Tag - Hnsn

Hansen Medical Inc (Nasdaq:HNSN), Green Bankshares Inc (Nasdaq:GRNB) and Tennant Co (Nasdaq:TNC) are among the new 52-week lows in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: IPG Photonics Corp (Nasdaq:IPGP), Flushing Financial Corp (Nasdaq:FFIC), Zep Inc (Nasdaq:ZEP), Facet Biotech Corp (Nasdaq:FACT), Schawk Inc (Nasdaq:SGK) and Cepheid (Nasdaq:CPHD).

Schawk Inc (Nasdaq:SGK), Hansen Medical Inc (Nasdaq:HNSN) and Flushing Financial Corp (Nasdaq:FFIC) are among the new 52-week lows in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. (Nasdaq:ULTA), Hansen Medical Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN) and American Oriental Bioengineering Inc. (Nasdaq:AOB) are among the biggest percentage losers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Zion Oil and Gas Inc. (Nasdaq:ZN), Chemgenex Pharm Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:CXSP), IRIS International Inc. (Nasdaq:IRIS), HSN Inc. (Nasdaq:HSNI), DineEquity Inc. (Nasdaq:DIN) and Delta Petroleum Corp. (Nasdaq:DPTR).

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed up . . .

Small-cap stocks pushed higher Friday, lifted by a rise in commodity markets, which in turn provided a lift to commodity-themed stocks. Energy markets were a key component on the commodity rise, with crude oil prices up 6.6%, helping offset weakness in financial shares. Volume was extremely light Friday as many market participants took advantage of Thursday’s Christmas holiday to carve out a four-day weekend. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed up 6.28, or 1.34%, at 476.77, and is now down 38% for 2008. The Dow is off 36% for the year, while the S&P 500 is down 41%.

Today’s light volume, limited range affair was remarkably similar to Wednesday’s session, which saw the thinnest one-day range since the whole stock market collapse kicked into gear back in mid-September. On a weekly basis, this was also the tightest range seen in several months.

When looking at sector activity today, commodities were a recurring upside theme, with metals and mining firms, gold stocks, aluminum, oil and gas drillers ranking among the best performing sectors. The U.S. dollar was down modestly against the euro, but this appeared to be more a push for commodity markets than simply a value play based on foreign exchange movement. The Commodity Research Bureau Index was up about 1.3% on the day, with energy, grains and metals leading the way. Gold prices were up 2.7% to a weekly high, and grain markets took flight amid concerns about . . .

Forced liquidations, fear of a global recession and a worrisome corporate profit picture sparked another stiff sell-off in small-cap stocks, capping off a bruising week that saw the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) sink to the lowest close in more than five years. The Russell closed down 18.80, or 3.84%, at 471.12 and is now down 38% for 2008. The Dow is off 37% this year, while the S&P 500 is down 40%. Today’s small-cap gainers are Hansen Medical (Nasdaq:HNSN), Rubicon Technology (Nasdaq:RBCN) and IPC Holdings (Nasdaq:IPCR).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Today’s slump underscored the fact that the credit crisis and economic crunch we’ve been feeling in America is also very much a global problem.
• This morning, data in Great Britain revealed that the U.K. economy contracted for the first time in 16 years, which ignited the largest one-day slide in the pound since 1992. 
• Also, Argentinean officials are pondering taking over billions in pension funds, Asian equities and European bourses are at five-year lows and even commodity markets are in a scary freefall.
• Crude oil prices plunged again today, sinking 5% to 17-month lows at $64.15 a barrel.
• The Commodity Research Bureau Index of 19 physical markets collapsed to the lowest point since January 2004 and is down more than 50% from the spring highs.

Small Cap Gainers:

• IPC Holdings gained 18% on no fresh news. See (Nasdaq:IPCR).  
• Rubicon Technology gained 24% at closing. See (Nasdaq:RBCN).  
• Hansen Medical closed up 30% after its bottom-line beat estimates and revenues soared in Q3. See (Nasdaq:HNSN).   
• Insituform Tech posted a 16% spike in Q3 EPS that beat the Street, as it made progress in its N. Am sewer rehabilitation operations. See (Nasdaq:INSU).

Small Cap Losers:

• Ariba Inc. closed down 22% on sloppy earnings results. See (Nasdaq:ARBA).  
• Technitrol Inc. tumbled some 35% on sloppy earnings news. See (NYSE:TNL).  
• XL Capital closed down 13% after Moody’s put the insurer on watch for downgrade on posting a Q3 loss due to bailing out Syncora Holdings. See (NYSE:XL).  

Hansen Medical Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN), Heritage Commerce Corp. (Nasdaq:HTBK) and Insituform Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:INSU) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: IPC Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq:IPCR), Align Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:ALGN), Silver Standard Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:SSRI), BankAtlantic Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:BBX), US Airways Group Inc. (Nasdaq:LCC) and Auburn National Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:AUBN).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Charlotte Russe Holding Inc (Nasdaq:CHIC), Western Refining Inc (Nasdaq:WNR) and Comverge Inc (Nasdaq:COMV) are among the new 52-week lows in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Trico Marine Services Inc (Nasdaq:TRMA), Hansen Medical Inc (Nasdaq:HNSN), Rubicon Technology Inc (Nasdaq:RBCN), CPI Corp (Nasdaq:CPY), EPIQ Systems Inc (Nasdaq:EPIQ) and Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd (Nasdaq:NAK).

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

Hansen Medical Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN) has tumbled 13% today after posting a wider second-quarter loss after Thursday’s close. For the quarter ended June 30, net loss was $14.9 million, or $0.61 per share, compared with a net loss of $7.9 million, or $0.37 per share, for the same period a year earlier. Revenue grew to $5.8 million from $2.4 million. The Mountain View, Calif.-based medical robotic technology supplier said it encountered costs from new hires and costs associated with a new facility that negated its increased sales.

At 3:29 p.m. ET, shares are at $13.25, down $2 from Thursday’s close. Trading volume has jumped to almost 2 million shares, about four times the average. Shares hit a 52-week low early of $12.68 early in the trading day.

PetMed Express Inc (Nasdaq:PETS), Ness Technologies Inc (Nasdaq:NSTC) and American Commercial Lines Inc (Nasdaq:ACLI) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Innophos Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:IPHS), Pharmasset Inc (Nasdaq:VRUS), Eresearchtechnology Inc (Nasdaq:ERES), Hansen Medical Inc (Nasdaq:HNSN), Finish Line Inc (Nasdaq:FINL) and STEC Inc (Nasdaq:STEC).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

Hansen Medical Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN) said early Wednesday it had received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to market its CoHesion 3D Visualization Module. The product is intended for use in complex electrophysiology mapping procedures, the Mountain View, Calif.-based company said. The CoHesion product will allow doctors to navigate a catheter during the diagnostic phase of a cardiac arrhythmia procedure, the company said. Hansen Medical produces a family of medical robotics designed for use in the medical field.

On Wednesday, shares of Hansen Medical rose slightly to $17.49, up 4.6% from Tuesday’s close.

Moldflow Corp. (Nasdaq:MFLO), BluePhoenix Solutions, Ltd. (Nasdaq:BPHX) and Magma Design Automation, Inc. (Nasdaq:LAVA) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:TYPE), Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) and Hansen Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

Here are the most actively traded small-cap companies in Friday's pre-market trading:

Here are the biggest percentage gainers and losers in pre-market trading among companies with a market cap between $50 million and $750 million:

Biggest percentage gainers:

• Hansen Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN), up 63%.
• Immersion Corp. (Nasdaq:IMMR), up 10%.
• Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:MNTA), up 8%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Radware Ltd. (Nasdaq:RDWR), down 11%, after reporting a wider-than-expected first-quarter loss and lower revenues.
• BioMimetic Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq:BMTI), down 9%.
• Novogen Ltd. (Nasdaq:NVGN), down 8%.

Here are the biggest percentage gainers and losers in pre-market trading among companies with a market cap between $50 million and $750 million:

Biggest percentage gainers:

• Volterra Semiconductor Corp. (Nasdaq:VLTR), up 19% on news that its first-quarter revenues and earnings beat analysts’ estimates.
• BioMimetic Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:BMTI), up 13% on news that the FDA confirmed the status of the company’s study for the treatment of foot and ankle fusions.
• DexCom, Inc. (Nasdaq:DXCM), up 9%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• Hansen Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN), down 3%.
• China Finance Online Co. Ltd. (Nasdaq:JRJC), down 1%.
• Encore Wire Corp. (Nasdaq:WIRE), down 1%. 

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) futures are lower but have been moving up following mixed economic and financial news.

The bears and the bulls are doing battle in pre-market trading. The bears are reacting to news this morning that Wachovia Corp. (NYSE:WB) swung to a first-quarter loss. The Charlotte, N.C.-based bank will sell common and preferred stock to raise money.

Futures fell but started improving on news before the opening that U.S. retail sales unexpectedly rose 0.2% in March, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Economists were expecting sales to stay flat.

The Russell 2000 came under heavy selling pressure Friday, sinking 19.26, or 2.72%, to 688.16. Look for key support Monday at 681, then down at 672. On the upside, resistance is at 696, then at 705 and 712.

This week is full of big economic releases and the Retail Sales data could set the tone for the week ahead. The 10:00 a.m. ET Business Inventories report doesn’t carry the kind of volatility of the Retail Sales release, but could spark a mild bobble in equities.

Shares of Hansen Medical Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN) are flat on news after the close on Tuesday that the maker of medical robots will sell 3 million shares of its common stock. The Mountain View, Calif.-based company will raise nearly $40 million from the sale.

At 3:45 p.m. ET, the stock had shed $0.17, or 1%, to $14.41.

EMCORE Corp. (Nasdaq:EMKR), Chordiant Software, Inc. (Nasdaq:CHRD) and Solarfun Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

Superior Bancorp (Nasdaq:SUPR), Hansen Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:HNSN) and China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSUN) are also among the most actively traded small-cap companies in pre-market trading.

Here are the most actively traded small-cap companies in Wednesday's pre-market trading:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) futures are slightly higher as investors react to news of a bullish private jobs report.

The private sector added 8,000 jobs in March, according to a monthly report by payroll company Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE:ADP) before the start of trading. That’s a modest gain but it beats economists’ projections of a decline.

Small-cap stocks opened higher and stayed strong, ending Tuesday’s session near the highs for the day, while pushing above important short-term resistance near 705. The Russell 2000 closed at 710.64, up 22.67, or 3.30%, notching the third-largest one-day percentage gain of the year. Resistance comes in today at 716, but the critical spot is up around 724. Look for support at the aforementioned 705 area, then down at 696 and 688.

Today’s big event comes in the form of a scheduled appearance by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke before the congressional Joint Economic Committee, which could stir volatility into the trading session. The Factory Orders release at 10:00 a.m. ET will likely be upstaged by the Bernanke headlines.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures are pointing up and the small-cap index could open higher on news of a profit rise at Wal-Mart.

The bulls are ready this morning following news that Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT) reported a 7.9% increase in third-quarter profit at its U.S. stores. The Bentonville, Ark.-based company, the world’s largest retailer, also reported that revenue rose 8.9%, outpacing Wall Street’s projections.

Wal-Mart also improved its fiscal 2008 earnings guidance.

Elsewhere, shares of Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) are climbing on news the company is in talks with handset operator China Mobile to introduce its iPhone to the Chinese market. The iPhone was recently introduced in Europe but has yet to make its Asian debut.

Here are the biggest percentage gainers and losers in pre-market trading among companies with a market cap between $100 million and $750 million:

Biggest percentage gainers:

• Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR), up 19% on news it has resolved contractual issues with Pfizer Inc. (PFE).
• US BioEnergy Corp. (USBE), up 12% on news of a rise in third-quarter earnings.
• Tecumseh Products Company (TECUA), up 11%.

Biggest percentage losers:

• James River Coal Co. (JRCC), down 5%.
• JDA Software Group Inc. (JDAS) down 4% on news it has created an Alliance Connection program to expand demand for its product.
• Hansen Medical Inc. (HNSN) down 3%.

