At last check, EQIX shares were trading 8.72% higher at $202.81, with volume up from daily average of 750,154 to 4.89 million. The stock hit a 52-week high of $212 in today’s trading.

EQIX shares are gaining in today’s trading after the company’s Board approved a plan to pursue conversion to a real estate investment trust (REIT). The Board reached the decision following thorough analysis of various structures designed to maximize long-term value for shareholders.

Steve Smith, CEO of Equinix, said that as a REIT, the company will be able to provide its shareholders with regular distributions from earnings. Smith said that while operating as a REIT, the company will continue to fully execute its global growth strategy of expanding in markets where demand and financial return warrant.

Shares of McEwen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX), a mining company engaged in the exploration for and production of precious metals in the U.S., Mexico and Argentina, are soaring in today’s trading.

At last check, MUX shares were trading 8.18% higher at $4.63, with volume up from daily average of 1.92 million to 2.93 million. The stock touched a 52-week high of $4.65 in today’s trading.

Year-to-date, MUX shares have gained more than 34%, outperforming the S&P 500. The stock has a 52-week high of $6.30.

Shares of Firstmerit Corp. (NASDAQ: FMER), a bank holding company, are sinking in today’s trading.

At last check, FMER shares were trading 10.20% lower at $15.41, with volume up from daily average 816,879 to 6.98 million. The stock fell to an intra-day low of $15.03 in today’s trading.

FMER shares are falling even as the company announced that it would acquire Citizens Republic Bancorp (NASDAQ: CRBC) in an all-stock deal valued at approximately $952 million. The acquisition will allow FMER to expand its footprint in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Under the terms of the agreement, CRBC shareholders will receive 1.37 FMER shares for each share they tender to the offering. Based on FMER’s closing price on Wednesday, the offer price represents a premium of 18%.

Paul Greig, CEO of Firstmerit, said that with a five-state reach that will extend from Western Pennsylvania to Wisconsin, FMER looks to become the bank of choice among businesses and individuals across the upper Midwest.

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At last check, PLL shares were trading 8.10% higher at $62.87, with volume at 341,955. The stock touched an intra-day high of $63 in today’s trading.

PLL shares are soaring in today’s trading after the company reported its fourth-quarter financial results. For the fourth quarter ended July 31, 2012, PLL reported sales of $783.7 million, compared to $780.4 million reported for the same period in the previous year.

The company’s diluted earnings per share for the quarter were $0.73, compared to $0.82 reported for the same period in the previous year.

Larry Kingsley, president and CEO of Pall Corp., said that PLL executed a solid fourth quarter. Kingsley said that PLL focused almost exclusively on restoring customer service levels and has recovered from the ERP implementation challenges in the third quarter of FY12.

Shares of Vical Inc. (NASDAQ: VICL), a biotechnology company engaged in the research and development of products based on its DNA delivery technologies for the prevention and treatment of serious or life-threatening diseases, are soaring in today’s trading.

At last check, the small-cap stock of VICL was trading 6.55% higher at $4.02, with volume up from daily average of 325,148 to 1.19 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $4.24 in today’s trading.

VICL shares are soaring in today’s trading after the company granted a worldwide non-exclusive license to Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) of its patented platform DNA immunization technology and its Vaxfectin® adjuvant for use in the production of antibodies.

Vijay B. Samant, president and CEO of Vical, said that VICL is pleased to enter into the agreement with BMY recognizing an important application of its DNA immunization technology.

Shares of Pier 1 Imports Inc. (NYSE: PIR), a specialty retailer of decorative home furnishings and gifts, are marginally lower in today’s trading.

At last check, PIR shares were trading 0.61% lower at $19.44, with volume at 745,398. The stock touched a 52-week high of $20.30 earlier today before paring its gains.

PIR today reported its financial results for the second quarter ended August 25, 2012. The company’s comparable sales for the quarter rose 6.7%. Gross profit improved 160 basis points to 41.2% in the second quarter. The company reported a 36% in its operating income for the second quarter.

