Movers: Alcoa, VMware, Office Depot, Indymac, Novartis

Tuesday's stocks in the news

From Standard & Poor's Equity Research

Alcoa (AA) reports second quarter net income of $546 million, or $0.66 per share, on revenue of $7.6 billion. That beat analysts' consensus forecast of 65 cents for EPS and $7.37 billion in revenue. EPS was $0.37 in first quarter 2008 and or $0.81 in the same quarter a year ago.

VMware (VMW) shares drop after it says president and CEO Diane Greene will depart and will be replaced by Paul Maritz. VMW is 85% owned by EMC (EMC).

Office Depot (ODP) says due to additional pressure from weakening business conditions in the second quarter, North American retail same-store sales decreased nearly 10% versus prior year, total company sales were down slightly. Anticipates its second quarter EBIT margin to have declined for by 200 basis points, more than 200-250 basis points decline previously indicated on year-over-year basis as sales trends worsened late in second quarter. S&P maintains hold.

Indymac Bancorp (IMB) says it has not been successful in its efforts to raise additional capital; doesn't expect to be able to raise capital until there is more stability, less uncertainty in housing, mortgage markets. Expects second quarter loss to be greater than the first quarter. Banking regulators have advised IMB that it's no longer "well capitalized"; IMB is no longer permitted to accept new brokered deposits or renew or roll over existing ones, unless it gets a waiver from FDIC. To cut workforce by about 3,800 employees over next couple of months.

Helen of Troy Ltd. (HELE) posts $0.42, vs. $0.32, first quarter non-GAAP EPS on 3.4% sales rise. S&P raises estimate, target, reiterates hold.

McClatchy (MNI) falls 0.25 to 5.22. S&P says, as the largest pure-play publisher in the U.S., it expects MNI to continue experiencing top-line pressure from cyclical and secular weaknesses facing the print industry for the foreseeable future. S&P cuts estimates, target; reiterates sell.

Interdigital (IDCC) Down 5.68 to 19.58 IDCC says the staff of the U.S. International Trade Commission has recommended against concluding that Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. violated certain trade rules by importing patented mobile handsets and components. Notes the staff's recommendation is not binding for the judge overseeing the investigation, for which evidentiary hearings began today.

Novartis AG (NVS) says a head-to-head study, published in the June Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, confirms that Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate HCl) extended-release capsules offer greater improvements in managing symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder compared with Concerta (d,l- methylphenidate HCl) extended-release tablets at two hours post-dose, the primary study endpoint.

Apollo Group (APOL) appoints Charles "Chas" B. Edelstein as CEO, effective Aug. 26, 2008. APOL's founder, Dr. John G. Sperling, continues to act as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Wyndham Worldwide (WYN) announces plans to expand the Wyndham brand in China with the construction of a 337-room, 15-story luxury hotel in Shanghai. The Wyndham Baolian Hotel is scheduled to open in April 2010.

Cardinal Health (CAH) announces a consolidation of its businesses into two primary operations and reporting segments.