On the upside
Beazer Homes USA (NYSE: BZH) posted sharply lower 4th quarter revenues along with a profit due to a one-time gain from prepayment of debt. The home-building sector enjoyed a rally with analysts expecting a rebound in the housing market.
Bank of America's (NYSE: BAC) outgoing CEO Ken Lewis told an audience that the Merrill acquisition generated $2.2 billion in cost savings which was more than expected.
Priceline (Nasdaq: PCLN) posted sharply higher revenues and 3rd quarter profits that tripled as more travelers booked flights and hotels by going online.
On the downside
Bond insurer MBIA (NYSE: MBI) posted large quarterly losses due to underperforming mortgage-related investments.
Electronic Arts (NYSE: ERTS) announced a quarterly loss and plans to cut its workforce by 17% even as the video game maker expanded into online gaming.
An analyst downgraded GT Solar International (Nasdaq: SOLR) which reported lower 2nd quarter profits.
In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a slim margin on the NYSE and were narrowly edged out on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks added a point to 593.