PIR’s earnings per share for the quarter were $0.24 on a GAAP basis and $0.19 on a non-GAAP basis.

Alex W. Smith, president and CEO of Pier 1 Imports, said that the company is pleased to report its 12th consecutive quarter of strong comparable store sales gains and profit growth. Smith said that PIR’s sound strategies and focus on flawless execution ideally positions the company to achieve continued growth and long-term success.

At last check, the penny stock of PWAV was trading 69.83% higher at $0.649, with volume up from daily average of 405,116 to 2.78 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $0.69 in today’s trading.

PWAV shares are soaring in today’s trading after the company announced that it signed a new $50 million senior secured credit agreement with P-Wave Holdings, LLC, which is an affiliate of The Gores Group. As per the terms of the credit agreement, the lenders advanced $35 million to PWAV, less fees and expenses. The company will receive an additional $15 million subject to fulfillment of certain conditions.

Shares of Mediware Info. Systems (NASDAQ: MEDW), a software and programming company engaged in licensing, implementation and support of clinical and performance management information solutions and other services to healthcare facilities, are soaring in today’s trading.

At last check, the small cap stock of MEDW was trading 38.79% higher at $21.86, with volume up from daily average of 12,558 to 1.29 million. The stock touched a 52-week high of $21.92 in today’s trading.

MEDW shares are soaring in today’s trading after the company agreed to be acquired by Thoma Bravo LLC, a leading private equity firm. MEDW and Thoma Bravo signed a definitive agreement under which the private equity firm will acquire MEDW for $22 per share in an all cash transaction. The offer represents a 40% over MEDW’s closing price on Tuesday.

Mediware CEP Thomas Mann said that the company has sustained consistent revenue and earnings growth over the past five years by focusing on effectively expanding its product portfolios to new areas of care. Mann said that the acquisition by Thoma Bravo recognizes this performance and validates the company’s belief that it is positioned for continues growth and profitability in the future.

Shares of Liquidty Services Inc. (NASDAQ: LQDT), an auction marketplace for surplus and salvage assets, are sinking in today’s trading.

At last check, LQDT shares were trading 10.57% lower at $49.26, with volume up from daily average of 770,249 to 1.93 million. The stock touched an intra-day low of $48.81 in today’s trading.

LQDT shares are sinking after Stifel Nicolaus analysts lowered their price target on the stock. The analysts slashed LQDT’s price target from $72 to $66. Stifel Nicolaus has a Buy rating on the stock.

LQDT shares have gained more than 33% this year, outperforming the S&P 500.

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At last check, FB shares were trading 5.92% higher at $20.58, with volume at 30.64 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $20.99 in today’s trading. FB shares are down more than 45% since the May 2012 IPO.

FB shares are gaining after comments from CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the TechCrunch Disrupt Conference in San Francisco on Tuesday. Zuckerberg said that FB is halfway through a period where it is looking to retool itself as a company.

Zuckerberg noted that he is disappointed with the performance of FB shares since the May 2012 IPO, but said that he is positive that the market will soon appreciate the potential that FB has in mobile and in search.

Shares of Halcon Resources Corp. (NYSE: HK), an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, production, exploration and development of onshore oil and natural gas properties in the U.S., are down sharply in today’s trading.

At last check, HK shares were trading 7.72% lower at $7.89, with volume at 1.36 million. The stock fell to an intra-day low of $7.84 in today’s trading. HK shares have fallen nearly 80% in the last five trading sessions.

HK shares are sinking after the company announced the commencement of an underwritten secondary offering of 35,000,000 shares of its common stock offered by EnCap Energy Capital Fund VIII L.P. The underwriters to the offering also have a 30-day option to purchase up to 5,250,000 additional shares of HK common stock from EnCap Energy.

HK will not sell any shares or receive any proceeds from the secondary offering.

Shares of Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ: TXN), designer and maker of semiconductors for electronics designers and manufacturers globally, are marginally lower in today’s trading.

