The stocks that are expected to trade actively in today’s session (AKA stocks to watch), include, Adobe Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ:ADBE), Quiksilver, Inc. (NYSE:ZQK), VeriFone Systems Inc (NYSE:PAY), AVG Technologies NV (NYSE:AVG), Cytori Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:CYTX) and LaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE:LHO).
Adobe Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ:ADBE): The company’s shares gained 6 percent and are trading $37.66 in early market trading, as fourth quarter profits rose 28 percent. The better than expected earnings were due to stronger subscriptions for creative services. The overhead costs were also lower than estimated.
Quiksilver, Inc. (NYSE:ZQK): Quicksilver’s fourth quarter earnings slid 94 percent due to weaker margins and extremely low income tax benefits, that overshadowed sales growth. The results were far below analysts’ estimates and its shares slumped 15 percent to $3.47 in early trading today.
VeriFone Systems Inc (NYSE:PAY): The electronic payments company announced an 86 percent decline in fourth quarter earnings and missed revenue guidance, though revenues improved slightly. Last year, the company had received significant tax benefits. VeriFone issued downbeat first quarter forecasts. Shares plunged 7.4 percent to $30.78 in morning trading.
AVG Technologies NV (NYSE:AVG): The Amsterdam-based mobile and Internet security firm said that it has signed a search-and-distribution agreement with Yahoo Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO). AVG aims to increase search provider options for its users. Shares gained 4.4 percent to $14.70 in Friday’s early market session of trading.
Cytori Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:CYTX): The pharmaceutical company is offering an undisclosed number of shares (depending on market conditions). Cytori produces cell therapies for heart diseases. Its shares declined 6.6 percent to $3.10 at the time of this writing.
LaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE:LHO): It is offering seven million shares in the public market. The company will use proceeds to fund some hotel acquisitions and pay off debts. The real estate investment trust currently has 86.3 million outstanding shares, according to FactSet. LaSalle shares were down 3.4 percent to $23.70 after the announcement.
Another stock to watch is Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN). The biotech company has increased its dividend by 31 percent for the first quarter of 2013 in an attempt to boost shareholder value. The company has also authorized a $2 billion share repurchase program.
