Credit Research News - January, 2008

Allied Waste Presentation at Credit Suisse Global Services Conference to be Webcast Live

Allied Waste Industries, Inc. , a leading waste services company, announced today that it will participate in the Credit Suisse Global Services Conference

S&P Reduces Downey Financial Ratings

Standard & Poor's Cuts Downey Financial Ratings on Credit Performance, Profitability Worries

Zions Bancorporation to Webcast Presentation at the Credit Suisse 2008 Financial Services Forum

Doyle L. Arnold, vice chairman and chief financial officer of Zions Bancorporation (Nasdaq: ZION), will make a presentation at the Credit Suisse 2008

Richard J. Liles: Get your tax credit

Each year, Michigan loses up to $70 million in uncollected Earned Income Tax Credit money. Neither the state

Alliance Data Announces Record Full-Year 2007 Results

Record Fourth-Quarter Revenue Drives 30-Percent Increase in Adjusted EBITDA & Cash Earnings*2008 Outlook Includes Continuing Double-Digit Growth

Get Your Free Credit Report -- Without the Hassle

We all have the legal right to see our credit-score reports for free, but getting them can be complicated.

Credit union to offer free tax services

Hope Community Credit Union will offer free tax preparation services for both HOPE members and non-members from 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday at the branch of HOPE at 1748 Terry Road.

Beyond Credit Scores

There's an astonishing amount of finger-pointing going on in the financial services industry over the fallout from the so-called "subprime" mortgage crisis.

Scam alert: Check references before using a credit-counseling service

The January credit card statement can be a tough pill to swallow. You're finding holiday gift purchases, party supplies

Why Many People Use Payday Loan Services Instead of Using Banks

The initiative outlined in the column by President Clinton and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ("Beyond Payday Loans," op-ed, Jan. 24) highlights the importance of expanding

Crist gets the credit, while critics predict that services will suffer

Voters approved a historic property tax cut Tuesday, deepening the benefits for longtime homeowners by making permanent their tax advantage over businesses

Noble Corporation to Participate in the Credit Suisse 2008 Energy Summit

Noble Corporation today announced that Lee M. Ahlstrom, Vice President, Investor Relations and Planning, will participate in the Credit Suisse 2008 Energy Summit in Vail

On Your Mark, Get Set…

IT'S FITTING THAT THE MOST eagerly awaited IPO of January -- one of a handful on 2008's decimated calendar

What's the Hottest Farm Commodity? Land

Rick Rohrich, a 26-year-old father of three, just bought his first farmstead at a time when crop and pasture land are fetching record prices.

NEW ECREDITFREEZE.COM IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION SERVICE HELPS CONSUMERS FREEZE CREDIT FILES

eCreditFreeze, LLC, a leading provider of low cost and affordable ID theft prevention services, today announced that it has launched its identity theft protection service

Packaging Dynamics 'B+' corporate credit rating on negative watch - S&P

standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it has placed all the ratings, including the 'B+' corporate credit rating, on Chicago-based flexible packaging company

EBay's Profitable Pal

PayPal—and other electronic payment services—are wooing more and more consumers and merchants, and becoming the quiet stars of e-commerce

Put thieves on ice

Utah's "credit freeze" legislation doesn't go into effect until September, but you don't have to wait until then to protect your credit file from identity thieves.

Will They Leave the Cards Behind?

In recent years, Kenneth Chenault has been the credit-card industry's darling, guiding American Express Co. to tremendous prosperity amid intense competition.

What Slump May Mean for Consumers

If an economic slump is in the cards, and recent gyrations suggest it is, it's guaranteed to hit people where it hurts

Now may be time to rethink finances

You have three credit cards in your wallet and are proud that you use them only for emergencies. And occasional lunches. And car repairs. Come to think of it, you really hate to open the monthly statement.

Energy shares slide amid broad market weakness

Energy stocks moved lower despite rising oil prices Friday as oil, oil service and natural gas stocks got swept up by the selling on Wall Street.

