• National Semiconductor (NYSE:NSM) posted better-than-expected fourth quarter results of 33 cents, up a nickel from Zacks estimates of 28 cents, as revenues increased 10.1% to $399 million, above Zacks estimates of $384 million
• Finisar (NASDAQ:FNSR) topped estimates by 2 cents on fourth quarter results of 22 cents, reflecting a 75.3% rise in revenues to $189 million, up from estimates of $183 million
• Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) revised its first quarter earnings lower to 17 cents from 22 cents due to a $100 million liability related to a possible settlement of an SEC investigation
• BP (NYSE:BP) CEO Tony Hayward said the company is considering delaying or lowering the upcoming second quarter dividend payment
• Novartis (NYSE:NVS) said an FDA panel backed its multiple sclerosis pill Gelenia
• Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) upgraded Medco Health (NYSE:MHS) from “neutral” to “buy” and lifted the price target from $67 to $76
• Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) cut Agrium (NYSE:AGU) from “buy” to “neutral”
• Thomas Weisel downgraded Walgreen (NYSE:WAG) from “overweight” to “neutral”
• Jefferies (NYSE:JEF) upgraded American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO) to “buy” from “hold,” taking the price target from $15 to $18
