Tag - Sb

Formula Systems Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:FORTY), Saks Inc. (Nasdaq:SKS) and Mercantile Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq:MBR) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB), CardioNet Inc. (Nasdaq:BEAT), Lifeway Foods Inc. (Nasdaq:LWAY), Fuqi International Inc. (Nasdaq:FUQI), W Holding Co Inc. (Nasdaq:WHI) and eLoyalty Corp. (Nasdaq:ELOY).

Nektar Therapeutics (Nasdaq:NKTR), RXi Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq:RXII) and Insight Enterprises Inc. (Nasdaq:NSIT) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Thursday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Buckeye Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:BKI), Interval Leisure Group Inc. (Nasdaq:IILG), Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB), TRW Automotive  (Nasdaq:TRW), American Apparel Inc. (Nasdaq:APP) and Rockwood Holdings Inc .(Nasdaq:ROC).

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) fell hard today, as investors worried that a new plan to rescue a teetering banking system might be “too little, too late” to stave off a deepening recession or unclog credit lines. Some of today’s small-cap gainers were California First National Bancorp (Nasdaq:CFNB), Williams Controls (Nasdaq:WMCO) and SuccessFactors (Nasdaq:SFSF).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• U.S. stocks were seen opening lower, pulled down by losses overseas as the market waits for updates on the fiscal stimulus vote and on the bank bailout details.
• Copper prices and shares of copper miners were on the defensive overnight, a caution sign as copper is considered a key economic indicator.
• The wholesale inventories report came in at minus 1.4%, which was a bigger drop than forecast. 
• Small-cap stocks plunged as investors engaged in a “buy-the-rumor, sell-the-fact” response to the official rollout of the bank bailout plan
• Bernanke said that financial markets were frozen over about the economy and hinted that there was a risk for stagflation if the banking system is not fixed.
• With investors fleeing stocks today and scrambling for safe-haven outlets, money clearly moved into Treasury products.
• Crude oil futures in New York eventually closed down 5.5%, or $2.21, to $37.35 a barrel and energy stocks sank some 4.5% on the day.
• Given the focus on bank rescue news today, bank stocks were the worst performers today, with the KBW Banking Index tumbling 13%.
• Almost all of S&P sector groups were in the negative today. Even gold, . . .

Small-cap stocks plunged as investors engaged in a “buy-the-rumor, sell-the-fact” response to the official rollout of the bank bailout plan. After Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner served up details on the rescue strategy stocks swooned, safe-haven flows abounded and credit default swaps widened as the hand-wringing began in earnest. At 12:22 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was down 13.40, or 2.89%, at 454.40.

Bank and financial stocks have been in rally mode in recent days in anticipation that the government would swoop in, stave off nationalization of banks, clean out bloodied balance sheets and clear the way for lending to flow freely. However, now that the plan has been unveiled, a realization that this process won’t necessarily be easy appears to have taken over investor confidence. The KBW Banking Index slumped nearly 10% at mid-session, while financial stocks in general paced the selling rout.

Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) tumbled some 14% after the Geithner press event, while Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) was off 10%. Regional banks, which had been a star performer on Monday, were the worst performing S&P group so far today. Small-cap bank Fifth Third Bancorp (Nasdaq:FITB) was down 16% while Zions Bancorporation (Nasdaq:ZION) was off 11%.

Outside of the Treasury market, gold stocks were about the only safe spot to park money in the wake of the bank slide move. The Gold and Silver Index was up 1.3%. Small-cap gold stock Novagold Resources Inc. (AMEX:NG) was up 4.6% at midday, while large-cap group leader Newmont Mining Corp. (NYSE:NEM) was up 1%.

Energy stocks took a dive as well, giving back morning gains amid worries that the bank plan could not provide a quick economic recovery and help restore demand for energy products. Crude oil futures slipped back below $40 a barrel, . . .

