In the chips: Applied Materials jumped nearly 14 percent, to $22.66 Friday after the maker of chipmaking equipment reported earnings above analysts' forecasts and increased its guidance citing strong demand for chips used in smartphones and solid-state drives.
Bad broth: Campbell Soup dropped 6 percent, to $59.90 Friday after reporting third-quarter sales that fell short of Wall Street expectations. The company partly blamed challenges in its V8 beverages business and problems with its fresh carrot supply.
Bank boost: JPMorgan Chase jumped 3 percent to $63.62 and Goldman Sachs climbed 2.5 percent to $158.59 Wednesday as investors anticipate bigger profits on future loans. JPMorgan Chase shares closed the week at $63.51; Goldman Sachs finished at $154.51.
Lift at Lowe's: The home improvement chain Lowe's rose 3 percent, to $78.47 Wednesday on surging first-quarter profits and higher comparable-store sales. The company also raised its outlook for the year as it benefits from a strengthening U.S. housing market. Lowe's shares closed the week at $79.82.
Retail rocket: Wal-Mart Stores jumped 8 percent to $68.86 Thursday after reporting surprisingly strong sales and releasing an optimistic outlook. The stock closed the week at $69.86.
Make a deal: Monsanto rose 4.5 percent, to $101.55 Thursday after German drug company Bayer confirmed it has entered talks with the U.S.-based seed company. The stock finished the week at $101.52.
news services
