Tech Stocks in Motion

Updated from 1:11 p.m.

Shares of Unova (UNA) were among the best-performing technology stocks Tuesday, rising 30.8% after the company posted third-quarter earnings and sales above Wall Street expectations.

Excluding items, the supplier of wireless equipment posted earnings of 11 cents a share on sales of $316.7 million. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call were expecting earnings of 4 cents a share on sales of $307.7 million. A year ago, the company earned 7 cents a share on sales of $278 million. Shares traded up $4.71 to $20.

SRA International(SRX) rose 11.5% after the company posted strong first-quarter results that easily surpassed expectations and said that its second-quarter results would top expectations. The provider of IT services posted a profit of 45 cents a share on sales of $203.5 million. Analysts were expecting earnings of 39 cents a share on sales of $180 million. Looking ahead, the company forecast second-quarter earnings of 44 cents to 46 cents a share on sales of $197 million to $202 million. Analysts had been expecting 42 cents a share on sales of $180.9 million. Shares traded up $6 to $58.25.

Shares of Primus Telecommunications Group(PRTL) rose 25.7% after the company posted third-quarter earnings and sales that were above expectations. Excluding one-time gains, the telecom company earned 4 cents a share on sales of $334.3 million. Analysts were expecting a loss of 6 cents a share on sales of $323.7 million. Looking ahead, Primus said fourth-quarter sales should be comparable to third-quarter results. Analysts are expecting fourth-quarter sales of $325 million. Shares traded up 48 cents to $2.35.

National Semiconductor(NSM) fell 1.7% after the company warned that its second-quarter sales would fall short of expectations. The semiconductor company now expects sales of $445 million to $450 million, which is 18% to 19% below what it posted during the first quarter. Previously, the company said that second-quarter sales would fall 8% to 10% from first-quarter levels. Gross margins are now expected to range from 49% to 50%, down slightly from National Semi's previous forecast of 51%. The company said that inventory adjustments and lower-than-typical seasonality contributed to the lowered second-quarter outlook. Second-quarter earnings results are scheduled for Dec. 9. Shares traded down 29 cents to $16.40.