Ampco Pittsburgh Corp. (Nasdaq:AP), Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB) and Ladish Co Inc. (Nasdaq:LDSH) are among the biggest percentage losers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Haynes International Inc. (Nasdaq:HAYN), Protective Life Corp. (Nasdaq:PL), Zoltek Companies Inc. (Nasdaq:ZOLT), Amicus Therapeutics Inc (Nasdaq:FOLD), Gaylord Entertainment Co. (Nasdaq:GET) and Geo Group Inc. (Nasdaq:GEO).

FNB Corp. (Nasdaq:FNB), BPZ Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:BPZ) and Under Armour Inc. (Nasdaq:UA) are among the biggest percentage losers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: TBS International Ltd. (Nasdaq:TBSI), Palm Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM), ICT Group Inc. (Nasdaq:ICTG), VisionChina Media Inc. (Nasdaq:VISN), Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB) and Cascade Bancorp (Nasdaq:CACB).

Arthrocare Corp (Nasdaq:ARTC), Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:EGLE) and PDL BioPharma Inc (Nasdaq:PDLI) are among the biggest percentage losers in Friday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Ceradyne Inc (Nasdaq:CRDN), Safe Bulkers Inc (Nasdaq:SB), Citi Trends Inc (Nasdaq:CTRN), Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc (Nasdaq:HMIN), CNB Financial Corp (Nasdaq:CCNE) and Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd (Nasdaq:GNK).

Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB), Oneida Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:ONFC) and Coleman Cable Inc. (Nasdaq:CCIX) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. (Nasdaq:GNK), Cutera Inc. (Nasdaq:CUTR), First Defiance Financial Corp. (Nasdaq:FDEF), Answers Corp. (Nasdaq:ANSW), Danaos Corp (Nasdaq:DAC) and Vitran Corp Inc. (Nasdaq:VTNC).

Small-cap stocks edged into positive ground into midday trading on support from commodity names, but in general the market appeared to be in a “breather” mood after Tuesday’s manic upside push when Federal Reserve policy makers surprised the market with aggressive interest rate cuts. Some of today’s small-cap gainers are Satyam (NYSE:SAY), Safe Bulkers Inc. (NYSE:SB) and VeriFone Inc. (NYSE:PAY).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Price action so far today in small caps has been pretty tame, with volume light and trading ranges tight.  
• Top performers today are health care facilities, coal stocks, commercial printers, railroads, mining and metal stocks and steel companies.  
• Crude oil prices held relatively steady despite a hefty 2.2 million barrel a day output cut pushed through by OPEC members.
• Real estate investment trusts (REITS) were among the poorest performers so far today, as were houseware and home furnishing stocks. 

Small Cap Gainers:

• Satyam on Tuesday said it would spend $1.6 billion to purchase family-owned infrastructure companies; shareholders revolted, stock plunged 55%. Satyam's chairman backed away from the deal overnight, stock is now up 41%. See (NYSE:SAY).  
• Safe Bulkers Inc. jumped 25% and is now up 165% from the November lows. See (NYSE:SB).  
• VeriFone Inc. rose 24% as the electronic payment technology firm reported earnings in line with expectations and forecast profits above the projection. See (NYSE:PAY).  
• Energy Conversion Devices is climbing above 10% despite a maintained "sell" rating by Citi. See (Nasdaq:ENER).  

Small Cap Losers:

• MWI Veterinary Supply Inc. tumbled 19% as the distributor of animal health products erased a huge chunk of a recent rally in one fail swoop. See (Nasdaq:MWIV).  
• Leggett & Platt down 10% after it cuts Q4 guidance. See (NYSE:LEG). 
• MarineMax secures amendment of credit agreement; shares topple 8%. See (NYSE:HZO).  
• Northstar Realty Finance Corp. down 8% on lower-than-average volume. See (NYSE:NRF).  

Small-cap stocks edged into positive ground into midday trading on support from commodity names, but in general the market appeared to be in a “breather” mood after Tuesday’s manic upside push when Federal Reserve policy makers surprised the market with aggressive interest rate cuts. At 12:20 p.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 0.03, or 0.01%, at 482.87.

In addition to the natural pause in bullish enthusiasm after such a memorable rally Tuesday, today’s profit reports were lackluster at best and pretty much anything tied to homes, homebuilders, home furnishings or real estate was struggling. Real estate investment trusts (REITS) were among the poorest performers so far today, as were houseware and home furnishing stocks. Companies such as Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NYSE:NWL) and Leggett & Platt Inc. (NYSE:LEG) were taking a hit, down 28% and 10%, respectively.

