Closing Bell: Escaping the Hangman, Mostly (AMLN, WMT, PVH, PFE, GOOG, BIDU, PEP)

Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMLN) was a gainer on the day despite the FDA delaying its Byetta for a once-weekly diabetes treatment. The delay seems to indicate that the label issues are more important than side effects, with an ultimate approval coming. Shares were up 17% at $23.70 right before the closing bell.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT) was the big hero on the DJIA today. The stock was up almost 3% at $55.47 before the close because Citi decided to raise the rating to Buy.

Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. (PVH) was up despite trying to double its size by taking on debt and making a $3 billion buy of Tommy Hilfiger from Apax Partners. Shares were up 10% at $52.53 right before the closing bell.

Pfizer Inc. (PFE) was up 1% at $17.25 before the closing bell after the pharma giant announced that intensive Lipitor therapy was associated with reduced risks Of cardiovascular events in two high-risk patient groups.

Google Inc. (GOOG) is apparently closer and closer to leaving China after weekend reports that it has all but executed on a standby plan to close its China offices and shutter its Google.cn site. Shares were down over 3% at $561.10 before the close.

Baidu, Inc. (BIDU) is the winner of the Google debacle. The Chinese web search provider saw shares hit new 52-week and all-time highs this morning as the stock was up over 5% at $578.00 right before the close.

Pepsico, Inc. (PEP) was up 1.7% at $66.20 shortly before the close. This was after the drink and snack maker said it was raising its annual payout to $1.92 from $1.80 per share and after it announced a buyback plan of up to $15 billion from now through 2013.