Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in
Tuesday's session are OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OMED) and
Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (LXRX).
OncoMed and Celgene Corp. (CELG) agreed to jointly develop and
commercialize up to six potential anti-cancer stem cell treatments
from OncoMed's pipeline, providing OncoMed with an infusion of cash
to study the treatments. OncoMed shares surged 68% to $23.48
premarket, while Celgene was inactive.
Lexicon said a study revealed its drug to treat irritable bowel
syndrome doesn't significantly affect stool consistency, an
important indicator of IBS treatment. The drug company's shares
dropped 12% to $2.05 in premarket trading.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.'s (KKD) fiscal third-quarter profit
grew 34% as the doughnut chain reported higher same-store sales and
growth at franchise locations in the U.S. But shares slid 13% to
$21.25 in premarket trading, as investors focused on muted comments
on earnings for the upcoming fiscal year.
Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (CNAT) shares jumped 26% to $7.75
premarket after the biotechnology firm said its treatment for
chronic liver disease has been granted a status that could mean
quicker approval.
Ascena Retail Group Inc.'s (ASNA) fiscal first-quarter earnings
rose 22% as the apparel retailer reported broad sales growth and
stronger margins. Shares of Ascena, which affirmed its fiscal-year
guidance, were up 4.2% at $21.75 in premarket trading as adjusted
earnings and revenue beat expectations.
Watch List:
Activist investors Corvex Management LP and Related Cos. made a
preliminary filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
in their renewed effort to replace CommonWealth REIT's (CWH) board
following an arbitration panel ruling allowing the move.
Energen Corp. (EGN) said it expects last month's severe weather
in West Texas to weigh on results from the oil-and-gas production
company's Permian Basin operations.
Fifth & Pacific Cos. (FNP) is nearing a deal to sell its
Lucky Brand denim business after an auction that had stalled
regained momentum this fall, people familiar with the matter told
The Wall Street Journal.
Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (HTZ) named former Hilton Worldwide
Inc. executive Thomas Kennedy to the car-rental firm's chief
financial officer post, effective a week from Monday.
NCR Corp. (NCR), a maker of automatic teller machines, has
agreed to pay $1.65 billion to acquire outsourced online banking
firm Digital Insight Corp., a move to address rising consumer
interest to bank across multiple channels.
NRG Yield Inc. (NYLD) agreed to purchase privately held Energy
Systems Co. for $120 million in cash, which the company hopes will
help it increase its dividend payments as well as its geographic
diversity. Energy Systems is an Omaha, Neb.-based supplier of
district energy.
Office Depot Inc. (ODP) has added a second former Wendy's Co.
(WEN) executive to the office retailer's new executive team, naming
Stephen Hare to serve in the chief financial officer role,
effective immediately.
Oneok Partners LP (OKS) issued guidance for 2014 that surpasses
its estimate for the current year, citing growth in natural-gas
volumes.
QEP Resources Inc. (QEP) plans to separate its midstream
business, QEP Field Services Co., into a separate entity, including
its interest in QEP Midstream Partners LP (QEPM).
Quiksilver Inc. (ZQK) unveiled plans to pursue the sale and exit
of several more noncore businesses, following the sports
outfitter's $58 million divestiture of its Mervin snowboard unit
last month. The businesses Quiksilver plans to shed include
Surfdome Shop Ltd., Hawk Designs, Inc., its Moskova brand and its
business under license with Maui & Sons.
Shoe Carnival Inc.'s (SCVL) fiscal third-quarter earnings slid
11%, with revenue declining due to an unfavorable calendar shift
from the previous year.
Thor Industries Inc.'s (THO) fiscal first-quarter earnings rose
33% on the strength of higher sales and wider margins. But results
came in lower than expected.
Restaurant operator Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) estimated adjusted
earnings for fiscal 2014 will rise "at least" 20% from the prior
year's level, a target that suggests the company could meet Wall
Street's latest expectations.
Write to Lauren Pollock at lauren.pollock@wsj.com
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