Tag - Efoi

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) fell throughout Thursday’s trading session on weaker-than-expected durable goods orders and lackluster financial firm news, magnifying investors’ already present concerns surrounding a possible economic slowdown. The small-cap index dropped 23.52 points, or 2.95%, to 773.51. The Dow shed 192.08 points, or 1.42%, to 13,359.61.

News of the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto only added to the unsettling economic data, shaking the markets.

Durable goods orders for the month of November edged up a less-than-forecasted 0.1% from October’s 0.4% decline. Economists were forecasting an increase of 2.5%.

In corporate news, Goldman Sachs issued a note late Wednesday speculating that financial juggernaut Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) might have to slash its dividend by 40% in light of now greater-than-forecasted write-downs for bad bets on collateralized debt obligations. Goldman is now projecting write-downs in the neighborhood of $18.7 billion, up from the investment bank’s previous estimate of $11 billion.

In related news surrounding the unfolding of the credit crisis, Fitch Ratings put 205 residential mortgage-backed securities backed by bond insurers, including MBIA and Ambac Financial Group, on review for a downgrade.

The day’s negative news overshadowed U.S. consumer confidence, which rose unexpectedly in December. The Conference Board's index of confidence increased to 88.6, the first gain in five months, from a revised 87.8 the prior month. November's number was the lowest in two years.

Shares of Energy Focus, Inc. (Nasdaq: EFOI) gained ground today after the manufacturer of lighting systems for both the general commercial and the pool and spa lighting markets announced three new EFO-LED products for use in commercial and industrial applications.

The products include the “EFO-LED Dock Light,” a lighting system designed for shipping and receiving docks, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities; the “Armada EFO-LED,” designed for extreme low-temperature environments and the “Light Rail,” an under-cabinet lighting system.

The products will be sold through Energy Focus's distribution channels and private labeled through its alliance with TCP, Inc.

Shares of Energy Focus (EFOI) gained 33.3%, or $1.71, to $6.85 for the trading session. Shares of Energy Focus have been trading in the range of $4.60 to $9.95 for the past 52 weeks.

Shares of Energy Focus, Inc. (Nasdaq: EFOI) are rocketing after the energy-efficient lighting technologies company, formerly known as Fiberstars, Inc, said it will install its downlight system in a Wal-Mart Super Center and a Sam's Club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

“By using our highly efficient lighting system, these Wal-Mart stores can expect to see significantly lower energy, maintenance and cooling costs over fluorescent, incandescent, and other traditional lighting technologies,” said Energy Focus CEO John Davenport.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting is the biggest energy expense for retailers, accounting for 37% of total energy use in retail buildings and more than 22% of electricity costs for the average grocery store.

The two Wal-Mart stores are part of Wal-Mart de Mexico, which includes 122 Super Centers, 78 Sam's Clubs and employs 142,000 people across the country. In 2005, Wal-Mart de Mexico net sales increased 13.7% to $15.4 billion.  

Shares of Energy Focus (EFOI) gained $1.30, or 23.21%, to $6.90 in midday trading.

Trio-Tech International (AMEX: TRT), iRobot Corp. (Nasdaq: IRBT) and HireRight, Inc. (Nasdaq: HIRE) are among the biggest percentage losers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million.

Here are today's biggest percentage losers:

Q.E.P. Co., Inc. (Nasdaq: QEPC), Gyrodyne Company of America, Inc. (Nasdaq: GYRO) and Tufco Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: TFCO) 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:

Cardica, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRDC), Virco Mfg. Corp. (Nasdaq: VIRC) and Applix, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLX) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $500 million.

Here are today's biggest percentage gainers: