Benzinga’s News Roundup (FDS, AVII, ABK, NSTC)

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE: FDS) reported today a second-quarter profit of $36 million, or $0.75 per share, as compared to $35.6 million, or $0.71 per share, for the same quarter last year. Sales increased to $157 million, from $156.5 million in the year ago period. Analysts had expected FDS to report earnings of $0.74 per share. FactSet Research closed at $71.62 in the previous trading session. The 52-week trading range for FDS is $37.44 - $76.76.

AVI BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVII) reported today a fourth-quarter net income of $3.52 million or $0.03 per share, as compared to a loss of $1.14 million or $0.01 per share for the same quarter last year. Revenues from license fees, grants and research contracts declined to $5.14 million from $5.47 million in the year ago period. Analysts had expected AVII to report a loss of $0.05 per share on revenues of $6.16 million for the quarter. AVI BioPharma increased 4.13% to $1.26 in the pre-market session. AVI BioPharma closed at $1.21 in the last trading session. In the last year, AVII has increased over 89%.

Ambac Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: ABK) reported in its Form 8-K that David Trick, Managing Director and Treasurer of Ambac and Ambac Assurance, was appointed Senior Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Treasurer of Ambac and Ambac Assurance effective January 6, 2010. Ambac Financial declined 3.47% to $0.748 in the pre-market session. The 52-week trading range for ABK is $0.55 - $2.09. In the last year, ABK has gained 31% in the last year.

Ness Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSTC) announced today that it has recently been awarded a contract from Mekorot, Israel's national water company, to provide Mekorot's maintenance management system. Ness Technologies closed at $6.31 in the previous trading session. The 52-week trading range for NSTC is $2.53 - $8.37. Ness Technologies has gained over 113% in the last year.