Stocks to Watch Next Week

The following stocks are worth watching for the coming week from Briefing.com.

Conference/Events Calendar for the week of April 30th - May 4th: :
Monday: ATO, AEE, OKE, OKS, GAS at AGA Financial Forum; ALAB, SBCF at Hancock Bank 13th Annual Gulf South Bank Conf; Credit Suisse Group 15th Annual Offshore Technology Conference Tour...
Tuesday: CMA Analyst Day; INFA Analyst Meeting; TDSC Investor Day; CMCSA Investor Day A.M. Session; CMCSA Investor Day P.M. Session; Credit Suisse Group 15th Annual Offshore Technology Conf; HEB Conference Call; HMC Co. Ltd. U.S. and Europe IR Roadshow 2007 Spring; KMX, SKS, SYY, VFC, URBN at Lehman Brothers Retail Seminar; LPHI, TIS, QPCI, IMX, PBIO at Taglich Brothers 4th Annual Small Cap Equity Conf; Merrill Lynch Tech Gathering Conf; PFWD at CHI's Bio-IT World Conference & Expo; SBIB, CADE, CCBG, TSFG, SFNC at Hancock Bank 13th Annual Gulf South Bank Conf; WGL, EGN, VVC at AGA Financial Forum; Fed: Bernanke speaks at Montana event. Topic TBA...
Wednesday: DOX Analyst & Investor Presentation Day; AA Aerospace Industry Briefing; ABT, TRBN, AMLN, CYTC, XRAY, BSX, PHRM at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Unplugged Conf; ACOR Analyst and Investor Reception; Credit Suisse Group 15th Annual Offshore Technology Conference Tour; DD, STP, AVR at Goldman Sach's Second Annual Alternative Energy Conf; ENCY, MTD, HNT, ACAD, DYAX at Deutsche Bank 32nd Annual Health Care Conf; FEIC, TECD at Merrill Lynch Tech Gathering Conf; FL at Footwear News CEO Summit; JWN, PETM, AZO at Lehman Brothers Retail Seminar; STP, FCEL, CPST, DPW, WFR at Jefferies 3rd Global Clean Technology Conf; Fed: Poole on community development...
Thursday: CYMI Analyst Meeting; INTC Analyst Meeting; EPIX, MATR, NUVO, TRGT, IART at Deutsche Bank 32nd Annual Health Care Conference; F, ORA Goldman Sach's Second Annual Alternative Energy Conf; GPS Footwear News CEO Summit; ISPH, NHWK, MEDX, BAX, DNA, AMAG at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Unplugged Conf...
Friday: BIIB, HMA, PFE, STJ, SYK, DADE at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Unplugged Conf; Footwear News CEO Summit.

Wednesday Stocks to Watch

The market is in the bull mode now. Volume on all exchanges are on-track to be higher the normal. A very good sign for the bull move confirmation. The DOW is over 13000 mark for the first time in the history. Many of the stocks broke out of 52-week highs. The buying of the stocks came from various industries. The notable one is Amazon (AMZN). It vaulted over $11 today after it announced great earning last night. It is the best move for the stock in many year.

Stocks with big gains:
(AMZN)
(IDSA)
(RVBD)
(XNPT)
(KTO)
(PRAA)
(AACC)
(DXPE)
(CHRW)
(CHAP)

Tuesday Stocks to Watch

With the exception of DOW, the market is trading relatively flat in the afternoon. Most of the gain for the DOW is coming from (IBM), which is benefited from (TXN)'s announcement last night.

Big Movers for the day are:
(TRCR)
(SPAR)
(WGOV)
(ESRX)
(SYNL)
(SNA)
(WHR)
(PCAR)

Friday Stocks to Watch

The market is trading higher Friday afternoon. Most of the high fliers came back down after this morning initial run-up, stocks as such as (JSDA), (JADE), (GSOL), (TSL). But the stars of the days are (ISRG), (GOOG), (CAT), (GCO), and (SAIA).
Earning were out for (GOOG) last night. It gave the market a great boost after it beat the estimate by a wide margin. Many analyst also raised its target prices.
(ISRG), (SAIA), (CAT), and (GCO) all had great earnings as well. Stick with the popular and proven stocks in this kind of market. Stay away from the speculative stocks like (DNDN).

LJ International Inc. (JADE) is On the Move

(JADE) a US retailer in China play is moving up with huge volume. It is on-track to be 400% over normal if the pace continues. It was up over $1 yesterday. It is trading around $11.50 now. The low for yesterday is about $9.5. It had massive $2 move in two days. Earning is expected to be $0.16 this coming quarter to be announced soon. It is worth a look.

Cheap Stocks On the Breakout Today

The following cheap stocks (<$15) are breaking out today:
(CTCH)
(ESPD)
(CPHD)
(WSCI)
(RNIN)
(RUBO)

The above list stocks are highly risky. They are rarely followed and usually traded in small volumes. Play with care.

Monday's Stock Movers

MarketWatch's advancers and decliners worth watching:

Advancers

Alfacell Corp. (ACEL) reported positive in vivo and in vitro preclinical data that shows its Onconase drug inhibits tumor growth of non-small cell lung caner and breast cancer cells.

Amazon.com (AMZN) was upgraded to buy from hold at Deutsche Bank, as the broker sees potential for operating margin improvement in the near term and longer-term growth and margin expansion from the company's web services initiatives. The broker hiked its price target to $50 from $37. "While margin expansion has not been evident yet as of the most recent quarters, we think that margin expansion may be within sight for several reasons, including: easier comparisons shortly from the Toys 'R' Us contract termination last year, slowdown in technology and content spending, and most importantly the emergence of Amazon Web Services over the next six to eight quarters," the broker said.

Antigenics Inc. (AGEN) reported updated data from a Phase 1/2 trial of Oncophage, its investigational cancer vaccine, in recurrent, high-grade glioma. The company said the Oncophage vaccination was associated with significant tumor-specific immune response in all 12 treated patients from baseline (P less than .001), as determined using three separate immune response assessments.

Apollo Group (APOL) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Banc of America Securities. The firm, which cited valuation, also lifted its price target on the stock to $51 from $49.

Aquantive (AQNT) was upgraded to buy from neutral at UBS. The firm lifted its price target on the stock to $36 from $32, saying Google's purchase price for DoubleClick raises the value of Aquantive's ad serving business.

Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ARIA) sued Amgen Inc. (AMGN) and Wyeth, (WYE) alleging the two companies infringed its patents covering treatments regulating certain cell-signaling activity.

Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX) said the Food and Drug Administration has found the company's St. Paul, Minn., in compliance, and has lifted all restrictions associated with a warning letter issued for the site in late 2005. The St. Paul, Minn., plant is used to manufacture the company's cardiac rhythm management devices, which includes pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or ICDs. The plant was originally owned by Guidant Corp., which was bought by Boston Scientific for about $27 billion last year.

California Water Service Group (CWT) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Hilliard Lyons.

Citigroup (C) reported first-quarter profit slipped 11% to $5.01 billion, or $1.01 a share. The 2007 results include a charge of $871 million after tax related to a structural expense review. Citigroup last week unveiled a restructuring that would eliminate about 17,000 jobs worldwide and save the company an estimated $1.7 billion this year. Excluding the charge, net was $5.88 billion, or $1.18 a share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected the company to earn $1.09. See full story.

Eaton Corp. (ETN) said its first-quarter net income rose almost 13% to $234 million, or $1.56 a share, from $208 million, or $1.36 a share. Eaton, a Cleveland-based diversified industrial manufacturer, said sales in the three months ended March 31 rose 5% to $3.15 billion from $2.99 billion. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings, on average, of $1.41 a share and sales of $3.04 billion. Eaton forecast second-quarter net income at $1.35 to $1.45 a share and lifted its full-year net income outlook by 15 cents to $6.20 to $6.40 a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings, on average, of $6.22 a share for 2007.

Eli Lilly (LLY) reported first-quarter net income of 47 cents a share, compared with 77 cents in the year-earlier period. Earnings include charges associated with the acquisition of Icos Corp. and restructuring. Excluding the charges, adjusted net the quarter was $913.3 million, or 84 cents a share. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, expected first-quarter earnings of 79 cents a share. The Indianapolis pharmaceutical company said Monday that sales rose 14% to $4.3 billion. See full story.

EV Energy Partners LP (EVEP) agreed to acquire an interest in certain oil and natural gas properties in central and east Texas for about $100 million. The company is part of a group that has reached a deal to purchase the properties from Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC).

Fannie Mae (FNM) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Banc of America Securities. The firm said it expects the company to benefit from the credit downturn due to expanding margins and market share gains.

Fremont General Corp. (FMT) agreed to sell about $2.9 billion worth of its sub-prime residential real estate loans to an undisclosed buyer. The company added that it's also now in exclusive talks with the same institution under an executed letter of intent to sell most of its residential real estate business and assets. Fremont expects the sale of the sub-prime loans to result in a pre-tax loss of about $100 million.

Google (GOOG) said it's agreed to buy online advertising company DoubleClick Inc. for $3.1 billion, capping takeover talks that reportedly featured interest from other companies including Microsoft Corp. (MSFT). See full story. Google and Clear Channel (CCU) also unveiled an advertising sales agreement.

Innkeepers USA Trust (KPA) agreed to be acquired by Apollo Investment (AINV) for $1.5 billion, or $17.75 per share.

JDA Software Group Inc. (JDAS) said it expects a jump in first-quarter earnings, boosted by revenues from Manugistics, which it bought in July 2006. The Scottsdale, Ariz., maker of supply-chain management software said it expects to report first-quarter earnings of 15 cents to 17 cents a share, compared with $487,000, or 2 cents a share, a year earlier. On a non-GAAP basis, the company expects to report first-quarter earnings of 26 cents to 28 cents a share, compared with 6 cents a year earlier. JDA said it expects to report first-quarter sales of $89.7 million to $90.7 million, compared with $47.9 million a year earlier.

Magna International Inc. (MGA) was upgraded to neutral from sell at Goldman Sachs.

Mattel Inc.'s (MAT) first-quarter net income fell to 3 cents a share from 8 cents in the year-earlier period. The year-ago period includes a tax benefit for audit settlements. Net sales rose 19% to $940.3 million, partly on favorable currency exchange. The El Segundo, Calif., toymaker said worldwide gross sales rose 2% for the Barbie doll brand and 27% at Fisher-Price brands. On average, analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected Mattel to post a first-quarter loss of 5 cents a share on sales of $847.8 million. See full story.

MDI Inc. (MDII) shares surged after the company said it has been awarded an initial purchase order to provide security technology and systems to track cargo and transportation worker activity between selected free trade zones and a major port within the Dominican Republic.

Moody's (MCO) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at J.P. Morgan. The firm expects the company's results to significantly exceed Wall Street's consensus expectations.

North American Palladium (PAL) said palladium production jumped 68% in the first quarter to 78,805 ounces from 47,015 ounces in the same period a year earlier.

Onstream Media Corp. (ONSM) shares gained after the Pompano Beach, Fla.-based digital media company said it has been chosen by Adobe Systems Inc. as one of five members of its new Adobe Flash Media Solution Provider program. Under the program, Adobe will provide indirect and direct sales referrals to Onstream for digital media services and products. Adobe will also provide marketing, development and support that will help drive Flash streaming business, Onstream said.

Orezone Resources Inc. (OZN) said one of its units has received two uranium exploration permits from the government of Niger in West Africa.

Philips Electronics (PHG) shares rose after Europe's largest maker of consumer electronics, on Monday said first-quarter profit jumped, helped by a strong performance turned in by its personal-care and lighting units as well as by the sale of a stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Net income for the first quarter rose to 875 million euros ($1.19 billion), or 0.79 euros a share, from 160 million euros, or 0.13 euros a share. The results were helped by a 697 million-euro non-taxable gain from the sale of a further 3.4% in Taiwan Semiconductor. See full story.

Progen Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (PGLA) shares rose after the Australia-based company announced final stage 1 results of its Phase II trial of PI-88 in patients who had previously undergone surgical removal of liver cancer. The company said the 48-week data demonstrated that 160 mg of PI-88 showed an improvement in disease-free rate, the primary endpoint, of 25% and prolonged the time to tumor recurrence to 48 weeks from 27 weeks, or by 78%.

Progressive Gaming International Corp. (PGIC) was upgraded to neutral from sell at Goldman Sachs.

Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide (QTWW) shares surged after the company said it has signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture with a "major automaker in China" for the development of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles, manufacture of gaseous fuel components, and integration of advanced propulsion systems. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Rural Cellular Corp. (RCCC) was upgraded to outperform from peer perform at Bear Stearns.

