Weight loss

Shares closed in on its record high of 50 set on February 1.

Focus Media Holding (FMCN), meanwhile, soared 3.67 to 58.64 in heavy volume.

The China-based advertising firm has delivered huge earnings and sales increases in recent quarters.

Analysts see 2006 profit rising 95% to $1.17 a share.

Its Fundamental Rating of 90 from IBD Stock Checkup ranks it No.

3 out of 30 stocks in the Commercial Services-Advertising group.

In industry group action, the Internet-Network Solutions group was among the top performers, gaining 1.5%.

F5 Networks (FFIV) jumped 1.52 to 73.50; Akamai Technologies (AKAM) added 1.23 to 32 and Digital River (DRIV) gained 81 cents to 43.69.

On the downside, Ruth's Chris Steak House (RUTH) gapped 1.03 lower to 22.97.

Late Thursday, the restaurant chain reported preliminary first-quarter sales for its company-owned restaurants and reiterated its first quarter guidance.

The stock cleared a cup-with-handle pattern on Feb.

27 but quickly reversed.

Multi-Fineline Electronix (MFLX) gapped down 2.25 to 57.09 and approached its 50-day moving average.

Shares tumbled 10% on Thursday after the maker of printed circuit boards announced plans to acquire Singapore-based MFS Technology in a $500 million cash and stock deal.

Oil and gas-related groups were among the day's worst performers after recent strength.

The Oil & Gas-Drilling group took th...

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