Heartland, Werner Decline on Analyst Downgrade
Dow Jones Newswires</br></br>Small stocks gave back Tuesday's gains and then some, as a broad market rally failed late for the second consecutive day.</br></br>Trucking stocks were among the session's worst performers after Bear Stearns cut its ratings on several companies, citing "inconsistent demand, decelerating pricing and increased cost pressures."</br></br>Among small stocks, the broker cut its rating on Heartland Express, Werner Enterprises, Covenant Transport and Knight Transportation (NYSE) to "underperform" from "peer perform." Heartland fell 98 cents, or 5%, to $18.52; Werner dropped 85 cents, or 4.5%, to 18.15; Covenant slid 89 cents, or 6.8%, to 12.30; and Knight gave up 2.22, or 8.9%, to 22.66.</br></br>Thanks to positive commentary from large-cap Texas Instruments, semiconductor-related stocks gained ground as a group. Among small stocks, Kulicke & Soffa Industries added 18 cents, or 2.7%, to 6.95, Lattice Semiconductor added 13 cents, or 3.1%, to 4.29, and Kopin gained nine cents, or 2.4%, to 3.85.