AllianceBernstein Holding LP (NYSE:AB): CEO Peter S. Kraus commented: “While markets partially rebounded from prior lows in the fourth quarter, trading activity declined sharply. With ongoing investment underperformance in our largest equity services, we experienced further client redemptions, and ended 2011 with lower assets and a decline in revenues.” The shares closed at $14.35, down $2.16, or 13.08%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $12.40 to $23.69.

Nuance Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:NUAN): FBR Capital recommends using the weakness in Nuance shares today post the company’s Q1 results as a buying opportunity. The firm believes Nuance’s fundamental profile for FY12 remains very strong and keeps an Outperform rating on the stock. The shares closed at $26.50, down $3.95, or 12.97%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $15.56 to $31.15.

First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ:FSLR): Solar wafer makers have been increasing quotes in both Taiwan and China, to between $1.15 and $1.25 per unit, according to Digitimes. The shares closed at $43.91, down $5.12, or 10.44%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $29.87 to $175.45.

XL Group plc (NYSE:XL): Reports Q4 revenue $1.73B vs. consensus $1.52B. Q4 net loss of $515.5M, or $1.62 loss per share, for the quarter largely driven by a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $429.0M. Reports Q4 operating net loss of $79.6M, or (25c) loss per share, ex charges. The shares closed at $19.27, down $1.74, or 8.28%. They have traded in a 52-week range of $17.69 to $25.43.

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To contact the reporter on this story: Derek Hoffman at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com

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