Tag - SNSTA

Sonesta International Hotels (Nasdaq:SNSTA), Amtech Systems Inc (Nasdaq:ASYS), Flexsteel Industries Inc (Nasdaq:FLXS) and Mindspeed Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:MSPD) are among the biggest percentage Gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Taylor Devices Inc (Nasdaq:TAYD), Cytori Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq:CYTX), Super Micro Computer Inc (Nasdaq:SMCI), Impac Mortgadge Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:IMPM) and Xyratex Ltd (Nasdaq:XRTX).

Small-cap stocks opened higher, but stalled quickly as bargain hunters were on the buy side trying to balance a mixed bag of corporate profit reports, worries about the stimulus package progress and valuation levels on the indices that have are seen as attractive in many corners. Some of today’s small-cap gainers were Sonesta International Hotels Corp.  (Nasdaq:SNSTA), John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc. (Nasdaq:JBSS) and Transdigm Group Inc. (NYSE:TDG).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Treasury markets clearly extended morning declines after the pending home sales report, which suggests money flow out of debt markets and potentially into stocks.  
• The pending home sales report rose 6.3%, better than expected (the forecast was flat) and helped spark a recovery bounce in equities.  
• Crude oil prices were higher in choppy trade ahead of the open; energy markets appear to be on steady footing coming into today’s session.  
• Pending home sales data comes out at 10:00 a.m. ET.
• Carmakers will release sales figures today, which could move stocks not just for automakers, but also for the general market.

Small Cap Gainers:

• Sonesta International Hotels Corp. jumped 30%, but volume on the move was limited. See (Nasdaq:SNSTA).  
• John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc. rose 26% as the nut snack maker got an earnings-related lift. See (Nasdaq:JBSS).  
• Transdigm Group Inc. rallied nearly 13% as the aircraft component designer was another firm reporting solid results. See (NYSE:TDG).  
• OSI Pharmaceuticals rises over 11% in pre-market after the company and Genentech say its drug’s benefits ended their lung cancer trial early. See (Nasdaq:OSIP).

Small Cap Losers:

• The Pantry Inc. fell 13% as the convenience chain store operator was on the negative side of the earnings response. See (Nasdaq:PTRY).  
• SanDisk sharply lower in pre-market following quarterly results. See (Nasdaq:SNDK).  
• Human Genome Sciences begins delivery of first-in-class Anthrax; shares dip slightly in pre-market on light volume. See (Nasdaq:HGSI).

Small-cap stocks opened higher, but stalled quickly as bargain hunters were on the buy side trying to balance a mixed bag of corporate profit reports, worries about the stimulus package progress and valuation levels on the indices that have are seen as attractive in many corners. At 10:04 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 1.62, or 0.36%, at 447.99.

The pending home sales report rose 6.3%, which was better than expected (the forecast was flat) and helped spark a little recovery bounce in equities. At the same time that the pending home sales report came out, the Federal Reserve said that they would extend liquidity provisions for various lending programs, which also was a supportive element in play. Treasury markets clearly extended morning declines after the pending home sales report, which suggests money flow out of debt markets and potentially into stocks.

Traders also will be watching vehicle sales report out of the major automakers throughout the session, for a glimpse not only of how bad things are on the car front, but also on the overall consumer spending psyche.

Lawmakers are slated to start debate today on the Obama stimulus plan, one that went through the House without any Republican support, but which faces a sterner test in the Senate without getting some Republican converts.

Individual small caps on the move this morning included InterMune Inc. (Nasdaq:ITMN), which gapped higher and jumped 31% as the firm’s lung drug met its trial goal. Sonesta International Hotels Corp. (Nasdaq:SNSTA) jumped 30%, but volume on the move was limited. John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc. (Nasdaq:JBSS) rose 26% as the nut snack maker got an earnings-related lift. Transdigm Group Inc. (NYSE:TDG) rallied nearly 13% as the aircraft component designer was another firm reporting solid results. On the downside, The Pantry Inc. (Nasdaq:PTRY) fell 13% as the convenience chain store operator was on the negative side of the . . .

