3M Corp. among stock market's big movers

Stocks that were moving substantially or trading heavily Thursday on the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Stock Market:

NYSE

3M Corp., up $3.76 at $80.73.

The manufacturing conglomerate's profit rose a stronger-than-expected 52 percent following the sale of its European pharmaceutical business.

Ford Motor Co., up 30 cents at $8.18.

The automaker's first-quarter loss narrowed sharply from a year earlier. The company said results reflected its efforts to slash costs in the fierce competition from Asian automakers.

Wendy's International Inc., up $4.91 at $37.59.

The fast-food chain said it is considering a possible sale of the company as well as other options.

NASDAQ

Apple Inc., up $5.23 at $100.58.

The computer and electronics maker said its fiscal second-quarter profit rose 88 percent amid robust sales of iPods and Macintosh computers.

Align Technology Inc., up $5.28 at $22.97.

The dental products company said it returned to profitability in the first quarter, rather than reporting a loss as Wall Street had predicted.

Level 3 Communications Inc., down 43 cents at $5.75.

The communications network operator said its first-quarter loss widened because of a $427 million charge related to debt restructuring.