Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:
Citigroup, Wells Fargo – UBS upgraded both banks to “buy” from “neutral,” pointing to underperformance vs. their peers. UBS feels Citi will benefit from strength in global consumer banking, while Wells Fargo has many strengths that are not reflected in the stock’s current price.
Facebook – Facebook upped its estimate of how many users may have had their personal information improperly shared with political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica to 87 million from the prior 50 million. However, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said there was “no meaningful impact” from the data scandal. Zuckerberg will be testifying before Congress next Tuesday and Wednesday on this and general data privacy matters involving the social media giant.
Intel – The chipmaker’s stock was downgraded to “hold” from “buy” at Stifel Nicolaus, which notes the 35 percent run-up since last July and said the upgrade cycle could peak in the second half of this year.
Spotify – The music streaming service was rated “buy” in new coverage at Stifel Nicolaus, which pointed to Spotify’s dominant position in the industry and a “long runway” for user growth.
Delta Air Lines, Sears Holdings – Delta and Sears say some of their customer payment information may have been affected by a cybersecurity breach at software firm [ 24]7.ai. The firm provides security services for a number of well-known companies.
Equifax – The credit reporting agency can be sued by Massachusetts over its 2017 data breach that exposed personal information from 147 million people, according to a ruling from a Suffolk County Superior Court Judge. Equifax had moved to dismiss that lawsuit filed by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.
General Electric – GE said it would provide restated results for 2016 and 2017 by April 13. The restated results reflect a new accounting standard impact revenue from long-term contracts.
AMC Entertainment – AMC will open up to 40 movie theaters in Saudi Arabia over the next five years after striking a new agreement with the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has had a movie theater in more than 35 years.
J.M. Smucker – Smucker will buy pet food maker Ainsworth Pet Nutrition for $1.9 billion in cash to boost its pet food portfolio. Separately, the food maker said it was exploring alternatives for its baking business, which includes the Pillsbury and Martha White brands.
Broadcom – Broadcom said it had completed its move back to the U.S. from Singapore. Broadcom had been located in the U.S. until two years ago, when it was bought by Singapore chipmaker Avago.
Nike – Nike told employees that the athletic footwear and apparel maker had “failed to gain traction” in its attempts to hire and promote women and minorities, in a memo seen by The Wall Street Journal.
WPP – The ad agency settled a lawsuit with a former executive at WPP’s J. Walter Thompson unit, according to the Journal. A top Thompson executive had been accused by chief communications officer Erin Johnson of racist and sexist behavior and is said to be receiving a substantial settlement.
Carlyle Group – The U.S. buyout firm struck a deal to buy Australia’s Accolade Wines from an Australian private equity firm for $770 million.
SandRidge Energy — Investor Carl Icahn plans to nominate a full slate of board candidates at SandRidge, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Icahn feels that a strategic review currently being overseen by the board “is likely to be value destructive.” Icahn is the largest shareholder in SandRidge.
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet – Ollie’s reported adjusted quarterly profit of 51 cents per share, 2 cents a share above estimates. The retailer’s revenue beat forecasts, as well, but it gave mixed guidance for 2018 — including a comparable-store sales increase that falls largely below consensus.
Trade Desk – The programmatic ad agency’s stock was rated “overweight” in new coverage at Piper Jaffray, which said the company is a leading player in a rapidly improving and growing industry.
