Tag -  IDIX 

DryShips Inc (Nasdaq:DRYS), Geron Corp (Nasdaq:GERN) and Skyworks Solutions Inc (Nasdaq:SWKS) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:IDIX), Paragon Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:PRGN), Palm Inc (Nasdaq:PALM), Indevus Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:IDEV), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:EGLE) and Phase Forward Inc (Nasdaq:PFWD).

Small-cap stocks staged an impressive rally into midday trading, bolstered by signs of thawing in the credit market freeze, month-end bargain hunting and a renewed appetite for riskier market bets amid hope that the October collapse in equities has already priced in the worst of the economic news. At 12:20 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 13.14, or 2.56%, at 527.32, on target for a fourth consecutive daily gain, something that hasn’t happened in five months.

Speaking of riskier bets, the top performing broad market sector so far today has been casinos, followed up by homebuilders, semiconductor equipment, airlines, insurance brokers, construction materials, wireless telecoms and health care services. On the downside, photo products, hotels, agriculture products, metal and mining stocks and gold shares were out of favor.

Inter-bank lending rates have tumbled to the 3% zone, down some 14 consecutive trading sessions, and well off the peak above 5% at the beginning of October when mistrust and fear spiked up lending rates among banks as the credit crisis fueled a run of disasters among large financial companies. During today’s rally, financial stocks were doing well, with the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund up 2.7%.

Energy and commodity shares were a drag on the market, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund down 0.3% while crude oil prices edged lower on concerns about the demand picture amid a global economic slowdown. The commodity story also was pulled down today by a resurgent U.S. dollar, with the greenback up 1.3% against the euro.

A bevy of economic reports this morning were basically in line with expectations, save for a dour reading on Midwest manufacturing seen in the Chicago purchasing manager’s survey, which tumbled to 37.8, way below the forecast of . . .

SM&A (Nasdaq:WINS), First Regional Bancorp (Nasdaq:FRGB) and Ardea Biosciences Inc. (Nasdaq:RDEA) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:IDIX), Bankrate Inc. (Nasdaq:RATE), Cbeyond Inc. (Nasdaq:CBEY), Loral Space & Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:LORL), DivX Inc. (Nasdaq:DIVX) and Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co Inc. (Nasdaq:GAP).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Medivation Inc. (Nasdaq:MDVN), First Financial Corp.(Nasdaq:THFF) and Trex Co. (Nasdaq:TWP) are among the new 52-week highs in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Ciber Inc. (Nasdaq:CBR), Republic First Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:FRBK), Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:IDIX), American CareSource Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:XSI), CombiMatrix Corp. (Nasdaq:CBMX) and NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:NPSP).

Here are the new 52-week highs among small caps:

Bluegreen Corp (Nasdaq:BXG), Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:MNTA) and Hawaiian Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:HA) are among the new 52-week highs in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Westwood Holdings Group Inc (Nasdaq:WHG), First Financial Corp (Indiana) (Nasdaq:THFF), Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:IDIX), Cyberonics Inc (Nasdaq:CYBX), LTC Properties Inc (Nasdaq:LTC) and Merit Medical Systems Inc (Nasdaq:MMSI).

Here are the new 52-week highs among small caps:

Argan Inc (Nasdaq:AGX), Allos Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq:ALTH) and American Ecology Corp (Nasdaq:ECOL) are among the new 52-week highs in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Augusta Resource Corp (Nasdaq:AZC), Finish Line Inc (Nasdaq:FINL), Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc (Nasdaq:IDIX), Badger Meter Inc (Nasdaq:BMI), BSD Medical Corp (Nasdaq:BSDM) and Parlux Fragrances Inc (Nasdaq:PARL).

Here are the new 52-week highs among small caps:

Small-cap stocks turned lower in choppy trade, unable to sustain buying enthusiasm from Tuesday’s dramatic surge as crude oil prices pushed higher overnight, sparking profit-taking from hot money traders who caught the bounce. At 9:54 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 3.80, or 0.56%, at 678.92.

Crude oil futures bounced nearly $2 dollars a barrel to about $138 dollars heading into the stock market open. Energy markets were lifted by reports that Iran test fired missiles to show that they would retaliate if Israel attacks their nuclear production facilities.

Losses were limited by gains in overseas equities trading. Hong Kong stocks rallied 2.7%, China was up 3.9%, Australia up 1.6%, India shares jumped 4.6% and Singapore markets were up 1%, catching up with the big move in U.S. equities from Tuesday.

Earlier this morning, the MBA Mortgage Applications Survey rose 7.5% in the latest weekly period, the second consecutive weekly advance. However, this data series can be volatile, and the total level of mortgage applications are still 18% below last year’s figures. The purchase index on the report rose 6.7%, but is also down 19.4% from 2007. The release of the numbers ahead of the open appeared to have very little immediate trading impact on after-hours stock index markets.

