The Ticker A Look Back At The Past Week On Wall Street

Who’s hot

In this week of darkness on Wall Street, there were very few bright lights. One was Dallas Semiconductor, which announced its first-quarter profits Friday. Analysts were sure the profits were going to be flat at best, but, surprisingly, the computer-chip maker reported strong earnings. Wall Street, not afraid to admit a mistake, responded by jumping the stock $5.87-1/2 to $32.50.

What’s not

In a week like the one just past, just about everything was cold. One company which really had trouble the end of the week was Boston Scientific. The medical-device maker said slow sales growth will keep first-quarter earnings below the 47 cents per share Wall Street expected. The result was near-catastrophic, with its stock falling $14.62-1/2 Friday to $45.87-1/2. … Sears, Roebuck, had its bad day Thursday when, under threat of a lawsuit and court sanctions, the retailer announced plans to repay customers who had filed for bankkruptcy court protection from creditors, but were pressured to continue paying off the Sears’ card bills. The plan wasn’t greeted too happily by investors as Sears’ stock dropped $3.87-1/2 Thursday and another 50 cents Friday to finish the week at $46.50.