At last check, TXN shares were trading 0.35% lower at $28.48, with volume at 1.79 million. The stock fell to an intra-day low of $28.41 in today’s trading. Year-to-date, TXN shares have fallen more than 2%.

TXN on Tuesday updated its third-quarter 2012 business outlook. For the third quarter, the company now expects revenue to be between $3.27 billion and $3.41 billion. This compares to previous guidance range of $3.21 billion to $3.47 billion. Third-quarter earnings are expected to be between $0.38 per share and $0.42 per share, compared to previous guidance range of $0.34 per share to $0.42 per share.

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At last check, FIVE shares were down 5.89% to $32.75 in pre-market trading today.

FIVE shares have slipped in trading today after the company announced its second-quarter financial results. For the quarter ended July 28, 2012, FIVE reported net sales of $86.8 million, up 40% over the same period in the previous year.

FIVE’s operating income for the quarter rose from $3.7 million to $4.7 million. The company reported second-quarter net income of $1.2 million, compared to $2.2 million reported for the same period in the previous year. Adjusted net income for the quarter was $2.2 million, compared to $2.3 million reported for the same period in the previous year.

Thomas Vellios, Co-Founder, President and CEO of Five Below, said that FIVE is pleased to have delivered net sales, comparable store sales and operating income growth for the second quarter that reflects the strength of its dynamic business model.

Shares of Shuffle Master Inc. (NASDAQ: SHFL), a global gaming supplier, have slipped in pre-market trading today.

At last check, SHFL shares were down 6.03% to $14.50 in pre-market trading today.

SHFL shares are down sharply after the company reported its third-quarter financial results. For the third quarter ended July 31, 2012, SHFL reported total revenue of $63.4 million, representing an increase of 9% over the same period in the previous year. The company’s total recurring revenue for the quarter rose 12% on a year-over-year basis.

SHFL reported GAAP net income of $10.4 million for the third quarter, representing an increase of 14% over the same period in the previous year.

Gavin Isaacs, CEO of Shuffle Master, said that SHFL is pleased to have produced another solid quarter of operating results, with year-over-year growth in all key categories. Isaacs said that SHFL is well-positioned to delivery strong results and is excited by the upcoming launches of its innovative products at G2E.

Shares of United Natural Foods Inc. (NASDAQ: UNFI), a distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods and non-food products in the U.S. and Canada, are down sharply in pre-market trading today.

At last check, UNFI shares were down 6.92% to $56.25 in pre-market trading today.

UNFI shares have slipped in pre-market trading after the company reported its fourth-quarter and full-year financial results. For the fourth quarter ended July 28, 2012, UNFI reported net sales of $1.34 billion, representing an increase of 16% over the same period in the previous year.

UNFI’s net income for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 was $25.1 million, compared to $17.2 million reported for the same period in the previous year. The increase in net income was mainly due to improvements in the company’s operational efficiency, as well as pre-tax expenses of $6.3 million recognized during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 in connection with the restructuring of UNFI Specialty Distribution Services division.

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At last check, PXP shares were trading 9.17% lower at $36.63, with volume up from daily average of 1.62 million to 12.11 million. The stock touched an intra-day low of $36.27 in today’s trading.

PXP shares are down sharply even as the company announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of BP Exploration & Production Inc., and BP American Production Company’s interests in certain deepwater Gulf of Mexico oil and gas properties for $5.5 billion.

As of July 2012, the properties being acquired by PXP were producing an estimated 59,500 barrels of oil equivalent net per day of which nearly 84% is oil and natural gas.

Shares of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR), a company engaged in the specialty coffee and coffee maker businesses, are seeing a huge rally in today’s trading.

At last check, GMCR shares were trading 10.02% higher at $30.62, with volume up from daily average of 7.05 million to 11.97 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $30.77 in today’s trading.

GMCR shares have gained more than 28% in the last three trading sessions. GMCR shares have been gaining momentum after the company last week announced plans for a new line of health drinks.

GMCR last week announced the addition of health drinks to its beverage offerings, marking the company’s entry into the Wellness sector.

