Today's Small-Cap Winners and Losers

Shares of IHOP (IHP) slipped after the operator of the International House of Pancakes restaurant chain said it expected 2006 earnings of $2.25 to $2.35 a share, including $2.5 million to $3.5 million of stock-option expenses.

Excluding option costs, IHOP forecast earnings of $2.35 to $2.45. Analysts expect the company to earn $2.42 a share for the year. IHOP also said it plans to add 64 to 69 new restaurants this year. IHOP fell $3.34, or 6.2%, to $50.16 in recent trading.

Steven Madden (SHOO) shares were higher after the shoe seller said its fourth-quarter earnings would be better than expected. The company is projecting earnings of 49 cents to 51 cents a share, compared with 3 cents a share a year ago. For the most recent fiscal year, the company is looking for a profit of $1.35 to $1.38 a share, compared with the previous estimate of $1.20 to $1.22, and up from 86 cents a share a year ago.

Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expect the company to earn 34 cents a share in the fourth quarter and $1.19 a share for the year. Shares of Steven Madden gained 68 cents, or 2.2%, to $31.27.

Lifetime Brands (LCUT) gained ground after the kitchenware designer said 2005 sales and earnings should be at the upper end of its guidance. The company has targeted sales of $297 million to $304 million and earnings of $1.17 to $1.22 a share. Wall Street is expecting earnings of $1.23 a share.

For 2006, the company sees sales of $380 million to $400 million and earnings of $1.45 to $1.70. Analysts are looking for earnings of $1.49 a share. Lifetime Brands gained 59 cents, or 2.8%, to $22 in recent trading.

Schawk (SGK) fell on news the graphic-imaging company priced a public offering of 3.47 million shares at $22 each. The company said it could get about $10.4 million in net proceeds if the underwriters exercise their overallotment option to buy up to 520,527 additional shares. Schawk slipped 67 cents, or 3%, to $21.91.

Shares of Imperial Sugar (IPSU) gained more than 27% recently after sugar refiner said first-quarter earnings from continuing operations rose to $11.1 million, or $1 a share, from $4 million and 36 cents a share, a year ago. Net income in the most recent quarter was $12 million, or $1.08 a share. Revenue increased 18.3% to $254 million. Imperial Sugar advanced $5.02 to $23.07.