Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Thursday's session are PepsiCo Inc. (PEP), Auxilium Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AUXL) and Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV).

PepsiCo said volumes in its beverage and snack categories ticked up 1% in the latest quarter, as the company faced sluggish consumer demand in developed markets. However, earnings soundly beat market expectations, and the company raised its guidance for the year. Shares rose 1.3% to $95.15 in premarket trading.

Endo International PLC (ENDP, ENL.T) on Thursday said it agreed to buy Auxilium in a cash-and-stock deal valued about$2.6 billion. Endo will pay $33.25 a share, representing a 12% premium to Auxilium's closing price on Wednesday. Endo's shares fell 1.9% to $69.67 premarket, while Auxilium's shares surged 10.7% to $32.95.

Kindred Healthcare Inc. (KND) agreed to acquire Gentiva for $19.50 per share in cash and stock, a 17% premium to Wednesday's close. Kindred's shares gained 5.1% to $20.75 premarket, while Gentiva shares jumped 14.6% to $19.15.

Allergan Inc. (AGN) on Thursday boosted its earnings outlook for the quarter ended in September and gave rosy long-term forecasts, citing its growing market share and regulatory approvals. Shares were up 1.6% to $193.50 premarket.

Gap Inc. (GPS) on Wednesday said Glenn Murphy will step down next year as chief executive, having reversed a long-running sales slump---but struggling more recently to improve performance at the company's namesake brand. Shares fell 11.2% to $37.20 premarket.

Impax Laboratories Inc. (IPXL) said Thursday it agreed to buy private pharmaceutical company Tower Holdings Inc. in a $700 million all-cash deal expected to more than double its earnings next year. Shares soared 11.2% to $26.50 premarket.

Destination Maternity Corp. (DEST) said its sales fell 4.8% in the latest quarter, as the maternity-apparel retailer continued to close underperforming stores, and it also warned it will report a loss for the period. Shares sank 7.4% to $14.30 premarket.

Riverbed Technology Inc. (RVBD) reduced its outlook and disclosed a cost-cutting effort and plans to review its strategic and financial options.

J.C. Penney Co. (JCP) on Wednesday said sales were weak during the important back-to-school shopping season, and the retailer cut its sales forecast for the current quarter.

Ruby Tuesday Inc. (RT) on Wednesday said it swung to a first-quarter profit amid slightly stronger same-store sales.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) suppliers have pushed back plans to mass produce a larger-screen tablet to early next year, people familiar with the matter said, as they struggle to make enough new iPhones to meet strong demand. Meanwhile, Carl Icahn said in a letter on his website that he wants the company to bulk up share-buyback efforts.

Dawson Geophysical Co. (DWSN) and TGC Industries Inc. (TGE) plan to merge in a stock-for-stock transaction. Current Dawson shareholders are expected to own about 66% of the combined company, and TGC shareholders will own 34%.

Alcoa Inc. (AA) reported on Wednesday that third-quarter earnings surged as its primary metals segment benefited from stronger aluminum prices, lower materials costs and improved productivity.

 
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Fred's Inc. (FRED) said that same-store sales edged up 0.2% in September, marking a third consecutive month of growth for the discount retailer.

Write to Tom Rojas at tom.rojas@wsj.com and Maria Armental at maria.armental@wsj.com

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