Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Tuesday's session are OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OMED) and Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (LXRX).

OncoMed and Celgene Corp. (CELG) agreed to jointly develop and commercialize up to six potential anti-cancer stem cell treatments from OncoMed's pipeline, providing OncoMed with an infusion of cash to study the treatments. OncoMed shares surged 68% to $23.48 premarket, while Celgene was inactive.

Lexicon said a study revealed its drug to treat irritable bowel syndrome doesn't significantly affect stool consistency, an important indicator of IBS treatment. The drug company's shares dropped 12% to $2.05 in premarket trading.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.'s (KKD) fiscal third-quarter profit grew 34% as the doughnut chain reported higher same-store sales and growth at franchise locations in the U.S. But shares slid 13% to $21.25 in premarket trading, as investors focused on muted comments on earnings for the upcoming fiscal year.

Conatus Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (CNAT) shares jumped 26% to $7.75 premarket after the biotechnology firm said its treatment for chronic liver disease has been granted a status that could mean quicker approval.

Ascena Retail Group Inc.'s (ASNA) fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 22% as the apparel retailer reported broad sales growth and stronger margins. Shares of Ascena, which affirmed its fiscal-year guidance, were up 4.2% at $21.75 in premarket trading as adjusted earnings and revenue beat expectations.

 
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Activist investors Corvex Management LP and Related Cos. made a preliminary filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in their renewed effort to replace CommonWealth REIT's (CWH) board following an arbitration panel ruling allowing the move.

Energen Corp. (EGN) said it expects last month's severe weather in West Texas to weigh on results from the oil-and-gas production company's Permian Basin operations.

Fifth & Pacific Cos. (FNP) is nearing a deal to sell its Lucky Brand denim business after an auction that had stalled regained momentum this fall, people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.

Hertz Global Holdings Inc. (HTZ) named former Hilton Worldwide Inc. executive Thomas Kennedy to the car-rental firm's chief financial officer post, effective a week from Monday.

NCR Corp. (NCR), a maker of automatic teller machines, has agreed to pay $1.65 billion to acquire outsourced online banking firm Digital Insight Corp., a move to address rising consumer interest to bank across multiple channels.

NRG Yield Inc. (NYLD) agreed to purchase privately held Energy Systems Co. for $120 million in cash, which the company hopes will help it increase its dividend payments as well as its geographic diversity. Energy Systems is an Omaha, Neb.-based supplier of district energy.

Office Depot Inc. (ODP) has added a second former Wendy's Co. (WEN) executive to the office retailer's new executive team, naming Stephen Hare to serve in the chief financial officer role, effective immediately.

Oneok Partners LP (OKS) issued guidance for 2014 that surpasses its estimate for the current year, citing growth in natural-gas volumes.

QEP Resources Inc. (QEP) plans to separate its midstream business, QEP Field Services Co., into a separate entity, including its interest in QEP Midstream Partners LP (QEPM).

Quiksilver Inc. (ZQK) unveiled plans to pursue the sale and exit of several more noncore businesses, following the sports outfitter's $58 million divestiture of its Mervin snowboard unit last month. The businesses Quiksilver plans to shed include Surfdome Shop Ltd., Hawk Designs, Inc., its Moskova brand and its business under license with Maui & Sons.

Shoe Carnival Inc.'s (SCVL) fiscal third-quarter earnings slid 11%, with revenue declining due to an unfavorable calendar shift from the previous year.

Thor Industries Inc.'s (THO) fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 33% on the strength of higher sales and wider margins. But results came in lower than expected.

Restaurant operator Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) estimated adjusted earnings for fiscal 2014 will rise "at least" 20% from the prior year's level, a target that suggests the company could meet Wall Street's latest expectations.

Write to Lauren Pollock at lauren.pollock@wsj.com

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