Financial stocks were a drag on the market today, with the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund off about 1.7%. Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) was down some 4.7% and Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC) was off about 2.9%.

Crude oil prices held relatively steady despite a hefty 2.2 million barrel a day output cut pushed through by OPEC members. Skepticism about OPEC’s ability to hold the line on production might account for some of the lack of rally response in energy markets, as well as concerns that slumping global demand remains on the radar screen for some time to come. Energy stocks were slightly higher even though crude oil prices were calm; commodity markets in general likely found underlying support from yet another dramatic slide in the U.S. dollar, which was down 2.2% against the euro and off 1.3% against the yen, setting 13-year lows against the latter currency.

Looking at individual S&P sectors, the top performers included health care facilities, coal stocks, commercial printers, railroads, mining and metal stocks and steel companies. Interestingly, the saga of a bailout package to automakers seems to have simmered down a tad amid all the FOMC hoopla, but Tuesday afternoon Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said that automakers would get funds as quickly . . .

American Land Lease Inc. (Nasdaq:ANL), Oceanfreight Inc. (Nasdaq:OCNF) and ArcSight Inc. (Nasdaq:ARST) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Wednesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE), PC Connection, Inc. (Nasdaq:PCCC), Century Aluminum Co. (Nasdaq:CENX), AnnTaylor Stores Corp (Nasdaq:ANN), Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB) and Capital Bank Corp . (Nasdaq:CBKN).

The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) reversed course Tuesday, unable to sustain upward momentum from Monday’s surge as weakness in financial and homebuilder stocks and numbing results from the Treasury four-week bill auction overwhelmed support from energy and a surprising upside midday spurt on tech stocks. Some of today’s small-cap gainers are DryShips (Nasdaq:DRYS), Excel Maritime Carriers (NYSE:EXM) and Eagle Bulk Shipping (Nasdaq:EGLE).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• For the year, the Dow is now down 34%, while the S&P 500 is down 39%.
• The pending home sales report showed a decline of 0.7% in October. 
• Earlier this morning, the Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was down 0.8% for the week on a year-over-year basis.
• Today’s pullback in the stock market comes as a logical “breather” following an impressive two-day run that lifted equities to four-week highs.
• Top performers so far today: aluminum, steel, coal, oil and gas drillers, semiconductors, life insurers and automotive retailers.
• Poorest performers today: real estate investment trusts, air freight couriers, food retail firms and railroads.
• Even though physical commodity prices were soft today, commodity stocks retained a supportive bent for the overall equity market.
• Crude oil prices tumbled $1.64 a barrel, or 3.7% to $42.07, but energy stocks were actually up some 1% into the close.

Small Cap Gainers:

• On the upside of things, dry bulk carriers remained a hot ticket, with Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd. (NYSE:EXM) up 38%, Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE) up 37%, DryShips Inc. (Nasdaq:DRYS) up 36% and Safe Bulkers Inc. (NYSE:SB) climbing 22%.
• Exco Resources Inc. (NYSE:XCO) jumped 28% as the oil and natural gas company announced results on the completion of a Louisiana well.
• KMG Chemicals (Nasdaq:KMGB) up 22% after reporting Q1 results . . .

Small-cap stocks reversed course Tuesday, unable to sustain upward momentum from Monday’s surge as weakness in financial and homebuilder stocks and numbing results from the Treasury four-week bill auction overwhelmed support from energy and a surprising upside midday spurt on tech stocks. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed down 15.67, or 3.25%, at 465.71 and is now down 39% for 2008. For the year, the Dow is now down 34%, while the S&P 500 is down 39%.

It appeared that the afternoon trigger point for the sudden influx of selling in equities was tied to the results for the Treasury four-week bills, which not only came in at 0.000% (yes, zero), but saw a bid-to-cover ratio of 4.20. In addition, the three-month T-bill traded with a negative yield at times today. The yield on the long bond is nearing 3% once again, which is basically unheard of, and yields for both bonds and benchmark 10-year notes fell hard today as demand ramped up for Treasury products (which tug money flow away from stocks).