Andersons Inc. (Nasdaq:ANDE), CBL & Associates REIT (Nasdaq:CBL) and Primeenergy Corp. (Nasdaq:PNRG) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Forrester Research Inc. (Nasdaq:FORR), EnerSys (Nasdaq:ENS), Dolan Media Co. (Nasdaq:DM), Gladstone Investment Corp. (Nasdaq:GAIN), Nanosphere Inc. (Nasdaq:NSPH) and Sonesta International Hotels Corp. (Nasdaq:SNSTA).

Cirrus Logic Inc (Nasdaq:CRUS), Vital Signs Inc (Nasdaq:VITL) and GSI Commerce  (Nasdaq:GSIC) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Penson Worldwide Inc (Nasdaq:PNSN), Vasco Data Security International Inc (Nasdaq:VDSI), Monro Muffler Brake Inc (Nasdaq:MNRO), Digi International Inc (Nasdaq:DGII), Sonesta International Hotels Corp (Nasdaq:SNSTA) and Greene County Bancorp (Nasdaq:GCBC).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

MEDecision Inc (Nasdaq:MEDE), Pyramid Oil Co (Nasdaq:PDO) and Tri-Valley Corp (Nasdaq:TIV) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Royale Energy Inc (Nasdaq:ROYL), PAM Transportation Services Inc (Nasdaq:PTSI), FieldPoint Petroleum Corp (Nasdaq:FPP), Northern Oil and Gas Inc (Nasdaq:NOG), Reddy Ice Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:FRZ) and Sonesta International Hotels Corp (Nasdaq:SNSTA).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) slipped into negative territory while most of the other major U.S. indices remain in the green. At 2:32 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had lost 3.60 points, or 0.48%, to 749.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 38.45 points, or 0.25%, to 13,082.41.

Small-cap stocks fell at about 1 p.m. ET, defying the modestly bullish mood that set over Wall Street following the release of jobs data.

A report by the Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE: ADP), a provider of business outsourcing solutions, showed that nonfarm private employment increased a more-than-expected 40,000 in December.

But there is still cause for concern, as the figure is about three times smaller than the monthly averages for the months of September through November.

Separately, the U.S. Labor Department reported that jobless claims for the week ended Dec. 29 fell 21,000 to 336,000 from the previous week’s upwardly revised total of 357,000.

The more stable four-week moving average was 343,750, a decrease of 750 from the previous week’s revised average of 344,500.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) is rising despite news of weak U.S. retail sales in October.

At 10:41 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had added 1.5 points, or 0.19%, to 777.46. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was down 39.75 points, or 0.30%, to 13,260.27.

Small-cap stocks are moving up this morning while investors are digesting both bearish and bullish news and listening to U.S. Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke’s congressional testimony.

The bears like news that U.S. retailers posted weak sales in October. Many retailers blamed the warm weather for stalling sales of cold-weather items and the higher price of gasoline, which is pinching consumers’ wallets.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), which saw a sales increase of just 0.4%, exemplifies the sector’s unimpressive performance.

Among small-cap retailers, shares of Hot Topic Inc. (Nasdaq: HOTT) cooled off due to news of a decline in October sales, while Christopher & Banks Corp. (NYSE: CBK) reported a 22% in October sales. Women’s fashion retailer New York and Company, Inc. (NYSE: NWY) also announced an increase in October sales.

The Russell 2000 futures were higher as the bulls reacted to news that automaker Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) reported that it expects to break even in 2007 following a narrower third-quarter loss. The company beat Wall Street’s expectations by posting a loss of $380 million, compared with a loss of $5.2 billion a year earlier.

Cardica, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDC), Elecsys Corp. (AMEX: ASY) and Sonesta International Hotels Corp. (Nasdaq: SNSTA) are among the biggest percentage losers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million.

Here are today's biggest percentage gainers:

Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. (Nasdaq: LEND), National Security Group (Nasdaq: NSEC) and Servotronics, Inc. (AMEX: SVT) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million.

Here are today's biggest percentage gainers:

Q.E.P. Co., Inc. (Nasdaq: QEPC), ACA Capital Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ACA) and HydroGen Corp. (Nasdaq: HYDG) the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million.

Here are today's biggest percentage gainers:

Wall Street is posting solid gains this morning on news of positive U.S. retail sales in June.

