Credit Research News - July, 2007

Citizens Republic Bancorp Announces New Management Structure To Enhance Client Relationships

Citizens Republic Bancorp announced that it has realigned its management team to expand and grow client relationships and focus on revenue generation.

Credit Counseling Basics

If you've got a big pile of credit card or other debt, you're living paycheck to paycheck, and you're feeling like you're barely holding things together

Debt Consolidation Services – There Is Plenty To Choose From

There are a number of debt consolidation services available in the market. You have to figure out which one would be the best suited to your needs.

Stocks Close Higher After Pullback

Wall Street found a foothold Monday as investors, still anxious that a credit crunch could crimp U.S. growth

House lawmaker to offer credit card bill

A New York lawmaker said on Monday she plans to offer legislation to address some of the problems plaguing credit card customers

Bank of America Names Jeffrey Carney to Lead Company's Integrated Retirement Offering

Bank of America today announced the appointment of Jeffrey Carney as president, Bank of America Retirement and Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM)

CUSO Financial Services, LP Offers New Investment Program for Consortiums of Smaller Credit Unions

Credit Unions in Georgia First to Join Innovative CFS Program Designed to Bring Investment Planning Capabilities to All Sizes of Credit Unions

What Auto Financing Bad Credit Companies Can Do For Clients

In the game of vehicle financing, auto financing bad credit issues sometimes gets in the way.

Financing That New Car, Part 2

In Part 1, we looked at the new-car financing you're most likely to be offered by your dealer -- whether from a car manufacturer's finance arm

Banks face $8bn credit crunch

THE turmoil in global credit markets could cost banks an estimated $8 billion (£4 billion) as they have been left unable to sell

After 7 years, Sam's clears up credit mess

Back in January 2000, a Sam's Club cashier at the Tinley Park store kept (stole) my Sam's membership card,

Credit Cards Are Fine, If Used Right

Lack of financial discipline carries a stiff price. I'm reminded every time I open my wallet to use one of my two friends there.

Farm Credit meet Aug. 7

Farm Credit Services will have its annual membership meeting Tuesday, Aug. 7, on the back lawn of the Farm Credit office in Glasgow

Problem Solvers: Customers Illegally Charged For Credit Card Use

Earlier this week, Local 10 exposed a Northeast Miami Dade movie theater breaking the law by charging customers more to use their credit card.

GE Earth Rewards: Credit Where (Carbon) Credit Is Due

General Electric this week introduced Earth Rewards, a credit card aimed at reducing cardholders' carbon emissions

U.S. Stocks To Fall Further Next Week As Credit Woes Persist

U.S. stocks will continue to fall next week, in continuation of a sell-off that saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average experience

Discover to Lobby on Credit Legislation

On the same day Discover Financial Services LLC debuted on the New York Stock Exchange earlier this month

Credit market bloodbath means good times for broker GFI

The subprime mortgage market and a feared credit crunch has mauled banks, home builders and some hedge funds. But at least one company is licking its chops.

Complete Production Services "outperform," target price raised

Analyst K Sill of Credit Suisse maintains his "outperform" rating on Complete Production Services (ticker: CPX),

Cops credit co-operation for telemarketing busts

Increased co-operation between law enforcement and greater public awareness is helping police to put a dent in telemarketing fraud, the RCMP says

Newtek Business Services to Hold Second Quarter Earnings Call August 9th at 4:15 PM EDT

Newtek Business Services, Inc. (Nasdaq: NEWT) (http://www.newtekbusinessservices.com) a direct distributor to the small to medium-sized business market,

Treasury bond prices climb more on durable goods orders; 10-year yield 4.84 percent

Treasury bond prices rose Thursday morning, pushed up by tame durable goods orders data and a fresh round of concerns

Database admin at Fidelity National stole more data than thought

Information on as many as 8.5M consumers may have been exposed

Farm Credit Services moving to new facility

Continued growth has led AgCountry Farm Credit Services to build a new office on Tower Road next to Mills Fleet Farm.

Fair Isaac 3Q Earnings Fall

Fair Isaac Corp., an analytics and technology provider for businesses, said Wednesday its fiscal third-quarter earnings

BJ Services "neutral," target price reduced

Analysts at Credit Suisse maintain their "neutral" rating on BJ Services Co (BJS.NYS), while reducing their estimates for the company.

GE Launches 'Green' Credit Card

General Electric Co. on Wednesday launched the nation's first credit card with rewards dedicated to reducing cardholders' carbon emissions.

American Spirit Federal Credit Union Selects SEDONA for MRM Products and Services

SEDONA(R) Corporation (http://www.sedonacorp.com), a leading provider of Customer and Member Relationship Management (CRM/MRM) solutions

S&P Revises United Rentals Credit Watch

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Tuesday revised its credit watch on United Rentals Inc. to "Negative" from "Developing,"

Expedia cut to 'BB'; off credit Watch - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its corporate rating on online travel agency Expedia Inc to 'BB' from 'BB+'

Expedia Corporate Credit Rating Lowered

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Tuesday it lowered the corporate credit rating it held for Expedia Inc.

Power rate relief pact favourable for Ameren's credit quality - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said the announcement among the principal parties of a 1 bln usd electric rate relief

American Express 2Q Profit Rises 12 Pct

American Express Co.'s card holders are ringing up more charges than they did a year ago, but they're also shirking more payments.

2nd UPDATE:American Express 2Q Net Up 12% On Member Spending

American Express Co. (AXP) posted 12% rise in second-quarter earnings due to continued growth in cardmember spending.

Parents: Is Your College Student 'Jonesin' for a Car or Truck? It's Time to Have 'The Talk,' Says AW

With approximately 7.5 million students exchanging the comforts of home for the freedom and responsibility of living on their own

TEXT-S&P release on U.S. REITs and homebuilders

The disparity in credit behavior between U.S. REITs and homebuilders continued unabated during the second quarter

TORC Financial Enters into Partnership with Credit Suisse’s Advanced Execution Services®

TORC Financial, LLC, developer of the TradeSpeed electronic trading platform, has announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Credit Suisse’s Advanced

Credit Scores Grow in Importance

If you don't, you're not alone. Forty percent of Americans have never obtained their score, according to a survey commissioned by the Consumer Federation of America

Free Credit Counseling Services offering mutiple debt solutions begin to take there place

Many credit counselors are comming out of the non-profit world to enviornments offering a wider range of solutions for people overcome by debt problems.

GE Money and Southern States join forces for strategic growth

GE Money''s Sales Finance unit and Southern States Cooperative, one of the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperatives, announced a new multi-year relationship to provide new financing

Powder scare shuts credit card site in Elgin

An Elgin credit card facility was shut down and quarantined for about three hours Saturday morning after a suspicious powder spilled out

You can add to privacy controls for your data

Our personal information seems more at risk than ever, and it's often not our fault.

Services help students find loans

Amid controversy about how colleges steer borrowers toward certain lenders for student loans

Taglia joins 1st Farm Credit Services

Linda Taglia of Marseilles has been hired as a financial services officer at the Ottawa branch of Farm Credit Services.

Citigroup Shows Its Strength

Citigroup Inc.'s second-quarter profit rose 18%, boosted by growth in its booming investment bank and wealth-management unit.

Churches increasingly accepting credit-card swipes, debits in the collection plate

Paper or plastic? When it comes to collection plate offerings, churches are increasingly accepting both.

Extreme credit cards

First, there was just the Black Card to set elite shoppers apart. Now there's a new batch of exclusive cards with sky high limits, concierge services and other coveted perks.

Beware of costly services on way to 'free' credit report

My summer reading has included some interesting letters, coming from readers with interesting questions.

Alliance Data Announces Record Second Quarter Results

Alliance Data Systems Corporation , a leading provider of loyalty and marketing solutions derived from transaction-rich data

'Hold' on Credit Card May Surprise You

Consumers who operate close to the limit on their debit and credit cards could find themselves in trouble when they travel this summer

Brooke Credit Corporation Merges with Oakmont Acquisition Corp.

Robert D. Orr, chairman and chief executive officer of Brooke Corporation announced today that Oakmont Acquisition Corp. stockholders

S&P Gives Lear Credit Positive Outlook

The outlook for Lear Corp.'s credit rating is positive after its shareholders rejected a buyout offer from billionaire investor

JPMorgan 2Q Profit Rises 20 Percent

JPMorgan Chase & Co. on Wednesday said its profit jumped 20 percent in the second quarter

Alliance Data Systems Q2 2007 Earnings Call Transcript

Good afternoon and welcome to the Alliance Data Second Quarter 2007 Earnings Call.

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. Reports 2007 Second Quarter Earnings

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSS) (“CPS” or the “Company”) today announced earnings for its second quarter ended June 30, 2007.

SEDONA Corporation Partners with Bradford-Scott to Deliver MRM Capabilities to Credit Unions

SEDONA(R) Corporation (http://www.sedonacorp.com), a leading provider of Customer and Member Relationship Management (CRM/MRM)

First Cash Reports Second Quarter Net Income Increase of 37%

First Cash Financial Services, Inc. (Nasdaq:FCFS) today announced record-setting revenue, net income and earnings

Bank of the West Automates Its Credit Review and Approval Process with ILOG BRMS Reducing Credit

ILOG(R) today announced that Bank of the West, one of the nation's 25 largest banks, is automating its commercial loan origination process using ILOG JRules(R)

CPS Announces New $120 Million Residual Credit Facility

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPSS) today announced that it has closed a new $120 million residual credit facility with Citigroup Financial Products, Inc.