Norlarco gets new owners

The new owner of Norlarco Credit Union is an old friend who tried to bail out Larimer County's largest credit union before federal regulators stepped in.

FastGuaranteedLoans.com Partners with Renowned Law Firm and Offers New Free Service

The new partnership will let FastGuaranteedLoans.com offer a Free Credit Repair Analysis by legal professionals with expertise on credit problems.

United Educational Credit Union offers free tax preparation service

United Educational Credit Union recently launched an innovative web-based program to provide low-to-moderate income individuals

Farm Credit Service offers

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America is making $36,000 in scholarships available in 2008 to children

Getty Images 'BB' corporate credit rating affirmed after co seeks buyers - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it has affirmed its ratings and outlook on Getty Images Inc including its 'BB' corporate credit rating

Atlantis Plastics's 'CCC-' credit rating still on negative watch - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said its ratings on Atlantis Plastics (NASDAQ:ATPL) Inc

New Free Credit Repair Service at Fastguaranteedloans.com

With the sub-prime lenders drawing back their funds due to the prevailing uncertainty, credit repair services seem to be drawing attention these days

NewBridge expects loss

NewBridge Bancorp expects to record a net loss of between $5.2 million and $6.2 million for 2007 as a result of costs stemming from the merger of LSB Bancshares and FNB Financial Services

KKR Financial Holdings LLC to Present at Credit Suisse's 2008 Financial Services Forum

KKR Financial Holdings LLC announced today that David A. Netjes, Chief Operating Officer, will make a presentation at the 2008 Financial Services Forum

AmeriCredit Woes a Bad Sign for Lenders

Shares of AmeriCredit (ACF - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) sank Wednesday amid concerns that the subprime auto lender's quarterly loss

Nelnet Says Credit Market Disruption Requires Changes to Student Loan Business

Nelnet announced today a plan to further reduce operating expenses related to its student loan origination and related businesses

Credit union marketed to Latinos hopes to open on Buford Highway

The first credit union in Georgia to market specifically to Latinos could open this year along Buford Highway.

Program to benefit farmers

A reduced interest rate financing program for Ohio farmers is again available through the Ohio Department of Treasury's Agri-Linked Deposit Program.

Standard & Poor's downgrades Sprint Nextel's credit

Standard & Poor's Rating Services lowered its corporate credit and senior unsecured ratings on Sprint Nextel Corp. on Tuesday to one level above noninvestment grade, or "junk" status.

New Sweep Service Helps Washington Small Businesses Earn Money Over the Weekend

Wells Fargo Launches New Sweep Service

S&P Says WellCare Rating Still on Watch

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Tuesday it is keeping its counterparty credit rating for WellCare Health Plans Inc.

Newtek Business Services Hires Vincent W. Saul as Vice President of Financial Institutions

Newtek Business Services, Inc. (Nasdaq:NEWT) (www.newtekbusinessservices.com), a provider of business services

GE Antares Provides C$62MM Senior Secured Credit Facility to one of Largest Privately Owned Provider

GE Antares today announced it served as administrative agent for a C$62 million senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of Consolidated Fastfrate Inc.,

Fintura Engaged to Expand UMB Bank's Credit Card Business

Fintura's turnkey New Account Origination solution selected to accelerate UMB Bank's credit card portfolio growth

Credit Union's Lawsuit has no merit

Credit union advocates like to talk about how unique their financial institutions are compared to banks.

Credit Scare Spreads in U.S., Abroad

The credit crunch that was sparked by problems with residential mortgages is spreading to the broader economy

Chevron cuts 76 jobs from sold credit card unit

Chevron Corp.'s decision to sell its credit card businesses has triggered the layoffs of dozens of employees in the East Bay

Consumers can still file for bankruptcy, but it's harder now

A little over two years since the enactment of a landmark bankruptcy reform law, debt-strapped consumers are finding it tougher to wipe out their bills.

Flyer News Staff Editorial: Give Dining Services some credit, please

Ever since elementary school, we were conditioned to complain about the food given to us for lunch.

