Ford Motor (F

) executives will present a restructuring plan to the board of directors today that calls for closing at least 10 assembly and component plants, eliminating 25,000 to 30,000 hourly jobs in North America within 5 yrs, according to the Detroit News.

WellPoint (WLP

) sees about $4.51 2006 earnings per share, which includes 18 cents impact for the expensing of stock options, on operating revenue of about $49.5 billion. This is 11% higher than the 2005 projection.

New York Times (NYT

) expects 2005 total company advertising revenue growth in the low single-digits. It says that given limited visibility on advertising in 2006, it will not provide an outlook for 2006.

Gaylord Entertainment (GET

) sees $924 million to $961 million 2006 revenue, and $152 million to $163 million consolidated cash flow.

McClatchy (MNI

) reported a 1.6% increase in November consolidated ad revenues and a slight increase in total revenues. It maintains a 98 cents to $1.00 fourth quarter and $3.45 to $3.47 2005 earnings per share guidcance.

Gemplus (GEMP

) agreed to be acquired by Axalto(AXTOF.PK

) in a merger of equals deal, at two Axalto shares for every 25 Gemplus shares. The distribution of € 0.26 per share is to be made pre-offer by Gemplus to its shareholders.

General Motors (GM

) named Frederick Henderson Chief Financial Officer, replacing John Devine. Tim Lee is to replace Guy Briggs as GM North America vice president of manufacturing.

Toro (TTC

) posted better-than-expected 14 cents vs. 14 cents fourth quarter earnings per share on a slight sales rise. It raises its quarterly dividend 50% to 9 cents per share.

Comverse Technology (CMVT

) posted 18 cents vs. 8 cents third quarter earnings per share (GAAP) on a 22% sales rise.

Alloy (ALOY

)'s board approved a spin-off of its wholly-owned unit, dELiA*s, Inc., in which holders will receive pro-rata distribution in a ratio of 1 share dELiA*s stock for every 2 Alloy shares held.

Cumulus Media (CMLS

) set a $100 million stock buyback.

Verint Systems (VRNT

) posted 22 cents vs. 16 cents third quarter earnings per share (GAAP) on a 22% sales rise.

Nuance Communications (NUAN

) posted 6 cents earnings per share fourth quarter loss vs. 6 cents loss (GAAP) as costs related to its acquisition offset a 47% revenue rise. It posted 6 cents Non-GAAP earnings per share.

Hurco Companies (HURC

) posted 77 cents vs. 36 cents fourth quarter earnings per share excluding items on a 20% rise in sales and service fees.

Angelica (AGL

) posted 9 cents vs. 31 cents third quarter earnings per share from continuing operations as higher operating expenses offset a 40% revenue rise. It expects significantly higher earnings per share and earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA for fiscal year 2007.