Sallie Mae (SLM) agreed to be acquired by an investor group for roughly $25 billion, or $60 a share. Upon closing, J.C. Flowers and private-equity firm Friedman Fleischer & Lowe will invest $4.4 billion and own about 50.2% of the company while Bank of America (BAC) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM) will each invest $2.2 billion and hold 24.9% stakes. See full story.

Streamline Health Solutions Inc. (STRM) shares surged after the Cincinnati-based provider of workflow and document management products said a new client from a hospital center in the northeastern United States will use Streamline's enterprise document workflow products. The new client is one of the largest voluntary, not-for-profit health care systems in the Northeast, Streamline Health said.

Student Loan Corp. (STU) reported first-quarter earnings of $44 million, or $2.20 per share, down from a year-ago profit of $46.2 million, or $2.31 per share. The Stamford, Conn., company said increased income from loan sales and higher servicing revenue was partially offset by lower net interest income, higher loan loss provisions and increased operating expenses in the latest quarter.

Tanger Factory Outlet Centers (SKT) was upgraded to buy from hold at Stifel Nicolaus.

USEC Inc. (USU) said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a construction and operating license for the American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon, Ohio. The 30-year license includes authorization to enrich uranium to an assay level of 10% U235, the Bethesda, Md., company said. The company said it is working toward beginning commercial operations in late 2009.

VeriChip Corp. (CHIP) said it now expects revenue of $7.3 million for the first quarter, above a previous outlook for revenue of $6.9 million to $7.1 million. The Delray Beach, Fla., maker of radio frequency identification technology products cited growing demand for its infant protection and wander prevention products.

W.W. Grainger Inc. (GWW) reported first-quarter earnings of $101.8 million, or $1.17 a share, up from a year-ago profit of $86.2 million, or 93 cents a share. Sales rose 9% in the three months ended March 31 to $1.55 billion from $1.42 billion in the corresponding year-ago period. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for a profit of $1.09 a share in the March period. Looking ahead, the Chicago-based provider of facilities maintenance products lifted the bottom of its 2007 earnings forecast, saying it now expects a profit ranging from $4.70 to $4.85 a share. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for a profit of $4.74 a share for the year.

Decliners

Avant Immunotherapeutics Inc. (AVAN) launched a restructuring program that calls for a workforce reduction of about 30%. The Needham, Mass., biotechnology firm said it expects the program to lower its overall cost structure by about 18% over the next two years. It also plans to exit its research facility in St. Louis later this year and move all related activities to its headquarters in Massachusetts. The company anticipates cash restructuring costs of about $1 million, which it expects to record in the second and third quarters.

First Marblehead (FMD) shares were weak in Monday's session following Sallie Mae's agreement to be acquired by a group that includes JP Morgan Chase, the company's largest customer. Thomas Weisel said in a research note that the deal could lead to a 26% reduction in loan volume for First Marblehead as well as a 27% drop in earnings, based on the performance in 2006.

Gaming Partners International Corp. (GPIC) disclosed a delay in the filing of its Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31 beyond the April 17 deadline. The company said it's not yet able to determine when it will be able to file the report. Gaming Partners also said it now expects to identify certain previously disclosed accounting deficiencies as material weaknesses when it does eventually file the 10-K. The company added that it now expects to receive a delisting notice from the Nasdaq Stock Market and that a stockholder has filed an action against it.

LightPath Technologies Inc. (LPTH) expects to post fiscal third-quarter sales of $2.9 million, down 8% from $3.1 million a year earlier, on slower demand for communications products.

Parlux Fragrances Inc. (PARL) reported fiscal third-quarter earnings nearly tripled to $17.9 million, or 98 cents a share. The period ended Dec. 31 included a pretax gain of $34.2 million from the sale of the Perry Ellis fragrance brand. The loss from continuing operations was $5.46 million, compared with earnings of $1.5 million in the year-earlier period. Sales came in at $43.4 million, up 15%.

Powell Industries (POWL) said it's found accounting errors at one of its divisions, and that its financial statements, including those for each of the quarters of 2006, should no longer be relied upon pending the completion of an ongoing review. The Houston-based maker of electrical energy systems and equipment said it expects these errors to cause an increase in the cost of sales that it anticipates will lead to a reduction in net income of about $2.5 million, or 22 cents a share.

Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX) agreed to acquire AmeriPath Inc., a Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., diagnostic-testing services provider, for about $2 billion. The value of the deal reflects the assumption of an estimated $770 million in debt at closing. AmeriPath, which is controlled by Welsh, Carson, Anderson and Stowe IX LP, has annual revenue of more than $800 million.

Shares of Security With Advanced Technology Inc. (SWAT) dropped after PepperBall Technologies, a private San Diego-based firm, said it's filed suit against the company in federal court, charging patent infringement and breach of contract.

Semitool (SMTL) was downgraded to hold from buy at A.G. Edwards.

Supervalu Inc. (SVU) was downgraded to reduce from neutral at UBS. The firm cut its price target on the stock to $35 from $38.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRTX) was downgraded to sell from hold and its price target slashed to $19 from $38 at Maxim Group on Monday on the heels of recently released clinical trial data for the company's hepatitis C drug candidate telapravir.

All Time High Again for Jones Soda

Jones Soda (JSDA), a darling on the street, is making another 52-week high with over $2 pop this morning. Why is it so popular? See the following video for yourself.
Jones Soda Challenge
Another Taste Test:

Stocks to Watch Next Week

Earnings Preview for the week of April 16th-20th from Briefing.com:
Monday: AMLN, SCHW, C, ETN, LLY, WB, STLD, and WERN...
Tuesday: ADTN, AMTD, KO, JNJ, PACT, WFC, CGNX, IBM, INTC, STX, USNA, WM, and YHOO...
Wednesday: ASML, GLYT, JPM, MOT, UTX, ADS, ARNA, CTXS, CBST, ETFC, EBAY, GILD, KFT, and NVLS...
Thursday: MO, BAC, BOT, DHI, ENDP, HOG, MRK, MER, NDAQ, DGX, TASR, UNH, WYE, AMD, CERN, CREE, FDC, GOOG, ISRG, and XPRSA...
Friday: ACO, CAT, HON, MAN, SAP, PFE, MCD, SLB, and XRX.