Free Debt Consolidation Service – A Win-Win Situation

Free debt consolidation service is an option that most people would like to consider, keeping in mind that it is without charge.

UI Employees Credit Union headed in new directions

In about two weeks, the University of Illinois Employees Credit Union plans to open its new branch office at University and Cunningham avenues in Urbana.

Get rid of credit-card debt

The worst thing you can do financially is carry credit card debt, especially debt that is costing you 18 to 28 per cent.

Consumer ID theft creates need for service

Bryan Ansley, chief executive of Brentwood-based First Payment Services, says most people who have had their identities stolen may never know it happened.

Check Advance Services: Relax Even If You Have No Money To Pay For An Emergency Bill

You need to look for check advance services when you have no money and there is an emergency bill that has to be paid off.

Credit Card Debt Consolidation Services - How To Consolidate Your Dues?

Credit card debts can cause monetary and emotional anxiety and debt consolidation is an effective solution to repay the dues.

The Doctor Will See Your Credit Score Now

mytrip writes to mention that the same people who invented credit scores are working to create a similar system for hospitals and other health care providers. "

Swicks leaving credit union after four decades of financial service

The Area Educational Credit Union office in Mattoon is undergoing a facelift, in the form of new carpeting and paint.

Huntington Bancshares to Present at the Citigroup Financial Services Conference

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated will be participating in the Citigroup Financial Services Conference on Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Credit Card Data on 650,000 Customers Lost

The missing tape affects 230 retailers, whose customers may be vulnerable to data fraud.

S&P Cuts Ratings on Overseas Shipholding

Standard & Poor's Lowers Ratings on Overseas Shipholding Group to "BB" Because of High Debt

USA Technologies & Coinmach Launch Credit Solution for Multifamily Laundry Market

USA Technologies has introduced eSuds Credit, an online laundry service for the nation’s multi-housing laundry industry.

Metro tax preparer guilty of tax fraud

A tax preparer who operated in Norcross, Ga., is facing up to 70 years in prison after being found guilty of willfully filing false personal

Senate OKs credit for complying with service tax

The Michigan Senate today voted to give businesses a tax credit equal to the expenses they incurred to comply

Navy Federal Credit Union is Making Its Mark Within the Financial Services Industry

Navy Federal Credit Union is a leader for innovative and quality services and products within the credit union industry.

Growing Forward: There is still more money to be made in farming

Despite record-setting grain prices, there is an undercurrent of agricultural angst over high cash rents and climbing input costs

Navy Federal Credit Union is Making Its Mark Within the Financial Services Industry

Navy Federal Credit Union is a leader for innovative and quality services and products within the credit union industry.

Growing Forward: There is still more money to be made in farming

Despite record-setting grain prices, there is an undercurrent of agricultural angst over high cash rents and climbing input costs

Companies Launch Gadget Buyback Services

We think a lot about getting new gadgets, but not so much about getting rid of old ones.

ACS shares rise after two firms upgrade stock ratings

Affiliated Computer Services Inc. might finally be convincing analysts and investors that it has found its footing.

First American Corp 'BBB' counterparty credit rating put on negative watch - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it has placed First American Corp's (NYSE:FAF) 'BBB' counterparty credit rating on negative watch

Wells Fargo Century's Pizzo to Retire

Tom Pizzo, chairman of Wells Fargo Century, part of Wells Fargo & Company , said today he plans to retire from the company at the end of this June.

Affiliated Computer Shares Jump

Shares of Affiliated Computer Services Inc. climbed Wednesday after a Credit Suisse analyst upgraded the technology outsourcing company, predicting a turnaround that "has just begun."

