Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in
Wednesday's session are Family Dollar Stores Inc. (FDO), Microsoft
Corp. (MSFT) and Apple Inc. (AAPL).
Dollar General Corp. (DG) is taking its $9.1 billion offer to
buy Family Dollar Stores Inc. (FDO) directly to its rival's
shareholders Wednesday, in an attempt to pull off a hostile
takeover after its offer was rejected. The $80-per-share offer is
aimed at convincing investors to turn down an existing $8.5 billion
deal with Dollar Tree Inc. (DLTR). Family Dollar's shares ticked up
slightly to $78.90 in premarket trading. Shares of Dollar General
and Dollar Tree were inactive premarket.
Microsoft is in serious discussions to buy Mojang AB, the
Swedish company behind the popular "Minecraft" videogame, according
to a person with knowledge of the matter. Shares edged up to $46.87
premarket.
Apple is plunging into the world of mobile payments, lending
legitimacy to a field that has dashed hopes of some of the biggest
technology companies. The company unveiled its new Apple Pay
service, new iPhones and a digital watch Tuesday. Shares dipped
0.4% to $97.64 premarket.
Lands' End Inc.'s (LE) fiscal second-quarter profit rose 4.9% on
sales gains in both its direct and retail sales businesses. Shares
jumped 6.8% to $35.60 premarket.
PharMerica Corp. (PMC) raised its full-year guidance, citing
"positive momentum across the business," and the acquisition of
three institutional pharmacies in Texas. Shares rose 2.4% to $25.26
premarket.
Manchester United Ltd. (MANU) swung to a fiscal fourth-quarter
loss as expenses ballooned, but revenue rose 13%.
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. (TRW) signed a definitive
agreement to sell its engine valve business to Federal-Mogul
Holdings Corp. (FDML) for $385 million in cash.
Target Corp.'s (TGT) new CEO Brian Cornell plans to double down
on a just a handful of departments like baby products and fashion,
a strategic shift as the discounter works to bring shoppers back to
its stores and better compete with online rivals.
Vera Bradley Inc. (VRA) said its fiscal second-quarter earnings
dropped 49% as the retailer continues to struggle to attract new
customers.
Riverbed Technology Inc. (RVBD), which has been fighting a
takeover bid by an activist investor, said it added two new
directors, expanding the size of its board to nine members, while
making changes to its executive pay structure.
Wells Fargo & Co. (WFC) Chief Financial Officer John
Shrewsberry said Apple's new Apple Pay payment service helps to
give its customers "a little more choice," and the bank is happy to
be a part of it.
Watchlist:
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (KKD) said second-quarter earnings
rose 22% as the chain posted stronger revenue, driven by sales at
locations open more than 18 months. However, adjusted profit missed
expectations.
Palo Alto Networks Inc. (PANW) reported adjusted fiscal
fourth-quarter profit at the high end of the company's estimates
and revenue above expectations. The maker of computer-network
security products also forecast revenue for the current quarter
above analysts' views.
International Paper Co. (IP) said its board raised the company's
quarterly dividend by 14%, with its departing Chief Executive John
Faraci citing the company's ability to continue generating strong,
sustainable free cash flow.
Doral Financial Corp. (DRL) said a subsidiary of its Doral Bank
unit sold about $429.3 million of mortgage pass-through
certificates to Barclays PLC (BCS, BARC.LN), the latest move in an
asset-sale process intended to preserve capital and increase
liquidity.
Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) said its
second-quarter revenue declined, with the government technical
services contractor pointing to delayed funding and the loss of the
DISN Global Solutions program.
Oxford Industries Inc. (OXM) said second-quarter profit fell 5%
as the apparel company reported sales growth at its Tommy Bahama
and Lilly Pulitzer brands but said gross margins declined.
Oil tanker company DHT Holdings Inc. (DHT) agreed to buy
privately held Samco Shipholding Pte Ltd., which has a fleet of
seven very large crude carriers, for $317 million.
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (SIRI) said strong car sales this summer
have prompted the satellite radio company to increase its 2014
guidance for net subscriber additions. The company expects 1.45
million net subscriber additions, up from its prior estimate of
1.25 million.
Write to Tom Rojas at tom.rojas@wsj.com and Josh Beckerman at
josh.beckerman@wsj.com
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