Movers Roundup: Abaxis, Pier 1

Among the stock activity stories for Tuesday, Oct. 13, from AP Financial News:

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of blood analysis systems company Abaxis Inc. fell Tuesday after a SunTrust Robinson Humphrey analyst downgraded the stock, pointing to weak sales of Abaxis' Piccolo xpress testing device.

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of Pier 1 Imports Inc. climbed Tuesday as investors were still soaking in news that sales at stores open at least a year rose 9.9 percent in September.

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. jumped Tuesday after a JMP Securities analyst initiated coverage with an "Outperform" rating, citing revenue potential for the company's flu treatment peramivir and cancer drug forodesine.

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc. fell Tuesday as an analyst downgraded the independent crude oil and natural gas producer, based on a view that the stock has rapidly climbed to a fair value.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Shares of Polypore International Inc. fell Tuesday as an analyst cut his rating, saying the manufacturer of membranes used in batteries for cars and consumer products reached his price target.

NEW YORK (AP) — Perficient Inc. shares hit a new 12-month high Tuesday after Stifel Nicolaus upgraded the company, noting improvement in discretionary spending on information technology.

NEW YORK (AP) — Sales are likely improving at Hibbett Sports Inc., an analyst said Tuesday and upgraded the stock to "Outperform."