JPMorgan 4Q Profit Falls 34 Percent

JPMorgan Chase & Co. said Wednesday its fourth-quarter profit fell 34 percent after its exposure to subprime mortgages

First Place Financial Corp. Announces Credit, Securities Impairment and Merger Related Charges

First Place Financial Corp. announced today that earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 will include $11.0 million of credit,

BUYINS.NET: (EFX) SqueezeTrigger Price is $33.818. There is $119,127,568.00

BUYINS.NET / www.squeezetrigger.com is monitoring Equifax Inc (NYSE:EFX) in real time and just received an alert that is crossing above its primary SqueezeTrigger Price

Shaw Group Expands Credit Line to $1B

Engineering and construction-services firm Shaw Group Inc. said Tuesday it has increased the amount of debt that can be borrowed

$1,000 College Scholarships Available from 1st Farm Credit Services

Do you have a high school senior interested in studying agriculture?

For 2007 Taxes, Little Things Mean a Lot

For 2007 income taxes, it's the little things that count. Small deductions here, a credit there, a bit of help for homeowners caught in the mortgage crisis

Shaw Increases Credit Facility to $1 Billion

The Shaw Group Inc. (NYSE: SGR: 54.92, -4.08, -6.91%) announced today that it has increased its existing credit facility to $1 billion from $850 million.

Colley retires from Consumer Credit Counseling Services

One day not long ago, Consumer Credit Counseling Service President H.B. "Sonny" Colley happened to run into a former client

Tempe firm locks into ID-theft protection sector

Todd Davis, CEO of LifeLock Inc., created a stir among some consumer advocacy groups last year when he placed his entire Social Security number

Fiserv Offers CheckFreePay Walk-In Bill Payment Service via Ready Credit Corporation ReadySTATION

CheckFreePay, now part of Fiserv Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading provider of information technology services to the financial industry, today announced an agreement with Ready Credit Corporation

CUSO Financial Services, LP Adds Three New Fee-Based Account Products to Broaden Offerings

CUSO Financial Services, LP (CFS), a full-service broker dealer and Registered Investment Adviser that provides customized investment

Galaxy Credit Union Solutions Deploys Tidal Enterprise Scheduler to Manage Data Center Services

Tidal Software, a leading provider of application scheduling and performance management software, today announced that a premier provider of software and managed datacenter services

GSI Commerce Enters Into $75 Million Secured Credit Facility

GSI Commerce Inc. , a leading provider of e-commerce solutions, today announced that it has obtained a $75 million revolving secured line

RouteOne Welcomes Union Bank & Trust to Its Credit Application Management Platform

RouteOne LLC announced today that Nebraska-based prime lender Union Bank & Trust has joined the growing roster of finance sources

FCC warns of fraud via phone relay service

The Federal Communications Commission is warning businesses that people posing as hearing-impaired consumers have been misusing the Internet-based telecommunications

A newcomer in air deliveries: ABX

Maybe it's time to start nibbling at the market - literally. If he had $10,000 in new money to invest in stocks, Richard Yamarone

Better business practices, not PR, needed in county

LUZERNE COUNTY’S newly sworn-in commissioner trio should log on to their respective computers this week and – if they already haven’t done it

Credit Union wants to become a bank, but plan isn't flying with some members

As longtime members of Beehive Credit Union, Teri Dial and Lori Christian-Chavez never imagined they someday would be leading a rebellion

Non-Profit Debt Relief - Get Free!

Non-profit debt relief provides you respite from your numerous lenders by negotiating on your behalf.

Manage Your Debt The Christian Way With Christian Debt Consolidation Services

Most Christians are very uncomfortable with the idea of owing money to anyone.

No decision made on credit card payments for city-rendered services

Roxboro City Council took no action Tuesday during its monthly meeting regarding a proposal to begin accepting credit cards for payment

TFN NEWS BRIEFING: Banking and insurance highlights to 09:15 GMT

Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the Citigroup shareholder that came to the bank's rescue during the credit crisis of the early 1990s, might do so again

Will The Good Times Last?

Financial services vendors sadly are waving goodbye to 2007 as they brace for an uncertain 2008.

American Express Falls on Charge, Reduced Forecasts (Update4)

American Express Co., the third- largest U.S. credit-card network, fell the most in six years after reporting a $275 million charge amid signs

EDS to pay for identity theft insurance

Recipients of a mailing revealing their Social Security numbers will be able to get free identity theft insurance and credit monitoring for one year.

