U.S. stocks started on a negative note today, trading near the flatline with the S&P 500 Index (INDEXSP:.INX) hovering near a key 1,400 level, as market participants continued to bet on more stimulus action from central banks to boost the worldwide economy. Among the major S&P sectors, consumer discretionary led the decliners, while materials stocks are gaining the most.
On the economic front the Labor Department reported output increased 1.6 percent in the second quarter as companies raised production but only modestly lifted the hours worked by employees. Analysts had predicted output to move up at a 1.3 percent rate.
Among stocks, Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. (NYSE:ANR) and Expedia Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) are facing sharp declines while Dean Foods Company (NYSE:DF) and Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE:CSC) are top percentage gainers.
Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S)
Sprint (NYSE: S) has received the Nemertes 2012 PilotHouse reward for MPLS Services, beating all competitors in customer service. Sprint attained maximum scores in customer service and importance within the category as the top bringer among Market Challengers, at the same time as enduring constantly strapping in technology.
During mid day trading, Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE:S) jumped +4.06% to $4.49 with the total traded volume of 22.20 million shares. Stock price 52 weeks high was $4.60 and 52 weeks low was $2.10. Its market capitalization is 13.46 billion and its beta value stands at 1.09 times.
Dean Foods Company (NYSE:DF)
Shares of Dean Foods Company (DF) surged after it announced sturdy second quarter results constrained by sustained solid growth across all operating segments as well as a persistent focus on cost control.
The Company reported second quarter 2012 diluted earnings per share of $0.30. Second quarter consolidated operating income totaled $146 million, compared to a consolidated operating loss of $16 million in the second quarter of 2011.
Dean Foods Company (NYSE:DF) is currently trading at $16.90 and reported the gain of +36.39% and its total traded volume is 17.85 million shares more than the average volume of 4.87 million. Its opening price was 15.95 and its shares are trading within the range of $15.67-$17.20.
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU)
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) gained +0.66% to $6.86. The overall volume traded is 15.46 million shares. Its fifty two week range was $3.97-$9.16. The total market capitalization remained $6.99 billion.
MU is ahead its 52 week low with 73.05% and its last month price volatility remained 1.08%. Its beta coefficient was 1.29 with a target price of $9.87. Company’s current year earnings per share grew with 9.14% while the five year EPS growth rate was +21.91%.
