior year results despite an estimated $0.06 - $0.07 of

dilution from the Gillette acquisition. The dilution estimate includes

$0.03 of one-time charges.

"Growth momentum on P&G and Gillette continues to be strong," said Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive A.G. Lafley. "Excellent topline growth enabled us to exceed earnings expectations in what we anticipate to be the most difficult cost quarter of the fiscal year. This quarter's results, a robust innovation pipeline, and good progress on the Gillette integration, give us the confidence to raise the earnings outlook for the fiscal year."

Quarterly Discussion

Unit volume increased 27 percent versus the prior year period driven by the addition of the Gillette business as well as strong base business growth. Organic volume, which excludes the impact of acquisitions and divestitures from year-over-year comparisons, increased six percent. Every business segment except Snacks and Coffee, which was impacted by Hurricane Katrina, delivered mid-single digit or higher organic volume growth. In addition, every geographic region delivered organic growth, with developing regions growing organic volume in the mid-teens.

Net sales increased 27 percent to $18.34 billion. Organic sales, which exclude acquisitions, divestitures and foreign exchange impacts, grew eight percent. Foreign exchange had a negative two percent impact on sales growth. Pricing and mix had a positive two percent impact on sales growth.

Net earnings increased 29 percent to $2.55 billion. Earnings growth was primarily driven by growth on the base P&G business and the addition of Gillette, partially offset by acquisition related costs, increased commodity prices and costs associated with Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina's impact on the Coffee business negatively affected earnings per share by about $0.01 in the quarter.

Diluted net earnings per share were $0.72, in-line with comparable prior year period results. Earnings per share included an estimated $0.06-$0.07 cents per share of dilution related to the Gillette acquisition. The dilution estimate includes $0.03 of one-time charges.

With regards to the Gillette integration, the company stated that it is making very strong progress on both the revenue and cost synergies and remains on track with its three year revenue and cost synergy commitments.


Key Financial Highlights

- Gross margin was 52.4 percent, even versus the prior year period.

Higher commodity costs reduced gross margin by about 150 basis points

in the quarter. Scale leverage, cost savings initiatives, pricing and

the mix benefits from the addition of Gillette offset the increase in

commodity costs.

- Selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A) improved as a

percentage of net sales by 50 basis points. This was primarily driven

by strong organic sales growth in the quarter that outpaced increases

in SG&A spending, as well as the favorable mix impacts of adding the

Gillette business. These benefits were partially offset by acquisition

expenses related to increased amortization costs.

- The company's operating cash flow for the quarter was $2.58 billion

versus $2.05 billion for the comparable year ago period. Operating

cash flow increased behind higher base and Gillette earnings and lower

inventory levels, which were partially offset by higher accounts

receivable. Free cash flow, defined as operating cash flow less

capital spending, was $1.95 billion. Free cash flow productivity was

76%, roughly in-line with prior year levels.

- The company repurchased $3.5 billion of P&G stock during the quarter as

part of its previously announced Gillette share repurchase program.

This brings the cumulative value of shares purchased under the program

to $12.0 billion. The company now expects to repurchase about $20

billion in total under the program and to complete the program by mid-

calendar year 2006.

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Polycom Mobile Responder Delivers Portable Video System for Field Use by Government, Education, Healthcare Professionals Polycom's Mobile Responder Is Built Tough for Video Communications in Challenging Field Environments

PLEASANTON, Calif., Jan 30, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced the availability of its Mobile Responder(TM) video conferencing system for first responders, emergency management, Homeland Security, police, firefighters, human services departments, educators, and healthcare professionals. The Polycom Mobile Responder is a rugged, compact, easy-to-use, transportable video conferencing solution with a built-in display, camera, microphone, and speaker that will greatly improve field communication.
Designed to remove the physical barriers to video conferencing and enhance the overall communication experience, the Polycom Mobile Responder transportable video conferencing system meets -- and exceeds -- the most demanding requirements. The Polycom Mobile Responder is a high-quality, durable, wheeled unit that meets FAA guidelines for carry-on baggage on commercial airlines, and is easy to move and set up.

"Natural disasters and emergency situations require immediate response and improved communications," said Mark von Sponeck, executive director of Global Nomads Group, a non-profit organization whose mission it is to bring the world's youth together over video conferencing, no matter how remote the location. "As a beta tester of the Mobile Responder, we have had the opportunity to use it in remote locations in the field. Through the use of Polycom's mobile video conferencing unit, even emergency personnel who need to communicate quickly from a field location now have the ability to do so easily and effectively."

Based on Polycom's top-of-the-line VSX(TM) 8000 system, the Polycom Mobile Responder comes complete with an extra large built-in display, camera, microphone, IP network interface and AES encryption. When plugged into a projector, it can handle a large room or group conferences. With a fast setup time and a form factor that is built to withstand the rigors of travel, the Polycom Mobile Responder is the perfect portable system for rapid deployment applications in any environment.

"The Mobile Responder provides exceptional communication and enables speedy resolution to communications issues that occur during emergencies in the field," said Craig Lynar, vice president of corporate solutions marketing for Polycom. "Our customers and channels can now accomplish more on the road or in the field than ever before, including using the unit for distance learning environments in education and in all existing medical applications, such as continuing education and grand rounds."


Pricing and availability:

The Polycom Mobile Responder is now available worldwide through Polycom Certified Partners authorized to sell Polycom video products, for a manufacturer's suggested retail price starting at North America (IP) US $19,995, and (IP) EMEA $21,995.

Polycom reserves the right to modify future product plans at any time. Products and/or related specifications referenced in this press release are not guaranteed, and will be delivered on a when and if available basis.

About Polycom

Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence-based networks. With its market-driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom Web site at www.polycom.com.

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Watson Pharmaceuticals Receives FDA Approval for Testosterone Gel Product

CORONA, Calif., Jan 30, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE: WPI), a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced today that it has received final approval from the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for testosterone gel 1% CIII. Testosterone gel 1% CIII is the generic equivalent to Solvay Pharmaceutical's AndroGel(R), which is indicated for replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. For the 12-months ending November 2005, Androgel 1% CIII had total U.S. sales of approximately $330 million, according to IMS Health data.
Watson has been awarded 180 days of marketing exclusivity for being the first to file an ANDA containing a paragraph IV certification for the product. Watson's market exclusivity will begin upon the earlier of a commercial launch or a final court decision concerning pending litigation between Watson and Unimed Pharmaceuticals, a division of Solvay Pharmaceuticals.

Watson is currently involved in patent litigation on this product in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. Unimed Pharmaceuticals brought suit against Watson in August 2003 as a result of Watson's paragraph IV certification to U.S. Patent No. 6,503,894 which expires in August 2020.

About Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., headquartered in Corona, CA, is a leading specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures, markets, sells and distributes brand and generic pharmaceutical products. Watson pursues a growth strategy combining internal product development, strategic alliances and collaborations and synergistic acquisitions of products and businesses. For press releases and other company information, visit Watson Pharmaceuticals' Web site at http://www.watsonpharm.com.

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World Airways Offered Pilots Annual Pay Increases, Job Security, Improved Quality of Life Union Committee Rejected Company Request to Let Pilots Vote on Final Proposal

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga., Jan 30, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- World Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Air Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: WLDAE), today disclosed the terms of a proposed three-year pilot contract that was rejected Saturday morning by an International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) negotiating committee. Week-long talks between the company and the pilots' negotiating team ended after a 30-day cooling-off period set by the National Mediation Board (NMB) expired at midnight Friday, Jan. 27, 2006.
"The company offered our pilots two compensation options," said Charlie McDonald, World Airways chief operating officer. "The first provided a 10 percent signing bonus and a pay increase of 3 percent in the first year and 4 percent annually for each of the next two years. The other option offered a 7 percent signing bonus and a 5 percent pay increase in the first year, followed by 3 percent annual increases for each of the next two years. Given the circumstances in the airline industry today, we believe we provided an attractive, comprehensive offer that addressed the major concerns expressed by the pilots during negotiations."


World Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of World Air Holdings, Inc., is a U.S.-certificated air carrier providing customized transportation services for major international passenger and cargo carriers, the United States military, major freight forwarders and international leisure tour operators. Founded in 1948, World operates a fleet of 17 wide-body aircraft to meet the specialized needs of its customers. For information, visit www.worldairways.com.

World Air Holdings has three wholly owned subsidiaries, World Airways, Inc., North American Airlines, Inc. and World Risk Solutions, Ltd. World Airways is a charter passenger and cargo airline founded in 1948, North American is a charter passenger airline founded in 1989, and World Risk Solutions is an insurance subsidiary established in 2004. For additional information, visit www.worldairholdings.com.

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Motorola and Verizon Wireless Deliver Style and Functionality with the V325

BEDMINSTER, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill., Jan 30, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- To fulfill consumer demand for wireless handsets packed with features and new functionalities, Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a global leader in wireless communications, and Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading provider of wireless products and services, announce the availability of the sleek and stylish Motorola V325.
The newest member of the Motorola family, the V325 is a one of a kind flip phone that places the latest in technology and style in the palm of your hand. Featuring a chic brushed metal and soft touch finish, the Motorola V325 boasts an integrated camera with self-portrait and color effects, high resolution color display and outstanding call performance. The phone also features 30 megabytes of onboard memory and is Get It Now(R)-enabled so customers can check out and download hundreds of ring tones, games, productivity tools and more.*

Perfect for those constantly on-the-go and those who like to flash the latest fashionable toy available, the Motorola V325 is the only device that currently offers Verizon Wireless' new Get It Now Location Based Services application, VZ Navigator(TM). With VZ Navigator, Verizon Wireless customers can see a map of their current location or an address in the U.S., locate places such as restaurants, gas stations, banks and other points-of-interest relative to their location, plus hear turn-by-turn navigation with audible voice directions to an address in the U.S. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Verizon Wireless' network, VZ Navigator securely communicates valuable location information to you across the wireless network based on the day of week, time of day and other privacy settings that you establish and manage right from your handset, with all the added conveniences of voice and data mobility at a fraction of the cost of alternative, expensive GPS devices.*

Whether planning a trip with VZ Navigator and locating key points-of- interest, sending a TXT or PIX Message or expressing your style with " situational lighting" that flashes during incoming calls, the Motorola V325 takes mobile information and self-expression to the next level.* Rounding out its feature set with an integrated speakerphone and advanced speech recognition, the Motorola V325 proves it's ready to deliver a convenient and intuitive mobile experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Motorola V325 is available for $79.99 after $50 mail-in rebate and a two-year customer agreement. VZ Navigator is available in the getGOING shopping aisle of the Get It Now virtual store beginning today for $9.99 for unlimited monthly access, or $2.99 for 24-hour use. Customers can download the application directly to their Motorola V325.

Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled handset and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation and leadership in wireless and broadband communications. Inspired by our vision of Seamless Mobility, the people of Motorola are committed to helping you get and stay connected simply and seamlessly to the people, information, and entertainment that you want and need. We do this by designing and delivering " must have" products, " must do" experiences and powerful networks -- along with a full complement of support services. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.8 billion in 2005. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit http://www.motorola.com.

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KANA Software Adopts Stockholder Rights Plan Structured to Preserve Net Operating Losses

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan 30, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- KANA Software, Inc. (Pinksheets: KANA.PK), today announced that its Board of Directors has adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan on January 24, 2006. The primary purpose of the plan is to preserve KANA's net operating losses, or "NOLs," for tax purposes. KANA believes that its NOLs constitute a substantial asset. Under the Internal Revenue Code and rules promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service, KANA can carry forward its NOLs to offset current and future earnings, and thus reduce its federal income tax liability (subject to certain requirements and restrictions). However, KANA's future use of these NOLs could be substantially limited in the event of an "ownership change," as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. In general, a company would experience an ownership change for this purpose if holders of at least 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock, or "5% holders," increase their aggregate ownership interest in the company over a three-year testing period by more than 50%, measured in terms of the market value of the company's capital stock.
The new Rights Plan is designed to reduce the likelihood of an ownership change for federal income tax purposes, by discouraging these shareholders of 4.9% or more of common stock from acquiring additional shares. After giving careful consideration to KANA's NOLs and past transactions in the company's common stock, the Board of Directors concluded that, because the plan would serve to protect the NOLs and therefore stockholder value, the plan would be in the best interest of KANA and its stockholders. Under the Rights Plan, Rights will be distributed as a dividend at the rate of one Right for each share of KANA common stock held by stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 3, 2006. The rights will initially trade together with the shares of KANA's common stock. The Rights will become exercisable if any person or entity acquires 4.9% or more of KANA's outstanding common stock, or if any existing holder of 4.9% or more of KANA's common stock acquires more than an additional 1.0% (subject to downward adjustment by the Board of Directors if deemed necessary to protect the NOLs). Each Right would then entitle KANA's stockholders, other than the "acquiring person," to acquire shares of KANA's Common Stock at a 50 percent discount to the then-prevailing market price. KANA's Board of Directors may redeem outstanding Rights at a price of $0.0001 per Right, and may exclude any transaction from triggering the exercisability of the Rights. The rights will expire on February 3, 2009, unless earlier redeemed, exchanged, or amended by the Board of Directors.

The Rights would not be triggered by an acquisition of 50% or more of KANA's outstanding common stock. Accordingly, this Rights Plan is not designed to prevent an acquiring person from gaining control of KANA.

Details of the Rights Plan will be outlined more fully in a letter that will be mailed to KANA's stockholders as of the record date, and in KANA's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About KANA

KANA is a leading provider of Service Resolution Management (SRM) solutions that improve customer satisfaction, reduce service costs, and increase revenues. KANA's award-winning suite of customer service solutions for assisted, self, and proactive service enables companies to resolve customer requests quickly and accurately across multiple channels. Built on the industry's most advanced Web architecture, KANA's solutions are in use at approximately half of the world's largest 100 companies. For more information visit www.kana.com

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Market Pulse Breaking News Alert for Monday, January 30, 2006: CHDT - China Direct Acquires Controlling Interest in Complete Power Solutions, LLC - Major Florida Power Generator Distributor! NOTE TO EDITORS: The Following Is an Investment Opinion Bei

ATLANTA, GA, Jan 30, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Market Pulse News Alert for this AM, Stocks to Watch are: China Direct Trading Corporation (OTC BB: CHDT), Broadcom Corp. (NASDAQ: BRCM), Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE), and China Natural Resources Inc. (NASDAQ: CHNR) Investors need to be watching China Direct Trading Corporation (OTC BB: CHDT) this AM! China Direct Trading is a global trading company engaged in the development and distribution of manufactured goods, mostly souvenir and gift items, to theme parks, importers and retailers worldwide. The company is a conduit between Asia and the US and is currently working with customers in industries such as textiles, automobiles, health technology, and other sectors! China Direct Trading has had several excellent news announcements out lately and one again before Monday's opening bell announcing that it has acquired a controlling interest in Complete Power Solutions, LLC (COPO). Based on current revenue growth, COPO is projecting a 300% increase in FY2006 gross revenues! This could be great news for investors!
China Direct Trading Corporation (OTC BB: CHDT) announced today that it has acquired a controlling interest in Complete Power Solutions, LLC (COPO), of Pompano Beach, FL, a rapidly growing power generator distributors. CHDT acquired 51% of COPO outstanding equity and two board seats in exchange for $637,000 in cash and $1,200,000 in restricted shares of CHDT preferred stock. CHDT intends to consolidate COPO financial results for reporting purposes.


COPO FY 2005 FINANCIAL RESULTS

(unaudited)

Gross Revenues: $2,300,000

Net Income: $400,000

Based on current revenue growth, COPO is projecting a 300% increase in FY2006 gross revenues. COPO is a Full-Service Authorized Guardian Dealer and Exclusive Home Depot Supplier in Broward and Palm Beach, FL Counties for automatic standby generators for residential and commercial customers in the State of Florida. COPO offers a turnkey power solution from sales, permitting, delivery, installation, maintenance and service of generators including the fuel tanks. They also sell a Pre-Engineered proprietary concrete installation pad designed to reduce Noise and to Minimize Vibration (STC Rating of 48) and it is 1/3 the weight of normal concrete. Other COPO revenues come from maintenance and service contracts. COPO products and services can be seen at www.completepower247.com or call 877-499-9500.

China Direct President and CEO Howard Ullman said, "Acquiring an established and growing distributor like Complete Power will enhance China Direct's financial performance and provide us with a strong strategic partner and distribution channel for current and future lines of commercial and residential power generators and building supplies manufactured in China. This is consistent with our announced strategy of acquiring distribution channels for our Chinese-made products. We are exploring ways to expand our distribution network in order to meet domestic product demand with price-competitive Chinese-made goods of the highest quality."

About CHDT: (www.chinadirecttradingco.com) is a holding company creating vertical subsidiaries that involve trade between the US and China. One subsidiary, Souvenir Direct Inc. (SDI), is engaged in product development, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and product placement into mass retail of souvenir and gift items. The company sells products to importers in 29 countries, theme parks and direct to retailers worldwide. Overseas Building Supply (OBS) is engaged in manufacturing, distribution, and logistics of building materials including but not limited to generators, roof tiles, interior doors, and insulation materials.

Stocks in the news and acting well as of late include: Broadcom Corp. (NASDAQ: BRCM), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), and China Natural Resources Inc. (NASDAQ: CHNR) Information contained herein is the opinion of Market-Pulse.com ("MP") and is intended to be used strictly for informational purposes. You should be aware that MP attempts to assure itself of the accuracy of the information contained in the analyses it publishes. In this regard, MP does, at times, rely on the accuracy of information supplied to it by the companies which are the subject of MP's analyses and/or parties related to those companies. MP also relies on the accuracy and integrity of information that is contained in company press releases and reports filed with the SEC. The companies mentioned in this publication have not approved the content or timing of the information being published unless otherwise noted.

MP, because it relies on information supplied by various third parties disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of such information. Any investor considering making an investment in any security which has been the subject of a MP analysis or opinion should, before making any such investment, consult with his/her market professional and/or do his/her own independent research regarding the company which is the subject of an MP opinion, recommendation or analysis. Information regarding companies which MP has opined upon is normally available from many sources including the subject company's filings with the SEC and various press releases issued by the company.

You should be aware that MP is often compensated for issuing analyses, recommendations or opinions concerning particular companies. Its opinion is therefore not unbiased and you should consider this factor when evaluating MP's statements regarding a company. MP has been compensated two million restricted shares of China Direct Trading Corp. by the company. MP has held these shares for one year and they are now eligible to be sold by MP pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Rule 144. MP intends to sell these shares from time pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. To date, MP has not sold any shares of China Direct Trading Corp. pursuant to Rule 144. MP, in a separate, negotiated transaction acquired directly from an existing shareholder, a block of eight hundred thirty three thousand three hundred thirty four free trading shares of China Direct Trading Corp. for a total purchase price of twenty thousand dollars. In addition, MP in the open market, previously purchased four hundred sixty six thousand six hundred sixty six shares of stock in China Direct Trading Corp. for a total purchase price of twenty two thousand one hundred sixty seven dollars. To date, MP has sold one million two hundred fifty thousand shares of stock in China Direct Trading Corp. for proceeds totaling sixty-nine thousand and seven hundred dollars. MP's officers and directors reserve the right to buy additional shares of the companies discussed in this opinion and may profit in the event those shares rise in value. When MP receives free trading shares as compensation for a profiled company, MP may sell part or all of any such shares during the period in which MP is performing such services. Market-Pulse.com and Market Pulse Breaking News Alert are owned by Market Pulse LLC.

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Tyson Reports First Quarter Fiscal 2006 and Restated Fiscal 2005 Results * Chicken operating income increased 18%, with operating margin of 6.0% * Prepared Foods operating income increased, with operating margin of 3.5% * Beef earnings continued to d

SPRINGDALE, Ark., Jan 30, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), today reported $0.11 diluted earnings per share for the first fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005, compared to $0.14 diluted earnings per share in the same quarter last year. Sales for the first quarter of fiscal years 2006 and 2005 were both $6.5 billion. Operating income was $114 million compared to $129 million and net income was $39 million compared to $48 million for the same period last year.
Pretax earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2005 included $12 million received in connection with vitamin antitrust litigation, a gain of $8 million from the sale of the Company's remaining interest in Specialty Brands, Inc. and $3 million of costs related to a prepared foods plant closing. The combined effect increased diluted earnings per share by $0.03.

John Tyson, chairman and CEO, said, "We entered fiscal 2006 knowing market conditions would be difficult, especially early in the year. During the first quarter our Chicken segment generated solid results and Prepared Foods improved, while Pork struggled and Beef further deteriorated, producing significant operating losses. Recent declines in international demand for chicken coupled with greater than expected domestic supply will dramatically impact the projected performance of our Chicken segment. Lower than projected cattle supplies, along with unanticipated interruptions in export market access, will slow the recovery that we expected for Beef later in the year. The cumulative effect of these factors has caused us to project a net loss for the second quarter and we now expect our fiscal 2006 earnings to range from $0.50 to $0.80 per diluted share. However, we will continue to face these challenges head on and remain focused on managing our business efficiently and executing our long-term strategic plans."

The Company also today announced it will amend its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 1, 2005, which will be filed in February 2006 and will result in an increase to net income of $19 million or $0.05 per diluted share. The amendment relates to the restatement of the Company's financial statements for the year ended October 1, 2005, to correct the tax treatment associated with a non-recurring actuarial gain the Company recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. The actuarial gain resulted from the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act). The Act allows for a possible subsidy to retirement health plan sponsors to help offset the costs of participant prescription drug benefits. In March 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Act." In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company concluded the prescription drug benefits included in its postretirement medical plan were actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D under the Act. Included in a net actuarial loss of approximately $9 million related to the Company's post-retirement health plan and in accordance with FASB Staff Position 106-2, the Company decreased its accumulated postretirement obligation and recognized an actuarial gain of approximately $55 million related to the present value of all future subsidies expected to be received for benefits earned. FASB Staff Position 106-2 states that "In the periods in which the subsidy affects the employer's accounting for the plan, it shall have no effect on any plan-related temporary difference accounted for under FASB Statement 109 because the subsidy is exempt from federal taxation." However, the Company recorded income tax expense related to the actuarial gain of approximately $19 million, resulting in a $0.05 reduction to diluted earnings per share. Accordingly, this restatement will result in the reporting of a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting in the Company's amended 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Restated earnings for fiscal 2005 were $372 million or $1.04 per diluted share, compared to $403 million, or $1.13 per diluted share, in fiscal 2004. Restated pretax earnings for fiscal 2005 included $33 million of costs related to a legal settlement involving the Company's live swine operations, $14 million of costs for plant closing, $8 million of losses related to Hurricane Katrina, $12 million received in connection with vitamin antitrust litigation and a gain of $8 million from the sale of the Company's remaining interest in Specialty Brands, Inc. Additionally, earnings included a non-recurring income tax net benefit of $15 million. That includes the reversal of tax reserves, partially offset by an income tax charge related to the repatriation of foreign income. Also, in fiscal 2005 the Company recognized a tax-exempt actuarial gain of $55 million, for which the Company erroneously recorded income tax expense of $19 million. The Company's restated fiscal 2005 results reduce the income tax provision accordingly. Combined, these items increased fiscal 2005 restated diluted earnings per share by $0.03.

John Tyson, chairman and CEO, said, "The restatement relates to the tax treatment of a one-time non recurring actuarial gain. Additionally the restatement does not impact the Company's previously issued revenue, income before taxes, or cash flows from operations; nor were the Company's segment operating results impacted by the restatement."


Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork and the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(TM)" strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. Tyson has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.

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Ivanhoe announces proven and probable copper and gold reserves for open-pit mine at Oyu Tolgoi Project, Mongolia New independent global resource estimate for Oyu Tolgoi complex expected shortly

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, Jan. 30, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- John Macken, President of Ivanhoe Mines, announced today that a new, independent estimate prepared by GRD Minproc Limited, of Perth, Australia, has upgraded the Measured and Indicated gold and copper resources contained within the planned open-pit deposits in the southern part of the company's Oyu Tolgoi (Turquoise Hill) Project to the Proven and Probable Mineral Reserve categories. In addition, Ivanhoe and AMEC Americas Ltd. are preparing new resource estimates for the Hugo North Deposit and the Hugo North Extension onto the Ivanhoe/Entrée Gold joint venture property, which are expected to be finalized shortly. The new estimate will be the first resource update for the Oyu Tolgoi Complex since the May, 2005, AMEC estimate and will incorporate results from the past eight months of drilling.
Total Proven and Probable open-pit reserves are estimated to be 930 million tonnes, with a grade of 0.50% copper and 0.36 g/t gold, containing 8.9 billion pounds of recovered copper and 7.6 million ounces of recovered gold.


The May, 2005, Oyu Tolgoi resource estimates were independently prepared in accordance with the requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 by AMEC Americas Ltd. under the direction of Dr. Harry Parker, Ch. P. Geol., and Dr. Stephen Juras, P.Geo., independent qualified persons. Details of this estimate can be found in Ivanhoe's news release dated May 3, 2005.

Ivanhoe and AMEC are preparing new resource estimates for the Hugo North and the Hugo North Extension onto the Ivanhoe/Entrée Gold joint venture property, which are expected to be finalized shortly.

Based on the findings of the independently-prepared Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for Oyu Tolgoi, announced on September 29, 2005, the project is expected to become the world's next major copper and gold mine, with an average annual production of more than one billion pounds of copper and 330,000 ounces of gold for at least 35 years. Peak annual production is projected at more than 1.6 billion pounds of copper and 900,000 ounces of gold. Full details of the IDP are in Ivanhoe's news release of September 29, 2005.

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Sun Microsystems Delivers New Workstations Pre-Installed With Most Advanced Operating System on the Planet, Solaris 10; Announces Industry's Fastest x64 Workstation Workstations Blow Away the Competition With 12 New World-Record Benchmarks

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan 30, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW) today announced its new world-record setting Sun Ultra(TM) Workstations, including the fastest x64 (x86, 64-bit) workstation in the industry. The new Sun Ultra Workstations provide customers with more options for operating systems than any other vendor, including the Solaris(TM) 10 Operating System (OS) and standard distributions of Linux and Windows.
The new industry-standard workstations include the high-performance, AMD Opteron(TM) processor-based single- and dual-core capable Sun Ultra 40 Workstation and the enterprise-class UltraSPARC(R) processor-based Sun Ultra 45 Workstation, in addition to the Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor-based Sun Ultra 20 Workstation. The Sun Ultra 40 and Sun Ultra 45 Workstations ship with a license for Sun N1(TM) Grid Engine 6 software, making them the industry's first workstations to bundle grid software at no additional cost, and all three workstations include fully licensed versions of Sun's developer tools.

Siemens Power Generation, an early access customer, has been testing both single- and dual-core Sun Ultra 40 Workstations to run structural and computational fluid dynamics simulations.

"We are extremely impressed with the functionality and stability of the Sun Ultra 40 Workstation," said Wayne Johnson, senior system engineer of Siemens Power Generation. "Running both the Solaris 10 OS and Linux on the Sun Ultra 40 Workstation has vastly improved our performance and analysis times, which enables us to do more in less time and has resulted in more robust designs with shorter design cycles. I can see how the features and benefits of the new Sun workstations will be invaluable to any company involved with MCAD or visualization."

Sun Sets Precedent with New Features and Industry Firsts

With today's announcement, Sun leverages more than 20 years of expertise and leadership in the workstation market, delivering one of the industry's most compelling and complete workstation portfolios. Sun's new workstations provide flexibility in platform and OS choice, combining the stability and binary compatibility of SPARC(R) technology with the performance and flexibility of x64. Customers today require faster processors, larger memory and powerful graphics capabilities for workstations, while also demanding low-cost solutions that meet their rigorous computing needs. The new Sun Ultra Workstations deliver advanced features that allow enterprise customers and developers to make the most of their IT resources, such as a license for Sun N1 Grid Engine 6 software, the Solaris 10 OS and pre-loaded developer tools including Sun(TM) Studio, Sun Java(TM) Studio Creator, Sun Java Studio Enterprise and the NetBeans(TM) Integrated Development Environment (IDE).


Pricing and Availability

The entry-level price for the dual-core capable Sun Ultra 20 Workstation starts at $895(USD), and includes one AMD Opteron Processor Model 144, 512 MB of memory, one 80 GB Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive, ATI Entry 2D Graphics, one DVD-ROM disk drive, and is pre-loaded with leading developer tools. The Sun Ultra 40 Workstation entry-level configuration comes equipped with the Solaris 10 OS, one AMD Opteron processor Model 246, 1 GB of memory, one 80 GB Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive, one NVIDIA Quadro Graphics Accelerator, one DVD-RW disk drive, a license for Sun N1 Grid Engine software, and is pre-loaded with developer tools, priced at $2,295(USD). The Sun Ultra 45 Workstation entry-level configuration comes equipped with the Solaris 10 OS, one UltraSPARC IIIi processor, 1 GB of memory, one 80 GB Serial ATA Hard Disk Drive, one Sun XVR Graphics Accelerator and one DVD-RW disk drive, priced at $3,695(USD). For additional information on the Sun Ultra Workstations, please visit: www.sun.com/workstations.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

A singular vision -- "The Network Is The Computer" -- guides Sun in the development of technologies that power the world's most important markets. Sun's philosophy of sharing innovation and building communities is at the forefront of the next wave of computing: the Participation Age. Sun can be found in more than 100 countries and on the Web at http://sun.com.

NOTE: Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Sun Ultra, Solaris, N1, Java, NetBeans, Sun Blade and The Network Is The Computer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All SPARC trademarks are used under license and are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. in the US and other countries. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. AMD and Opteron are trademarks or registered trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices.

SPEC, SPECfp, SPECint are registered trademarks of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation. SPECapc is the service mark of Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation. Competitive benchmark results reflect data published as of 01/22/06. For the latest benchmark results, visit http://www.spec.org. Sun's results have been submitted to SPEC.

(1) Pro/E Wildfire is a registered trademark of Parametric Technology Corporation. Olaf Corten is the proprietor and developer of the OCUS Benchmark. Results are published at http://www.proesite.com, as of 01/22/06

(2) The Sun Ultra 40 workstation (2x AMD Opteron Model 280, 4 cores, 2 chips, 2 cores/chip, 16 GB DDR1, Solaris 10): SPECfp_rate2000 - 79.1; SPECint_rate2000 - 71.4

(3) Sun Ultra 20 (1xOpteron 154/FX 3450/Windows XP) - SPEC APC SolidWorks 2005 Overall Composite - 4.07; Cost per Composite US$1033. HP xw9300 (2xOpteron 254/FX 1400/Windows XP) - SPEC APC SolidWorks 2005 Overall Composite - 2.3; Cost per Composite US$2071

(4) Results are published at http://www.ensight.com/products/performance.html , as of 1/22/06. Sun Ultra 20 (1xOpteron 154/FX 3450/64-bit SLES 9) - Composite Score - 8.75; Cost per Composite US $382; HP xw9300 (2xOpteron 254/FX 3450/64-bit Linux 2.6) - Composite Score - 8.67; Cost per Composite US $943.

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HSBC selects Neutron Enterprises' ULTRA-GLO(TM) L.E.D. Super Slim Light box Technology for Pilot Test in Asia Pacific; Global Financial Services Giant Becomes Latest to Test Neutron's Cutting Edge Technology

MONTREAL, Jan 30, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Neutron Enterprises, Inc. (OTCBB: NTRN), a developer of technology-based proprietary point-of-sale and digital media solutions, announced today that HSBC, a leading global financial services company, has selected its Ultra-Glo for a paid pilot test in Asia Pacific.
"We are very excited by this paid pilot test and are confident that HSBC will see the numerous benefits caused by the evenly distributed lighting and visual impact, ease of changing of the graphic images from our proprietary Ultra-Glo super slim light box snap frame technology," said G. Michael Singh, Director of Global Sales for Neutron Enterprises. "Ultra-Glo is starting to gain momentum globally and is providing retailers, chain stores and consumer brands with a new energy efficient, edge lit and very slim (under 1 inch thick) option with far greater benefits than the current bulky traditional fluorescent tube backlit light boxes."

Recently, the Company announced that a unit of Coca-Cola had selected its Glo-Mation for a pilot test in Europe and that Neutron commenced products tests in Europe with Nextle H.V. and Sony Ericisson.

About Neutron Enterprises

Neutron Enterprises, Inc. (http://www.dsbnglobal.com) is a rapidly growing developer of technology-based proprietary point-of-sale and digital media solutions that include ELumalite(R) and Ultra-Glo(TM). The Company's offices are in Mississauga, Ontario; Montreal, Quebec; Los Angeles, California and Shanghai, China. EL is a new proprietary electroluminescent point-of-sale technology marketed to multinational consumer products and packaged goods companies.

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Raytheon Selects SGI Technology to Help Process and Manage Enormous Amounts of Data Generated by NOAA'S GOES-R Series of Satellites Next-Generation Satellite Will Collect up to 100 Times More Data Than Previous Systems for Weather and Climate Monitor

ATLANTA, Jan 30, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- 86th American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting, Booth 354, 455 -- Silicon Graphics (OTC: SGID) announced today that Raytheon Company has selected SGI to work on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) "R" Series program.
SGI is supporting the program definition and risk reduction phase of the GOES-R program. In October 2005, Raytheon and prime contractor Northrop Grumman Corporation were awarded a six-month GOES-R program definition and risk reduction contract by NOAA. During the PDRR phase, the team will produce trade studies comparing the performance and cost of alternative system architectures, develop system definition through allocating requirements and operational functions, initiate system and segment designs for products to be developed in the subsequent program phase, execute steps to reduce key risk areas and demonstrate the team's ability to meet the government's end-to-end system performance requirements for NOAA's missions.

GOES-R will collect up to 100 times more data and scan the Earth three-to- five times faster than previous systems, providing improved spatial, spectral and temporal resolution. These advances will provide more advanced environmental products and services that can be used for many applications, including hurricane track and intensity forecasts and monitoring of coastal waters for harmful algal bloom events and coastal resource management. Improved products and services are critical to NOAA's missions for monitoring weather and water, climate, oceans and ecosystems, and commerce and transportation.

As part of a Teaming Agreement with Raytheon, SGI will provide support to Raytheon related to the provision of data processing hardware and system software, maintenance, and optimization of GOES-R specific applications on target platforms. Specific areas for SGI support are related to the Product Generation (PG) and Product Distribution (PD) elements of the Ground Segment (GS). An additional possible area of SGI support includes the User Interface (UI) element.

GOES-R, which is currently under development with first launch scheduled for late 2012, is a significant technological advancement for NOAA in terms of the quality and quantity of meteorological and environmental satellite data that will be available to the country. The combined instrument downlink data rate will increase by a factor of 60. The amount of environmental data being rebroadcast to users throughout the hemisphere will increase by an order of magnitude and information products will increase from 43 to more than 150.

"This is the latest collaboration between our two companies bringing together Raytheon's expertise in the design, development and integration of large complex environmental systems and SGI's core competencies in high- performance computing and storage technology," said Anthony Robbins, president, SGI Federal. "With the most active and most costly hurricane season on record just behind us, never before in our nation's history has the need for a next-generation Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite system been greater for hurricane tracking, among other mission-critical NOAA applications."

SILICON GRAPHICS | The Source of Innovation and Discovery(TM)

SGI, also known as Silicon Graphics, Inc. (OTC: SGID), is a leader in high-performance computing, visualization and storage. SGI's vision is to provide technology that enables the most significant scientific and creative breakthroughs of the 21st century. Whether it's sharing images to aid in brain surgery, finding oil more efficiently, studying global climate, providing technologies for homeland security and defense or enabling the transition from analog to digital broadcasting, SGI is dedicated to addressing the next class of challenges for scientific, engineering and creative users. With offices worldwide, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., and can be found on the Web at www.sgi.com.

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MiningSectorStocks.com Announces Featured Silver Mining Stock: Endeavour Silver Corp., a Silver Company with Plans to Become one of the Top Five Primary Global Silver Producers

POINT ROBERTS, WASHINGTON and DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jan 30, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- www.MiningSectorStocks.com (MSS), an investor and industry portal for the mining sector, announces a new featured company: Endeavour Silver Corp. (TSX VENTURE:EDR)(PINK SHEETS:EDRGF)(FWB:EJD), with silver resources and production based in Mexico, the world's top producer of silver.
The company's current production rate is 1.0+ million ounces of silver annually; with plans to expand production to 3.6 million ounces per year by 2007.

On January 16th the company announced encouraging drill results from three mineralized zones on its Santa Cruz property, Guanacevi Project in Durango, Mexico. Endeavour currently has five drill rigs working at Guanacevi. High silver grades were intersected over mineable widths in the first eight drill holes at the Deep Santa Cruz zone, including 3470 gpt silver over 1.45 m (115.2 oz per ton silver equivalent over 4.8 ft) in hole DSC1-7.

Endeavour's Chairman, Bradford Cooke states, "Endeavour shareholders have enjoyed tremendous growth over the past two years. Not only are we one of the fastest growing silver mining companies in the world, our shareholders can look forward to, if anything, an acceleration of our growth in the coming months."

Featured Company Disclosure: (MSS is compensated by Endeavour Silver as disclosed in disclaimer).

Endeavour Silver Corp. (TSX VENTURE:EDR)(PINK SHEETS:EDRGF)(FWB:EJD) is a silver mining company focused on the growth of its silver resources and production in Mexico. The expansion program now underway at the high grade Santa Cruz silver mine in Durango, Mexico will develop Endeavour into one of the top five primary silver producers in the world.

For More Info on Endeavour Silver Corp.:

http://www.MiningSectorStocks.com/CO/EDRGF/Default.asp.

Or visit the company's web site at: http://www.edrsilver.com.

About our Gold and Mining Sector Portals:

www.MiningSectorStocks.com (MSS) and www.Gold-MiningStocks.com (GMS) are investor and industry news portals for the gold and mining sector within the InvestorIdeas.com content umbrella. The MSS and GMS websites do not make recommendations, but offer unique free information portals to research news, exclusive articles, interviews, blogs, investor conferences and a growing list of participating public companies in the sector.

MiningSectorStocks.com and Gold-MiningStocks.com include a comprehensive and growing list of Mining Stocks: www.gold-miningstocks.com/Gold_Stocks/Stocks_List.asp.

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Juniper Networks, Inc.
30.01.06 21:51 Uhr

18,29 USD

+4,63 % [+0,81]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
18,29 USD

Zeit
30.01.06 21:52

Diff. Vortag
+4,63 %

Tages-Vol.
440,20 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
25 Mio.

Juniper Networks Federal J-Partner Program Gains Momentum With Top-Tier Partner Selections "Elite" Status Awarded to Ten Federal J-Partners in Recognition of Superior Commitment and Performance as Government-Focused IT Solution Providers

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan 30, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Juniper Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: JNPR) today announced that the Juniper Networks federal J-Partner program has gained significant momentum since the program was officially launched in November of 2004. Average per partner revenue has increased significantly over the previous year, and ten federal partners recently achieved "Elite" status -- the program's top tier. These Elite partners join several national systems integrators and service providers already in the federal program. This announcement comes on the heels of Juniper's federal J-Partner program winning best Federal Channel Strategy at the Government Solutions Summit in December.
"These milestones demonstrate that our federal channel program's value-based, qualifications-driven strategy is producing real rewards for our customers and partners," said Tom Gillman, director of federal channels for Juniper Networks. "These results show that we are delivering on our commitment to recruit the highest quality performers in the government market, thus ensuring that our customers have access to a select group of top systems integrators, resellers, and service providers. Those partners with the greatest value add continue to capture and profit from new business opportunities."

The federal J-Partner program is designed to provide alternative best-in-class IP network and security solutions to federal government channel partners, including systems integrators, resellers, and service providers. J-Partner segments partners into three tiers -- Elite, Select and Reseller -- with achievement of each tier depending on the Juniper Networks certifications they earn and the solutions in which they specialize. Partners with the highest levels of certification and specialization gain enhanced product access, financial incentives, programs, and support.

In September of last year, Juniper Networks awarded Elite status to information technology solutions and services provider, Technica Corporation. Technica completed certification requirements in the specialization areas of advanced security and enterprise networking solutions. For more than three years, Technica and Juniper Networks have teamed to provide highly-scalable networks to organizations such as the Department of Defense, including Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and other federal agencies.

"Juniper Networks' dedication to supporting its federal J-Partners with in-depth sales and engineering training was a key factor in our pursuit of Elite status," said Miguel Collado, president of Technica Corporation. "The additional benefit of Elite status, from outstanding product access and support to solutions-based programs, furthers our ability to provide best-in-class technology solutions to our customers."