“These events in the Treasury market are causing traders to believe that the market lacks liquidity or buying power,” Nick Kalivas, vice president of financial research with MF Global, said in an email interview. “Institutions like hedge funds, fund of funds, etc. have to stash money in a T-bill for reasons of risk management – like expected redemptions and this is robbing the market of buying power and generating fear,” he said.

Kalivas said it will be important to see how demand goes for three-year and 10-year note auctions, as weaker results could boost equities by suggesting that the demand for liquidity is more short-term than long-term in nature. “It is one thing to buy up a three-month T-bill, but an aggressive bid on a 10-year note auction would signal long-term pessimism toward the economy and rob stocks of buyers,” he said.

Interestingly, technology stocks consistently outperformed other index products today, even though the session started out with gloomy news on the tech front from Texas Instruments Inc. (NYSE:TXN), which cautioned about the outlook and from Japan’s Sony, which announced massive layoffs numbering some 16,000 . . .

DryShips Inc (Nasdaq:DRYS), Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd (Nasdaq:EXM) and Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (Nasdaq:EGLE) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Tuesday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd (Nasdaq:GNK), Safe Bulkers Inc (Nasdaq:SB), KMG Chemicals Inc (Nasdaq:KMGB), ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Nasdaq:ATPG), Hi-Tech Pharmacal Inc (Nasdaq:HITK) and TBS International Ltd (Nasdaq:TBSI).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Tire and rubber, coal, homebuilding, metal and mining and even hotel stocks were attracting buyers so far today.   Nov 26, 2008 12:58pm
• Office electronics were up, and so were construction-themed companies.   Nov 26, 2008 12:58pm
• Looking at sector activity, automobile manufacturers were on a roll today, with General Motors Corp. up 31%.   Nov 26, 2008 12:57pm
• The market seemed willing to cast aside a batch of mostly awful economic data from this morning as no surprise.

Small Cap Gainers:

• ATP Oil & Gas Corporation jumped 30% as the offshore oil and gas firm tried to mount a lasting rally after setting long-term lows last week. See (Nasdaq:ATPG).
• Orient Express Hotels Ltd. rallied 27% as the luxury hotelier and travel company appeared to attract bargain hunters in the hotel group. See (NYSE:OEH).  
• American Axle & Manufacturing up 24% after declaring a Q4 dividend earlier this week. See (NYSE:AXL).  
• SeaChange International Inc. is up 23% as the video-on-demand software firm benefited from an earnings-related boost. See (Nasdaq:SEAC).

Small Cap Losers:

• Safe Bulkers drops another 15% today on light volume. See (NYSE:SB).  
• Arbor Realty Trust down 15% on lower-than-average volume, hovering above a 52-week low of $1.77. See (NYSE:ABR). 
• Signet Jewelers reports disappointing Q3 09 results; shares dive 11%. See (NYSE:SIG).  
• J. Crew Group shares fall 7% on weak outlook. See (NYSE:JCG).  

Small-cap stocks extended the morning rally into midday action, boosted by gains in commodity and financial stocks and some relief that the end was in sight for the political uncertainty surrounding elections in the United States. Today’s small-cap gainers are Safe Bulkers Inc. (NYSE:SB), Carrizo Oil and Gas Inc. (Nasdaq:CRZO) and Silver Standard Resources Inc. (Nasdaq:SSRI).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Big commodity gainers today are gold, copper and corn,
• Commodity stocks in general were lifted today by a sizable drop in the U.S. dollar, which tumbled some 2.8% against the euro, making goods priced in dollars more attractive.
•  The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund was up 6% and crude oil prices shot 8% higher on reports that Saudi Arabia slashed output.  
• Commodity shares were on a roll today, with agriculture products, metal and mining stacks, coal and gold all seeing sizable gains.  
• Although the market initially pulled back on the dreary factory orders report, the rally quickly resumed and stretched out through mid-session.  