At 10:33 a.m. ET the Russell 2000 had gained 7.95 points, or 0.95 percent, to 847.92. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 126.89 points, or 0.93 percent, to 13,704.76, above its record close of 13,676.32 on June 4.

U.S. retailers increased their sales in June, led by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), which announced that same-store sales increased 2.4%, beating its own expectations. The Bentonville, Ark.-based giant had projected a rise of no more than 2%.

The rise in retail sales suggests that the American consumer remains resilient in the face of higher gas prices.

However, department stores Macy’s Inc. (NYSE: M) and J. C. Penney Company Inc. (NYSE: JCP) and Saks Inc. (NYSE: SKS), which operates Saks Fifth Avenue, saw a decline in June comparable store sales.

In economic news, the U.S. trade deficit in May widened to $60.04 billion from $58.67 billion in April, the Commerce Department said before the opening bell. That’s inline with expectations.

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

The Russell 2000 index and the Dow closed at new record highs despite news of a sharp drop on the Shanghai stock market and disappointing U.S. economic news.  The Russell 2000 added 1.68 points, or 0.20%, to end at 855.09, its fourth consecutive record close.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average also made history, gaining 8.21 points, or 0.06%, to 13,676.32, its second consecutive record.

U.S. stocks opened in the red following news the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 8.3%, its biggest decline since the 9% fall on February 27 that sent tremors throughout global financial markets.

Boston-based Sonesta International Hotels Corp. (Nasdaq: SNSTA) announced at the start of trading it has initiated a review of strategic options available for enhancing shareholder value.

Draper, Utah-based 1-800 CONTACTS, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTAC) announced at the start of trading it agreed to be purchased by Fenway Partners for $24.25 per share, or about $340 million. The acquisition price is 21% premium over the company’s closing price on Friday, June 1.

Houston-based KMG Chemicals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KMGB) announced its CEO David Hatcher has resigned from his position, but will continue to be “actively involved” as chairman. The specialty chemicals business also announced revenue of $28 million for the third quarter ended April 30, up from $21 million in the year-ago period. The company recorded net income of $3.8 million, or $0.34 a share, up from $1.85 million, or $0.20 per share, a year earlier.

Oklahoma City-based Quest Resource Corp. (Nasdaq: QRCP) said it plans an IPO of a new partnership for the natural gas company’s exploration and production operations.

Hayward, Calif.-based Cholestech Corp. (Nasdaq: CTEC) announced this morning it agreed to be bought by Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. (AMEX: IMA) for $21.02 a share, or about $326.3 million.

San Diego-based Accredited Home Lenders Holding Co. (Nasdaq: LEND) announced it agreed to be acquired by Lone Star Funds for $15.10 per share, or about $400 million, in cash. The mortgage banking company said the deal is expected to be closed in the third quarter ending Sept. 30.

Danbury, Conn.-based FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCEL) announced its distribution partner POSCO Power has sold 5.1 megawatts of new power plants in South Korea

Aquamarine Capital Management, which owns a 2.3% stake in Everlast Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq: EVST), said this morning it will vote against the $146 million buyout offer from Hidary Group for the boxing equipment maker because it believes the price is not high enough.

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

Shares in Novacea, Inc. (Nasdaq: NOVC) are up over 85% in Wednesday midday trading on an announcement the biopharmaceutical company entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with biopharmaceutical company Schering-Plough Corp. (NYSE: SGP) for the development and commercialization of the cancer drug Asentar.

Shares of True Religion Apparel Inc. (Nasdaq: TRLG) are up over 13% after Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc. raised its rating on the clothing maker, saying the company has strong growth prospects.

Versant Corp. (Nasdaq: VSNT) shares are up after the data management software company announced a jump in second-quarter earnings after the close of trading Tuesday. Net income for the Fremont, Calif.-based company in the second quarter ended April 30 totaled $1.9 million, or $0.52 a share, up from $1.2 million, or $0.23 a share, in the year-ago period.

In midday Wednesday trading, Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: SYNO) shares were up over 7% after the company reported before the start of trading a 47% jump in its surgical business division for the second quarter ended April 30. The surgical products maker reported a $0.7 million profit, or $0.06 a share, up from a $0.4 loss, or $0.04 per share, a year earlier.

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