Friday's biggest stock gainers and decliners from MarketWatch

Advancers

Anika Therapeutics Inc. (ANIK) received European marketing approval for commercial sale of cosmetic dermatology product Elevess. The Woburn, Mass., company said Elevess is an injectable soft tissue filler used for facial wrinkles, scar remediation and lip augmentation. Anika said commercial launch of the product in the European Union and around the world is expected to start in the second half of the year. Anika said it filed a supplement to the premarket approval application for U.S. approval of Elevess.

Bally Total Fitness (BFT) obtained a forbearance agreement from the lenders under its $284 million senior secured credit facility. The Chicago fitness center operator said, under the agreement, the lenders will forbear from exercising any remedies under their credit ability as a result of defaults due to Bally's inability to provide its 2006 financial statements. Bally also said the scheduled interest payment of about $15 million due on the senior subordinated notes on April 16 will not be paid.

CBS Corp. (CBS) canceled Don Imus's morning show, effective immediately, after a firestorm of controversy caused by his racially-charged remarks about the Rutgers University women's basketball team. Several key advertisers had pulled their ads from the show in recent days following calls for Imus's firing. In a statement, CBS Chief Executive Officer Les Moonves said individuals throughout CBS "have been deeply upset and revulsed" by Imus's statements. See full story.

Cutter & Buck (CBUK) agreed to be acquired by New Wave Group AB for $156.5 million. The deal values shares of the golf apparel supplier at $14.38 each.

Dyax Corp. (DYAX) announced positive top-line results from a Phase III trial for its lead product candidate DX-88, a treatment for hereditary angioedema, a rare genetic disease characterized by episodes of acute swelling and inflammation. Statistically significant results were achieved for both the primary and secondary endpoints in the trial, Cambridge, Mass-based Dyax said.

FCStone Group (FCSX) shares gained after the West Des Moines, Iowa-based commodity risk management firm reported fiscal second-quarter net earnings of $6.92 million, or 48 cents a share, up from $3.94 million, or 27 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $403.4 million in the quarter from $268.9 million in the comparable period last year.

General Electric Co. (GE) said its first-quarter net income rose 2% to $4.51 billion, or 44 cents a share, up from $4.44 billion, or 42 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose 6% to $40.2 billion from $38.03 billion. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings, on average, of 44 cents a share and revenue of $39.82 billion. GE forecast second-quarter earnings of 52 cents to 54 cents a share and affirmed its 2007 earnings outlook of $2.18 to $2.23 a share. The Fairfield, Conn.-based GE is a financial services giant and diversified industrial manufacturer, making a variety of products from jet engines to medical devices, and operates entertainment arm NBC Universal. ""GE Money's earnings were tempered by challenges at its U.S. mortgage business (WMC), and [GE] Healthcare had a temporary regulatory suspension on shipments of its surgical supplies that affected their performance," said CEO Jeff Immelt. But those businesses are expected to rebound during 2007, he added. See full story.

House of Taylor Jewelry Inc. (HOTJ) named Bob Rankin chief financial officer. Rankin succeeds Pauline Schneider, who will still be available to the company as a consultant. Rankin most recently served as CFO of Small World Kids Inc.

Lubrizol Corp. (LZ) expects a first-quarter profit of about $1 a share, up from the loss of 22 cents reported a year earlier. The Cleveland chemical company said Friday improved price and product mix, as well as higher-than-expected shipment volume aided the latest period. Lubrizol earned 98 cents a share before a restructuring credit for the latest quarter. A year earlier, it earned 68 cents a share from continuing operations before a restructuring charge of 2 cents a share. On average, analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected Lubrizol to earn 78 cents a share.

McDonald's Corp.'s (MCD) March worldwide same-store sales rose 8.2%. The Oak Brook, Ill., fast-food retailer's March U.S. same-store sales rose 6.2% boosted in part by Snack Wrap sales. The company's European same-store sales for the month were up 11.2%, due in part to strong sales in France, Germany, the U.K., and Russia. McDonald's expects first-quarter earnings of 62 cents a share including a 1-cent gain from foreign currency translation. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for earnings of 57 cents a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items. See full story.

Medis Technologies (MDTL) said it's started commercial sales of its Fuel Cell 24/7 Power Pack products to Microsoft Corp. The company said it made its first shipment to Microsoft Friday. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Merck (MRK) said a federal judge in New Jersey dismissed with prejudice a consolidated securities class action filed by investors against the company in connection with disclosures regarding its pain reliever Vioxx. In the ruling, Judge Stanley Chesler of the U.S. District Court in Newark found that the securities action should be dismissed because all of the plaintiffs' claims were time-barred under the applicable statutes of limitations. The Dow component also raised its first-quarter and annual profit forecasts for the second time since January, citing stronger than expected product sales. See full story.

Piper Jaffray Cos. (PJC) said it'll pay $66 million in cash to buy Fiduciary Asset Management LLC (Famco) in a move to enter the asset management business. Famco CEO Charles Walbrandt will continue to lead the 13-year-old money management firm, which now handles about $9 billion in assets.

Rural Cellular Corp. (RCCC) shares rose after the Alexandria, Minn., company said first-quarter operating income, excluding depreciation, amortization, and stock-based compensation, rose to $59 million, while service revenue increased to $98 million and roaming revenue rose to $36 million. Total customers increased to 715,632 during the quarter ended March 31.

Sallie Mae (SLM) is in talks with private-equity firms in a deal that may be worth more than $20 billion, The New York Times reported Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. The discussions come as Sallie Mae is struggling with regulatory investigations over relationships between colleges and student-loan companies. A potential bidder for Sallie Mae is private-equity firm Blackstone Group, according to the report, which said although the talks appear to be in later stages, many hurdles remain and it's not clear a deal would go through.

Decliners

Apple Computer (AAPL) delayed the release of its Leopard operating system after Thursday's closing bell, saying it now plans to begin shipping the product in October. See full story.

Ashford Hospitality Trust, Inc. (AHT) said it's started a follow-on public offering of 37.5 million shares of common stock. The company said it expects to grant an over-allotment option to the underwriters for an additional 5.625 million shares. Wachovia Securities, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley are the joint book-running managers of the offering.

Irwin Financial Corp. (IFC) said it expects to report a first-quarter loss from operations due to conditions in the secondary markets for consumer mortgages, and an impaired commercial credit in Michigan. The Columbus, Ind., financial services holding company said it expects a first-quarter loss of $5 million to $10 million. The events should not have a material impact on future quarters, the company said. Irwin will take a first-quarter charge-off of $4.2 million related to the impaired loan, which totals $4.7 million. The company said it recently discovered misrepresentations about collateral offered for the loan, and it believes the borrower won't be able to repay most of the loan.

Keithley Instruments (KEI) said it expects a sale shortfall in the second quarter due to more cautious spending patterns among its customers on their capital equipment purchases. It now sees sales of about $33 million for the period, compared to a previous projection of $37 million to $41 million.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (KKD) reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $24.4 million, or 39 cents a share, compared with a net loss of $37.7 million, or 61 cents a share, during the year-ago period. The Winston-Salem, N.C.-based company posted revenue of $112.2 million vs. $122.2 million. The results include a $16 million charge related to the previously announced settlement of the class-action litigation and partial settlement of the shareholder derivative action. Also during the quarter, Krispy Kreme recorded a $2.1 million provision for doubtful accounts and a $1.3 million charge related to the proposed settlement of certain wage and hour complaints lodged against the company. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial had forecast fourth-quarter earnings of a penny. System-wide sales for the quarter fell 6.4% compared with a year ago, the company said.

Lakeland Industries (LAKE) said its net income for the year ended Jan. 31 fell to $5.1 million from $6.3 million in the corresponding year-ago period. The Ronkonkoma, N.Y., maker of industrial protective clothing attributed the profit decline to an increase in expenses related to new foreign facilities in India, Chile, Japan and lower profits from its domestic operations.

Lam Research Corp. (LRCX) reported fiscal third-quarter net earnings of $164.7 million, or $1.15 a share, up 91% from $86.3 million, or 60 cents a share, in the year-ago period. The Fremont, Calif.-based chip-equipment maker said revenue in the three months ended March 25 rose to $650.3 million from $437.4 million in the comparable period last year. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial were expecting, on average, a per-share profit of $1.06 on revenue of $644 million.

Midwest Air Group Inc. (MEH) rejected a higher takeover offer from Air Tran Holdings Inc. (AAI) and urged its stockholders not to tender their shares. Midwest, of Milwaukee, said its advisor, Goldman Sachs & Co., found the offer financially inadequate. Midwest, operator of Midwest Air, also said it expects to report a wider first-quarter loss than the same period a year ago. It forecast adjusted earnings for 2007 at $1.30 to $1.50 a share.

Perini Corp. (PCR) was downgraded to hold at Morgan Joseph.

Planar Systems Inc. (PLNR) cut its second-quarter forecast to a loss of 20 cents to 22 cents a share, down from a previous estimate of a loss of 6 to 9 cents a share, citing lower than anticipated sales of Control Room rear projection cubes and other home theater products. Excluding share-based compensation and other charges, the company expects a loss of 7 to 9 cents a share, down from net income of 4 cents to 7 cents a share. The Beaverton, Ore., embedded display systems developer also lowered revenue estimates to $53 million to $54 million, down from $57 million to $61 million.

Semitool Inc. (SMTL) said it now expects second-quarter revenue of $51 million to $53 million, below its prior projection for revenue of $55 million to $57 million. The Kalispell, Montana-based company said bookings dropped to $37.8 million for the March quarter from $50.9 million in the same period a year earlier. The maker of semiconductor capital equipment cited delays in anticipated orders, as purchasing postponements occurred in all its target markets. For the year, the company now sees revenue of $210 million to $230 million. Its previous forecast was for revenue of $260 million to $310 million. Shares closed Thursday at $12.99.

SumTotal Systems (SUMT) forecast a first-quarter loss of $1.7 million to $2 million, or 6 to 7 cents a share. The developer of talent and learning management applications said it sees non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) earnings of 6 to 7 cents a share for the period on revenue of between $29.2 million and $29.5 million. The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for a profit of 8 cents a share in the March period.

Sun Microsystems Inc. (SUNW) said it has agreed to acquire SavaJe Technologies' intellectual property assets. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Sun said the transaction is not material to its earnings per share. Chelmsford, Mass.-based SavaJe makes an operating system for mobile devices. Sun Micro is based in Santa Clara, Calif.

Urologix Inc. (ULGX) said it expects to post a third-quarter loss on revenue of about $5.1 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2007, the Minneapolis-based medical device company reported revenue of $6 million.

U.S. Xpress Enterprises Inc. (XPRSA) expects to report a first-quarter loss of 15 cents to 17 cents a share as March operating profits failed to offset truckload-segment operating losses in January and February. The Chattanooga, Tenn. truckload company said Friday it expects to report first-quarter revenue of $361 million when it releases its earnings April 19. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial, on average, expect first-quarter earnings of 5 cents a share on revenue of $348 million. U.S. Express said the quarter was hurt by lower-than-expected freight demand, severe winter weather in key high-traffic markets and rising fuel prices in the second half of the quarter.

Varian Medical Systems Inc. (VAR) said expects its second-quarter earnings to be slightly higher than its previous forecast of 46 cents a share, while orders in the recent period grew 12%, to about $480 million. The Palo Alto, Calif., medical-equipment maker expects revenue growth of 7% for the period ended March 31, at the lower end of its expectation forecast of 7% to 9%. Excluding its recently acquired Accel instrument business, second-quarter revenue was slightly weaker than the company expected because of slowness in its oncology systems business, where orders grew 2%.

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Thursday Stocks to Watch

The market came back from the early morning's deficit and marched into positive territory around noon time. Here are the stocks worth watching:

Thursday's biggest stock gainers and decliners

By Michael Baron
Apr 12, 2007 11:34:00 (ET)

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF, Trade ) said same-store sales in March rose 7% for the five-week period ended April 7. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for an increase of 2.4% for the month. The New Albany, Ohio, specialty retailer said sales rose 29% on the five-week period to $331.2 million from $256.7 million. Its Abercrombie & Fitch same-store sales rose 4%; Hollister Co. same-store sales climbed 8%; and Ruehl same-store sales gained 6%.

Advanced Magnetics Inc. (AMAG, Trade ) said its Phase III studies on ferumoxytol, an intravenous iron replacement, met their primary and secondary endpoints. The Cambridge, Mass.-based company said the two studies demonstrate a significant improvement in hemoglobin levels for non-dialysis dependent patients using the drug, compared with oral iron supplements.

Aladdin Knowledge Systems (ALDN, Trade ) said its board has approved a buyback program of up to $10 million, or a maximum of 500,000 shares.