The official start of the earnings season kicked off in fine fettle as Alcoa Inc. (NYSE:AA) rose more than 4% on the open this morning after quarterly results came in better than expected, and helped calm pre-earnings season angst about profits. Other large caps in the news included Nucor Corp. (NYSE:NUE), which jumped nearly 5% early following an analyst upgrade. Airlines were soft this morning with . . .

Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:BBGI), Helicos BioSciences Corp. (Nasdaq:HLCS) and CSK Auto Corp. (NYSE:CAO) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $750 million.

EnteroMedics Inc. (Nasdaq:ETRM), Crawford & Company (NYSE:CRD.B) and Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:IDIX) are also among the top small-cap percentage gainers.

Here are Tuesday's biggest percentage gainers:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) closed at new record highs on news of better-than-expected rise in U.S. July consumer sentiment. The small-cap index added 0.59 points, or 0.07%, to a new record close of 855.77. The Dow gained 45.52 points, or 0.33%, to a record close of 13,907.25. Both indices previously set records on July 12.

The day began with news that June retail sales fell 0.9%, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Economists were forecasting a drop of 0.1%. Retail sales added 1.5% in May.

Numbers on import prices, which also came out before the start of trading, showed a rise of 1% in June, the Labor Department reported. That’s more than economists’ forecast increase of 0.6% and a result of higher fuel costs and strong worldwide economic growth.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is down but the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is in positive territory following news of mixed U.S. economic data. At 12:04 p.m. ET the Russell 2000 was down 3.23 points, or 0.38%, to 851.95. The Dow had added 19.26 points, or 0.14%, to 13,880.99.

Shares of Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDIX) are among the major losers, down $2.05, or 35%, to $3.74, on news the Cambridge, Mass.-based company is putting on hold the development of its hepatitis C drug. Discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have led to the conclusion that the overall risk/benefit profile of the drug valopicitabine does not justify further research, Idenix said before the start of trading.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is down but the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is up as stocks are mixed on news of a decline in June retail sales and conflicting economic data.

At 10:25 a.m. ET the Russell 2000 had lost 3.68 points, or 0.43 percent, to 851.50. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 10.81 points, or 0.08 percent, to 13,872.54.

June retail sales fell 0.9%, the most in almost two years, the U.S. Commerce Department reported before the opening bell. Economists were forecasting a drop of 0.1%. On Thursday, retailers surprised many by announcing generally positive same-store sales in June, leading to a rally.

Elsewhere, the higher price of oil contributed to a 1% rise in June import prices, according to the Labor Department before the start of trading. Wall Street was calling for a rise of 0.6%.

The news this morning was not all bad. The monthly University of Michigan said that its consumer sentiment index rose to 92.4 in July, exceeding the projected rise to 86. The index was at 85.3 in June.

The following were the most actively traded companies in Friday’s trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDIX) said the FDA has essentially rejected its hepatitis C drug. Idenix is “not optimistic” about the drug’s future prospects, CEO Jean-Pierre Sommadossi said.

The following are the most actively traded companies in Friday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

The Russell 2000 index is gaining after two days of declines on news that retail sales in May increased more than expected.
 
At 10:06 a.m. ET the Russell 2000 was up 2.85 points, or 0.35 percent, to 824.57. Dow Jones Industrial Average had added 56.87 points, or 0.43 percent, to 13,351.88.

U.S. retail sales rose 1.4% in May, the Commerce Department reported before the opening bell. That’s more than twice the expected increase of 0.6% and a sign that the economy may be shifting into higher gear. Retail sales fell 0.1% in April.

However, May import prices also outpaced projections, rising 0.9%, the U.S. Labor Department.

The following were the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

Due to stock options backdating, Internet phone service provider iBasis, Inc. (Nasdaq: IBAS) restated its 2006 annual report, adding $10.1 million for stock-based compensation.

Bear Stearns downgraded business software maker Agile Software Corp. (Nasdaq: AGIL) to “peer perform” from “outperform.”

San Diego-based Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NBIX) said it resubmitted its application for the insomnia drug indiplon to the FDA.

Employee training software maker Saba Software, Inc. (Nasadaq: SABA) said it expects a loss of $0.09 to $0.12 per share in the fourth quarter ended May 31, compared with a loss of $0.12 per share a year earlier.

Bethesda, Md.-based healthcare services provider Chindex International, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHDX) announced a profitable second quarter compared to a loss in the year-ago period.

Burlington, Mass.-based LeMaitre Vascular, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMAT) reported the first implant in the company’s study of its UniFit stent technology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: OCLS) announced that the Drug Enhancement Company of America is licensing the company’s Microcyn technology for an over-the-counter “pen-like” applicator used to sterilize wounds. The 10-year licensing deal could provide Oculus with up to $47.5 million.

