Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in
Thursday's session are Target Corp. (TGT), Green Mountain Coffee
Roasters Inc. (GMCR) and Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI).
Target's fiscal third-quarter earnings fell 46% as the retailer
posted weaker margins and earnings at its U.S. business and losses
at its Canadian segment. Shares fell 3.7% to $64.05 premarket as
the company cut its earnings guidance for the year.
Green Mountain's fiscal fourth-quarter profit jumped 38% due to
higher sales of the company's single-serve coffee packs and robust
demand for its Keurig brewers. Shares rose 5.9% to $65.50 in
premarket trading Thursday, as results for the latest period
exceeded expectations.
Johnson Controls unveiled a three-year, $3.65-billion share
repurchase program Wednesday as the manufacturer also said its
board has increased the company's regular quarterly dividend.
Shares climbed 4.1% to $50.20 premarket.
Williams-Sonoma Inc.'s (WSM) fiscal third-quarter profit rose
16% as same-store sales increased at all store formats the
housewares and furniture retailer operates, led by gains at West
Elm and PBteen. The latest results exceeded expectations and
Williams-Sonoma issued a rosier outlook for the year. Shares rose
6.7% to $59.20 in premarket trading.
Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. (NUS) issued an outlook for the
upcoming fiscal year that topped Wall Street expectations as the
vendor of anti-aging skincare products expects to see strength in
all of its regions. Shares rose 4.7% to $120.16 premarket.
Liquidity Services Inc.'s (LQDT) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings
rose 88% as the surplus goods seller's revenue grew while expenses
dropped. However, shares fell 9.2% to $23.60 premarket as the
company forecast weaker-than-expected earnings in its new fiscal
year and missed income estimates in the latest quarter.
Discount retailer Dollar Tree Inc.'s (DLTR) fiscal third-quarter
sales increased 9.5% as higher traffic drove improvements in
consumer basics and seasonal and variety merchandise categories.
Still, shares dropped 5.8% to $55.50 premarket as both the top- and
bottom-line results were weaker than expected.
Activist investment firm Crescendo Partners called for
Aeropostale Inc.'s (ARO) board to immediately pursue a sale of the
struggling teen-apparel retailer, saying that the company's
turnaround efforts are best pursued as a private company.
Representatives for Aeropostale didn't immediately respond to
requests for comment. Shares rose 2.6% to $10.30 premarket.
Hologic Inc. (HOLX) adopted a one-year shareholder rights plan
with a 10% trigger after receiving notification that activist
investor Carl Icahn has taken a big stake in the women's healthcare
products company. Shares rose 5% to $23.40 premarket.
Watch List:
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) swung to a fiscal
third-quarter loss as the teen-apparel retailer recorded charges
related to the restructuring of its intimate apparel brand, along
with another sharp drop in same-store sales.
Real-estate developer Alexander & Baldwin Inc. (ALEX) agreed
to pay $373 million to buy a portfolio of commercial properties in
Hawaii that includes shopping centers, industrial properties and
some preservation-zoned land.
Amicus Therapeutics Inc. (FOLD) intends to trim costs by cutting
14% of its work force, while the biopharmaceutical company said it
revised the terms of a pact with GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK, GSK.LN)
and acquired a firm.
AvalonBay Communities Inc. (AVB) said its chief financial
officer, Thomas J. Sargeant, will retire next year, while Kevin P.
O'Shea will succeed him in the role.
Buckle Inc.'s (BKE) fiscal third-quarter earnings decreased 3.1%
as the teen and young-adult focused retailer's same-store sales
declined.
Dillard's Inc. (DDS) said the department-store operator's board
has authorized an additional share repurchase program of up to $250
million.
Donaldson Co.'s (DCI) fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 14% on
modest sales growth, led by the maker of filtration systems'
aftermarket and aerospace and defense segments.
Jack in the Box Inc.'s (JACK) fiscal fourth-quarter profit rose
83% while the restaurant operator posted lower costs and a smaller
effect from discontinued operations, masking a drop in revenue.
L Brands Inc.'s (LTD) fiscal third-quarter profit rose 25% as
the retailer continued to post higher sales, helped by improving
same-store sales at its Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works
units.
Perry Ellis International Inc. (PERY) swung to a fiscal
third-quarter loss as the clothing maker's revenue slid, though
margins were stable.
Post Holdings Inc. (POST) swung to a fiscal fourth-quarter loss
as the cereal maker's results were weighed by costs tied to a plant
closure in California and weaker gross margins, though recent
acquisitions fueled strong top-line growth.
Ruby Tuesday Inc. (RT) unveiled a plan to cut 50 jobs at a
support center in Tennessee while the restaurant chain also said it
has hired a consulting firm to look into other ways to cut
costs.
Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD) reported a wider loss in its fiscal
third quarter as revenue slumped due to weaker same-store sales and
store closures.
Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. (SPB) swung to a fiscal
fourth-quarter loss as the consumer-products company was dinged by
debt-related costs.
Stage Stores Inc.'s (SSI) fiscal third-quarter loss widened as a
lack of clearance sales caused a drop in same-store sales. The
company again lowered its same-store sales outlook and cut its
revenue and adjusted per-share earnings view for the year.
ValueVision Media Inc.'s (VVTV) fiscal third-quarter loss
narrowed thanks to higher revenue that was driven by strong growth
in shipments.
Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) unveiled a reorganization plan that will
keep its China and India divisions separate while combining the
rest of its international businesses with its KFC, Pizza Hut and
Taco Bell divisions in the U.S.
Write to Anna Prior at anna.prior@wsj.com
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