Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in
Thursday's session are Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO), PetSmart Inc.
(PETM) and Electronic Arts Inc. (EA).
Cisco Systems Inc. reported a jump in quarterly profit and said
it would pay a bigger dividend, continuing the networking-equipment
giant's transformation from a fast-growing upstart to a more mature
company. Shares climbed 7.2% to $18.62 in premarket trade.
PetSmart's shares surged after the retailer turned in a
better-than-expected profit for its fiscal second quarter and again
boosted its earnings expectations for the year. The latest period
marks the 10th straight quarter that PetSmart has reported
double-digit profit growth--mostly in the range of 20%--driven by
high-margin prescriptions, "super-premium" pet foods and hard
goods. Shares rose 6% to $71.50 premarket.
Videogame maker Electronic Arts is exploring a sale as the
company struggles against competition from free online gaming
sites, the New York Post reported, citing sources. The paper said
EA has been approached by private-equity giants KKR and Providence
Equity Partners about a potential deal. Representatives for EA
weren't immediately available for comment. Shares jumped 11% to
$14.55 premarket.
Agilent Technologies Inc.'s (A) fiscal third-quarter profit fell
26% as the testing-and-measuring equipment maker reported higher
expenses and weaker margins. Shares fell 7.4% to $37.50 premarket
as results missed Agilent's expectations and the company lowered
its full-year guidance.
Coinstar Inc. (CSTR)--the parent of struggling
movie-rental-kiosks company Redbox--has been exploring the
possibility of selling itself to an undisclosed private-equity firm
for several months, the New York Post reported, citing sources.
Representatives of Coinstar couldn't immediately be reached for
comment. Shares jumped 8.2% to $52.15 premarket.
Dollar Tree Inc.'s (DLTR) fiscal second-quarter earnings rose
26% as the discount retailer posted higher sales. Still, shares
were recently trading 6.2% lower at $46.93 premarket as the company
issued a typically cautious outlook for the current quarter.
Applied Materials Inc.'s (AMAT) fiscal third-quarter profit fell
54% as the semiconductor-equipment maker recorded lower sales and
restructuring charges. Shares slumped 4.3% to $11.29 premarket as
the company said it sees an even deeper slowdown for
chip-production gear spending in the current period and issued
guidance below analyst expectations.
NetApp Inc.'s (NTAP) fiscal first-quarter profit fell 54%, but
largely in-line results and guidance from the data-storage company
helped alleviate some worries about spending by business users.
Shares rose 4.8% to $33.28 premarket as adjusted earnings topped
the company's weak projections from May.
NetEase Inc.'s (NTES, K3MD.SG) second-quarter earnings increased
13% as the Internet company posted stronger revenue from online
games and advertising. However, its American depositary shares fell
8.9% to $53 premarket as results missed analyst expectations.
New York Mortgage Trust Inc. (NYMT) unveiled an offering of 10
million shares, saying it wants to raise money to buy
mortgage-backed securities. Shares were off 3.9% to $6.67
premarket.
Sina Corp.'s (SINA) second-quarter surged higher, as the Chinese
Internet company's results were boosted by an equity investment,
masking sharply higher costs. Shares rose 7% premarket to 54.47
after the company posted a surprise adjusted profit.
Watchlist:
AFC Enterprises Inc.'s (AFCE) fiscal second-quarter earnings
jumped a better-than-expected 20% as the restaurant operator saw
same-store sales continue to climb, especially in the U.S.
Hot Topic Inc.'s (HOTT) fiscal second-quarter loss narrowed as
the teen-apparel retailer's revenue and margins strengthened.
Limited Brands Inc.'s (LTD) fiscal second-quarter profit fell
38% on fewer one-time gains and slightly weaker sales. But the
company's adjusted earnings and sales edged out expectations, and
Limited raised its full-year outlook.
Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) said it approved a new management
succession plan, under which Chief Executive Michael Balmuth will
transition to the role of executive chairman in 2014.
Write to Mia Lamar at mia.lamar@dowjones.com
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