Small Cap Gainers:

• Safe Bulkers Inc. continued to be a hot stock as the marine transporter jumped 31% after being one of the biggest small-cap movers on Monday. See (NYSE:SB).  
• Carrizo Oil and Gas Inc. rallied 22% on news of a joint venture to pursue growth in Marcellus Shale. See (Nasdaq:CRZO).  
• Silver Standard Resources Inc. jumped 21% along with the resurgence in commodities. See (Nasdaq:SSRI).  
• Bruker Corp. is up 16% after reporting Q3 results on Monday. See (Nasdaq:BRKR).  

Small Cap Losers:

• Animal Health International Inc. gapped lower and tumbled 57% on unusually heavy volume amid earnings news. See (Nasdaq:ANII).  
• Kenexa Corp. down 28% as the employment search firm reported earnings, CEO says that the “business environment deteriorated” toward end of quarter with difficult economic climate. See (Nasdaq:KNXA).  
• Herbalife tops with Q3 EPS but misses with sales and guides below Street; shares down 16% in pre-market. See (NYSE:HLF).  
• Coldwater Creek falls 6% in after hours. Expects Q3 loss, pulls Q4 guidance. See (Nasdaq:CWTR).

Small-cap stocks pushed higher on the opening, but gains were short of expectations built on pre-market futures activity. Support was tied to further declines in lending rates and advances in overseas equities, but the focus today was clearly on the elections underway in the United States. Today’s small-cap gainers are Safe Bulkers Inc. (NYSE:SB), Bruker Corp. (Nasdaq:BRKR) and ReneSola (Nasdaq:SOLA).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• With a little more than 70% of the S&P 500 reporting results so far, profits have been down about 10%, which is slightly below expectations.
• Bank stocks were strong performers in Europe thanks to the lower lending rates, and U.S. banks were also in rally mode this morning.   Nov 04, 2008 10:07am
• Libor rates are now down more than 2% from the peak seen in the credit crisis when banks were so mistrustful that they weren’t even lending to each other.  
• On the inter-bank lending front, three-month Libor rates tumbled to a five-month low and are now below the levels in place before the stock market collapse in September.  
• The factory orders report came out at minus 2.5%, which was below the forecast for a decline of 1.5%. Market noticeably trimmed gains afterward.  

Small Cap Gainers:

• Safe Bulkers Inc. continued to be a hot stock as the marine transporter jumped 31% after being one of the biggest small-cap movers on Monday. See (NYSE:SB).  
• Bruker Corp. is up 16% after reporting Q3 results on Monday. See (Nasdaq:BRKR).  
• ReneSola updates production capacity plans, shares trading 8.5% higher on unusual volume. See (Nasdaq:SOLA).  
• Simcere Pharmaceutical Group up 10% on light volume. See (NYSE:SCR).

Small Cap Losers:

• Kenexa Corp. down 28% as the employment search firm reported earnings, CEO says that the “business environment deteriorated” toward end of quarter with difficult economic climate. See (Nasdaq:KNXA).
• Herbalife tops with Q3 EPS but misses with sales and guides below Street; shares down 16% in pre-market. See (NYSE:HLF).  
• EDF unit completes Eagle Energy Partners acquisition; shares of Energy Partners careen 15%. See (NYSE:EPL).
• Coldwater Creek falls 6% in after hours. Expects Q3 loss, pulls Q4 guidance. See (Nasdaq:CWTR).  

Small-cap stocks pushed higher on the opening, but gains were short of expectations built on pre-market futures activity. Support was tied to further declines in lending rates and advances in overseas equities, but the focus today was clearly on the elections underway in the United States. At 10:01 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 0.82, or 0.15% at 539.32.

The factory orders report came out at minus 2.5%, which was below the forecast for a decline of 1.5%. The market noticeably trimmed away gains after the report.

Even with the market in rally mode early today, the spotlight will likely be on the exit poll reports as American voters close out the presidential election campaign. Barack Obama is widely reported as holding a comfortable lead into today’s vote, but market watchers are also closely watching the House and Senate seats that are up for a vote to see if the Democrats will mount a big power shift. In addition, traders are debating the potential impact of an Obama stimulus package.

