Credit Research News - March, 2008

CryoLife in pact with GE Healthcare Financial Services

CryoLife Inc. has inked a $15 million line of credit with GE Healthcare Financial Services.

Credit crunch hits home: Some can't keep up with equity lines of credit

A growing number of homeowners are falling behind on their monthly payments for home equity lines of credit

Credit crunch bites in financial services

Financial services employment and profitability have fallen at their fastest rates in five years.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch Jerri Stroud column: Consider your goals when deciding to refinance

The rules have changed in the refinancing game.

Comcast ranks poorly in customer service, but the company gets points for trying

Ah, Comcast. No company (not even Sprint) is a better poster child for poor customer service.

IRS lists its ‘dirty dozen’ tax scams for 2008

Just in time for the tax season run-off, the Internal Revenue Service has released its 2008 list of what it calls its “dirty dozen” tax scams.

No Fail-Safe Identity Protection

Plenty of products promise to help consumers avoid identity theft, but none of them is foolproof.

BRIEF: To spend or to save that check?

Last Sunday, I wrote a column on how I planned to save, rather than spend, my tax rebate check. (Full Story)

Fierce debate expected over administration plan to revamp financial regulation

In proposing the broadest overhaul of financial oversight since the Great Depression, the Bush administration has kicked off a fierce debate.

Concentrate on spending to recession-proof your financial house

Talk of recession abounds, but it is mostly an academic discussion until you talk about how economic hard times affect you.

Rebate check hinges on tax return

This is not the year for procrastinators. It's a year for fast action and, for some, smart planning.

How to crack the credit crunch

Financial reformers have a chance to give stressed-out markets a desperately needed reality check.

Casa Youth Shelter's loss may rise

Authorities say a former employee's alleged embezzlement from the Los Alamitos nonprofit may be more extensive than first believed.

World Fuel Services Corporation to Acquire Assets of Texor Petroleum Company

World Fuel Services Corporation (NYSE:INT) announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, World Fuel Services, Inc.,

Lynch praises Service Credit Union for helping N.H. families

From the state's chief executive to the Portsmouth mayor, dignitaries helped mark the 51st annual meeting of the largest credit union

People in agriculture

• Aden Seidlitz was declared the new manager of the Boise District of the Bureau of Land Management March 17 by Idaho State Director Tom Dyer.

Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro: Heavily Promoted Identity-Theft Protection Company, LifeLock

Today an Arizona consumer filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against LifeLock, a heavily promoted company that claims to protect consumers

US electric utilities' credit quuality maybe hit by emission cutting costs - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said the cost of reducing carbon dioxide emissions could impact the credit quality of US electric utilities.

Strong liquidity saves US electric utility sector from credit squeeze - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said the US electric utility industry withstood a turbulent first quarter of 2008

MoneyGram International 'B+' long-term counterparty credit rating affirmed - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it has affirmed MoneyGram International (NYSE:MGI) Inc's 'B+' long-term counterparty credit rating

GE Corporate Lending Provides $98.7 Million Credit Facility to Rand Logistics, Inc.

GE Commercial Finance Corporate Lending today announced it provided $98.7 million in financing to Rand Logistics, Inc.,

Security Service Federal Credit Union Uses ESRI Database Mapping for Improved Marketing Analysis

Security Service Federal Credit Union has reduced its market research time and increased its ability to view potential market areas

Police Search for 'Botox Bandit' Who Stole Cosmetic Services

The search is on for Reno's "Botox Bandit" — the latest case in which patrons skip out on spas without paying for treatments designed to erase signs of aging.

It's Time for Credit Card News

OK, credit card news isn't likely to be as scintillating as celebrity news, or maybe even ice sculpture news.

Lawsuit accuses LifeLock of deception

A LifeLock Inc. customer filed a class action lawsuit against the Tempe-based identity-theft prevention company

American Express To Acquire Corporate Payment Services Portfolio Of GE Money For $1.1 Bln Cash

Thursday morning, American Express Co. (AXP) said it inked an acquisition agreement with London-based GE Money

American Express to Acquire GE Money’s Corporate Payment Services Portfolio

GE Unit Provides Payment and Purchasing Cards to More Than 300 Large Corporations

Netflix sees online movie service on many platforms

Netflix Inc expects to lead the market for movies delivered over the Web despite growing competition from Web giants like Apple and Amazon

Jonathan Rose pleads guilty to credit card fraud

Jonathan Rose pleaded guilty to stealing a list of names and identifying information to obtain credit and debit cards, U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway said Thursday.

