Johnson & Johnson's stock advanced $1 a share, to $97.4375.
The stock immediately jumped $5.375, to $54.375, and has been advancing steadily ever since.
And that has come as most stocks have advanced.
In a sign that the tide may have turned, 1,203 stocks advanced while only 442 declined.
The stock advanced on speculation that a higher bid would emerge.
Even so, 943 stocks advanced while only 571 fell.
On the Big Board, 817 stocks advanced and 740 fell.
On the Big Board, 658 stocks advanced and 858 declined.
Showing that the rise was fairly broad, 907 stocks advanced while only 639 fell.
A strong 1,216 stocks advanced and only 406 declined.