comtex

The company reached an incentive agreement with the state of Louisiana that includes a $14.9 million grant to pay for 50% of building or leasing additional headquarters space in Monroe.

The company will also receive a grant of $3.3 million to cover location costs and $1.2 million over four years to expand its partnership with Louisiana Tech University.

The new jobs are in addition to the 350 announced in late 2009.

CenturyLink Inc (NYSE:CTL) announced today that it is committed to keeping its headquarters in Monroe, Louisiana, and plans to add 800 new jobs in the state by 2016.

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) introduced a new social networking service, called the Google+ project, which will initially be available only to a select group of Google users who will soon be able to invite others. The service will look to

The ratings firm cited weak chicken prices, as demand has weakened, which is seriously threatening the company's operating performance.

Chicken companies have so far hesitated to cut back on production, despite signs of oversupply.

Moody's Investor's Service downgraded Pilgrim's Pride Corp's (NYSE:PPC) credit ratings to B2 today, five steps below investment grade.

UBS said they see good opportunities on the margin side as GWW leverages sales, saying they are more confident the company can hit its margin expansion targets.

Shares of WW Grainger are trading up 2.19% at $151.36.

WW Grainger has a potential upside of 7.8% based on a current price of $151.36 and an average consensus analyst price target of $163.18.

UBS increased its price target for W.W. Grainger Inc (NYSE:GWW) to $156 from $155 today while maintaining its neutral rating for the company.

The sale does not impact the company's expected 2011 production estimates, as the plant was not expected to come online until later this year.

Cimarex Energy has a potential upside of 39.2% based on a current price of $86.76 and an average consensus analyst price target of $120.73.

Cimarex (NYSE:XEC) announced that it entered into an agreement to sell for $191 million its 57.5% operated working interest in the Riley Ridge Federal Unit and gas plant located in southwestern Wyoming. The sale is expected to clo

The agency cited the company's slow slog towards profit recovery in the face of shrinking market share, a historically very strong yen, and high raw material prices.

Moody's said another downgrade was possible because Toyota's ratings "incorporate one notch of support from the country's banks and government, which are themselves under review for possible downgrade."

The company's May production levels still reflect the complete devastation wrought on the company, an

Moody's Investors Service cut Toyota's credit rating one level to Aa3 today, the rating service's fourth highest rating.

Southern Union Co (NYSE:SUG) has begun the process of providing takeover suitor Williams Cos.

The 10-City composite Index was up 0.8% in the month but is down 3.1% from a year ago, while the 20-city Index rose 0.7%, but is down 4% from April 2010.

Six of the 20 cities, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Miami, and Tampa hit new index lows in the month, while 13 cities showed a month over month increase.

David M.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices for April released today showed the first price increases in nearly 8 months.

The bank sees 2011 EPS of $1.70, vs. consensus estimates of $1.73 per share, and 2012 EPS of $2.25, vs. consensus estimates of $2.17 per share.

Citigroup reiterated its buy rating for Under Armour (NYSE:UA) on key growth drivers, and as the bank still sees upside versus the street. Citigroup also maintained its $78 price target.

News Corp's (NASDAQ:NWSA) MySpace could be sold for $20M-$30M to "lesser known" buyers. Specific Media and Golden Gate Capital are in the forefront for a deal that News Corp is looking to complete by Thursday, and as part of the d