Among the companies with shares actively trading premarket are
EnteroMedics Inc. (ETRM), LinkedIn Corp.(LNKD) and Nuance
Communications Inc. (NUAN).
EnteroMedics said a clinical trial of its implanted device to
treat obesity didn't meet its primary goal, although the company
will still move forward with applying for premarket approval in the
U.S. Shares plummeted 48% to $1.48 premarket.
LinkedIn's profit and sales jumped sharply in the fourth
quarter, as the professional social network siphoned more dollars
from corporate recruiters and expanded its membership. Results
handily beat Wall Street estimates, sending its shares up 10% to
$136.60 in premarket trading.
Nuance swung to a fiscal first-quarter loss as higher costs for
acquisition-related expenses and other items masked revenue growth
at the speech-software company. Shares fell 17% to $20.40 in
premarket trading, as adjusted earnings and revenue missed
expectations.
Activision Blizzard Inc. (ATVI) reported a better-than-expected
fourth-quarter profit, helped by strong sales of its marquee
war-simulation game as well as its new toy titles. Shares jumped
8.4% to $13.07.
Coinstar Inc.'s (CSTR) large Redbox unit continued to lose
momentum in the fourth quarter with a 27% drop in profit,
unsettling investors as the kiosk operator matures in a DVD-rental
market with an uncertain future. The company also gave a downbeat
first-quarter forecast. Shares were down 7.9% to $48 premarket.
Oncolytics Biotech Inc.'s (ONCY) (ONC.T) said its lead product
candidate, Reolysin, showed a reduction in tumor size among 95% of
patients studied in a Phase 2 trial. "Based on these findings, we
intend to continue to look at Reolysin as a treatment for cancers
of the lung and cancers that metastasize to the lung," said Chief
Executive Brad Thompson. Shares surged 46% to $5.18 premarket.
3SBio Inc. (SSRX) agreed to be taken private by Decade Sunshine
Ltd. in a deal that values the China-based biotechnology company at
about $350 million. 3SBio shareholders will get $2.20 in cash per
share, or $15.40 per American depositary share. ADS rose 5.2% to
$14.50 in light premarket trade.
RadioShack Corp. (RSH) named Walgreen Co. (WAG) executive Joseph
C. Magnacca to replace its acting chief, staking its future on a
retail veteran who built his career in a merchandising role. Shares
rose 4.5% to $3.25 in premarket trade.
AOL Inc.'s (AOL) fourth-quarter profit jumped 57% as the
Internet company reported stronger advertising sales--helping AOL
grow revenue year-over-year for the first quarter in eight years,
the company said. Shares rose 6.1% to $33.32 in premarket
trade.
Riverbed Technology Inc.'s (RVBD) fourth-quarter profit fell 76%
as acquisition-related costs masked the network-technology
provider's stronger revenue. The company also issued a cautious
projection of core earnings this quarter, when its recently closed
acquisition of Opnet Technologies Inc. will begin contributing
significantly to its top line. Shares were off 11% at $17.82
premarket.
SunPower Corp. (SPWR) swung to a fourth-quarter loss as the
U.S.-based solar-panel maker recorded an increase in expenses,
though revenue improved in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific
region. Shares fell 4.8% to $8.
Watchlist
Aaron's Inc.'s (AAN) fourth-quarter profit rose 20% as the
rent-to-own retailer continued to benefit from new-store openings
and same-store sales growth.
AptarGroup Inc.'s (ATR) fourth-quarter profit fell 9.4% as the
dispenser manufacturer posted restructuring expenses, masking
revenue growth.
CareFusion Corp.'s (CFN) fiscal second-quarter earnings rose 14%
on strength at its smaller procedural-solutions business, while the
medical-equipment company also provided its postponed first-quarter
financial report, with profit up 20%.
Charter Communications Inc. (CHTR) agreed to buy Cablevision
Systems Corp.'s (CVC) western cable systems, known as "Optimum
West," for $1.625 billion in cash.
Columbia Sportswear Co.'s (COLM) fourth-quarter earnings rose
7.5% thanks to lower expenses, though the maker of active outdoor
apparel saw its sales of cold-weather gear hurt by mild winter
weather in North America for most of the holiday shopping season
and broader consumer caution about spending. The company gave
downbeat sales guidance for the current fiscal year.
FleetCor Technologies Inc.'s (FLT) fourth-quarter earnings
jumped 59% as the commercial-fuel-cards company reported
double-digit revenue gains in North America and abroad, as well as
stronger margins. Results beat analysts' expectations, and the
company offered upbeat guidance for the full year.
Francesca's Holdings Corp. (FRAN) has named Abercrombie and
Fitch Co. (ANF) executive Mark Vendetti as its new chief financial
officer, nine months after the retailer fired its former CFO for
improper use of social media.
Home Properties Inc.'s (HME) fourth-quarter earnings quintupled
as the apartment real-estate investment trust benefited from
property disposals and higher revenue.
Intuit Inc. (INTU) warned it expects an added shift in tax
revenue and operating income to its fiscal third quarter from the
second due to the late passage of tax legislation and the Internal
Revenue Service's delay in opening e-file.
MDU Resources Group Inc. (MDU) and Calumet Specialty Products
Partners LP (CLMT) unveiled a joint venture to develop and operate
a diesel refinery in southwestern North Dakota, expanding their
presence in the oil-rich Bakken Shale.
Microchip Technology Inc.'s (MCHP) fiscal third-quarter profit
fell 87% on acquisition-related charges and other expenses, masking
a jump in revenue. The company also gave an optimistic view of the
current quarter.
Molina Healthcare Inc. (MOH) swung to a fourth-quarter profit as
the health-care company grew its revenue and membership, and as the
year-earlier period was hurt by impairment charges. Earnings
surpassed Wall Street's expectations.
Montpelier Re Holdings Ltd. (MRH) swung to a fourth-quarter loss
as the reinsurer logged losses from Hurricane Sandy. However, the
operating loss was better than analysts had expected.
NCR Corp.'s (NCR) fourth-quarter loss widened as the company
recorded heavy pension-related costs and other one-off charges,
masking a modest revenue increase.
Republic Services Inc.'s (RSG) fourth-quarter earnings fell 34%
as the waste-collection and recycling-services company recorded
restructuring charges and higher operational costs, while revenue
was roughly flat.
Solera Holdings Inc.'s (SLH) fiscal second-quarter earnings
slipped 30% as the auto-insurance software maker recorded higher
acquisition-related costs and additional interest expense. However,
adjusted earnings and revenue topped analysts' expectations.
XL Group PLC (XL) swung to a fourth-quarter profit as the
property-and-casualty insurer recorded higher premiums earned, in
part due to superstorm Sandy, and lower expenses.
Write to Mia Lamar at mia.lamar@dowjones.com
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