Financiers' Reps Sink With Deals

When Bain Capital Partners LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP struck a deal to acquire Clear Channel Communications Inc.

More Than 100 Credit Unions Turn to VeriSign to Protect Consumers Against Identity Theft

Credit Unions for Federal Agencies, Universities and Municipal Governments Deploy VeriSign EV SSL Certificates to Help Ensure Members Can Trust Online Transactions

Customer (dis)service

I RECENTLY had the worst customer care experience from Reliance Communications. It was in the form of snapping of my telephone line

Former Feds Launch Service To Fight ID Theft

iSekurity's federal law enforcement experience gives the company the resources and know-how to proactively look for members' ID-theft breaches

Tracy’s Tips and Your Questions

Every Friday, Tracy Byrnes joins us on the show to share her tax tips.

Tax-time advisory: Business services leaders help midmarket companies boost returns on R&D

Because manufacturers perform the bulk of private sector R&D to drive new products and process improvements

Heartland Credit Union Partners with Identity Theft Prevention Company, LifeLock®

LifeLock® CEO Todd Davis announced today a partnership with Heartland Credit Union, based in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota

Financing plan open to farms

A reduced interest rate financing program for Hoosier livestock farmers is available through the Indiana State treasurer's office.

Credit Suisse Intl-backed Wal-Mart Funding CP rating affirmed at 'A-1+' - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it affirmed its 'A-1+' rating on the Credit Suisse International

S&P Cuts US Airways Credit Outlook

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services on Monday lowered its credit outlook on US Airways Group Inc. to "stable" from "positive"

S&P raises corporate credit rating on Ciena to 'B+'

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services on Monday raised its corporate credit rating on Ciena (NASDAQ:CIEN)

Dole Food's corporate credit rating cut to 'B-' after Q4 results - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it downgraded its corporate credit rating (CCR) on Dole Food Co Inc

Pamela Yip: Companies seek to give credit to people with little history

In today's credit crunch, subprime borrowers aren't the only ones getting squeezed.

Report is free, but score isn't

Question: I'm trying to get the free copy of my credit report the law allows. The company I contacted told me the report is free, but I have to pay for a monthly service.

Spend that tax rebate wisely

My finances suffer from a disease that has plagued impulse buyers since the inception of the credit card.

Split Is Forming Over Regulation of Wall Street

As Congress and the Bush administration struggle to contain the housing and credit crises

Credit repair firms aren't needed, experts say

Don't fall for advertisements offering to fix or repair consumer credit.

Ken King column: Good and bad ways to repair your credit

Dear Ken: I had some credit problems in the past and would like to improve my credit score.

7 steps to surviving the rough economy

Yes, the Fed saved the system last week (though not the shareholders of Bear Stearns), but the Fed doesn’t have unlimited power

Credit crunch brings business to hard-money lenders

Every crisis spawns opportunity for someone, and the credit crunch is no different. As the banks and mortgage companies

Frank targets credit woe

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank yesterday said he plans to focus first on helping municipalities and students struggling with the national credit

On-Demand CRM Service promotes collaboration, efficiency.

Oracle® CRM On Demand v15 incorporates social CRM capabilities that promote user productivity through focused collaborative applications

Credit-challenged Consumers Take Charge Of Personal Finances with Credit Education Services LLC

Credit Education Services LLC (CES) is a new company that provides education and consulting solutions with emphasis

CIT taps $7.3 billion in credit to repay debt, fund business as access to capital dries up

Commercial and consumer lender CIT Group Inc. said Thursday it tapped its $7.3 billion (€4.73 billion) credit lines to repay debt

Centene Corp's 'BB' counterparty credit rating on negative watch - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services has placed Centene Corp's (NYSE:CNC) 'BB' counterparty credit rating

US consumer staples to endure economic slowdown, credit quality may suffer - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said the US consumer staples sector should be resilient to any slowdown in consumer spending in 2008

Discover Financial Profit Falls 65%

Shares of Discover Financial Services declined amid credit-quality concerns as the credit-card company posted a 65% drop in fiscal-first-quarter profit

OFFICIAL CORRECTION CIT Group ratings cut to 'A3/Prime 2' - Moody's

(Moody's (nyse: MCO - news - people ) amends earlier release to say it cut short-term ratings, not issuer ratings)

Wiegand joins 1st Farm Credit Services

1st Farm Credit Services is pleased to welcome Dana Wiegand as a new vice president of commercial lending in the Ottawa branch.

