Movers Roundup: First Solar, Textron

Among the stock activity stories for Thursday, April 9, from AP Financial News:

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of First Solar Inc. jumped Thursday after an analyst boosted his price target and earnings estimates on the company, saying it probably will outperform its peers in the solar power industry.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Shares of Textron Inc. soared more than 50 percent Thursday on heightened speculation the manufacturer will be purchased.

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of RF Micro Devices Inc. rose Thursday after a UBS analyst raised his rating for the chip maker to "Buy" from "Neutral," saying the company's June quarter growth could beat expectations.

NEW YORK (AP) — Liberty Media Capital stock jumped Thursday after an analyst upgraded the company due to its deal with satellite radio company Sirius XM Radio Inc. and its repurchase of convertible bonds, beneficial moves which he said are not yet reflected in the stock.

NEW YORK (AP) — Shares of Ford Motor Co. jumped with the broader market on Thursday after an analyst said he's becoming more optimistic about the automaker's ability to hold on to minimum cash levels this year.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Shares of Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. rose Thursday after an analyst raised estimates for the soda maker, citing improving soft drink trends and growth in orange drink Crush.