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Byline: CRAIG SHAW
Stocks closed mixed Wednesday as the market wrapped up the first quarter of 2003. The small-cap S&P 600 marked its fifth straight up day with a 0.1% gain. The Dow gave up 0.2%, the S&P 500 0.1%. Volume increased. For the month, the benchmark index declined 1.6%.
Toro jumped 1.35 to a 52-week high of 62 on nearly twice normal trade. The lawn mower maker gapped out of a three-month base on Feb. 12 and has climbed 26% from its pivot point. Year-over-year profit growth accelerated the past three quarters from 16% to 27% to 38% to 89%, but is seen dipping to 14% in the April-ending second quarter.
Valero Energy gained 1.16 to 59.96 for its fourth straight up day. The Texas-based oil refiner said Tuesday it expects to report first-quarter earnings of $1.75 a share, 17% above consensus estimates. It cited higher gasoline and refined products prices and bigger discounts for sour crude. Valero owns 15 refineries in North America and the Caribbean.
Petroleo Brasiliero tacked on 1.20 to 33.50 on above-average turnover. The Brazilian energy giant is ...