BMW Expects Net Profit to Increase This Year

BMW AG said its pretax profit in 2008 will rise thanks to an increase in sales and more hedging against foreign-exchange rates.

Marking half-century of service

Evergreen Credit Union begun by Wisconsin Tissue employees

Vince Kieffer joins local Farm Credit office

Vince Kieffer of Pima has joined the Farm Credit Services Southwest staff as the crop insurance specialist.

Global Credit Services Announces the Completion of Its Acquisition by an Investor Group

Global Credit Services (GCS), a financial services firm and leading provider of Internet-based business credit information

Hodes calls on Hannaford to provide free credit monitoring services

New Hampshire Congressman Paul Hodes is requesting that the Hannaford grocery chain provide free credit monitoring

Volatile markets may hit credit availability, soften growth in US industry - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said continued volatility in the credit markets is likely to further reduce credit availability

NestEggz(R) Credit Card Ranked as a Top Rewards Card

MSN Money recently recognized the NestEggz(R) Visa(R) credit card rewards program offered by MXT Card Services

Pennsylvania State Credit Union Turns to IBM and Avaya to Improve Customer Service

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Avaya announced today that the Pennsylvania State Employee's Credit Union (PSECU) has successfully deployed a state-of-the-art solution

Troy credit card processor plans to hire 1,500

A Troy-based e-commerce solutions provider is green-lighted for $21.5 million in state tax credits that clear the way for a $25 million expansion.

MyCreditCard.com Chosen as Official Credit Card and Online Service Partner for WhyBuy.com

Online portal to compare credit cards adds value to new rental Website.

Why Hospitals Want Your Credit Report

In a development that consumer groups say raises privacy issues, a growing number of hospitals are mining patients' personal financial information

CUES Offers Deposit Reclassification Service to Credit Unions

CUES Offers Deposit Reclassification Service to Credit Unions

RSM McGladrey, Axiom Solutions Sign Agreement to Offer Companies Enhanced R&D Tax Credit Services

In a joint effort to help more companies increase their after-tax return on their R&D investment and to provide enhanced R&D tax services

Military battling members' bad credit

The Air Force and the Alabama National Guard are fighting a battle against an unlikely enemy -- bad credit.

Entercom Communications on negative watch on narrow covenant cushion - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services signalled it may downgrade Entercom Communications (NYSE:ETM) Corp

B.C. Credit Unions Launch First Canadian "Text Banking" Service

If you're a Coast Capital Savings or Mount Lehman Credit Union customer you can sign up for a new service that will allow you to simply text your credit union

S&P Raises TDS and U.S. Cellular Credit Ratings to BBB-

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. and United States Cellular Corporation , TDS' publicly traded subsidiary, today announced that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services

Duke increases credit line to $3.2B

Duke Energy Corp. has increased its credit line with several banks to $3.2 billion from $2.65 billion.

As Credit Crisis Loomed, Insurance Industry Executives among the Most Confident in Their Ability

Executives See Both Sides of the Risk Coin; ``Excellent'' ERM-Rated Firms Tend to Be Less Overconfident in Ability to Manage Risk

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services Upgrades NorthWestern's Credit Ratings

NorthWestern Corporation d/b/a NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWEC) today announced that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P")

GE to unveil plans for West Texas wind farm

General Electric Co. will announce today its 10th investment in a Texas wind farm. This one is in the West Texas town of McAdoo

Finisar Corporation Increases Line of Credit With Silicon Valley Bank to $70.5 Million

Finisar Corporation (NASDAQ: FNSR), a technology leader in gigabit fiber optic solutions for high-speed data networks

Credit union extends its tax prep services

Northeast Credit Union has extended the date for its free federal tax preparation and filing services for those who earned less than $50,000 per family

NextMedia Operating CCR cut to 'B-' from 'B'; on negative watch - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Rating Services said it cut US-based NextMedia Operating Inc's corporate credit rating (CCR) to 'B-' from 'B'

Road Reduction

Small companies have a host of opportunities to cut travel costs, as hotels, airlines, car-rental companies and others try to win their business

Financial Services Centers Coopertive (FSCC) to be featured on Alexander Haig’s21st Century Business

Multi-Media Productions (USA), Inc. announces that FSCC will be featured on 21st Century Business, hosted by General Alexander Haig.

