Stocks rose in today’s late-day trading as oil prices climbed near $70. OCLS skyrocketed nearly 32% by noon on word of FDA-approval for its prescription drug Microcyn.
Today’s Stock Alerts include: Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC), Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), Oculous Innovative Sciences Inc. (Nasdaq: OCLS) and General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD).
Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) Stock Alert – INTC Enters into Definitive Agreement to Acquire Wind River Systems for about $884 Million
Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) shares climbed .56% to $16.03 in today’s midday session. The semiconductor chip maker announced it would acquire Wind River Systems Inc. for approximately $884 million, in a move seen by market observers as Intel’s expansion into the wireless devices market.
Device Software Optimization (DSO) leader Wind River enables companies to develop, run and manage device software faster, better, at lower cost and more reliably. Wind River platforms reduce effort, cost and risk and optimize quality and reliability at all phases of the device software development process, from concept to deployed product.
Intel stated in its release that the software vendor will be part of its strategy to “grow its processor and software presence outside the traditional PC and server market segments into embedded systems and mobile handheld devices.”
The transaction is expected to close this summer.
“This acquisition will bring us complementary, market-leading software assets and an incredibly talented group of people to help us continue to grow our embedded systems and mobile device capabilities,” said Renee James, Intel vice president and general manager of the company’s Software and Services Group, commented in the press release. “Wind River has thousands of customers in a wide range of markets, and now both companies will be better positioned to meet growth opportunities in these areas.”
Intel is engaged in developing advanced integrated digital technology products, primarily integrated circuits, for industries, such as computing and communications. Its primary component-level products include microprocessors, chipsets, motherboards, wired and wireless connectivity.
The company offers products at various levels of integration, allowing its customers the capability to create computing and communications systems. As of December 27, 2008, the company was mainly organized in two segments: Digital Enterprise Group (DEG) and Mobility Group (MG). In July 2008, Impinj Inc. announced the acquisition of Intel Corp.’s radio frequency identification operation, a business created by the company’s new business initiatives incubator, and which developed the R1000 RFID reader chip. During the fiscal year ended December 27, 2008 (fiscal 2008), the company completed the divestiture of its NOR flash memory business.
In today’s daily chart, INTC is trading within its Bollinger Bands, a normal condition signaling that the stock is neither overbought nor oversold relative to the recent price action. MACD reflects a strong bullish signal, with the indicator above the 9-day moving average signal line, and also above the 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending higher. With share prices currently above the stock’s 13-day moving average, a bullish trend is indicated. Also, a rising moving average signals that there has been buying interest in this stock.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) Stock Alert – WMT announces Plan to Create more than 22,000 Jobs in 2009
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) shares slipped .33% to $50.71 at noon today. Following last year’s announcement of its plans to open 142 to 157 new or expanded stores during the 2010 fiscal year in the U.S., which began February 1, Wal-Mart recently said it will create more than 22,000 jobs this year. The group currently employs more than 2.1 million people worldwide.
Wal-Mart, unlike many retailers, has reportedly managed to keep sales despite disappointing macro data. The company’s sales growth can be attributed to groceries and health and wellness items as consumers try to maintain their standard of living by focusing on the daily necessities.
According the company’s release, the positions that will staff its new or expanded store include store management, pharmacists, human resource managers, cashiers and sales associates.
During this difficult economic time, we’re proud to be able to create quality jobs for thousands of Americans this year,” said Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores.
“At Wal-Mart, we offer competitive pay and benefits and real opportunities for our associates to advance and build careers. Job creation is just one way in which we’re working hard every day to help people across this country live better,” continued Castro-Wright.
The company has reportedly improved its health insurance coverage and opened it to full- and part-time employees. The company says 94% of its employees have health coverage, either through Wal-Mart or another family member. Other employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock purchases and discounts for workers making in-store purchases.
Wal-Mart operates retail stores in various formats worldwide. The company provides an assortment of merchandise and services.
Wal-Mart operates in three business segments: Walmart U.S., International and Sam’s Club.
The company’s Walmart U.S. segment accounted for 63.7% of its net sales, during the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, (fiscal 2009), and operates stores in three different formats in the United States, as well as Wal-Mart’s online retail operations, walmart.com. As of January 31, 2009, its International segment consisted of retail operations in 14 countries and Puerto Rico. This segment generated 24.6% of the company’s net sales in fiscal 2009. Its Sam’s Club segment consists of membership warehouse clubs in the United States and the segment’s online retail operations, samsclub.com. Sam’s Club accounted for 11.7% of net sales in fiscal 2009. In January 2009, the company acquired 57% of D&S S.A.
