MGP Ingredients to reopen Illinois plant AP (November 23, 2009) ATCHISON, Kan. (AP) - MGP Ingredients Inc. says it has entered a partnership that will allow it to reopen distillery operations at a plant in Pekin, Ill.
Asia stocks mixed as figures on US economy awaited AP (November 23, 2009) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Asian stock markets were mixed Monday after a decline on Wall Street and as investors hunkered down ahead of a stream of figures that could confirm the U.S. economy is recovering at a slower pace. European shares were higher.
Tyson Foods posts 4Q loss on charge, sales edge up AP (November 23, 2009) MILWAUKEE (AP) - Tyson Foods Inc. said Monday a hefty impairment charge in its beef business left it with a loss for the fourth quarter, but said its sales rose and its chicken business was profitable for the second straight quarter.
Campbell Soup earnings rise as expenses fall AP (November 23, 2009) MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) - Price-conscious grocery shoppers are being choosy about what they buy to cook at home, even from the value-oriented Campbell Soup Co.
South Jersey Industries boosts dividend 11 pct AP (November 23, 2009) FOLSOM, N.J. (AP) - Gas utility South Jersey Industries said Monday its board increased its quarterly dividend 11 percent to 33 cents from 29.75 cents.
Cigna, WellPoint upgraded on costs, reform details AP (November 23, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - An analyst for JPMorgan upgraded shares of WellPoint Inc. and Cigna Corp. Monday, saying the stocks should trade higher as the details of a federal health care reform bill come into focus.
AP Poll: Debt stress turns shoppers into Scrooges AP (November 23, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - A lot more Americans are feeling stressed out by debt this holiday season, raising the glum likelihood they'll behave like Scrooge rather than Santa.
Report: Russian billionaire buys Hitler's car AP (November 23, 2009) BERLIN (AP) - A German newspaper is reporting that Adolf Hitler's original Mercedes has been sold to an unidentified Russian billionaire for several million euros.
CDC Software 3Q profit rises on lower costs AP (November 23, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - CDC Software Corp., a Chinese business software developer whose shares began trading in the United States last summer, said Monday its third-quarter profit rose 47 percent on lower costs and expenses.
Salix Pharmaceuticals completes stock offering AP (November 23, 2009) NERALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd. said Monday it completed its public offering of 5.5 million shares of common stock.
TD Ameritrade offering $1.25B in senior notes AP (November 20, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Online retail brokerage TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. said Friday that it will sell $1.25 billion in senior unsecured notes in a public offering and use proceeds to retire debt and stagger the maturity of its long-term bonds.
Dr. Pepper Snapple board OKs $200M buyback AP (November 20, 2009) PLANO, Texas (AP) - Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. said Friday that its board has approved the repurchase of up to $200 million of its outstanding shares over the next three years.
European markets push higher ahead of Trichet AP (November 20, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets rose Friday despite a drop in Asia as investors recouped some of the previous day's hefty losses ahead of a key speech from European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet.
QuinStreet plans $250 million IPO AP (November 20, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - QuinStreet Inc. plans an initial public offering of $250 million in common stock, according to a regulatory filing.
Huntington Bancshares to buy $338.9M in notes AP (November 20, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Huntington Bancshares Inc., parent company of Huntington National Bank, said Friday that it will pay $338.9 million for subordinated bank notes tendered for an offer that expired Thursday.
Gap profit climbs 25 percent in 3Q AP (November 19, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Shoppers spent more money at low-price Old Navy stores in the third quarter this year, helping Gap Inc.'s profit climb 25 percent compared with last year, the retailer said Thursday.
Casual Male Retail Group posts smaller 3Q loss AP (November 19, 2009) CANTON, Mass. (AP) - Casual Male Retail Group Inc., which sells men's clothing under the brand names Casual Male XL and Rochester Big & Tall, said Tuesday it posted a smaller third-quarter loss by trimming expenses and improving merchandise margins to offset weak sales.
Asian stocks mixed amid US weakness; Europe down AP (November 19, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Asian stock markets turned in a mixed performance Thursday as signs of weakness in the U.S. economy aggravated worries about the strength of the global recovery. European markets fell in early trade.
World stocks lower amid valuation concerns AP (November 19, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stocks fell Thursday and Wall Street was expected to open lower amid mounting doubts about the pace of the global economic recovery and ahead of more earnings reports from U.S. retailers.
World stocks up modestly after US housing data AP (November 18, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stocks were higher and Wall Street was expected to edge up on the open Wednesday as tame U.S. inflation data and a sharp fall in housing starts cemented expectations that U.S. interest rates will not be raised any time soon.