Apogee Enterprises (APOG, Trade ) said its fourth-quarter net income jumped 81% to $9.68 million, or 34 cents a shares, from $5.35 million, or 19 cents a share a year earlier, as revenue climbed 17%. The Minneapolis glass maker's revenue for the quarter ended March 3 rose to $206.2 million from $175.6 million. On average, analysts expected per-share earnings of 28 cents on revenue of $204.9 million, according to a poll by Thomson Financial. For fiscal 2008 the company expects revenue to grow 9% to 12%. The company raised its 2008 continuing operations per-share earnings guidance to a range of $1.27 to $1.37 from a range of $1.20 to $1.30.

Bare Escentuals (BARE, Trade ) was upgraded to buy from neutral at Goldman Sachs.

CDW Corp. (CDWC, Trade ) said average daily sales for March rose 25% to $31.6 million from $25.4 million. Total sales for the month rose to $696.2 million from last year's $584 million. For the first quarter, the Vernon Hills, Ill. technology products company average daily sales rose to $29 million from $24.8 million and total sales grew to $1.86 billion from $1.59 billion.

ClickSoftware Technologies (CKSW, Trade ) said it's signed an agreement with an undisclosed document management company.

Collegiate Pacific Inc. (BOO, Trade ) said it expects revenue of about $63 million for its fiscal third quarter ended March 31. The company also said its board remains "committed" to reviewing and considering options to improve shareholder value.

Dillard's Inc.'s (DDS, Trade ) same-store sales rose 6% in March, boosted by earlier Easter holiday shopping. The Little Rock, Ark., regional group of department stores said total sales for the five weeks ended April 7 rose to $679.6 million from $631.9 million for the five weeks ended April 1, 2006. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, a decrease of 0.2% in same-store sales. Dillard's said sales of junior's and children's apparel significantly exceeded its average sales performance, while sales of home and other merchandise were significantly below trend.

Dot Hill Systems Corp. (HILL, Trade ) said it now expects a first-quarter loss of 13 to 15 cents a share on revenue of $53 million to $54 million. The Carlsbad, Calif.-based provider of storage systems previously forecast a per-share loss of 20 cents to 23 cents a share on revenue of $46 million to $49 million. Dot Hill said the increased forecast is largely due to higher-than-expected revenue and margin contribution from its largest OEM customer.

Dow Chemical Co. (DOW, Trade ) fired J. Pedro Reinhard, a senior advisor and a director, and Romeo Kreinberg, an executive vice president of its performance plastics and chemicals portfolio, after the chemical company learned of "business activity that was highly inappropriate and a clear violation" of its code of conduct. Dow said in a statement that Reinhard and Kreinberg "were involved in unauthorized discussions with third parties about the potential acquisition of the company."

Fastenal Co. (FAST, Trade ) said its first-quarter net income rose 13% to $54 million, or 36 cents a share, from $47.9 million, or 32 cents a share, a year earlier. For the latest quarter, net sales increased 13% to $489.2 million from $431.7 million.

Forest Oil Corp. (FST, Trade ) was upgraded to equal-weight from underweight at Morgan Stanley.

Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (HA, Trade ) said March traffic at its Hawaiian Airlines unit rose almost 22% and its capacity grew about 17%. That translated to a 3.5 point rise in load factor, or the percentage of seats filled with paying passengers, to 91% from about 88%. For the quarter, the airline said its load factor fell fractionally to 87.5%.

Healthways Inc. (HWAY, Trade ) was upgraded to neutral from sell at Goldman Sachs.

Ipsco Inc. (IPS, Trade ) said it's currently engaged in discussions that could lead to a potential acquisition of the company. The Lisle, Ill., maker of steel plate and energy tubular products added that there can be no assurance a transaction will take place. The company, which noted the recent appreciation in its stock price, said it issued the statement in response to market rumors.

Kraft Foods (KFT, Trade ) was upgraded to buy from neutral at UBS and to equal-weight from underweight at Morgan Stanley. UBS also lifted its price target on the stock to $37 from $34.

Lam Research (LRCX, Trade ) was upgraded to hold from sell at Citigroup Investment Research.

Manor Care (HCR, Trade ) was upgraded to peer perform from underperform at Bear Stearns.

MedImmune Inc. (MEDI, Trade ) confirmed it will explore a sale of the company. The Gaithersburg, Md., biotechnology company said Thursday it hired Goldman Sachs & Co. and Dewey Ballantine LLP to help evaluate whether third parties would be interested in buying MedImmune at a price that would represent a better value for its shareholders than having the company remain independent. MedImmune said in February the board believed the best way to maximize shareholder value was to "aggressively implement its business plan." But "indications of interest by major pharmaceutical companies," along with dissatisfaction by certain shareholders with its stock-price performance, led the board to authorize management to consider a sale.

M/I Homes Inc.'s (MHO, Trade ) first-quarter new contracts dropped 17% to 942 homes from 1,137 in the year-earlier quarter as the company's Florida and Midwest regions experienced declines. Homes delivered during the quarter fell 15% to 704 from 832 a year earlier, the company said Thursday. The Columbus, Ohio, home builder said, however, its cancellation rate declined to 25% from 63% in the fourth quarter of 2006. M/I Homes had a backlog of 1,761 units as of March 31, down 43% from 3,112 units a year ago.

Mobius Management Systems Inc. (MOBI, Trade ) agreed to be acquired by Allen Systems Group Inc., an enterprise software provider, for $10.05 a share in cash. Mobius, a Rye, N.Y., enterprise software provider, said the $10.05 a share purchase price represents a premium of about 35% over its $7.44 closing price on April 11, the last trading day prior to the announcement. The company said upon completion of the transaction, it will be a unit of ASG. The transaction is expected to close in the second or third calendar quarter. Mobius said it expects a fiscal third-quarter loss of 8 to 10 cents a share on revenue of $18.7 million to $19.2 million.

Mothers Work Inc. (MWRK, Trade ) said its March sales at stores open at least one year rose 3.6%. Analysts, on average, expected its same-store sales to fall 2%, according to Thomson Financial. The company noted same-store sales were favorably impacted by four to five percentage points by an extra Saturday in the month compared to a year ago and the earlier Easter. Net sales for March rose 4.2% to $59.1 million. The company also said it expects second quarter earnings to significantly exceed the previous year and be within its previously announced guidance range.