On the inter-bank lending front, three-month Libor rates tumbled to a five-month low and are now below the levels in place before the stock market collapse in September. In addition, three-month Euribor rates hit a seven-month low. Libor rates are now down more than 2% from the peak seen in the credit crisis when banks were . . .

Selling interest today was offset by optimism over steady declines for inter-bank lending rates and ideas the bad news on the economy has already been priced into the stock market. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed up 0.18%, posting a fifth-consecutive higher close, something that hasn’t happened since April. Today’s small-cap gainers are CVR Energy (NYSE:CVI), Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR) and Safe Bulkers (NYSE:SB).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• The ISM Manufacturing Survey came in at 38.9%, which was below the forecast of 42% and marked the lowest manufacturing activity index in 26 years.
• For the year, the Russell is now down 30%, while the Dow is off 30% and the S&P 500 is down 34%.
• Today's trading was easily the calmest session seen since the collapse began back in mid-September.
• Airlines appeared to get a lift from another pullback in crude oil prices, which were down $3.90 a barrel, or about 5.7%.
• The AMEX Airline Index rose 5.6% to the highest point since Sep. 22 and is now up 85% since the Oct. 10 low. 
• Wireless telecoms were the top performers, followed by tire and rubber stocks, multiline insurers, life health insurers, glass and metal container stocks, gold and aluminum.
• Casinos were out of favor so far today after posting solid gains late last week. Oil exploration and oil production stocks were also down, as were department stores, home improvement retail, automotive retail and oil and gas storage . . .

Small-cap stocks weathered dreadful manufacturing data, plunging car sales, slumping energy stocks and ongoing worries about the economy to post a minor gain Monday. Selling interest was offset by optimism over steady declines for inter-bank lending rates and ideas the bad news on the economy has already been priced into the stock market. The Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) closed up 0.97, or 0.18% at 538.50, posting the fifth consecutive higher close, something that hasn’t happened since early April. For the year, the Russell is now down 30%, while the Dow is off 30% and the S&P 500 is down 34%.

The market opened higher in line with yet another decline in Libor lending rates overnight, and was also bolstered by a gain in Asian stock markets. Even after the ISM Manufacturing Survey missed the forecast, small-cap stocks were reluctant to press the downside. It was interesting to note that today’s range of about 10 handles marked the smallest daily trading range since Aug. 26 and was easily the calmest session seen since the collapse began back in mid-September.

Perhaps some of the calm was tied to investors staying away from the market during a week of heavy economic event risk, or perhaps they were reluctant to aggressively take on positions ahead of Tuesday’s presidential elections in the U.S. Barack Obama is widely expected to carry the popular vote and usher in a transition to the White House, but market watchers are still keenly watching how the Senate and House races shape up. There is some thought that a huge sweep by the Democrats could spark some unrest for the stock market on the idea that the country tends to prefer a “balance” between parties in power.

As for the ISM Manufacturing report, it came in at 38.9%, well below the 50% line indicative of contraction in the manufacturing sector. The data clearly suggest that the economy has downshifted into recession-style economic activity, and today’s individual automaker vehicle sales numbers certainly didn’t paint a . . .

Renesola ADR (Nasdaq:SOL), Protherics Depository Receipt (Nasdaq:PTIL) and Solarfun Power Holdings Co Ltd. (Nasdaq:SOLF) are among the biggest percentage gainers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Paragon Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:PRGN), Nobility Homes (Nasdaq:NOBH), Trina Solar Ltd. (Nasdaq:TSL), Insulet Corp. (Nasdaq:PODD), Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB) and Mesa Laboratories Inc. (Nasdaq:MLAB).

Here are the biggest percentage gainers among small caps:

Small-cap stocks pushed modestly higher on the opening, and were still holding in positive territory after a dreadful manufacturing report slashed away gains in large-cap index products. Today’s small-cap gainers are Ultrapetrol Limited (Nasdaq:ULTR), Seneca Foods Corp. (Nasdaq:SENEA) and Orion Marine Group Inc. (NYSE:OMGI).