Other federal J-Partners who have recently achieved Elite status include Apollo Information Systems Corp.; Merlin Technical Solutions; NH&A, LLC; Onix Networking; The Presidio Corporation; SMS Data Products Group, Inc.; Stealth Network Communications; Sword & Shield; and True North Solutions. Additional information on each partner is provided below:

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Technology Research Corporation
30.01.06 22:00 Uhr

7,24 USD

+55,36 % [+2,58]
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Technology Research Corporation Reports Third Quarter Financial Results Reflecting Strong Revenue and Earnings Growth

CLEARWATER, Fla., Jan 30, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Technology Research Corporation ("TRC"), (NASDAQ: TRCI), today announced revenues and earnings for its third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005.
Revenues were $11.4 million compared with $9.7 million reported in the same quarter last year, an increase of 17%. Net income for the third fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2005 was $.8 million compared with net income of $.2 million for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2004. Diluted net income is $.14 per share for the current quarter compared with diluted net income of $.03 per share for the same quarter last year.

Robert S. Wiggins, Chairman, President & CEO said, "I am very pleased with the Company's financial performance during our third fiscal quarter of 2006. Our revenue and net income are both third quarter records and significantly ahead of our third quarter results for the prior year. The Company's income before tax is an all time quarterly record. Our balance sheet has also improved significantly. Total debt declined by $1.6 million from the end of the prior quarter and $2.4 million from the beginning of this 2006 fiscal year." Wiggins continued, "Although we still have several remaining challenges with our RAC business, we have resolved many of the operational issues we faced last year and earlier in this fiscal year. To further help penetrate the room air conditioner market, during the quarter we announced that we had entered into a strategic alliance with Defond Manufacturing Ltd., of Hong Kong and its North American affiliate DNA Group, Inc. This relationship strengthens our sales presence with the Chinese manufacturers of RAC equipment while providing cost effective, quality products to our customers." Wiggins added, "In our fiscal fourth quarter we expect to continue the momentum gained during the third quarter with further improvement in both revenue and earnings per share."

The third quarter dividend of $.015 per share was paid on January 20, 2006 to shareholders of record on December 30, 2005.

Other Quarterly Highlights

In November and December TRC announced significant new orders with Karcher, a major sprayer/washer manufacturer totaling $3.3 million. We expect to ship approximately $1.3 million of these new orders during the remainder of this fiscal year (which ends March 31, 2006), and the remaining $2 million will ship during the next fiscal year.

TRC also announced $2.3 million in new orders, primarily for spare parts, for the U.S. military. Delivery of these new orders is expected during the fiscal fourth quarter.

TRC is an internationally recognized leader in electrical safety products that prevent electrocution and electrical fires and protect against serious injury from electrical shock. Based on its core technology in ground fault sensing, products are designed to meet the needs of the consumer, commercial and industrial markets worldwide. The Company also supplies power monitors and control equipment to the United States Military and its prime contractors

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NMT Medical Inc.
30.01.06 22:00 Uhr

22,48 USD

+30,24 % [+5,22]

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
22,48 USD

Zeit
30.01.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+30,24 %

Tages-Vol.
169,47 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
9,7 Mio.


bellwetherreport.com: The Bellwether Report continues to watch NMT Medical, Inc

Jan 30, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Today the Bellwether Report has identified NMT Medical, Inc (NASDAQ: NMTI), a company that our analysts will be tracking over the ensuing weeks. They recently came out with a significant corporate development this month, causing a positive correction.

On Jan. 25 /06 NMT Medical, Inc. announced that the Company has received a Phase I grant from the National Institute of Health's (NIH) Small Business Technology Transfer Program and has initiated a research program to evaluate the new BioTREK(TM) bioactive PFO closure technology.

Dr. Aaron Kaplan, the research head, commented on the study, Dr. Kaplan said, "BioTREK(TM) incorporates a unique biosynthetic material that uses the body's own regenerative capability to restore function naturally. It is our hope that BioTREK(TM) will provide a more natural, biological closure of structures within the heart, such as the PFO, leaving nothing behind."

John E. Ahern, NMT's President and Chief Executive Officer, commented he expects the research from this grant to further position NMT as the leader in the PFO closure marketplace.

Earlier on Jan. 11 / NMT Medical, Inc. announced that the Company has initiated enrollment in its PFO/migraine clinical study in the United States. The study, named MIST II (Migraine Intervention with STARFlex Technology), will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of NMT's proprietary STARFlex implant technology for the treatment and prevention of migraine headaches in patients with a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

A PFO is a common.....

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Case Closed

By Lawrence Carrel
January 30, 2006


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USG Corp. (USG1)

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Share price as of Friday's close: $79.85
Share price now: $95.78
Change: 20.0%
Volume: 10.6 million shares, daily average 658,900 shares
Last time this high: Jan. 29, 1992
52-week high: $86.10
52-week low: $26.80
Forward P/E before announcement: n/a
Forward P/E after announcement: 8.7 (based on $11.00 a share)

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

USG (USG2) MAY finally be ready to shake its asbestos overhang.
Shares of the building materials company jumped 20% to a 14-year-high of $95.78 after it agreed to resolve all present and future asbestos-related personal-injury claims, a move that puts the company on the fast track to emerge from bankruptcy and reward shareholders at the same time.

"We've come up with a solution that we think is fair, fast, final and affordable," says USG spokesman Robert Williams.

Under the agreement, USG will establish and fund a separate personal-injury trust to pay all current and future asbestos personal-injury claims. In addition, the company said it will repay with interest all its bank lenders, bondholders and trade suppliers. And, in an unconventional move, USG's stockholders will retain ownership in the company. Typically, when a company emerges from Chapter 11 protection, shareholders lose their entire investment. According to USG, no other asbestos-related bankruptcy has been resolved on terms that would repay unsecured creditors in full, approximately $1.4 billion, and preserve so much equity for stockholders.

As the world's largest maker of wallboard, USG holds a third of the market. It manufactures the industry's best-known product, Sheetrock brand gypsum wallboard. The Chicago-based company says it never mined, made or sold raw asbestos. Rather, asbestos was a minor ingredient in some specialty joint compounds that the company stopped selling about 30 years ago. With approximately 150,000 asbestos-related claims pending against it, the company decided that the only way to resolve the claims in a fair and equitable manner, and protect the long-term value of the businesses, was to file for bankruptcy. On June 25, 2001, USG and its major subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

USG will fund the new trust with $900 million in cash and a contingent note for another $3.05 billion. The company will pay the first contingent payment of $1.9 billion 30 days after the current session of Congress adjourns, and the final $1.15 billion six months later. The deal is tied to the Congressional session because lawmakers plan to vote on the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution (FAIR) Act this session. This legislation would establish a national asbestos personal injury trust fund. Should the FAIR Act pass, the contingent note will be cancelled and USG's payment will be limited to the initial $900 million, which would be contributed to the national fund.

Assuming it needs to pay the entire $3.95 billion, USG plans to fund the trust with the $1.6 billion of existing cash it accumulated while operating under Chapter 11 protection. Because this contribution is tax deductible, it will generate a refund of $1.1 billion, which will also go to the trust. The rest of the funding will come from the proceeds of a $1.8 billion equity offering and about $1 billion in new debt.

The most interesting part of the plan was the equity offering. Not only will every share of stock retain its value, but each shareholder can pay $40 for the right to purchase a new USG share of common stock for each one they currently own. If for some reason, shareholders decide not to buy new shares at less than half their current value, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A3), a current stockholder, agreed to backstop the agreement by buying up to $1.8 billion of the shares related to the unexercised rights. USG will pay Berkshire a $100 million fee for this commitment.

USG has been one of several companies that filed for bankruptcy under the weight of personal-injury claims. For the most part, investors have been more kind to its shares over the past few years, viewing the company, despite its litigation overhang, as a good way to play the country's housing boom.

Indeed, its results have been relatively strong. In a separate announcement Monday, USG posted its best-ever sales for the fourth quarter and year. Revenues for the December quarter leapt 14% to $1.3 billion, while annual sales also climbed 14% to $5.1 billion. The company attributed the increase to record shipments out of its North American Gypsum and Building Products segments, as well as higher prices for Sheetrock.

However, all the charges related to the asbestos liabilities resulted in a fourth-quarter net loss of $1.78 billion, or $39.94 a share, reversing the profit of $85 million, or $1.98, in the year-ago quarter. The loss for year was $1.44 billion. Not including the charges, USG reported quarterly earnings of $165 million, or $3.70 a share, and a full-year profit of $510 million, or $11.70 a share. In 2004, USG earned $312 million, or $7.26 a share.

The new agreement still requires approval from the Bankruptcy Court and the District Court. If accepted, USG expects to emerge from Chapter 11 in the third quarter and be permanently free of asbestos personal-injury liability. Asbestos property damage claims are not included in the agreement.

Quote:
"USG's tremendous performance over the past few years has made the asbestos agreement possible," said William Foote, USG's chairman and chief executive during Monday's conference call. "These two announcements are tied together because without the first, we wouldn't have the second. Due in large part to the stellar effort of the 14,000 men and women of USG, we have the cash to fund a large part of the agreement. Today, we are benefiting from the excellent performance we have achieved in the marketplace over the past several years. And while the cost of this agreement is indeed significant, we expect to continue growing as we have over the past several years. This agreement is a watershed for USG and a win for all constituencies. Asbestos claimants will receive compensation as soon as our plan for reorganization becomes effective. Our banks, bondholders and creditors will be paid in full with interest. And whether or not the FAIR Act passes, we will retain significant equity value for our shareholders. And finally, all of USG's asbestos personal injury claims will be brought to a conclusion."



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RF Monolithics, Inc. Announces Expansion of Short-Range Radio Product Line; RFM Introduces Single Chip RFIC Products

DALLAS, Jan 31, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- RF Monolithics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RFMI) (RFM) today announced the expansion of its wireless product line with the addition of single chip Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs). The growth of the wireless marketplace and the diversity of applications create demand for a variety of components and radio technologies. RFM continues its leadership in the low-power arena with this expansion of product offerings. RFM is the only company in the marketplace that will offer base surface acoustic wave (SAW) components, single chip IC solutions, hybrid solutions, as well as completely integrated wireless solutions for short-range radio applications.
RFM's first RFIC offering, the TXC100 transmitter, is the first of several new RFICs to be launched in the next few months. The TXC100 is a rugged, single chip OOK/ASK/FSK transmitter IC in the 300-450 MHz frequency range. This chip is highly integrated and has all the required RF functions including a complete Phase Lock Loop (PLL) circuit and power amplifier, thus requiring fewer external components. The TXC100 is feature rich, miniaturized (3x3mm package) with high output power and low current consumption, ideal for most short-range wireless applications.

"We are excited about the expansion of our product line with these new RFICs. Being able to offer a product breadth of components for discrete solutions, single chip IC solutions, complete Virtual Wire(TM) radios for hybrid solutions, as well as integrated complete wireless solutions for short-range radio applications provides maximum flexibility for our customers," said Larry Miller, Product Manager for RFM's Low-Power Product Group. "Additionally, we offer an integrated module which includes the radio, microprocessor and MESH protocol with FCC and ETSI certification."

RFM's product offering ranges from individual SAW components for transmitters, receivers or transceivers; to a wide and powerful combination of RFICs with complimentary SAW components; to the patented integrated Virtual Wire(TM) short-range radio product line. This wide product range provides customers with greater choices for optimal radio selection. RFM has continued to broaden its product offerings in the short-range radio space for over a decade. RFM introduced the rugged, ultra-low-power radio using SAW technology with the 1st and 2nd generation Virtual Wire(TM) radios based on a patented amplifier-sequenced hybrid (ASH) technology. ASH technology integrates an RFIC with RFM's SAW filtering and frequency control devices in a single hybrid package. The new 3rd generation Virtual Wire(TM) product, to be released soon, builds upon the previous generations with improved performance and additional features.

About RFM

Celebrating over 25 years of low-power wireless solutions, RFM, headquartered in Dallas, is a leading designer, developer, manufacturer and supplier of radio frequency wireless solutions enabling wireless connectivity for the automotive, consumer, industrial, medical and communications markets worldwide, allowing our customers to provide products and services that are both cost effective and superior in performance. RFM's wireless solutions are supported by industry leading customer service. For more information on RF Monolithics, Inc., please visit our websites at http://www.rfm.com and http://www.wirelessis.com.

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Mercator reports record 4th quarter revenue and production at its Mineral Park Mine TRADING SYMBOL: TSX - ML

KINGMAN, AZ, Jan 31, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Mercator Minerals Ltd. (the "Company") (TSX: ML), Michael L. Surratt, President and CEO, is pleased to report Mercator's wholly owned Mineral Park Mine recorded its best production quarter since the purchase of the mine in 2003:

- Production for the 4th quarter 2005 was 2.1 million pounds of

copper, an increase of 43% over the previous quarter,

- Net operating income at the Mineral Park Mine (unaudited) was

US$1.78 million, an increase of 466% from the third quarter

- Mine revenues (unaudited) for the 4th quarter 2005, increased 66%

from the previous quarter to $4.4 million;

- Average cash cost for the quarter fell to $1.12 per lb, a drop of

$0.30 per lb. from the third quarter;

- Ore production from the pit was 686,300 tons at an average grade of

0.34% copper compared to third quarter production of 676,500 tons at

0.40% copper.

"The end of 2005 and the beginning of 2006 mark the transition to higher sustained production levels," said Mike Surratt, President & CEO of Mercator Minerals. "We are already seeing some of the impacts flow through to the bottom line, with increasing production and falling costs. This trend should continue as we complete the ramp up of the SX/EW copper operations," he said. "In the meantime, we continue to advance the feasibility study for the next major increase in production from our Mineral Park Mine."

Fourth Quarter

During the fourth quarter, mine production was somewhat lower than anticipated due to a 10-day break down of the main ore loading unit in November. A second loader was purchased and delivered in December 2005 to provide backup for the main loading unit. This back-up unit was fully operational at the start January, ensuring that mining operations can meet production objectives. In addition, the rectifier needed for the Phase 2 expansion to 15 million lbs per year was received in January. Installation has commenced and is expected to be complete by the end of February.

Operating costs are anticipated to continue to decrease as the mine reaches sustained production capacity and the expansion of the SX/EW plant is completed.

Phase 4 Feasibility Study

Feasibility work on the Phase 4 pilot-scale flotation test work commenced in mid-January with METCON Research. A 500kg (1,000lb) sample of ore was milled and recovered to a rougher concentrate. Preliminary assay results confirm continuity of recovery levels as compared to earlier bench scale test work, which obtained recoveries of 89% for copper, and 92% for molybdenum on a sample representing the major ore type at Mineral Park. Copper concentrate cleaning and molybdenum separation and production of a final concentrate is scheduled for early February to demonstrate final recovery and grade parameters for the process. The feasibility study for the Phase 4 expansion is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2006 and will evaluate the opportunity of resuming production of copper and molybdenum concentrates from Mineral Park using the 30,000 tpd mill purchased in 2005.

Jim Tompkins, P.Eng., the Company's Mine Manager, a Qualified Person as defined by NI43-101, supervised the preparation of and verified the technical information contained in this release.

Mercator Minerals Ltd.

Mercator Minerals is an unhedged copper producer that owns and operates the Mineral Park SX/EW Copper Mine in Arizona, with a corporate strategy focused on maximizing the production potential of the Mineral Park copper- molybdenum deposit. The Phase 3 expansion is being evaluated in conjunction with the feasibility study for a Phase 4 expansion to 50 plus million pounds of copper production plus moly production. This could be achieved by resuming production of copper and molybdenum concentrates from the substantial resources at Mineral Park using the recently purchased 20-30,000 ton per day process plant, as detailed in a news release dated July 20, 2005.

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Valero Energy Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Earnings; Tenth Consecutive Quarter of Record Earnings

SAN ANTONIO, Jan 31, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) today marked its tenth consecutive quarter of record earnings with net income for the fourth quarter of 2005 of $1.3 billion, or $2.06 per share, compared to $489 million, or $0.88 per share, for the same period last year. Results for the fourth quarter include a $55 million pre-tax gain on the sale of the company's 20 percent interest in the Javelina off-gas processing joint venture in Corpus Christi. Excluding this special item, earnings per common share for the fourth quarter of 2005 would have been $2.00. There were no special items related to LIFO impacts in the fourth quarter. The company's per share results for all periods reflect the two-for-one common stock split distributed on December 15, 2005.
For the year ended December 31, 2005, Valero's net income was a record $3.6 billion, or $6.10 per share, versus $1.8 billion, or $3.27 per share, in 2004. Excluding the special item discussed above and the $621 million pre-tax LIFO charge in the third quarter of 2005, the company's net income for 2005 was $4 billion, or $6.76 per share. The company's debt-to-capitalization ratio, net of cash, was 24.8 percent as of December 31, 2005, compared to 30.7 percent as of December 31, 2004.

Fourth quarter operating income for the company's refining segment was $2.1 billion, compared to $884 million for the same period in 2004. The company benefited from the addition of the four former Premcor Inc. refineries, which contributed approximately $485 million to operating income during the quarter, and the higher refined product margins in October resulting from the refinery shutdowns due to hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"Our outstanding fourth quarter results completed what was another record year for Valero," said Bill Klesse, Valero's Chief Executive Officer. "These strong earnings demonstrate not only the sustainably higher refining margin environment, but also the high-quality, diverse asset base that has been put together under the leadership of Chairman Bill Greehey. We remain as committed as ever to growing our company, supporting our employees and their communities, and creating additional value for our stockholders.

"With respect to refinery operations in the fourth quarter, our throughputs exceeded 3 million barrels per day for the first time in our history and would have been even higher had Port Arthur not been down for part of October due to the damage done by Hurricane Rita and an extended turnaround at Delaware City," said Klesse.

Regarding the company's cash flows, capital spending for the fourth quarter was $1 billion and $2.6 billion for the full year. With respect to other uses of cash during the quarter, the company paid off the remaining $800 million outstanding under the $1.5 billion term loan used to fund a portion of the Premcor purchase price, a full year earlier than originally projected. The company also purchased approximately $380 million of its common stock. For the full year, the company repaid $2.4 billion of debt and purchased approximately $570 million of its common stock.

"For 2006, our capital budget is $3.4 billion and debt maturities are only $220 million. With our continued strong earnings, it's likely that we will have a record amount of free cash flow available in 2006, giving us ample resources to create additional shareholder value," said Klesse.

"So far in the first quarter, we've seen a continuation of solid refined product margins and wide sour crude discounts. Compared to last year, gasoline demand is up around one percent and distillate demand is up about half of a percent. On a days-of-supply basis, gasoline is currently at an all-time low for this time of year. With respect to distillate, despite the warm weather in January, days-of-supply is at normal levels for this time of year, primarily due to tight low-sulfur diesel supplies. And, keep in mind that this year's spring turnaround season is projected to be one of the heaviest on record. So, looking at the forward curve, gasoline and distillate margins are headed higher. As far as sour crude discounts are concerned, we expect them to continue to be wide for the foreseeable future.

"Looking at refining fundamentals for 2006, we feel very confident that refined product supplies are going to remain tight given the likelihood of continued economic growth, both in the U.S. and abroad, limited new refining capacity coming online this year and the anticipated impact of regulatory changes on transportation fuels. The convergence of dramatically lower sulfur limitations in gasoline and diesel and the removal of MTBE from gasoline in the U.S. will not only affect the ability of U.S. refiners to produce on-spec product, but will also impact imports. We expect that sustained high prices are going to be required to attract the necessary supply to meet growing U.S. refined product demand. Compounding these challenges is the fact that 2006 is forecast to be one of the heaviest turnaround seasons on record for the U.S. refining industry, so building inventory ahead of this summer's driving season will be more difficult. For these and many other reasons, we strongly believe that 2006 will be the best year yet for the refining industry and another record year for Valero," said Klesse.

Valero's senior management will hold a conference call at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT) today, to discuss this earnings release and provide an update on company operations. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available on the company's website at www.valero.com.

Valero Energy Corporation is a Fortune 500 company based in San Antonio, with approximately 22,000 employees and annual revenues of more than $80 billion. The company owns and operates 18 refineries throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.3 million barrels per day, making it the largest refiner in North America. Valero is also one of the nation's largest retail operators with more than 5,000 retail and branded wholesale outlets in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean under various brand names including Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock, Ultramar, and Beacon. Please visit www.valero.com for more information

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31.01.2006 14:59
PACCAR: Gewinn um 30 Prozent gesteigert, Erwartungen knapp verfehlt
Die PACCAR Inc. (ISIN US6937181088 (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs)/ WKN 861114), der zweitgrößte Lkw-Hersteller in den USA, meldete am Dienstag, dass sie ihren Gewinn im vierten Quartal um 30 Prozent steigern konnte, die Erwartungen jedoch knapp verfehlt hat.

Der Nettogewinn belief sich auf 312,9 Mio. Dollar bzw. 1,83 Dollar pro Aktie, nach 241,4 Mio. Dollar bzw. 1,38 Dollar pro Aktie im Vorjahr. Analysten hatten zuvor einen Gewinn von 1,84 Dollar pro Aktie erwartet.

Der Umsatz im Berichtszeitraum erreichte 3,44 Mrd. Dollar, was einem Wachstum um 14 Prozent gegenüber dem Vorjahr entspricht. Analysten waren im Vorfeld von einem Umsatz von 3,52 Mrd. Dollar ausgegangen.

Für das laufende Quartal prognostizieren Analysten ein EPS-Ergebnis von 1,69 Dollar bei Erlösen von 3,45 Mrd. Dollar.

Die Aktie von PACCAR schloss gestern an der NASDAQ bei 74,42 Dollar.

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31.01.2006 15:02
Altria profitiert im 4. Quartal von starkem Tabakgeschäft
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Die Altria Group Inc, (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) New York, hat im vierten Quartal 2005 ihr Nettoergebnis dank eines starken Tabakgeschäfts um 18% auf 2,29 Mrd USD gesteigert. Wie das Unternehmen am Dienstag mitteilte, lag das Ergebnis je Aktie im Schlussquartal bei 1,09 (0,94) USD. Das Ergebnis je Aktie aus fortgeführtem Geschäft stieg auf 1,09 (0,96) USD und der Umsatz kletterte um 9,4% auf 24,5 Mrd USD.

In dem Umsatz seien 582 Mio USD aus einer Akquisition und 136 Mio USD aus günstigen Währungswechselkursen enthalten, hieß es von Altria. Die von Thomson First Call befragten Analysten hatten mit einem Umsatz im Schlussquartal von 17,4 Mrd USD gerechnet.

DJG/DJN/ssu/cbr

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Altria Group: Tabak boomt, Lebensmittel schwach

Der Tabak- und Lebensmittelriese Altria Group hat im abgelaufenen Quartal die Erwartungen der Wall Street verfehlt. Dabei war es die Lebensmittelsparte mit Oreo-Keksen, Kaffee und Fertiggerichten, die auf die Bilanz drückte, während die Tabaktochter Philip Morris besser lief und ihren Marktanteil in den USA um 0,1 Prozent auf genau 50 Prozent erhöhte. Unterm Strich blickt man auf ein Umsatzplus von 9,4 Prozent auf 24,49 Milliarden Dollar. Der Gewinn liegt mit 2,29 Milliarden Dollar oder 1,09 Dollar pro Aktie um 7 Prozent unter den Prognosen. An den Erwartungen für das neue Jahr hält man aber fest.

Lars Halter

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Napster, Inc.
31.01.06 22:00 Uhr

3,91 USD

+25,32 % [+0,79]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
3,91 USD

Zeit
31.01.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+25,32 %

Tages-Vol.
202,78 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
52 Mio.


www.MarketGainer.com: Issues Market Coverage on Napster Incorporated

Jan 31, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Napster Incorporated (NASDAQ: NAPS) is riding high in the market today under speculation that an alliance may be forming between the online music store and Google Incorporated. There is already much attention placed on Google this week because of the scheduled release of the Company's fourth quarter results after the closing bell today. Shares of Napster have been blistering hot this morning, up over 41% with a trading volume of 10 million shares. The average volume of trading for shares of Napster is around 650 thousand. The share price opened at $3.12 but quickly shot up to as high as $4.95. At the present time, the share price for Napster is positioned at $4.53.
Our research professionals at Market Gainer will continue to track the latest information surrounding the possible alliance with, or takeover of, Napster by Google. This development could mean a great deal for both companies in the coming months.

In a report by The New York Post, sources within the music industry have mentioned that Google wants to "align with Napster" in lieu of giving rise to its own music store.

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Pacific Ethanol, Inc. - commonstock
31.01.06 22:00 Uhr

18,83 USD

+28,62 % [+4,19
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
18,83 USD

Zeit
31.01.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+28,62 %

Tages-Vol.
70,26 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
4,2 Mio.



Pacific Ethanol, Inc. Announces Debt Commitment For Madera Ethanol Plant Construction

Jan 31, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Pacific Ethanol, Inc. (Nasdaq: PEIX) announced today that it has received commitment letters from Hudson United Bank and Comerica Bank for up to a total of $34 million of debt financing to be used for the construction of its ethanol production plant in Madera County, California. This plant is under construction and is scheduled to be completed and begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2006.
Bill Jones, Chairman of the Board of Pacific Ethanol, stated, "These commitments represent the latest significant step in implementing our primary business plan to build ethanol plants near the fuel and feed markets that they will serve. Obtaining these commitments has been a thorough process that we believe will help build value for our stockholders."

Neil Koehler, CEO of Pacific Ethanol, added, "We are proud to have Hudson United Bank and Comerica Bank as new financial partners as we continue to build our renewable fuels production business."

The closing of the debt financing is subject to, among other things, the negotiation of final documentation and the absence of a material adverse change in either the financial condition of the Company or the construction of the ethanol production plant. The Company will not be able to draw down on any portion of the debt until such time as it has obtained at least $22 million in equity capital. The Company anticipates using a portion of the $84 million in equity capital expected to be provided by Cascade Investment, L.L.C. to satisfy this condition.

About Pacific Ethanol, Inc.

The primary goal of Pacific Ethanol, Inc. is to become the leader in the development, production and marketing of renewable fuels in the Western United States. Established in 2003, Pacific Ethanol is constructing its first large scale ethanol production facility in Madera County, California, and is developing four additional plants on the West Coast. Kinergy Marketing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pacific Ethanol, is the largest West Coast-based marketer of ethanol. In addition, Pacific Ethanol is working to identify and develop other renewable fuel technologies such as cellulose-based ethanol production and bio-diesel.

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GOODYEAR TIRE RUBBER
31.01.06 22:01 Uhr

15,64 USD

-16,63 % [-3,12]
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Börse
NYSE

Aktuell
15,64 USD

Zeit
31.01.06 22:01

Diff. Vortag
-16,63 %

Tages-Vol.
270,66 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
18 Mio.


Goodyear Retains ICG Commerce on Procurement Initiative World's Largest Tire Company Engages Procurement Services Provider to Drive Additional Cost Reductions in Support of Commitment to Maintain Profitable Growth

PHILADELPHIA, Jan 30, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- ICG Commerce, a leading procurement services provider, today announced that it has been engaged by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in a North American procurement initiative, launched to support the company's commitment to achieving cost reduction goals. As part of the engagement, ICG Commerce is partnering with the company's internal procurement organization to drive cost reductions that are expected to have a multi-million dollar impact on the company's bottom line.
Goodyear is focused on building momentum and maintaining profitable growth by driving improvements and efficiencies in key operational areas. The world's leading tire manufacturer identified indirect procurement as a major element of the company's current cost reduction effort. Following a highly competitive evaluation process, Goodyear selected ICG Commerce as the specialist to support this effort in North America based upon the procurement services provider's operational approach, customized and flexible solutions, and its expertise.

"The retention of ICG Commerce on our indirect procurement exemplifies our focus on driving a low cost structure, one of the seven key drivers contributing to our improved company performance," said Jonathan Rich, president of Goodyear's North American Tire business unit.

Goodyear's corporate sourcing team has already established significant savings opportunities through their ongoing strategic sourcing efforts. ICG Commerce's role is to ensure that the savings opportunities borne from these efforts are fully realized; to identify and implement additional savings opportunities in indirect buying categories; and to drive year-over-year cost improvements.

To achieve that objective, Goodyear will leverage ICG Commerce's procurement infrastructure consisting of category experts and process specialists, a best practice based Buying Center, and flexible tools and information to manage a broad spectrum of procurement processes including strategic sourcing, savings implementation, transaction processing, and ongoing category management. ICG Commerce will provide a suite of services to not only help drive aggressive cost reductions in North America but also support and accelerate the utilization of an established e-procurement system.

"The combined efforts of our two teams of professionals will bring our procurement capabilities to a new level of performance," said Gary Miller, Goodyear vice president and chief procurement officer. "Our company has made good strides in identifying opportunities for savings and putting a platform in place to enable improved focus and line-of-sight alignment as well as to drive compliance through effective purchasing. ICG Commerce provides the category, process and operational expertise we need to make sure the savings are realized and continuously improved upon and the platform is fully utilized."

The ICG Commerce team will work as an integrated element of the existing indirect procurement organization, serving Goodyear's North American Tire and Engineered Products plant facilities. The program will focus on buying categories that fall into groupings such as transportation and distribution, packaging, energy, MRO supplies, and marketing products and services.

"Goodyear understands that procurement is a high-impact initiative that can significantly enhance company performance as well as its bottom line," said Edward H. West, chairman and CEO of ICG Commerce. "Our agreement is testament to the commitment Goodyear has made to truly maximize the value of procurement to reap savings opportunities. ICG Commerce looks forward to working with Goodyear to achieve its objectives."

About Goodyear

Goodyear (NYSE: GT) is the world's largest tire company. The company manufactures tires, engineered rubber products and chemicals in more than 90 facilities in 28 countries. It has marketing operations in almost every country around the world. Goodyear employs more than 70,000 people worldwide.

About ICG Commerce, Inc.

ICG Commerce ( http://www.icgcommerce.com ) is a leading Procurement Services Provider exclusively focused on helping companies buy more effectively and efficiently in order to reduce costs significantly and continuously. The company offers an unmatched combination of process and category expertise, market insights and benchmarks and a world-class operational Buying Center to deliver Sourcing and Procurement Outsourcing Services. ICG Commerce Inc., a privately held company founded in 1992, is a member of Internet Capital Group's (Nasdaq: ICGE) network of partner companies. For four consecutive years, ICG Commerce has been as a Forbes Best of the Web: B2B honoree, and the company also has had multiple executives recognized in Supply & Demand Chain Executive magazine's annual "Pros to Know" listing.

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31.01.2006 22:50
Google verfehlt im 4. Quartal Gewinnerwartungen

Der Internetsuchmaschinen-Betreiber Google <GOOG.NAS> <GGQ1.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) hat im vierten Quartal die Gewinnerwartungen der Analysten verfehlt. Wie der Konzern am Dienstag nach Börsenschluss in Mountain View mitteilte, sank der Überschuss gegenüber dem Vorquartal von 381 auf 372 Millionen Dollar oder von 1,32 Dollar je Aktie auf 1,22 Dollar je Aktie.

Auf Proforma-Basis, also ohne Sonderposten, stieg der Gewinn im Vergleich zum dritten Quartal von 437 auf 469 Millionen Dollar. Das Ergebnis je Aktie (EPS) legte von 1,51 auf 1,54 Dollar zu. Von First Call befragte Analysten hatten im Schnitt mit einem Proforma-EPS von 1,76 Dollar gerechnet. Die Spanne der Schätzungen klaffte dabei von 1,51 bis 1,98 Dollar auseinander.

Der Umsatz stieg gegenüber dem Vorquartal um 22 Prozent auf 1,919 Milliarden Dollar. Im Vergleich zum Vorjahreswert entsprach dies einem Plus von 86 Prozent. Die so genannten Traffic Acquisition Costs (TAC), die das Unternehmen an seine Vertriebspartner abführt, erhöhten sich von 530 Millionen Dollar im Vorquartal auf nun 629 Millionen Dollar. Der Umsatz ohne TAC belief sich auf 1,29 Milliarden Dollar und traf die Analystenschätzungen genau./she/sf

ISIN US38259P5089

AXC0195 2006-01-31/22:46

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Atheros Communications, Inc.
31.01.06 22:00 Uhr

19,65 USD

+19,82 % [+3,25]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
19,65 USD

Zeit
31.01.06 22:00

Diff. Vortag
+19,82 %

Tages-Vol.
129,18 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
7,1 Mio.

Atheros to Present at TWP Conference Feb. 6

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan 31, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Atheros Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATHR), a leading developer of advanced wireless solutions, today announced that Dr. Craig Barratt, president and chief executive officer and Jack Lazar, vice president and chief financial officer, will present at the Thomas Weisel Partners Technology Conference on Monday, Feb. 6 at The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.
The presentation is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. Pacific time and will be webcast live via the investor relations section of the Atheros website at http://www.atheros.com 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.

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Making Beautiful Music?

By Lawrence Carrel
January 31, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Napster, Inc. (NAPS1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Monday's close: $3.12
Share price now: $3.91
Change: 25.3%
Volume: 51.9 million shares, daily average 651,700 shares
Last time this high: Oct. 19, 2005
52-week high: $9.84
52-week low: $2.95
Forward P/E before news: n/a
Forward P/E after news: n/a

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

IS THE BIGGEST INTERNET name about to join forces with what was once the most notorious brand in digital downloads? According to a published report, quite possibly. According to Google (GOOG2, the web giant in question, not a chance.
Shares of Napster (NAPS3) jumped 25% to $3.91 Tuesday after a New York Post story said Google is considering a digital-music alliance with the company. The Post, citing unnamed music industry sources, suggested Google might even buy Napster outright, sending the latter's shares as high as $4.95 in early trading. Google's subsequent denial erased some of the gains. Google's stock price inched up 1% in regular trading but plunged after-hours on a fourth-quarter earnings miss announced after the bell.

"We have no plans to acquire Napster," says Google spokeswoman Sonya Boralv. "Nor do we have plans to develop a music store at this time. Google recently introduced a music search feature. For certain music-related queries, we display links to third-party sites where interested users can purchase music directly."

The idea holds plenty of appeal for Napster. Big Internet companies have in recent years bought music distribution companies to fill out their multimedia strategies — think Yahoo's (YHOO4) purchase of MusicMatch and Real Networks (RNWK5) scooping up of Rhapsody. Napster remains one of the last pure plays in the sector. Earlier this month the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry said global sales of music tripled in 2005 to $1.1 billion, largely on demand for downloaded songs.

Napster was founded in 1999 as a peer-to-peer service that allowed users to swap files, often in violation of copyright law. By 2002 the music industry had driven the company into bankruptcy. Roxio, a maker of CD-burning software, bought the name that year, sold its software business and transformed itself into the current subscription music service.

Over the past year Napster's paid subscriber base doubled to half a million. Still, that hasn't translated into profitability. For its second quarter ended Sept. 30, the Santa Clara, Calif., company posted a net loss of $13.6 million, even as sales soared 151% year-over-year to $23.4 million.

"I think the killer for Napster's business is the customer acquisition costs," says David Card, senior analyst at New York technology market research firm Jupiter Research. "It's not profitable because of what it's spending on subscriber acquisitions." (Jupiter Research does business with Napster and Google.)

Card says a partner would substantially cut these costs, especially one that would drive tremendous traffic to Napster. In addition, Google's advertising business could give Napster another revenue stream.

Frederick Moran of Houston investment bank Stanford Group calls it an interesting speculation that a $130 billion company like Google would take a liking to a $200 million company like Napster. "Napster is so small, it's hardly on Google's radar screen," says Moran. "Still, Napster does have a strong brand name in downloaded digital music."

On Jan. 6, Google announced the launch of the Google Video Store, a video marketplace where consumers can buy or rent a wide range of video content. Then last week, Bear Stearns analyst Robert Peck wrote a report suggesting Google was in the midst of creating its own competitor to Apple's iTunes music service. Calling it the logical extension of the video marketplace, Peck dubbed the concept "Google Tunes" and said he expected a rollout within six months. At the same time, an industry publication said Napster was up for sale. Napster denied the report of a sale or significant layoffs, but did cut 10 middle managers. (Bear Stearns has a non-investment-banking relationship with Google.)

Stanford's Moran says a Napster purchase probably wouldn't interest Google.

"I'm not even sure an acquisition is worth its time and effort," says Moran. "But if Google wants quick and easier access to music digital downloads, it's certainly possible. I think given that Napster has $2.50 a share of cash on the books, that the rest of its business, including its brand name, is getting fairly low to no real valuation ascribed to it. There is some value here and it could be of interest to another Internet player. But it's in a sector with a lot of competition and a lot of losses, and that may be a barrier to a takeover."

P.J. McNealy of Greenwich, Conn., research firm American Technology Research is even more dismissive. He says the whole idea doesn't make sense because Napster's service remains an unproven business model.

"On top of that, Google has a tremendous brand name," says McNealy. "How much value the Napster brand could add is debatable." (McNealy owns shares of Google.)

Quote:
"It makes sense for Google to enter the music business as it's already in the video business," says Phil Leigh, president of Inside Digital Media, a Tampa, Fla., market research firm. "But it stepped over the music business and now it needs to go back and fill that in. For Google, the key question is: make or buy? And I think Napster is a good candidate. I think the subscription model makes a lot of sense, and Google would offer Napster the ability to promote the service throughout Google's universe."

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01.02.2006 10:35
Weitere Zahlen der US-Nachbörse
Beim Halbleiterzulieferer Pixelworks Inc. fiel im vierten Quartal ein Nettoverlust von 35,9 Millionen Dollar bzw 75 Cents je Aktie an. Im Vergleichszeitraum des Vorjahres wies Pixelworks einen Gewinn von 4 Millionen Dollar bzw 8 Cents je Aktie aus. Auf Pro Forma-Basis steht ein Verlust von 32 Millionen Dollar bzw 67 Cents je Aktie zu Buche.

Die Erlöse stiegen von 38,5 auf 43,3 Millionen Dollar.

Wie das Pixelworks weiter mitteilte, wird für das erste Quartal mit einem Nettoverlust von 19-22 Cents je Aktie und einem Pro Forma-Verlust von 8-11 Cents je Aktie gerechnet. Im Bereich des Erlöses erfolgt die Inaussichtstellung von 39-43 Millionen Dollar und einer Bruttomarge von 40-42%.

Finanzchef Jeff Bouchard scheidet per 10. Februar aus dem Unternehmen aus. Bis zur Ernennung eines geeigneten Nachfolgers wird Chief Operating Officer Hans Olsen an seine Stelle treten.

Pixelworks brachen nachbörslich um 11,39% auf 5,05 Dollar ein

Der Laserspezialist Cymer Inc. erwirtschaftete im vierten Quartal einen Nettogewinn von 16,4 Millionen Dollar bzw 45 Cents je Aktie. Im Vergleichszeitraum des Vorjahres wies Cymer einen Gewinn von 10,4 Millionen Dollar bzw 28 Cents je Aktie aus. Die Erlöse fielen von 128,1 auf 102,8 Millionen Dollar. Die Bruttomarge lag bei 43%.

Wie das Unternehmen weiter mitteilte, wird für das erste Quartal gegenüber dem Vorquartal mit einem Erlöszuwachs von 15-18% und einer Bruttomarge von 44-45% gerechnet.

Cymer stiegen nachbörslich um 1,66% auf 45,89 Dollar

Der Halbleiterausrüster Asyst Technologies Inc. erwirtschaftete im dritten Geschäftsquartal einen Nettogewinn von 3 Millionen Dollar bzw 6 Cents je Aktie. Im Vergleichszeitraum des Vorjahres wies Asyst einen Verlust von 11,6 Millionen Dollar bzw 24 Cents je Aktie aus. Auf Pro Forma-Basis wurden 4,7 Millionen Dollar bzw 10 Cents je Aktie verdient.

Die Erlöse fielen um 34% auf 106,8 Millionen Dollar.

Wie das Unternehmen weiter mitteilte, wird für das vierte Quartal mit einem Nettogewinn von 2-4 Millionen Dollar bzw 4-8 Cents je Aktie und Erlösen von 110-120 Millionen Dollar gerechnet. Auf Pro Forma-Basis erfolgt die Inaussichtstellung eines Gewinns von 4-6 Millionen Dollar bzw 8-12 Cents je Aktie.

Asyst Technologies legten nachbörslich um 0,42% auf 7,19 Dollar zu

Der Halbleiterhersteller Atmel Corp. erwirtschaftete im vierten Quartal einen Nettogewinn von 53,8 Millionen Dollar bzw 11 Cents je Aktie. Im Vergleichszeitraum des Vorjahres wies Atmel einen Verlust von 7,1 Millionen Dollar bzw 1 Cent je Aktie aus.

Die Erlöse stiegen von 408,3 auf 425,2 Millionen Dollar.

