Summary: Major U.S. markets were trekking higher in midday trading Thursday as investors welcomed earnings from Walmart (WMT) and the latest jobless claims data. The world's largest retailer reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings. M&A talks are driving stocks in the session. DreamWorks Animation (DWA) is rising 17% after the New York Times reported the studio is considering a deal to be bought by toymaker Hasbro (HAS). Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) said it is buying Proctor & Gamble's (PG) Duracell battery business. The deal values Duracell at $6.4 billion and is expected to close later next year. Comcast's (CMCSK) CEO says the company is moving 'full steam ahead' with its plans to acquire Time Warner Cable (TWC). Comcast expects to close the $45 billion deal by the end of March.
