Benzinga’s News Roundup (TAC, BCRX, ASBC, JAH, BP, VVUS)

TransAlta Corporation (USA) (NYSE: TAC) announced today that it has won a 25-year power purchase agreement to provide an additional 54 megawatts of wind power to New Brunswick Power Distribution and Customer Service Corp. TransAlta Corporation closed at $22.66 in the last trading session. In the last six months, TransAlta Corporation gained over 25%.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCRX) announced today that it has signed agreements with two additional Peramivir partners. BioCryst Pharmaceuticals surged 4.59% to $8.21 in the pre-market session. The 52-week trading range for BCRX is $1.15 - $13.47. In the last year, BCRX has gained over 280%.

Associated Banc-Corp (NASDAQ: ASBC) reported today a fourth-quarter net loss of $180.6 million, or $1.41 per share, as compared to a net income of $13.6 million, or $0.11 a share, in the year ago period. ASBC declined 4.29% to $11.81. Associated Banc-Corp closed at $12.34 in the last trading session. In the last year, ASBC declined by 29%.

Jarden Corporation (NYSE: JAH) reported today that it will sell $400 million of senior subordinated notes. Jarden Corporation expects to use the proceeds to repay part of its term loan that matures in 2012 and the rest for general corporate purposes. JAH closed at $33.02 in the previous trading session. In the last six months, JAH gained over 87%.

BP plc (ADR) (NYSE: BP) was upgraded today by Citigroup from Hold to Buy. BP plc (ADR) is currently trading at $61.66, increased by 2.77% in the pre-market session. BP made a new 52 week high at $60.06 in the last trading session. BP surged over 32% in the last six months.

VIVUS, Inc. (NASDAQ: VVUS) announced today additional results of the recently completed phase 3 study (REVIVE TA-301) of avanafil, for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). As a result, VIVUS surged over 7.74% to $11 in the pre-market session. The 52-week trading range for VVUS is $2.72 - $12.88. In the last six months, VVUS gained over 80%.