Tech Stocks in Motion

Shares of Epicor Software(EPIC Quote) were among technology's winners Wednesday, rising 20% after the company posted second-quarter results that topped forecasts.

The software company reported adjusted earnings of $12.8 million, or 23 cents a share, on sales of $71 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call were expecting earnings of 22 cents a share on sales of $68.5 million. A year ago the company posted adjusted earnings of $8 million, or 15 cents a share, on sales of $48.6 million.

Looking ahead, Epicor expects adjusted third-quarter earnings of 22 cents a share on sales of about $70 million. Analysts had been expecting earnings of 21 cents a share on sales of $68.5 million. Shares were trading up $2.65 to $16.05.

PLX Technology(PLXT Quote) fell 10% after the company posted second-quarter sales that fell below forecasts and said that third-quarter sales would be below expectations. The company reported a pro forma loss of $200,000, or 1 cent a share, on sales $13.2 million. Analysts were expecting a loss of 1 cent a share on sales of $13.8 million. A year ago the company reported pro forma earnings of $1.1 million, or 4 cents a share, on sales of $14 million. Looking ahead, PLX expects third-quarter sales of $13 million to $14 million. Analysts are expecting sales of $15.1 million. Shares were trading down $1.02 to $8.80.

Shares of Novellus Systems(NVLS Quote) rose 5% after the company posted second-quarter results that topped expectations. The semiconductor-equipment maker reported earnings of $33.2 million, or 24 cents a share, on sales of $329.6 million. Analysts were expecting earnings of 21 cents a share on sales of $328.9 million. A year ago the company posted pro forma earnings of $43.9 million, or 29 cents a share, on sales of $338.2 million. Despite the better-than-expected second-quarter results, Novellus forecast that third-quarter sales would fall short of expectations. The company expects earnings of 20 cents to 22 cents a share on sales of $315 million to $325 million. Analysts had been expecting earnings of 22 cents a share on higher sales of $333.3 million. Shares were trading up $1.47 to $28.74.