Member-owned Campus USA Credit Union expands services into south Marion County

The decision-makers at Campus USA Credit Union are anxious to impress Villagers with their line of products.

How to Order Free Credit Reports

This week Consumer Reports came out with a study showing that dozens of Web sites are advertising "free credit reports,"

BioStorage Technologies Provided $3.3 Million Lease Line of Credit through GE Healthcare

BioStorage Technologies, Inc. (BST), a worldwide leader in short-term and long-term biomaterials storage

Do You Take This Credit Risk?

It's often occurred to me that people who have had children together can't really split up completely

Credit Services Company Makes Credit Analysis Solution Available To Mortgage Professionals

Market Kinetix, LLC, has announced that Van Nuys, California-based Credit Service Company

Bank of America Profit Trails as Citigroup, JPMorgan Go Abroad

Bank of America Corp. does more business in the U.S. than any of its competitors, and that's eroding returns for shareholders of the Charlotte

Debt Consolidation Services – Expert Services For Expert Solution

For all debt-slaves wishing to get freedom from ever-increasing debt problems, debt consolidation comes as a life-saving aid.

Employer has right to background check, but you can question extent

After being told I was a finalist for a job, I received a packet of information from the employer.

Target says cards deserve credit

Just minutes into an interview, Target's chief financial officer, Douglas Scovanner, stops to set the record straight about why Target

IPOs Planned Next Week

Chelmsford, Mass., 8.3 million shares, priced $8 to $10, managed by Morgan Stanley.

Farm Credit Services submits top bid for ex-Roberson site

After a brief bidding war between a major farm lender and a Mahomet businessman, the former Roberson Transportation building in Mahomet stands

Sage Credit Company Expands Services Through Reverse Mortgage Department

Sage Credit Company, Inc. announced that it was providing expanded services for the mortgage community by launching a Reverse Mortgage department.

Giving system builders credit

Barely a week goes by without a rumour emerging that a system builder is going under – the larger the firm

Md. notifies borrowers in Ameriquest settlement

Marylanders who got home loans from Ameriquest Mortgage Co. can begin to claim their share of a $325 million

Kohl's June Same-store Sales Down 4.9%; Backs Q2 EPS Outlook

Kohl's Corp. (KSS) reported that its comparable store sales for the month of June declined 4.9%

Conviction upheld for damaging boss' files

A federal appeals court upheld a former technology manager's conviction Wednesday for damaging thousands of computer files after being told to improve his work performance.

Fitch lowers Home Depot credit rating

Fitch Ratings on Thursday cut its ratings on Home Depot's corporate credit, citing the retailer's worsening earnings outlook.

S&P to Downgrade Fewer Retailers in 2007

Although retailers remain challenged by a weak consumer spending environment as the housing market slumps and energy costs rise

S&P Changes Outlook on Sears to Negative

Credit-ratings agency Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Wednesday changed its outlook on retailer Sears Holdings Corp.

LaCrosse Global Fund Services Selects Advent for New Administrative Services Offering

Advent Software, Inc. , the leading provider of software and services to the investment management industry

Credit Card Debt Relief Services – Avail And Set Yourself Free

If you are suffering from bad debt, it is always advisable to seek some professional help.

Credit Suisse and thinkorswim Form Joint Relationship

Combined synergies yield robust capabilities allowing the buy side and brokers access to front-end platform for algorithmic trading of options

S&P Raises Centennial Junk Credit Rating

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Tuesday it upgraded wireless communications provider Centennial Communications Corp.

Jack Henry Announces the Acquisition of Gladiator Technology Services, Inc.

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. , a leading provider of integrated technology solutions and data processing services for financial institutions

Farm Credit System provides national network

An area financial officer is working to spread word of proposed federal legislation that could expand the coverage of home mortgages

American Capital Recognizes $51 Million Gain from Evans Analytical Group Initial Public Offering

American Capital Strategies Ltd. announced today the exit of its investment in its portfolio company EAG Acquisition LLC

S&P Lowers Office Depot Ratings Outlook

Credit-ratings agency Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Monday said it revised its outlook on Office Depot

First Data inks long-term deal with credit-union group

First Data Corp. has announced the signing of a long-term contract extension with PSCU Financial Services, a U.S. credit-union-service organization.

TraceSecurity Signs Multi-Year Contract With HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union for Security Compliance

TraceSecurity, a leading provider of on-demand security compliance software and services, today announced that HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union (FCU),

At long last, credit report makes its appearance

At least Gerald Smith got his credit report.

