Alexza Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALXA) declined 17 percent to 55 cents. The Mountain View, California-based drugmaker said on Dec. 16 it hired Lazard Ltd. to explore strategic options, including selling itself.
AT&T Inc. (T) : The second-largest U.S. wireless carrier’s asset sale talks intended to help the company win approval for its $39 billion acquisition of T-Mobile USA Inc. have “gone cold,” the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Cia de Bebidas das Americas (AMBV3) rose 0.6 percent to $36.13. The U.S. traded shares of the Brazilian beer maker may rise to mid-$40s in the next year as growth of the economy and sports events boost beer consumption in Brazil, Barron’s reported.
Coinstar Inc. (CSTR) : The owner of the Redbox DVD rental kiosks may rise to the $60s as more Americans rent DVDs at its $1.20-a-night Redbox kiosks, Barron’s said, citing Digital Entertainment Group data.
Conn’s Inc. (CONN) : The Beaumont, Texas-based consumer electronics retailer may be overvalued if more customers have trouble paying their credit-card balances than anticipated, Barron’s reported in its “The Trader” column, without citing anyone.
Dow Chemical Co. (DOW) gained 0.6 percent to $26.52. The largest U.S. chemicals manufacturer and Aksa Akrilik Kimya Sanayii AS will sign an agreement in Istanbul tomorrow for a petrochemical investment, Turkey’s investment promotion agency said.
Hoku Corp. (HOKU) : The Honolulu-based energy products company said Chief Financial Officer Darryl Nakamoto resigned, effective March 31.
Jakks Pacific Inc. (JAKK) : The toymaker reduced its 2011 adjusted earnings and sales forecast, citing a “difficult” retail environment for toys. Earnings will be 37 cents to 40 cents a share, compared with an earlier estimate for $1.32 to $1.35 a share.
JetBlue Airways Corp. (JBLU) rose 1.3 percent to $5.64. The airline will partner with Singapore Airlines Ltd. to offer new connections to international destinations, according to a statement on PR Newswire.
Eastman Kodak Co. (EK) fell 1.2 percent to 82 cents. The unprofitable 131-year-old camera maker has hit some snags in its efforts to sell patents and borrow money, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) gained 3.3 percent to $42.90. The U.S. casino company’s China unit, Sands China Ltd., said an investigation by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission for alleged breaches of regulations has ended.
LinkedIn Corp. (LNKD US): Prudential Financial Inc. amended a filing, reporting its stake in the biggest professional- networking website at 7.8 percent, compared with 15.9 percent reported Dec. 12.
Phoenix Cos. (PNX) : The insurer and money manager that caters to wealthy clients had the outlook on its Phoenix Life Insurance Co. raised to “positive” from “stable” by Moody’s Investors Service.
Sturm Ruger & Co. (RGR) : The firearms maker may benefit as weapons sales gain in the U.S., Barron’s reported in its “The Trader” column.
VeriFone Systems Inc. (PAY)(PAY US): The second-largest maker of electronic payment equipment entered an advertising sales pact with NBC Owned Television Stations, a division of NBCUniversal LLC.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX) rose 3.5 percent to $35.11. The drugmaker was raised to “top pick” from “sector perform” by Jason Kantor, an equity analyst at RBC Capital Markets LLC. The 12-month price estimate is $48.00 a share.
(Bloombergnews)