Ford, BJ’s Wholesale, Smith & Wesson among big market movers Thursday

Ford, BJ’s Wholesale among big movers

NEW YORK — Stocks that moved substantially or traded heavily Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:

NYSE

BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc., up $6.53 at $43.54

A private equity firm bought a large stake in the discount club, and wants to talk to executives about taking the company private.

Christopher & Banks Corp., up $1.11 at $7.30

The women’s clothing retailer’s quarterly net income nearly quadrupled as the store sold more full-price apparel.

Ford Motor Co., up 49 cents at $10.57

The automaker’s June sales rose 15 percent from a year ago as car buyers and fleets both bought more vehicles.

NASDAQ

Dendreon Corp., down $2.20 at $30.13

Medicare administrators will take a year to review the company’s cancer therapy to decide whether to cover the costly treatment.

Apple Inc., down $3.05 at $248.48

Amazon.com cut the price on its large-screen e-book reader Kindle DX as competition in the market heats up; Apple’s iPad is pricier.

Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc., up 49 cents at $3.56

The biotech drug developer signed a lucrative deal with Japan’s Eisai Inc. to market its promising obesity drug in the U.S.

Smith & Wesson Holding Corp., up 28 cents at $4.37

A Merriman Curhan Ford analyst upgraded the gun maker, saying it will gain market share as the firearms industry grows.

Amedisys Inc., down $4.64 at $39.34

The Securities and Exchange Commission opened an investigation into potential Medicare billing fraud at the home health provider.