Companies whose shares are expected to trade actively in today’s session are Bank of America Corp. (NYSE:BAC), Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE:ARO), CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP), Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc. (NYSE:KKD), STEC, Inc. (NASDAQ:STEC) and Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA).
Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC): Fourteen out of eighteen largest U.S. banks have passed the Federal Reserve’s stress tests. These banks have now unveiled plans to distribute capital to shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks. Bank of America announced that its board has approved a $5 billion share buyback, and redemption of preferred stock worth $5.5 billion. Shares jumped 3.63 percent to $12.55 in early trading.
Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE:ARO): The company posted a fourth quarter loss due to weaker sales and higher impairment charges. The youth-focused apparel retailer also forecast an unexpected loss in the current quarter. Shares slipped 5.65 percent to $13.69 in early market trading.
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP): The company is combining its pipeline and other assets with OGE Energy and ArcLight Capital Partners. The partnership will provide CenterPoint a fresh source of capital as it gears up to take advantage of the rising demand of shipping oil. Shares surged 8.75 percent to $23.75 in the early session.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE:KKD): The doughnuts chain’s fourth quarter earnings declined 97 percent from the same period a year ago. Same store sales and revenues continue to strengthen, but earnings missed Wall Street’s estimates. Shares fell 5.02 percent to $14.20 in the early session.
STEC, Inc. (NASDAQ:STEC): The data storage maker’s fourth quarter losses widened. The company is transitioning its business focus, but revenues continue to sink. Earnings missed analysts’ estimates, and the company issued downbeat forecast for the first quarter. Shares skidded 13.48 percent to $4.75 in early trading.
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA): The beauty product retailer’s fourth quarter increased 39 percent due to strong sales at is new and existing stores. However, the company issued pessimistic guidance for the first quarter. Shares dipped 14 percent to $76.