Die von Thomson First Call erhobenen durchschnittlichen Analystenschätzungen liegen bei einem Verlust von 1 Cent und Erlösen von 428 Millionen Dollar.

Wie das Unternehmen weiter mitteilte, wird für das erste Quartal mit einer saisonüblich flachen bis 2% schwächeren Erlösentwicklung gerechnet. Im Bereich der Bruttomarge erfolgt die Inaussichtstellung von 29-31%.

Atmel steigerten sich nachbörslich um 3,04% auf 4,07 Dollar

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DJ Nastech, P&G Collaborate On Nasal Spray For Osteoporosis

BOTHELL, Wash., Feb 01, 2006 (Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex) -- Nastech Pharmaceutical Co. (NSTK) granted Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) worldwide rights to develop and market Nastech's parathyroid-hormone nasal spray as a treatment for osteoporosis.
The human parathyroid hormone, or PTH1-34, regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and is currently approved as a daily injection to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

In a press release Wednesday, the pharmaceutical company said it is preparing for Phase III clinical development of the PTH1-34 nasal spray to determine if a nasal formulation produces the same results as daily injections.

P&G will reimburse Nastech for any development activities, and P&G will assume responsibility for clinical and non-clinical studies and regulatory approval.

P&G also agreed to pay $10 million upfront, and the consumer-products company could make up to $22 million in milestone payments during the first year.

Nastech said total payments over the life of the project could reach $577 million, subject to the achievement of specific development, regulatory, and commercialization goals.

If the companies sign a supply agreement, Nastech will manufacture intranasal PTH1-34 for P&G, which will direct worldwide sales, marketing, and promotion of the nasal spray.

Nastech will receive double-digit royalties, with the rate escalating upon the achievement of varying sales targets.

Nastech plans to discuss the collaboration and its intranasal PTH1-34 program during a conference call scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. EST.

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Quidel to Hold 2005 Fourth Quarter and Year-End Financial Results Conference Call on February 15

SAN DIEGO, Feb 01, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL), a leading provider of rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests, will release 2005 fourth quarter and year-end financial results after market close on Wednesday, February 15, 2006.
Following the release of the results, Caren L. Mason, president and chief executive officer, and Paul E. Landers, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will host an investment community conference call beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT) to discuss those results and to answer questions.

To participate in the live call by telephone from the U.S., dial (888) 803-7396, or from outside the U.S. dial (706) 634-1052. A live webcast of the call can be accessed at www.quidel.com. The Web site replay will be available for 14 days and the telephone replay will be available for 48 hours by dialing (800) 642-1687 from the U.S., or (706) 645-9291 for international callers, and entering reservation number 4722563.

About Quidel

Quidel Corporation serves to enhance the health and well being of people around the globe through the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of rapid diagnostic solutions at the point of care (POC) in infectious diseases and reproductive health. Marketed under the leading brand name of QuickVue, Quidel's portfolio of products currently includes tests that aid in the diagnosis of several disease or condition states, including influenza, Strep A, pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis, infectious mononucleosis, H. pylori and Chlamydia. Quidel's products are sold to healthcare professionals with a focus on the physician office lab and acute care markets through leading medical distribution partners on a worldwide basis. Quidel's Specialty Products Group (SPG) develops research products in the fields of oncology and bone health with potential point-of-care applications in the future. By building value in rapid diagnostic tests, Quidel provides leadership to the industry and among healthcare professionals allowing for the movement of patient testing out of the central laboratory setting and into the physician office, urgent care and other outpatient settings where rapid testing and treatment has an impact on clinical outcomes and provides an economic benefit. For more information, visit www.quidel.com or www.flutest.com.

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TECO Energy Generates '05 Profit

Feb 01, 2006 (Tampa Tribune - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) -- TAMPA -- TECO Energy Inc. turned around its financial fortunes in 2005, reporting a profit Tuesday of $274.5 million after losing nearly $1.5 billion over the two previous years.
The utility also said it will invest $380 million in Tampa Electric to pay for growth, including two new 150-megawatt generators at as yet unnamed locations and ongoing work on emissions controls at the Big Bend power station in Tampa.

John B. Ramil, president and chief operating officer, said TECO will work this year to maintain and restore its electric system before and after major storms. That includes hiring 55 new troublemen, linemen and field engineers at Tampa Electric, Ramil said. The utility also plans to add 30 new employees to its customer service work force.

The company's turnaround in 2005 came after TECO shifted from a previous effort to build and operate wholesale power plants outside of Florida. The worst years for Tampa-based TECO Energy came in 2003, when it lost $909 million, and in 2004, when it lost $552 million.

Those losses included massive restructuring charges that allowed TECO to divest its failed investments -- often at a significant loss -- in wholesale power.

TECO Energy's 2005 turnaround, which includes strong results in its coal mining and transport businesses, came as a result of the company concentrating on its core utility business.

That corporate refocus, combined with local economic growth, has put TECO back in the black. Per-share earnings reached $1.33 in 2005 on revenue of more than $3 billion, compared with sales of $2.6 billion in 2004.

"It'd be tough not to say that it was just a great year, given all that TECO had to control," said Dave Parker, an analyst with Robert W. Baird & Co. in Tampa. "It ought to set the table for an OK 2006 and improving results in 2007 and beyond."

Encouraged by the results, TECO Energy officials estimated Tuesday that the company would earn between $1.25 and $1.35 per share in 2006.

"These results reflect the soundness of our business strategy and the success of our five core businesses in implementing it," Sherrill W.

Hudson, chairman and chief executive officer, said about the 2005 financial results.

On Tuesday, TECO Energy shares closed down 16 cents at $17.08 on the New York Stock Exchange.

TECO Energy refocused on just five business units -- Tampa Electric Co., Peoples Gas System, TECO Coal, TECO Transport and TECO Guatemala -- in 2003, and shed the last of its wholesale power ventures in 2004.

Although all of the company's core units contributed to TECO's return to financial health in 2005, it was mainly driven by strong annual earnings at TECO Coal and TECO Transport, the company said.

With strong pricing, the coal unit earned $115.4 million in 2005, compared with $61.3 million in 2004. TECO Transport overcame damage from Hurricane Katrina to nearly double its earnings to $20.2 million last year from $10.2 million the year before.

Fourth-quarter results also were strong. TECO Energy reported net income of $52 million, or 25 cents a share, for the fourth quarter that ended Dec.

31. That compares with a loss of $487.6 million, or $2.44 a share, for the fourth quarter of 2004.

TECO Energy saw revenue increase to $770 million in the fourth quarter from $656.4 million during the same period of 2004.

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SST Communications' Vice Chairman and Chief Technology Advisor Receives 2006 IEEE David Sarnoff Award Dr. Mau-Chung Frank Chang Recognized for His Significant Contributions to the Wireless Communications Industry

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb 01, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- SST (Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.) (Nasdaq: SSTI), a leader in flash memory technology, today announced that the IEEE has honored Dr. Mau-Chung Frank Chang with the 2006 IEEE David Sarnoff Award for his significant contributions to the wireless communications industry in the area of GaAs Heterojunction Bipolar Transistor (HBT) power amplifiers. The IEEE recognizes Dr. Chang as being instrumental in the development of HBT power amplifiers leading to their commercialization in wireless communications. Currently, Dr. Chang serves as a professor at the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and also is vice chairman and chief technology adviser at SST Communications.
The IEEE David Sarnoff Award is sponsored by the Sarnoff Corporation and celebrates significant contributions made in the field of electronics. Dr. Chang will receive the award at the 2006 International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) in San Francisco on February 6, 2006.

"Dr. Chang has committed his time and expertise to develop an industry-standard manufacturing process and monitoring methods to produce highly reliable GaAs HBTs," said Michael S. Lightner, president and CEO, IEEE. "He has demonstrated exemplary leadership in this field, and we are very pleased to recognize his outstanding efforts with this year's David Sarnoff Award."

Modern digital communication systems rely on sophisticated modulation schemes to achieve effective use of frequency bandwidth for high data rate throughput. These systems, including GSM and CDMA phones and WLAN, cannot be realized without the use of high efficiency and high linearity power amplifiers, which are primarily made of GaAs based HBTs. According to a July 2004 WLAN report and a December 2004 mobile phone report from IDC, 648 million cell phones and 100 million WLAN units were shipped in 2004 alone. About 80 percent of the cell phones and all of the WLAN systems used GaAs HBTs for power amplification in transmitters to meet the required linearity and efficiency.

"HBT production has increased to the point where it is now a multi-billion dollar business worldwide, making the development of highly reliable GaAs HBTs critical for the electronics industry," said Bing Yeh, president and CEO, SST. "Through his expertise and leadership in this area, Dr. Chang not only has developed new methods of manufacturing and monitoring reliable GaAs HBT power amplifiers with in-process predictability, but also has made it possible to successfully transition them from research to production."

Dr. Vijay K. Dhir, Dean of the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, added, "Dr. Chang is a highly respected member of the university faculty and his contributions and leadership in the area of electronics R&D continue to help shape the future of electronic engineering."

About Dr. Mau-Chung Frank Chang

Since 1997, Dr. Chang has been a professor within the electrical engineering department at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. He also serves as vice chairman and chief technology adviser at SST Communications. Prior to joining UCLA, Dr. Chang was the assistant director and department manager of the high-speed electronics laboratory at Rockwell Science Center, a role in which he pioneered the development and technology transfer of the GaAs HBT IC technology from the research laboratory to the production line. Dr. Chang received his B.S. degree from the National Taiwan University in Taipei, his M.S. degree in material science from the National Tsing-Hua University, and a Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the National Chiao-Tung University in Hsinchu, Taiwan. He is a fellow of the IEEE, holds more than 20 U.S. patents, and has published more than 200 papers on semiconductor technologies and mixed signal circuit design.

About IEEE

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, or IEEE, is the world's largest technical professional society with more than 365,000 members in approximately 150 countries. Through its members, the IEEE is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace, computers and telecommunications to biomedicine, electric power and consumer electronics. The IEEE publishes 30 percent of the world's literature in the electrical and electronics engineering and computer science fields, has created nearly 900 active consensus standards, and sponsors or cosponsors more than 350 technical conferences each year. Additional information about the IEEE can be found at www.ieee.org.

About SST Communications

SST Communications, a subsidiary of SST (Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.), is a fabless semiconductor company, providing optimized RF solutions to enable wireless multimedia and broadband networking system applications. The company has offices in Los Angeles, California and Taipei, Taiwan.

About Silicon Storage Technology, Inc.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, SST designs, manufactures and markets a diversified range of memory and non-memory products for high volume applications in the digital consumer, networking, wireless communications and Internet computing markets. Leveraging its proprietary, patented SuperFlash technology, SST is a leading provider of nonvolatile memory solutions with product families that include various densities of high functionality flash memory components and flash mass storage products. The Company also offers its SuperFlash technology for embedded applications through its broad network of world-class manufacturing partners and technology licensees, including TSMC, which offers it under its trademark Emb-FLASH. SST's non-memory products include NAND controllers, smart card ICs, flash microcontrollers and radio frequency ICs and modules. Further information on SST can be found on the company's Web site at http://www.sst.com

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Adobe Releases Flex 2.0 Beta Products to the Developer Community; New Addition of Flex Enterprise Services 2.0 and Free Software Development Kit Transform Rich Internet Application Development

SAN JOSE, Calif., Feb 01, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: ADBE) today announced the public beta of Adobe(R) Flex(TM) 2.0 product line and Adobe Flash(R) Player 8.5, the leading application development solution for delivering rich Internet applications. Developers everywhere now will be able to build next generation Web experiences that help organizations engage users more effectively, increase productivity, and deliver better business results.
"Over the last 10 years we have used many technologies to build rich Internet applications for our clients, including DHTML-based and AJAX techniques, but we always found ourselves having to sacrifice either developer productivity or the richness of the user experience," said Dave Wolf, vice president at Cynergy Systems. "With Flex 2.0 and Flash Player 8.5, we can finally deliver the kinds of rich applications our clients demand without compromise. That's Web 2.0!"

The Flex 2.0 product line provides developers with a powerful and extensible application framework, intuitive programming model, standards-based data integration, and a powerful Eclipse-based integrated development environment (IDE) for application development and UI design. With an extensive component library, advanced data integration, and support for standard back-end server infrastructures, Flex 2.0 enables developers to build virtually any type of rich Internet application, from simple interactive sites, to rich data dashboards and portals, to data intensive enterprise applications.

"Adobe is committed to delivering the tools and servers that application developers need to deliver engaging rich Internet applications, from interactive product configurators to mission critical business applications," said David Mendels, senior vice president, Enterprise and Developer Business Unit at Adobe. "The response to the public alpha release of the Flex 2.0 product line has been tremendous, and we can't wait to see what developers will do with the new capabilities found in this release."

The following components are part of the Flex beta program:

-- Flash Player 8.5 -- the latest high-performance client runtime for engaging Web experiences

-- Flex Framework 2.0 -- the core programming model and component library for Flex

-- Flex Builder 2.0 -- an Eclipse-based IDE for developing rich Internet applications with the Flex Framework

-- Flex Enterprise Services 2.0 -- essential data services and an open adapter architecture for delivering data-intensive rich Internet applications and deeply integrating with enterprise service-oriented infrastructure

-- Flex Charting Components 2.0 -- extensible components for advanced data visualization

Beta versions of the full Adobe Flex 2.0 product line and Adobe Flash Player 8.5 are available now from Adobe Labs, at http://labs.adobe.com.

General Availability and Pricing

The Flex 2.0 product line is expected to be commercially available in the first half of calendar year 2006. Adobe is introducing a new tiered licensing model to bring the power of Flex development within reach of every professional application developer. The Flex Framework will be made available free of charge through the Flex Software Development Kit, which will include the command line compiler and documentation required to develop, compile, and deploy Flex applications that connect to XML and SOAP web services with no additional charges or server licensing required. Flex Builder 2.0 will be sold for less than $1,000 and will provide advanced visual design, intelligent code editing, debugging, and automated testing for delivering rich Internet applications. Flex Enterprise Services 2.0 will be free of charge for use by a limited number of concurrent users on a single, non-clustered server. Flex Enterprise Services 2.0 also will be licensed commercially on a per CPU, per project, and enterprise license basis. Final pricing and licensing for the Flex 2.0 product line will be announced when the products become commercially available.

About Adobe Systems Incorporated

Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information -- anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.

(C) 2006 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe, the Adobe logo, Flash and Flex are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Knight Ridder's earnings down, revenue flat for 4th quarter

PHILADELPHIA, Jan 31, 2006 (Knight Ridder Newspapers - Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service via COMTEX) -- Under scrutiny as it negotiates with would-be buyers, Knight Ridder Inc. on Tuesday reported flat revenue and lower earnings for the fourth quarter.
Strong help wanted, real estate and discount chain store ads weren't quite enough to overcome declines in department store and car ads. Senior vice president Hilary Schneider and other executives told analysts in a conference call that they expect ad sales to rise this year, and that the drop in car ads was temporary.

Expenses were also nearly flat, as health care expenses were lower than the San Jose, Calif.-based newspaper chain had projected. The company, the country's second-largest newspaper chain and parent of The Philadelphia Inquirer, made up for higher newsprint costs by using less newsprint.

Shares fell $1.16, or 1.8 percent, to $62.29 Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange, a slightly better performance for the day than Gannett Co. Inc., the largest U.S. newspaper chain, which reported earnings Friday. Shares in Gannett fell $1.53, or 2.4 percent, to $61.77 Tuesday on the New York Stock Exchange.

Knight Ridder shares are likely to respond to investors' views of the company's potential sale rather than its recent profits, said Steven Barlow, a Prudential Equity Group analyst. He expects that a consortium of investment firms and newspaper operators will announce a deal to buy Knight Ridder for around $68 a share, perhaps as soon as next month.

For the quarter ended Dec. 25, Knight Ridder earned $83.3 million, or $1.24 per share, down from $107.2 million, or $1.38 per share, a year earlier.

The company said income from continuing operations fell to $83.3 million, or $1.24 a share, from $97 million, or $1.26 a share, a year earlier. The per-share results benefited from the repurchase or retirement of more than 10 million shares in the last fiscal year.

Operating revenue in the quarter rose to $819.9 million from $795.5 million a year earlier, thanks largely to the acquisition of three newspapers in the Pacific Northwest.

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PepsiAmericas Reports Double Digit Earnings Per Share Growth for Fourth Quarter and Full Year; Company Provides 2006 Outlook

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb 01, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- PepsiAmericas, Inc. (NYSE:PAS) today reported net income of $194.7 million for the full year 2005 or diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.42, up 11 percent from the prior year. This compares to full year reported net income in 2004 of $181.9 million, or EPS of $1.28. These results included various items that resulted in a combined net increase of $0.05 to EPS in both 2005 and 2004, as explained in the attachment to this release. The items impacting comparability most significantly in 2005 were the fructose settlement proceeds partially offset by lease exit costs.
In the fourth quarter of 2005, PepsiAmericas reported net income of $37.6 million or EPS of $0.28, up 12 percent from the prior year quarter. These results included various items that resulted in a combined net decrease of $0.01 to EPS, including lease exit costs, partially offset by tax adjustments and the final fructose settlement proceeds received in the fourth quarter. These reported results compare to net income of $35.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2004, or EPS of $0.25, which included a special charge of $0.01 per share.

Full Year 2005 Financial Highlights

-- Balanced top line growth boosted net sales to over $3.7 billion in 2005, an 11.4 percent increase compared to the prior year, including almost 7 percentage points contributed by the newly acquired territories of Central Investment Corporation (CIC).

-- Reported worldwide volume improved 6.5 percent for the year, driven by 7.4 percent volume increases in the U.S. and 3.3 percent in Central Europe. On a constant territory basis, U.S. volume was essentially flat.

-- Worldwide average net selling price strengthened by 3.9 percent, driven by U.S. net pricing, up 3.6 percent. Mix contributed almost one-third of the U.S. net pricing growth.

-- Gross profit grew 9.8 percent, to $1.6 billion, including a 7 percentage point contribution from the CIC territories. In a challenging raw material cost environment, worldwide cost of goods sold per unit increased 4.5 percent.

-- Operating income grew 15.8 percent to $393.4 million, with the CIC territories contributing 9 percentage points of the growth.

"2005 was a very good year for PepsiAmericas and our shareholders, as we continue to demonstrate strong and consistent earnings growth," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert C. Pohlad. "Despite a year with significantly higher costs and the impact from Hurricane Katrina, we delivered our operating targets by driving a solid top line performance and by managing controllable costs. In the U.S., our pricing strength continued as did growth in our immediate consumption business, as well as our noncarbonated beverage category, which now represents 14 percent of our total portfolio. The successful integration of our newly acquired Florida and Ohio territories resulted in a contribution to earnings that exceeded our expectations. In our international operations, however, we had a challenging second half of the year with changing marketplace dynamics in Hungary and economic softness in Puerto Rico, which overshadowed our success in the other markets."

"Our solid performance in 2005 generated strong cash flows," continued Robert C. Pohlad. "More importantly, we were able to continue to deliver meaningful cash to our shareholders through increased dividends and share repurchases."

Fourth Quarter Results

-- Worldwide net sales grew 9.9 percent, with the CIC territories contributing approximately 7 percentage points of the growth. Worldwide average net selling price improvement of 3.5 percent helped to generate net sales of $894.3 million in the quarter, with U.S. net pricing up over 4 percent.

-- Reported worldwide volume improved 5.5 percent in the quarter, including the CIC territories. On a constant territory basis, PepsiAmericas reported a worldwide volume decline of 0.7 percent in the fourth quarter, driven primarily by a U.S. volume decline of 0.9 percent.

-- Worldwide operating income increased 7.8 percent to $77.1 million in the fourth quarter. The U.S. business operating income improved 12 percent to $76.4 million, driven in part by the CIC territories. International operations reported operating income of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter, a decrease of $2.6 million compared to the same period in the prior year.

"The combination of revenue growth and cost management in our U.S. business drove our strong finish in 2005. Accelerated growth in our noncarbonated portfolio, which was up 16 percent in the quarter, positions us well as we begin 2006," said Robert C. Pohlad.

Fourth Quarter 2005 U.S. Operations Highlights

Volume grew 6.9 percent in the quarter driven by the CIC contribution, as volume declined 0.9 percent on a constant territory basis. The carbonated soft drink category trends continue to be a challenge. At PepsiAmericas, carbonated soft drinks were down 3 percent in the quarter on a constant territory basis. Aquafina volume increased over 30 percent in the quarter while the balance of the noncarbonated beverage portfolio volume increased 7 percent, led by volume growth in Lipton Iced Tea, Frappuccino, and Tropicana juice drinks. Take home package volume decreased 2 percent, reflecting lower carbonated soft drink can sales, while our single serve package volume increased 4 percent. This represents our best single serve volume performance this year.

Net sales in the U.S. grew 11.7 percent to $758.7 million in the fourth quarter, driven by solid net pricing and the CIC contribution. Net pricing improved 4.2 percent over the prior year quarter. Mix contributed approximately 40 percent of the net pricing improvement and the remainder came from rate. Domestic cost of goods sold increased 12.5 percent to $432.8 million, with CIC representing approximately 8 percentage points of the increase. The higher cost of goods sold per unit reflected higher packaging and energy costs. Gross profit grew by 10.5 percent to $325.9 million, with CIC contributing approximately 8 percentage points of the increase.

Selling, delivery and administrative expenses increased 10.8 percent, or $24.4 million, to $251.0 million. CIC represented approximately 6 percentage points of the increase. U.S. operating income in the fourth quarter was $76.4 million, up 12 percent driven by CIC. These results included the $6.1 million lease exit charge offset in part by additional fructose settlement proceeds of $1.5 million, both pretax.

Fourth Quarter International Operations Highlights

Volume in Central Europe grew 5.4 percent in the fourth quarter. All markets, with the exception of Hungary, posted solid volume gains led by continued carbonated soft drink growth. Central Europe net sales reached $76.8 million in the fourth quarter, up 3.6 percent. Average net pricing declined 5.7 percent driven largely by unfavorable foreign currency translation. The cost of goods sold per unit increased 0.2 percent, reflecting a favorable impact from foreign currency translation with underlying higher resin and sugar costs. Gross profit of $26.8 million was down $2.6 million, or 8.8 percent, from the prior year quarter, reflecting lower net pricing and unfavorable foreign currency translation of $1.5 million. Selling, delivery and administrative expenses were relatively flat to the previous year at $28.9 million in the fourth quarter.

In the Caribbean, net sales decreased 3 percent to $58.8 million, as average net selling price improvements of 5.5 percent were more than offset by volume declines of 9 percent. Volume softness largely resulted from a slowing economy in Puerto Rico. Cost of goods sold per unit increased 8.9 percent as raw material and packaging cost pressures accelerated. Selling, delivery and administrative costs of $12.8 million for the quarter, down over 3 percent, reflected the lower volume performance.

The international operations reported combined operating income of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter, compared to operating income of $3.3 million in the prior year, representing declines in both Central Europe and the Caribbean.

Outlook

"In 2006, revenue growth is our top priority. We will strategically invest in our organization to accelerate volume in the U.S., while maintaining the right contribution from pricing. And we continue to expect Central Europe and the Caribbean to be important sources of our growth," said Robert C. Pohlad.

In 2006, PepsiAmericas expects to achieve reported EPS in the range of $1.44 to $1.49. The expected reported EPS includes a $0.01 per share charge related to the expensing of stock options and the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R "Share Based Payments." This compares to the reported EPS of $1.42 in 2005. As previously discussed and included on the attached reconciliation table, the 2005 results benefited from several items that increased EPS by $0.05, primarily the fructose settlement proceeds.

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Medarex and Organon Announce Antibody Development Agreement

Feb 01, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- PRINCETON, N.J., and OSS, The Netherlands, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Medarex, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEDX) and Organon, the human health care business unit of Akzo Nobel, today announced an agreement for the development of therapeutic antibodies. Organon intends to use Medarex's UltiMAb Human Antibody Development System(R), which allows for the discovery of fully human antibodies in mice, to generate therapeutic antibodies against a variety of disease targets discovered by Organon and/or its alliance partners in discovery research. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon plans to develop and commercialize fully human antibody therapeutics. Medarex expects to receive license fees and milestone payments as well as royalties on commercial sales of any products that may result from this agreement.

"We are pleased that Organon plans to combine their product development experience with our UltiMAb technology to develop novel therapeutics," said Donald L. Drakeman, President and CEO of Medarex.

Dr. David Nicholson, Executive Vice President Global Research and Development of Organon International Inc., stated that, "We believe that Medarex's UltiMAb system is a valuable addition to the proprietary technology of Organon for the generation of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. These technologies complement each other and are instrumental in supporting the Organon strategy to build a portfolio of commercially attractive biotech products."

About Organon

Organon - with shared head offices in Roseland, NJ, USA and Oss, The Netherlands - creates, manufactures and markets prescription medicines that improve the health and quality of human life. Through a combination of independent growth and business partnerships, Organon strives to remain or become one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in each of its core therapeutic fields: gynecology, fertility, neuroscience and anesthesia. Organon products are sold in over 100 countries, of which more than 60 have an Organon subsidiary. Organon is the human health care business unit of Akzo Nobel.

About Medarex

Medarex is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and potential commercialization of fully human antibody-based therapeutics to treat life-threatening and debilitating diseases, including cancer, inflammation, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. Medarex applies its UltiMAb(R) technology and product development and clinical manufacturing experience to generate, support and potentially commercialize a broad range of fully human antibody product candidates for itself and its partners. Thirty of these therapeutic product candidates derived from Medarex technology are in human clinical testing or have had INDs submitted for such trials, with four of the most advanced product candidates currently in Phase III clinical trials. Medarex is committed to building value by developing a diverse pipeline of antibody products to address the world's unmet healthcare needs. For more information about Medarex, visit its website at www.medarex.com.

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Transgenomic's WAVE(R) System and Surveyor(TM) Nuclease Used to Detect Mutations Associated With Response to Therapy in Lung Cancer High-Sensitivity Scanning for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations in Clinical Specimens

Feb 01, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Transgenomic Inc. (Nasdaq: TBIO) announced today the publication of a study demonstrating the combined use of its WAVE HS System and Surveyor Nuclease to enable detection of mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The presence of EGFR mutations has previously been shown to correlate with response to targeted therapeutics that inhibit EGFR. Importantly, Transgenomic's technology provided superior sensitivity compared to direct DNA sequencing, the most common approach currently employed to detect these mutations.
Dr. Pasi A. Janne and colleagues in the Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology in collaboration with the Translational Research Laboratory of the Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, described this work in an article entitled "A Rapid and Sensitive Enzymatic Method for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation Screening," which was published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research on February 1.

Dr. Janne commented on the significance of this work: "The most common method of detecting EGFR mutations involves direct sequencing of DNA isolated from tumor cells that have been micro dissected from pathology specimens. This often requires a relatively large biopsy specimen, effectively excluding a significant number of patient specimens from analysis. Our approach enables analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples without micro or gross dissection. This increases the number of useable specimens, which we believe is critical for the continued development of targeted cancer therapeutics and related molecular diagnostic tests."

Collin D'Silva, Transgenomic's CEO, said, "The finding, first made in 2004, that EGFR mutations exist in the majority of patients that respond to therapy with drugs that inhibit EGFR, has been a catalyst for accelerated translational and clinical research in this area. The excellent work by Dr. Janne and his colleagues provides an example of the capability of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Translational Research Laboratory to utilize new tools and technologies to address important clinically-relevant questions." D'Silva continued, "We are pleased to see our technology deployed successfully in their cutting-edge work, which we believe will ultimately have significant impact on cancer patient care by making molecular diagnostic testing feasible for a broader patient base."

SURVEYOR technology is based on intellectual property licensed exclusively from The Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pa.

About Transgenomic

Transgenomic is a global company that provides versatile and innovative products and services to the medical research and pharmaceutical markets. Transgenomic's WAVE Systems are specifically designed for use in genetic variation detection. They have broad applicability to genetic research and molecular diagnostics. The emerging pursuit of personalized medicine is driving the ongoing need to detect new, uncharacterized mutations and genetic polymorphisms. The high analytical sensitivity of the WAVE System makes it a uniquely enabling technology for the advancement of personalized medicine. To date there have been over one thousand systems installed in over 30 countries around the world. In addition to the sale of systems and consumables Transgenomic provides services to pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies in preclinical and clinical development of targeted therapeutics. For more information about the innovative genomics research tools developed and marketed by Transgenomic, please visit the company's Web site at www.transgenomic.com.

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Monster Worldwide Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Results

NEW YORK, Feb 01, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST):
-- Total Revenue Increases 24% to $267 Million for the Quarter; Monster Division Revenue Grows 30% to $224 Million with the Division's Deferred Revenue Up 42% to $327 Million

-- Diluted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations Increases 56% to $0.28; Income from Continuing Operations Climbs 63% to $35 Million

-- Free Cash Flow of $45 Million in Fourth Quarter Brings 2005 Free Cash Flow to $182 Million

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2005.

Fourth Quarter Results

Total revenue increased 24% to $266.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005 from $215.0 million in last year's fourth quarter, while revenue at the Monster division grew 30% to $223.8 million over the $172.2 million recorded in the same period of 2004. The Company's Advertising & Communications business contributed $42.8 million to total revenue, essentially flat with last year's comparable quarter.

Organic revenue growth for the Company and the Monster division was 24% and 29%, respectively, compared to last year's fourth quarter. Income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter increased 63% to $35.3 million from $21.7 million in the comparable quarter in 2004. Net income was $36.5 million compared to $24.5 million in last year's fourth quarter, a 49% increase. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.28, a 56% increase over $0.18 for the fourth quarter of 2004, and diluted earnings per share, including the results of discontinued operations, were $0.29, a 45% increase over $0.20 for the fourth quarter of 2004. The Monster division's deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2005 was $327.4 million, a 42% increase over last year's fourth quarter balance of $230.1 million.

Cash generated from operating activities in the fourth quarter of 2005 was $60.9 million compared with $44.1 million for the comparable year ago quarter. Free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure), defined as cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures, increased to $45.2 million, a 9.5% increase, compared to $41.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. At the end of the fourth quarter of 2005, Monster Worldwide's net cash position, defined as cash and cash equivalents plus marketable securities, less total debt, totaled $273.3 million, compared to $134.9 million at December 31, 2004 and $269.0 million at September 30, 2005. During the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company used $89.6 million, net of cash and marketable securities acquired, to purchase JobKorea, the leading online recruitment company in South Korea; and also used $7.9 million on share repurchases. Stock option exercises generated an additional $57.3 million of cash for the Company in the fourth quarter.

"We are very pleased to report a strong finish to another outstanding year for Monster Worldwide. Our solid financial performance for the fourth quarter and throughout the year directly reflects our ability to deliver effective and innovative solutions for a growing list of small, medium and global customers and job seekers," said Andrew J. McKelvey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, of Monster Worldwide. "The combination of Monster's talented, experienced sales force worldwide and the Company's expanding presence in overseas markets contributed to our strong revenue growth. Overseas, Monster's organic revenue growth rate improved for the second quarter in a row, with International growing 46% year to year. In North America, we continued to attract thousands of new customers each month, while deepening our relationships with the nation's largest employers. Our singular focus is on continuing to develop and expand our industry while delivering strong, consistent financial results that drive shareholder value. We are confident that our industry knowledge and operational expertise will enable us to build on our leadership position this year and in the years ahead."

Full Year Results

Monster Worldwide reported total revenue of $986.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared to $756.1 million last year, a 31% increase. Monster division revenue grew 38% to $818.3 million compared with $593.9 million in 2004. Income from continuing operations was $115.1 million, or $0.92 per diluted share compared to $64.9 million, or $0.54 per diluted share in the prior year. Net income for 2005 was $107.4 million up from $73.1 million in 2004. Diluted earnings per share, including the results of discontinued operations, were $0.86 compared to $0.61 reported in 2004. For 2005, Monster Worldwide generated $221.6 million in cash flow from operating activities, and free cash flow was $181.8 million, up from $75.9 million in 2004.

Recent Developments

Monster #1 Job Site in Europe

-- A study done by Web research firm Neilsen//NetRatings in November 2005 ranked Monster the #1 most visited job site in Europe with 5.2 million unique visitors in the third quarter of 2005. The study found that one in every four web users, or 29 million Europeans, visited job sites between July and September 2005, a 25% increase over the same period in the prior year.

Stock Repurchase Program

-- On November 10, 2005, the Company's Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan. Under terms of the plan, Monster Worldwide is authorized to purchase up to $100 million of its shares of common stock in the open market or otherwise from time to time over a 30-month period as conditions warrant. The Company repurchased 200,000 shares at a total cost of $7.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Monster Employment Index

-- The Monster Employment Index U.S. increased 32 points, or 28% over last year. The Index showed strong, steady growth in online recruitment activity compared to the prior year with particular strength in construction, retail and military. Launched in April 2004 with data collected since October 2003, the Index culls over 1500 Web sites including a variety of corporate career sites and job boards to present a snapshot of U.S. online job demand.

The Monster Employment Index Europe, which represents the first ongoing analysis of European online hiring activity, was up slightly in December 2005 having risen to an all time high of 112. Since its inception in June 2005, with data collected since December 2004, the Index has exhibited a generally upward growth trend, showing a 29 point, or a 35% increase in online job demand year over year.

NASDAQ 100

-- On December 19, 2005, Monster Worldwide rejoined the NASDAQ-100 Index - one of the world's most widely followed barometers of stock market activity.

Supplemental Financial Information

The Company has made available certain supplemental financial information, in a separate document that can be accessed directly at http://www.monsterworldwide.com/Q405.pdf or through the Company's Investor Relations website at http://ir.monsterworldwide.com.


About Monster Worldwide

Founded in 1967, Monster Worldwide, Inc. is the parent company of Monster(R), the leading global online careers property. The company also owns TMP Worldwide, one of the world's largest Recruitment Advertising agency networks. Headquartered in New York with approximately 4,800 employees in 26 countries. Monster Worldwide (NASDAQ: MNST) is a member of the S&P 500 Index and NASDAQ 100. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.

Monster is the leading global online careers property. A division of Monster Worldwide, Monster works for everyone by connecting quality job seekers at all levels with leading employers across all industries. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Maynard, Mass., Monster has 26 local language and content sites in 24 countries worldwide. More information is available at www.monster.com or by calling 1-800-MONSTER. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading employer products and services, please visit http://recruiter.monster.com.

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Delphi loses $1.1 billion in December: Supplier blames a one-time asset charge

Feb 01, 2006 (Detroit Free Press - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) -- Delphi Corp., the nation's largest auto-parts maker, lost $1.1 billion in December from a one-time charge and warned of additional charges. For the month ended Dec. 31, the Troy-based supplier lost $1.1 billion, substantially worse than a loss of $127 million reported for the period between Oct. 8 and Nov. 30. Delphi became the largest manufacturer in U.S. history to file for bankruptcy on Oct. 8. Since then, it has had to file monthly financial reports to comply with bankruptcy rules. Operating expenses of $2 billion wiped out the company's December sales of $1.4 billion. The bulk of those expenses were related to goodwill and a one-time noncash asset impairment charge, said Delphi spokeswoman Claudia Piccinin. Last month Delphi evaluated all its assets and decided to write down $929 million of the assets it would not be able to recover after emerging from bankruptcy. Goodwill is defined as a valuable intangible asset, such as a strong brand or reputation. Delphi said in its filing Tuesday that it might have to write down other similar charges in the coming months because of continued financial problems. Among them: General Motors Corp., its largest customer representing about 50% of its business, has cut back on production and is losing market share to global competitors. Commodity prices are steadily increasing. Prices for steel, oil-based resins that make plastics and other raw materials have been unbearable for many parts suppliers. Higher wages and benefits than its competitors' are a drag on the company. Delphi says it pays its hourly workers $76 an hour when benefits are added in. That compares with an average wage of $27 an hour. Delphi does not provide similar estimates for its executives. Restrictive labor contracts keep Delphi from responding to market conditions. Since filing for bankruptcy, Delphi employees have been upset because the company has demanded wage cuts to as low as $9.50 an hour from $27. Most recently, Delphi proposed to cut wages to $12.50 an hour. The company also wants to reduce its U.S. workforce by 24,000 employees and reduce the benefits for the remaining 10,000 U.S. hourly workers. Delphi filed for bankruptcy after it failed to reach an agreement with its labor unions and could not secure bailout money from former owner GM. The world's largest automaker said Jan. 26 that it will likely spend between $3.6 billion and $12 billion to provide benefits for former GM workers who transferred to Delphi when the auto supplier was spun off in 1999.
By Jason Roberson

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China Mobility Solutions, Inc. Has Agreement in Principle to Acquire SMS Banking Company

VANCOUVER, British Colombia, Feb 01, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- China Mobility Solutions, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CHMS), a Florida corporation announced today that it has reached an agreement in principle for the terms and conditions to acquire more than 50 percent of a China-based, short message system banking company (the "Company").
This Company offers customized mobile value-added services including SMS- based banking systems to its bank clients throughout China. This product allows banks' customers to access accounts and bank information on their cell phones and to pay bills or transfer money easily and safely through SMS. Customers can also customize the SMS banking platform according to their own needs and preferences and take advantage of many other useful and convenient features. The SMS banking system offers banks the chance to increase profits, service, marketing effectiveness and customer relations, at a very low cost.

"The acquisition of this Company would help fulfill China Mobility's mission to become a leading provider of mobile solutions to businesses in China, extend the services it is able to offer clients, and help build China Mobility's credibility and brand awareness by entering the banking and financing market," said Angela Du, President of China Mobility Solutions.

The two companies have been actively negotiating this acquisition for several months and have reached an agreement in principle. They are currently in the process of finalizing a definitive agreement.

About China Mobility Solutions, Inc.

China Mobility Solutions, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CHMS), a pioneer in developing Short Message Services (SMS) as a primary advertising medium in China, provides mobile marketing, branding and enterprise solutions to its rapidly expanding client base of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). China Mobility also provides other mobile solutions such as mobile email systems and mobile solutions for field sales to SME. Through proprietary profit sharing agreements, China Mobility's advertising audience includes SMS subscribers from China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom.

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Symantec Consultants Author Book on Delivering Information Technology as a Service

CUPERTINO, CA, Feb 01, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Symantec Corp. (NASDAQ: SYMC) today announced the worldwide availability of "Delivering Utility Computing: Business-driven IT Optimization," (Wiley, ISBN: 0-470-01576-4, $99.95), a book that provides an in-depth look at business-driven IT optimization. Authors Guy Bunker, CTO for the Application and Service Management division at Symantec, and Darren Thomson, worldwide practice director for the Utility Computing consulting practice at Symantec, outline a step-by-step process for businesses wishing to adopt a utility computing model.
"Delivering Utility Computing" is divided into three parts. The first part introduces the topic of utility computing and discusses the current motivators for CIOs and IT managers considering the adoption of an IT delivery service model. Then, the authors outline a transformational model and methodology that covers all aspects of turning a traditional IT organization into a service delivery organization. The final section of the book is dedicated to addressing common barriers of utility computing adoption along with a look into the future evolution of the concept.

"Delivering IT as a service will yield both cost savings and increased efficiency for IT organizations, but the transformation can be daunting without a deep understanding of the model and methodologies for achieving maximum results," said Thomson. "To combat this trepidation, we outlined a comprehensive description of the utility model and offered practical guidance on the design, deployment and maintenance of a service-oriented IT organization."

According to Thomas J. Ferris, senior information technology officer, International Monetary Fund, who wrote the book's foreword, "Our IT Utility Service Environment (IT USE) initiative is quickly gaining traction because of the concrete objectives we were able to define using the model developed by the authors. We expect to realize clearly demonstrated costs savings within two years."

In addition to advice on establishing a utility computing model for delivering IT services, Bunker and Thomson stress the importance of service level agreements (SLAs) in supporting any utility computing project and devote a chapter to instructing IT organizations on how to construct meaningful promises and measurements. IT leaders will benefit from the variety of real-world examples and case studies cited by the authors.

Purchasing information for "Delivering Utility Computing" can be found at www.symantec.com/upload/utilitycomputing. The book is also available at www.amazon.com and other local bookstores About Symantec Consulting Services

Symantec Consulting Services implement and maintain comprehensive, customized security and availability solutions that enable organizations to protect and manage critical business assets around the globe.

About Symantec

Symantec is the world leader in providing solutions to help individuals and enterprises assure the security, availability, and integrity of their information. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in more than 40 countries. More information is available at www.symantec.com.