Murphy Oil Corp. (MUR, Trade ) expects first-quarter income of 60 to 65 cents a share. On average, analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect first-quarter earnings of 53 cents a share. In the year-ago first quarter, the company earned 60 cents a share. The El Dorado, Ark., oil and gas producer said it expects production and sales volume of 94,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Murphy Oil expects first-quarter corporate charges of about $13 million.

NovaStar Financial Inc. (NFI, Trade ) said it has initiated a formal process to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company. The mortgage lender said it has retained Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. to act as an adviser. NovaStar also said it has received a commitment for an additional financing facility of up to $100 million.

Pacific Sunwear (PSUN, Trade ) said March same-store sales rose 14.1% over year-earlier levels. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial had been expecting same-store sales growth of 3.4%, on average. Total sales for the month increased 18% to $140.3 million from last year's $119.3 million.

Pactiv Corp. (PTV, Trade ) agreed to acquire Prairie Packaging, a maker of disposable tableware products, for $1 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter. Pactiv anticipates that Prairie will add 2 to 4 cents a share in 2007 earnings, including annual cost efficiencies of $15 million.

SAIC Corp. (SAI, Trade ) said fourth-quarter earnings fell to $84 million, or 20 cents a share, from a year-earlier profit of $154 million, or 44 cents a share, when there were fewer shares outstanding. The company also said it would have a role in the General Services Administration's Networx Universal program as part of a team led by Qwest Communications (Q, Trade )

Thomas Properties Group Inc. (TPGI, Trade ) said it plans to offer 7 million shares of its common stock in a public offering.

United Retail Group Inc. (URGI, Trade ) said that its comparable sales in March rose 11%. Total sales increased 12% to $45.5 million. Analysts had been expecting a 4% rise in comparable sales from the company in March, according to data compiled by Thomson Financial.

US Bioenergy Corp. (USBE, Trade ) was initiated with a strong buy rating at Raymond James. The firm set a price target of $18.

Vonage Holdings (VG, Trade ) said its chief executive officer, Michael Snyder, has resigned. The Holmdel, N.J. telephone services company said its chairman, Jeffrey Citron, would serve as CEO on an interim basis. The company said it expects revenue for the quarter ending March to be $195 million, and net subscriber line additions to be 166,000. The company also announced cost cutting measures, including reducing marketing expenses by $110 million.

Wet Seal Inc.'s (WTSLA, Trade ) March same-store sales rose 10.9%, aided by the inclusion of Easter and by the company's spring fashion merchandise. On average, Wall Street expected the company's March same-store sales to increase 7.5%. The Foothill Ranch, Calif., retailer said Thursday total sales for the five weeks ended April 7, increased to $57.6 million from $47.3 million a year earlier. For April, Wet Seal expects a low-single-digit decrease in same-store sales.

American Oil & Gas Inc. (AEZ, Trade ) said it plans to issue six million common shares for gross proceeds of $28.5 million. The Denver-based company expects to use the proceeds of the offering to fund its drilling program and for general corporate purposes.

Avaya (AV, Trade ) was downgraded to neutral from buy at Banc of America Securities.

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY, Trade ) reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $205.8 million, or 72 cents a share, up 4% from $197.9 million, or 67 cents a share, during the year-ago period. The Union, N.J.-based retailer company posted revenue of $1.99 billion vs. $1.69 billion. The current results included a non-recurring charge of about $30 million, or 7 cents a share, related to Internal Revenue Code Section 409A, the company said. Excluding the charge, per-share earnings were 79 cents vs. 67 cents.

Cato Corp. (CTR, Trade ) said same-store sales rose 7% in March. Total sales increased 13% for the month to $95.1 million from $83.8 million in the corresponding year-ago period. The Charlotte, N.C., women's fashion apparel retailer said March sales were below expectations due to the negative impact of record cold weather during Easter week. For the first quarter, the company said it now sees earnings of 70 to 72 cents a share with same-store sales down between 1% and 4%. The current average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial is for a profit of 77 cents a share in the April period.

CECO Environmental Corp. (CECE, Trade ) filed a registration statement with the SEC for a proposed follow-on offering of roughly 3.35 million common shares. The deal includes an over-allotment option for the sale of an additional 502,225 shares. The company is selling 1 million of the shares, and selling stockholders are offering the remainder.

Cell Therapeutics (CTIC, Trade ) said it's agreed to sell about $37.2 million worth of its 3% convertible preferred stock and warrants to several institutional investors.

Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. (PLCE, Trade ) said its March sales at stores open at least one year rose 7%. Analysts, on average, had expected its same-store sales to rise 6%, according to Thomson Financial. Total sales for the five weeks ended April 7 rose 18% to $204.7 million. The Secaucus, N.J.-based company expects first-quarter profit to be about flat with last year's first quarter. Children's Place continues to expect profit for the year of about $3.63 to $3.73, before any residual expenses the company may incur as a result of the conclusion of its stock option investigation.

Christopher & Banks Corp.'s (CBK, Trade ) fiscal fourth-quarter net income plunged to $1.93 million, or 5 cents a share, from $6.68 million, or 18 cents a share, a year earlier. The Minneapolis-based women's retailer said net sales for the 14-week quarter ended March 3 increased 5.8% to $134 million, compared with $126.6 million in the 13-week period a year ago. Christopher & Banks expects a first-quarter net income range of 30 to 31 cents a share.

Cost Plus Inc. (CPWM, Trade ) said it would postpone the release of fiscal fourth-quarter results while it completes a review of inventory accounting practices. The Oakland, Calif. home good retailer said it had discovered discrepancies in inventory reconciliations, and may need to restate financial statements from 2002 through 2005 and the first three quarters of 2006. The company said it did not expect the restatement to reduce earnings by more than $11 million.

ECtel Ltd. (ECTX, Trade ) shares plunged after the company forecast first-quarter revenue of $3.4 million to $3.6 million. ECtel said net income is also expected to be impacted. Chief Executive Eitan Naor said in a statement that the company's "revenues were lower than our internal work plan following both a delay in the receipt of previously anticipated orders and a delay in receiving acceptance for certain customer projects that are part of our backlog."

Genentech (DNA, Trade ) said its first-quarter profit surged 68% and sales rose 43% from the same period a year ago even as sales of two of its key cancer treatments came in lower on a sequential basis.

Health Care REIT Inc. (HCN, Trade ) said it plans to offer 5 million shares of its common stock.

