Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in
Wednesday's session are Devon Energy Corp. (DVN) and Zale Corp.
(ZLC).
CF Industries Holdings Inc.'s (CF) fourth-quarter profit slid
31% as the fertilizer producer's sales were stung by lower prices
and higher natural gas costs. The results, while lower than last
year, still exceeded Wall Street's expectations. Shares edged up
3.9% to $235 premarket.
Columbia Sportswear Co.'s (COLM) fourth-quarter profit slipped
7% as an asset impairment charge weighed on the active outdoor
apparel maker's bottom line, masking a rise in revenue. Shares rose
6.4% to $83.70 premarket.
Devon Energy agreed to sell most of its conventional assets in
Canada to Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNQ, CNQ.T) for $2.8
billion. It also reported swinging to a fourth-quarter profit amid
increased production and higher average selling prices for oil and
natural gas. Shares edged up 1.9% to $64.10 premarket.
Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) said Wednesday that its ramucirumab
drug reached its primary endpoint in a Phase III study for lung
cancer treatment. Shares rose 4.5% to $57.76 in recent premarket
trading.
Herbalife Ltd. (HLF) raised its outlook for the current quarter
and year, pointing to recent share repurchases, as the
nutritional-supplements maker said its fourth-quarter profit grew
10%. Herbalife also posted higher sales across almost all markets
it serves in the latest quarter. Shares edged up 2.1% to $70.36
premarket.
La-Z-Boy Inc.'s (LZB) fiscal third-quarter profit slipped 3.4%
as the company posted a loss tied to the sale of its Bauhaus U.S.A.
unit, and bad weather weighed on sales. The furniture company's
results missed Wall Street's expectations, pushing shares down 9.6%
to $24.50 premarket.
Mattress Firm Holding Corp. (MFRM) tempered expectations for
2013, as the company said results were hurt by poor winter weather
and lower margins tied to efforts to drive sales and traffic during
the final quarter of the year. Shares slumped 9.9% to $37.17
premarket.
Nabors Industries Ltd. (NBR) said fourth-quarter earnings surged
despite only modest revenue growth as the oil-field services
company had been hurt by big write-downs and other items a year
earlier. Shares climbed 3.2% to $19.25 premarket.
Omnicare Inc. (OCR) swung to an unexpected fourth-quarter loss
on write-downs related to its hospice pharmacy business and certain
certain retail operations that have been classified as discontinued
operations. Results missed expectations, sending shares down 5.5%
to $61 premarket.
Potbelly Corp. (PBPB) swung to a loss in the fourth quarter as
it posted higher overall expenses and a meager increase in
company-operated same-store sales. Shares dropped 5.4% to $21.20
premarket.
Six Flags Entertainment Corp. (SIX) said its fourth-quarter
revenue rose more than expected on higher admissions and an
increase in in-park spending, sponsorships and accommodations.
Shares edged up 3.3% to $39.50 premarket.
Terex Corp. (TEX) swung to a fourth-quarter profit as the
construction-machinery maker reported higher sales across most
business segments, led by its aerial-work-platforms segment. But
shares slid 6% to $41.32 premarket on a disappointing earnings
outlook for 2014.
Ultra Clean Holdings Inc. (UCTT) swung to a fourth-quarter
profit as the company recorded a surge in revenue. The company also
issued a rosy first-quarter outlook, pushing shares up 17% to
$13.94 premarket.
Signet Jewelers Ltd. (SIG) agreed to buy smaller rival Zale for
about $690 million, significantly expanding the jewelry retailer's
presence in North America. Signet will offer $21 in cash for each
Zale share, representing a 41% premium over Tuesday's closing
price. Zale shares jumped to $20.87 premarket and Signet climbed
12% to $88.40.
Watch List:
Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) said fiscal first-quarter earnings
rose 16% as the chip maker benefited from a modest revenue
increase, stronger margins and fewer restructuring-related
expenses.
Broadcom Corp. (BRCM) said Tuesday that it will sell certain
assets and non-exclusive licenses to QLogic Corp. (QLGC) for $147
million in cash.
Community Health Systems Inc. (CYH) said its fourth-quarter
earnings fell 55% as the rural hospital operator reported a decline
in revenue and lower admissions.
Crossroads Systems Inc. (CRDS) filed a complaint Tuesday against
Cisco Systems Inc., NetApp Inc. and Quantum Corp., alleging patent
infringement, the company said.
Group 1 Automotive Inc. (GPI) said severe winter weather and
resulting lost sales will likely dent its first-quarter results by
15 cents to 20 cents a share.
InnerWorkings Inc. (INWK) posted fourth-quarter revenue growth
that beat expectations with a boost from acquisitions and growth in
its enterprise segment.
MGM Resorts International (MGM) said its fourth-quarter revenue
improved more than expected as the casino operator continued to
benefit from stronger demand in Macau.
Panera Bread Co.'s (PNRA) fourth-quarter profit rose 5.1% as
higher checks helped same-store sales increase, though fewer
transactions were rung up.
SWS Group Inc. (SWS) on Tuesday confirmed that it has received a
competing offer for the company from Esposito Global, which values
the financial services company at about $265 million.
Thor Industries Inc. (THO) has said strong demand for motorhomes
has led the company to expand production capacity with the purchase
of a Indiana facility that was previously used to produce Monaco
vehicles.
Write to John Kell at john.kell@wsj.com
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