Stocks To Open Higher

Stocks appeared set to open higher
Wednesday.

Fastenal
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reported Q1
earnings of 47 cents a share, beating analysts’ estimates by 2 cents according to
a survey taken by Multex.

Wachovia downgraded Wendy’s
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from Buy to Market Perform due to valuation.

Merrill Lynch said it believes that
Cisco Systems

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will meet the firm’s estimates on the belief that CSCO is
executing effectively.

Allergan
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was upgraded to Buy
from Hold by UBS Warburg based on valuation.

Rite Aid
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was upgraded by UBS
Warburg from Hold to Buy and raised the firm’s price target on RAD from $3.00 to
$4.50 on positive March sales data.

American
Eagle Outfitters

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was downgraded by Robertson Stephens from Buy to Market Perform after the
company lowered estimates.

According to The Financial Times,

Vivendi Universal

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is looking to sell United Cinemas in an effort to
lower debt levels.

Homestore is set to resume trading on
the Nasdaq under the new ticker symbol
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.

Isis Pharmaceuticals
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said
preliminary analysis of Phase II trials of the company’s ISIS 2503 (antisend
anti-cancer compound) is showing some positive results.

Morgan Stanley downgraded AFLAC
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from Overweight to Equal Weight based on valuation.

UBS Warburg lowered its rating on
Research In Motion

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from Buy to Hold after the company warned last
night.

Panera Bread
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declared a 2-for-1 stock split.

Greg