More in foreclosure choose to walk away

Foreclosure used to be a last resort, something that hard-pressed homeowners would scrimp and plead to avoid.

Paying the price for credit mess

When I was in high school, the gas gauge of the car I drove never made it much above empty.

Clear Channel receives honor for support

Clear Channel of Southern Ohio, which includes several radio stations in Ross County, this week was honored by Ohio National Guard Brig.

Fighting the Online Drug Corner

Close to 10 percent of high school seniors have used an addictive, dangerous prescription narcotic within the past year.

Box Credit Secures Financing for Leading Portable Storage Company

Box Credit, the premier financial services firm for the portable storage industry, has secured long-term financing

Goodwill’s Consumer Credit Division Gets Financial Literacy Grant

Goodwill Industries of KYOWVA Area, Inc. recently was notified that its Consumer Credit Counseling Services division

Kansas City, too, has escort services

Slick, high-dollar escort services such as one New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer allegedly used in Washington D.C. are not just an East Coast thing.

The Ticker

U.S. home foreclosure filings jumped 60 percent and bank seizures more than doubled in February as rates on adjustable mortgages

MoneyGram International's long-term counterparty credit rating cut to 'B+' - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it has lowered MoneyGram International (NYSE:MGI) Inc's long-term counterparty credit

Free tax prep service helps Saginaw County residents

He's almost 90, and Maurice E. Cotter prepares taxes for people half his age.

1 in 4 eligible for federal earned income tax credit miss out

There's a bit of a silver lining for hundreds of thousands of people in the dark cloud of Michigan's economy.

Charming Shoppes' 'BB-' corporate credit rating affirmed - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it has affirmed US-based specialty apparel retailer Charming Shoppes Inc's 'BB-' corporate credit rating

Western Refining's 'BB-' corporate credit rating on watch negative - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services said it has placed its ratings on petroleum refining and marketing company

Paulson seeks to restore credit faith

Treasury chief pushes regulatory fix for credit crisis, including more oversight of mortgage business and changes at rating agencies.

Private equity explores oilfield services sector

Private equity firms are busy sizing up potential acquisitions in the oilfield services sector, even as many assumed the global credit crunch

UPDATE:Credit Card Cos Warn US Lawmakers On Limiting Business

Leading credit card companies warned U.S. lawmakers Thursday that putting limits on their business

myCARDlab.com deploys credit card and financial services

Financial services marketing company myCARDlab.com has launched an online financial services portal offering credit cards

LA Financial Credit Union Selects Symitar(TM) to Provide Enterprise-Wide Automation

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

Online Resources to deliver online banking services to Provident Credit Union

US provider of web-based financial services Online Resources has signed a multi-year agreement with Provident Credit Union

Credit Card Companies Can Stop ID Fraud

A relatively simple bit of computer programming at America's three nationwide credit bureaus could create an early-warning system

MediaNet Group Technologies' BSP Rewards Division Selected by Arrowhead Credit Union

MediaNet Group Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: MEDG), the largest online mall and affinity program platform through its BSP Rewards subsidiary

UPDATE 2-Credit crisis helps Duff & Phelps top Wall St; stock up

Financial services company Duff & Phelps Corp (DUF.N: Quote, Profile, Research), which went public in September last year

ICH Services Credit Card Warning

Consumers are warned about a mysterious ICH Services charge that may appear on their credit card statement.

Experian and eBureau Partner to Offer New Credit Scoring Tool for Unbanked U.S. Consumers

Experian(R), a global information services company, and eBureau, an innovative provider

MyECheck Partners With AE Checking to Provide Its Online Check Service

AE Checking Merchants Now Provided With Check 21 (RCC) Platform

ICH Services Fraudulent Credit Card Charge: Take a Closer Look at Your Credit Card Statement

How closely do you monitor your credit card statement? We've all done it, we keep track in our head of how much we've spent

The Street Corner: Review on Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.,

Streetinvesting.com has now resumed our progressive review of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., (NYSE:MER) after it traded down 5% Monday,

Chase Announces Additional $1.3 Million Grant to Financial Literacy Organizations

Chase Card Services Tanya Madison, 302-282-5547 tanya.m.madison@chase.com Chase Card Services, the credit card division of JPMorgan Chase & Co.