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GeoPharma Reports 80% Increase in Third Quarter 2006 Revenues; EPS of $0.04 Mucotrol(TM) Litigation Dismissed and Distribution Agreement in Place

LARGO, Fla., Feb 01, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- GeoPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: GORX) today reported results for the third quarter and nine months of fiscal 2006, ended December 31, 2005.
Total revenues for the third quarter increased 80% to $12.4 million compared to $6.9 million reported in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Revenues for the nine months of fiscal 2006 increased 82% to $36.3 million from $20.0 million for the prior year's period.

Net income for the third quarter was $365,000, or $0.04 per basic share compared to a net loss of $(960,000), or ($0.12) per basic share for the third quarter of 2005. Net income for the nine months of fiscal 2006 increased to $1.3 million or $0.15 per basic share compared to a net loss of $(1.2 million) or $(0.15) per basic share for the nine months of fiscal 2005.

EBITDA for the third quarter was $1.3 million compared to an EBITDA loss of $(673,000) for the third quarter of 2005. EBITDA for the nine months of fiscal 2006 increased to $3.0 million compared to an EBITDA loss of $(320,000) for the nine months of fiscal 2005.

Mihir Taneja, Chief Executive Officer of GeoPharma, Inc., commented: "We are pleased with the quarter's accomplishments and the momentum of the year. Revenues continue to expand, driven by sales of veterinary levothyroxine sodium liquid and tablets as well as new products and line extensions launched through our distribution network. Additions to our Cephalexin plant are progressing and the Consolidated Pharmaceutical facility we acquired in August is on track for FDA inspection and the start of commercial production in the second quarter of calendar 2006. Furthermore, the Mucotrol(TM) distribution and supply agreement with Cura Pharmaceutical is in place and marketing has already begun."

Research and development expenditures for third quarter totaled approximately $398,000. Approximately $285,000 of this amount was related to additions for the Company's Cephalexin plant. Approximately $113,000 of research and development expenses in the quarter was charged as an expense to operations. Total research and development expenditures for the nine months of fiscal 2006 were $1.5 million, and approximately $1.2 million of this amount was related to equipment and additions for the Company's Cephalexin plant. Approximately $300,000 of research and development expenses for the nine months was charged as an expense to operations.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 increased to $2.4 million from $1.7 million in the previous year's quarter. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months of fiscal 2006 increased to $7.8 million from $4.6 million in the previous year's period. These increases are primarily related to advertising, promotional and slotting expenses related to the Company's launch of new products and line extensions into its existing distribution network, as well as higher payrolls, insurance and legal expenses.

The Company recently announced that the Amended Class Action Complaint relating to Mucotrol(TM) was dismissed and the case closed.

On January 31, GeoPharma announced the in-licensing of a compound from The University of Florida Office of Technology Licensing for development of a novel therapeutic for Primary or Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension (PPH). The compound is a synthetic peptide with efficacy established through in vitro data and studies in situ animal lung models. Further studies are in progress and a patent on the compound has been filed.

"We look forward to the future," added Mr. Taneja. "We remain focused on growing our pharmaceutical segment by pursuing new opportunities for generic and novel therapeutics, as well as increasing existing revenue streams. Our infrastructure for growth is in place and we are well positioned to continue our success."

GeoPharma will host a conference call to discuss results today at 11:00 (ET) with CEO, Mihir Taneja; President, Dr. Kotha Sekharam and VP/CFO, Carol Dore-Falcone. Interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing 1-800-706-7741 and entering passcode 67554765, 5 minutes prior to the initiation of the call. A replay of the conference call will be available from 1:00 PM (ET) on February 1, through February 8, by dialing 888-286-8010 and entering passcode 78654043.

GeoPharma, Inc. is a rapidly growing pharmaceutical company specializing in the manufacturing and distribution of over-the-counter, nutritional, generic drug and functional food products. The company's growth strategy is to capitalize on its manufacturing expertise to develop high margin generic or novel drugs for niche markets with high barriers to entry. GeoPharma's competitive advantage lies in its ability to circumvent or overcome the challenges in these markets. For more about GeoPharma, Inc., go to our websites at http://www.geopharmainc.com, http://www.onlineihp.com and http://www.carbslim.com.

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Arcadia Resources Acquires Respiratory Services Provider in Chicagoland --Accretive Acquisition Brings $2.7 Million in Annual Sales to Arcadia--

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb 01, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Arcadia Resources, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ACDI), a leading national provider of home care and staffing services, including travel nursing; mail-order pharmacy; and respiratory and durable medical equipment (DME), announced today the acquisition of the business of Remedy Therapeutics, L.L.C. based in Crystal Lake, Chicagoland. Remedy Therapeutics brings annual sales of $2.7 million and accretive earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to Arcadia.
Arcadia has retained Michael Burke, founder of Remedy Therapeutics, as Arcadia's Regional Manager for Chicagoland. A heath care industry veteran of nearly 30 years, Mr. Burke brings an extensive background in executive sales, marketing and customer relationship management for national and regional business-to-business and consumer accounts. Prior to founding Remedy Therapeutics, Mr. Burke was a regional manager for Rotech Healthcare, Inc.

Michael Burke commented, "I have known the team of professionals at Arcadia for many years, and am always impressed with their ability to stay ahead of the curve in the health care industry. Arcadia's business model capitalizes on the preference for patients to recover and achieve wellness within a home setting, and serves the market void for integrated, expert in- home health care products and services. Remedy Therapeutics is established within the highly-populated region of Chicagoland and can offer Arcadia new opportunities for sustainable growth."

Larry Kuhnert, president of Arcadia Resources, Inc., stated, "We are very excited to integrate Remedy Therapeutics into Arcadia's home respiratory care and durable medical equipment (DME) division. We are equally pleased to welcome Mr. Burke to our executive management team. His background of success in the direct-to-patient DME business is an asset to our organization, and supports our initiative to acquire accretive acquisitions. This strategic acquisition will immediately contribute to our top-line and EBITDA in 2006."

About Arcadia Resources, Inc.

Arcadia Resources, Inc. operations include home health care services; non- medical and medical staffing, including travel nursing; provision of respiratory and durable medical equipment to patients in the home; a full service mail-order pharmacy; and a mail-order catalog of home health care- oriented products. The Company's comprehensive solutions help organizations operate more effectively and with greater flexibility, while enabling individuals to manage illness and injury in the comfort of their own homes. For more information, visit: http://www.arcadiaresourcesinc.com

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Maxwell Technologies Receives 1.5 Million-Unit Ultracapacitor Purchase Order From Enercon for Wind Energy Systems Ultracapacitors Provide High-Reliability, Low-Maintenance Alternative to Batteries for Energy Storage and Power Delivery in Wind Turbine

SAN DIEGO, Feb 01, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Maxwell Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: MXWL) announced today that Enercon GmbH, one of the world's leading producers of wind energy systems, has designated Maxwell as a preferred supplier, and has placed a 1.5 million-unit purchase order for ultracapacitors for wind turbine blade pitch systems.
Alain Riedo, vice president and general manager of Maxwell's Swiss subsidiary, Maxwell Technologies SA, said that Enercon currently uses BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitors for backup energy storage and power delivery in wind turbines models ranging in output from 300 kW to 6 MW.

"In addition to being one of the world's largest wind turbine producers, Enercon is recognized as a leading innovator in the design and manufacture of megawatt class turbines," Riedo said. "To optimize energy output and enhance system reliability and longevity, each of Enercon's turbines' three blades has an independent braking and pitch adjustment mechanism with backup power to ensure continuous operation in the event of a power failure. Each turbine incorporates from 200 to 700 BOOSTCAP ultracapacitors for backup power."

Ulrich Neundlinger, Enercon's managing director of switching units, said that the company is expanding its use of ultracapacitors for blade pitch system backup power after initial deployments confirmed their significant advantages over traditional battery solutions.

"Ultracapacitors enabled us to overcome a number of battery-related design challenges, including poor low temperature performance and limited operational life," Neundlinger said. "Maxwell's products emerged as the clear choice for this application on the basis of their robust construction, long operating life and cost-effectiveness. Wind turbine operators need low-maintenance systems that operate reliably for many years, and BOOSTCAP products have proven that they can help us to continue to meet our customers' expectations."

Industry sources place the current annual value of the global wind energy market at more than $9 billion, and reported that more than 8,000 MW of new wind generator capacity was installed in 2004, bringing the total worldwide installed base to approximately 48,000 MW. From 2000 through 2004, the industry maintained an annual growth rate of nearly 16 percent, and it is projected to continue to meet or exceed that rate through 2009. Riedo noted that new offshore installations are expected to account for an increasing share of new capacity, and said that ultracapacitors' high reliability and long operating lifetime make them particularly attractive for offshore and other remote locations that are costly and difficult to service.

Enercon is a private company headquartered in Aurich, Germany, with additional production facilities in Magdeburg, Germany, and in Sweden, Brazil, India and Turkey. Founded 1984, Enercon is recognized throughout the wind energy industry for its pioneering research and development. In 1991, the company developed the world's first gearless wind energy system, and by 1993, began large-scale manufacturing of gearless wind turbines that set new standards for energy output, reliability and service life. To ensure industry-leading technology, quality and safety, Enercon develops and produces all key components, including rotors, ring generators and the grid feeding systems, internally. For more information, please visit www.enercon.de.

Maxwell is a leading developer and manufacturer of innovative, cost- effective energy storage and power delivery solutions. Our BOOSTCAP(R) ultracapacitor cells and multi-cell modules and POWERCACHE(R) backup power systems provide safe and reliable power solutions for applications in consumer and industrial electronics, transportation and telecommunications. Our CONDIS(R) high-voltage grading and coupling capacitors help to ensure the safety and reliability of electric utility infrastructure and other applications involving transport, distribution and measurement of high-voltage electrical energy. Our radiation-mitigated microelectronic products include power modules, memory modules and single board computers that incorporate powerful commercial silicon for superior performance and high reliability in aerospace applications. For more information, please visit www.maxwell.com

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Leading Communications Carrier Connects With Check Point for Security Implementation; China Telecom Achieves Security and Management Goals With Check Point Solutions; Distributor Serves Key Role in China Telecom Security Implementation

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb 01, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Check Point(R) Software Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: CHKP), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, today announced that China Telecom, one of the largest telecommunications carriers in China, has successfully leveraged Check Point's market-leading security solutions to fit the needs of its growing, diverse customer base. By using Check Point solutions, China Telecom achieved maximized, reliable security protection and simplified, centralized management.
China Telecom, a Global 500 company, offers a complete set of communication services to its diverse customer base. To maintain its positive reputation in the telecommunications industry, China Telecom required a security solution that would stand up to the rigorous requirements for the stability, reliability and security of its Data Communications Network (DCN). With such heavy network traffic, China Telecom needed a security solution that would prevent unauthorized access between systems and enable their DCN to remain up-and-running 24 x 7. In addition, the company needed a solution that would allow IT administrators to manage remote operations in Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan from one central location.

For consulting and security expertise, China Telecom turned to Century Technology Company Limited, a local solution provider/distributor company in Beijing that focuses on providing security solutions to a number of local and multinational enterprises, banks, telcos and operators, and state-owned organizations. "As a leading player in the telecom industry, China Telecom can't afford to have any network downtime. They need to deliver uninterrupted communication services to more than 280 million customers," said Mr. Andrew Mui, Managing Director of Century Technology. "We recommended that China Telecom purchase solutions from Check Point because it was the only security vendor that could meet their stringent security and management requirements. China Telecom has operations in multiple locations, and a solution that has the ability to streamline security management was required for the company to achieve maximum operational efficiency."

By using Check Point solutions, China Telecom has resolved its security issues and realized the following benefits:

-- Reduced Costs -- China Telecom is able to centrally manage a dispersed network from one central location, reducing security management costs and freeing its IT staff to perform other critical functions.

-- Maximized Security Protection -- China Telecom enjoys proactive security protection that prevents both known and unknown attacks, allowing the company to focus on running their telecommunications business instead of worrying about Internet attacks.

-- Enhanced Network Reliability -- China Telecom experiences faster network speeds and no service interruptions, ensuring that business runs smoothly at all times.

"Check Point has been resolving customer security issues for over a decade and has consistently been successful at alleviating the most pressing pain points by delivering reliable security protection and simplified security management," said Cedric Chan, vice president, North Asia sales for Check Point Software Technologies. "With 100% of the Telecom companies in the Global 500 index relying on Check Point solutions, we are helping China Telecom meet their current business needs and scale upwards to deliver new, exciting solutions to their customers."

About China Telecom

China Telecom, the largest national telecommunication operator in China, provides a full array of communication services to its customers. This full service offering is reflected by its status among the largest 500 companies in the world based on total revenue as listed by Fortune magazine in its Global 500 ranking.

About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leader in securing the Internet. It is a market leader in the worldwide enterprise firewall, personal firewall and VPN markets. Through its NGX platform, the company delivers a unified security architecture for a broad range of perimeter, internal, Web, and endpoint security solutions that protect business communications and resources for corporate networks and applications, remote employees, branch offices and partner extranets. The company's ZoneAlarm product line is the highest rated personal computer security suite, comprised of award-winning endpoint security solutions that protect millions of PCs from hackers, spyware and data theft. Extending the power of the Check Point solution is its Open Platform for Security (OPSEC), the industry's framework and alliance for integration and interoperability with "best-of-breed" solutions from over 350 leading companies. Check Point solutions are sold, integrated and serviced by a network of more than 2,200 Check Point partners in 88 countries and its customers include 100% of Fortune 100 companies and tens of thousands of businesses and organizations of all sizes.

(C)2003-2006 Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. All rights reserved.

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ADM reports 17 percent net earnings increase over year ago

Feb 01, 2006 (Herald & Review - Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News via COMTEX) -- DECATUR -- Archer Daniels Midland Co. on Tuesday posted net earnings of $368 million, or 56 cents per share, after its second quarter ended Dec. 31 -- a 17 percent increase over net earnings in the same time period last year. The performance exceeded Wall Street's expectations. ADM stock closed up $2.76 for the day, ending at $31.50. Though the company experienced higher energy costs, low net corn costs prompted by last year's large U.S. crop significantly helped one of its strongest segments -- corn processing. The corn processing segment's operating profit was $237 million, a $105 million increase from the second quarter of last fiscal year, according to a company news release. Higher ethanol selling prices and volumes helped move up the bioproducts division of the corn segment. It finished with $122 million of operating profit at the end of the quarter -- up $35 million from the same time period last year. Net sales and other operating income totaled $9.3 billion, a 3 percent change compared with results from the second quarter of the previous fiscal year. ADM's overall earnings also factored in a $36 million tax credit related to the adjustment of state and federal income taxes. The second quarter last fiscal year also included a gain of $45 million, representing the company's equity share of a sale reported by an unconsolidated affiliate. "The results from this past quarter reflect the company's strategic utilization of its global asset base to capitalize upon the growing opportunities for agriculture in expanding food and industrial markets," G. Allen Andreas, chairman and chief executive officer, said in the news release. During a conference call with analysts, ADM leadership said the company is working on getting permits in line for the construction of new ethanol facilities. The new ethanol supplies are expected to be in the marketplace by 2008, Andreas said. No announcement has been made on where the plant additions will take place. Andreas also said the search for his successor is well under way, acknowledging that certain current ADM employees have been identified as potential candidates but not ruling out that a leader could be selected from outside of the company. Amy Hoak can be reached at ahoak@; herald-review.com or 421-7972.
By Amy Hoak

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AMGEN INC. Registered Shares DL -,0001
01.02.06 18:00 Uhr

63,70 EUR

+6,88 % [+4,10]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
76,19 USD

Zeit
01.02.06 20:21

Diff. Vortag
+4,53 %

Tages-Vol.
1,73 Mrd.

Gehandelte Stück
30 Mio.


BUYINS.NET: Amgen (AMGN) SqueezeTrigger Price Is $68.95. Short Sellers Are Down Approximately $216 Million After Bank of America Reiterates Buy And $87 Target.

Feb 01, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- BUYINS.NET, www.buyins.net, announced today that the 21.99 million shares declared short on Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) have a SqueezeTrigger Price of $68.95 per share. Amgen Inc., which was boosted today by a reiterated "Buy" rating and positive commentary from Bank of America in a review of the biotechnology sector. "We believe that Amgen should be a core biotechnology holding, and we would add to positions following recent weakness," wrote BofA analyst David Witzke, who gave the stock an $87 target price. Short sellers are down approximately $216 million as the stock is currently trading near $79.00. To access SqueezeTrigger Prices ahead of short squeezes beginning, visit http://www.buyins.net/squeezetrigger.pdf.
From January to December of 2005, an aggregate amount of 582,537,087 shares of AMGN have been shorted for a total dollar value of $40.16 billion. The AMGN SqueezeTrigger price of $68.95 is the volume weighted average price that all shorts are short in shares of AMGN. Since crossing above the SqueezeTrigger Price, shares of AMGN are up nearly 14%. There is still approximately $1.73 billion worth of potential short covering in shares of AMGN.

Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN), a biotechnology company, engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of human therapeutics based on advances in cellular and molecular biology. The company markets human therapeutic products in the areas of nephrology, supportive cancer care, and inflammatory disease. Its products primarily include EPOGEN, Aranesp, Neulasta, NEUPOGEN, and ENBREL, which is marketed under a co-promotion agreement with Wyeth in the United States and Canada. EPOGEN and Aranesp stimulate the production of red blood cells to treat anemia. Neulasta and NEUPOGEN selectively stimulate the production of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections. ENBREL blocks the biologic activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by inhibiting TNF, a substance induced in response to inflammatory and immunological responses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. It sells its products to healthcare providers, including clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies primarily in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Amgen has collaboration and license agreement with Memory Pharmaceuticals Corp. to produce drugs for neurological and psychiatric disorders; and a drug-discovery agreement with Galapagos Genomics NV. The company was established by Bill Bowes, Franklin Johnson, Sam Wohlsteadter, and Raymond Baddour in 1980. Amgen is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California.

BUYINS.NET has built a massive database that collects, analyzes and publishes a proprietary SqueezeTrigger for each stock that has been shorted. The SqueezeTrigger database of nearly 600,000,000 short sale transactions goes back to January 1, 2005 and calculates the exact price at which the Total Short Interest is short in each stock. This data was never before available prior to January 1, 2005 because the Self Regulatory Organizations (primary exchanges) guarded it aggressively. After the SEC passed Regulation SHO, exchanges were forced to allow data processors like Buyins.net to access the data.

The SqueezeTrigger database collects individual short trade data on over 7,000 NYSE, AMEX and NASDAQ stocks and general short trade data on nearly 8,000 OTCBB and PINKSHEET stocks. Each month the database grows by approximately 50,000,000 short sale transactions and provides investors with the knowledge necessary to time when to buy and sell stocks with outstanding short positions. By tracking the size and price of each month`s short transactions, BUYINS.NET provides institutions, traders, analysts, journalists and individual investors the exact price point where short sellers start losing money and a short squeeze can begin.

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China Technology Deveopment Group Corporation
01.02.06 21:25 Uhr

5,10 USD

+45,71 % [+1,5999]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
5,10 USD

Zeit
01.02.06 21:25

Diff. Vortag
+45,71 %

Tages-Vol.
5,51 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
1,3 Mio.

Emerging Markets Consulting, LLC.: EmergingMarketsllc.com:Emerging Equity Alerts

Jan 30, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Stocks gaining traction in trading last Friday include China Natural Resources (NASDAQ SC: CHNR), Sulphco, Inc. (AMEX: SUF), China Development Group Corp (NASDAQ SC: CTDC) and CanWest Petroleum (OTC BB: CWPC) Momentum and a compelling chart are often good indicators when considering a trade or investment.

China Natural Resources, Inc. a company based in the People's Republic of China (PRC), announced that, on January 24, 2006, China Natural Resources entered into an Acquisition Agreement with Feishang Mining Holdings Limited ("Feishang") and Feishang Group Limited (the "Feishang Shareholder") pursuant to which China Natural Resources will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Feishang from the Feishang Shareholder. As consideration, at the closing of the acquisition, China Natural Resources will issue to the Feishang Shareholder common shares of China Natural Resources representing approximately 86.4% of its issued and outstanding common shares, and will issue to the Feishang Shareholder warrants to purchase an additional 4,500,000 common shares. Closing of the acquisition is expected to take place on or prior to February 3, 2006.

About China National Resources, Inc.

China Natural Resources, Inc. has offices in Hong Kong and the Hainan Province of the PRC. Currently, the Company's active business operations consist of its advertising, promotion and public relations business.

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Candela Corporation
01.02.06 21:43 Uhr

18,80 USD

+25,58 % [+3,83]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
18,81 USD

Zeit
01.02.06 21:44

Diff. Vortag
+25,65 %

Tages-Vol.
50,88 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
2,7 Mio.


StockstoFollow.com: Begins Research on issues CANDELA CP (NasdaqNM: CLZR) was up 32.33% to 19.81 Wednesday February 1, 2006

Feb 01, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Sign-up for our FREE Stock Alerts at http://www.StockstoFollow.com !
StockstoFollow.com, a leading online financial portal, strives to find dynamic issues that are unknown or undervalued but because of their technology, approach, executive team, recent discoveries or other key factors, could advance in the market. StockstoFollow.com has identified the following company based on these issues CANDELA CP (NasdaqNM: CLZR) was up 32.33% to 19.81 this morning on 1,711,200 shares trading. Candela Corporation engages in the research, development, manufacture, marketing, sale, and servicing of lasers and light-based products used to perform aesthetic and cosmetic procedures worldwide.

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JetBlue Airways Corporation
01.02.06 21:59 Uhr

11,17 USD

-14,34 % [-1,87]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
11,17 USD

Zeit
01.02.06 21:59

Diff. Vortag
-14,34 %

Tages-Vol.
288,11 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
26 Mio.


JetBlue reports loss for Q4

Feb 01, 2006 (AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION via COMTEX) -- JetBlue Airways Corp has reported a loss for the fourth quarter of 2005.
The airline said that its Q4 increased revenue would not offset the spending caused by higher fuel costs.

JetBlue also expects losses for Q1 and full year 2006, The Associated Press reported.

The Q4 losses were reportedly a total of USD42.4m compared to the USD1.5m profit for the same period in 2004

About JetBlue

JetBlue Airways is a low-fare airline based in New York City that operates 370 flights daily to 34 destinations. JetBlue offers customers roomy leather seats with 36 channels of free DIRECTV(r) (a) programming, the most live television offered by any airline. On flights longer than two hours, the airline also features a selection of first-run movies and bonus features from FOX InFlight(tm). Customers enjoy brand name snacks and beverages, including freshly brewed Dunkin' Donuts coffee and fine wines selected by JetBlue's "Low Fare Sommelier," Joshua Wesson, founder of Best Cellars. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit www.jetblue.com.

(a) DIRECTV(r) service is not available on flights between JFK or Newark and Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic; however, FOX InFlight(tm) is offered complimentary on these routes. FOX InFlight is a trademark of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. JetBlue's in-flight entertainment is powered by LiveTV, a wholly owned subsidiary of JetBlue.

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Profits Are Only Skin Deep

By Lawrence Carrel
February 1, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Candela Corp. (CLZR1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Tuesday's close: $14.97
Share price now: $18.60
Change: 24.3%
Volume: 2.9 million shares, daily average 344,500 shares
Last time this high: All-time high
52-week high: $17.07
52-week low: $8.35
Forward P/E before announcement: n/a
Forward P/E after announcement: n/a

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

THE NATION'S NO. 1 maker of cosmetic lasers booked blemish-free quarterly results.
Shares of Candela (CLZR2) shot up 24.3% to an all-time high of $18.60 Wednesday after the Wayland, Mass., company reported fiscal second-quarter operating profits rocketed 158% year-over-year and trounced Wall Street's expectations. Revenues improved by a third.

"This is a result of building the strongest sales and distribution force in the industry over the past couple of years," says Paul Broyer, Candela's chief financial officer. "Also a new distribution agreement came into play this quarter, and we introduced a new platform technology, Vbeam2, that will help us expand into growing markets outside of our typical core market of dermatologists and plastic surgeons."

Candela makes lasers used to remove age spots, birthmarks, hair, wrinkles, veins and tattoos. The 36-year-old company holds 32% of the market for aesthetic laser systems. In August, Candela signed an exclusive three-year pact with McKesson (MCK3) under which the latter's medical-surgical unit will distribute Candela's full line of laser products including its new Vbeam2 line, which features simplified touch screens and greater upgradeability. The agreement went into effect Nov. 1.

For its second quarter ended Dec. 31, Candela late Tuesday said it earned $4.5 million, or 19 cents a share, compared with $2.6 million, or 11 cents, in the year-ago quarter. Excluding discontinued operations, year-ago earnings totaled $1.8 million, or seven cents a share. The recent quarter beat the Thomson First Call consensus estimate by seven cents.

Revenues surged 34% to $37.7 million, while expenses increased at a far slower pace, producing a dramatic jump in operating margin, to 17.6% from a year-earlier 8.4%. Management said it believes the new margin level is sustainable.

With the first baby boomers turning 60 this year, vanity has become big business. Demand for laser tools has extended beyond dermatologists and plastic surgeons to include general practitioners and gynecologists. Doctors like the procedures, says Dalton Chandler, an analyst with New York investment bank Needham & Co., because while insurance companies have been putting the squeeze on doctor fees in recent years, most laser treatments aren't covered by insurance. Cosmetic treatment centers called medi-spas, which are often affiliated with doctors, have also driven demand for laser equipment. In addition, Candela has been moving into emerging markets such as China.

"The market is continuing to expand, and we believe we took market share this quarter," says CFO Broyer. "We expect to grow in line, or better, with a market that is growing somewhere in the low 20% range."

Candela's main competitors are Syneron Medical (ELOS4), Cutera (CUTR5), Cynosure (CYNO)6) and Palomar Medical Technologies (PMTI7).

Needham's Chandler agrees Candela may have grabbed share from some rivals, but he adds this caveat: "It's a very capital-intensive business, and market share is very volatile from one quarter to the next. Smooth it out over 12 months, and it's pretty consistent over the major suppliers."

Still, Chandler reiterated his Buy rating on Candela's stock due to improved margins, better-than-expected sales and the potential upside to his profit estimates.

Quote:
"We continue to believe Candela is well-positioned to achieve positive long-term results," wrote Patrick Winton, an analyst at Birmingham, Ala., broker Sterne Agee & Leach. "We remind investors that Candela is one of the more mature companies in the aesthetic laser space. While this quarter's performance boosts our confidence in Candela's ability to achieve growth rates more in line with industry growth, we continue to believe other aesthetic laser companies have a better opportunity to exceed industry growth. As such, we are maintaining our Hold rating."

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02.02.2006 05:08
McDonald's macht Starbucks mit Kaffeetheken Konkurrenz

Die Hamburgerkette McDonald's <MCD.NYS> <MDO.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) will in mehr deutschen Filialen den Verkauf von Kaffeespezialitäten einführen. Die Kaffeetheken unter dem Namen "McCafé" sollen dazu beitragen, die zuletzt schwachen Umsätze des Konzerns in Deutschland zu verbessern. "Wir sind extrem erfolgreich mit der Erweiterung der Produktpalette", sagte Europachef Denis Hennequin der Tageszeitung "Die Welt".

In vielen Restaurants mit erweitertem Angebot "liegen die Umsatzzuwächse im zweistelligen Bereich", so Hennequin zur "Welt". Braunschweig ist seit Dezember 2004 der einzige deutsche Ort, wo alle McDonald's-Filialen über ein "McCafé" verfügen. Insgesamt gibt es solche Verkaufsstellen, wo zusätzlich zu Hamburgern auch Espresso, Cappuccino und Kuchen angeboten werden, derzeit in rund 50 der 1264 Restaurants in Deutschland.

In diesem Jahr wird McDonald's mehr als 200 Filialen renovieren. Etliche davon dürften dabei gleichzeitig ein "McCafé" erhalten, womit sich die Konkurrenz zwischen der US-Kaffeekette Starbucks und McDonald's in Deutschland verschärft. Europachef Hennequin bestätigte, daß in diesem Jahr zusätzliche "McCafés" eröffnet werden. Die genaue Zahl der neuen Kaffeetheken wird das Unternehmen jedoch erst Ende Februar bekanntgeben, wenn die Bilanz für das vergangene Jahr vorgelegt wird./sf

ISIN US5801351017

AXC0002 2006-02-02/05:05

[actr]

Marathon Announces $3.4 Billion Capital, Investment and Exploration Budget for 2006

Feb 02, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) today announced that it has approved a $3.4 billion capital, investment and exploration budget for 2006, which represents a 13 percent increase over actual 2005 spending of $3 billion. The 2006 budget excludes payments totaling $732 million associated with Marathon's reentry into Libya.
"Marathon's 2006 capital, investment and exploration budget provides the necessary funding to continue the profitable growth of our upstream business, while also providing the necessary capital to grow our integrated gas and downstream businesses," said Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr., Marathon president and CEO.

The increase over actual 2005 spending is due primarily to higher exploration/exploitation activity levels along with the ramp-up of development projects in the Gulf of Mexico (Neptune), Ireland (Corrib) and Norway (Alvheim and Vilje). Additionally, increases in the cost of materials, equipment and oilfield/refinery contract services are estimated to have increased the 2006 budget by approximately $50 million.

Exploration and Production

Marathon's 2006 worldwide exploration and exploitation budget is $588 million, which represents an increase of $199 million over 2005 spending. Approximately 60 percent of this budget is for exploration activity which includes funds to drill 19 significant exploration wells. The 2006 exploration budget is approximately $80 million higher than 2005 spending and largely reflects increased 2006 activity in Angola. Exploitation activity comprises the remaining 40 percent of this budget and is focused primarily on projects within or adjacent to the Company's onshore producing properties in the United States.

Worldwide production capital spending is projected to be $1.357 billion during 2006. Key investments will continue in Norway where Marathon and its partners are advancing the Alvheim and Vilje developments which are expected to begin producing in the first quarter 2007. In addition, Marathon will be targeting key investments in support of the Company's production growth and development projects in the U.S. onshore, Russia, Ireland, the Gulf of Mexico and Equatorial Guinea.

Refining, Marketing and Transportation

Refining, marketing and transportation capital spending is expected to total $886 million during 2006. Refining investments, which comprise the majority of the 2006 downstream budget, are targeting value added projects primarily aimed at de-bottlenecking various refining components to increase throughput capacity. In addition, the Company will be investing approximately $200 million to meet revised EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards, best achievable control technology and Tier II Clean Fuels regulations. Also included in the budget is planned spending for the front end engineering and design (FEED) work being undertaken for the potential 180,000 barrel per day Garyville, La., refinery expansion project.

The 2006 budget also includes increased investments in transportation logistics to allow the Company to leverage and strengthen its market position in this strategically important segment of its business. Marathon also is planning increased ethanol related investments during 2006 which will allow the Company to maintain its industry leading position in ethanol blending.

Finally, the Company will be investing in its Speedway SuperAmerica (SSA) marketing network to enable it to continue increasing same store merchandise sales through additional merchandise categories and technology investments.

Integrated Gas

Marathon has budgeted $341 million for integrated gas investments during 2006. These investments will include spending associated with the Company's Equatorial Guinea liquefied natural gas (LNG) Train 1 project currently under construction and ahead of schedule, with first shipments of LNG now projected to begin in the third quarter of 2007. While Marathon holds and funds a 60 percent interest in this LNG project, 100 percent of the related costs are reflected in Marathon's 2006 budget and 2005 actual spending. The remainder is owned and funded by partners GEPetrol, the National Oil Company of Equatorial Guinea, (25 percent), Mitsui (8.5 percent) and Marubeni (6.5 percent).

Corporate and Capitalized Interest

During 2006, corporate spending and capitalized interest is expected to total approximately $210 million. The increase over 2005 reflects the increased capitalized interest due to the large capital projects underway, as well as general corporate operations such as increased information technology spending.

Charts detailing Marathon's 2006 planned capital, investment and exploration budget and preliminary 2005 spending are attached.

[actr]

Fehlstart für United Airlines

Up and away… an der Wall Street sieht man gerne Dinge abheben. Den Kurs aller Aktien, beispielsweise. Oder Flugzeuge von Boeing, die sich im letzten Jahr besser denn je verkauft haben. Oder Flugzeuge, auf deren Heckruder United Airlines steht. Der zweitgrößte US-Carier fliegt in dieser Woche aus einem dreijährigen Gläubigerschutz.

Kein anderes US-Unternehmen hat sich je so viel Zeit zur Umstrukturierung genommen wie United Airlines. Doch drei Jahre waren wohl nötig und seinerzeit vom Konkursgericht genehmigt worden. Immerhin war nicht nur ein einzelnes Unternehmen in Not geraten, sondern eine ganze Branche, was den Fall nicht leichter machte.

Doch nun will das Unternehmen soweit sein, die Aktie notiert an diesem Donnerstag erstmals an der Nasdaq. Das Papier mit dem Kürzel „UAUA“ ging am Morgen für 40 Dollar an den Start. Mit 125 Millionen Aktien kommt United damit auf eine größere Marktkapitalisierung als American Airlines. Allerdings hätte man sich einen besseren Start gewünscht. Statt ordentlich Auftrieb erfährt die Aktie Turbulenzen. In den ersten Stunden ging es zunächst einmal um mehr als 8 Prozent herunter.

Das mag einerseits an einer negativen Einstiegsprognose von Prudential liegen. Die dortigen Analysten würden das Papier bei Stärke auf jeden Fall abstoßen. Selbst wenn UAUA kurzzeitig klettern könnte, dürfte sich der Kurs mittelfristig wohl der AMR-Aktie annähern und bei 25 Dollar pendeln.

Vielen Anlegern scheint das einzuleuchten, wie der frühe Handel zeigt. Wirklich überraschend ist das nicht. Dass zeitgleich mit Uniteds Aufstieg aus dem Konkursverfahren die Konkurrenten Delta Air Lines und Northwest Airlines kurz davorstehen, macht dem Markt ebenso zu schaffen, wie ein Blick auf die Bilanz.

Den wenngleich das Management von United die Kosten gesenkt hat und im Vergleich zu früheren Jahren 7 Milliarden Dollar jährlich sparen will, bleiben viele Probleme. So konnte das Unternehmen zwar an den Lohnkosten arbeiten, nicht aber an den Benzinkosten. Und die sind nicht nur anhaltend hoch, sondern dürften vor allem langfristig eher steigen als fallen. Ende Januar kostete ein Fass Flugbenzin 78,04 Dollar, was etwa 8 Prozent über dem Vorjahres-Durchschnitt ist.

Diese höheren Kosten können aber nicht mehr ohne weiteres ausgeglichen werden. Denn die Haupteinnahmen der Fluggesellschaften – nicht nur bei United, sondern branchenweit – sind die stark sinkenden Ticketpreise. Längst haben Billig-Airlines ihr Revier abgesteckt, längst sind Internet-Schnäppchen so verbreitet, dass die Unternehmen nicht mehr auf zahlungskräftige Kundschaft für Vollpreis-Tickets zählen kann. Wichtigster Konkurrent für United dürfte JetBlue sein.

Wie verfahren die Situation ist, zeigt sich an der jüngsten Quartalsbilanz von United: Selbst abzüglich der Restrukturierungskosten blieb dem Unternehmen zuletzt ein Verlust von 182 Millionen Dollar. Das dürfte sich so scnell nicht ändern. Selbst wenn einige Branchenexperten mit schwarzen Zahlen bis Jahresende rechnen, gibt es solche Prognosen aus dem United-Management nicht.

Das ist zu wenig Selbstvertrauen für die Wall Street. Anleger halten sich von der Aktie daher fern, und United hebt nicht ab.

Lars Halter

[actr]

02.02.2006 19:47
3Com erwirbt Mehrheit an Huawei-Joint-Venture
Der US-Netzwerkausrüster 3Com Corp. (ISIN US8855351040 (Nachrichten)/ WKN 868840) hat am Donnerstag die Mehrheit am Joint Venture mit Huawei erworben.

Wie das Unternehmen mitteilte, wurden heute von der chinesischen Huawei Technologies weitere 2 Prozent an dem gemeinsamen Joint Venture erworben. Damit hält 3Com nun 51 Prozent an dem Joint Venture, das unter dem Namen Huawei-3Com Ltd. (H-3C) firmiert. Die restlichen 49 Prozent verbleiben bei dem chinesischen Konzern.

In Folge der Übernahme wird nun 3Com-CEO Scott Murray auch Chairman bei H-3C. Murray war erst vergangene Woche in dieses Amt berufen worden. Er trat damit die Nachfolge von Bruce Claflin an.

Die Aktien von 3Com notieren derzeit an der NASDAQ bei 5,00 Dollar (+2,88 Prozent).

[actr]

02.02.2006 17:31
CISCO Systems setzt nochmal zurück
CISCO (CSCO / ISIN: US17275R1023): 18,47 $ (-0,59 %)

Aktueller Tageschart (log) seit Mai 2005 (1 Kerze = 1 Tag)

Kurz-Kommentierung: Die CISCO Systems (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) Akie konnte nachhaltig über den markanten horizontalen Widerstand bei 17,98 $ ausbrechen und daraus resultierend am 11.01.2006 ein Bewegungshoch bei 19,43 $ ausbilden. Seitdem zeigt das Kursgeschehen einen abwärts gerichteten Trendkanal, in dem die Aktie bis heute verweilt. Erst ein Kursausbruch darüber dürfte weiteres Aufwärtspotenzial freisetzen. Sollte die Aktie auf Tagesschlusskursbasis über 18,80 $ ansteigen, liegt das erste Etappenziele zunächst an der fallenden Pullbacklinie und dem Bewegungshoch bei 19,98 - 20,25 $. Im mittelfristigen Zeitfenster wäre dann auch ein Kursanstieg bis zum optimalen Ziel bei 38,44 $ denkbar. Fällt die Aktie unter 17,53 $ zurück, sind Abgaben bis an die Unterkante des Keils bei 16,40 $ und darunter an die Unterstützungszone bei 15,46 - 15,63 $ wahrscheinlich.



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[actr]

Wall Street: Blue Chips geben dreistellig ab

Viele schlechte Nachrichten belasteten die Wall Street am Donnerstag, für die Indizes ging es bergab. Der Dow-Jones-Index schloss mit einem Minus von 101 Zählern oder 0,9 Prozent auf 10 852 Punkten, die Nasdaq verlor 29 Zähler oder 1,3 Prozent auf 2281 Punkten.

Der Tag hatte schon früh mit schlechten Nachrichten begonnen: Punxsutawney Phil, das Murmeltier aus Pennsylvania, hatte im Morgengrauen seinen Schatten gesehen und weitere sechs Wochen Winter prophezeiht.

Zur Zeit ist es allerdings noch ungewöhnlich warm in den USA, weshalb die Öl-Lager weiterhin besser gefüllt sind als erwartet. Dass die Internationale Energiebehörde eine Anzeige des Iran bei der UNO vorerst aufgeschoben hat, entspannte die Lage an den Energiemärkten zusätzlich. Der Ölpreis fiel am Donnerstag auf 65,50 Dollar pro Fass.

Gute Nachrichten gab es ansonsten nur noch vom Arbeitsmarkt, wo die Zahl der Erstanträge auf Arbeitslosenunterstützung auf ein Fünf-Jahres-Tief gefallen ist. Die Zahlen beeindrucken die Wall Street aber nicht, zumal deren umstrittene Berechnung erst im Zusammenhang mit Präsident Bushs Rede zur Lage der Nation erneut kritisiert worden ist.

Die schlechte Nachricht des Tages kam ebenfalls aus dem konjunkturellen Umfeld: Die Produktivität in den USA ist im vierten Quartal auf das Jahr gerechnet um 0,6 Prozent zurückgegangen. Es ist der erste Rückgang seit fünf Jahren, obwohl man mit einem Wachstum von 1,2 Prozent gerechnet hatten. Derweil sind die Arbeitsstückkosten mit einer Jahresrate von 3,5 Prozent gestiegen, und angesichts dieser inflationären Tendenzen steigt erneut das Risiko, dass die Notenbank die Zinsen doch weiter anheben könnte.

Die Börse litt ferner unter schlechten Quartalszahlen von Tyco. Der breit diversifizierte Industrie-Riese blickt auf einen Gewinneinbruch um 22 Prozent und einen fast unveränderten Umsatz. Die Erwartungen der Wall Street wurden damit ebenso verfehlt wie mit den Prognosen für das laufende Jahr.

Weitere schlechte Zahlen kamen vom Kabelriesen Comcast, und nach dem enttäuschenden Bericht von Google am Vortag drückte das schwer auf die Stimmung.

Auch ohne aktuelle Zahlen verlor derweil General Motors fast 5 Prozent. Die Analysten von UBS haben die Aktie und den Konkurrenten Ford abgestuft. Die Bewertung sei nach der jüngsten Rallye wieder zu hoch, heißt es, außerdem scheinen die Lagerbestände wieder zu steigen, was Produktionskürzungen nach sich ziehen könnte.

Es gab aber auch gute Nachrichten: Etwa 80 Prozent der Einzelhändler haben die Umsatzprognosen für den Januar geschlagen, darunter der Branchenriese Wal-Mart und die Konkurrenten Target und JC Penney.

Auf ein Umsatzplus von satten 33 Prozent blickt der Teenie-Ausstatter Abercrombie & Fitch, dessen Aktie am Donnerstag um fast 4 Prozent kletterte.

Starbucks hingegen verbesserte sich nach guten Quartals- und Januarzahlen um 10 Prozent.

Lars Halter

[actr]

02.02.2006 22:26
Aktien NYSE/NASDAQ Schluss: Schwach - Konjunkturdaten und Tyco belasten

Belastet von negativ aufgenommenen Konjunkturdaten und einem enttäuschenden Ausblick von Tyco International <TYC.NYS> <TYI.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) haben die US-Börsen am Donnerstag schwach geschlossen. Die Stimmung im Umfeld der Berichtssaison zum vierten Quartal beginne sich etwas zu verschlechtern, sagte Analyst Michael Malone von SG Cowen.

Der Dow Jones (DJIA) <INDU.IND> verlor 0,93 Prozent auf 10.851,98 Punkte. Der marktbreite S&P-500-Index <INX.IND> fiel um 0,91 Prozent auf 1.270,84 Punkte. Der Auswahlindex NASDAQ 100 <NDX.X.IND> sank um 1,59 Prozent auf 1.685,77 Punkte. Der NASDAQ Composite <COMPX.IND> beendete den Handel 1,25 Prozent tiefer bei 2.281,57 Zählern.

Tyco International <TYC.NYS> <TYI.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) verloren 4,98 Prozent auf 24,80 Dollar. Der Mischkonzern hatte mit seinem Ausblick auf das zweite Quartal die Erwartungen von Analysten verfehlt.

Wal-Mart <WMT.NYS> <WMT.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) waren hingegen mit einem Plus von 0,30 Prozent auf 46,28 US-Dollar der beste Wert im Dow Jones. Der weltgrößte Einzelhändler rechnet im Februar mit einem einstelligen Umsatzplus auf vergleichbarer Fläche von zwei bis vier Prozent.

Boeing <BA.NYS> <BCO.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) kletterten um 0,11 Prozent auf 71,70 Dollar. CSFB hatte das Kursziel für den Flugzeugbauer von 73 bis 76 auf 77 bis 80 Dollar erhöht.

International Paper <IP.NYS> <INP.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) gaben nach einem freundlichen Beginn trotz überraschend guter Quartalszahlen 0,36 Prozent auf 32,92 Dollar ab. Der Papierhersteller hatte mit der Ergebnis- und Umsatzentwicklung im vierten Quartal die Erwartungen der Analysten übertroffen.

Auch American Express <AXP.NYS> <AEC1.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) drehten im Handelsverlauf ins Minus. Die Papiere beendeten den Handel 0,11 Prozent tiefer bei 52,56 Dollar. Prudential hatte die Einstufung des Kredikarten-Anbieters mit "Overweight" begonnen und das Kursziel auf 64 Dollar festgesetzt.

Schwächster Wert im Dow Jones waren General Motors (GM) <GM.NYS> <GMC.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) mit einem Abschlag von 3,67 Prozent auf 23,60 Dollar. UBS hatte die Papiere des Autobauers auf "Reduce" gesenkt.

Starbucks <SBUX.NAS> <SRB.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) kletterten mit einem Aufschlag von 9,69 Prozent auf 34,40 Dollar an die Spitze des NASDAQ 100. Mehrere Analysten äußerten sich zustimmend, nachdem die Kaffeehauskette am Mittwoch nach Börsenschluss überraschend gute Quartalszahlen vorgelegt hatte.

JDS Uniphase <JDSU.NAS> <UNS.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) verloren 3,16 Prozent auf 3,06 Dollar. Der Glasfasernetz-Ausrüster hatte mit seiner am Mittwoch nach Börsenschluss vorgelegten Umsatzprognose für das dritte Quartal die Markterwartungen enttäuscht.

Schwächster Wert im NASDAQ 100 waren Autodesk <ADSK.NAS> <AUD.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) mit einem Abschlag von 5,98 Prozent auf 37,07 Dollar. Mehrere Analysten hatten sich negativ zu dem Softwarehersteller geäußert./he/sf

AXC0172 2006-02-02/22:21

[actr]

02.02.2006 22:38
Amazon.com meldet Gewinneinbruch im vierten Quartal

Der Online-Einzelhändler Amazon.com <AMZN.NAS> <AMZ.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) hat im vierten Quartal einen deutlichen Gewinneinbruch verbucht. Der Überschuss sank im Vergleich zum Vorjahr von 347 auf 199 Millionen Dollar. Der Gewinn je Aktie (EPS) habe sich von 82 auf 47 Cent verringert, teilte amazon.com am Donnerstag nach Börsenschluss in Seattle mit.

Der Umsatz stieg hingegen von 2,54 auf 2,98 Milliarden Dollar, verfehlte allerdings die Analystenschätzungen, die einen Wert von 3,08 Milliarden Dollar vorgesehen hatten. Der operative Gewinn erhöhte sich nur leicht im Vergleich zum Vorjahreswert von 162 auf 165 Millionen Dollar.

Für das erste Quartal des neuen Geschäftsjahres stellt Amazon.com einen Umsatz zwischen 2,14 und 2,29 Milliarden Dollar in Aussicht und einen operativen Gewinn von 70 bis 105 Millionen Dollar. Im Gesamtjahr 2006 erwartet der Konzern die Erlöse in der Spanne von 9,85 bis 10,45 Milliarden Dollar. Der operative Gewinn soll zwischen 370 und 510 Millionen Dollar ausfallen.

Die Analystenschätzungen für den Umsatz liegen bei 2,26 Milliarden Dollar im Quartal und 10,16 Milliarden Dollar im Gesamtjahr./she/sf

ISIN US0231351067

AXC0173 2006-02-02/22:35

[actr]

Swift Kick in the Arrears

By Lawrence Carrel
February 2, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Acceptance Capital (AACC1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Wednesday's close: $23.58
Share price now: $18.35
Change: -22.2%
Volume: 2.2 million shares, average daily volume 173,300 shares
Last time this low: Nov. 7, 2005
52-week high: $32.05
52-week low: $17.90
Forward P/E before news: 14.0 (based on $1.68 a share)
Forward P/E after news: 10.7 (based on $1.72 a share)

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

A BAD-DEBT COLLECTOR'S fourth quarter went, well, badly.
Asset Acceptance Capital (AACC2) shares fell 22% to $18.35 Thursday after the Warren, Mich., company said quarterly earnings would plunge as much as 55% year-over-year. Management blamed larger-than-expected write-offs for unpaid cellphone bills that it has given up on collecting.

"AAC has been out buying this nontraditional paper away from its core asset base [of credit-card debt and student loans], and it's had aggressive collection assumptions on that paper," says Dan Fannon, an analyst at New York investment bank Jefferies & Co. "It's a function of the asset pricing going up and the company's outlook for this asset class being more optimistic than it is proving to be. The company is confident it will make money, but not at the pace originally expected."

Asset Acceptance said it will post write-offs totaling $15.1 million to $16.1 million, or 17 cents to 19 cents a share after taxes. That should leave revenues, net of the charges, at $53 million to $54 million, down from $57.5 million a year ago. Analysts had expected the top line to climb to $65.9 million, according to Thomson First Call. Earnings for the quarter will total $5.7 million to $6.3 million, or 15 cents to 17 cents a share, the company said. Wall Street was looking for 38 cents.

Forty-year-old Asset Acceptance acts as a bad-debt scavenger. It buys defaulted accounts from credit-card issuers, consumer-finance companies, retail merchants and utilities at a discount to their full collection value. The creditors sell the accounts in order to replenish their cash supplies and keep their books clean. Asset Acceptance, or course, hopes to collect more from the delinquent accounts than it pays for them.

Collection companies have traditionally focused on larger accounts — those, say, $1,000 or more in arrears — to make their efforts worthwhile. But increasing competition has driven some of them to pursue unpaid cellphone bills, which are typically less than $500 in default. That makes their expenses, including wages for collection agents and fees for lawyers, higher as a percentage of recovered assets. Worse, they may be paying too much for the accounts.

"The pricing is still elevated in this industry, even more than credit-card paper," says James O'Brien, an analyst at New York investment bank Breen Murray Carret & Co. "I heard on one wireless telecom purchase it made, Asset Acceptance bid twice as high as a competitor to get it. When you hear this, it's not a surprise what the result is."

O'Brien says that if a company overpays by even a small amount, its returns can quickly suffer. If it overpays and undercollects, returns are likely to turn negative.

Of the $15.1 million to $16.1 million in write-offs, about $10.3 million to $11.3 million relate to purchases made during 2005. The company said most are from wireless accounts, though it declined to name the specific carriers involved. Analysts didn't try to guess, since the selling of bad debts is now common among nearly all carriers.

A change in accounting rules has exacerbated collector losses, says O'Brien. In December 2004, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants created new rules that require collection companies to write off all uncollectible debts immediately. Previously they were allowed to spread the charges over as long as five years.

"It's a harsher accounting treatment, but more transparent," says says Charles Trafton, an analyst at Boston investment bank Americas Growth Capital, adding the impairment charge wasn't unexpected, just its size. But he noted the figure was in keeping with the company's trend last year. For the first three quarters of 2005, Asset Acceptance posted bad-debt write-offs of $700,000, $1.5 million and $4.6 million, respectively.

Trafton says Asset Acceptance has a high turnover of employees, an annualized rate of 85%. "It's hard to tell if turnover hurts collections, or poor collection hurts turnover," he says. "But it's not a pretty picture, and it's something management can't get its arms around."

Asset Acceptance didn't return calls seeking comment. It's scheduled to report fourth-quarter results on Feb. 23.

Quote:
"The company suggests it's not a trend, that they are taking care of it and we should not expect it in the coming quarters," says Mark Hughes of Suntrust Robinson Humphrey, an Atlanta investment bank. "But the collection environment seems tougher now. The company has benefited from an improving job market, tax refunds and mortgage refinancing. But perhaps now the incremental benefits have been achieved and now you are looking at a more stable environment. And if you're not getting the improvement that you had and business is flat to down on collections, that may contribute to more write-offs."

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[actr]

Wendy's International, Inc. Announces 2005 Results; Revenues Increased 4.1% to $3.8 Billion; Net Income Was $224.1 Million and $1.92 Per Share

DUBLIN, Ohio, Feb 03, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Wendy's International, Inc. (NYSE:WEN) today announced its financial results for the full year 2005 and for the fourth quarter ended January 1, 2006.
2005 Full-Year Results

-- Total revenues increased 4.1% to a record $3.8 billion.

-- The Company and its franchisees opened a total of 417 new restaurants during the year. The openings consisted of 211 Wendy's(R), 187 Tim Hortons(R) and 19 Baja Fresh(R) Mexican Grill restaurants.

-- Same-store sales were very strong at Tim Hortons, but declined at Wendy's and Baja Fresh.

The Company's 2005 full-year pretax income was $338.1 million, net income was $224.1 million and reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) were $1.92. These results compare to 2004 full-year pretax income of $184.1 million, net income of $52.0 million, and reported EPS of $0.45. The 2004 results include the impact of a $190.0 million pretax goodwill impairment charge at Baja Fresh, a $21.7 million pretax charge for market impairments and store closings at Baja Fresh and a non-cash pretax charge of $9.1 million for a lease accounting correction.

The 2005 results included the positive impact of:

-- A $62.7 million pretax gain from the sale of 171 Wendy's real estate properties during the year. A plan for these asset sales was announced as part of the Company's strategic initiatives in July 2005.

-- A stronger Canadian currency ($1.21 in 2005 vs. $1.30 in 2004), which benefited pretax income by approximately $26 million compared to 2004.

The 2005 results included the negative impact of:

-- $55.4 million in pretax charges for the closure of certain Wendy's, Baja Fresh and Tim Hortons U.S. restaurants, as well as the impairment of fixed assets in certain Tim Hortons, Wendy's and Cafe Express(TM) markets.

-- $36.1 million in pretax goodwill impairment charges at Tim Hortons and Cafe Express.

-- A $16.2 million increase in pretax equity compensation expense, including expense for the accelerated vesting of stock options and incremental restricted stock expense.

-- An 11.6% increase in annual beef costs ($1.47 per pound in 2005 vs. $1.32 per pound in 2004) which negatively impacted Wendy's U.S. pretax income by approximately $12 million compared to a year ago.

In 2005, general and administrative (G&A) expenses as a percentage of revenue were 8.5%, compared to 7.8% a year ago. G&A expenses for 2005 included $16.2 million in incremental pretax expense for the accelerated vesting of stock options and for restricted stock grants, as well as $5.2 million in pretax expenses related to the initial public offering of Tim Hortons. These expenses were partly offset by an $8.0 million year-over-year pretax reduction in management performance-based incentive compensation.

The Company's 2005 operating income (pretax income excluding interest income and expense) was $377.2 million, compared to $226.6 million a year ago, and its operating margin (operating income divided by revenues) was 10.0% compared to 6.2% a year ago.

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GlycoGenesys, Inc. Announces Chapter 11 Filing, Reduction in Work Force and Senior Management Changes Company Significantly Reduces Expenses To Pursue Strategic Alternatives While Maintaining Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trial

Feb 03, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- GlycoGenesys, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLGS), a biotechnology company, today announced that it and its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions to restructure under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. In addition, the Company laid off over half of its work force and effected senior management changes to allow it time to pursue strategic alternatives including a sale of the Company. As a part of this effort, the Board of Directors appointed John W. Burns, the Company's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to the additional positions of Interim Chairman of the Board of Directors and Treasurer and Frederick E. Pierce, II, the Company's VP Business Development, to the additional positions of Interim Chief Executive Officer and President.
Bradley J. Carver has stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer, a position he held since June 2000. Mr. Carver will continue to provide services to the Company as a consultant and remain a member of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Burns and Mr. Pierce, together with other retained employees, will utilize their extensive backgrounds in healthcare and finance to pursue strategic alternatives for the Company while in Chapter 11. Through work force reductions the Company has recognized an immediate reduction of over 40% of its payroll beginning February 1, 2006.

"We are concentrating the Company's efforts on significantly reducing and containing monthly expenses in Chapter 11, maintaining our multiple myeloma clinical trial, and securing a strategic alliance or other alternative to enable the Company to emerge stronger from Chapter 11," said Mr. Pierce.

Dr. Burns has been the Company's Chief Financial Officer since January 2000, a Senior Vice President since March 2001 and a Director since June 2002. Prior thereto, Dr. Burns was the CFO/Senior Vice President, Finance & Business Operations for South Shore Hospital, a regional healthcare services provider based in South Weymouth, MA, from February 1993 to February 1999. From January 1989 to December 1992, Dr. Burns was the Vice President/Treasurer and a subsidiary CFO/Vice President, Finance for Eastern Enterprises, a NYSE company. Dr. Burns has also held corporate finance and treasury positions with Allied-Signal, Citicorp Investment Bank and International Paper. He began his career with Ciba Giegy (now Novartis) as a biostatistician. Dr. Burns holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from New York University and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Mr. Pierce has been Vice President of Business Development for the Company since August 2002 and Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations since June 1998. Prior to joining GlycoGenesys, Mr. Pierce was at Lehman Brothers, where he was the New England private client services liaison to healthcare investment banking. In addition, Mr. Pierce had over seven additional years experience at Kidder Peabody and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Pierce received a B.S. in chemistry from Hampshire College.

About GlycoGenesys, Inc.

GlycoGenesys, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on carbohydrate drug development. The Company's drug candidate GCS-100, a unique compound to treat cancer, has been evaluated in previous clinical trials at low dose levels in patients with colorectal, pancreatic and other solid tumors with stable disease and partial response documented. The Company currently is completing a Phase I dose escalation trial to evaluate higher dose levels of GCS-100LE, a low ethanol formulation of GCS-100, at Sharp Memorial Hospital, Clinical Oncology Research in San Diego, California and the Arizona Cancer Center in both Tucson and Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition, GCS-100LE is being evaluated in a Phase I/II trial for multiple myeloma at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, New York and Emory's Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia. Further information is available on GlycoGenesys' web site: http://www.glycogenesys.com.

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Vital Signs, Inc. Announces Public Offering of Its Common Stock

TOTOWA, NJ, Feb 03, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Vital Signs, Inc., (NASDAQ: VITL) today announced the commencement of a public offering of 1,800,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $47.00 per share.
Of the shares offered, 434,000 shares are being sold by the Company and 1,366,000 shares are being sold by certain selling stockholders. In connection with the offering, the selling stockholders have granted to the underwriters an option to purchase up to 270,000 additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any.

J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. and Piper Jaffray & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering and as representatives of the underwriters.

Net proceeds to the Company from the offering are expected to be approximately $18.7 million. The Company currently intends to use the proceeds from the offering to finance possible acquisitions of complementary products, technologies or businesses and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The Company will receive no proceeds from shares sold by the selling stockholders.

This offering of common stock is being made only by means of a prospectus. A written prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, when available, may be obtained from J.P. Morgan's Prospectus Department, One Chase Manhattan Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10081 (telephone number (212) 552-5164) or Piper Jaffray & Co., U.S. Bancorp Center, 800 Nicollet Mall, Suite 800, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 (telephone number (612) 303-6220).

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission

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OXiGENE to Commence a Randomized Clinical Trial in the United States to Evaluate CA4P for the Treatment of Patients with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

WALTHAM, Mass., Feb 03, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- OXiGENE, Inc. (NASDAQ: OXGN, XSSE: OXGN)
-- Combretastatin A4P (CA4P) will be Evaluated with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy, a Widely-Accepted Treatment Regimen in the United States--

-- Trial Endpoint Targets a One-Year Survival Benefit in Patients with All Histological Types of Unresectable, Stage IIIa/IIIb NSCLC--

-- Distinct Clinical Trials in the US and Europe Could Maximize the Market Opportunity for CA4P in Key Oncology Indication--

OXiGENE, Inc. (NASDAQ: OXGN, XSSE: OXGN), a leading developer of biopharmaceutical compounds designed to treat cancer and certain ophthalmologic diseases, today announced that it plans to commence a Phase II clinical trial in the United States for the treatment of Stage IIIa/IIIb Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The Company will evaluate its lead clinical candidate, Combretastatin A4P (CA4P), in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, a widely accepted standard in the United States for the treatment of patients with all histological types of unresectable Stage IIIa/IIIb NSCLC. The trial will be conducted under OXiGENE's Investigational New Drug (IND) application on file with the United States Food and Drug Administration.

The Phase II clinical trial will commence by enrolling approximately 12 patients to assess the tolerability of the protocol and to establish the recommended dose of intravenously administered CA4P. This trial will be the first in which CA4P is administered to patients in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. In other ongoing clinical trials, CA4P has been paired with chemotherapy or radiation therapy with no observed side effects beyond those typically experienced with either treatment.

The Phase II clinical trial will then proceed as a randomized, open label, multi-center trial that will compare two cohorts of patients -- an investigational group and an active control group. Approximately 66 patients who have not had prior treatment for NSCLC will be randomized 2:1 into the two groups. Patients enrolled in the investigational group will be treated with radiotherapy and seven cycles of chemotherapy plus CA4P, followed by maintenance chemotherapy plus CA4P. The objective of the Phase II clinical trial is to evaluate the survival benefit in patients achieved at one year. The response rate will be evaluated according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST).

The announcement of this randomized Phase II clinical trial with CA4P in the United States follows OXiGENE's recent announcement of receipt of regulatory clearance from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to commence a Phase III clinical trial of CA4P in the United Kingdom in patients with inoperable Stage IIIb/IV NSCLC, a subset of patients not deemed suitable for curative treatment with concurrent radiotherapy.

"We believe this Phase II clinical trial to be a key stepping stone in the path towards potential commercialization of CA4P for the treatment of NSCLC," commented Frederick Driscoll, President and CEO of OXiGENE. "We expect that the commencement of this trial in the United States, combined with the Phase III clinical trial which we plan to commence in Europe for the treatment of patients with Stage IIIb/IV NSCLC, may provide a springboard for OXiGENE to maximize its registrational opportunities in a key oncology indication, and with standards of therapy most often selected by oncologists for each subset of patients. Strategically, this is a key clinical achievement for the Company."

About Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non small cell lung cancer accounts for 75% of all lung cancer,(1) making it the most widespread form of lung cancer. Approximately 350,000 cases are expected to be diagnosed globally each year.(2) Stage IIIa NSCLC is one of the largest growing segments of the disease, due to newer tests that enable earlier detection of the disease.(3), (4) Approximately 56% of patients with Stage IIIa/IIIb live for one year when treated with concurrent radiotherapy.(5)

About Combretastatin A4P (CA4P)

CA4P leads a novel class of small-molecule drug candidates called vascular disrupting agents (VDAs). CA4P works via two potentially synergistic processes that selectively target pericyte-depleted neovessels, which lack ensheathment from smooth muscle support cells. CA4P is a potent and reversible tubulin depolymerizing agent that causes newly formed endothelial cells that line blood vessels to change shape, round up and detach from the vessel wall. Recent preclinical research has also shown that CA4P disrupts the molecular engagement of VE-cadherin, a junction protein important for endothelial cell survival and function, and inhibits the associated (beta)-catenin/AKT signaling pathway, leading to rapid vascular collapse and tumor cell death, or necrosis. These complementary mechanisms block the flow of blood to a tumor and deprive it of oxygen and nutrients essential to its survival. Similarly, in eye diseases that are characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth, CA4P has been shown in preclinical studies to suppress development and induce regression of these unnecessary blood vessels.

About OXiGENE, Inc.

OXiGENE is an emerging pharmaceutical company developing novel small-molecule therapeutics to treat cancer and eye diseases. The Company's major focus is the clinical advancement of drug candidates that selectively disrupt abnormal blood vessels associated with solid tumor progression and visual impairment. OXiGENE is dedicated to leveraging its intellectual property position and therapeutic development expertise to bring life saving and enhancing medicines to patients.

(1)Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol. 22:801-810, March 2004

(2)Globocan 2000: Cancer Incidence

(3)Datamonitor 2004, DaVinci HealthCare Partners, 2004

(4)Decision Resources, Inc., Non Small Cell Lung Cancer, May 2002

(5)Choy H et al.: Multi-institutional phase II trial of paclitaxel, carboplatin and concurrent radiation therapy for locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology 16:3316, 1998

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Ryder Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2005 Results and 2006 Forecast - Fourth Quarter EPS from Continuing Operations $0.93, Up 13% from Comparable EPS of $0.82 in the Same Period Last Year - - Fourth Quarter Revenue of $1.54 billion, Rises 13% O

MIAMI, Feb 03, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a global leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, today reported earnings per diluted share (EPS) from continuing operations were $0.93 for the three-month period ended December 31, 2005, up 13% from $0.82 of comparable EPS in the year-earlier period. Earnings from continuing operations were $59.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2005, up 11% from $53.4 million of comparable earnings in the year-earlier period. All business segments reported improved results. For comparison purposes, earnings from continuing operations and EPS for the prior year of 2004 exclude a net tax benefit of $9.2 million, or $0.14 per share, related to the resolution of various tax matters.
Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2005 were $58.8 million, or $0.92 per share, compared with $62.6 million, or $0.96 per share, in the year- earlier period. Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2005 included a benefit of $1.7 million, or $0.03 per share, for the reduction of insurance reserves related to discontinued operations and a charge of $2.4 million, or $0.04 per share, for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting associated with the adoption of FIN 47 related to the future removal of underground fuel storage tanks.

Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $1.54 billion, up 13% from $1.36 billion in the comparable period last year with all business segments reporting revenue growth. Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) business segment revenue grew 7%, driven by higher fuel services revenue. Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) business segment revenue grew 31%, driven by increased volume of managed subcontracted transportation as well as new and expanded business in all industry groups. Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC) business segment revenue increased 11%, primarily due to new and expanded business, and pricing increases associated with higher fuel costs.

"Our continued focus in the fourth quarter enabled us to deliver our second consecutive quarter of higher earnings and organic operating revenue growth in every segment," said Ryder Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Greg Swienton. "Prior to the third quarter, we had not experienced a quarter of both earnings and revenue growth for all business segments simultaneously in several years. This consistent performance provides momentum for achieving our business objectives for 2006."

EPS from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2005 included restructuring costs of $0.04 related primarily to severance and the termination of an information technology contract related to global cost- savings initiatives. EPS from continuing operations in the year-earlier period included restructuring costs of $0.03 related primarily to the termination of an information technology infrastructure contract.


Full-Year 2005 Results

Revenue for the full-year 2005 was $5.74 billion, up 11% from $5.15 billion in the comparable period of 2004. Ryder's full-year 2005 earnings from continuing operations were $227.6 million compared with $215.6 million in the year-earlier period. EPS from continuing operations were $3.53 for 2005, up 8% compared with $3.28 for the same period of 2004. EPS from continuing operations in 2005 included a $0.12 income tax benefit related to a change in Ohio income tax law, as well as $0.03 in net restructuring costs. EPS from continuing operations in the year-earlier period of 2004 included a net tax benefit of $0.14 associated with the resolution of various tax matters, $0.23 of gains from the sale of the Company's corporate headquarters complex and $0.06 in costs related to restructuring activities. For comparison purposes, excluding the noted net tax benefits in 2005 and 2004 and gains from the sale of the corporate headquarters complex in the year-earlier period of 2004, full-year 2005 earnings from continuing operations were $220.0 million, up 15% from $191.0 million in 2004. Comparable full-year 2005 EPS from continuing operations of $3.41 were up 17% from $2.91 in 2004. Ryder's full-year 2005 net earnings also included an after-tax benefit of $1.7 million ($0.03 per diluted share) related to discontinued operations and an after-tax charge of $2.4 million ($0.04 per diluted share) for the cumulative effect of a change in accounting related to the adoption of FIN 47.


About Ryder

Ryder provides leading-edge transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Ryder's product offerings range from full service leasing, commercial rental and programmed maintenance of vehicles to integrated services such as dedicated contract carriage and carrier management. Additionally, Ryder offers comprehensive supply chain solutions, consulting, lead logistics management services and e-Business solutions that support customers' entire supply chains, from inbound raw materials and parts through distribution and delivery of finished goods. Ryder serves customer needs throughout North America, in Latin America, Europe and Asia.

The National Safety Council selected Ryder to receive the 2002 Green Cross for Safety Medal -- its highest honor -- for exemplary commitment to workplace safety and corporate citizenship. For the ninth consecutive year, Ryder was featured in the 2005 Fortune Most Admired Companies survey of corporate reputations. InternetWeek named Ryder as one of the top 100 U.S. companies for effectiveness in using the Internet to achieve tangible business benefits. For the eighth consecutive year, Ryder has been named a top five third-party logistics provider by Inbound Logistics.

Ryder's stock is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Ryder ranks 381st on the Fortune 500.

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Knoll, Inc. to Announce Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Results

EAST GREENVILLE, Pa., Jan 19, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Knoll, Inc. (NYSE: KNL), a leading designer and manufacturer of branded furniture and textiles recognized for innovation and modern design, today announced that it plans to report financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2005 on Thursday, February 2 after the close of the market.
Knoll will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET on Friday, February 3 to discuss its financial results, quarterly highlights and business outlook. The call will include slides; participants are encouraged to listen to and view the presentation via webcast at http://www.knoll.com; go to "About Knoll" and click on Investor Relations.

About Knoll

Headquartered in East Greenville, Pennsylvania, Knoll, recipient of the 2005 Russel Wright Award for the Marketing of Modernism, serves clients worldwide. In North America, the Company distributes its products through a network of more than 200 dealerships and 100 showrooms and regional offices. The Company operates four manufacturing sites in North America: East Greenville, Pennsylvania; Grand Rapids and Muskegon, Michigan; and Toronto, Ontario. In addition, Knoll has plants in Foligno and Graffignana, Italy. The Knoll commitment to high environmental standards is mandated by a comprehensive Environmental, Health & Safety Management Plan.

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03.02.2006 14:35
Wendys International kehrt im vierten Quartal in die Gewinnzone zurück
Die amerikanische Schnellrestaurantkette Wendy`s International Inc. (ISIN US9505901093 (Nachrichten)/ WKN 865054) konnte im vierten Quartal einen Gewinn ausweisen.

Wie der Konzern am Freitag erklärte, lag der Konzernumsatz im Berichtszeitraum bei 977 Mio. Dollar, nach 978 Mio. Dollar im Vorjahreszeitraum. Der Nettogewinn lag bei 29,96 Mio. Dollar bzw. 25 Cents je Aktie, nach einem Verlust von 141,4 Mio. Dollar bzw. 1,25 Dollar je Aktie im Vorjahresquartal. Das Ergebnis im Berichtsquartal beinhaltet dabei zahlreiche Sonderebelastungen in Zusammenhang mit der Schließung von Niederlassungen und Wertberichtigungen in Höhe von insgesamt 102,8 Mio. Dollar vor Steuern. Außerdem verbuchte der Konzern einen positiven Einmaleffekt in Höhe von 60,9 Mio. Dollar aus dem Verkauf von Immobilien.

Analysten hatten im Vorfeld ein EPS von 47 Cents je Aktie sowie einen Umsatz von 950 Mio. Dollar erwartet. Für das laufende Quartal liegen die Analystenerwartungen bei einem EPS von 47 Cents sowie einem Umsatz von 922 Mio. Dollar.

Die Aktie von WendyŽs notierte zuletzt bei 58,39 Dollar.

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03.02.2006 14:47
Ryder System: Umsatz und Gewinn legen deutlich zu
Der amerikanische Logistikkonzern Ryder System Inc. (ISIN US7835491082 (Nachrichten)/ WKN 855369) konnte im vierten Quartal 2005 bei Umsatz und Ergebnis zweistellige Zuwachsraten verzeichnen.

Wie der Konzern am Freitag erklärte, erhöhten sich die Umsatzerlöse auf 1,54 Mrd. Dollar, nach 1,36 Mrd. Dollar im Vorjahresquartal. Dies entspricht einem Plus von 13 Prozent.

Zudem kletterte der Gewinn aus den fortgeführten Geschäftsaktivitäten um 11 Prozent von 53,4 Mio. Dollar oder 82 Cents je Aktie auf nun 59,5 Mio. Dollar bzw. 93 Cents pro Aktie. Analysten hatten durchschnittlich ein EPS von 94 Cents prognostiziert.

Im Gesamtjahr 2005 wuchsen die Umsätze um 11 Prozent auf 5,74 Mrd. Dollar, während der Gewinn aus dem fortgeführten Geschäft von 215,6 Mio. Dollar bzw. 3,28 Dollar je Aktie auf 227,6 Mio. Dollar oder 3,53 Dollar pro Anteilschein zulegte.

Für das laufende erste Quartal 2006 gehen Analysten von einem Gewinn pro Aktie von 67 Cents bei Umsatzerlösen in Höhe von 1,38 Mrd. Dollar aus.

Gestern fielen die Aktien um 0,59 Prozent und schlossen bei 43,75 Dollar.

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Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania Announces First Quarter Results

PHILADELPHIA, Feb 03, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania (the "Company") (Nasdaq: PBIP), the recently formed "mid-tier" holding company for Prudential Savings Bank (the "Bank"), today reported net income of $1.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 as compared to $697,000 for the same period in 2004, an increase of 55.8%. Earnings per share on the Company's outstanding common shares was $0.09 for the quarter ended December 31, 2005. There were no shares outstanding for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 since the mutual holding company reorganization was not completed until March 2005.
Tom Vento, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased to report the operating results for our first quarter in fiscal 2006. We are off to an excellent start for the new fiscal year, as evidenced by our strong earnings performance, continued high asset quality, and significantly improved efficiency ratio. We are especially grateful to report such strong earnings given the very challenging interest rate environment and continued flattening of the yield curve. We will continue to execute our business plan and believe that we are well positioned to continue to grow earnings long-term which will in turn bring value to our shareholders."

On March 29, 2005, the Bank completed its mutual holding company reorganization, including the related subscription offering for the shares of common stock of the Company. The Company sold 5,653,688 shares of common stock, representing 45% of the total shares issued by the Company in the reorganization, to the public at $10.00 per share for total proceeds of $56.5 million. The remaining 55% or 6,910,062 shares were issued to Prudential Mutual Holding Company, the Company's parent mutual holding company.

At December 31, 2005, the Company's total assets were $447.3 million, an increase of $0.7 million from $446.6 million at September 30, 2005. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net loans receivable, partially offset by decreases in cash and cash equivalents. Our net loan portfolio experienced an $11.1 million or 6.4% increase to $186.2 million as we continued our emphasis on growing the loan portfolio. The majority of the growth in the loan portfolio was concentrated in single-family construction and residential mortgage loans. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $14.1 million to $12.7 million reflected the systematic investment of funds received in the initial public offering in loans and other higher yielding investments. In addition, a portion of the decrease in cash and cash equivalents reflects the use of such funds to purchase $5.0 million of bank owned life insurance ("BOLI"). The BOLI provides an attractive tax-exempt return to the Company and is being used by the Company to fund various employee benefit plans. The BOLI is included in other assets.

Total liabilities remained relatively flat decreasing $100,000 to $355.7 million at December 31, 2005 from $355.8 million at September 30, 2005. Deposits grew modestly, increasing $1.8 million or 0.6% to $338.3 million at December 31, 2005 from September 30, 2005. In addition, borrowings, which consist solely of FHLB advances, remained essentially unchanged between September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2005.

Stockholders' equity increased by $0.8 million to $91.6 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $90.8 million at September 30, 2005 primarily as a result of the $1.1 million in net income for quarter ended December 31, 2005 offset in part by the Company's cash dividends of $482,000.

Net interest income increased $407,000 or 14.8% to $3.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2005 as compared to $2.8 million for the same period in 2004. The increase was due to a $792,000 or 15.9% increase in interest income partially offset by a $385,000 or 17.2% increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income resulted from an increase of $39.1 million or 9.9% in the average balance of interest-earning assets for the three months ended December 31, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. The weighted average yield earned on such assets increased by 27 basis points to 5.33% in the quarter ended December 31, 2005 from the comparable period in 2004. The increase in interest expense resulted from a 55 basis point increase to 3.01% in the weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities offset in part by a $15.2 million or 4.2% decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended December 31, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2005, the net interest margin was 2.92%, as compared to 2.80% for the comparable period in 2004. The improvement in our net interest margin in the 2005 period reflected in large part the increase in the balance of net interest-earning assets resulting from the investment of funds raised in the stock offering in March 2005 into loans and other higher yielding assets.

The Company did not make any provision for loan losses for the quarters ended December 31, 2005 or 2004. No provision was made based on management's evaluation that the allowance for loan losses was adequate at such dates. At December 31, 2005, the Company's non-performing assets totaled $700,000 which consisted of non-performing loans of $340,000 and one real estate owned property of $360,000, and its allowance for loan losses totaled $558,000 or 0.3% of total loans, and 164.1% of non-performing loans. The real estate owned property was sold during January of 2006 at a gain of approximately $100,000 which will be recognized as non-interest income in the quarter ending March 31, 2006.

Non-interest income increased $7,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2005, as compared to the same period in 2004. The increase was primarily due an increase in fees and other service charges, mostly attributable to increased ATM fees.

Non-interest expense decreased $35,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 compared to the same quarter in 2004. The decrease was primarily due a $174,000 decrease in litigation expense. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in compensation and benefit expense of $100,000 due primarily to an increase in retirement plan expenses and normal merit pay rate increases. Further offsetting the decrease in non-interest expense was an increase in professional services of $34,000.

Income tax expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 amounted to $422,000 with an effective income tax rate of 28.0% compared to income tax expense of $363,000 with an effective income tax rate of 34.2% for the quarter ended December 31, 2004.

Prudential Bancorp, Inc. of Pennsylvania is the "mid-tier" holding company for Prudential Savings Bank. Prudential Savings Bank is a Pennsylvania-chartered, FDIC-insured savings bank that was originally organized in 1886. The Bank conducts business from its headquarters and main office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as well as five additional full-service branch offices, four of which are in Philadelphia and one of which is in Drexel Hill in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

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Electronic Sensor Technology's zNose(R) Will Appear Monday in an Episode of CBS Television's ''CSI: Miami''

NEWBURY PARK, Calif., Feb 03, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Electronic Sensor Technology (OTCBB: ESNR), a leading provider of ultra-fast vapor analyzers, announced today that the zNose(R), an electronic sensor device that can capture and analyze nearly any odor, fragrance or chemical vapor within ten seconds, is scheduled once again to be featured on Monday, February 6th in an episode of "CSI: Miami." The show airs locally at 10 p.m. on CBS.
In this episode, Horatio's (series star David Caruso) nemesis is accused of another murder and the zNose(R) helps link the vapors of the pine cleaner on his clothes and his car trunk, thus placing him at the crime scene.

The zNose(R) is actually a very versatile, ultra-fast GC with the ability to perform a full hydrocarbon analysis. This episode demonstrates one of the many zNose(R) applications. It is currently being used for environmental, food/beverage, petro chemical, life science and Homeland Security applications. For more information, please visit our website at www.zNose.com

About Electronic Sensor Technology:

Founded in 1995, Electronic Sensor Technology has developed and patented a chemical vapor analysis process. We believe that the Company's product line is positioned to eliminate key vulnerabilities in the homeland security market, specifically in maritime port, airport, and border security applications.

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03.02.2006 15:07
US Vorbörse: Kurse ziehen an



http://img.godmode-trader.de/charts/46/2005/ISLAND38.gif

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03.02.2006 15:11
Corning hält an Prognosen fest
Der Glasfaserspezialist Corning Inc. (Nachrichten) hat seine Prognosen für das erste Quartal des laufenden Geschäftsjahres bestätigt und rechnet für jene Periode weiterhin mit einem Gewinn vor Sonderposten von 21-23 Cents je Aktie und Erlösen von 1,2-1,25 Milliarden Dollar. Das erwartete Ergebnis inkludiert eine Aufwendung in Höhe von 1 Cent für ein Aktienoptionsprogramm. Die von Thomson First Call erhobenen durchschnittlichen Analystenschätzungen erstrecken sich auf einen Gewinn von 23 Cents und Erlöse von 1,23 Milliarden Dollar. Im Bereich der Bruttomarge erfolgt durch das Unternehmen die Inaussichtstellung von 43-45%.

Corning legen

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Dividend on Common Stock

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Feb 03, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Doral Financial Corporation (NYSE: DRL), a diversified financial services company, today announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per common share to be paid on March 10, 2006 to shareholders of record on February 17, 2006.
Doral Financial Corporation, a financial holding company, is the largest residential mortgage lender in Puerto Rico and the parent company of Doral Bank, a Puerto Rico commercial bank; Doral Securities, a Puerto Rico based investment banking and brokerage firm; Doral Insurance Agency, Inc.; and Doral Bank, FSB, a federal savings bank based in New York City.

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TransGlobe Energy Corporation Announces Successful Development Well in Yemen

CALGARY, ALBERTA, Feb 3, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- TransGlobe Energy Corporation ("TransGlobe" or the "Company") (TSX:TGL) (AMEX: TGA) announces another successful development well on Block S-1 in the Republic of Yemen.
Block S-1, Yemen (25.0% working interest)

An Nagyah #19, which commenced drilling on January 9th, 2006, reached a total depth of 1,705 meters and was completed as a producing oil well after flowing at a stabilized rate of 3,226 barrels of light (43 degree API) oil per day and 1.6 million cubic feet of gas per day at a flowing pressure of 500 psi on a 48/64 inch choke.

The An Nagyah #19 well encountered the Lam A sandstone reservoir and was completed in a 266 meter horizontal section. The well is now being pipeline connected to the An Nagyah facilities.

The drilling rig is preparing to move to the next drilling location at An Nagyah #20. The An Nagyah #20 well is planned as an 850 meter horizontal well in the Lam A sandstone of the An Nagyah field, between vertical producers An Nagyah #5 and An Nagyah #7 in the western portion of the field.

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Corning Expects Strong Growth in Diesel; Company Reviews Heavy-Duty and Light-Duty Market Drivers and Opportunities

CORNING, N.Y., Feb 03, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) will tell investors today that it expects a significant increase in sales of its diesel emissions control products for heavy- and light-duty clean diesel applications in 2006. Thomas R. Hinman, vice president and general manager, Corning Diesel Technologies, will note that 2006 is anticipated to be an important year for the company's diesel business, with production ramps in both heavy-duty and light-duty businesses and continued design-in of Corning's innovative filter and substrate products.
He will also note that the longer-term outlook for this business looks strong, with the diesel market expected to grow to approximately $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion by 2010. Hinman will make his comments during the company's annual investors' meeting beginning at 9 a.m. at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City today.