Other Market Watch highlights today included:

• Now that ISM is out of the way, focus will return to debate about the U.S. elections. Since 1900, the stock market has averaged a gain of nearly 10% in the 12 months following a Democrat transition into the White House.  
• The ISM Manufacturing Survey came in at 38.9%, which was below the forecast of 42% and marked the lowest manufacturing activity index in 26 years.  
• Small-cap stocks pushed modestly higher on the opening, and were still holding in positive territory after a dreadful manufacturing report slashed away gains in large-cap index products.
• The ISM figure is expected to come in at 42%, well below the 50% line that indicates contraction.  
• Heavy week for economic data risk: things kick off at 10:00 a.m. ET today with the ISM Manufacturing Survey and finish with a flourish Friday morning with the big employment report.  

Small Cap Gainers:

• Ultrapetrol Limited is up almost 50% in pre-market ahead of its Q3 earnings release next week. See (Nasdaq:ULTR).
• Seneca Foods Corp. is up 25%, gapping higher on light volume. See (Nasdaq:SENEA).  
• Orion Marine Group Inc. jumped 24.9%. See (Nasdaq:OMGI).  
• Safe Bulkers Inc. is up 12.8%, climbing above the 20-day moving average for the first time since early September. See (NYSE:SB).  
• SourceForge gaining 8.5% in pre-market, guides in line, sets stock buyback. See (Nasdaq:LNUX).


Small Cap Losers:

• AtriCure Inc. is tumbling 43% on news that the firm is under investigation by the Department of Justice for potential false claims on the company’s surgical devices. See (Nasdaq:ATRC).  
• Ness Technologies profit rises 121%; shares down 5% in pre-market. See (Nasdaq:NSTC).  
• Phoenix Companies down 12% as it slips to a loss in Q3. See (NYSE:PNX).  
• GMAC's bonds tumble after plan to exchange debt, shares dive over 10%. See (NYSE:GMA).  

Small-cap stocks pushed modestly higher on the opening, and were still holding in positive territory after a dreadful manufacturing report slashed away gains in large-cap index products. At 10:03 a.m. ET, the Russell 2000 (NYSE:IWM) was up 4.05, or 0.75%, at 541.57.

The ISM Manufacturing Survey came in at 38.9%, which was below the forecast of 42% and marked the lowest manufacturing activity index in 26 years.

Now that ISM is out of the way, focus will return to debate about the U.S. elections. The general perception right now is that Barack Obama will win the presidential election, which means market watchers will be looking to see whether or not Democrats win power in the Senate and House. Since 1900, the stock market has averaged a gain of nearly 10% in the 12 months following a Democrat transition into the White House. In addition, vehicle sales were slated to roll in today and could have an impact on automaker shares. The rate for vehicle sales is pegged at 12 million units.

Libor, or inter-bank lending rates, continue to decline and are now at the lowest point since the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy. The steady pullback in Libor rates is seen as a sign that frozen credit lines are thawing and that banks are more trusting on the lending front.

In company news this morning, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) was upgraded by analysts at JP Morgan and the world’s largest retailer was up 1.1% shortly after the open. Also on the analyst front, Merrill Lynch downgraded rival Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:GS) and the investment bank was off 1.3%. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. (NYSE:GT) topped the earnings forecast and rallied 14.5%.

Individual small-caps of note were highlighted by Seneca Foods Corp. (Nasdaq:SENEA) was up 25%, gapping higher on light volume. Safe Bulkers Inc. (NYSE:SB) was up 12.8%, climbing above the 20-day moving average for the . . .

Inergy Holdings LP (Nasdaq:NRGP), North American Energy Partners Inc. (Nasdaq:NOA) and Hiland Holdings GP LP (Nasdaq:HPGP) are among the new 52-week lows in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Flotek Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FTK), Psychemedics Corp. (Nasdaq:PMD), Cheniere Energy Partners L P (Nasdaq:CQP), Cosan Ltd. (Nasdaq:CZZ), EZchip Semiconductor Ltd. (Nasdaq:EZCH) and Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB).