Lawrence J. Blanford, President and CEO of Green Mountain Coffee, said that GMCR is dedicated to innovation in all avenues of its business and the company recognized an opportunity to help consumers simplify their wellness routines with great beverages at the touch of a button.

Shares of Mellanox Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: MLNX), a fables semiconductor company engaged in the production and supply of interconnect products that facilitate data transmission between servers, storage systems and communications infrastructure equipment and other embedded systems, are down sharply in today’s trading.

At last check, MLNX shares were trading 7.25% lower at $102.81, with volume up from daily average of 953,231 to 5.04 million. The stock fell to an intra-day low of $94.81 in today’s trading.

MLNX shares are falling in today’s trading after the company announced that Michael Gray, its CFO, will retire from his current position effective November 5, 2012. Gray has been MLNX’s CFO since December 2004.  MLNX’s Board of Directors, meanwhile, appointed Jacob Shulman as the new CFO. Shulman currently serves as MLNX’s Vice President of Finance.

MLNX said that the transition process in the finance department will commence immediately.

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At last check, the small cap stock of BIOF was trading 56.67% higher at $4.70, with volume up from daily average of 49,985 to 1.21 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $5.89 in today’s trading.

BIOF shares are soaring in today’s trading after hedge fund manager David Einhorn said that he has raised his stake in the company. In a regulatory filing, Einhorn said that he holds a 36.2% stake in the company, which is up from a stake of 25.5% he held in the company at the end of the second quarter.

Shares of Kraft Foods Inc. (NASDAQ: KFT), a food company engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of packaged food products, are down sharply in today’s trading.

At last check, KFT shares were trading 5.54% lower at $39.97, with volume up from daily average of 10.32 million to 30.16 million. The stock touched an intra-day low of $39.70 in today’s trading.

KFT shares are falling after the company today provided growth plans for its North American grocery business, which will be spun off next month.

As previously announced, KFT plans to spinoff Kraft Foods Group Inc., which will focus on the company’s North American grocery business, on October 1, 2012. Following the spinoff Kraft Foods Group will trade on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol KRFT. Meanwhile Kraft Foods will be renamed as Mondelez International Inc. and will trade on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol MDLZ.

Tony Vernon, currently the President of Kraft Foods North America and the future CEO of Kraft Foods Group, said that Kraft Foods Group’s aim is to be North America’s best food and beverage company, and the company will get there by continuing to offer products consumers love.

Shares of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR), a company engaged in the specialty coffee and coffee maker businesses, are soaring in today’s trading.

At last check, GMCR shares were trading 11.35% higher at $27.37, with volume up from daily average of 6.84 million to 7.39 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $27.80 in today’s trading.

GMCR shares are soaring in today’s trading after the company announced that it is entering the Wellness category with new Wellness Brewed™ beverages.

Lawrence J. Blanford, President and CEO of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, said that GMCR is dedicated to innovation in all avenues of its business and the company recognized an opportunity to help consumers simplify their wellness routines in a way only GMCR could offer, with great beverages at the touch of a button.

GMCR’s new Wellness Brewed™ collection includes six beverages.

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At last check, the small cap stock of SWHC was trading 18.89% higher at $10.70, with volume at 343,002. The stock touched a 52-week high of $11 in today’s trading.

SWHC shares are soaring in today’s trading after the company reported record first-quarter financial results. For the quarter ended July 31, 2012, the company reported net sales from continuing operations of $136 million, a record and up 48.3% over the same period in the previous year.

SWHC’s gross profit for the first quarter was $51.3 million, compared to $26.5 million reported for the same period in the previous year. Net income from continuing operations for the quarter was a record $18.9 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to net income from continuing operations of $2.3 million, or $0.04 per share reported for the same period in the previous year.

Shares of Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA), a beauty retailer providing one-stop shopping for prestige, mass and salon products and salon services in the U.S., are up sharply in today’s trading.