Ending the piggyback express

Steps being taken to prevent borrowers from "piggybacking" on someone else's credit records won't stop the practice, at least not right away, according to some mortgage market professionals

Check services firm reports theft

A check-authorizing company said that credit, bank account and other personal information on 2.3 million consumers was stolen

University credit cards abused

Arizona universities are putting hundreds of credit cards into the hands of their employees, which has generated cost

No 'Free' lunch on credit report sites

Use of "free" in marketing problematic, creating potential confusion over right to credit data.

Why Is Asking for Help So Difficult?

RAISE your hand if you have ever asked for help at work or at home.

Nonprofits are awarded tax credits

The state this year has awarded more local nonprofit agencies a tax credit they can use to entice donors.

New bail option: credit

People who get arrested in Cayuga County but find themselves short of cash will soon be able to post bail with a credit card.

S&P Maintains UBS Credit Rating

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Friday it will not cut UBS AG's credit rating after the bank replaced its chief executive.

Credit union offers money management classes

Desert Schools Federal Credit Union is partnering with the South Mountain YMCA to help local families keep more of their earnings.

A low-tech theft of 2.3 million customer records provides clear security lessons.

When Fidelity National Information Services this week announced that about 2.3 million customer records had been illegally sold to a group of direct marketers

S&P Lowers Imax Credit Rating

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Thursday it lowered its corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Imax Corp. to "CCC+" from "B-."

S&P Cuts Movie Gallery Rating

Credit-rating agency Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Thursday cut Movie Gallery Inc.'s corporate credit rating

Fidelity National Information Services "outperform," target price raised

Analyst P Bartolai of Credit Suisse reiterates his "outperform" rating on Fidelity National Information Services (FNIS.NAS).

Standard & Poor's Public Finance Reports Examine Key Public Sector Issues

Standard & Poor's is recognized as a worldwide leader in public sector credit services

RadNet in $445M credit line

RadNet Inc., which operates medical imaging centers, said Thursday it set up a $445 million line of credit with GE Healthcare Financial Services

St. Joseph Health Services rating downgraded

Princeton, N.J.-based Standard & Poor’s has lowered its rating for certain St. Joseph Health Services of Rhode Island bonds, from BBB- to BB+, outlook negative.

Syngenta ratings upgraded to A2/P-1 on strong credit metrics - Moody's

Moody's Investors Services said it has upgraded its senior unsecured issuer and debt ratings on Swiss crop protection

Fidelity: Ex-Worker Stole 2.3 Million Customer Records

A senior-level database administrator stole records containing credit card, bank account and other personal information.

Fidelity National Information Services Announces Misappropriation of Consumer Data

Data sold to Marketing Solicitation Companies; No Fraudulent Activity of Identity Theft DetectedSecret Service and Local Law Enforcement Investigations are Ongoing

Farm Credit Enhances Appraisal Division

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, a $12 billion ag-finance cooperative serving over 72,500 customers throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee

Billing Services 'B+' rating affirmed; taken off negative watch - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it has affirmed its 'B+' corporate credit rating and stable outlook on Texas-based Billing Services Group Ltd

Radiation Therapy Services Closes $50 Million Credit Facility Expansion

Radiation Therapy Services, Inc. , a leading operator of radiation therapy centers, announced today it closed a $50 million expansion of its credit facility

PLCC Providers Offer A Variety Of Services

While many providers of private-label credit card (PLCC) programs might appear to be following a similar formula

CenterPoint Energy Closes On Amended Credit Facilities Totaling $2.45 Billion

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP) announced that on Friday, June 29 it closed on three amended bank credit facilities totaling $2.45 billion

Petroleum Geo-Services Refinances Debt

Petroleum Geo-Services ASA, a provider of seismic and reservoir services, said Monday it completed a $950 million senior secured credit facility.

Blue Chip News: Trade Alert for Regions Financial Corp

Regions Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, offers various banking and financial services in the United States.

Visa Gets More Personal With Data

Visa plans to roll out new, highly customized incentive and reward programs based on more detailed consumer information, including data on purchases, buying habits, and retailer loyalty.

Protect yourself from identity theft for free

Consumers are paying for many types of protection against identity theft. You can protect yourself for free, if you know how.

Dangerous financial services should be policed, too

If a toaster or toy is found to be harmful to consumers, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issues a recall of the product.

America's Great Divide

About 73 million people in the U.S. are unbanked or underbanked, a marketplace that is as diverse as it is unknown-often new to the U.S.

Discover to go public, battle credit-card Goliaths

Discover Financial Services, the underdog of the four major credit-card networks, gets the chance to prove itself a force