Weight loss

Focus Media Holding (FMCN), meanwhile, soared 4.24 to 59.21 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.

Wesco International (WCC) jumped 1.01 to an all-time high of 67.80.

Matrix Research upgraded the electronic parts distributor to buy from hold.

Earnings and sales growth has accelerated for two straight quarters.

Barnes Group (B) gapped up 1.50 to 40.43, an all time high.

The diversified manufacturer of precision metal components will report first-quarter results on April 20.

Analyst expect earnings to increase 15% to 62 cents a share with sales rising 9% to $299.6 million.

In industry group action, the Transportation-Airline group was among the best performers, rising 1.5%.

IBD 100 firm Gol Intelligent Airlines (GOL) added 1.42 to 26.73 in slightly heavier volume.

SkyWest (SKYW) jumped 1.15 to 29.05 in lower volume.

On the downside, Ruth's Chris Steak House (RUTH) gapped 65 cents lower to 23.35.

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 patter...

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