Significant opportunities are expected to develop as regulations tighten globally. "By 2007, emissions from buses and trucks sold in the U.S. must be up to 90 percent cleaner than 2002 models. These reductions are primarily the result of the introduction of improved engine technologies, ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, and next-generation emissions control systems that rely upon the use of our products," Hinman will tell investors. "On a more global front, regulations impacting both diesel passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles continue to be enacted, representing a greater than 90-percent reduction in allowable emissions by 2010."

Diesel engines represent an important source of economical power throughout the world with approximately 1.9 million heavy-duty vehicles and about 11 million light-duty vehicles produced per year in markets where regulations will be in place. They also provide distinct advantages with up to 35 percent lower fuel consumption, fewer greenhouse gases, long-term durability, and high power and torque.

2005 proved to be a very important foundational year for Corning's diesel business, Hinman will note. "For the heavy-duty market, the past year was critical in terms of technology and vendor selection processes. Corning achieved a very substantial business position as evidenced by the letters of intent signed with the majority of leading heavy-duty engine makers. We also accomplished a very successful entry into the light-duty market in 2005 with the introduction of our new aluminum titanate filter, DuraTrap(R) AT. This robust, high-performance product continues to gain acceptance by key European and Asian passenger vehicle manufacturers."

Hinman will provide an assessment of the 2005 to 2010 outlook for the diesel market and how Corning can benefit from successfully addressing this opportunity. "As global heavy-duty emissions control penetration reaches its anticipated 90 percent level by 2010 in regulated markets, the growth of filter and substrate systems will grow accordingly," Hinman will say. "Global light-duty diesel filter penetration is expected to reach approximately 70 percent by 2010, and Corning is targeting a leading position with innovative, high-value products."

For Corning, the projected product value opportunity for heavy duty is expected to be in the range of $300 to $1000 per vehicle for filter systems and approximately $50 to $200 per vehicle for substrate systems. In the light-duty market, Corning's product value opportunity is expected to be in the range of $80 to $150 per vehicle.

Hinman will outline key steps that Corning is taking in order to effectively leverage the diesel market opportunity, to include:

-- Scaling the capacity of the company's $300 million diesel manufacturing facility to meet current and anticipated demand for both heavy-duty and light-duty filter and substrate products.

-- Achieving additional light-duty vehicle platform wins with both DuraTrap AT and cordierite filter technologies.

-- Substantial ongoing investment in research and development to address critical industry challenges, both near and long term.

"We believe that our technology leadership and ability to scale our manufacturing to meet industry needs will enable Corning to capture between $500 million and $600 million of this more than $1 billion market opportunity," Hinman will tell investors.

About Corning Incorporated

Corning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is a diversified technology company that concentrates its efforts on high-impact growth opportunities. Corning combines its expertise in specialty glass, ceramic materials, polymers and the manipulation of the properties of light, with strong process and manufacturing capabilities to develop, engineer and commercialize significant innovative products for the telecommunications, flat panel display, environmental, semiconductor, and life sciences industries.

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Ninetowns Digital World Trade Holdings Limited - Americ..
03.02.06 20:42 Uhr

6,89 USD

+27,36 % [+1,48]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
6,8525 USD

Zeit
03.02.06 20:43

Diff. Vortag
+26,66 %

Tages-Vol.
8,02 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
1,3 Mio.

Ninetowns Schedules Fourth Quarter 2005 Results Conference Call

BEIJING, Jan 23, 2006 /Xinhua-PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Ninetowns Digital World Trade Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: NINE) announced today that it will hold a conference call with investors and analysts on February 28, 2006 at 7:00 a.m. in Beijing to discuss results for the Company's fourth quarter 2005. This will be 6:00 p.m. on February 27, 2006 in New York.

About Ninetowns Digital World Trade Holdings Limited

Ninetowns is a PRC software company that enables enterprises and trade-related PRC government agencies to streamline the import/export process in China. Through its scalable enterprise software products, Ninetowns' clients have the ability to automate import/export processing over the Internet, which is a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to the traditional paper-based method.

[actr]

China Energy Savings Technology, Inc.
03.02.06 20:55 Uhr

7,98 USD

+16,84 % [+1,15]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
7,98 USD

Zeit
03.02.06 20:55

Diff. Vortag
+16,84 %

Tages-Vol.
88,32 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
11 Mio





bellwetherreport.com: The Bellwether Report notices the positive movments made by China Energy Savings Technology, Inc

Feb 03, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Today the Bellwether Report has identified China Energy Savings Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CESV), a company that our analysts will be tracking over the ensuing weeks. They recently came out with a significant corporate development this month, causing a positive correction

China Energy Savings Technology, Inc., through its ownership interest in Starway Management Limited engages in the development, manufacture, sale, and distribution of energy-saving products for use in commercial and industrial settings in the People's Republic of China. The company's light saver products include the street light saver, fluorescent light saver, and the electricity saving lamp light saver. The company's sewing machine electricity saver reduces the electricity used in between actual use of the sewing machine. Its products are used in buildings, offices, supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, buildings, factories, oil fields, and residential premises, as well as in street lamps for cities in China. China Energy Savings Technology is headquartered in Hong Kong.

Today, February 2, 2006, China Energy Savings Technology's share price has increased 13.17% and volume has jumped above average to over 1.8 million, despite the fact that no immediate news has been released.

In recent news, January 17, 2006, China Energy Savings Technology announced that Sun Li has resigned as Director to pursue his own business and personal interests and that the position has been filled by Kwun Luen Siu, effective immediately.

Sun Li remains the.....

[actr]

Rackable Systems, Inc.
03.02.06 21:04 Uhr

37,04 USD

+19,06 % [+5,93
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
37,04 USD

Zeit
03.02.06 21:04

Diff. Vortag
+19,06 %

Tages-Vol.
73,74 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
2,1 Mio.


BUYINS.NET: Rackable Systems (RACK) SqueezeTrigger Price Is $20.54. Short Sellers Are Down Approximately $15 Million After Q4 Sales Triple And Earnings Beat By $0.09.

Feb 03, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- BUYINS.NET, www.buyins.net, announced today that the 947,000 shares declared short on Rackable Systems (NASDAQ: RACK) have a SqueezeTrigger Price of $20.54 per share. Accrording AP, Rackable Systems Inc., a specialist in servers and storage products, on Thursday posted a quarterly profit that bested Wall Street estimates as sales more than tripled. Net income for the quarter rose to $7.3 million, or 32 cents per share, reversing a year-earlier loss of $14.3 million, or $2.57 per share. Excluding one-time items and stock-option expensing, Rackable Systems earned $7.6 million, or 33 cents per share, for the quarter. Revenue surged to $83.1 million from $23 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial were looking for a profit of 24 cents per share with revenue of $70.63 million. Rackable Systems earned $8.5 million, or 47 cents per share, for the year, versus a fiscal 2004 loss of $55.4 million, or $11.43 per share. Earnings totaled $15 million, or 83 cents per share, excluding one-time items and stock-option expensing. Sales nearly doubled to $215 million from $109.7 million. Short sellers are down approximately $15 million as the stock is currently trading near $36.78. To access SqueezeTrigger Prices ahead of short squeezes beginning, visit http://www.buyins.net/squeezetrigger.pdf.
From January 2005 to January 2006, an aggregate amount of 7,091,559 shares of RACK have been shorted for a total dollar value of $145.6 million. The RACK SqueezeTrigger price of $20.54 is the volume weighted average price that all shorts are short in shares of RACK. Since crossing above the SqueezeTrigger Price, shares of RACK are up nearly 79%. There is still approximately $35 million worth of potential short covering in shares of RACK.

Rackable Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: RACK) engages in the development, marketing, and sale of compute servers and storage systems for large-scale data center deployments in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company`s product line includes flagship Foundation Series compute servers for scale out datacenter environments, as well as provides configurable components and front-facing cable connections for serviceability. It also offers scale out series of compute servers for thermal and cable management, and system serviceability. The company`s customers include Internet businesses; and companies in vertical markets, such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, enterprise software, entertainment, federal government, financial services, oil and gas exploration, and semiconductor design. Rackable Systems, formerly known as Rackable Corporation, was founded in 1999 and changed its name to Rackable Systems, Inc. in 2002. The company is headquartered in Milpitas, California.



Rackable Systems, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year End 2005 Financial Results; Achieved Record Quarterly Revenue of $83.1 Million and GAAP EPS of $0.32

MILPITAS, Calif., Feb 02, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Rackable Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq: RACK) a provider of servers and storage products for scale out data center deployments, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year end of fiscal 2005.
Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $83.1 million, up 44.8% from $57.4 million in the third quarter of 2005, and up 261.8% from $23.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. GAAP operating income for the quarter was $12.2 million or 14.7% of revenue, compared to $7.4 million or 12.8% of revenue for the third quarter, and compared to an operating loss of $1.3 million in the same period a year ago. Gross margins for the quarter were 24.9%, compared to 24.1% in the third quarter, and compared to 20.4% in the fourth quarter a year ago. GAAP net income for the fourth quarter of 2005 was $7.3 million or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to GAAP net income of $4.4 million or $0.20 per diluted share in the third quarter and compared to a GAAP net loss of $14.3 million or $(2.57) per share in the fourth quarter of 2004.

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OccuLogix, Inc.
03.02.06 21:16 Uhr

4,1512 USD

-67,44 % [-8,5988]

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
4,1512 USD

Zeit
03.02.06 21:16

Diff. Vortag
-67,44 %

Tages-Vol.
63,83 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
20 Mio.



bellwetherreport.com: The Bellwether Report takes a closer look into the movements of Occulogix Inc

Feb 03, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Today the Bellwether Report has identified Occulogix Inc (NASDAQ: RHEO), a company that our analysts will be tracking over the ensuing weeks. They recently came out with a significant corporate development this month, causing a negative correction. For a full report on the below mentioned company, and many more, feel free to visit www.bellwetherreport.com for a free 30 day no obligation trial Today February 3, 2006, Occulogix Inc. has nervous investors jumping ship, plunging the stock down as much as 72% to trade @$3.58. Currently the stock is struggling to regain some upward momentum, and the volume is out of this world.
The catalyst in this black moment came when Occulogix released data from its MIRA-1 pivotal phase 3 trial using its RHEO system to treat age-related blindness had failed to meet its goals -- the primary efficacy endpoint it had sought. The study showed no statistically significant different for people who were treated with the RHEO System compared with those treated with a placebo. Since people who received the treatment did show some improvement, OccuLogix said it would continue to analyze the results.


OccuLogix Provides MIRA-1 Update

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Feb 3, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- OccuLogix, Inc. (NASDAQ: RHEO)(TSX:RHE) has completed a preliminary analysis of the data from MIRA-1, its recently completed pivotal (phase III) clinical trial using its RHEO(TM) System to treat the dry form of age-related macular degeneration ("Dry AMD").
MIRA-1 did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in the mean change of Best Spectacle-Corrected Visual Acuity applying the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Scale ("ETDRS BCVA") between the treated and placebo groups at 12-months post-baseline. As expected, the treated group demonstrated a positive response. An anomalous response of the control group is the principal reason that the primary efficacy endpoint was not met.

There were subgroups that did demonstrate statistical significance in their mean change of ETDRS BCVA versus control. Further analysis of the study data is being undertaken.

There is a large patient population suffering from Dry AMD, with limited therapies available to treat this devastating disease. The Company is in the process of evaluating the implications of the MIRA-1 study data on its application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval to market its RHEO(TM) System in the United States. OccuLogix will provide further updates as they become available.

About OccuLogix, Inc.

OccuLogix is a health care company that brings innovative and evidenced-based medical therapies to market. OccuLogix`s common shares trade on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol `RHEO` and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol `RHE`. Visit us on the internet at www.occulogix.com (corporate) and www.rheo.com (healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers) Forward-Looking Statements

[actr]

Fossil, Inc.
03.02.06 21:23 Uhr

17,40 USD

-24,97 % [-5,79]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
17,40 USD

Zeit
03.02.06 21:23

Diff. Vortag
-24,97 %

Tages-Vol.
119,32 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
7,3 Mio


MidnightTrader's After-Hours Trading Range Analysis: FOSL

Boston, Feb 02, 2006 (MidnightTrader via COMTEX) -- Fossil (FOSL): Stock was released from after-hours halt and proceeded to plummet from 22 down to its after-hours low of 16.50. We should note that the negative liquidity on this initial turn south was rather slim and buyers controlled the issue for the bulk of the after-hours session, although they were only able to maintain a negative range of 17.24 to about 16.60. A premarket open on Friday may have some potential surrounding 17. The aggressive buy volume we recorded throughout tonight's trade has us looking at a contrarian bet in FOSL early on Friday. Buyers may want to nibble at tonight's low of 16.50 up to about 16.65, an area we suspect could hold as a potential floor through the early trade Friday as the stock possibly sees bounces back near 17, based on tonight's pattern. Traders may want to head into this one looking for quick outs as we suspect it wouldn't take much to take the floor out of from under FOSL and see it dive to fresh lows if tomorrow it can't find the type of buy support it recorded at tonight's lows.

[actr]

Google Inc.
03.02.06 21:37 Uhr

379,4008 USD

-4,20 % [-16,6392]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
379,4008 USD

Zeit
03.02.06 21:37

Diff. Vortag
-4,20 %

Tages-Vol.
6,39 Mrd.

Gehandelte Stück
17 Mio.


Early Bird's other stocks to watch for Friday, February 3 include - Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG): Leading Internet search engine's shares closed Thursday at $396.04 and were down about .5% in pre-market activity on Friday, still reeling from newly released financial reports that blamed an unforeseen rise in its tax rate for adjusted profits; nevertheless, JMP Securities analyst William Morrison reported yesterday that his company continues to "believe Google is gaining significant market share of global search queries," reiterating his strong buy rating while cutting his target price by $25 to $550; shares had closed Tuesday at $432.66 before earnings were published.

[actr]

Amazon-Dot-Bomb

By Lawrence Carrel
February 3, 2006


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN1)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share price as of Thursday's close: $42.74
Share price now: $38.33
Change: -10.3%
Volume: 33.5 million shares, daily average 6.0 million shares
Last time this low: July 26, 2005
52-week high: $50.00
52-week low: $30.60
Forward P/E before announcement: 57.0 (based on 75 cents a share)
Forward P/E after announcement: 51.2 (based on 74 cents a share)

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

AT LEAST AMAZON.COM (AMZN2) is consistent.
Exactly a year ago3 the online retailer's shares slid 15% after it missed fourth-quarter earnings estimates and offered lackluster guidance for the upcoming year. This time around, shares shed 10% Friday following a repeat performance.

Fourth-quarter earnings plunged 43% year-over-year to $199 million, Amazon said after the close of trading Thursday. Most of that was due to the company's tax gain shrinking to $38 million for the quarter from a year-earlier $239 million. Pretax earnings increased 49% to $161 million. Excluding all one-time items, the company said its earnings would've totaled 26 cents a share, two cents more than a year ago and a nickel ahead of the Thomson First Call consensus. But sales of $2.98 billion, up 17% year-over-year, fell short of the $3.08 billion Wall Street had predicted. Sales in the year-ago quarter increased 31%.

Analysts seemed as troubled over the company's spending as they were by its top-line troubles.

"As a similar theme to the previous quarters, the company continues to reinvest back into research and development [with] no sustainable return on investment evident in the near term," wrote Deutsche Bank's Jeetil Patel in a Thursday research note. Total operating expenses increased by 31% during the quarter, much faster than sales. The company's new free shipping program, Amazon Prime, which offers unlimited two-day shipping for a flat fee of $79 a year, increased shipping costs by 17%.

For 2006, Amazon said it expects sales between $9.85 billion and $10.45 billion. Analysts were looking for $10.15 billion. But the company said operating earnings could total anywhere from $370 million $510 million, or between 14% lower and 18% greater than 2005 operating earnings. Analysts said the forecast shows evidence of margin erosion.

Amazon follows a string of high-profile earnings disappointments for Internet companies, including Google4 (GOOG5), Yahoo6 (YHOO7) and eBay (EBAY8). But some wonder whether Seattle-based Amazon is still rightly called an Internet company.

"There has long been the debate over whether Amazon should be valued as an Internet company vs. offline retailer or somewhere in between," wrote Martin Pyykkonen, an analyst with San Francisco-based investment bank Hoeffer & Arnett, in a Friday note. Pyykkonen notes that Amazon trades at 60 times his 2006 earnings estimates, vs. price/earnings ratios of 15.4 for Wal-Mart Stores (WMT9) and 17.4 for Target (TGT10). "We expect Amazon's year/year revenue growth rate to continue to decelerate, especially as competitive alternatives for online commerce (e.g. traditional offline retailers) challenge Amazon's brand recognition, which eventually should cause Amazon to be valued more like a traditional retailer," he wrote, reaffirming his Sell recommendation.

Citigroup's Mark Mahaney, who also rates the stock a Sell, agreed that the company's fundamentals have deteriorated. "Year-over-year organic revenue growth decelerated from 25% in September to 22% in December, the lowest rate in years," he wrote Friday. "Particularly concerning was 22% year-over-year unit growth, a record low."

Hoefer & Arnett's Pyykkonen lays particular blame on Amazon Prime. "You should have seen more of a benefit to revenues," he says. "It's a costly program, and it's not giving revenue the lift Amazon had hoped for."

Quote:
"We believe there is likely further downside in the near-term as fourth-quarter results and the outlook for 2006 may mark a sea change in shareholder thinking toward Amazon," wrote Lehman Brothers analyst Douglas Anmuth in note Friday. "We believe the next few quarters are likely to be challenging as Amazon continues to invest aggressively to improve the customer experience and develop innovative services at the same time as it lowers free shipping thresholds in various markets and launches Amazon Prime. The combination of greater investments and the expansion of free shipping initiatives is likely to lead to negative operating leverage in the near term."

[actr]

VitalStream Completes $14 Million Equity Financing; Announces Plans for Reverse Stock Split and Application for Nasdaq Listing

IRVINE, Calif., Feb 06, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- VitalStream Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: VSTH), the world leader in audio and video streaming, today announced that its board of directors has approved several significant initiatives that significantly strengthen the Company financially and strategically, positioning VitalStream for strong growth in 2006 and beyond. Specifically, the Company is announcing the successful completion of a private financing totaling $14 million in cash for VitalStream, its intention to enact a reverse split of VitalStream common stock designed to allow the company to qualify for listing of its common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market (formerly known as the Nasdaq SmallCap Market) and eventually the Nasdaq National Market, and as announced last week, the addition of Mel Harris, former president of both Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment, to the VitalStream board of directors.
"As we formalized our 2006 plan, VitalStream's board recognized that in order to accelerate our ability to capture our share of the significant operating and acquisition opportunities in the streaming media applications market, we needed to strengthen our balance sheet, expose the company to a wider investor base, and deepen our strategic relationships. We have now taken significant steps towards achieving all of these objectives," said Jack Waterman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VitalStream.

"We are particularly pleased by the strong show of support from two new investors, Winslow Management Company of Boston, who was the lead in this financing round, and Crosslink Capital. In addition, demand from several existing investors, including Columbia Acorn Fund, was so strong that we were able to complete the transaction without a placement agent. Simultaneously, we believe that enacting a reverse split as the final step towards our ultimate objective of moving to the Nasdaq National Market will make the company more attractive to a broader financial base over time. Furthermore, the addition of someone of Mel Harris' stature to our board is a very strong signal that VitalStream intends to strengthen its leadership and expand its presence in the streaming media industry. With a business built around one of the fastest growing segments of the Internet sector and a financial model featuring strong recurring revenues, we are reiterating our expectations to report record revenues for the fourth quarter of 2005 and positive EBITDA in 2006, excluding stock-based compensation and absent any potential merger or strategic investment opportunities. We look forward to discussing these positive events and our 2005 financial results on our regularly scheduled fourth quarter and fiscal year conference call on February 13, 2006," concluded Mr. Waterman.

The financing transaction was accomplished through a private placement of 10,769,230 shares of common stock of the Company at a price of $1.30 per share, for aggregate proceeds of $14 million. The parties closed the private placement on February 3, 2006. The total number of the Company's common shares outstanding after the financing is 83,854,939. The Company has agreed to promptly file a registration statement registering the resale of the shares of common stock purchased in the financing transaction.

In order to meet the minimum stock price for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and the Nasdaq National Market, VitalStream's board of directors has approved, and recommended for approval by shareholders, a resolution authorizing the Board of Directors to effect, or in its discretion not effect, a reverse stock split of all outstanding shares of common stock within a range of 1:2 to 1:5.5 (one post-consolidation share for every two pre-consolidation shares to one post-consolidation share for every five and one-half pre-consolidation shares) at anytime prior to December 31, 2006. The Company intends to immediately seek consent for the reverse split from a majority of shareholders through distribution of a consent solicitation statement, and, assuming shareholder consent is obtained, to effect the reverse split and file an application with Nasdaq within the next few months. The record date for shareholders entitled to give their consent is February 3, 2006. It is anticipated that if the Company's application is successful, its shares of common stock will begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on a post-split basis in April or May of this year.


About VitalStream

VitalStream, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of VitalStream Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB: VSTH), is the world's leading streaming solutions provider and international content delivery network that provides the reliable choice for delivering streaming media to global audiences. VitalStream provides complete solutions, including video and audio streaming, live event broadcasting, media asset management and consulting services that seamlessly integrate with today's leading streaming media technologies. VitalStream's innovative tool set streamlines the process of delivering the leading streaming media formats, Macromedia(R) Flash(TM) and Microsoft(R) Windows Media(R), over the Internet. VitalStream's worldwide content delivery network is certified for quality transfer in the United States, Europe and Asia and delivers much of today's most popular online media. VitalStream serves an international customer base including Fortune 500 corporations, movie studios, news broadcasters, music and radio companies, advertising agencies and educational institutions. For more information, visit www.vitalstream.com.

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Pharsight Builds Momentum in DMX(R) Product, Signs deCODE genetics Biopharmaceutical Company Selects Drug Model Explorer(TM) for Model-Based Product Profile Visualization

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb 06, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Pharsight Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: PHST), a leading provider of software and strategic services for optimizing clinical drug development, recently announced that deCODE genetics, a leading biopharmaceutical company, has become a customer for the Drug Model Explorer (DMX). The license agreement with deCODE is the latest Pharsight has closed with leading pharmaceutical companies in Europe and the United States.
DMX is a software tool that allows clinical drug development teams to quickly and efficiently explore the modeled efficacy, safety, and other performance attributes of a new drug versus competing therapies.

"We hope to use DMX to drive faster and more confident drug-development decisions at deCODE," said David Hermann, PharmD, Executive Director of Pharmacometrics at deCODE. "We expect to use DMX to rapidly display our latest modeling results and make our development decisions clear to the entire team."

Daniel L. Hartman, M.D., Senior Vice President of Product Development at deCODE added, "Quantitative modeling and simulation offers a valuable set of approaches to help navigate the myriad trade-offs and complexities that inform key program decisions. We look forward to using DMX to explore model-based results and support the decision-making process for promising therapies in our pipeline."

About DMX

DMX can enhance the entire development team's understanding of a drug's likely clinical potential and limitations, and enable more efficient decision-making by providing direct interaction with modeling results presented as a series of intuitive plots and tables. Pharsight believes that DMX will help increase the usage of quantitative-based decision-making in the drug development process.

"DMX's intuitive presentation of modeling insights is especially useful when a new drug faces tough competition," said Shawn O'Connor, Pharsight president and chief executive officer. "We are pleased that deCODE recognizes the contribution that quantitative drug-disease modeling, combined with novel visualization and communication technology like DMX, can make to improve decision-making."

About Pharsight Corporation

Pharsight Corporation develops and markets integrated products and services that enable pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to achieve significant and enduring improvements in the development and use of therapeutic products. The company's goal is to help customers reduce the time, cost and risk of drug development, as well as optimize the post-approval marketing and use of pharmaceutical products.

Pharsight's approach enhances the fundamental element of drug development success: strong decision-making. By adopting the Pharsight approach, customers acquire a new decision-making process with the potential to systematically improve every level and phase of their business and scientific processes. Pharsight Corporation is headquartered in Mountain View, California. Information about Pharsight is available at http://www.pharsight.com About deCODE genetics

deCODE is a biopharmaceutical company applying its discoveries in human genetics to the development of drugs for common diseases. deCODE is a global leader in gene discovery -- its population approach and resources have enabled the company to isolate key genes contributing to major public health challenges from cardiovascular disease to cancer, providing drug targets rooted in the basic biology of disease. The company currently has eight lead programs in drug discovery and development, including three in clinical trials, and is broadening its pipeline through gene and target discovery work in 50 of the most common diseases. Further information on deCODE Genetics is available at www.decode.com.

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Hasbro Reports Strong Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005 Results

PAWTUCKET, R.I., Feb 06, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS)
Fourth Quarter Highlights

-- Net earnings per diluted share of $0.48 (including a repatriation tax cost of $0.13) vs. prior year of $0.44;

-- Net revenues increased 1.2% to $1.1 billion or 3.2% in local currency;

-- Continuing strong performance from STAR WARS drove revenue increases of 15.9% in U.S. Toys segment.

Full Year Highlights

-- Net earnings per diluted share of $1.09 (including a repatriation tax cost of $0.13) vs. prior year of $0.96;

-- Net revenues of $3.1 billion, up 3% for the year;

-- STAR WARS exceeded Company expectations, generating $494.1 million in global revenue;

-- Strong operating cash flow over the last 12 months of $496.6 million.

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) today reported its 2005 full year and fourth quarter results. For the year, the Company reported net earnings of $212.1 million or $1.09 per diluted share, compared to $196.0 million or $0.96 per diluted share in 2004. Excluding the $25.8 million impact of the tax on the repatriation of foreign earnings, 2005 full year earnings were $237.9 million or $1.22 per diluted share. For the fourth quarter, the Company reported net earnings of $94.3 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, compared to $81.9 million or $0.44 per diluted share last year. Excluding the tax on the repatriation, fourth quarter earnings were $120.1 million or $0.61 per diluted share.

For the year, worldwide net revenues were $3.1 billion, compared to $3.0 billion a year ago. The 2005 results included $494.1 million in STAR WARS revenue. For the fourth quarter, the Company reported worldwide net revenues of $1.1 billion, an increase of $12.7 million, which includes a $21.0 million negative impact of exchange rates, compared to the prior year.

"Hasbro performed well in 2005. In a challenging environment we delivered solid revenue growth, strong earnings growth and operating cash flow was up significantly," said Alfred J. Verrecchia, President and Chief Executive Officer.

"While I am pleased with our overall performance, in particular our STAR WARS product line, the Games segment performance was below our expectations and clearly there is opportunity for improvement this year," Verrecchia concluded.

Revenues in the U.S. Toys segment were $1.1 billion for the year and $305.6 million for the quarter, compared to $952.9 million and $263.7 million in 2004, respectively. The results reflect the tremendous success of Hasbro's line of licensed STAR WARS products, as well as strength from a number of other Hasbro owned brands including LITTLEST PET SHOP, FURBY and NERF. Core PLAYSKOOL performed well, although pre-school licenses, such as BOOHBAH and SHREK were down. Full year operating profit was $80.0 million, compared to $7.2 million last year, primarily due to higher volume and improved product mix, as well as lower advertising and product development costs.

Revenues in the Games segment were $730.6 million for the year and $235.8 million for the quarter, compared to $796.0 million and $270.3 million in 2004, respectively. The segment revenue decline can be attributed to lower trading card and board game volume. Full year operating profit decreased to $69.5 million, compared with $137.6 million last year, reflecting lower overall segment volume - in particular high margin trading card games. In addition, there were inventory obsolescence and customer allowance charges associated with some of the new plug and play initiatives.

International segment revenues were $1.2 billion for the year and $510.6 million for the quarter, an increase of 3.1% or $37.1 million for the year and 1.5% or $7.4 million for the fourth quarter. The revenues include the negative impact of foreign exchange of approximately $0.7 million for the year and $21.2 million for the quarter. Absent this impact, revenues increased 3.2% for the year to $1.2 billion and increased 5.7% for the quarter to $531.8 million. The results also reflect strong performance from STAR WARS, and new product introductions such as FURBY and LITTLEST PET SHOP. There were also a number of games that did well, including MONOPOLY HERE AND NOW and TRIVIAL PURSUIT. Partially offsetting this was a $62.6 million decline in revenue from BEYBLADE, as well as declines in VIDEONOW and trading card games. Full year operating profit increased to $148.1 million, compared with $140.8 million last year, due primarily to higher volume and lower advertising expenses.

"In addition to growing our top and bottom line in a difficult retail environment, we continued to strengthen the balance sheet and delivered $496.6 million in operating cash flow. Going forward, we will continue to operate with the financial discipline that has served us well and created value for our shareholders," said David Hargreaves, Chief Financial Officer.


Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

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Protein Polymer Technologies Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for New Embolization Convenience Kits

SAN DIEGO, CA, Feb 06, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB: PPTI), a biotechnology device company that is a pioneer in protein design and synthesis, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its new convenience kits which are packaged with Surgica Corporation's proprietary foam embolization products. These three new convenience kits have been designed to offer improved ease of use and overall procedure efficiency for physicians in the field of Interventional Radiology.
With the new, more user-friendly convenience kits, PVA Plus(TM) and MicroStat(TM) spherical foam embolization particles are pre-packaged dry in a sterile syringe, ready for rapid hydration and administration. Based on Surgica's patented manufacturing process, these particles, which are porous throughout, rapidly equilibrate in contrast media. The new dry particle kits offer physicians the means to prepare their embolization injections in a quick, simple and clean manner.

The newly developed MaxiStat(TM) particles, which offer the advantages of a spherical PVA foam embolization particle as an alternative to small coils for up to medium-sized vessels, are packaged individually, dry in a vial, hydrating almost instantaneously in contrast media. Larger than other spherical PVA particles, MaxiStat(TM) particles are compressible and resilient, enabling delivery of a 4 mm particle through a 0.38" guidewire compatible catheter.

"The 510(k) clearance of the new convenience kits within six weeks of executing the license with Surgica represents a significant milestone for PPTI," said William N. Plamondon III, Chief Executive Officer of PPTI. "Capitalizing on our internal development and regulatory capabilities, these new products offer distinct advantages to the physician over other products in the marketplace."

PPTI completed a worldwide License Agreement with Surgica for its products and technology in December 2005, acquiring the exclusive rights to develop and commercialize Surgica's three FDA-cleared PVA based embolization products -- PVA Plus(TM), MicroStat(TM) and MaxiStat(TM) and one additional product under development, Blocker(TM).

Embolization, a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists, is used to treat a variety of medical conditions including neurovascular conditions, uterine fibroids and inoperable liver cancer. PPTI estimates a conservative annual market potential for embolization could exceed $400 million in the U.S. and $800 million worldwide.

About Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc.

Protein Polymer Technologies, Inc. is a biotechnology company that discovers and develops innovative therapeutic devices to improve medical and surgical outcomes. The Company focuses on developing technology and products to be used for soft tissue augmentation, tissue adhesives and sealants, wound healing support and drug delivery devices. Protein Polymer Technologies' proprietary protein-based biomaterials are uniquely tailored to optimize clinical performance and contain no human or animal components that could potentially transmit or cause disease. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California. For additional information about the company, please visit www.ppti.com.

To date, PPTI has been issued twenty-six U.S. Patents on its core technology with corresponding issued and pending patents in key international markets.

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Health Care Property Investors, Inc. Declares Increased Quarterly Cash Dividend on Common Stock; Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend on Series E and F Preferred Stock

LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb 06, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Health Care Property Investors, Inc. (NYSE:HCP) reported that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.425 per share. The common stock cash dividend will be paid on February 23, 2006 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 13, 2006. The annualized rate of distribution for 2006 is $1.70, compared with $1.68 for 2005. The Board of Directors of the Company has determined to continue to follow the policy established in January 2003 of considering dividend increases on an annual rather than quarterly basis.
In addition, Health Care Property Investors, Inc. reported that the Board of Directors declared cash dividends of $0.45313 per share on its Series E cumulative redeemable preferred stock and $0.44375 per share on its Series F cumulative redeemable preferred stock. These dividends will be paid on March 31, 2006 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 15, 2006.

Health Care Property Investors, Inc. (NYSE:HCP) is a self-administered real estate investment trust that invests directly or through joint ventures in healthcare facilities. As of September 30, 2005, the Company's portfolio of properties, excluding assets held for sale but including investments through joint ventures and mortgage loans, included 542 properties in 42 states and consisted of 28 hospitals, 165 skilled nursing facilities, 138 assisted living and continuing care retirement communities, 184 medical office buildings and 27 other healthcare facilities. For more information on Health Care Property Investors, Inc., visit the Company's website at www.hcpi.com.

SOURCE: Health Care Property Investors, Inc.


CONTACT: Health Care Property Investors, Inc., Long Beach, Calif. Senior Vice President-Strategic Development and Treasurer Talya Nevo-Hacohen, 562-733-5100

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Ashton Mining of Canada Inc.: 6,000 Carat Bulk Sample Program Now Underway in Quebec

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb 06, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. ("Ashton" or the "Corporation") (TSX:ACA) is pleased to announce that Ashton and its 50:50 joint venture partner, SOQUEM INC. ("SOQUEM"), have commenced a bulk sample program designed to recover a parcel of at least 6,000 carats of diamonds from the Foxtrot property in north-central Quebec. The minimum 6,000 tonne bulk sample will be collected from four of the kimberlitic bodies in the Renard cluster. The joint venture plans to conduct a diamond valuation of the parcel during the first half of 2007 and use the results to complete a pre-feasibility study. As reported on April 26, 2005, the average modeled value of the initial parcel of 459 carats of Renard diamonds was US$88 per carat.
In addition to the 6,000 tonne bulk sample, the $24 million program approved by the joint venture includes an aggressive exploration program to discover new kimberlitic bodies on the Foxtrot property and to further evaluate the existing discoveries.

"The collection of a 6,000 carat parcel positions the Quebec project as one of the few advanced diamond exploration projects in Canada," said Robert Boyd, Ashton's President and CEO. "We expect that this parcel will include a representative selection of stones greater than two carats in weight. These larger stones typically have a disproportionately favourable influence on the average value of a diamond population."

Bulk Sample Program

Through a combination of trenching, underground mining methods and reverse circulation ("RC") drilling, the bulk sample will be collected from Renard 2, 3, 4 and 9, four of the 13 kimberlitic bodies identified to date on the Foxtrot property. The joint venture has estimated that the four bodies contain from 18.6 to 22.0 million carats of diamonds in 23.2 to 27.5 million tonnes of kimberlitic material. As noted in the Corporation's news release issued on November 8, 2005, the tonnage estimates are conceptual in nature and do not constitute a mineral resource as defined by National Instrument 43-101.


Ashton Mining of Canada Inc. and SOQUEM INC.

Ashton's prime objective is the discovery or acquisition of diamond prospects capable of rapid advancement to development and production. The Corporation is recognized as one of the leading explorers in the Canadian diamond industry. Ashton's competitive advantages include the significant exploration experience of its key personnel as well as its extensive in-house laboratory facilities in North Vancouver, fully dedicated to the Corporation's exploration projects.

SOQUEM INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Societe generale de financement du Quebec ("SGF"). The mission of the SGF, an industrial and financial holding company, is to undertake economic development projects in the industrial sector in cooperation with partners and in compliance with the economic development policies of the Government of Quebec.

Ashton is the operator of the joint venture's exploration programs. Brooke Clements, Professional Geologist and Ashton's Vice President Exploration, is a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Clements is responsible for the design and conduct of the Corporation's exploration programs and for the verification and quality assurance of analytical results.

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06.02.2006 14:43
US Vorbörse: Überwiegend grün



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Mundoro Increases Indicated Resource by 26% to 4.8 Million Ounces Gold at Maoling's Zone 1 Deposit

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Feb 6, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Mundoro Mining Inc. (TSX:MUN) is pleased to report that a new independent resource estimate by Golder Associates Pty Ltd. for the Zone 1 deposit at the Maoling Gold Project in Liaoning, China has resulted in an increase of 1 million ounces gold in the Indicated Resource over the estimate made in the same Zone in late 2004.
The new estimate ("2006 estimate") for the Zone 1 deposit, using a cut-off grade of 0.5 grams gold per tonne, includes 161 million tonnes grading 0.92 grams gold per tonne (4.8 million gold ounces) in the Indicated category. This compares with 120 million tonnes with a grade of 0.98 grams gold per tonne (3.8 million gold ounces) estimated in the Indicated category in 2004. The 2006 estimate also includes a total of 63 million tonnes grading 0.8 grams gold per tonne (1.6 million ounces) in the Inferred category for Zone 1 compared with 88 million tonnes at the same grade for the 2004 estimate.

A modest volume of material in the north central part of Zone 1 (proximal to underground channel sample points) has been classified as a Measured Resource in this estimate. This 4 million tonnes grading 1.31 grams gold per tonne is included under the Measured & Indicated Resource category below. The 2006 resource estimate at various cut-off grades for Zone 1 are outlined below and are followed by a summary of the 2004 resource estimate by AMEC Americas Ltd. for comparison:


License Renewal and Development Update

Mundoro Mining has been working in Liaoning province to address delays in the renewal of the joint venture company's business license, which has in turn deferred the renewal of the Maoling project's exploration license. The primary focus of the Company's management and outside advisors in China is a satisfactory resolution of this issue. In addition, the Company continues to communicate the joint venture's development strategy with relevant authorities.

The Maoling Project, with its significant economic and social benefits, together with the high standards of environmental protection being incorporated into its design, is fully aligned with several central government policies including that of "Revitalizing the Northeast" and of attracting foreign investment into the mining sector.

Concurrent with continued work on the Maoling Zone 1 DFS, a key initiative is underway to engage in constructive exchanges with all appropriate provincial and central government ministries and departments to build awareness and support for the project. This process is based on the substantial technical and financial data that has been generated by the entire project feasibility / development team, including Ausenco Limited, Golder Associates Pty Limited, Sinosphere Corporation, ENFI and Intercedent Limited. Further updates on this process will be reported as soon as available.

About Mundoro Mining Inc.

Mundoro Mining Inc. is a TSX listed resource company focused on the exploration and development of the multi-million ounce, feasibility stage Maoling gold deposit in Liaoning Province, China. The Company has a 79% interest in the project through a Sino-Foreign co-operative joint venture with the corporate arm of the Liaoning provincial government, and has been aggressively exploring the 20 square kilometer exploration license area. Thus far, two deposits that outcrop at surface have been outlined at Maoling in which disseminated, free-milling gold mineralization occurs within a sequence of metasedimentary rocks. A pre-feasibility study completed in June of 2005 outlined a Probable Reserve of 2.8 million ounces and demonstrated the economic viability of developing a large-scale open-pit mine on the Zone 1 orebody to produce an average of approximately 328,000 ounces of gold per year over 8 years. The Company has appointed an international team of engineers and environmental experts including Ausenco Limited, Golder Associates Pty Limited, Sinosphere and ENFI to optimize the mine/mill design in the Definitive Feasibility Study that is now well underway. Mundoro's aim is to build a world class gold mining operation at Maoling, one that will operate to the highest levels of environmental protection and sustainable development.

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Richview Resources Graduates to Tier 1 Listing on TSX Venture Exchange

TORONTO, ONTARIO, Feb 6, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Richview Resources Inc. ("Richview") (TSX VENTURE:RVR) is pleased to announce that it has graduated to a Tier 1 listing on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") effective Monday, February 6, 2006.
The Exchange approved Richview's graduation to Tier 1 on the basis that the company's Thierry Mine property satisfies the Exchange's minimum listing requirements for a Tier 1 Mining Issuer and that Richview is now the 100% legal and beneficial owner of the mining interests which constitute the Thierry Mine property.

The Thierry Mine property is located 450 kilometers northwest of Thunder Bay, Ontario, 12 km west-northwest of the town of Pickle Lake. The property is comprised of 26 mining leases, totaling 11,216 acres (4,539 hectares) located in Dona Lake, Ponsford Lake, Tarp Lake and Kapkichi Lake areas in the Patricia Mining District, Ontario. In addition there are six unpatented contiguous claims totaling 74-16 hectare units.

As a result of the graduation to Tier 1, common shares held by Richview's Principals and previously deposited in escrow under escrow agreements will be governed by the release provisions of a Tier 1 Value Escrow.

