Thursday's Financial Winners & Losers

H&R Block (HRB) rose after the tax preparer's Option One Mortgage unit extended the term of its Bank of America credit facility through March 14 of next year in order to fund daily subprime obligations. The related amendment also sliced in half available funds from the facility to $2 billion, but H&R shares were up 18 cents, or 0.8%, to $21.61.

Peoples Banctrust (PBTC) slid after the Alabama-based bank said it had decided to remain independent following an evaluation of strategic alternatives that began in December. Shares were losing $2.36, or 10.5%, to $20.15.

Cadence Financial (CADE) fell after cutting its first-quarter profit guidance to a range of 23 cents to 26 cents a share. The Starkville, Miss., regional bank was down 85 cents, or 4%, to $20.50.

Citigroup (C) slipped on word its sweetened buyout offer for Japanese broker Nikko Cordial was rejected by Harris Associates, Nikko's biggest shareholder. Citigroup, which currently has a 4.9% stake in the broker, is offering 1,700 yen per share for the rest of the company -- around $14.40, at recent conversion rates. Shares were down 19 cents to $51.84.

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