Tech Stocks in Motion

Shares of Orckit Communications(ORCT) were among technology's winners Monday, rising 31% after the telecom-equipment provider posted better-than-expected third-quarter results and issued fourth-quarter guidance that topped forecasts.

For the third quarter, the company earned $7.6 million, or 45 cents a share, on sales of $25.4 million. Excluding a one-time gain, the company would have earned $5.2 million, or 30 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call anticipated earnings of 23 cents a share, before items, and sales of $24 million. A year ago, Orckit posted a loss of $5.9 million, or 45 cents a share, on sales of $2 million.

Looking ahead, Orckit forecast fourth-quarter earnings of $6.9 million, or 41 cents a share, on sales of about $32 million. The single analyst estimate calls for earnings of 33 cents a share and sales of $29 million. For 2006, Orckit sees earnings growth of more than 35% and sales growth of about 25%. Shares recently were up $4.94 to $20.84.

Shares of another telecom-equipment maker, Channell Commercial(CHNL), plummeted 22% after the company cut its third-quarter guidance. Channell now expects to post a loss during the quarter on sales of about $27 million. Previously, the company predicted it would earn 10 cents to 12 cents per basic share on sales of $30 million to $33 million. Analysts had forecast earnings of 10 cents a share on sales of $32.1 million. Channell blamed the shortfall on lower sales from its major North American broadband customers and logistical issues affecting shipments at its Bushnell Tanks unit.

Channell said it will implement cost-cutting measures that should provide savings of $4.5 million during 2006. "By taking these aggressive measures, we are optimistic our global operations will be profitable next year," the company said. Channell will announce its third-quarter results Nov. 14. The company's shares recently fell $1.50 to $5.45.