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

North American Energy Partners Inc. (Nasdaq:NOA), Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP (Nasdaq:CLMT) and EZchip Semiconductor Ltd. (Nasdaq:EZCH) are among the biggest percentage losers in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: American Superconductor Corp. (Nasdaq:AMSC), Jinpan International Ltd. (Nasdaq:JST), Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd. (Nasdaq:EXM), Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB), Otelco Inc. (Nasdaq:OTT) and General Cable Corp. (Nasdaq:BGC).

Here are the biggest percentage losers among small caps:

Biodel Inc. (Nasdaq:BIOD), Safe Bulkers Inc. (Nasdaq:SB) and Hecla Mining Co. (Nasdaq:HL) are among the new 52-week lows in Monday's trading among companies with market capitalizations under $1 billion.

Also included among the results: Rubicon Technology Inc. (Nasdaq:RBCN), ATP Oil & Gas Corporation (Nasdaq:ATPG), Britannia Bulk Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq:DWT), Parallel Petroleum Corp. (Nasdaq:PLLL), Flotek Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:FTK) and MAXXAM Inc. (Nasdaq:MXM).

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

www.rhitv.com
(Nasdaq:RHIE)
Scheduled for the week of June 16
$212.5 million estimated proceeds
$380.8 million estimated post-money valuation

It’s a story ripped from the headlines: scrappy company faces down worst IPO market in years and succeeds beyond its wildest dreams in a heartwarming tale of triumph over long odds. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but will you make money? If you watch Lifetime, you know RHI Entertainment. The company produces made-for-TV movies and miniseries, and then sells them on DVD after their network runs. It was originally owned by Hallmark, of greeting-card fame, and known as Hallmark Entertainment. In 2006, it was acquired by an investment group led by a father and son television production team, Robert Halmi, Sr. and Robert Halmi, Jr. They also acquired domestic DVD rights to the Hallmark Channel’s library, and they continue to make movies for the Hallmark Channel.

The company has since branched out beyond the Hallmark Channel to make and distribute programs for a range of other television outlets including pay-per-view and direct-to-video options. It plans to have 40 new productions in 2008 alone. The value of the deal is in the assets, though, because RHI is losing money on a net income and cash flow from operating activities basis; it had positive EBITDA in 2007 but not in 2006. Much of this is due to interest expense, $38.3 million in 2007, which should be eliminated after this transaction. With the interest expense gone, RHI should post solid profits. Like other entertainment companies, RHI is allowed to capitalize its production costs, though, which may lead to some overstatement of profits. The business has to be valued on a cash-flow basis by an investor who feels comfortable . . .

(NYSE:SB)
Priced on May 28
$190 million proceeds
$378.4 million post-money valuation

Safe Bulkers operates a fleet of 11 ships used to carry dry bulk, which is uniform cargo that can be stored in loose piles such as grain or iron ore. To get it from place to place, shippers use dry-bulk ships, and Safe Bulkers is one of the fleet operators they call. The company’s ships have an average age of 2.6 years, making it one of the youngest fleets in the industry. The company’s largest customer is agribusiness company Bunge Limited (NYSE:BG), which contributed 29.9% of 2007 revenues. Another agribusiness firm, Cargill International, represented 21.1% of revenues, and Daiichi Chuo Kisen Kaisha, a shipping company, was responsible for 18.2% of sales. That’s a total of 69.2%, a proverbial blessing and curse. Safe Bulkers has most of its fleet time accounted for, but the loss of one of those customers would be devastating.

Operating the ships uses a lot of capital, but the business makes money. In 2007, Safe Bulkers posted net income of $87.8 million on revenue of $161.1 million. Cash provided by operating activities was $278.5 million. The ships need ongoing maintenance, but they also have value; Safe Bulkers historical financial results often include gains from sales of ships.

The company is owned by Vorini Holdings, an investment firm controlled by the Hajioannou family of Greece. Vorini sold all of the stock in this offering, and will still control more than 80%. The company itself did not get any of the proceeds. Nevertheless, Safe Bulkers has plans to expand its fleet to 19 ships in the next two years. The filing range was $20 to $22, so the $19 price was a little . . .