Chart Industries narrowed its 2009 earnings outlook to arange of $1.30 to $1.60 per share, on revenue of $600 millionto $640 million. It had previously forecast $1.15 to $1.65 per share, onrevenue of $600 to $660 million. The company’s initial 2009 outlook did not include theimpact of the Denver facility shutdown or the voluntaryseparation programs, CEO Thomas said. “Therefore, in effect our updated earnings guidance hasimproved as a result of our first-quarter performance and ourplanned cost reduction initiatives of approximately $12 millionfor the year exclusive of severance costs,” he added. STRONG QUARTER Chart Industries posted net income of $19.5 million, or 68cents a share, compared with $14.7 million, or 51 cents ashare, a year earlier Revenue rose 6 percent to $180.2 million. Totalgross-profit margin rose to 34.8 percent from 30.5 percent. Analysts on average were expecting earnings of 39 cents ashare, before special items, on revenue of $168.8 million,according to Reuters Estimates.
“We remain very cautious regarding second half 2009 orderactivity, but we have seen an increase in recent bid activityfor projects, which in the past has been a leading indicatorfor improved order intake,” Thomas said in a statement. However he added, “We are well positioned to take advantageof potential market and acquisition opportunities now and infuture with improving economic conditions.” Shares of the company pared initial gains to trade up $1.89at $13.58 in afternoon trade on Nasdaq They had touched anintraday high of $14.90. (Reporting by Eric Yep and Bhaswati Mukhopadhyay in Bangalore;Editing by Vinu Pilakkott, Jarshad Kakkrakandy) Stocks. Pardon me while I pick myself up off the floor here.In a move that I don’t think anyone outside of the organization saw coming, the Carolina Hurricanes picked up Sergei Samsonov on re-entry waivers today.While I was reading a general notice last night about Samsonov clearing waivers and being put on reentry status, I was thinking to myself that the Canes would never pick him up.Even half of his salary was too far out of whack. Besides, the team needs defense.They have just about allowed more goals than any other team in the league.They wouldn’t waste money by picking up a player who would have zero affect or benefit to the defense, would they? All reasoning, or lack there of aside, Sergei Samsonov is now a Carolina Hurricane.The Russian “sniper” has yet to score a goal this season and has totaled 4 assists.I wasn’t expecting my prediction of acquiring Brian McGratton to be accurate, but I would prefer that it was.We will see if “SS” has anything left in the gas tank.
The Canes will be responsible for the balance of the remaining 50% of his 3.525 million dollar contract.Since the year is about half over, that should be just under $900,000.For those of you keeping track, Mark Recchi’s total salary was less than half of Samsonov’s. (1.75 million.) This move smells of desperation, which should scare Caniacs a bit.I doubt that they would be spending this kind of money if Matt Cullen was coming back anytime soon.The good news about the signing is that at least the franchise didn’t give up any draft picks or prospects. Coincidentally, Samsonov and the Canes will play tonight against the team who originally drafted him, the Boston Bruins.Perhaps Sergei has a surprise for his old team? It has been confirmed that Cam Ward will be in net for Carolina.It’s expected that Andrew Ladd and Nic Wallin will both return to the ice as well.Glen Wesley, (illness) and Brandon Nolan will sit out. The Bruins are riding a 3 game winning streak, but the Hurricanes have had good fortune against the “B’s” recently. Last year, Ray Whitney scored the fastest hat-trick in franchise history there.Maybe he can repeat? Pre-game starts at 6:30 and game time is at 7 on FSN This article is also featured on Canes Country. Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B de C.V.
Announces New Measures inResponse to Increased Health AlertGUADALAJARA, Mexico, April 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — GrupoAeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B de C.V. (NYSE: PAC; BMV: GAP) (“theCompany” or “GAP”) today announced the following:As a result of the health emergency that is developing globally, mainly inthe United States and Mexico, due to the spread of the swine flu virus, GAP isworking with the Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) and theFederal Health Department (SSA) to establish special health vigilance measuresat the airports. This is due to the epidemiological alert level, which hasbeen raised from a ‘Phase 3′ to a ‘Phase 4′ and currently to a ‘Phase 5′alert, which implies containment of the virus, whereas ‘Phase 3′ only impliedstrengthening the response capacity to the virus.As a result, the Company will immediately implement two review mechanisms,which are:1 – Systematic examination of travelers at risk via the distribution of asurvey to 100% of passengers prior to boarding.2 – Verification of body temperature with a digital measurement camera,survey and visual revision to those that board an international flight andproceed with health alert proceedings.With this revision, the Company seeks to minimize the effects on passengercomfort. In addition, the Company is analyzing more practical options in whichhigh technology can be easily implemented in order to avoid actual physicalcontact with the passengers and enhancing the response rate as not to prolongwaiting times at the airports.The Company continues to widely recommend that passengers arrive at theairport two hours prior to departure for domestic flights and three hoursprior to departure for international flights.These steps have been taken at all Mexican airports. The objective ofthese actions is to contain the virus and give airports the ability to providepassengers with a safety measure in order to promote Mexico’s attractivenessas a tourist and business destination, while strengthening contingency plansuntil the situation returns to normal levels.With the implementation of these additional measures, the Company seeksthe cooperation of all passengers, given the significant health crisis. Anyaction taken will most certainly benefit everyone and will help in overcomingthis problem currently affecting Mexico.As this is a contingency, it issubject to change. The Company will continue to update the market asnecessary.Company Description:Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico, S.A.B de C.V.