Monsanto, Disney, Costco are market movers

[October 06, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:

NYSE

Monsanto Co., up $3.30 at $66.25

The world's biggest seed company reported a fiscal fourth-quarter loss that was narrower than what Wall Street had expected.

Bank of New York Mellon Corp., down 54 cents at $18.28

A federal prosecutor and the New York attorney general filed lawsuits saying the bank defrauded clients trading in currencies.

Yum Brands Inc., down $1.32 at $48.12

The owner of Pizza Hut and KFC posted higher third-quarter profit, but said sales and operating profits fell in the U.S.

Walt Disney Co., up $1.65 at $31.51

A Citi analyst upgraded shares of the media company to "Buy" from "Hold" citing a pullback in the stock price from recent highs.

Family Dollar Stores Inc., up $1.32 at $52.81

A Raymond James analyst upgraded the discount retailer's stock citing the company's strong sales during economic downturns.

Nasdaq

Apollo Group, up $3.31 at $42.22

A Credit Suisse analyst upgraded the operator of for-profit college University of Phoenix, citing improved 2012 earnings prospects.

Costco Wholesale Corp., down $1.40 at $80.25

The wholesale club operator said its fourth-quarter profit rose and that it would raise its annual membership fees $5 to $55.

PolyOne Corp., down 35 cents at $10.58

A Keybanc analyst downgraded the specialty chemical company along with four of its rivals citing global economic instability.

[Associated Press]

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