At last check, ULTA shares were trading 8.65% higher at $103.50, with volume at 171,961. The stock touched a 52-week high of $103.52 in today’s trading.

ULTA shares are soaring after the company reported its second-quarter financial results. For the quarter ended July 28, 2012, ULTA reported net sales of $481.7 million, representing an increase of 22.1% over the same period in the previous year. Comparable store sales for the quarter rose 9.3%. The company’s gross margin improved 80 basis points to 34.8% in the second quarter.

ULTA reported second-quarter net income of $35 million, representing an increase of 46.4% over the same period in the previous year.

Chuck Rubin, President and CEO of Ulta Salon, said that the company is very pleased to report excellent results for the second quarter. Rubin said that the ULTA team drove strong sales and profit growth by continuing to focus on the five components of the company’s multi-year growth strategy.

Shares of Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ: LULU), a designer and retailer of athletic apparel operating primarily in North America and Australia, are climbing in today’s trading.

At last check, LULU shares were trading 3.22% higher at $70.81, with volume at 2.17 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $71.24 in today’s trading.

LULU shares are gaining in today’s trading after the company reported its second-quarter financial results. LULU’s net revenue for the quarter rose 33% to $282.6 million. The company’s comparable store sales for the second quarter rose 15%. The company reported income from operations of $70.2 million, up 18% over the same period in the previous year.

LULU also raised its outlook for the full fiscal year. The company now expects fiscal 2012 net revenue to be between $1.345 billion and $1.360 billion. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter are expected to be between $1.76 and $1.81.

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At last check, UTIW shares were trading 9.74% higher at $14.76, with volume up from daily average of 276,906 to 565,422. The stock touched an intra-day high of $14.99 in today’s trading.

UTIW shares are soaring after the company reported its second-quarter financial results. For the second quarter ended July 31, 2012, UTIW reported revenue of $1.555 billion, down 10.9% over the same period in the previous year. The company’s net revenue for the quarter was $406.1 million, down 8.4% over the same period in the previous year.

UTIW reported second-quarter adjusted net income of $20.3 million, or $0.20 per share, compared to $25.3 million, or $0.24 per share reported for the same period in the previous year.

Eric W. Kirchner, CEO of UTi Worldwide, said that the anemic global economy and weak freight environment continued to weigh on results in the second quarter, which together with a currency translation led to a 10.9% decline in revenue.

Shares of Navistar International Corp. (NYSE: NAV), a manufacturer of International brand commercial and military trucks, IC Bus (IC) brand buses, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, Workhorse Custom Chassis (WCC) brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and Monaco RV recreational vehicles, are seeing a huge rally in today’s trading.

At last check, NAV shares were trading 14.89% higher at $23.45, with volume up from daily average of 1.81 million to 5.59 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $23.75 in today’s trading.

NAV shares are soaring after the company reported its third-quarter financial results. NAV reported third-quarter net income of $84 million, or $1.22 per share, compared to net income of $1.4 billion, or $18.24 per share reported for the same period in the previous year.

Lewis B. Campbell, Chairman and CEO of Navistar International, said that although he is not pleased with the results, he was satisfied to learn on day one that Troy Clarke and his team were already working on a plan to deal with many of the important issues NAV faces.

Shares of Owens-Illinois Inc. (NYSE: OI), a manufacturer of glass containers with 81 glass manufacturing plants in 21 countries, are rallying in today’s trading.

At last check, OI shares were trading 9.45% higher at $18.88, with volume up from daily average of 1.33 million to 2.41 million. The stock touched an intra-day high of $18.98 in today’s trading.

OI this week issued a statement regarding a favorable ruling handed down last week by a McLean County, Illinois, judge. The ruling relates to a verdict issued on March 11, 2011, in an asbestos case.

The company said that on August 31, 2012, a McLean County, Illinois, trial judge granted its motion to vacate portion of a nearly $90 million 2011 jury verdict in a case involving allegations that the company and other companies participated in a conspiracy to hide or misrepresent information about the health risks related to asbestos exposure.

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