Richview also announced today that it has granted an aggregate of 5,250,000 incentive stock options under Richview's Stock Option Plan to certain directors and senior officers of Richview. Each option entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.35 per share. The options and any common shares issued upon their due exercise will be subject to a four-month hold expiring May 27, 2006. The granting of the options is subject to regulatory acceptance of applicable filings.

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MediCor Ltd. Reports Record Sales for Second Quarter Fiscal 2006

LAS VEGAS, Feb 06, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Las Vegas-based MediCor Ltd. (OTC Bulletin Board: MDCR), the world's third largest manufacturer and distributor of breast implants, today announced results for its second fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2005.
Sales for the three months ending December 31, 2005, were $6,981,294, an increase of $836,040, or 14%, when compared to the prior-year quarter. Excluding the effect of the decline in the euro relative to the dollar, sales increased 17%. Net loss for the quarter decreased to $4,141,712 from $4,306,139 in the comparable period in 2004. Basic and diluted loss per share for the quarter ending December 31, 2005, was $(0.21) compared to $(0.26) for the quarter ending December 31, 2004.

Sales for the six months ended December 31, 2005, were $12,643,309, an increase of $354,996, or 3%, when compared to the same period of the prior year. Excluding the effect of the decline in the euro relative to the dollar, sales increased 5%. Net loss for the six-month period increased to $8,243,133 from $7,632,003 in the comparable period in 2004. Basic and diluted loss per share for the six-month period ending December 31, 2005, was $(0.42) compared to $(0.46) for the six months ending December 31, 2004.

Theodore R. Maloney, MediCor's Chief Executive Officer stated, "We are very pleased that our second quarter sales returned to double-digit growth in the face of price competition from other manufacturers. Our planned acquisition of Biosil Limited and Nagor Limited, the United Kingdom-based manufacturer and supplier of saline-filled and silicone-filled breast implants, remains on track for completion during the first half of this year. These acquisitions will further strengthen our position in the global breast implant market and provide us with a larger platform from which to expand our business internationally. It also will help us respond more effectively to the aggressive pricing tactics of our competitors, such as what we saw in this last quarter."

"We are also moving forward with our longer term plans to address the U.S. market place," Maloney said, "Our investment in clinical trials for our saline-filled breast implants continues, and during the quarter we also advanced our plans to file for an investigational device exemption as a first step toward U.S. approval for our high-consistency silicone-filled breast implants."

Added David Barella, Executive Vice President of International Marketing and Sales, "During the second fiscal quarter, we successfully expanded our market share in a competitive pricing environment that has eased somewhat, but remains a challenge. Our creative new marketing programs for both surgeons and prospective patients are specifically designed to add significant value to our products, as well as to differentiate us from the competition. We are confident that these and other innovative strategies will help us continue to increase volumes and ultimately establish optimal price points for our products. In the coming year, we believe these strategies will have ideally positioned us to build on the strong 8% sales growth we have experienced in the last four quarters."

About MediCor Ltd.

MediCor was founded by Chairman of the Board Donald K. McGhan, the pioneer of the modern day breast implant industry. The Company acquires, develops, manufactures and markets products for medical specialties in aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery and dermatology markets. Products include surgically implantable prostheses for aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery and scar management products. Its products are sold worldwide to hospitals, surgery centers and physicians through various distributors and direct sales personnel. MediCor's strategy is to be the leading integrator of selected international medical device markets, technologies and corporations. To achieve this strategy, MediCor intends to build upon and expand its business lines, primarily in the aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgery and dermatology markets. MediCor intends to accomplish this growth through the expansion of existing product lines and offerings and through the acquisition of companies and other assets, including intellectual property rights or distribution rights

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Nortel Enables New Rural Market SIP Access Solutions Leverages Interoperability with Allied Telesyn and Pannaway Technologies www.nortel.com

TORONTO, Feb 06, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Nortel(x) (NYSE/TSX: NT) is helping rural carriers tap into the lucrative triple play services market by enabling new SIP fiber to the home (FTTH) and converged IP access solutions that help carriers deliver broadband data, video and a rich set of voice features to residential and business customers.
These solutions are enabled by Nortel's DMS-10 softswitch interoperating with products from Allied Telesyn and Pannaway Technologies. This gives rural carriers access to a new portfolio of revenue-generating services such as VoIP with E 911 lifeline calling, enhanced IP video and video on demand, ultimately increasing customer satisfaction and retention.

SkyLine Membership Corporation, which serves northwestern North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, is using the SIP FTTH solution consisting of Allied Telesyn's iMAP integrated Multiservice Access Platform and iMG intelligent Multiservice Gateway interoperating with Nortel's DMS-10 as part of its recently announced FTTH network deployment. This new FTTH infrastructure, using Allied Telesyn's IP Triple Play optimized Multiservice Gateways, will enable SkyLine to offer advanced IP video to its largely residential subscriber base, in addition to a wide variety of voice and high-speed data services.

"SkyLine has evolved with the communities we serve, taking the lead in identifying customer needs and offering innovative solutions - our fiber to the home initiative is a perfect example of this evolution," said John Dixon, SkyLine CEO. "Interoperability between Nortel and Allied Telesyn allows us to offer our customers new bundles of digital entertainment, voice, communication and information services with confidence, knowing that we can reliably provide our customers with the communications choices they need."

Empire Telephone will use the converged IP access solution consisting of Pannaway's Service Convergence Network (SCN(TM)) platform interoperating with Nortel's DMS-10 to offer IP video services, high-speed data and Primary Line VoIP with advanced calling features and guaranteed E 911 support to their customer base in 2006. Empire Telephone supports 8,400 access lines and covers over 320 square miles of service territory in western New York.

"As we evolve to VoIP, it is absolutely critical that we have the ability to provide advanced calling and safety features such as E911 lifeline support as well as new applications we can run on an application server. Interoperability between Nortel's DMS-10 and Pannaway's SCN will allow us to offer premier video and data services along with support for emerging applications such as HDTV and video on demand," Joseph Gottwald, CO engineer and ISP manager, Empire Telephone.

Allied Telesyn's iMG600 intelligent Multiservice Gateway portfolio and Pannaway's Personal Branch Gateway (PBG) and Broadband Access Switch (BAS) successfully completed interoperability testing with Nortel's SIP-enabled DMS-10.

Nortel's DMS-10 platform is the industry's most widely deployed voice switch, allowing independent service providers and rural market carriers to seamlessly advance their networks to a new cost-effective packet infrastructure at their own pace without expensive upgrades to the network. SIP-enabled enhancements on the DMS-10 gives service providers the ability to offer new revenue generating services such as primary or secondary line service over any broadband facility, mobility options with IP phones and clients, as well as service bundles such as VoIP coupled with the subscriber's existing broadband or long distance service.

About Nortel

Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world's most critical information. Serving both service provider and enterprise customers, Nortel delivers innovative technology solutions encompassing end-to-end broadband, Voice over IP, multimedia services and applications, and wireless broadband designed to help people solve the world's greatest challenges. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit Nortel on the Web at www.nortel.com. For the latest Nortel news, visit www.nortel.com/news

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Pioneer Begins Development of Oooguruk Field

DALLAS, Feb 6, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD) today announced that it has approved and is commencing the development of the Oooguruk field on the North Slope of Alaska. Pioneer is the operator of the field, which is in the shallow waters of the Beaufort Sea approximately eight miles northwest of the Kuparuk River Unit. Pioneer will immediately begin operations to install an offshore gravel drilling and production site in order to complete gravel hauling activities during the 2006 winter construction season.
Pioneer holds a 70% working interest in the Oooguruk field. Eni Petroleum has a 30% working interest and is expected to make its participation election for the project during the first quarter of 2006. Pursuant to the farmout agreement concluded in January 2004, ConocoPhillips retains the right to elect to participate in the project.

Following construction of the gravel drilling and production site this winter, a subsea flowline and facilities will be installed during 2007 to carry produced liquids to existing onshore processing facilities at the Kuparuk River Unit. Pioneer plans to drill approximately 40 horizontal wells to develop 50 million to 90 million barrels of estimated gross oil resources. Depending on weather conditions and facilities completion and accessibility, development drilling could begin as early as the fall of 2007. Total gross capital invested, including projected drilling and facility costs, is expected to range from $450 million to $525 million. The wells are expected to be brought on production as drilling progresses, with peak rates of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 barrels of oil per day expected by 2010. Using current oil prices, the field is expected to produce for at least 25 years before reaching its economic limit.

"The Oooguruk field development is the first of what I believe will be many successful projects for Pioneer in Alaska and adds a new long-lived asset to our strong U.S. base. We have established positions in a number of other Alaskan opportunities, including projects to appraise and develop previously discovered resources near existing infrastructure as well as exploration projects in close proximity to existing infrastructure and in more remote areas. We look forward to continuing what has been a successful partnership with the other producers and the state and local governments in Alaska," stated Scott D. Sheffield, Chairman and CEO.

Ken Sheffield, President of Pioneer's Alaska subsidiary, added, "We appreciate the cooperative spirit demonstrated by the State of Alaska, the North Slope Borough and the federal regulatory agencies in working with Pioneer to produce a project plan that minimizes environmental impacts while also allowing us to maintain our project schedule. Our experience with this project has convinced us that Alaska is truly open for responsible development."

Pioneer is a large independent oil and gas exploration and production company, headquartered in Dallas, with operations in the United States, Canada and Africa. For more information, visit Pioneer's website at www.pioneernrc.com.

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Wescan and Santoy acquire additional uranium claims; Geophysics to begin soon Stock Symbol: WGF: TSX-VEN

SASKATOON, Feb. 6, 2006 (Canada NewsWire via COMTEX) -- George Sanders, President of Wescan Goldfields Inc. ("Wescan") is pleased to announce that Wescan and Santoy Resources Ltd. ("Santoy") have staked 5 additional claims totaling 20,965 hectares. The claims are located on the northern edge of the Athabasca Basin, and adjoining two jointly held permit areas known as the Fir Island, and Hazempa Lake blocks.
Santoy as operator of the joint venture in which Wescan holds a 50% interest has been advised by Geotech Ltd. that a helicopter borne EM survey covering the Fir Lake block and one of the new adjoining claims is about to commence. Geotech will be using their latest version of the VTEM system which has been upgraded to generate a more powerful signal compared to their previous version.

Wescan is a Canadian based corporation engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties. Shares of the Company trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "WGF".

"The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept

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LAFARGE NORTH AM CP 81.60 +17.35 (+27.00 %)

Sedol: 2500315 Exch: NYSE Sym: LAF 06/02 17:41
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Price Time Trades 3,582

Latest 81.60 17:41 06/02 Traded Shares 7,928,100

Bid - - Trading Volume 646.93 Mil.

Offer - - 52W High 70.47

Open 81.00 06/02 52W Low 52.30

High 82.75 06/02 1Y High 66.26

Low 80.51 06/02 1Y Low 55.11

Close 64.25 21:00 03/02


Lafarge to Launch a Cash Tender Offer for the Outstanding 46.8% Minority Stake in Lafarge North America

PARIS, Feb 6, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Lafarge (EURONEXT:LG)(NYSE:LR) , the world leader in building materials, and owner of a 53.2% stake in Lafarge North America (NYSE:LAF)(TSX:LAF), today announced its intention to launch a cash tender offer (the "Offer") for the remaining 46.8% minority stake it does not own. Lafarge intends to offer Lafarge North America shareholders US$75 in cash for each Lafarge North America share they hold, representing a 16.7% premium over Lafarge North America's closing stock price on February 3, 2006, and a 31.0% premium over Lafarge North America's average closing stock price over the past three months. Based on the 35.3 million minority-owned shares and on outstanding options, the Offer represents a total transaction value of US$3.0 billion.
The contemplated transaction, which Lafarge will fund entirely through debt, is expected to be immediately accretive to Lafarge earnings per share.

Bruno Lafont, who became Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge on January 1, 2006, said:

"Lafarge's offer to acquire the minority shares of Lafarge North America represents a unique opportunity for Lafarge North America shareholders to realize the value of their shares at a significant premium to Lafarge North America's current and recent stock price. The successful completion of our tender offer will also benefit Lafarge and its shareholders.

"This transaction makes strategic sense for Lafarge, because it will enable us to pursue business and growth opportunities in North America even more effectively. It makes operational sense, because it will streamline and accelerate decision-making, free of the complexity of operating through a partially owned, publicly traded subsidiary. And it makes financial sense, because it will enable us to improve the use of free cash flow at Group level and should be immediately accretive to our earnings per share.

"In short, this is a 'win-win' transaction for the shareholders, the customers and the employees of both companies," Bruno Lafont said.

The Offer will be made directly to the shareholders of Lafarge North America, and Lafarge intends to commence the contemplated tender offer within two weeks. As part of the transaction, Lafarge will also offer to purchase all outstanding exchangeable preference shares of Lafarge Canada, a subsidiary of Lafarge North America.

The Offer will be conditioned upon, among other things, the tender of a majority of the shares not held by Lafarge and its affiliates and the ownership by Lafarge of at least 90% of the outstanding shares. Any common shares not acquired in the tender offer are expected to be acquired in a subsequent merger at the same price as the tender offer.

JP Morgan and BNP Paribas are acting as joint financial advisors and dealer managers and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is acting as legal advisor to Lafarge in connection with the tender offer.

Neither Lafarge nor any of its affiliates has commenced the tender offer to which this communication relates. Shareholders of Lafarge North America are advised to read the Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO, the Offer to Purchase and any other documents relating to the tender offer that are filed with the SEC when they become available, because they will contain important information. Shareholders of Lafarge North America may obtain copies of these documents for free, when available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or by calling Innisfree M&A Incorporated, the Information Agent for the Offer, at 1-888-750-5834.

Notes to Editors:

Lafarge, the world leader in building materials, holds top-ranking positions in all four of its divisions: Cement, Aggregates & Concrete, Roofing and Gypsum. Lafarge employs 77,000 people in 75 countries and posted sales of EUR 14.4 billion in 2004. Additional information is available on the website at www.lafarge.com.

Lafarge North America is one of the largest publicly traded construction materials providers in North America. Lafarge North America today is a 53.2%-owned subsidiary of Lafarge. The company has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1983 and is also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

[actr]

Blue Coat Systems Inc
06.02.06 18:59 Uhr

26,20 USD

-35,04 % [-14,13]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
26,20 USD

Zeit
06.02.06 18:59

Diff. Vortag
-35,04 %

Tages-Vol.
117,31 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
5,5 Mio


Blue Coat Announces Preliminary Results for Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2006

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb 06, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Blue Coat(R) Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCSI), the leader in secure content and application delivery, today announced preliminary results for its third fiscal quarter of 2006 ended January 31, 2006.
Based on preliminary financial data, the company expects total revenue for the third fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2006 to be between $34.5 million and $35.1 million and GAAP net income to be between $2.1 and $2.7 million, or between $0.14 and $0.18 per diluted share. GAAP earnings per diluted share include the amortization of intangible assets in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Non-GAAP net income, which excludes the amortization of intangible assets, is expected to be between $2.2 and $2.8 million, or between $0.15 and $0.19 per diluted share. On November 15, 2005, the company provided guidance for its third fiscal quarter of 4% - 7% sequential growth on revenue of $36.7 million for the second fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2005, GAAP net income of between $4.4 and $5.1 million, or between $0.30 and $0.34 per diluted share, and non-GAAP net income of between $4.7 and $5.4 million, or between $0.32 and $0.36 per diluted share. The non-GAAP financial measures presented above exclude the amortization of intangible assets. Third quarter results are preliminary and thus are subject to the company's management and independent registered public accounting firm completing their quarterly review procedures.

About Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Blue Coat uses the non-GAAP financial measures of income discussed above for internal evaluation and to report the results of its business. These non-GAAP financial measures include non-GAAP cost of revenue, non-GAAP gross profit, non-GAAP operating expenses, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, and non-GAAP net income per share data. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP. The measures are intended to supplement GAAP financial information, and may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Blue Coat believes that these measures provide useful information to its management, board of directors and investors regarding its activities and business trends related to its financial condition and results of operations. Blue Coat believes that it is useful to provide investors with information to understand how specific line items in the statement of operations are affected by certain items, such as the amortization of intangible assets. Blue Coat's management and board of directors also use these non-GAAP measures in reviewing its financial results of operations and as a factor in forecasting future periods. The Company believes that inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures provides consistency and comparability with past reports of financial results. However, investors should be aware that non-GAAP measures have inherent limitations and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Blue Coat helps organizations make the Web safe and productive for business. Blue Coat proxy appliances provide visibility and control of Web communications to protect against risks from spyware, Web viruses, inappropriate Web surfing, instant messaging (IM), video streaming and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing -- while actually improving Web performance. Trusted by many of the world's largest organizations, Blue Coat has shipped more than 25,000 proxy appliances. Blue Coat is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and can be reached at 408-220-2200 or www.bluecoat.com.

[actr]

CHGO BRIDGE & IRON 22.4999 -6.5001 (-22.41 %)

Sedol: 2200530 Exch: NYSE Sym: CBI 06/02 18:38
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Price Time Trades 8,346

Latest 22.58 18:41 06/02 Traded Shares 13,628,400

Bid - - Trading Volume 307.73 Mil.

Offer - - 52W High 33.00

Open 20.00 06/02 52W Low 18.25

High 22.58 06/02 1Y High 31.85

Low 19.60 06/02 1Y Low 22.55

Close 29.00 21:02 03/02 Split (01.04.05) 1 : 2

Split (11.02.03) 1 : 2



CB&I executes on average more than 700 projects each year and is one of the world's leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) companies, specializing in lump-sum turnkey projects for customers that produce, process, store and distribute the world's natural resources. With more than 60 locations and approximately 11,000 employees throughout the world, CB&I capitalizes on its global expertise and local knowledge to safely and reliably deliver projects virtually anywhere. Information about CB&I is available at www.CBI.com.

[actr]

Schlechte Nachrichten aus Detroit

Aus Detroit ist man schlechte Nachrichten gewöhnt. Die jüngsten kamen am Sonntagabend, allerdings im schönen Gewand: In einem spannenden Super Bowl setzten sich die Pittburgh Steelers gegen die Seaatle Seahawks durch – und bescherten der Börse damit ein Börenjahr. Wenn man dem Super-Bowl-Indikator glaubt.

Die gute Nachricht: Kaum einer glaubt mehr an den Super-Bowl-Indikator. Das nicht ganz ernst gemeinte Börsen-Barometer, nachdem der Sieg eines Teams aus der NFC-Division die Kurse klettern lässt und ein Sieg des AFC-Teams die Aktien drückt, hat zwar eine Trefferquote von rund 80 Prozent. Ausgerechnet in den letzten Jahren lagen allzu Football-begeisterte Anleger aber stets daneben.

Dass der Super Bowl von allen amerikanischen TV-Events im ganzen Jahr die höchsten Einschaltquoten hat, liegt natürlich auch nicht an den prophetischen Qualitäten des Spiels in bezug auf den Aktienhandel. Vielmehr feiern Football-Fans im ganzen Land einfach das alljährliche Endspiel der beiden besten Teams, den Höhepunkt einer langen Saison. Und sie feiern immer doller und immer aufwendiger, in diesem Jahr sogar mit einem Auftritt der Rolling Stones in der Halbzeitpause.

Die britischen Rocker mögen in den letzten Jahrzehnten viel von ihrer einstigen Schockwirkung eingebüßt haben. Allein, den Verantwortlichen beim Super-Bowl-Sender ABC waren Jagger & Co. noch immer zu heiß. Zwei sexuelle Andeutungen mussten aus „Start me up“ und „Rough Justice“ verschwinden – immerhin ist das Football-Endspiel längst nicht mehr Rauhbeinen in Kneipen vorbehalten, sondern zum Familienereignis geworden.

Entsprechend hart waren die Auflagen an die Unternehmen, die während des Super Bowl Anzeigen schalten wollten. Ein Werbepreis von saftigen 2,5 Millionen Dollar für 30 Sekunden war letztlich nicht die schwerste Hürde, die P.R.-Experten aus Corporate America nehmen mussten. Vielmehr mussten sie sich überlegen: Wie falle ich auf, ohne negativ aufzufallen.

Wirklich gelungen ist das nur einer Handvoll von Unternehmen. Hauptkunde Anheuser-Busch hatte ein paar außergewöhnlich witzige Spots geschaltet, und auch die Spots von FedEx und vom Mobilfunkriesen Sprint kamen bei Zuschauern gut an. Zahlreiche andere Unternehmen müssen sich überlegen, ob sich die 2,5 Millionen Dollar (plus Produktionskosten) anderweitig nicht sinnvoller hätten einsetzen lassen.

Völlig daneben gingen Analysten zufolge die äußerst langweiligen Spots von Motorola und Procter & Gamble. Der Konsumriese warb für einen neuen Gilette-Rasierer mit fünf Klingen. „War das wirklich ein Produkt“, wird ein fassungsloser Werbe-Experte im Wall Street Journal zitiert. „Ich dachte, das wäre ein Witz. Wann kommt der erste Rasierer mit acht Klingen?“

Ebenfalls völlig daneben ging das Engagement der Automobilriesen. Am besten platziert war noch Ford, immerhin der Namenspatron des Stadions. Mit Werbespots für die neuen Modelle konnte man indes ebenso wenig beeindrucken wie der Konkurrent General Motors… Detroit tut sich eben schwer zur Zeit.

Dass GM am Tag nach dem großen Spiel die Dividende kürzen soll und Analysten weiter mit schwachen Absatzzahlen für die US-Hersteller rechnen, dürfte manchen Football-Enthusiasten schnell wieder auf den Boden der Tatsachen bringen. Super Bowl hin, Quaterback her, Detroit ist und bleibt die Stadt schlechter Nachrichten.

Lars Halter -

[actr]

J. Jill Group Inc. (The)
06.02.06 21:05 Uhr

23,61 USD

+22,97 % [+4,41]
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
23,61 USD

Zeit
06.02.06 21:05

Diff. Vortag
+22,97 %

Tages-Vol.
142,63 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
6,8 Mio.



Talbots Agrees to Acquire J. Jill - Research and Markets offers a transcript of 'The J. Jill Group, Inc.' Conference Call.

Feb 06, 2006 (CORPORATE CONFERENCE CALL ABSTRACTS via COMTEX) -- The The J. Jill Group, Inc. (JILL) Corporate Conference Call took place on 6-Feb-06 9:00am ET
TLB reported that it has agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of JILL for $24.05 per share in cash, for a total equity consideration of approx. $517m, net of stock options. On a combined basis, 2005 pro forma annual revenues are expected to be approx. $2.3b. TLB anticipates that the transaction will be accretive to its FY07 EPS, including expected synergies and purchase price accounting adjustments. TLB anticipates closing the transaction in 2Q06.More information on this Conference Call can be obtained from Research and Markets at http://www.researchandmarkets.com/transcripts/79184

[actr]

Apple Computer, Inc.
06.02.06 21:11 Uhr

67,30 USD

-6,33 % [-4,547]

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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
67,351 USD

Zeit
06.02.06 21:11

Diff. Vortag
-6,26 %

Tages-Vol.
3,29 Mrd.

Gehandelte Stück
49 Mio

[actr]

06.02.2006 21:07
AMAZON stark überverkauft
AMAZON (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) (AMZN / ISIN: US0231351067) : 37,84 $ (-1,27 %)

Aktueller Tageschart (log) seit Juli 2005 (1 Kerze = 1 Tag)

Kurz-Kommentierung: Die AMAZON Aktie rutschte nach der Bekanntgabe der Zahlen unter den markanten Unterstützungsbereich bei 43,00 $ und aktivierte mit dieser Kursbewegung das bärische Szenario. Das daraus resultierende Kursziel wurde innerhalb des Kursverfalls in kürzester Zeit erreicht. Sollte sich die Aktie im 37,00er Bereich stabilisieren, besteht eine reelle Chance die stark überverkaufte Situation bis zu einem gewissen Grad abzubauen und einer Kurserholung in Form einer Pullbackbewegung an die Aufwärtstrendlinie seit 2001 einzuleiten. Ein Mindestziel der möglichen Kurserholung liegt im Bereich der Abwärtstrendlinie seit Oktober 2003 bei 42,97 $. Rutscht die Aktie hingegen unter 37,00 $ wäre eine Fortsetzung der Abwärtsbewegung bis zum letzten markanten Bewegungstief bei 30,60 $ zu favorisieren.


http://img.godmode-trader.de/charts/30/2005/abc2523.gif

[actr]

Sify Limited - American Depositary Shares
06.02.06 21:22 Uhr

12,57 USD

+16,60 % [+1,79
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
12,57 USD

Zeit
06.02.06 21:22

Diff. Vortag
+16,60 %

Tages-Vol.
62,63 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
5,6 Mio.


bellwetherreport.com: The Bellwether Report takes another look into Sify Ltd

Feb 06, 2006 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Today the Bellwether Report has identified Sify Ltd (NASDAQ: SIFY), a company that our analysts will be tracking over the ensuing weeks. They recently came out with a significant corporate development this month, causing a positive correction
Today February 6, 2006 Sify Ltd. share is up significantly and looking at the 52 week history, the stock has performed impressively. The good news is Sify Chief Executive Officer told the Down Jones Newswire that the company will turn its first ever profit in the 4th Quarter.
Sify Limited announced February 1/06 the launch of its re-designed consumer portal The revamp includes easier navigation, contemporary layout, enhanced features like headlines in 5 Indian languages, best of audio/video from Sifymax convenient mail login on the home page, opinion polls etc. The new Sify.com also has an enhanced email service with two unique features. First, mailbox size restrictions are a thing of the past. The new Sify mail boasts a mailbox of unlimited size.

Second, users can now compose and read mails in 11 Indian languages - Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Tamil, and Telugu. This is particularly important to catalyse Internet growth in a country where approximately only 5% of the population is online.

[actr]

Pearl Asian Mining Industries, Inc. Forward Split its shares 1 for 1000 and Re-Incorporated to Wyoming, now has New Stock Symbol -- PAIM

PASIG CITY, METRO MANILA, Philippines, Feb 07, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pearl Asian Mining Industries, Inc. (OTC:PAIM), commonly known as "PEARL ASIAN" announces the decision of the Board of Directors to re-incorporate to USA under new Jurisdiction in the State of Wyoming and forward split its common shares 1=1,000.
Effective immediately, the Pearl Asian Mining Industries, Inc. (PRLGF) has changed domicile to the USA under the Jurisdiction of the State of Wyoming having the new Stock Symbol: PAIM.

The Wyoming jurisdiction includes the following assets: (a). 100% of the 12 Gold Mining Claims located in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada (b). 3,000,000 Common Shares of ERDTF stocks; (c) 21+ acres of Hawaiian Real Estate lots located at the Hawaiian Ranchos Estates of the Big Island of Hawaii; (d). PAIM owns 100% of the Mining Operation Agreement (MOA) with the Pearl Asian Mining Industries, Inc. (PAMI) Philippines Corporation.

The Pearl Asian Mining Industries (PAMI)- Philippine Corporation is the 100% holder of the SSMP (Small Scale Mining Permit), mining claims which operate on 20 hectares of the XYZ Gold Mine Site. PAIM has a pending MPSA (Mineral Production Sharing Agreement), for the final Certification to mine over 1,800 hectares of the XYZ Gold Mine Site.

Further, all the PRLGF's existing shareholders and their holdings will remain the same as they are carried over to this new Wyoming Corporation. PAIM, the Wyoming Corporation has unlimited authorized shares and unanimously passed by corporate resolution to forward split 1=1,000. That for every 1 share is to increase to 1,000 shares effective February 14, 2006. This move is hoped to expedite the company expansion plans. PAIM's select and highly experienced Team of Engineers are aggressively continuing the development and building of the XYZ Operation Gold Finger Project.

The investment in PAIM's "Operation Gold Finger" XYZ Gold Project is currently on its exploration and development phases. The target production of its gold, silver & other precious metals is estimated to be in the 4th quarter of 2006. This XYZ Gold Project is planned to be a minimal risk, cost effective enterprise. It will serve as the gold mining model for further projects planned by PEARL ASIAN MINING INDUSTRIES as it continues to grow in the future. PAIM is prepared to bring good returns of investment (ROI) for all its existing shareholders. The Gold Rush of this 21st Century!

[actr]

Toll Brothers Reports Preliminary 1st Qtr FY 2006 Totals For Home Building Revenues, Backlog and Contracts

HORSHAM, Pa., Feb 7, 2006 (PRIMEZONE via COMTEX) -- Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) (www.tollbrothers.com), the nation's leading builder of luxury homes, today reported that, for its first quarter ended January 31, 2006, home building revenues rose 35% to approximately $1.33 billion; first quarter-end backlog rose 22% to approximately $5.95 billion; and signed contracts of approximately $1.14 billion declined 21% compared to FY 2005's record first quarter results. The revenue and backlog totals were first quarter records, while contracts were the second highest first quarter total in the Company's history.
These results are preliminary and unaudited. The Company will announce final totals when it releases first-quarter earnings results on February 23, 2006.

Robert I. Toll, chairman and chief executive officer, stated: "Selling homes this first quarter was certainly more difficult than one year ago; we faced a particularly challenging comparison to last year, as signed contracts in FY 2005 rose 60% versus FY 2004. We experienced softening demand, to varying degrees, in a number of markets and continue to be constrained by long delivery times at many of our communities. During this first quarter, about 43% of our communities were operating with projected delivery times of eleven months or more. We believe when expectations of home price appreciation are strong, buyers are willing to wait a year or more for their homes; when their expectations are more modest, they are less willing to commit so far in the future.

"Demand at our communities, which began to soften in early September, now appears to be improving, although demand pressure from speculators has certainly passed. We continue to open new communities and increase our community count, which, we believe, will help to increase contracts as the year progresses. We ended the quarter with 257 communities, having opened 17 new ones in the last two weeks of our first quarter. While these new communities opened too late to contribute to first quarter contracts, they are in position to contribute in the second quarter. Last year's second quarter contracts, however, grew 38% versus second quarter FY 2004, so comparisons will remain challenging.

"Although demand is not as strong as it was one year ago, most of our markets remain fundamentally healthy, based on job and income growth data. Some markets are experiencing the temporary overhang of higher inventory levels as the past year's speculative buyers in these markets are now becoming sellers. Once this excess inventory clears the market, we expect that the fundamentals of constrained lot supplies and demographics-driven demand should return. Since the number of affluent households continues to increase and we control more than 86,000 home sites in many of the nation's most lot-constrained and affluent markets, we believe we are positioned for long-term prosperity.

"Our deliveries this quarter were below our projections due to a variety of factors. Delays in obtaining certificates of occupancy, construction inspections and utility hook-ups were the primary reasons. Based on our first quarter results, including the decline in our signed contracts, we now estimate we will deliver between 9,200 and 9,900 homes during our fiscal year ending October 31, 2006. That compares to our 8,769 deliveries in FY 2005 and our previous FY 2006 guidance of 9,500 to 10,200 home deliveries. In addition, we expect to report between $280 million and $300 million in revenues from mid- and high-rise urban projects using the percentage of completion method of accounting during FY 2006. We will be updating our earnings estimates during our earnings conference call on February 23, 2006.

"During the first quarter, we bought back approximately 630,000 shares at an average price of $34.61. In FY 2005's fourth quarter, we repurchased nearly 1.98 million shares. We expect to continue to repurchase shares on an opportunistic basis; we are authorized to purchase an additional 15.1 million shares under our current buyback program."


Toll Brothers, Inc. is the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. The Company began business in 1967 and became a public company in 1986. Its common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Exchange under the symbol "TOL". The Company serves move-up, empty-nester, active-adult and second-home home buyers and operates in 21 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

Toll Brothers builds luxury single-family detached and attached home communities, master planned luxury residential resort-style golf communities and urban low-, mid- and high-rise communities, principally on land it develops and improves. The Company operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development and land sale, golf course development and management, home security, landscape, cable T.V. and broadband Internet delivery subsidiaries. The Company also operates its own lumber distribution, and house component assembly and manufacturing operations.

Toll Brothers, a FORTUNE 500 Company and number 102 on the Forbes Platinum 400 based on five-year annualized total return performance, is the only publicly traded national home building company to have won all three of the industry's highest honors: America's Best Builder from the National Association of Home Builders, the National Housing Quality Award, and Builder of the Year. Toll Brothers proudly supports the communities in which it builds; among other philanthropic pursuits, the Company now sponsors the Toll Brothers -- Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network, bringing opera to neighborhoods throughout the world. For more information, visit tollbrothers.com.

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Car-making giant merger idea sparks controversy among Russia officials

Feb 06, 2006 (BBC Monitoring via COMTEX) -- [Presenter] Deputy head of the Russian Federal Industry Agency [Rosprom] Stanislav Puginskiy today announced that no state-level decision to merge [car manufacturing companies] AvtoVAZ, KamAZ and GAZ had been taken.
Interestingly, the idea to set up a single national car-making company was proposed by Puginskiy's immediate boss, Rosprom head Boris Aleshin. It was he who wrote a letter to [Russian President] Vladimir Putin with detailed arguments in favour of consolidating the whole of the car industry in the hands of the state. In the meantime, Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref immediately spoken against a merger like this. Today it has become clear that Gref is not alone. [Stanislav Puginskiy] A discussion of different options for consolidation in the car manufacturing sector is under way but at this stage it is difficult to say if it will reach any practical decisions because the companies in question are in absolutely different conditions. [Presenter] In experts' opinion, the transfer of AvtoVAZ and KamAZ under state control has practically been settled, and in favour of [state arms trader] Rosoboroneksport. Whereas GAZ and UAZ are private companies. Apart from the state, the idea of uniting the whole of the car manufacturing industry into a single holding company has been entertained by big business.

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Myriad Genetics Reports Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal 2006 - Record Revenues and Lower Loss Highlight Quarter -

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb 07, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: MYGN) today reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and the six months ended December 31, 2005.
For the second fiscal quarter of 2006, total revenues grew to a record $27.3 million from $19.6 million in the same quarter of fiscal 2005. The net loss was reduced to $8.0 million from $10.0 million in the second quarter last year and the net loss per share was $0.22, compared with $0.33 in the same quarter of fiscal 2005.

Predictive medicine revenues increased $5.9 million from $17.5 million for the same quarter last year. Compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2006, predictive medicine revenues were up 9%. This significant increase in predictive medicine revenues reflects strong customer demand for Myriad's predictive medicine products due in part, we believe, to the demonstrated clinical utility of the test and the value to patients of using Myriad's BRACAnalysis(R), COLARIS(R), and MELARIS(R) predictive medicine products. For the first six months of this year, predictive medicine revenues were $44.9 million, an increase of 41% from $32.0 million during the same period last year.

Research revenues increased 87% from $2.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 to $3.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Despite this increase, the Company continues to reduce the emphasis on external research collaborations in favor of its own in-house drug development programs. Total revenues in the second quarter of 2006 increased to $27.3 million, from $19.6 million for the same period of fiscal 2005, an increase of 39% year-to-year. Compared with the first quarter of fiscal 2006, total revenues increased by $2.2 million, or 9%.

Net loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 was $8.0 million or $0.22 per share, compared with $10.0 million, or $0.33 per share, for the same quarter of fiscal 2005. This approximately $2.0 million, or 20% reduction in net loss is in large part the result of an increased contribution from our profitable predictive medicine business. As of December 31, 2005, Myriad had approximately $235 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable investment securities. The Company has no debt or convertible securities.

"We are pleased to report the continued growth in our predictive medicine business and the excellent progress in advancing our drug candidates through the regulatory process," commented Peter Meldrum, President and CEO of Myriad Genetics, Inc. "Second quarter was particularly strong, with record revenues, strong profit margins and a significant reduction in our net loss."

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Pike Electric Reports Second Quarter and First Half Fiscal 2006 Results Record Storm Restoration Revenues; Record Earnings

MOUNT AIRY, N.C., Feb 07, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Pike Electric Corporation (NYSE: PEC), one of the nation's largest providers of outsourced electric distribution and transmission services, today announced its financial results for the three and six months ended December 31, 2005. Revenues increased 31% to $195.7 million and earnings increased to $0.41 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 and for the six months, revenues increased 12% to $414.2 million and earnings increased to $0.99 per diluted share compared to the same periods in the prior year.
"Our record second quarter and six month results exceeded our expectations due to the extraordinary storms that affected our customers during the past six months," said J. Eric Pike, chairman and chief executive officer. "We remain optimistic about our prospects for the remainder of fiscal 2006 as we continue to leverage our industry leading position. We intend to do this by capitalizing on the favorable industry trends of increased customer outsourcing, upgrade requirements for the country's distribution and transmission infrastructure and by market share gains through operational excellence and our storm restoration efforts."

Second Quarter Results

For the second quarter, revenues increased 31.0% to $195.7 million from $149.4 million for the same quarter a year ago. This increase was due to a $51.5 million increase in storm revenue, offset by a slight decrease of $5.2 million in powerline revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to the same period in the prior year. Storm revenues represented 36.5% of revenues for the quarter compared to 13.4% in the prior year. Pike Electric experienced record storm restoration revenues in the current year's second quarter as a result of continued restoration efforts relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which hit in September, and Hurricane Wilma in October, as well as ice storms affecting Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Powerline revenues were $124.2 million for the second quarter, a 4.0% decrease compared to powerline revenues of $129.4 million in the quarter a year ago, as a result of the displacement of labor from powerline to the significant storm work experienced in the quarter.

Second quarter net income totaled $13.6 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($1.5) million, or ($0.05) per diluted share, for the second quarter of the prior year. The prior year loss included charges related to our common stock recapitalization in December 2004 and discontinued deferred compensation related to our Red Simpson acquisition of $4.6 million on an after tax basis. The increase in net income in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 over 2005 is primarily the result of increased storm revenues.

The Company completed an amendment of its credit facility in December 2005, which increased availability under its revolving line of credit to $90 million from $70 million as well as included an immediate 50 basis point reduction in borrowing costs on both the revolving and term portions of the credit facility. This amendment also provides for an increased level of lease expense and allows the Company to make cash dividends to shareholders upon achieving certain defined leverage ratios.

Six Month Results

For the six months ended December 31, 2005, revenues increased 12.0% to $414.2 million from $369.8 million for the six months ended December 31, 2004. This increase of $44.4 million was due to a $34.0 million increase in storm revenue and a $10.4 million increase in powerline revenue for the six months ended December 2005 compared to the same period in the prior year. Storm revenues represented 40.1% of revenues for the six months compared to 35.8% in the prior year. Pike Electric experienced record storm restoration revenues in the current year's six months ended December 31, 2005 due to the extremely active and intense hurricane season. For the six months ended December 31, 2005, powerline revenues were $248.0 million, a 4.4% increase compared to powerline revenues of $237.6 million in the prior year's six months.

For the six months ended December 31, 2005, net income increased 36.8% to $31.1 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, compared to net income of $22.7 million, or $0.66 per diluted share for the six months of the prior year. The increase in net income in the current year six months is primarily the result of increased powerline and storm revenues compared to the prior year.

Outlook

"We exceeded our previous storm revenue estimates for the year and now expect total revenues for the fiscal year of between $730-$740 million, with minimal storm revenues for the remainder of the fiscal year," Mr. Pike said. "We cannot accurately predict our storm revenues in terms of which quarter they will occur or the level of revenues generated from storm events. We continue to expect to grow revenues and earnings at or near double digit levels over the long term, while maintaining our industry-leading operating margins."

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Avalon Pharmaceuticals Completes First Dosing Cycle on First Patient and Initiates Second Cohort of AVN944 Phase I Clinical Trial in Cancer

GERMANTOWN, Md., Feb 07, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq and ArcaEx(R): AVRX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics, today announced the completion of a three week dosing regimen on the first patient in Cohort II and the initiation of Cohort I of its Phase I clinical trial of AVN944 in patients with advanced hematological malignancies. The first patient in Cohort II, which is focused on multiple myeloma and lymphoma patients, completed the three week scheduled dosing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with no adverse side effects. The first patient in Cohort I, focused on leukemia patients, began treatment last week at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
"The phase I clinical trial for AVN944 has progressed well with the completion of dosing of our first patient and the initiation of the second cohort," said Kenneth C. Carter, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to future clinical progress of this product candidate, which has the potential to provide a greatly needed treatment option for several cancer types."

The Phase I clinical trial is designed as an open-label, repeat dose-escalation study for the evaluation of the safety and tolerability of AVN944 in adult patients with advanced hematological malignancies including those with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. The study is designed to determine the optimal dose with which to advance Phase II efficacy trials. In the current study, as many as 36 patients could receive AVN944 at or near this optimal dose. Currently, this trial is being conducted at four leading cancer centers in the United States, including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Stanford University, and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center -- Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. Information on the trial, including other site locations when they initiate treatment, will be available at the National Institutes of Health clinical trial database at http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov (a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health developed by the National Library of Medicine).

