Morning Movers (VRS, SWHC, QSFT, ZGNX, GMCR)

The three major US equities indexes opened higher this morning following a solid growth report on US non-farm payrolls. In Europe, the Greek debt swap deal went off smoothly, and in Asia, the Japanese yen is weakening, boosting the country’s exports. China also reported lower inflation growth of 3.2% in February. The dollar is gaining strength today, up 0.99% this morning at 79.920. The DJIA is up nearly 33 points at around 12,941, the Nasdaq Composite is up nearly 8 points at around 2,978, and the S&P 500 is up more than 4 points at around 1,370.

There are several stocks trading more heavily than usual this morning, and also experiencing large gains or drops in share prices. These include the Verso Paper Corp. (NYSE: VRS), Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: SWHC), Quest Software Inc. (NASDAQ: QSFT), Zogenix Inc. (NASDAQ: ZGNX), and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR).

Verso Paper is up nearly 20% at $2.45. Volume is already more than 5x the daily average of about 144,000 shares traded. The paper maker announced yesterday that it will issue new debt of $345 in senior secured notes and has issued a tender offer for $315 million in 11.5% senior unsecured notes outstanding. Shares jumped more than 75% yesterday.

Smith & Wesson is up nearly 24% at $7.02 after posting a new 52-week high of $7.08 earlier this morning. Volume is already more than 4x the daily average of about 800,000 shares traded. The gun maker beat consensus earnings estimates after markets closed last night.

Quest Software is up nearly 22% at $23.64. Volume is already 9x the daily average of around 500,000 shares traded. The firm has agreed to be acquired at $23/share. More coverage here.

Zogenix is down more than -15% at $2.11. Volume is already higher than the daily average of around 555,000 shares traded. The drug maker posted a wider than expected loss after the markets closed yesterday..

Green Mountain Coffee is down nearly -14% at $53.71. Volume is already about double the daily average of around 5.5 million shares traded. The company is being hit hard by yesterday’s announcement from Starbucks Inc. (NASDAQ: SBUX) that it will launch a single-cup espresso and coffee machine to compete with the Keurig products from Green Mountain. More coverage here.

Paul Ausick