Closing Bell: The March to Nowhere (DRYS, LXRX, AMAT, XRTX, MCD)

DryShips, Inc. (DRYS) was up on rumors of a deal today, although this seems to be more widely denied than believed. Shares were up over 7% at $6.08 shortly before the close.

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (LXRX) was down 10% at $1.60 before the close after the company said it would sell some $95 million in stock versus close to a $300 million market cap.

Applied Materials (AMAT) almost seems like a disappointment over a win. The chip-making equipment giant announced a $2 billion share buyback and announced a dividend hike, yet shares were up only 0.7% at $12.39 right before the close.

Xyratex Ltd. (XRTX) was a rather large winner today. The storage play significantly raised its guidance and the stock briefly hit a new 52-week high as a result. Shares hit $18.47 earlier and the stock was up 12% at $17.20 right before the closing bell.

Kraft Foods, Inc. (KFT) spent all day in red after word of inquiries over a Cadbury plant woes in morning reports. Shares were down 0.7% at $29.13 right before the close.

McDonald's Corporation (MCD) was today's big winner on the DJIA. Its shares were up after it posted positive February same store sales that exceeded expectations. The golden arches were up 2.5% at $65.27 shortly ahead of the closing bell.