Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in
Wednesday's session are Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ),
Vitacost.com Inc. (VITC) and Greenbrier Cos. (GBX).
Constellation Brands said its fiscal first-quarter earnings
surged as the company's beer segment continued to benefit from a
significant acquisition, as well as stronger demand. The results
topped Wall Street's estimates and Constellation, one of the
world's biggest wine companies, lifted its earnings outlook for the
year. Shares rose 5.5% to $93.25 in premarket trading.
Kroger Co. (KR) agreed to buy Vitacost.com, an online seller of
vitamins and other health-related products, in a deal that would
give the largest U.S. supermarket chain a stronger presence in
Internet retailing. Kroger expects the $280 million planned
purchase will enhance its technology expertise and give it a
platform for fulfilling home delivery of online orders--an area of
increasing importance in the sector. Vitacost.com shares rose 27%
to $7.99 premarket.
Greenbrier swung to a profit in its fiscal third quarter as
revenue and margins surged. The results easily surpassed analysts'
expectations. The railroad equipment and services supplier also
raised its earnings view for the year. Shares rose 8.3% to $62.50
premarket.
A. Schulman Inc. (SHLM) said its fiscal third-quarter earnings
rose sharply as the company benefited from higher demand in key
markets and recent acquisitions, leading the company to raise its
earnings projections by eight cents. Shares rose 5% to $41.51
premarket.
CalAmp Corp. (CAMP) issued a disappointing outlook for the
current quarter, saying satellite revenue is expected to fall short
of earlier projections. Shares fell 12% to $19.38 premarket.
Corinthian Colleges Inc. (COCO) and the U.S. Department of
Education missed a Tuesday deadline to reach an agreement on an
operating plan for the troubled for-profit educator, although the
parties believe a deal could happen within days. Shares fell two
cents to 28 cents premarket.
Hillshire Brands Co. (HSH) officially signed a $7.7 billion deal
to be acquired by Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN), capping a drawn-out
bidding war as a number of companies in the food space angle for
better position in the supermarket aisle. Hillshire shares rose 16
cents to $62.79 premarket.
Paychex Inc. (PAYX) said its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings rose
18% on continued revenue growth in its payroll and
human-resource-services businesses. However, the company projected
fiscal-year earnings growth that was mostly below analysts'
estimates. Shares fell 2.7% to $40.99 premarket.
Watchlist:
Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (JAZZ) agreed to acquire rights to
defibrotide in the U.S. and all other countries in the Americas for
$75 million plus potential milestone payments.
Synthetic biology company Intrexon Corp. (XON) agreed to buy
bovine reproductive technology company Trans Ova Genetics,
broadening its reach in animal health and productivity.
UniFirst Corp. (UNF) said its fiscal third-quarter earnings rose
7.7%, citing a boost in new business and retention of its existing
customer base. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations.
Write to Maria Armental at maria.armental@wsj.com and Tess
Stynes at Tess.Stynes@wsj.com
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