It's starting to get almost routine: The market plunges out of the gate, only to spend the rest of the day clawing back toward breakeven but falling short. In today's installment, the Dow Jones Industrials
But even as the Dow posted its sixth straight drop, a few of its components finished in the green. Let's take a closer look at three of them.
Disney
No matter how badly the overall market does, a positive earnings report can boost a company's shares. That's what Disney managed to do today.
As Fool contributor Tim Beyers discussed in detail today, Disney appears to be firing on nearly all cylinders. Although most people are focusing on its blockbuster Avengers movie, Disney really doesn't live or die by its studio releases. Media networks such as ABC and ESPN, along with the company's theme parks and resort properties, combine to make up nearly four-fifths of sales -- and both divisions have been healthy. With plenty of characters left to use in films and cross-marketing opportunities, Disney shouldn't run out of profit-making material anytime soon.
Pfizer
With drugmakers, success rests on the FDA. Today, Pfizer got some good news that might help it replace some lost revenue from drugs going off-patent.
An FDA advisory panel voted 8-2 in favor of recommending approval for tofacitinib, Pfizer's rheumatoid arthritis drug. If the FDA goes on to approve the drug -- which is by no means automatic even after the advisory panel's recommendation -- then Pfizer will have a big competitive advantage over competing drugs from rivals Abbott Labs
Microsoft
The tech industry is full of rumors. But one that's going around now certainly makes for interesting conjecture.
Various tech blogs mention rumors that Microsoft is trying to get Facebook to develop a smartphone using the Windows Phone operating system rather than Android. Such a partnership would have some appeal, as it would allow Microsoft and Facebook to team up against its main competitors in their respective spaces. Big moves aren't likely during Facebook's IPO roadshow, but shareholders should keep their eyes open to potential new developments.
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