Interphase Corp. (INPH, Trade ) said it expects to report a "significant revenue shortfall" for the first quarter. Interphase shares recently traded at $9.86 after hours, a decline of 27.8% from the regular-session closing price of $13.66. The Plano, Texas, networking technologies company expects a first-quarter loss of $1.7 million to $2.2 million on revenue of $5 million to $5.1 million.

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers (JOSB, Trade ) said its March sales at stores open at least one year rose 1.4%. Analysts, on average, expected its same-store sales to rise 2.7%, according to Thomson Financial. Total sales for the month ended April 7 rose 10.1% to $45.7 million.

Limited Brands Inc. (LTD, Trade ) named Stuart Burgdoerfer as chief financial officer, effective immediately. The company also said same-store sales rose 8% in March. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson Financial was for an increase of 6.6% for the month. Total sales for the month rose to $892.3 million from $788.2 million in the corresponding period a year earlier.

MarineMax (HZO, Trade ) warned that it expects its fiscal 2007 profit to be sharply lower than its previous guidance due to higher costs and increasing price pressure as well as a challenging market. The firm said it expects earnings for the year ending Sept. 30 to be in the range of 45 cents to 65 cents a share. It had previously expected earnings in a range of $1.40 to $1.50 a share. For the second quarter it forecast earnings of 14 cents to 17 cents a share, including a gain of 6 cents per share from insurance claims associated with Hurricane Wilma in 2006. MarineMax said while it is disappointed with its earnings, it has still managed to gain market share. It added it is taking steps to reduce costs and grow the strength of its balance sheet and has also reduced its purchases from manufacturers to reflect its cautious outlook.

Men's Wearhouse Inc. (MW, Trade ) expects its fiscal first-quarter earnings on the lower end of its previously stated range of 63 to 67 cents a share. A Thomson Financial survey of analysts, on average, expects earnings of 66 cents a share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates usually exclude items. The Houston off-price specialty retailer cited softening U.S. sales for the change in forecast.

Mercantile Bank Corp. (MBWM, Trade ) was downgraded to sector perform from outperform at RBC Capital Markets. The firm also cut its price target to $33 from$38.

MGIC Investments' (MTG, Trade ) shares fell after the company posted weaker than expected earnings due to a build up in reserves and lower income from a joint venture. The company posted first-quarter earnings of $1.12 a share, down from $1.87 a share a year earlier and well off the average analyst estimate of $1.71. Total revenue for the quarter edged up slightly to $369.6 million from $369 million.

Microstrategy (MSTR, Trade ) was downgraded to reduce from neutral at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey.

Nautilus Inc. (NLS, Trade ) shares sank after the Vancouver, Wash.-based maker of exercise equipment said it now expects first-quarter earnings of 8 cents to 9 cents a share on revenue of $160 million. The company had previously forecast a per-share profit of 18 cents to 21 cents on revenue of $185 million to $195 million. For full year 2007, Nautilus now expects earnings growth of 20% to 30% on sales growth of 5% to 10%. "Our international, apparel and commercial businesses performed well," said Gregg Hammann, chairman and chief executive, in a statement. "However, the North American market for home fitness was sluggish, which resulted in a substantial shortfall in March retail replenishment orders, and softness in direct."

New York & Co. (NWY, Trade ) said its March sales at stores open at least one year rose 4.5%, helped by the earlier Easter holiday. Analysts, on average, had expected its same-store sales to rise 4.4%, according to Thomson Financial. Total net sales for the five weeks ended April 7 rose 16.9% to $110.9 million. "Sales gained momentum throughout the month and included a successful pre-Easter week," Richard Crystal, New York & Co. chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. "We remain optimistic about our business during the remainder of the spring season but do expect sales to be impacted in April due to the shift of the Easter selling period to March."

Shares of Nitches Inc. (NICH, Trade ) fell after the San Diego-based apparel company reported a fiscal second-quarter net loss of $511,000, or 10 cents a share, compared with net earnings of $45,000, or a penny a share, in the year-ago period. Revenue rose to $14.3 million from $12.3 million. As of Feb. 28, 2007, the company had unfilled customer orders of $28.1 million, compared with $22.4 million at the same time last year.

Ocean Bio-Chem (OBCI, Trade ) shares dropped after the company reported first-quarter gross sales of $4.42 million, down 7.7% from $4.79 million in the year-ago period. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Ocean Bio-Chem makes maintenance and care products for boats, recreational vehicles and automobiles

Research in Motion Ltd. (RIMM, Trade ) said its fiscal fourth-quarter profit surged tenfold from a year earlier, when it had a large legal expense, as sales rose 66% on strong demand for the company's Blackberry wireless devices.

Ruby Tuesday Inc. (RI, Trade ) earned $28.7 million, or 49 cents a share in its fiscal third quarter, down from $30.2 million, or 50 cents, in the year-ago period, the company said Wednesday. Excluding charges, the company would have earned 57 cents, a 14% increase. Total sales were up almost 12% to $377.9 million but sales at restaurants open at least a year fell 1%. Ruby Tuesday also said that effective with the start of trading on Thursday, its ticker symbol with change to RT.

Saks Inc.'s (SKS, Trade ) same-store sales rose 10% in March. The Birmingham, Ala., retailer said owned sales for the five weeks ended April 7 rose to $284.3 million from $253.7 million for the five weeks ended April 1, 2006. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected, on average, a 13% increase in same-store sales. Saks said that for March, the strongest categories for Saks Fifth Avenue were women's designer and contemporary sportswear, fine jewelry, handbags, and men's sportswear, shoes and accessories. Children's apparel, women's large sizes, fashion jewelry and cosmetics had the softest performance.

Wednesday Stocks to Watch

Stocks are trading lower with lower volumes. Most notable small stocks on the break out are:

(USAT) - Continues from the recent uptrend after it announced the agreement with Coca-Cola Bottling for its non-cash payment support.
(AMRN) - speculative stock on the move again
(FSLR) - solar play
(SPWR) - solar play
(TSL) - solar play
(ENA) - alternative fuel play

Tuesday Stocks to Watch

The market is trading relatively flat on Tuesday afternoon. There is no real push for the stocks in either direction. The earning season is kicking off tonight after close with Alcoa (AA). These stocks stocks will dictate how the market will trade in the coming weeks. Notable stocks worth watching are:

(DIVX) - better than expected earning announced after close yesterday.
(VCLK) - volume is trading 300% more than usual.
(ROSE) - mentioned favorably by Cramer.