Stocks in Motion: Ashworth

Shares of Albertson's(ABS Quote) were among the NYSE's winners Friday, rising 16% after the supermarket chain said it is exploring strategic alternatives to increase shareholder value.

Albertson's, which had seen its shares fall by about 11% during 2005, said its strategic alternatives include the possible sale of the company. The company, which has retained Goldman Sachs and the Blackstone Group as its financial advisers, said there can be no assurance, however, that a transaction will occur or, even if a deal is struck, what its terms or timing would be. Looking ahead, Albertson's said that it would not disclose any developments unless its board has approved a definitive transaction. Shares were recently trading up $3.27 to $24.

Ashworth(ASHW Quote) fell 25% after the company swung to a third-quarter loss and lowered its full-year earnings guidance. The golf sportswear maker reported a loss of $3.4 million, or 24 cents a share, on sales of $48.3 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call were expecting a profit of 17 cents a share on sales of $51.7 million. A year ago the company posted a pro forma profit of $2.3 million, or 17 cents a share, on sales of $42.8 million. Results in the most recent period were hurt by a sales decline in the company domestic golf channel, which was caused by continued softness in the U.S. golf industry. A highly promotional retail environment also hampered the quarter.

Looking ahead, Ashworth now expects 2005 earnings of 12 cents to 15 cents a share on sales of $200 million to $204 million. Previously, the company said that it would earn 72 cents to 76 cents a share on sales of $207 million to $215 million. Analysts had been expecting earnings of 73 cents a share on sales of $207.1 million. Shares were trading down $2.01 to $6.17.