MagTek’s IntelliCAT System Selected by Schools Financial Credit Union for PIN Verification

The IntelliCAT System Provides Enhanced PIN Selection and PIN Verification Services for School’s Members

Information sought in stolen credit card case

An employee of Senior Services of Central Illinois, 701 W. Mason St., called police Jan. 25 to say she had left her wallet in her purse in her office and that it disappeared.

Credit 'repairs' often don't offer any help

Borrowers with credit scores that are a few points from qualifying for a loan may be tempted to resort to credit-repair agencies

10 Reasons Why I Love Our Credit Union

Since I landed my first job at age 15, I have been with the same bank. It is a credit union open only to residents of Washington State

How to out-smart ID thieves

The statistics are disturbing — identity theft is increasing at an alarming rate.

Credit bureau sues the good guys

With identity theft, credit card fraud and Internet scams on the rise, many consumers are turning to third-party identity theft

Dangerous Cracks Appearing in Job Market

Dangerous cracks are appearing in the nation's job market. Employers slashed jobs by the largest amount in five years

Fed to Make $200 Billion Available To Lenders

The Federal Reserve took strong action yesterday to restore order to frazzled lending markets while a new report showing unexpected job losses

Service Credit offering services at 7-Eleven kiosks

Service Credit Union in partnership with Financial Service Centers Cooperative, will offer financial services at participating 7-Eleven stores across the country.

H&R Block Loss Narrows on Revenue Growth

H&R Block Inc. reported a narrower loss for its fiscal third quarter as revenue grew at its tax-services segment and at H&R Block Bank.

Poor state residents could get tax credit

Forty dollars might not sound like much. But for roughly 350,000 families in this state, it is the difference between sending children

WaMu shares plunge after rating cut

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Ratings Services lowered its rating on a Washington Mutual Bank-backed bond issue Friday

Businesses find profits during slump

Trash-haulers and cleaners. Credit counselors, bankruptcy attorneys and support staff. Property managers.

Commercial real estate stung by Michigan Business Tax

Commercial real estate developers statewide are complaining about the state's new Michigan Business Tax

Credit Card Bill Likely To Set Off Battle

House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Michigan) unveiled legislation Thursday, March 6, that would require credit card companies

Austin Logistics Announces Speaker Line-Up for its Ninth Annual Conference in April

Austin Logistics, a leading provider of event based analytic solutions, today announced the list of speakers at its Impact 2008 Conference

Farm Credit Services gives patronage distributions

Farm Credit Services of America is distributing $52 million in cash patronage this month to its eligible customers in Iowa

S&P cuts Washington Mutual credit rating citing mortgage losses; stock tumbles

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services cut Washington Mutual Inc.'s credit rating Thursday, saying the mortgage crisis was worse

Austin Logistics Announces Speaker Line-Up for its Ninth Annual Conference in April

Agenda Comprised of Leaders and Experts in Collections, Risk, Fraud and Marketing from Top Financial Services Companies

Ambac Raises $1.5 Bln In Capital To Sustain AAA Rating [ABK]

Friday, bond insurer Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (ABK) said it raised $1.5 billion from sale of shares and equity units

Univision Communications's corporate credit ratings cut to 'B-' - S&P

Standard & Poor's (NYSE:MHP) Rating Services said it has lowered its corporate credit ratings on Los Angeles

$2.5 mil given back to patrons

AgHeritage Farm Credit Services released the final Patronage refund numbers Tuesday.

Merrill Lynch falls pre-market on plan to sell First Franklin home lending ops.

Shares in Merrill Lynch lost ground in pre-market trading Thursday following a surprise announcement by the bank it will stop funding home loans

IRS renews Pioneer Credit deal

Pioneer Credit Recovery Corp. will continue a collections contract with the Internal Revenue Service.

Union Carbide Corp outlook raised to positive - S&P

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook on Union Carbide Corp to positive from stable after a review of the company's most recent disclosures

SIS Taps Mobiles To Reduce Credit Fraud

Mconfirm software compares a cell phone's physical location to where a card's being used and can deny a transaction if the locations don't match.

SLM Credit Ratings Are Downgraded to Baa2 by Moody's (Update2)

SLM Corp., the biggest U.S. educational lender, had its long-term credit ratings cut by Moody's Investors Service to two levels above junk on concern a change

New Credit Scoring Model Explained by Pioneer Services

The information on a consumer’s credit report is vital to his or her financial success.

Introducing a Discussion on Credit Card Operations, Dematerialization Services, Safe Custody

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c84782) has announced the addition of E-Learning Course: