Tag - Mdrx

Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), Healthways Inc. (Nasdaq:HWAY) and SYNNEX Corp. (Nasdaq:SNX) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Friedman Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FRD), AZZ Inc. (Nasdaq:AZZ), MAG Silver Corp. (Nasdaq:MVG), CompuCredit Corp. (Nasdaq:CCRT), Allscripts Misys Healthcare Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:MDRX) and Lawson Software Inc. (Nasdaq:LWSN).

DryShips Inc (Nasdaq:DRYS), Orexigen Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq:OREX) and Greenlight Capital Re Ltd (Nasdaq:GLRE) are among the most actively traded companies in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:EGLE), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd (Nasdaq:SOLF), Allscripts Misys Healthcare Solutions Inc (Nasdaq:MDRX), American Medical Systems Holdings Inc (Nasdaq:AMMD), TBS International Ltd (Nasdaq:TBSI) and Canadian Solar Inc (Nasdaq:CSIQ).

A Power Energy Generation Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:APWR), Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ) and JDA Software Group Inc. (Nasdaq:JDAS) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Oceanfreight Inc. (Nasdaq:OCNF), Hiveld Steel Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:HSVLY), Cavium Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:CAVM), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd (Nasdaq:SOLF), Allscripts Misys Healthcare Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:MDRX) and TBS International Ltd (Nasdaq:TBSI).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) staged an impressive start to the week, closing up 3.88% on Monday. Today’s small-cap gainers are Landrys Restaurants (NYSE:LNY), WebMD (Nasdaq:WBMD) and McMoRan (NYSE:MMR).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• The Russell is now down 29% for the year, while the Dow is off 30% and the S&P 500 is down 33%.
• Small caps lagged large caps today even on the rally, which is a little bit of concern as the same pattern was evident on the recent collapse.
• Techs lagged throughout the day. If the money to invest in tech is choked off, then the risk appetite for smaller-cap stocks is likely to suffer as well.
• Sectors on the rise today include coal stocks, oil equipment and oil services, oil exploration, oil and gas storage, steel, oil refiners, gas utilities, industrial gases and power products.
• On the downside, broadcast and cable TV stocks were lower, as . . .

Small-cap stocks remained higher into midday trading, propelled on the opening by climbing energy shares and optimism over another big pullback on inter-bank lending rates. At 12:31 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 6.10, or 1.16%, at 532.53.

An upside surprise on leading indicators data was another supportive element in the mix this morning, but appeared to garner very little market attention. The leading indicators report came in at plus 0.3%, well above the forecast for a dip of 0.2%.

Meanwhile, a morning speech by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke came and went without too much fanfare, although the market may have found some solace Bernanke’s assertion that frozen credit markets were starting to thaw and that inflation worries have receded.

The big story so far today has been the energy arena following analyst upgrades on several key stocks and some potential merger and acquisition activity. Researchers at Oppenheimer & Co. raised their forecasts on a raft of oil companies, and the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund was up about 5.5% into mid-session. Within the small-cap sphere, PrimeEnergy Corp. (Nasdaq:PNRG) was up about 16% while large-capper NRG Energy Inc. (NYSE:NRG) gapped higher and jumped some 21% after receiving a takeover off from Exelon Corp. (NYSE:EXC).

Other small caps of note include Allscripts-Misys Healthcare Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:MDRX), which was up about 17%, trying to recapture huge losses suffered the last couple of weeks. Along the health line of thinking, WebMD Health Corp. (Nasdaq:WBMD) was up 22% on news that a merger has been terminated.

Technology shares have been lagging the overall market this morning, and have been a mild drag on small caps amid concerns that spending on technology initiatives is not out of the woods because of the slumping economy around the world. The tech-laden Nasdaq 100 Index was up just 0.8% at midday and key large-cap tech . . .

Quest Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:QELP), Seabridge Gold Inc. (Nasdaq:SA) and Landrys Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq:LNY) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Tortoise Energy Capital Corp. (Nasdaq:TYY), Targanta Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq:TARG), WebMD Health Corp. (Nasdaq:WBMD), Allscripts Misys Healthcare Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:MDRX), PAB Bankshares Inc. (Nasdaq:PABK) and Primeenergy Corp. (Nasdaq:PNRG).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:AMAG), Zhongpin Inc. (Nasdaq:HOGS) and DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) are among the most actively traded companies in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Canadian Solar Inc. (Nasdaq:CSIQ), Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd (Nasdaq:SOLF), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), Allscripts Misys Healthcare Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:MDRX), Radware Ltd (Nasdaq:RDWR) and Harmonic Inc (Nasdaq:HLIT).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

athenahealth Inc. (Nasdaq:ATHN) is freeing physicians to focus on patients, smoothing operations by taking over back-office chores. The company’s business software and services are selling so fast that surgical precision will be needed to meet high expectations.

athenahealth’s software puts insurance rules and clinical processes into its practice management platform, taking over the administrative burdens of billing, reimbursement and handling of data. Its services have three parts: proprietary Internet-based software, a continually updated database of payer reimbursement process rules, and back-office billing and clinical data management.

The Watertown, Mass.-based company emphasizes the service aspect of its business, and this model has allowed it to grow sales organically. Sales reached $100.8 million in fiscal 2007 ending in December, from $75.8 million in 2006. That 33% gain is expected to be matched in 2008, when analysts expect sales of $134.4 million, and again in 2009, when projections average $180.5 million.

Although the company does not give specific guidance, it has targeted long-term annual sales growth at 30% or better. It has a 97% physician retention rate, which gives insight into future sales. athenahealth projects long-term gross margins at 57% to 59%, adjusted EBITDA margin of 27% to 32%, and operating margins at 23% to 27%.

Revenue expectations are heady as athenahealth readies to release its second-quarter results Tuesday. Analysts see demand for its services remaining strong as the company continues to sell into a wide range of practices and providers, both big and small. Just last week, the company announced it had signed up RediClinics, which runs in-store health-care facilities — including at 15 Wal-Mart stores — for its on-demand business services.

athenahealth has grown sales organically, developing in the past five years its Internet-based software services to extend its client base. In 2005, . . .

Aladdin Knowledge Systems Ltd (Nasdaq:ALDN), Quest Resource Corp (Nasdaq:QRCP) and Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc (Nasdaq:MDRX) are among the most actively traded companies in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Superior Bancorp (Nasdaq:SUPR), PrivateBancorp Inc (Nasdaq:PVTB), Triangle Capital Corp (Nasdaq:TCAP), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq:HALO), Pacific Sunwear of California Inc (Nasdaq:PSUN) and Orion Marine Group Inc (Nasdaq:OMGI).

Here are the most actively traded companies among small caps:

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) closed lower as fears of an economic slowdown came to the forefront. The small-cap index lost 9.72 points, or 1.38%, to 692.39. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) declined 120.40 points, or 0.97%, to 12,302.46.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 is down 9.61%, while the Dow has shed 7.26% and the S&P 500 is off 9.71%.

The bears dominated most the session today as investors worried that lackluster economic growth could possibly tip into a recession.

Gross domestic product rose at the previously announced annual pace of 0.6% during the fourth-quarter of 2007, the U.S. Commerce Department announced before the start of trading. That’s in line with economists’ expectations but below the 4.9% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2007.

Many observers, among them Dennis Lockhart, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, forecast that the economy will slow down even more in the first quarter of 2008.

“It’s clear the economy is in a slowdown that resembles past periods that were the leading edge of a recession,” Lockhart told the Rotary Club of Chattanooga, Tenn. after the opening. “Following a sluggish fourth quarter, I expect that GDP for the first quarter of this year will show little, if any, growth.”

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures have retreated and the small-cap index will likely open in negative territory.

Investors appear ready to pull back slightly after the major U.S. indices posted major gains on Tuesday. That’s despite news this morning that Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) saw a decline in fiscal first-quarter net income but still beat expectations. Investment banks have come into focus following the emergency sale of Bear Stearns (NYSE: BSC).

The Russell 2000 took flight Tuesday, notching the largest one-day gain of the year as investors embraced yet another reduction in benchmark interest rates by the FOMC. The small-cap barometer shot 31.45, or 4.84%, to 681.93. It’s a familiar refrain, as the market has had a tendency to rally on FOMC day – only to falter in the after wash. It should be interesting to see if this rally can grow legs.

There are no noteworthy economic releases or Fed speakers on tap today, which should free up the market to focus on routine fundamentals and to sift through the impact of Tuesday’s surge to see if there is more gas in the tank. The market poked through a little resistance spot late Tuesday at 680, and that is now immediate support. Below there, look for support at 674, then at 667 and 660. Resistance is at 684.50, and 695.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed with a remarkable gain following news that the U.S. Federal Reserve has lowered its target interest rate. The small-cap index rose 31.45 points, or 4.83%, to 681.93. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) advanced 420.41 points, or 3.51%, to 12,392.66.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has retreated 10.98%, while the Dow is down 6.57% and the S&P 500 has let go 9.37%.

Small-cap stocks soared higher than their larger counterparts and added to their earlier gains on news after the start of trading that the U.S. Federal Reserve has decided to lower its target interest rate 0.75% to 2.25%.

“Recent information indicates that the outlook for economic activity has weakened further,” the Fed said in a statement. “Growth in consumer spending has slowed and labor markets have softened.”

The market had priced a full 1% of the federal funds rate, the rate at which commercial banks make overnight loans to each other, but policymakers expressed concern about inflation.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) and the Dow are jumping on expectations of a rate cut and news that major investment banks beat quarterly profit expectations.

At 10:08 a.m. ET, the small-cap index had climbed 16.01 points, or 2.46%, to 666.49. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was up 238.70 points, or 1.99%, to 12,210.95.

The bulls are roaring and stocks small and large are flying high following news before the opening that fiscal first-quarter profit at investment banking giant The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) fell 53% but beat Wall Street’s projections. Similarly, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (NYSE:LEH) also beat expectations despite a decline in profit.

That’s good news for investors, who were looking to see if investment banks will be able to weather the financial turmoil, particularly after Bear Stearns’ (NYSE:BSC) spectacular demise.

Helping the bulls establish their dominance is anticipation that the U.S. Federal Reserve will lower its target federal funds rate at its regularly scheduled policy meeting. The market is pricing a full 1% cut in the federal funds rate, dropping it to 2% from the current 3%. A decision will be announced at about 2:10 p.m. ET.

The federal funds rate is the rate at which commercial banks make overnight loans to each other.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) futures have gained and the small-cap index is poised to open in the green.

The bulls are ready to go following news that fiscal first-quarter profit at investment banking giant The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) fell 53% but beat Wall Street’s projections. Investors are looking to see if investment banks will be able to weather the financial turmoil, particularly after Bear Stearns’ (NYSE: BSC) spectacular demise.

All eyes will be on the U.S. Federal Reserve today as the Fed gets together for its regularly scheduled policy meeting. The market is pricing a full 1% cut in the federal funds rate, dropping it to 2% from the current 3%. A decision will be announced at about 2:10 p.m. ET.

In economic news, the U.S. Labor Department reported this morning that producer prices rose an expected 0.3% in February. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that housing starts fell more than expected in February, a sign that the housing slump continues in full force.

Small-cap stocks took a dive again on Monday, with the Russell 2000 sinking 12.43, or 1.87% to 650.48, the second lowest daily close since Nov. 1, 2005. The market did generate a mild bounce off the morning lows, and sits on an immediate test into Tuesday’s opening at 650; below there, the next support is at 644. A breach of the latter could see the market back into freefall mode. Look for resistance Tuesday at 660, then at 667 and 677.

The afternoon promises some potential sparks, as the market will react to the FOMC meeting announcement.

 

Stein Mart Inc. (Nasdaq:SMRT), Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:MDRX) and Penson Worldwide Inc. (Nasdaq:PNSN) are among the most actively traded companies in Tuesday's pre-market trading among those with market capitalizations under $750 million.

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

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) and the other major U.S. indices declined for the second day in a row on news of bearish economic reports. The small-cap index fell 3.80 points, or 0.54%, to 701.52. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) declined 28.77 points, or 0.23%, to 12,348.21.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has let go 8.42%, while the Dow has shaved 6.91% and the S&P 500 has fallen 8.06%.

The session belonged to the bears as news of government reports that showed a weak economy and hinted at a rise in inflation spooked investors.

The U.S. Labor Department reported that import prices jumped 1.7% in January due to higher energy and food prices. Economists had projected a rise of 0.5%. The year-over-year rise in import prices was 13.7%, which is the biggest change since the measure was introduced in 1982.

The United States has long relied on cheap foreign imports to keep domestic inflation low.

Adding to the economic worries was news of a report from the New York Federal Reserve that its index of general business conditions fell to its lowest level since May 2005. The numbers show that new manufacturing orders and shipments decreased while the index of prices climbed to its highest level in more than a year.

The reports suggest that the U.S. Federal Reserve might have difficulty holding inflation in check while keeping the economy growing.

Separately, preliminary numbers released by the Reuters/University of Michigan indicate a sharp drop in consumer sentiment in early February. The index fell to a level of 69.6 from 78.4 at the end of January. The result was worse than the decline expected by economists and the lowest reading in 16 years.

Here are the day’s biggest percentage gainers and losers, along with top volume leaders, among companies with a market cap between $100 million and $750 million:

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) posted the steepest decline as U.S. indices fell on news that U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke called economic growth “sluggish.” The small-cap index lost 16.61 points, or 2.30%, to 705.32. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) declined 175.26 points, or 1.40%, to 12,376.98.

On a year-to-date basis, the Russell 2000 has let go 7.93%, while the Dow is missing 6.69% and the S&P 500 has fallen 8.14%.

“My baseline outlook involves a period of sluggish growth, followed by a somewhat stronger pace of growth starting later this year,” Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee today. “The outlook for the economy has worsened in recent months, and the downside risks to growth have increased.”

The bears took complete control of trading as soon as the Fed chief began his congressional testimony at 10 a.m. ET and small-cap stocks began a virtually uninterrupted slide down.

Bernanke hinted that rate cuts are possible in the future and pointed out he is not predicting a recession, but investors didn’t take notice.

In economic news, the U.S. Commerce Department reported that the country’s trade deficit fell by a greater-than-expected 6.9% to $58.76 billion in December from $63.12 billion in November.

However, the U.S. Labor Department reported that for the week ended Feb. 9, the four-week moving average for new jobless claims increased 12,000 to its highest level since October 2005.

The Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) has extended its earlier losses following news that the outlook for the U.S. economy has worsened, according to U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke.

At 12:12 p.m. ET, the small-cap index had declined 12.98 points, or 1.80%, to 708.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDU) was down 99.41 points, or 0.79%, to 12,452.83.

“The outlook for the economy has worsened in recent months, and the downside risks to growth have increased,” Fed chairman Ben Bernanke told the Senate Banking Committee this morning.

However, Bernanke made sure to point out that he is not predicting a recession.

“My baseline outlook involves a period of sluggish growth, followed by a somewhat stronger pace of growth starting later this year as the effects of monetary and fiscal stimulus begin to be felt.”

The Fed chief also said that the U.S. central bank stands ready to lower its target federal funds rate again if necessary.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who is testifying alongside Bernanke, also told lawmakers that he believes the economy will avoid recession in 2008.

The Russell 2000 has been sliding continuously ever since the joint testimony began at 10 a.m. ET.