Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) is all set to build an Ethylene Plant in Texas.

Dow Chemical Set For Texas Build

Midland, Michigan based Multinational Corporation and second largest chemical manufacturer in the world by revenue, Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW), is reportedly all set to construct an Ethylene production plant in Texas.

It has been reported that Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) is taking advantage of the relatively low gas prices of Texas and the new plant is part of its broader expansion plans in the region.

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) shares were at 34.96 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 4.4% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) Analyst Advice
Consensus Opinion: Hold
Mean recommendation: 2.53
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell)
3 Months Ago: 2.44
Zack’s Rank: 12 out of 35 in the industry

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) has decided to shut down four plants and to lay off 900 employees.

Dow Chemical To Close Four Plants

Midland, Michigan based Multinational Corporation and second largest chemical manufacturer in the world by revenue, Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW), has reportedly decided to shut down four of its plants and has also decided to cut 900 workmen as a measure to reduce costs by $250 million due to the weak economy.

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) announced that $110 million from the savings by lay off and shut down will be distributed to the ex-employees.

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) company shares are currently standing at 33.60.

Price History
Last Price: 33.60
52 Week Low / High: 20.61 / 42.23
50 Day Moving Average: 34.05
6 Month Price Change %: 19.9%
12 Month Price Change %: -10.1%

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) has signed a deal with Endocyte to develop and commercialize the cancer drug vintafolide.

Merck & Co. Inc. Signs Cancer Drug Deal

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Endocyte to develop and commercialize Endocyte’s investigational therapeutic candidate vintafolide (EC145).

Merck, through a subsidiary, will gain worldwide rights to develop and commercialize vintafolide.

Peter S. Kim, executive vice president and president Laboratories, said that, “Vintafolide is a promising and innovative late-stage cancer drug candidate. In addition to pursuing the lead indication of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, Merck plans to further evaluate its potential for treatment of multiple other cancer types”.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) shares were at 37.95 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a -1.4% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) Analyst Advice
Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy
Mean recommendation: 1.59
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell)
3 Months Ago: 1.53
Zack’s Rank: 5 out of 14 in the industry

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) has reportedly given the final license for producing its new Polymeric Flame Retardant to Albemarle.

Dow Chemical Gives License

Dow Global Technologies LLC (DGTL), a subsidiary of Midland, Michigan based Multinational Corporation and second largest chemical manufacturer in the world by revenue, Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW), has reportedly given the final part of a license to Albemarle Corporation, renowned for world class Flame Retardants.

Mark Whiteman, President of Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW)’s Dow Global Technologies, said, “The Polymeric FR has become the ‘next generation industry standard’ flame retardant for use in both XPS and EPS foam insulation applications globally. The development and licensing of the Polymeric FR is the result of years of research and development that leveraged Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW)’s polymer chemistry, process science, applications know-how, and Environment, Health & Safety expertise. The development is also driven by Dow’s on-going journey to identify and develop more sustainable products and technologies designed to meet customer needs.”

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) shares were at 33.20 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 3.7% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

Dow Chemical (NYSE:DOW) Analyst Advice
Consensus Opinion: Hold
Mean recommendation: 2.53
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell)
3 Months Ago: 2.44
Zack’s Rank: 12 out of 35 in the industry

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) has announced the resignation of Sheri S. McCoy, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee.

Johnson & Johnson Loses Exec Committee Vice Chair

The US based Johnson & Johnson has said that Sheri S. McCoy, Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, has resigned from the Company effective April 18 to join another publicly traded company as CEO.

William C. Weldon, Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) said, “Sheri has made important contributions across Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) throughout her career. During these last several years, she was instrumental in helping to bring stronger strategic focus to our Pharmaceutical business as it builds a robust pipeline and launches important new medicines; and to our Consumer business as it leverages the success of its iconic brands and worked to resolve some recent challenges.”

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) shares were at 64.20 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 0.0% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Analyst Advice
Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy
Mean recommendation: 2
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell)
3 Months Ago: 1.91
Zack’s Rank: 5 out of 14 in the industry

DuPont (NYSE:DD) has opened its new $40 million Agriculture research facility.

DuPont Opens Doors On New Research Facility

DuPont (NYSE:DD) has announced the opening of a $40 million plant genetics research facility in Johnston, Iowa.

This new facility will support DuPont (NYSE:DD)’s commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and food security worldwide and it may create 400 new jobs.

Paul E. Schickler, president of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont (NYSE:DD) business, said that, “Beaver Creek will take DuPont (NYSE:DD)’s research and development efforts in seed and plant genetics to the next level and ensure we are consistently providing new solutions and products to farmers and communities around the world. Pioneer is dedicated to providing the right product for the right acre, and this new facility in Johnston will advance that mission.”

Dupont (NYSE:DD) stocks are currently standing at 51.95.

Price History
Last Price: 51.95
52 Week Low / High: 37.1 / 57.5
50 Day Moving Average: 51.76
6 Month Price Change %: 25.9%
12 Month Price Change %: -5.9%

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) has decided to resume the production of cancer medicine, Doxil.

Johnson & Johnson Restarting Doxil Production

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is working to take up the production of cancer medicine, Doxil, by September 2012 to increase the supply.

Due to a production quality issue, Doxil production at Boehringer Ingelheim’s Ben Venue Laboratories factory in Ohiowas stopped in November 2011.

Lisa Vaga, a spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) said,“Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) may be able to boost its supplies of the drug sooner by having Ben Venue formulate the medication, then transfer it to another company for the filling and packaging of the product.”

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) stocks were at 64.92 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a -0.1% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Analyst Advice
Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy
Mean recommendation: 2
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell)
3 Months Ago: 1.91
Zack’s Rank: 3 out of 14 in the industry

Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) has announced the appointment of Dr. Christine Jenkins as Group Director.

Pfizer Names Veterinary Medical Director

According to an announcement made by the company, the Animal Health unit of Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) has named Dr. Christine Jenkins as the new Group Director of U.S. Veterinary Medical Services.

Clint Lewis, President of the U.S. Business for Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) Animal Health said, “We are excited to bring Jenkins on board to continue our commitment to address the unmet needs of the veterinarian community through collaboration with veterinary colleges and other industry groups.”

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) shares were at 22.05 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 3.4% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) Analyst Advice
Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy
Mean recommendation: 1.32
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell)
3 Months Ago: 1.32
Zack’s Rank: 3 out of 14 in the industry