In today’s daily chart, WMT’s MACD reflects a strong bullish signal, with the indicator above the 9-day moving average signal line, and also above the 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending higher. With share prices currently above the stock’s 13-day moving average, a bullish trend is indicated. Also, a rising moving average signals that there has been buying interest in this stock. Bollinger Bands indicate a relatively stable condition as reflected by tighter than normal band width. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, WMT reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend.
Oculous Innovative Sciences Inc. (Nasdaq: OCLS) Stock Alert – FDA Clears Expanded Label Claim for Microcyn Wound Care Product
Oculous Innovative Sciences Inc. (Nasdaq: OCLS) shares skyrocketed 30.65% to $4.39 at noon today. Oculus Innovative Sciences develops, manufactures and markets a family of products, based on its platform technology called Microcyn, intended to help prevent and treat infections in chronic and acute wounds. Microcyn is an oxychlorine small molecule formulation that is designed to treat a range of organisms that cause disease, or pathogens, including viruses, fungi, spores and antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
The biopharmaceutical company recently said regulator gave new approval to Microcyn wound cleaning and treatment products.
In a press release, Oculous announced it has received an expanded 510(k) label clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its Microcyn Skin and Wound Cleanser with preservatives as both a prescription and over-the-counter formulation. The company said the new label allows it to say Microcyn is effective in cleaning graft and donor sites, and that the product is effective against bacteria including MRSA.
Microcyn Skin and Wound Cleanser with preservative reportedly demonstrated rapid activity against a broad spectrum of gram-positive, gram-negative and yeast species.
The new prescription product is indicated for use by health care professionals to manage the debridement of wounds such as stage I-IV pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, post-surgical wounds, first- and second-degree wounds, grafted and donor sites.
According to the report, the original Microcyn-based solution, branded as Microdacyn60™ in Mexico, Dermacyn™ Wound Care in Europe and China and Oxum in India, has treated over one million patients worldwide without a report of a single serious adverse effect.
Oculous Innovative Sciences conducts its business worldwide, with significant operating subsidiaries in Europe and Mexico. The company has two principal subsidiaries: Oculus Technologies of Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and Oculus Innovative Sciences Netherlands, B.V.
The company’s device product is cleared for sale in the United States as a medical device for wound cleaning, debridement, lubricating, moistening and dressing.
In today’s daily chart, OCLS’s Bollinger Bands indicate greater than normal volatility as reflected by an increase in distance between the upper and lower bands. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend. MACD reflects a strong bullish signal, with the indicator above the 9-day moving average signal line, and also above the 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending higher. With share prices currently above the stock’s 13-day moving average, a bullish trend is indicated. Also, a rising moving average signals that there has been buying interest in this stock.
General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD) Stock Alert – GD to acquire Axsys Technologies for $643 million
General Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD) shares climbed .49% to $58.88 in today’s midday session. General Dynamics offers a portfolio of products and services in business aviation; combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; shipbuilding design and construction, and information systems, technologies and services.
General Dynamics business unit General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems announced it has agreed to acquire high-end camera maker Axsys Technologies for $643 million, or $54 per share, a deal seen to expand its sensor, imaging and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance offerings to U.S. government.
Axsys Technologies is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors and systems and multi-axis stabilized cameras.
“Axsys Technologies delivers innovative, high-value products in a market segment that is strategic for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems. Adding Axsys Technologies’ capabilities to our existing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance expertise will enable us to further strengthen our portfolio of offerings and discriminators in the high-growth tactical ISR market,” said Lou Von Thaer, president of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.
Both companies stated in the press release their respective boards had approved the proposed purchase. The deal, pending standard regulatory and Axsys shareholders approval, is expected to close this fall.
General Dynamics focuses on delivering products and services to military, federal government, commercial and international customers.
The company operates through four business groups: Aerospace, Combat Systems, Marine Systems, and Information Systems and Technology. On December 19, 2008, the company acquired AxleTech International (AxleTech), a manufacturer and supplier of axles, suspensions, brakes and aftermarket parts for heavy-payload vehicles for a variety of military and commercial customers. On November 5, 2008, it acquired Jet Aviation of Zurich, Switzerland. On July 23, 2008, it acquired HSI Electric Inc. (HSI), a marine and industrial electrical company. On July 22, 2008, the company acquired ViPS Inc. (ViPS).
In today’s daily chart, GD’s Bollinger Bands indicate a relatively stable condition as reflected by tighter than normal band width. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend. MACD currently reflects weak bearish signal, with the indicator above the critical level of 0 but has crossed below its 9-day signal line, indicating that positive momentum. With share prices currently above the stock’s 13-day moving average, a bullish trend is indicated. Also, a rising moving average signals that there has been buying interest in this stock.
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