Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Thursday's session are Staples Inc. (SPLS), Office Depot Inc. (ODP) and Ciena Corp. (CIEN).

Starboard Value LP has taken control of about 6% of Staples' shares and boosted its position in Office Depot's to about 10%, moves that could raise pressure for a combination of the office-supply retailers. Staples shares rose 9.6% to $16.23. Office Depot increased 10% to $7.43.

Ciena reported a surprise loss in the October quarter, as revenue growth in its biggest network segment was unable to offset expected hits from a supplier agreement with AT&T Inc. (T). Ciena shares rose 6.1% to $18 premarket.

Top investors at Burlington Stores Inc. (BURL), Nielsen NV (NLSN), Aramark Holdings Corp. (ARMK) and Mattress Firm Holding Corp. (MFRM) outlined plans late Wednesday to offer shares in the companies they helped take public. Burlington Stores shares edged down to $43.78 premarket. Nielsen fell 2.4% to $42.70 and Mattress Firm dropped 2.6% to $60.90. Aramark dropped 1.8% to $29.02.

KBR Inc. (KBR) plans to restructure its operations and divest or exit some noncore segments following a strategic review as it aims to reduce its operating costs. Shares rose 1.9% to $16 premarket.

Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU) posted earnings that beat expectations for it November quarter, though the retailer gave a disappointing outlook for the holiday quarter. Shares rose 7.1% to $50 premarket.

Men's Wearhouse Inc. (MW) said its third-quarter profit fell 82% on expenses related to its acquisition of rival Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. The Houston company also said it had decided against selling its K&G chain, which accounts for 8% of sales, after reviewing a number of offers. Shares fell 1% to $41.78 premarket.

RadioShack Corp. (RSH) on Thursday outlined a $400 million cost-cutting plan it hopes will stanch a hemorrhage of cash, as the struggling electronics chain tries to get through the holiday season in good enough shape to trigger a rescue plan from its lenders. Shares fell 5.6% to 52 cents premarket.

Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc. (RH) reported its quarterly profit more than doubled as sales growth accelerated in the third quarter, topping Wall Street expectations. Shares rose 8.3% to $93.30 premarket.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA, TEVA.TV) offered a weaker-than-expected outlook for next year, citing increased competition in its key generic-drug market. Shares rose 26 cents to $56.65 premarket.

Walgreen Co. (WAG) said Chief Executive Greg Wasson plans to retire after the drug-store chain's acquisition of the remaining 55% stake in Alliance Boots GmbH that it doesn't already own. Shares rose 2% to $69.52 premarket.

Wet Seal Inc. (WTSL) warned it may file for bankruptcy protection if the teen apparel retailer is unsuccessful in the very near term in addressing its liquidity needs. Shares fell 47% to 15 cents premarket.

 
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Advisory Board Co. (ABCO) agreed to acquire higher-education marketing company Royall & Co. in a cash-and-stock deal valued at roughly $850 million, adding student engagement and enrollment capabilities to the company's offerings.

Armstrong World Industries Inc. (AWI) on Thursday said it will exit its European flooring business and stop funding its DLW unit after years of poor results and millions in operating losses, pushing the unit to file for insolvency.

Casey's General Stores Inc. (CASY) said its quarterly earnings rose 21% as lower gasoline prices contributed to increased sales of merchandise as well as fuel.

Danaher Corp. (DHR) projected stronger-than-expected earnings for the coming year. The health-care equipment makers also backed its profit guidance for the current quarter.

Oxford Industries Inc. (OXM) swung to a loss in the third quarter, and company officials offered a bleak forecast for the year that ends Jan. 31, saying promotions and weak customer traffic are expected to hurt results.

Renasant Corp. (RNST) agreed to acquire Heritage Financial Group Inc. (HBOS) in all all-stock deal valued at $258 million, the community banks said Wednesday.

Write to Maria Armental at maria.armental@wsj.com and Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@wsj.com

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