Midday Leaders & Laggards: DJIA

NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of computer and printer Hewlett Packard Co. had the largest midday gain on the Dow Jones industrial average Friday after earnings from rival Dell Inc. appeared to disappoint investors.

The index gained 110.80, to 13,349.53, with 29 of 30 stocks up at midday.

Dell reported a stronger second-quarter profit Thursday, but the results were not enough to lift the stock. HP shares advanced $1.11, or 2.3 percent, to $49.55.

On Thursday, the U.S. Government Accountability Office supported a protest by United Technologies Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. to reopen competition for a $15 billion Air Force contract that Boeing Co. won. United Tech stock rose $1.59, or 2.2 percent, to $75.43.

Shares of Home Depot Inc. picked up 92 cents to $37.96. The home improvement retailer received a boost Friday when President Bush proposed help for homeowners with risky mortgages.

Automaker General Motors Co. gained 69 cents to $31.02.

On the losing side, Verizon Communications Inc. lost a penny to $41.92.