Tag - LMIA

Geokinetics Inc. (Nasdaq:GOK), Fuel Systems Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:FSYS) and VNUS Medical Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:VNUS) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: MGIC Investment Corp. (Nasdaq:MTG), LMI Aerospace Inc. (Nasdaq:LMIA), Rosetta Resources  Inc. (Nasdaq:ROSE), Graham Corp. (Nasdaq:GHM), Central Pacific Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:CPF) and American Reprographics Co. (Nasdaq:ARP).

Bronco Drilling Co Inc. (Nasdaq:BRNC), LMI Aerospace Inc. (Nasdaq:LMIA) and Men's Wearhouse Inc. (Nasdaq:MW) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: National Western Life Insurance Co. (Nasdaq:NWLI), Santander Bancorp (Nasdaq:SBP), Hanesbrands Inc. (Nasdaq:HBI), Steak n Shake Company (Nasdaq:SNS), Hexcel Corp. (Nasdaq:HXL) and Hingham Institution for Savings (Nasdaq:HIFS).

National Western Life Insurance Co (Nasdaq:NWLI), Santander Bancorp (Nasdaq:SBP) and Fuel Systems Solutions Inc (Nasdaq:FSYS) are among the biggest percentage losers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: LMI Aerospace Inc (Nasdaq:LMIA), Comfort Systems USA, Inc (Nasdaq:FIX), Integral System Inc (Nasdaq:ISYS), Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc (Nasdaq:NUS), Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc (Nasdaq:FDP) and Kenneth Cole Productions Inc (Nasdaq:KCP).

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) closed with a steep loss as recession fears spread on Wall Street. The small-cap index fell 16.14 points, or 2.45%, to 643.97. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) lost 153.54 points, or 1.29%, to 11,740.15.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has declined 15.93%, while the Dow is down 11.50% and the S&P 500 has shed 13.28%.

The bears dominated the session today as the specter of recession loomed in the background. Friday’s disappointing jobs report, which showed that payrolls plunged 63,000 in February, led many economists to conclude that the U.S. economy is either in or will soon be in a recession.

A report by investment bank The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) released before the start of trading forecasts that the U.S. Federal Reserve will respond by lowering its target federal funds rate to 2% by late April to give the economy a boost.

The federal funds rate, the rate commercial banks charge each other for overnight loans, currently stands at 3%.

The Russell 2000 was on a steady decline from the start of trading, slowly sliding lower throughout the course of the day. Today’s declines were led by shares of steel companies and shares of companies in the financial services industry.

LMI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMIA) shares are rising after the maker of airplane parts posted after the opening a 43% surge in fourth-quarter earnings. The St. Charles, Mo.-based company earned $3.8 million, or $0.34 per share, up 41% from $2.7 million, or $0.24 per share, a year earlier. The quarterly earnings met Wall Street analysts’ expectations. Quarterly revenue soared 81% to $54.6 million, from $30.2 million during the same period of 2006. Analysts predicted $55.8 million in revenue for the three-month period ended Dec. 31.

At 3:02 p.m. ET, LMIA shares were up 12.23%, or $2.17, at $19.92. Over the last 52 weeks, shares have ranged from $16.08 to $30.91. For detailed price information and recent news stories about LMI, click LMIA.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices fell hard today on news of bad economic reports and Bernanke’s congressional testimony. The small-cap index let go 19.34 points, or 2.76%, to 680.57, its lowest level in more than one year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) fell 306.95 points, or 2.46%, to 12,159.21.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is down 11.16%, while the Dow has deteriorated 8.33% and the S&P 500 has lost 9.20%.

Stocks small and large plunged today on more fears about the sad state of the U.S. economy.

“Incoming information has suggested that the baseline outlook for real activity in 2008 has worsened and that the downside risks to growth have become more pronounced,” U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress today. “In light of recent changes in the outlook for and the risks to growth, additional policy easing may well be necessary.”

“We believe the Fed will be aggressive in cutting the Federal Funds rate in a series of 50 basis point cuts, starting with one on January 30th,” said Arun Raha, vice president of Economic Research and Consulting for the North American operations of reinsurance company Swiss Re, in an email.

But investors focused on the grim economic picture and allowed the bears to completely dominate trading. Equities actually began the session with modest gains but were quick to lose their grip.

Bernanke’s testimony coincided with the release of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s general economic index, which showed that the region’s manufacturing activity contracted more than forecast in January.

American Technical Ceramics Corp. (AMEX: AMK) reported it agreed to be acquired by AVX Corp. (NYSE: AVX) for $24.75 per share, or about $231 million in cash, which represents a 47% premium to Friday’s closing price.

Vical Inc. (Nasdaq: VICL) said a trial of its gene-delivery technology reported positive results.

LMI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMIA) reported it plans to buy engineering services company D3 Technologies for $65 million in cash.

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

The Russell 2000 index and the Dow are barely below their start levels, while investors focus on news of possible mergers and acquisitions. At 11:41 a.m. ET the Russell 2000 was down 1.11 points, or 0.13%, to 847.08. The Dow Jones Industrial Average had lost 0.65 points, or 0.00%, to 13,638.83.

Shares of Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ENCY) are plummeting following news that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has declined to approve its drug for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Encysive received a letter from the FDA stating that the development program for the drug Thelin does not show the effectiveness needed for approval, the Houston-based company said after the close on Friday, June 15.

Indices are cautiously creeping into positive territory ahead of the Federal Reserve’s imminent decision on interest rates.  Among specific small caps, shares of LMI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: LMIA) are falling on news of a lower quarterly net income, while Super Micro Computer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SMCI) settled a patent infringement lawsuit.

At 2:08 p.m. ET the Russell 2000 was up 1.38 points, or 0.17 percent, to 832.28.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average had added 29.66 points, or 0.22 percent, to 13,338.73.

These are the biggest percentage losers among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million: