Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in
Friday's session are Foot Locker Inc. (FL), Ann Inc. (ANN) and
PetSmart Inc. (PETM).
Foot Locker's fiscal third-quarter profit slipped 1.9%, as the
athletic-apparel retailer's higher expenses masked growth in
same-store sales. Foot Locker's same-store sales rose 4.1% in the
quarter, keeping up a growth trend that has lasted for several
years and helping results beat expectations. Shares edged up 2.8%
to $37.80 premarket.
Ann's fiscal third-quarter earnings edged up 1.1% as the women's
apparel retailer posted stronger revenue, despite weaker margins
and a sales decline at its Ann Taylor Factory business. Top- and
bottom-line results beat views, but margins narrowed more than the
company expected. Shares dropped 1.9% to $35.60 premarket.
PetSmart's fiscal third-quarter earnings rose 12% on higher
revenue from its pet services business. But it gave a weak
current-quarter outlook and narrowed its sales outlook for the
year. Shares edged down 1.6% to $73.40 premarket.
Violin Memory Inc.'s (VMEM) fiscal third-quarter loss widened,
with higher operating expenses masking increased revenue and wider
margins. Shares slumped 46% to $3.25 premarket as the company
offered downbeat revenue guidance for its fiscal fourth
quarter.
Fresh Market Inc.'s (TFM) fiscal third-quarter profit inched up
1.6% as top line was boosted by new store openings and rising
demand at existing locations. But shares slid 15% to $42.96 in
premarket trading, as growth for the period was weaker than
analysts expected and the specialty grocer trimmed its full-year
profit outlook.
Intel Corp. (INTC) predicted revenue will be about flat in 2014,
as a decline in sales of chips for personal computers counters
sales growth in other product areas. Shares dropped 3.2% to $24.43
premarket.
Ross Stores Inc.'s (ROST) fiscal third-quarter profit rose 7.6%,
driven by a bump in sales. However, shares were down 7.8% at $74.01
premarket as sales growth underperformed expectations and the
company offered guidance for its fiscal fourth quarter below
analysts' estimates.
Aruba Networks Inc.'s (ARUN) fiscal first-quarter earnings loss
widened on higher operating costs that offset the
wireless-networking equipment maker's revenue growth. Shares were
up 12% at $19.23 in premarket trading as adjusted earnings and
revenue beat expectations.
Marvell Technology Group Ltd.'s (MRVL) fiscal third-quarter
earnings grew 50% as the chip maker recorded higher revenue amid
improving demand from mobile, wireless and storage customers.
Shares grew 5% to $14.52 premarket, as results for the period
topped expectations and Marvell issued a rosy view for the current
quarter.
Watch List:
Autodesk Inc.'s (ADSK) fiscal third-quarter profit nearly
doubled, due in large part to lower restructuring expenses while
slight top-line growth was driven by an increase in subscription
revenue.
Celgene Corp. (CELG) received a positive opinion for its
pancreatic-cancer treatment Abraxane from the European Medicines
Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, paving the
way for potential approval of the treatment.
Gap Inc.'s (GPS) fiscal third-quarter profit grew 9.4% as the
apparel retailer reported particularly strong sales in markets
abroad and higher online sales. The company, which affirmed its
full-year earnings outlook, also disclosed its board approved a new
$1 billion share-repurchase program.
Hibbett Sports Inc. (HIBB) posted a 2.5% jump in sales, driven
by a strong back-to-school season, while higher store operating
costs weighed on the bottom line. Results beat estimates, and the
retailer raised the lower end of its earnings guidance for the
year.
Intuit Inc.'s (INTU) fiscal first-quarter loss narrowed as the
tax software company benefited from double-digit revenue growth and
gains from the sale of two business segments.
Mentor Graphics Corp.'s (MENT) fiscal third-quarter profit fell
17% as the chip-design software company recorded a jump in expenses
that masked a slight uptick in revenue.
Pandora Media Inc. (P) swung to a fiscal third-quarter loss as
the Internet-radio provider spent more on content and sales and
marketing, masking a jump in revenue as users listened to more
music.
Professional services provider Towers Watson & Co. (TW)
agreed to acquire employee benefits company Liazon Corp. for $215
million in cash to boost its benefits services business. The
benefits and personnel company is interested in Liazon for its
online benefits marketplace for companies and employees.
United Parcel Services Inc. (UPS) will raise overall prices
across many ground service and air freight services an average of
4.9% next year, the latest shipping company to indicate an uptick
in pricing.
Write to Lauren Pollock at lauren.pollock@wsj.com
Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires