The stock market plunged today, with the Dow closing down more than 230 points, and major market averages falling 1% to 1.5%. Despite solid economic data on U.S. retail sales, investors responded to a worsening situation between Russia and Ukraine, with the prospects of more extensive military activity raising fears that the initially hoped-for quick resolution to the dispute might not come. Yet, even amid the turmoil in the broader market, Primero Mining (PPP), Williams-Sonoma (WSM -0.31%), and Callon Petroleum (CPE) all posted strong gains, with company-specific good news outweighing the impact of the overall market's decline.
Primero Mining jumped 11% after the precious-metals miner said that it had met its annual threshold of silver production under its silver-streaming contract with Silver Wheaton (WPM 0.15%), thereby allowing Primero to sell half of the silver produced at its San Dimas mine at the full spot price. In its contract with Primero, Silver Wheaton obtained the rights to all of the first 3.5 million ounces of annual production, paying just $4.04 per ounce plus an inflation adjustment. With San Dimas having gone above the threshold, Primero only has to sell 50% of its excess production, and investors applauded the smaller obligation given how early in the contract year Primero achieved the threshold.
Williams-Sonoma gained almost 10% following the home-furnishings retailer's fourth-quarter earnings report last night. Same-store sales were up across all of the company's divisions, with particularly strong comps of 18.3% for its West Elm furniture division, and 14.6% for Pottery Barn. Overall, 10.4% growth in comps led to better-than-expected results for both revenue and earnings, and even though Williams-Sonoma also issued guidance for the current quarter and the full fiscal year that was, in some cases, below analyst consensus, the company has a history of being conservative in its predictions. The retailer also raised its dividend, and as long as consumers keep spending, Williams-Sonoma is in a good position to capitalize from strong home sales and the accompanying projects to furnish those homes.
Callon Petroleum rose more than 9% as the Mississippi-based oil and gas exploration company reported its latest results. Revenue declined 8%, but a substantial part of that decline came from the sale of offshore fields that reduced overall production levels. Even though adjusted net income came in at break-even levels, most investors had expected Callon to lose money, and the company has done a good job of keeping production levels up overall. With the company having done so well even in a somewhat difficult pricing environment for the industry, Callon could have more room to run in the future.
