'M' is for 'missing' from sign

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was able to place three letters -- a "U", a "P" and a "C" -- atop one side of the U.S. Steel Tower on Saturday before rain and wind delayed the sign installation. UPMC did not know yesterday when work would continue on the missing "M'" and logos for the remaining two sides of the 64-story building.

Foster gains on repurchase plan

L.B. Foster Co. said it would repurchase up to $25 million, or about 6.9 percent of its 11 million common shares outstanding, until June 30, 2010. Foster shares closed yesterday at $33.68, up 8.6 percent, or $2.66.

Alcoa closing Mexico, Texas sites

Alcoa Inc. said yesterday its Alcoa Electrical and Electronics Solutions business would close operations in Puebla, Mexico, and its warehouse in Del Rio, Texas, resulting in the loss of about 1,465 jobs at the two sites. The company cited lower production demand in the decision to close the sites. The unit employs about 14,000 in Mexico and 1,350 in the United States.

Earnings

MTR Gaming Group Inc. reported a first-quarter net loss of $2.6 million, or 10 cents per share, vs. net income of $559,000, or 2 cents, a year ago. Results for the most recent quarter include a charge of 5 cents a share for discontinued operations. Year-ago results include charges totaling $3.8 million. Revenue at the owner of Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, W.Va., and Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie rose 26 percent in the quarter to $116.3 million.

Wizzard Software, Shadyside, reported a first-quarter net loss of $2.75 million, or 6 cents per diluted share, vs. a net loss of $1.8 million, or 5 cents, a year ago. Revenue rose to a record $1.7 million from $726,000 a year ago.

Linn Energy LLC said its first-quarter net loss widened to $259.4 million on oil and natural gas derivatives. The loss was $2.28 a share, vs. a loss of $67.8 million, or $1.35, a year ago.

Also in business …

Research In Motion Ltd. introduced the BlackBerry Bold, a phone with quicker Web browsing and more room for songs and videos. The device will go on sale in the summer for $300 to $400 … The Treasury Department auctioned $24 billion in three-month bills at a discount rate of 1.800 percent and $23 billion at a discount rate of 1.850 percent.