NJ financial adviser admits defrauding investors AP (November 18, 2009) TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - A New Jersey-based financial adviser has admitted operating a scheme that defrauded investors of more than $9 million.
World stocks in modest pullback from Monday gains AP (November 17, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European and Asian stock markets fell modestly Tuesday, a day after a stronger than anticipated rebound in U.S. retail sales helped many of the world's major indexes rise to their highest levels this year.
Computer security co. Fortinet plans IPO this week AP (November 17, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Fortinet Inc. plans to go public Wednesday in an initial public offering, giving investors a chance to tap a network security provider with sales expected to grow.
United States Cellular to repurchase shares AP (November 17, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Wireless carrier United States Cellular Corp. said Tuesday its board has approved a new program to buy back up to 1.3 million shares per calendar year.
Intel raising its dividend 12.5 percent AP (November 16, 2009) SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - Intel Corp., the world's biggest chip company, says it will raise its dividend by 12.5 percent starting next year.
World stocks buoyant ahead of US retail sales data AP (November 16, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets advanced Monday after figures confirmed that Japan, the world's second biggest economy, was growing strongly and ahead of key U.S. retail sales data.
World stocks remain higher after US retail sales AP (November 16, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets continued to trade higher Monday after figures showed U.S. retail sales rose strongly in October, but largely due to a big rebound in auto sales.
Pulte Homes CFO exercises expiring stock options AP (November 13, 2009) BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (AP) - Homebuilder Pulte Homes Inc. said Friday that its chief financial officer, Roger A. Cregg, raised his stake by exercising stock options that were set to expire.
Retailer rue21's stock soars in IPO debut AP (November 13, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of rue21 Inc. soared Friday in the retailer's first day of trading, as investors responded enthusiastically to the store's expansion plans and surmised that its focus on value will win more customers from the competition.
RehabCare prices share offering at $24 apiece AP (November 13, 2009) ST. LOUIS (AP) - RehabCare Group Inc., a provider of physical therapy services, said Friday it has priced its public offering of 5.4 million shares of common stock at $24 each.
World markets subdued as S&P heads for 1,100 AP (November 12, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets rose modestly Thursday as investor optimism was dented by a subdued performance in Asia. Wall Street was expected to retreat after the Standard & Poor's 500 index failed to close above 1,100 the day before.
Synovus downgraded on capital, regulation worries AP (November 11, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Shares of Synovus Financial Corp. tumbled to their lowest point in more than 17 years Wednesday after a Morgan Keegan analyst downgraded the regional bank, saying government pressure for banks to build capital reserves as well as ongoing credit issues will pressure the stock.
FirstMerit buying 24 branches of First Bank AP (November 11, 2009) AKRON, Ohio (AP) - FirstMerit Corp. said Wednesday that it will enter the Chicago-area banking market by buying 24 branches and $1.2 billion in deposits from First Bank for about $42 million.
Smithfield Foods, Toll Brothers are big movers AP (November 11, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The following stocks were among those that moved substantially or traded heavily Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange:
Pioneer Southwest prices 2.7M common unit offering AP (November 11, 2009) DALLAS (AP) - Independent oil and gas company Pioneer Southwest Energy Partners LP on Wednesday priced a public offering of 2.7 million common units representing limited partner interests at $20.74 per unit.
World stocks gain amid positive China, Japan data AP (November 11, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Asian stock markets were mostly higher Wednesday after figures from China and Japan showed the region's two biggest economies were on track to recovering from the global downturn. European shares also traded higher.
Credit Agricole helps European stocks rise AP (November 11, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets rose sharply Wednesday and Wall Street was expected to rise on the open, helped by strong earnings from French bank Credit Agricole SA and a surprise increase in British employment levels.
World stocks pause after Dow hits 2009 high AP (November 10, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European and U.S. stock markets took a breather Tuesday after a big rally in the previous session had pushed the Dow Jones industrial average to its highest level this year.
Asia stocks track US higher; Europe narrowly mixed AP (November 10, 2009) TOKYO (AP) - Asian stocks extended their gains Tuesday after Wall Street touched its highest level for 2009 amid optimism low interest rates would continue to power this year's rally in global markets. European shares were narrowly mixed.
World markets get G-20 boost while dollar slides AP (November 09, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets rose Monday and the dollar fell sharply against the euro after the Group of 20 rich and developing countries agreed to maintain their stimulus measures as long as economies remained weak.
Stock futures drop after unemployment rate jumps AP (November 06, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Stock futures sank Friday after the government said more jobs were lost in October than expected, pushing the unemployment rate above 10 percent for the first time since 1983.
World stocks fall as US jobless rate hits 10.2 pct AP (November 06, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stocks fell and Wall Street was expected to drop on the open Friday after data showed the U.S. unemployment rate jumped to 10.2 percent in October, more than expected, as 190,000 jobs were cut.
