Greater Than Expected Job Cuts Weighs Down Dow

On the upside

Netlist (Nasdaq: NLST) chief executive C. K. Hong will make a presentation at the Needham 12th Annual Growth Stock Conference.

Taser International (Nasdaq: TASR) shipped three large orders in December 2009 and expects fourth quarter revenue to be approximately $32 million.

Family Dollar Store (NYSE: FDO) reported higher first quarter earnings that topped estimates as revenue rose.

On the downside

Sonic (Nasdaq: SONC) blamed the economy for lower first quarter earnings that fell short of analyst expectations.

Beazer Homes (NYSE: BZH) announced plans to offer 18 million common shares and $50 million worth of senior convertible notes.

Goldman Sachs downgraded Louisiana Pacific (NYSE: LPX) to a Sell rating.

In the broad market, advancing issues outpaced decliners by a margin of nearly 5 to 5 on the NYSE and by more than 9 to 7 on Nasdaq. The Russell 2000 which tracks small cap stocks added a point to 639.