Markets plunge on fears of credit woes

Yikes! Wall Street plunged today amid renewed fears that the financial sector's troubles with bad credit won't soon end and that some consumers

CORRECT: S&P Puts BMCA on Negative Watch

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said Friday it placed the debt ratings of Building Materials Corp. of America on negative watch, citing ongoing troubles in residential construction.

US corporate health care credit could be helped by capital constriction - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said tight capital market conditions promise to play a pivotal role in US corporate health

IKON Office Solutions 'BB' corporate credit rating still on negative watch - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it has kept US-based IKON Office Solutions (NYSE:IKN) Inc's ratings, including the 'BB' corporate credit rating

American Express Has $275 Million Charge for Quarter (Update5)

American Express Co., the third- largest U.S. credit-card network, will take a fourth-quarter charge of $275 million to cover rising customer defaults

U.S. Ratings Affirmed At 'AAA' On Exceptional Flexibility

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services today said it affirmed its ratings, including its 'AAA' long-term sovereign credit rating, on the United States of America.

GoAmerica(R) Acquires Verizon TRS Division and Merges With Hands On Services

GoAmerica, Inc. , a provider of communications services for people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech-disabled, today announced that it has closed the transactions

S&P Won't Cut Capital One's Ratings

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it does not intend to cut Capital One Financial Corp.'s credit rating despite the lender's announcement

Beware of Web-Pay Alternatives

Shopping online can be difficult when you can't -- or won't -- use a credit card.

Avago corporate credit rating raised to 'BB-' from 'B' with stable outlook - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it has raised the corporate credit rating on Avago Technologies Finance Pte Ltd and its related entities to 'BB-' from 'B'

Consumer Credit Counseling Service and MassMutual Team Up to Enable Families to Apply...

Consumer Credit Counseling Service and MassMutual Team Up to Enable Families to Apply For Free Life Insurance LifeBridge(sm) Program Puts Money In Trust to Pay for Children's Educational Expenses

Major French Bank Deploys PS'Soft Service Desk Solution

PS'Soft, a global provider of IT asset and service management solutions, today announced that Credit Foncier

Financial Institutions Choose Monitise Americas Mobile Financial Services Offered...

Financial Institutions Choose Monitise Americas Mobile Financial Services Offered by NYCE Payments Network Mobile banking and payments solution gaining momentum across the U.S. and among financial institutions of all sizes

North Island Credit Union Kicks it Up a Notch

North Island Credit Union recently created an innovative and interactive advertising strategy for all ages.

Credit unions join mobile banking bandwagon

PSCU Financial Services said will provide mobile banking services to the credit unions it services, many of them in the Tampa Bay area, and their membership.

Vincenzo Picone Named SVP Global Marketing for GE Money

GE Money, the global consumer financial services unit of General Electric Company, announced the appointment of Vincenzo Picone to Sr. Vice President

Finlay Enterprises corporate credit rating cut to 'B-' from 'B' - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it has cut its corporate credit rating on Finlay Enterprises (NASDAQ:FNLY) Inc and its wholly owned unit Finlay Fine Jewelry Corp to 'B-' from 'B'.

U.S. Teens' $80 Billion Income Primed for Plastic

With 24.8 million boys and girls age 12-17 representing a total yearly income of $80 billion, today's trendy and hyper-brand-aware teens

Eastside Financial Center to Open January 14

After months of preparations, a community financial jewel will again shine from Saint Paul's historic Old Swedish Bank Building at 965 Payne Avenue.

Indiabulls Financial to raise $1bn

The board of directors of Indiabulls Financial Services, which met on January 5, approved a proposal to raise up to $ 1 billion through an issue of ADRs/GDRs

Counseling Agency to Hire New Managers, Counselors to Help Americans Seeking Solutions...

Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of Greater Atlanta is seeking to hire approximately 130 new managers, counselors and customer service representatives

Pacific Continental Pre-announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007 Earnings, Credit Quality

Pacific Continental Corporation (Nasdaq: PCBK), the bank holding company for Pacific Continental Bank, today pre-announced earning estimates

Tri-S Security Announces New $25.0 Million Credit Facility

Tri-S Security Corp. (NASDAQ: TRIS: 1.73, +0.08, +4.84%), a provider of security services and equipment for government and private entities

Credit Counseling Services Can Help

With the holiday season over, you may be finding something else in your mailbox besides a greeting card...it's your credit card bill.

Alternate-Payment Services Have Some Pitfalls

After all, more than 85% of e-commerce transactions are completed with a credit or debit card, according to Javelin Strategy and Research

Banks, city will finance affordable housing

The housing crisis is drawing local reinforcements.

UPDATE: As Credit Crunch Reverberates, Investors Fret Over Dividends

Stock investors could see dividends continue to dwindle this year in another stark reminder of the fallout spreading from the shakeout in credit and financial markets.

Thing is, Yahoo!, you harvested and used my Visa number without my permission

On Thursday I posted my ragin’ rant about how Yahoo! Personals found my new Nordstorm Visa credit card number via my Yahoo! Voice registration

Jeremy Warner's Outlook: Too late, Darling acts over Rock debacle

Politicians are only fighting the last war when they seek to address supposed regulatory failure with a whole new panoply of rules and procedures.

Job growth slowest since 2003

The latest federal jobs report didn't surprise Robert Basso, the president of Advantage Payroll Services in Hicksville whose nearly 3,000 client base

U.S. Rep. Frank to scrutinize housing and credit cards

The chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee will this year scrutinize the mortgage lending industry and draft new consumer protections

GM Ends Standby Credit Pact

General Motors Corp. said Friday that it terminated a $4.1 billion standby credit agreement because it has sufficient liquidity without it.

Dividends in financial services sector likely to be causalities of tightening credit markets

With credit markets continuing their downward spiral, investors could see their dividends disappearing in 2008.

Farm Credit Offers $36,000 in scholarships

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, a $13 billion ag lending cooperative serving farmers and rural America in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee

DTE Energy Offers Payment Assistance Programs

With another cold Michigan winter under way, residents can find help managing their energy bills and avoid service shut-offs through payment assistance programs

Trump's 'BB-' bank loan rating on 500 mln usd credit facility withdrawn - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services has withdrawn its 'BB-' bank loan rating on Trump Entertainment Resorts Holdings LP's (TER) 500 mln usd credit facility

Franklin Credit Management Enters Into Debt Restructuring With Lead Lending Bank

Franklin Credit Management Corporation (Nasdaq: FCMC), a specialty consumer finance company primarily engaged in the servicing and resolution of performing

PHH's 'BBB-/A-3' counterparty credit rating remain on developing watch - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said PHH Corp's 'BBB-/A-3' counterparty credit rating remain on developing watch

First Advantage Purchases Fiserv's Mortgage Credit Reporting Division, CredStar

First Advantage Corporation , a global risk mitigation and business solutions provider, and Fiserv, Inc. , a leading provider of information technology services

Alt-A Issuance Slid in Third Quarter

Issuance of so-called Alt-A mortgages tumbled in the third quarter as the credit crunch hit a peak, according to a report by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services

Credit crunch seen keeping financial M&A strong

Merger-and-acquisition activity in the financial-services business will remain strong this year as the credit crunch creates opportunities for strong companies to bolster their market share, investment bank Freeman & Co. said Wednesday.

Private-Equity Players Scour Financial Sector for Bargains

When some super-wealthy investors bought busted savings-and-loans in the late 1980s, the results became legendary.

Martin Midstream Partners Announces 2008 Capital Budget and Increase in Revolver Commitments

Martin Midstream Partners L.P. (Nasdaq: MMLP) announced today that on December 28, 2007 it entered into a Second Amendment

State Employees’ Credit Union members make generous holiday donations to State programs

State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members have been spreading some holiday cheer with the help of two statewide projects held in late 2007.