AVN944 is an oral, small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), an enzyme that is essential for the de novo synthesis of the nucleotide guanosine triphosphate (GTP). AVN944 appears to inhibit cell proliferation by denying dividing cells of the GTP necessary for synthesis of DNA and RNA. IMPDH is highly upregulated in hematologic cancers and many other types of cancer cells are also sensitive to IMPDH inhibition.

AVN944 was in-licensed by Avalon from Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated in February of 2005. Vertex conducted a Phase I trial in the U.K. in normal human volunteers where AVN944 was shown to be orally bioavailable and well-tolerated.

About Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Avalon Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics. Avalon seeks to discover and develop novel therapeutics through the use of a comprehensive, innovative and proprietary suite of technologies based upon large-scale gene expression analysis which it calls AvalonRx(R). Avalon Pharmaceuticals was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Germantown, Maryla

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Oscient Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer Enter Agreement for FACTIVE Tablets in Mexico; Pfizer, S.A. De C.V. to Advance Commercialization of the Fluoroquinolone Antibiotic in Mexico

WALTHAM, Mass., Feb 07, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Nasdaq: OSCI) has sublicensed the commercialization rights to FACTIVE(R) (gemifloxacin mesylate) tablets in Mexico to Pfizer, S.A. de C.V. (Pfizer Mexico), the largest pharmaceutical company in that country. In exchange for those rights, Pfizer Mexico has agreed to pay Oscient an up-front payment, milestones for attaining certain regulatory and sales goals as well as royalties on future sales. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.
FACTIVE is currently approved in the U.S. for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia of mild to moderate severity (CAP) and acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB).

"FACTIVE represents an important addition to our antibiotic portfolio in Mexico," stated Jorge Bracero, Regional President & General Manager, Northern Latin America, Pfizer. "We look forward to pursuing registration of this important antibiotic and making it available to local physicians and patients in Mexico dealing with often serious respiratory tract infections."

"For us, this partnership with Pfizer in Mexico underscores the potential of FACTIVE," stated Steven M. Rauscher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oscient Pharmaceuticals. "Our business strategy, outside of the U.S., is to build the FACTIVE brand through partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies in our licensed territories. This deal represents the first of similar agreements that we hope to establish in Canada and in certain European countries."

Pfizer will work with the regulatory agency in Mexico to facilitate the marketing approval of FACTIVE. Oscient will be the sole provider of product to Pfizer Mexico.

About Pfizer Inc

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-known consumer brands. Our innovative, value-added products improve the quality of life of people around the world and help them enjoy longer, healthier, and more productive lives. The company has three business segments: health care, animal health and consumer health care. Our products are available in more than 150 countries.

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. Oscient has a novel antibiotic candidate, Ramoplanin, in advanced clinical development for the treatment of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD).

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07.02.2006 14:44
TABELLE/The Coca-Cola Co - Gesamtjahr 2005
===
Gesamtjahr (31.12.) 2005 2004
Op Nettoumsatz (Mrd) 23,104 21,742
Op Ergebnis (Mrd) 6,085 5,698
Erg vSt (Mrd) 6,690 6,222
Nettoergebnis (Mrd) 4,872 4,847
Gewinn/Aktie
- verwässert
vor ao Posten 2,17 2,06
- nach ao Posten 2,04 2,00

- Alle Angaben in USD.
- Bei den verwässerten Angaben sind neben der Zahl der
umlaufenden Aktien auch die ausübbaren Optionen,
Wandelschuldverschreibungen, Vorzugsaktien und
ähnliche Instrumente einbezogen.
===

DJG/bam/cbr

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Nabi Biopharmaceuticals Announces Positive Phase I Results From Its S. epidermidis PS-1 and S. aureus Type 336 Vaccine Clinical Trials -- Results Show Company's Proprietary Conjugate Technology is Highly Effective in Stimulating Antibody Response; Mo

Feb 07, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Nabi Biopharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: NABI) today provided an update on the development of its Gram- positive infections program, which includes several product candidates for the prevention and treatment of S. aureus, S. epidermidis and enterococcal infections. Together these bacteria account for two-thirds of healthcare- associated infections reported annually.
Nabi Biopharmaceuticals announced positive data from Phase I studies of the company's S. epidermidis PS-1 vaccine and its S. aureus Type 336 vaccine. Both Phase I studies evaluated the safety and immune response of these vaccines in healthy volunteers. The data support that escalating doses of the vaccines were well tolerated and resulted in significant dose-related increases in levels of antibodies against S. epidermidis PS-1 and S. aureus Type 336. The results of these studies also support the company's conjugation technology in stimulating antibody responses. High antibody titers against specific targets are critical in conferring protection to patients against these infections.

Thomas H. McLain, chairman, chief executive officer and president, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, stated, "Clinically, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals is focused on addressing a large, unmet medical need. Collectively, S. epidermidis and S. aureus represent approximately 80 percent of all Gram-positive hospital- acquired bacterial infections. Commercially, we are focused on developing products that address a large, underserved market. It is estimated that by 2008 the market for new hospital anti-bacterial products will reach $10.1 billion. Our product, growth and business strategies remain aligned with global trends and policies that have defined the critical need for effective and cost-efficient treatments and preventative solutions. In this way, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals is uniquely and strategically positioned to capitalize on its technology and expertise to develop a portfolio of vaccines and antibody products via our own resources and, when appropriate, with strategic partners."

These results and the direction of the company's Gram-positive program are important for several reasons, including the clinical and commercial potential of vaccines to prevent S. epidermidis and S. aureus infections, as well as antibody and other innovative approaches that Nabi Biopharmaceuticals plans to develop products to treat and prevent these infections:

The Clinical and Economic Challenges

S. epidermidis and S. aureus are Prevalent and Resistant to Antibiotics. Current preventative and treatment approaches fall short of adequately addressing S. epidermidis and S. aureus infections, which are increasingly becoming resistant to antibiotics. These bacteria often live transiently or permanently in the nasal passages or on the skin of humans; and can spread to the blood through breaks in the nasal membranes or skin.

S. aureus and S. epidermidis infections are prevalent in hospitals and account for the majority of bloodstream infections. There are approximately 2.6 to 2.8 million hospital-associated infections reported annually. The mean cost is estimated at $13,973 per infection or a range of $36.3 - $39.1 billion annually. The estimated overall mortality rate associated with hospital- associated (nosocomial) bloodstream infections and pneumonia are 23.8 percent to 50 percent and 14.8 percent to 71 percent, respectively.

It is estimated that healthcare-associated treatment costs associated with S. epidermidis infections total almost $600 million each year. To add to the economic burden, methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) rates have reached approximately 80 percent, and over 50 percent of S. epidermidis infections are also resistant to other currently administered anti-microbials. Associated S. epidermidis mortality rates total over 20 percent.

Type 336 accounts for approximately 20 percent of S. aureus infections that do not form a polysaccharide capsule in the human bloodstream. In addition, another 30 percent of S. aureus bacteria are partially encapsulated and Type 336 may also have benefit in preventing and treating infections caused by those bacteria. Since its initial identification in the 1960s, hospital-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) rates have climbed to 57 percent in the ICU and to over 40 percent in non-ICU in-patient settings by 2002. It is estimated that over 30 percent of the adult population at any given time are colonized with S. aureus.

A Multi-faceted Solution

Both vaccines are the first-of-their kind in development to prevent S. epidermidis and S. aureus Type 336 in patients, including those undergoing certain types of invasive surgery, patients in intensive care or shock-trauma units, patients receiving cancer chemotherapy or other immune suppressive treatments, dialysis patients and patients in long-term care facilities.

The PS-1 antigen is found on approximately 60 to 70 percent of all S. epidermidis strains. Immunization with PS-1 results in the production of antibodies that attack a cell wall structure of the bacteria. The mechanism of action of the Type 336 vaccine is independent of the polysaccharide capsule targeted by the company's S. aureus Types 5 and 8 vaccine approach, in that it attacks a structure in the cell wall of the bacteria, not the polysaccharide capsule outside the cell wall. Our research indicates that what we target in S. aureus Type 336 is cross-reactive to S. epidermidis. As an example, data already support that Type 336 antibodies are cross reactive with the majority of S. epidermidis bacteria. The results announced today clearly support moving these programs into Phase II clinical testing.

Raafat E.F. Fahim, Ph.D., senior vice president research, technical and production operations, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, stated, "Nabi Biopharmaceuticals' R&D pipeline is deep as we plan to develop several unique approaches to Gram-positive infections. In addition to the capsular and non- capsular approaches to S. aureus and the proprietary targets to S. epidermidis, we are also developing novel vaccines and antibody products to enterococci, community-acquired MRSA, as well as anti-infective approaches to nasal colonization, skin and soft tissue Staph infections."

Dr. Fahim continued, "We are also fortunate to have the manufacturing capabilities to produce these vaccines and antibody products in our own Boca Raton facilities."

Upcoming Milestones

During 2006, the company will further study these vaccine candidates as stimulating agents to produce antibody products active against these dangerous bacteria. Antibodies can be used for prevention in patients at immediate risk for infection and may act synergistically with antibiotics in the treatment of active infections.

Based on the Phase I clinical trial results announced today and the potential to develop these vaccines and antibodies in a variety of ways, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals will advance its S. epidermidis PS-1 and S. aureus Type 336 programs into a Phase II clinical trial designed as a "proof-of-concept" study. The company expects to initiate this clinical trial in the first half of 2007 and it will evaluate the benefit of a multi-valent product in reducing or treating infection in patient populations at-risk for infection. The company will work with its Gram-positive infections advisory panel to both define the study population and advise whether the vaccine or antibody product should first advance into late-stage clinical study. Based on the outcome of the StaphVAX(R) [Staphylococcus aureus Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine] assessment, this trial may or may not involve combination with capsular polysaccharide Types 5 and 8. Nabi Biopharmaceuticals anticipates that the next trial will be conducted in both U.S. and EU sites.

About the S. epidermidis PS-I Study

The S. epidermidis PS-I Phase I study was a double-blinded, placebo- controlled study evaluating safety and antibody responses of the vaccine in 36 patients at three different dosage levels. Within each of these three dose groups there were 12 patients, nine receiving the S. epidermidis vaccine and three receiving placebo. The doses were administered in an escalating manner.

About the Type 336 Study

The Type 336 Phase I study was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study evaluating safety and antibody responses of the vaccine in 48 patients at four different dosage levels. Within each of these four dose groups there were 12 patients, nine receiving the Type 336 vaccine and three receiving placebo. The doses were administered in an escalating manner.

Henrik S. Rasmussen, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president, clinical, medical and regulatory affairs, Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, stated, "A growing number of patients, such as patients with indwelling catheters, patients in intensive care units, patients receiving cancer chemotherapy, surgical patients receiving implantation of various devices, dialysis patients and premature babies, develop staphylococcus bacterial infections, either S. aureus or S. epidermidis. To add to this problem, these bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to a number of different antibiotics. As a result, S. aureus and S. epidermidis infections often lead to severe illness and death. Consequently, new and more effective solutions, such as vaccines and antibodies, are urgently needed."

Mr. McLain concluded, "Our Gram-positive infections program is robust, and aligned with the company's business strategy to develop clinically relevant, efficacious and cost-effective products in areas of significant unmet medical need. We are pleased with today's S. aureus Type 336 and S. epidermidis PS-1 results, as they support our strategic approach in advancing our Gram-positive infections program. This approach would be combined with our S. aureus Types 5 and 8 program to develop a next generation product, if the outcome of our ongoing assessment is positive."

The company also announced that progress continues in its investigation of results from a recent Phase III study of its S. aureus Types 5 and 8 vaccine candidate, StaphVAX. The company confirmed that it expects to review the results of the investigation with its outside advisory panel and define plans for this element of its Gram-positive infections program in the first half of 2006.

About Nabi Biopharmaceuticals

Nabi Biopharmaceuticals leverages its experience and knowledge in powering the immune system to develop and market products that fight serious medical conditions. We are focusing on developing products addressing commercial opportunities in our core business areas: Gram-positive bacterial infections, hepatitis, kidney disease (nephrology), and nicotine addiction. We have three products on the market today: PhosLo(R) (calcium acetate), Nabi-HB(R) [Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (Human)], and Aloprim(TM) [Allopurinol sodium (for injection)] and a number of products in various stages of clinical and pre-clinical development. The company also filed Marketing Authorization Applications (MAA) in Europe to market Nabi-HB(R) Intravenous [Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (Human) Intravenous] under the trade name HEBIG(TM) for the prevention of hepatitis B disease in HBV-positive liver transplant patients; and for PhosLo, which is already marketed in the United States. The company's products in development include NicVAX(TM) (Nicotine Conjugate Vaccine), a vaccine to treat nicotine addiction, and Civacir(TM) [Hepatitis C Immune Globulin (Human)], an antibody for preventing hepatitis C virus re-infection in liver transplant patients. For additional information on Nabi Biopharmaceuticals, please visit our website: http://www.nabi.com

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NITAR Tech. Corp. and American Automobile Association (AAA) announce an agreement

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb 07, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- NITAR Tech. Corp. (OTC:NCHP) and its brand, choozmail, today announced that it has finalized an agreement with AAA Wisconsin. As a partner with AAA's "Show Your Card & Save" program, choozmail is being offered to all AAA Wisconsin members with a view to provide AAA members the ability to participate on the Internet with a secure communications solution that focuses on the family and children's safety and security.
AAA Wisconsin has 680,000 members in 309,000 households; there are 6.3 million members in the Central Region; and, 47 million members in North America.

For further information on choozmail, please go to www.choozmail.com

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07.02.2006 14:55
US Vorbörse: Ausgeglichenes Bild



http://img.godmode-trader.de/charts/46/2005/ISLAND40.gif

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07.02.2006 14:56
Aktien NYSE/NASDAQ Ausblick: Knapp behauptet - Unsicherheit setzt sich fort
Die US-Börsen werden am Dienstag voraussichtlich mit leichten Abschlägen in den Handel gehen. Die Unsicherheit des Vortages setze sich fort, hieß es von Händlern. Der Future auf den S&P-500-Index <INX.IND> sank gegen 14.35 Uhr um 2,30 Zähler auf 1.266,40 Punkte. Der NASDAQ-100-Future <NDX.X.IND> verlor 6,00 Punkte auf 1.663,00 Zähler. Am Vortag hatten die US-Börsen uneinheitlich geschlossen. Während der Dow Jones <INDU.IND> und der S&P-500 <INX.IND> nach einem bewegten Handel leicht im Plus lagen, mussten die Werte im NASDAQ Verluste hinnehmen.

Aktien von Walt Disney <DIS.NYS> <WDP.ETR> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) standen nach der Zahlenveröffentlichung vom Vorabend im Fokus und gewannen im vorbörslichen Handel 2,44 Prozent auf 25,57 Dollar. Der US-Medienkonzern hatte im ersten Quartal des laufenden Geschäftsjahres (Ende September) mehr verdient und umgesetzt als von Analysten erwartet. Der Gewinn je Aktie (EPS) sei vor Sonderposten von 33 Cent je Aktie im ersten Quartal 2005 auf 35 Cent gestiegen, hatte das Unternehmen am Montag nach Börsenschluss mitgeteilt. Von First Call befragte Analysten hatten nur mit 30 Cent gerechnet.

General Motors (GM) <GM.NYS> <GMC.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) zeigten sich vorbörslich ebenfalls sehr fest. Der defizitäre US-Autokonzern will seine Dividende halbieren. Zudem kommen auf den Konzern Börsianern zufolge niedrigere Gesundheits- und Pensionskosten zu. GM-Papiere stiegen vorbörslich um 3,43 Prozent auf 24,14 Dollar.

Zudem dürfte Coca Cola <KO.NYS> <CCC3.FSE> (Nachrichten/Aktienkurs) im Blick stehen. Der weltgrößte Softdrinkhersteller hatte im vierten Quartal bei steigendem Umsatz weniger verdient als im Jahr zuvor. Die Analystenschätzungen übertraf der Konzern dennoch um 1 Cent.

Palm <PALM.NAS> <PLV1.FSE> (Nachrichten) fielen vorbörslich um 3,36 Prozent auf 38,50 Dollar. Lehman Brothers hatte die Einstufung für die Aktien von "Equal-Weight" auf "Underweight" reduziert. Die Nachfrage nach den "Treo"-Smartphones steige zwar, jedoch nicht in dem am Markt erhofften Ausmaß, hieß es./ag/mw

AXC0129 2006-02-07/14:52

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ImmuCell Announces Sales and Net Income Growth for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2005

PORTLAND, ME, Feb 07, 2006 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- ImmuCell Corporation (NASDAQ: ICCC) today announced the results of its operations for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2005.
For the three months ended December 31, 2005, product sales increased by 37%, or $317,000, to $1,174,000, in comparison to the same period in 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2005, product sales increased by 20%, or $709,000, to $4,233,000, in comparison to the same period in 2004.

"We have now completed seven consecutive profitable years since our December 1998 decision to focus our efforts on developing, manufacturing and selling products for the dairy and beef industries," commented Michael F. Brigham, president and CEO. "Continued growth of First Defense(R) was largely responsible for our 20% increase in product sales."

The Company recognized net income of $260,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2005, compared to a net income of $34,000 during the same period in 2004. For the year ended December 31, 2005, the Company recognized net income of $708,000, or $0.24 per diluted share, compared to net income of $144,000, or $0.05 per diluted share, during the same period in 2004.

The Company's cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments increased by 16%, or $700,000, to $5,150,000 at December 31, 2005, as compared to $4,450,000 at December 31, 2004. Stockholders' equity increased by 11%, or $829,000, to $8,558,000 at December 31, 2005, as compared to $7,729,000 at December 31, 2004. The Company had 2,850,000 shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2005

[actr]

Enterra Energy to List on the New York Stock Exchange; Trading on the NYSE to Commence Thursday under the Symbol ''ENT''

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb 7, 2006 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) -- Enterra Energy Trust ("Enterra") (NASDAQ: EENC, TSX: ENT.UN) today announced that it has been approved for the listing of its trust units on the New York Stock Exchange. Subject to Enterra's selection of a specialist and the receipt by the NYSE of a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, trading on the New York Stock Exchange will commence on Thursday, February 9, 2006 under the symbol "ENT". Following commencement of trading on the NYSE, Enterra's trust units will cease trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "EENC." Enterra Trust Units will also continue to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol: TSX:ENT.UN.
Enterra's CEO Keith Conrad stated, "We are delighted to be listing on the New York Stock Exchange which will mark another major milestone in Enterra's history. We believe that our listing on the NYSE will enhance the visibility of the Company, liquidity of our trust units and will benefit our unitholders."

Headquartered in Calgary, Enterra Energy Trust is a Canadian oil and gas income trust. The Trust acquires, operates, and exploits crude oil and natural gas wells, focusing on low risk and low cost development. The Trust pays out a monthly distribution which is currently US$0.18.

SOURCE: Enterra Energy Trust

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Glenborough Reports Year End 2005 Results; Announces 2006 Guidance; Resets Common Dividend

SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb 07, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Glenborough Realty Trust (NYSE:GLB)(NYSE:GLB.PRA) today announced the results for the year ended December 31, 2005:
"2005 was a watershed year for Glenborough," commented Andrew Batinovich, President and CEO. "We took advantage of strong capital inflows into real estate and sold 22 assets (including 4 assets sold in January 2006) for $376 million and exited the non-core markets of Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Des Moines and Memphis. Through these dispositions and new acquisitions totaling $217 million in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, we are now concentrated in our core markets. As a result, one half of our properties are now located in two of the best markets in the country -- Washington, D.C. and Southern California. We also used a portion of the proceeds of our dispositions to repurchase almost 3 million shares of our common stock. We begin the year with overall occupancy above 90% with positive leasing trends that should increase average occupancy and lease rates this year. We plan to expand our joint venture business in 2006 and complete our balance sheet enhancement by reducing leverage some 600 basis points during the year to increase our financial flexibility."

Now that our portfolio realignment is completed, the Company's Board of Directors believes it is important to reset the common stock dividend to reflect the new portfolio and provide the ability to retain cash flow for future growth. The new dividend recognizes the substantial increase in the quality of the property portfolio and its higher concentration in the Company's core markets; as well as the decrease in overall balance sheet leverage (both current and planned) and the increased costs associated with converting much of our floating rate loans to fixed rate borrowings over the past year. In this regard, the Company anticipates that the 2006 common stock dividend, which is subject to quarterly board approval, will be $1.10 per share annualized, down from the current annualized dividend of $1.40 per share.

For the fourth quarter 2005, net loss available to common shareholders totaled ($6.9) million, or ($0.20) per diluted share. Comparatively, net loss available to common shareholders in the fourth quarter of 2004 totaled ($2.0) million, or ($0.06) per diluted share. Net loss available to common shareholders for the full year 2005 totaled ($12.6) million, or ($0.36) per share. This compares to net income available to common shareholders for 2004 of $7.0 million, or $0.22 per share.

In comparing quarterly and year-over-year results, the decrease in net income available to common shareholders was primarily due to impairment charges in conjunction with the Company's portfolio repositioning and losses on the extinguishment of debt along with charges relating to the redemption of preferred stock and the dilutive impact of the net disposition activity. Listed below are significant financial statement items that affect comparability of net income between periods.


DIVIDENDS

The Company expects that the first quarter 2006 common stock dividend, which is subject to Board approval and will be declared in mid March and paid in April, will be $0.35 per share consistent with the fourth quarter 2005 dividend. Commencing in the second quarter of 2006, the Company expects to reduce the common stock dividend from $0.35/share to $0.275/common share (annualized from $1.40 to $1.10). The second quarter dividend will be paid to common shareholders of record on July 1, 2006.

[actr]

NAPCO Security Systems, Inc. Reports Record-Breaking Second Quarter Sales and Profits; Second Quarter Revenues and Net Income Highest in Company's History; Eighth Consecutive Quarter of Year-over-Year Growth in Sales and Earnings

AMITYVILLE, N.Y., Feb 07, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NAPCO Security Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq: NSSC), one of the world's leading suppliers of high performance electronic security equipment for over 30 years, today announced record-breaking results for the second quarter ended December 31, 2005.
Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2005 increased 8% to $17.2 million from $16.0 million reported for the same quarter a year earlier. Net income for the quarter increased 70% to $1.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $872,000, or $0.06 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Net sales for the six months ended December 31, 2005 increased 7% to $31.4 million from $29.5 million for the prior year period. Net income for the six months ended December 31, 2005 increased 66% to $2.3 million or $0.17 per diluted share as compared to $1.4 million or $0.10 per diluted share in the prior year period.

Richard Soloway, Chairman and President, stated "We are very pleased with our second quarter and six months performance levels. Both periods reflect record-breaking sales and profits. I am particularly pleased at the overall strength that our business is showing and we are very confident that the foundation we are building for increased growth will continue to pay off for us in the upcoming years."

Financial Highlights

Second Quarter

-- Net Income increases 70% to $1.5 million

-- EPS increases 83% to $0.11 per diluted share

-- Operating income increases 56% to $2.3 million

-- EBITDA* increases 55% to $2.6 million

Six Months

-- Net Income increases 66% to $2.3 million

-- EPS increases 70% to $0.17 per diluted share

-- Operating Income increases 50% to $3.5 million

-- EBITDA* increases 47% to $4.1 million

The year to date success is in large part attributable to several important factors, i.e. our improved distribution network, our many new innovative product introductions and the shift in product mix to commercial, industrial and governmental security product lines. In addition, we are especially optimistic with regard to the recent introductions of our patented second generation, wireless/hardwire code-free alarm systems branded as "Safewatch E-Z" and "Freedom".

These key factors are expected to spur organic growth for years to come and help the Company strengthen its position as an innovative technology leader in the security industry.

NAPCO Security Systems, Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers of technologically advanced electronic security equipment including intrusion and fire alarm systems, access control systems and electronic locking devices. The Company's products, including those of Alarm Lock and Continental Instruments, feature some of the most popular and best-selling security control panels and sensors, locking devices and access control products. They are used in residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and governmental applications. NAPCO security products have earned a reputation for technical excellence, reliability and innovation, poising the Company for revenue growth in the rapidly expanding electronic security market, a market whose current size exceeds $30 billion.

[actr]

LightPath Technologies, Inc.
07.02.06 20:25 Uhr

6,66 USD

+64,85 % [+2,62
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Börse
NASDAQ

Aktuell
6,66 USD

Zeit
07.02.06 20:25

Diff. Vortag
+64,85 %

Tages-Vol.
18,33 Mio.

Gehandelte Stück
3 Mio


Shanghai, China Facility LightPath Technologies Meets Aggressive Schedule for China Production

Feb 07, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- LightPath Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: LPTH), a manufacturer and integrator of families of precision molded aspheric optics, GRADIUM(R) glass products, high-performance fiber- optic collimators and isolators, today announced first production output of molded aspheric lenses from its new 17,000 sq. ft. facility in Jiading, located on the western edge of Shanghai. The operation was established to increase production capacity, enabling LightPath to compete for larger-volume orders of optical components and assemblies, and strengthen partnerships in the Asia/Pacific region. In addition to providing increased production capacity, the Jiading operation will house LightPath's Asia/Pacific sales, marketing and engineering organizations. This will provide the launch point for expanding our sales in the Asia/Pacific market and enable the Orlando headquarters to concentrate on lower-volume, quick-turn manufacturing and new advanced custom optical product development.
"Last October when we announced the creation of our new WOFE, we had a very aggressive schedule to build out a clean room and gray labs for production and engineering. We are very pleased to announce first production products from our Shanghai facility," said Ken Brizel, CEO and President of LightPath. "Our team has done an outstanding job establishing first production product in record time. Our Shanghai operation currently employees 27 people and is poised to deliver product for our third quarter shipments."

LightPath manufactures optical products including precision molded aspheric optics, GRADIUM(R) glass products, proprietary collimator assemblies, laser components utilizing proprietary automation technology, optical assemblies and packing solutions. LightPath has a strong patent portfolio that has been granted or licensed to us in these fields. LightPath common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "LPTH." Investors are encouraged to go to LightPath's website for additional financial information.


Contacts: Edward Patton, Vice President Marketing

LightPath Technologies, Inc. (407) 382-4003

Internet: http://www.lightpath.com

[actr]

China Technology Deveopment Group Corporation
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China Technology Announces Appointment of Principal Consultant

HONG KONG, Feb 07, 2006 /Xinhua-PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- China Technology Development Group Corporation (Nasdaq: CTDC; "CTDC" or the "Company") announced the appointment of Mr. Guang Xun Xu as the Principal Consultant of the Company, mainly responsible for corporate financing and investor relations.
Mr. Xu is now a consultant providing Greater China Region with package USA and UK listing services, including pre-IPO restructuring, PP and strategic investments, IPO per se, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, post-IPO IR, M & A, and Project Financing.

For the 10-year period from 1994 to 2004, Mr. Xu served as the Managing Director of the NASDAQ Stock Market International. During his service with NASDAQ, he was responsible for keeping in touch with potential NASDAQ issuers in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea for the promotion of NASDAQ in the region, giving consulting services in relation to access to the US capital market including advising on pre IPO restructuring and financing, private placement, M & A, debt and equity financing, post IPO compliance and IR exercise, etc.

Prior to joining NASDAQ, Mr. Xu was Senior Vice President and Resident Representative of Ka Wah Bank Ltd at its London Representative Office. He held various positions in Bank of China between 1980 and 1989, including Deputy General Manager, Bank of China and Harbin International Trust and Consultancy.

Mr. Xu graduated from Huadong Normal University, Shanghai and the Institute of Far East and Siberian Studies, Heilongjiang Province Academy of Social Science, China, and City of London Polytechnic, London. He holds an MBA degree from Middlesex Business School, Middlesex University, London. Mr. Xu is experienced in corporate and project financing, pre-IPO restructuring, private placements, strategic investment and listing services.

''Mr. Xu's deep exposure in the capital markets of China and the US will certainly help improve our shareholders' communication,'' said Mr. Changshan Zhao, Chairman of the Company. ''We strongly believe that Mr. Xu's joining will undoubtedly contribute to the Company's future development, help strengthen investor relations, secure shareholders' interest and enhance the Company's transparency,'' further said Chairman Zhao.

About CTDC :

CTDC is engaged in providing information network security solutions in People's Republic of China. With the recent acquisition of China Natures Technology Inc. (''CNT'', formerly Future Solutions Development Inc.), which develops health food products utilizing bio-active components of bamboo, CTDC also entered the Chinese nutraceutical market. CTDC's major shareholder is Beijing Holdings Limited, a conglomerate with over $3 billion in total assets beneficially owned by the Beijing People's Municipal Government. For more information, please visit our website at www.chinactdc.com Forward-Looking Statement Disclosure

[actr]

SULPHCO INC

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Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation
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[actr]

Atheros Communications, Inc
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SULPHCO INC

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[actr]

Google Inc.
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:eek::eek::eek:Schaut DAS wie freier Fall aus?!?!?



China Energy Savings Technology, Inc
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Ninetowns Digital World Trade Holdings Limited - Americ
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JetBlue Airways Corporation
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[actr]

“Fair Play“ bei GM

General Motors galt lange als eines der übelsten Unternehmen in Corporate America. Nicht zuletzt Michael Moores Dokumentarfilm „Roger and Me“ über die sozialen Folgen von Outsourcing bei GM hatte den Ruf ruiniert. Nun aber löst man sich von der Vergangenheit. Für das aktuelle Restrukturierungskonzept gebührt dem Autobauer der „Fair Play“-Preis.

Dass Corporate America in den letzten Jahren immer mehr zum Sinnbild des puren Bösen geworden ist, hat man nur einer Handvoll Leuten zu verdanken. Sie sitzen in den Chef-Etagen der großen Konzerne, verstecken sich hinter Kürzeln wie CEO, CFO oder COO. Vielen ist ihr Aufstieg an die Konzernspitze über die Jahre zu Kopf gestiegen, vielen hat Hybris den Blick vernebelt – viele sind mittlerweile über ihre Gier gestolpert.

Beispiele gefällig? Den ehemaligen Tyco-Chef Dennis Koszlowski dürfte jahrelanger Exzess auf Firmenkosten für viele Jahre hinter Gitter bringen, den Chefs von Enron droht in einem aktuellen Prozess in Texas das gleiche Schicksal. Phil Purcell flog bei Morgan Stanley ebenso über seine Arroganz wie CEO Don Carty bei American Airlines, nachdem er seinen Mitarbeitern Gehälter und Renten drastisch kürzte, nur um sich selbst eine fette Gehaltserhöhung zu gönnen.

Manche CEOs aber scheinen aus den Fehlern ihrer Kollegen gelernt zu haben, nicht zuletzt Rick Wagoner bei General Motors. Dessen Unternehmen steckt in der tiefsten Krise seiner Geschichte, und einen großen Anteil daran haben die außergewöhnlich hohen Zahlungen in die Kranken- und Rentenversicherung für die Mitarbeiter. Obwohl nun Zyniker dem größten amerikanischen Autobauer seit Jahren raten, zur Verbesserung der Gewinnlage einfach bessere Autos zu bauen, kommt das Unternehmen um Kostensenkungen nicht herum.

Im Unterschied zu vielen seiner Kollegen hat Wagoner aber eingesehen, dass sich Kostensenkungen leichter von vielen Schultern tragen lassen. So werden nicht nur den Männern am Fließband die Renten gekürzt. Wagoner selbst verdienst ab sofort nur noch die Hälfte, gleiches widerfährt den Direktoren. Das wiederum macht es Anlegern leichter, ihrerseits Opfer zu bringen. Dass die Dividende auf 25 Cent pro Aktie halbiert wird, löst daher keinen Verkaufsdruck aus. Im Gegenteil: Die Aktie klettert am Dienstag, weil Aktionäre erkennen, dass das Management mit Hochdruck und unter Aufbringung eigener Opfer an der Restrukturierung des Konzerns arbeitet.

Ganz neu ist Wagoners Idee übrigens nicht, ausgerechnet in der Autobranche hat sich das Modell bereits bewährt. Als Lee Iaccoca 1979 als Präsident und letzte Hoffnung zum krisengeschüttelten Konkurrenten Chrysler kam, setzte er sein eigenes Gehalt auf einen einzigen, symbolischen Dollar. Auch die übrigen Vorstandsgehälter fielen, die Moral stieg – und Chrysler fuhr wenig später vom Pannenstreifen.

Lars Halter

[actr]

HANDELSBLATT, Dienstag, 07. Februar 2006, 22:52 Uhr


Kosten für Aktien-Optionen

Cisco verbucht etwas weniger Gewinn


Wegen Kosten für Aktion-Optionen hat der US-Netzwerkausrüster Cisco Systems in seinem zweiten Geschäftsquartal etwas weniger verdient als vor einem Jahr. Dank der gestiegenen Ausgaben von Geschäftskunden für Aktualisierungen ihrer Netzwerke und Sicherheitsvorkehrungen wuchs der Umsatz jedoch trotzdem.

HB NEW YORK. Der Netto-Gewinn sei auf 1,38 Milliarden Dollar oder 22 Cent je Aktie zurückgegangen, teilte der im kalifornischen San Jose ansässige Konzern am Dienstag nach US-Börsenschluss mit. Vor einem Jahr hatte das Unternehmen einen leicht höheren Gewinn von 1,4 Milliarden Dollar ausgewiesen. Die Erlöse kletterten im Berichtszeitraum um 9,3 Prozent auf 6,6 Milliarden Dollar.

Bereinigt um die Kosten für das Aktienoptionsprogramm und Übernahmen sowie andere Ausgaben hätte der Gewinn 26 Cent je Aktie betragen und damit die Analystenerwartungen von 26 Cent überschritten. Cisco-Aktien zogen im nachbörslichen Handel um 2,2 Prozent auf 18,48 Dollar an.

[actr]

NICE Systems Fourth Quarter and 2005 Results Set New Records; 2005 Revenue Growth of 23% Translates into Pro-Forma Operating Income Growth of 67%

RA'ANANA, Israel, Feb 08, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- NICE Systems (Nasdaq: NICE), the global provider of advanced solutions that enable organizations to extract Insight from Interactions(TM) to drive performance, today announced results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2005.
Highlights of year 2005 include:

-- Record revenue of $311.1 million representing 23.1% growth over 2004

-- Pro-forma gross margin increased to 56.7% from 55.0% in 2004

-- Pro-forma operating margin increased to 11.2% from 8.3% in 2004

-- Pro-forma EPS of $1.67 compared to $1.19 in 2004

Fourth quarter 2005 revenue was $90.0 million, representing a 29.5% increase from $69.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. Revenues for fiscal year 2005 reached a record high of $311.1 million, a 23.1% increase from $252.6 million in 2004.

Pro-forma gross margin, which excludes amortization of acquired intangible assets in the fourth quarter, reached a record 57.7%, up from 56.2% in the fourth quarter 2004. Pro-forma gross margin for the year reached 56.7% compared with 55.0% for the year 2004.

The company also reported record fourth quarter 2005 pro-forma operating profit of $12.7 million and operating margin of 14.1%, compared with $9.2 million and 13.2%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2004. For the year, pro-forma operating profit increased to $34.9 million from $20.9 million in 2004 and operating margins switched to double digit for the first time at 11.2% from 8.3% in 2004.

Fourth quarter 2005 pro-forma net income was $12.3 million or $0.57 per fully diluted share, up from $9.2 million or $0.48 per fully diluted share in the same quarter of 2004. Pro-forma net income for the year was $34.6 million or $1.67 per fully diluted share, compared with net income of $22.2 million or $1.19 per fully diluted share for 2004.

On a GAAP basis: Fourth quarter gross margin was 57.1%, compared with 56.0% in the fourth quarter of 2004; operating profit was $11.7 million and operating margin was 13.0%, compared with $9.0 million and 12.9%, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2004; and fourth quarter net income was $16.1 million, or $0.74 per fully diluted share, compared with net income of $9.0 million, or $0.47 per share, on a fully diluted basis, for the fourth quarter of 2004.

Total cash and equivalents at December 31, 2005 rose to $411.6 million compared with $184.9 million at September 30, 2005 and with $165.9 million at the end of 2004.

Commenting on the results, Haim Shani, Chief Executive Officer of NICE said, "2005 was an outstanding year. We posted record results throughout the year, having more than doubled our revenues over the last three years and having achieved the highest profitability since our inception."

"Our strong performance is primarily the result of our unique strategy for leading the Insight from Interactions(TM) revolution in each of our sectors. In the enterprise interactions solutions sector we accelerated the momentum of NICE Perform, with a strong trend of repeat orders. We also doubled the number of our VoIP customers and have seen the dollar value per deal grow significantly. In the public and security sector, NICE won several strategic bids with our next generation of digital video security solutions, which have become the de-facto choice for public authorities seeking to ensure citizen security. We also further consolidated our leadership in the emergency communications market."

"We remain confident that the strong momentum of our Insight from Interactions solutions, as supported by our vision and powerful growth strategy, will continue to generate growth in 2006."

Ran Oz, NICE's Corporate Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, stated, "We had a very strong booking momentum over the last seven quarters with a book-to-bill ratio consistently greater than one. Our strong backlog coming into 2006 gives us excellent visibility. Accordingly, we provide the following guidance for the first quarter of 2006, which is higher than our initial plan: Revenue is expected to be between $84 and $87 million, and pro-forma EPS, on a fully diluted basis, in the range of $0.37 - $0.41."

Mr. Oz continued, "Our strong forward visibility gives us confidence for substantial growth in fiscal year 2006, and enables us to raise our previously announced full year 2006 revenue guidance to be between $367 - $375 million; and adjust the EPS guidance, on a fully diluted basis, to $1.90-$2.00, to account for the raised revenue guidance and the additional 4.6 million shares from our December 2005 public offering."


About NICE

NICE Systems (Nasdaq: NICE) is the leading provider of Insight from Interactions(TM), based on advanced content analytics - of traditional telephony and IP, web, radio and video communications. NICE's solutions improve business and operational performance, as well as security. NICE has over 23,000 customers in 100 countries, including the world's top 10 banks and over 75 of the Fortune 100. More information is available at www.nice.com.

[actr]

VF Announces Record Sales and Earnings for Fourth Quarter and Year

GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb 08, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC):
-- 4Q EPS up 3%, including $.03 impact from expensing stock options

-- 4Q revenues rise 4% to $1.6 billion

-- 2005 cash flow from operations reaches $561 million

-- 2006 guidance reaffirmed

-- Ten million share repurchase program approved

Information regarding VF's fourth quarter conference call webcast today can be found at the end of this release.

VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, today announced record results for the fourth quarter and full year 2005. All per share amounts are presented on a diluted basis.

Net income in the fourth quarter rose to a record $127.5 million from $125.3 million, with earnings per share rising to $1.13 from $1.10. As previously announced, during the fourth quarter the Company early adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment ("Statement 123(R)"), which requires the expensing of stock options. The impact on net income and earnings per share in the quarter resulting from this requirement was $3.2 million and $.03, respectively. Earnings per share before the change in accounting were $1.16 in the quarter, an increase of 5% over 2004 levels. Total revenues increased 4% to a record $1,646.0 million from $1,579.2 million. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2005, the Company has decided to report gross royalty income as a component of total revenues. Revenues in all prior periods have been restated to reflect this change.

For the full year 2005, income increased 9% to $518.5 million from $474.7 million, before a one-time after-tax cumulative effect adjustment related to the early adoption of Statement 123(R) of $11.8 million, or $.10 per share, recognized in the first quarter of 2005. Income in 2005 included $16.9 million related to stock option expense, equal to $.15 per share. Accordingly, earnings per share before the change in accounting were $4.69 in 2005, an increase of 11% over the $4.21 per share in 2004. Including the cumulative effect adjustment, net income in 2005 was $506.7 million or $4.44 per share. Total revenues in 2005 rose 6% to $6,502.4 million from $6,124.6 million in 2004. Revenues in 2004 included $87 million in sales from the Company's Playwear unit, which was sold in 2004.

Additional information regarding the adoption of Statement 123(R) is included in the attached financial tables.

"We are delighted to deliver another record quarter and year to our shareholders," said Mackey J. McDonald, chairman and chief executive officer. "We have strong momentum behind our plans to transform VF into a company driven by dynamic, growing lifestyle brands. Our lifestyle businesses - Outdoor and Sportswear - continue to have excellent growth prospects and over the coming years will comprise a much bigger part of our overall sales mix. At the same time, our heritage businesses - Jeanswear, Intimate Apparel and Imagewear - all have strong market positions and leading brands, and the ability to continue to be important contributors to VF's profits and cash flow."