Feds: 14 charged in insider trading case AP (November 05, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Federal prosecutors say criminal charges have been filed against 14 people, including attorneys and Wall Street professionals, in a widening $25 million insider trading case that has already snared one of the richest men in America.
Insurer Cigna's 3Q profit grows 92 percent AP (November 05, 2009) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Managed care company Cigna Corp.'s third-quarter profit soared 92 percent, as improving equity markets spurred a big turnaround in a discontinued business that hurt the insurer last year.
MGM Mirage loses $750M as CityCenter's value drops AP (November 05, 2009) LAS VEGAS (AP) - MGM Mirage's latest casino project isn't open yet, but a drop in the $8.5 billion complex's value combined with falling revenue companywide to push the casino operator into the red in its third quarter, the company said Thursday.
PlainsCapital postpones IPO, citing volatility AP (November 05, 2009) DALLAS (AP) - Texas bank PlainsCapital Corp. late Wednesday postponed its initial public offering, blaming market swings in financial stocks.
Lax laws allow US companies to be used for crimes AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Lax state laws allow arms traffickers, drug kingpins and money launderers to use U.S. companies to hide their illicit activities from investigators, government officials said Thursday.
World stocks down ahead of European rate decisions AP (November 05, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets fell Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve cautioned about the wider economic impact of rising unemployment. Investors awaited interest rate decisions in Europe later in the day.
Pulte Homes posts $361.4M loss for Q3 AP (November 04, 2009) (AP) - Pulte Homes Inc. lost $361.4 million in the third quarter, but with the acquisition of Centex Corp., the homebuilder's new orders increased by more than a third.
Comcast 3Q profit up 22 pct, but growth slows AP (November 04, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Comcast Corp. reported a 22 percent increase in third-quarter earnings, buoyed by an investment gain and a lower tax rate as it stepped up promotions on its bundled video, phone and Internet plans.
Earnings cheer boosts European stocks ahead of Fed AP (November 04, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets recovered Wednesday, helped by upbeat earnings reports across the region ahead of the latest economic update from the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Ancestry.com hopes to raise $100 million in IPO AP (November 04, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Genealogy Web site Ancestry.com hopes to raise about $100 million when it goes public this week. With more than a million paying subscribers, little competition, a small debt load and a record of increasing revenues, it may fare better than other IPOs that have recently priced below their filing ranges.
Asia stocks rise as China growth forecast upgraded AP (November 04, 2009) BANGKOK (AP) - Asian stocks recovered Wednesday after two days of losses as the World Bank raised its growth forecast for China's economy and stronger commodities prices lifted the region's powerhouse resource companies. European markets were higher.
World markets fall as US recovery doubts linger AP (November 03, 2009) BANGKOK (AP) - World stock markets were lower Tuesday despite improvement in U.S. manufacturing as doubts lingered about the durability of a rebound in the world's largest economy.
Berkshire Hathaway OKs 50-for-1 split of B-shares AP (November 03, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is sending a plan to split the iconic company's Class B shares to a shareholder vote as part of its plan to buy the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.
Belo falls to loss on charges, declining ad sales AP (November 03, 2009) DALLAS (AP) - TV station owner Belo Corp. fell to a third-quarter loss, hurt by the weak advertising market and a one-time accounting charge.
Medco Health 3Q profit jumps 13.5 percent AP (November 03, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Medco Health Solutions Inc., the largest U.S. pharmacy benefits manager, said Tuesday its profit rose 13.5 percent as the company gained new clients and benefited from price inflation of brand-name drugs.
GM posts 1st monthly sales gain in almost 2 years AP (November 03, 2009) DETROIT (AP) - GM reported its first monthly gain in U.S. sales in almost two years while Toyota and Ford also improved, a sign the auto industry it starting to crawl back from a yearlong slump.
Kraft profit falls nearly 40 percent in Q3 AP (November 03, 2009) NORTHFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Kraft Foods says slower sales and lower prices on food cut its third-quarter profit nearly 40 percent from a year earlier, but the company raised its forecast for the year.
Cablevision Systems 3Q profit more than triples AP (November 03, 2009) (AP) - Cablevision Systems Corp. on Tuesday said its third-quarter profit more than tripled as a sluggish economy didn't deter subscribers from signing up for its digital cable, Internet and phone plans in the face of aggressive competition from Verizon's fiber-optic FiOS TV service.
Cedar Fair shares tumble on 3Q profit, sales AP (November 03, 2009) SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) - Amusement park operator Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. said Tuesday that profit rose in the third quarter from a year-ago period hurt by charges, but weaker-than-expected revenue sent the company's shares tumbling 27 percent.