Shares of Hansen Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: HNSN) popped in pre-market trading after theStreet.com's Jim Cramer said late Thursday that the company “is a buy on any pull back.”

Hansen’s CEO, Frederic Moll, told Cramer that the small cap is building a presence in the growing market of electrophysiology with robotic catheters. Moll also said the company recently entered into a development and co-marketing relationship with St. Jude, where both will sell the Sensei robotic catheter system.

Hansen Medical manufactures medical robotics for positioning, manipulation, and stable control of catheters and catheter-based technologies.

Shares of Hansen Medical (HNSN) jumped 7.91%, or $2.20, to $30.02 in pre-market trading. Shares of Hansen Medical have been trading in the range of $10.02 to $29.15 for the past 52 weeks.

One of the hottest trends in medicine today is minimally invasive surgeries - procedures using laparoscopic devices and remote controlled instruments to minimize surgical incisions and reduce trauma, pain and scarring for the patient. Minimally invasive surgeries also result in fewer post-surgical complications, shorter hospital stays and in some cases, outpatient treatment.

These techniques may also be used in interventional procedures such as angioplasty, which typically involves threading flexible catheters through arteries to reach the treatment area and clear blockages. Millions of minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures are performed worldwide each year. 

Many cardiac surgeries are performed today using minimally invasive techniques. Instead of the traditional method of cutting through the breastbone to gain access to the heart, surgeons are using endoscopes and specially designed instruments inserted through a small opening in the chest to perform the same procedure. Balloon angioplasty as a treatment for blocked arteries was developed in the 1980s. About 600,000 of these procedures are performed annually in the United States. With further technology advances, minimally invasive procedures will soon become an option for another 300,000 patients undergoing heart defect repair surgeries each year.

These techniques have greatly improved treatment options for cerebral aneurysms, which are bulging arteries in the brain. Left untreated, these bulges can rupture, resulting in  catastrophic brain injury or even death. Repairs are made by inserting a catheter into the femoral artery, which is then threaded through the arterial system into the brain and ultimately the opening of the aneurysm. According to the American Heart Association, about 700,000 strokes occur annually in the United States; many of these may be caused by cerebral aneurysms. Industry sources indicate the worldwide market for treating aneurysms was between $400 million and $500 million in 2006. 

Two small caps poised to benefit are Hansen Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: HNSN) and Micrus Endovascular Corp. (Nasdaq: MEND).

DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUSA) has been granted an orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its drug Levulan, which treats esophageal dysplasia, the Wilmington, Mass.-based dermatology company said this morning.  Esophageal dysplasia is a leading cause of esophageal cancer.  Once a company receives approval from the FDA to market its orphan-designated product, it is entitled to seven years of marketing exclusivity.  Nevertheless, shares are up $0.15, or 5%, to $2.77.

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

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

Hansen Medical Inc.’s (Nasdaq: HNSN) stock hit a new 52-week-high this morning after the Mountain View, Calif.-based company announced it had received FDA clearance for commercialization of the Sensei Robotic Catheter System and Artisan Control Catheter.

Dr. Frederic Moll, founder and CEO of Hansen, said the news is particularly exciting considering that the firm didn’t expect FDA approval until the second half of the year.

Hansen, which was founded in 2002 and went public in 2006, sells medical robots used to move and control catheters.

Its stock shot up by $4.26, or 22.6%, to $23.15 this morning on the news after having traded as high as $26.69 earlier in the day. Previously, shares had traded between $10.02 (on Dec. 13, 2006) and $22.67 (on March 20) in the past year.

The small cap index is gaining ground this morning, as investors react to news of stronger-than-expected U.S. productivity growth.  In specific small cap action, shares of Hansen Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: HNSN) got a lift on news U.S. regulators cleared the company’s medical mapping technology, while Town Sports International Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLUB) reported a quarterly net loss.

At 11:19 a.m. ET the Russell 2000 had added 1.40 points, or 0.17 percent, to 829.86.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 15.76 points, or 0.12 percent, to 13,227.64.

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