HEADLINE STOCKS-Some U.S. stocks on the move on March 6
(Updates to after the open)
NEW YORK, March 6 (Reuters) - Some U.S. stocks on the move on Friday:
WELLS FARGO (WFC.N)
The bank cut its quarterly dividend by 85.3 percent to 5 cents, saying the move would let it retain an additional $5 billion in common equity each year. [ID:nN06381180]
The stock rose 15 percent to $9.33 in premarket trade.
H&R BLOCK (HRB.N)
The tax preparation company reported third-quarter earnings that beat expectations, as it charged more for tax services going into the tax filing season. Revenue rose 11 percent. It also said it cut its debt load by $2.5 billion. [ID:nN06376122]
Shares of the company rose 9.6 percent to $18.82.
ANN TAYLOR STORES (ANN.N)
The retailer reported a fourth-quarter loss and a decline of 24.5 percent in quarterly same-store sales. It also said it would be closing more stores than originally expected and that sales would continue to be under significant pressure this year. [ID:nWNAB1270]
Shares of Ann Taylor tumbled 18 percent to $4.56 in premarket trade.
COCA-COLA (KO.N)
The soft drink company on Friday said it would invest $2 billion in new plant and distribution infrastructure in China over the next three years. It will also speed up development to ensure products suit local tastes. The investment is in addition to the $2.4 billion Coke has already committed to a takeover bid for Huiyuan Juice Group. [ID:nHKG181914]
Shares of Coke, a Dow component, rose 3.3 percent to $39.08.
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL GROUP (AIG.N)
Santander, Spain's largest bank, is among potential buyers for AIG's Polish banking arm, according to a Polish daily, which cited unnamed sources and said analysts valued the deal at up to $270 million. PKO BP, Poland's top bank, has also expressed interest in AIG's banking assets. [ID:nL624187]
Shares of AIG fell 2.9 percent to 34 cents.
MORNINGSTAR (MORN.O)
Investment research firm Morningstar on Friday said it may use part of its cash holdings to make acquisitions, with an eye on overseas assets as it looks to build a business that is less dependent on the U.S. economy.
The company has about $300 million in cash holdings.
Morningstar said it was also open to using the holdings to pay dividends or repurchase shares, though acquisitions were its priority. [ID:nBOM490766]
Shares of Morningstar rose 1.1 percent to $28.39.
SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE INC (SMSI.O)
The wireless communication software developer posted better-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by higher gross margin.
Shares of the company rose 10.5 percent to $4.20.
INSULET CORP (PODD.O)
The medical device maker posted a wider quarterly loss, hurt by a restructuring charge and higher expenses, and it forecast 2009 revenue below market estimates. [ID:nBNG474792]
Shares of the company tumbled 31.3 percent to $3.51.
FUEL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS INC (FSYS.O)
The maker of alternative fuel components posted lower quarterly earnings and forecast weak revenue for 2009. [ID:nBNG479943]
Shares of the company plummeted 26 percent to $14.10.
FAIRPOINT COMMUNICATIONS INC FRP.N
The company suspended its quarterly dividend and said its transition to a new billing platform could hurt liquidity in the first half of 2009. [ID:nBNG481579]
FairPoint shares dropped 24 percent to $1.21.
ARCSIGHT INC (ARST.O)
The provider of security and compliance management software posted a quarterly profit that topped market estimates on strong growth across all its businesses and it forecast better-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue. [ID:nBNG450369]
Shares of the company surged 27 percent to $11.18. (Reporting by Ryan Vlastelica; Editing by James Dalgleish)
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