On the upside
DineEquity (NYSE: DIN) posted better than expected results for the fourth quarter as revenue rose.
While fourth quarter earnings for Carter's (NYSE: CRI) slipped, revenue rose.
Fox Pitt upgraded MF Global (NYSE: MF) after the broker initiated a tender offer for $210 million in outstanding convertible senior notes.
On the downside
FCStone Group (Nasdaq: FCSX) said that it may increase its loan loss provisions for the second quarter.
ThinkEquity Partners downgraded First Solar (Nasdaq: FSLR) after the company warned that the sluggish economy will negatively impact results for rest of the year.
Although Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE: CBI) reported higher fourth quarter earnings that topped expectations, the company forecast 2009 earnings and revenue below estimates.
In the broad market, declining issues outpaced advancers by a margin of nearly 8 to 3 on both the NYSE and on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks plunged 13 points to 399.
