Facebook, IBM, Stratasys: Tech Winners & Losers

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Facebook (FB) shares gained 2.6% to $27.73 as the social-network company announced its first-ever product without needing an account, Facebook Messenger for Android. Users can sign up using just a phone number.

Facebook also is working on settling some of its legal claims. U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg granted preliminary approval of $20 million to settle claims that Facebook used some of its users' named without their permission, while advertising products through its "Sponsored Stories."

Facebook shares have been performed exceptionally well, gaining 56% over the past three months.

---

IBM (IBM) shares dipped lower in mid-day trading, off 0.21% to $189.08 as the company announced the closing of its Kenexa acquisition for approximately $1.3 billion.

"By creating a smarter workforce, employees can drive innovation to bring products and services to market faster, resolve problems before they arise to improve customer service, and increase sales by building new skills -- linking the right experts to the right clients," said Alistair Rennie, general manager, social business, IBM. "The combination of Kenexa's world-class human capital management solutions and IBM's social business and analytics leadership uniquely positions IBM to help clients generate real returns from their social business investments, while helping them to be more competitive in their markets."

Kinexa is part of IBM's initiative to keep adding to its cloud computing offerings. Kenexa offers recruiting and talent-management software.

---

Stratasys (SSYS) shares fell on heavy volume, dropping 3.05% to $67.91, as the 3D printing company loses some of its luster.

Still, the shares are up 123% since the start of the year, while competitor 3D Systems (DDD) has added 211%.

Interested in more on Stratasys? See TheStreet Ratings' report card for this stock.

-- Written by Chris Ciaccia in New York.

>Contact by Email.

Follow @Commodity_Bull