Court seems unlikely to get involved in fee fight AP (November 02, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Several Supreme Court justices seemed unsympathetic to calls for the court to get involved in setting fees for mutual funds, a common form of retirement investment.
Earnings Preview: Medco Health Solutions AP (November 02, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Medco Health Solutions Inc., the largest U.S. pharmacy benefits manager, is scheduled to report its third-quarter results Tuesday morning. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst commentary for the period.
Mercury General declares dividend of 59 cents AP (November 02, 2009) LOS ANGELES (AP) - Mercury General Corp. on Monday said its board declared a quarterly dividend of 59 cents, up a penny above the prior year's payout.
Cooper Tire posts 3Q profit, shares rise AP (November 02, 2009) FINDLAY, Ohio (AP) - Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. said Monday it earned $46.8 million in the third quarter, citing lower raw material costs than a year ago, manufacturing improvements and higher sales volumes. Its shares rose more than 9 percent by late morning.
Humana 3Q profit jumps on government programs AP (November 02, 2009) LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Health insurer Humana Inc. rode its strong government business in posting a 65 percent jump in third-quarter profit Monday, as bulging membership and premiums from Medicare Advantage overcame a lackluster commercial segment hampered by the weak economy.
Ford surprises with $1B profit; sees profit in '11 AP (November 02, 2009) DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - Ford, the only Detroit automaker to dodge direct government aid and bankruptcy court, surprised investors with net income of nearly $1 billion in the third quarter and forecast a "solidly profitable" 2011.
Helped by swine flu, Clorox 1Q profit rises 23 pct AP (November 02, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - The Clorox Co. said Monday profit rose 23 percent in its fiscal first quarter, as consumers paid higher prices and stocked up on disinfecting products because of worries about the flu.
Alcatel-Lucent Q3 loss widens to $269 million AP (October 30, 2009) PARIS (AP) - Telecommunications equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent SA saw its net loss widen in the third quarter as European phone companies, its key customers, cut back on spending.
SEC staff issues acctg. guidelines for oil cos. AP (October 30, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - To help energy companies meet a requirement of providing more detailed information to investors when reporting oil and natural gas reserves, federal regulators issued new accounting guidelines Friday.
Las Vegas Sands posts wider 3Q loss as taxes rise AP (October 29, 2009) LAS VEGAS (AP) - Casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp. on Thursday reported a larger third-quarter loss as gambling markets continued to struggle, taxes increased and the company pressed ahead on developing a resort in Singapore.
Pfizer shareholders to get vote on executive pay AP (October 29, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Drugmaker Pfizer Inc. said Thursday its shareholders will have input on compensation for company executives starting in 2010.
Asian stocks slide on gloomy US news AP (October 29, 2009) BEIJING (AP) - Asian stock markets fell for a third day Thursday after signs of weakness in the U.S. housing market added to fears about the health of the global economic recovery. European shares were mixed.
European stocks flat ahead of US GDP data AP (October 29, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stock markets traded flat on Thursday as investors awaited quarterly growth data from the U.S. later in the day for insight into the state of the world's biggest economy.
PerkinElmer profit tumbles on lower sales AP (October 29, 2009) WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) - PerkinElmer Inc., which supplies equipment and services to pharmaceutical and other companies, says third-quarter profit and sales fell, but the CEO said he was seeing encouraging signs.
Cliffs Natural Resources has steep 3Q profit fall AP (October 29, 2009) CLEVELAND, Ohio (AP) - Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. said Thursday its third-quarter profit and revenue fell due to reduced volume in North American businesses and lower year-over-year iron ore pricing.
BMC Software posts 35 percent jump in 2Q earnings AP (October 29, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - BMC Software Inc. said Thursday its fiscal second-quarter earnings jumped 35 percent, as falling expenses offset a slight decline in sales.
World markets fall after weak US consumer report AP (October 28, 2009) HONG KONG (AP) - Global stock markets dropped Wednesday as more signs American consumers were struggling undermined hopes for a stronger turnaround in the world's largest economy.
Vishay to spin off 2 businesses to shareholders AP (October 27, 2009) MALVERN, Pa. (AP) - Vishay Intertechnology Inc. said Tuesday it plans to spin off its measurements and foil resistor businesses into an independent, publicly traded company called Vishay Precision Group Inc.
Europe gains after BP earns beat forecasts AP (October 27, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European markets were pushed higher by oil stocks Tuesday after BP's third-quarter results beat analysts' expectations. Asian indexes closed lower, following losses on Wall Street the previous day amid fears that equities have become overvalued.
Stock futures little changed ahead of opening AP (October 27, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Stock futures are little changed as investors prepare for new reports on home prices and consumer confidence.