Among the companies whose shares are expected to actively trade
in Thursday's session are Regis Corp. (RGS), Transocean Ltd. (RIG)
and FedEx Corp. (FDX).
Regis said it would stay the course and remain an independent
public company as the struggling haircut-chain company concluded a
months-long review of its strategic options. Shares tumbled 8.3% to
$16.81 in premarket trading.
The U.S. Justice Department Wednesday filed a civil oil-spill
lawsuit against Transocean, which owned and operated the Deepwater
Horizon oil rig, Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (APC) and BP PLC (BP,
BP.LN). Transocean shares fell 7.9% to $16.88 in premarket trading.
Anadarko shares fell slightly premarket, down 0.1% to $67.33.
FedEx's fiscal second-quarter profit dropped 18% on charges as
revenue rose, boosted by higher volume and shipping rates, but fell
short of analysts' expectations. Shares were down 2% at $90.55 in
premarket trading as the company's core profit also failed to
impress, coming in near the bottom of the company's expected range.
Rival United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) slipped 0.9% to $72.25 in
premarket trading.
Neuralstem Inc. (CUR) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration has approved its application to initiate a Phase Ia
safety trial to test NSI-189, a drug to treat major depression.
Shares gained 6% to $2.30 in premarket trading.
General Mills Inc. (GIS) fiscal second-quarter profit rose 8.6%
on fewer restructuring charges and a tax benefit, but sales were
stung by more promotions and margins fell from year-earlier levels
on higher commodity costs. Shares slipped 0.3% to $36.29 premarket
as the company's adjusted earnings and sales both fell short of
analysts' estimates, underscoring the challenges food makers face
as consumers remain frugal.
Rite Aid Corp.'s (RAD) fiscal third-quarter loss narrowed amid
fewer charges as the drugstore chain saw revenue decline due to a
slower start to the cold and flu season. With expectations for
same-stores sales to be weaker than expected in the current
quarter, Rite Aid projected a wider full-year loss and cut the high
end of its sales guidance. Shares fell 2.4% to $0.89 in premarket
trading.
JP Morgan raised its stock investment rating on Wynn Resorts
Ltd. (WYNN) to overweight from neutral saying continued strong
operating momentum out of Macau is underappreciated at current
share price levels. Shares gained 2.8% to $103.55 in premarket
trading.
SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SCLN) said its treatment for
hepatitis C didn't reduce the severity of viral infection to a
target point in a midstage study, and the company plans to stop
investigating it for chronic forms of the disease. The results show
the drug was safe and well-tolerated and reduced viral intensity
somewhat, but shares slipped 7.3% to $3.70 premarket on light
volume.
Watch List:
ABM Industries Inc.'s (ABM) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings
jumped 45%, with adjusted profit matching analysts' estimates, as
the company's sales increased and it cut overhead costs.
AAR Corp.'s (AIR) fiscal second-quarter earnings rose 26% in
results that trumped analysts expectations, as the aircraft leasing
and maintenance company's sales of government and defense services
surged.
AutoZone Inc. (AZO) said Wednesday its board added $500 million
more to its share-buyback program, which represents about 4.3% of
the company's current market value.
Diversified tool manufacturer Danaher Corp. (DHR) raised its
fourth-quarter earnings view, pointing to margin expansion, growing
exposure to emerging markets and new products.
Aircraft parts and electronics equipment maker Heico Corp.'s
(HEI, HEIA) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings climbed 34% in results
that bested analysts' estimates on sales and margin
improvement.
Herman Miller Inc.'s (MLHR) fiscal second-quarter earnings rose
86%, with adjusted results topping analysts' estimates, as the
office-furniture maker's sales again improved.
Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP (KMP) said it will invest as
much as $150 million in Watco Cos. in exchange for an equity
position in the private short-line railroad operator.
Kindred Healthcare Inc. (KND) said it expects fourth-quarter
earnings to come in at the high end of its previous range, and
projected results for next year that mostly top Street
estimates.
Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. (NDAQ) on Wednesday agreed to purchase
FTEN Inc., a developer of trading technology services aimed at
electronic trading firms.
Nordson Corp. (NDSN) swung to a fiscal fourth-quarter profit
that beat company expectations, as sales rose and the company
bounced back from a year-earlier quarter marred by $243 million of
write-downs. The company, which makes specialized equipment to
precisely apply adhesives, sealants and coatings, also forecast
current-quarter earnings above analysts' expectations.
Orthopedic-device maker Orthofix International NV (OFIX) on
Wednesday reduced its estimates end-of-year results on slowing
spinal-stimulation business and charges from an internal
reorganization that includes unspecified layoffs and a patent-suit
settlement with NuVasive Inc. (NUVA).
Scholastic Corp. (SCHL) boosted its quarterly dividend by
one-third, the latest company making similar moves amid better
economic prospects.
-By Dow Jones Newswires; write to hotstocks@dowjones.com