12:14 PM EDT, 05/03/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Wall Street's major indexes all jumped on the heels of a softer-than-expected jobs report released Friday by the US Department of Labor.

In company news, Apple ( AAPL ) reported fiscal Q2 diluted earnings late Thursday of $1.53 per share, up from $1.52 a year earlier and above the Capital IQ consensus analyst estimate of $1.50. Sales for the quarter ended March 30 were $90.75 billion, down from $94.84 billion in the year-ago period but above the Capital IQ consensus analyst estimate of $90.45 billion. The company announced a 4% hike to its cash dividend to $0.25 per share, payable on May 16 to shareholders of record on May 13. Apple's ( AAPL ) board also approved an additional repurchase program of up to $110 billion of its common shares. Apple's ( AAPL ) stock was trading up 6.7% around midday.

Amgen ( AMGN ) reported Q1 non-GAAP earnings late Thursday of $3.96 per diluted share, down from $3.98 a year earlier but above the Capital IQ consensus analyst estimate of $3.89. Revenue for the quarter was $7.45 billion up from $6.11 billion in Q1 2023 and even with the Capital IQ consensus analyst estimate. The company adjusted its outlook for full-year 2024 EPS to a range of $19 to $20.20 from $18.90 to $20.30. Analysts surveyed by Capital IQ expect $19.53. Amgen ( AMGN ) now expects full-year 2024 revenue of between $32.5 billion and $33.8 billion, compared to previous guidance of $32.4 billion to $33.8 billion. Analysts polled by Capital IQ expect $32.96 billion. During a conference call with analysts, Chief Executive Robert Bradway said the interim clinical results of its potential obesity drug candidate, MariTide, have left him "very encouraged." Shares of Amgen ( AMGN ) were up 13% near noon.

Hershey (HSY) reported Q1 adjusted earnings Friday of $3.07 per diluted share, up from $2.96 in the year-ago period and above the Capital IQ consensus analyst estimate of $2.76. First-quarter net sales were $3.25 billion, up from $2.99 billion in Q1 2023 and above the Capital IQ consensus analyst estimate of $3.11 billion. The company reiterated its full-year EPS guidance of $9.59 as well as its net sales growth guidance of 2% to 3%. Analysts polled by Capital IQ expect adjusted EPS of $9.59 on $11.47 billion in revenue. Hershey's shares were up 1.1%.

Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) announced Friday that it closed its acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources ( PXD ) . The acquisition more than doubled Exxon's Permian production volume to 1.3 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, which is expected to increase to about 2 million in 2027, the company said. Shares of the company were down 0.9%.

Skydance Media is prepared to withdraw its offer for Paramount Global ( PARAA ) unless it receives a commitment from controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, following a recent offer for Paramount from Apollo Global Management ( APO ) and Sony Pictures (SONY), CNBC reported Friday, citing a person familiar with the matter. Shares of Paramount were up 3.5% in midday trading.

Catalent ( CTLT ) said Friday the US Federal Trade Commission is asking for more information while the agency reviews the proposed acquisition of the biologics and gene therapy company by Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) . Catalent ( CTLT ) shares were up 0.4%, while those of Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) were down 1%.

Advisory firm Egan-Jones issued a report stating it is backing seven nominees endorsed by activist shareholder Ancora Holdings to the board of Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) . Egan-Jones cited the current management's leadership ability, its handling of the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, accident, and four other derailments this year among the reasons behind its board overhaul recommendation. Shares of Norfolk Southern ( NSC ) were up 1%.

3M ( MMM ) said Friday it is investing $67 million on a 90,000-square-foot expansion of its manufacturing facility in Valley, Nebraska. The expansion is expected to create about 40 jobs, the company said. 3M ( MMM ) shares were up 0.3%.

Price: 184.61, Change: +11.58, Percent Change: +6.69