Portland, Ore.-based business software maker Rentrak Corp. (Nasdaq: RENT) reported a fourth quarter profit of $0.15 per share, up from $0.14 per share in the year-ago period and above analysts’ expectations of $0.11 a share.

Legal software maker EPIQ Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: EPIQ) announced an upgraded version of its eDiscovery software. The Kansas City-based company added features that allow legal professionals to more quickly review trial and financial transaction documents.

The following are the most actively traded companies in Wednesday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

Rodman & Renshaw maintained its "market perform" rating on biopharmaceutical company Medivation, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDVN).

Cyberonics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CYBX) reported a wider quarterly loss and revenue that didn’t meet analysts’ expectations.

Three patients in Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDIX) hepatitis C study had to discontinue due to what Idenix described as "adverse events," related to problems with toxicity.

These are the biggest percentage losers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million:

Wall Street opened the day in negative territory on news of a rise in U.S. Treasury notes.
 
At 9:58 a.m. ET the Russell 2000 was down 5.30 points, or 0.64 percent, to 827.88. Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 38.28 points, or 0.29 percent, to 13,386.68.

The 10-year Treasury note increased to 5.21%, on growing concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve will not lower interest rates this year. Last week marked the first time in 10 months that the note crossed the $5 mark. The 2-year Treasury note has climbed to 5.04%.

The following were the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDIX) announced that the Cambridge, Mass.-based company achieved its primary and secondary endpoints in the second trial phase of its hepatitis C drug valopicitabine.

Neurochem Inc. (Nasdaq: NRMX) said that no predictions or conclusions can be made regarding the outcome of the phase III trial for its Alzheimer’s treatment Alzhemed.

On lower sales, Cyberonics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CYBX) announced a fourth-quarter loss of $0.42 per share, compared to a $0.17 a share loss in the year-ago period. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting a loss of $0.35 per share.

China-based Connect Holdings Ltd. announced progress in its cash offer of $11 per share to acquire all issued shares of Pacific Internet Ltd. (Nasdaq: PCNTF). Withdrawal of acceptances is permitted until 1:00 a.m. ET on June 22.

Nastech Pharmaceutical (Nasdaq: NSTK) reported this morning it received a U.S. patent titled "Cyanocobalamin Low Viscosity Aqueous Formulations for Intranasal Delivery." Issuance of the new patent prompts an obligation by QOL Medical LLC to pay the Bothell, Wash.-based Nastech $2 million under the license agreement granting QOL Medical rights to Nascobal Nasal Spray.

Oil and gas company GMX Resources Inc. (Nasdaq: GMXR) announced successful results from the test drilling of a 20-acre plot in the area of east Texas and northern Louisiana known as Cotton Valley.

The following are the most actively traded companies in Tuesday pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million:

Shares of Vical Inc. (Nasdaq: VICL) are sagging despite news this morning that the San Diego-based pharmaceutical company has been awarded a three-year, $6 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for a DNA vaccine manufacturing process.  Shares are down $0.05, or 1%, to $4.95.

Shares of Repligen Corp. (Nasdaq: RGEN) are trading higher following news this morning that the Waltham, Mass.-based pharmaceutical company has received a favorable ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on a patent infringement lawsuit involving ImClone Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: IMCL).

CoolcatReport.com publisher Kevin Kennedy uses a proprietary trading and screening system, based in large part on momentum. For example, the stocks that make his buy list must be trading above their closes of 3, 6 and 12 months ago. In addition, they must have made new 52-week highs in the past two months.

Generally, Kennedy prefers stocks that have made new highs, have pulled back in a consolidation pattern, and are then poised to again move to new highs.

This basic strategy is applied to a wide range of stock ideas through his multiple Coolcat newsletter services. Small caps are featured in his Coolcat Explosive Small Cap Growth Stock Report.

“This batch of stocks is hanging out just above its 50-day moving average, offering some interesting entries with decent risks,” Kennedy says. “All have put earnings season to bed and appear well-positioned to move up from here.”

Passing Kennedy’s screening process is a trio of biotech stocks. Metabasis Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: MBRX), says Kennedy, has a “promising pipeline” of preclinical and clinical product candidates targeting metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia and obesity.

He notes that first-quarter revenues jumped 252% to $3.4 million, which included a $1.8-million upfront license fee received from Schering-Plough Corp. (NYSE: SGP) and license fee and sponsored research revenue from its hepatitis C collaboration with Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: IDIX).

The company – with a market cap of $243 million -- had $71.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and securities at the end of March, Kennedy notes.

Meanwhile, BioImaging Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: BITI), with a market cap of $78 million, offers services to support the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries in product development.

The following are the most actively traded companies in pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $500 million at 8:44 ET: