Coventry Health - The managed care company earned $0.88 per share for the fourth quarter, compared to estimates of $0.67. A recent increase in the company's coverage expenses is showing signs of easing, after more claims and reduced membership had eaten into profits in prior quarters.
Wyndham Worldwide - The hotel operator reported fourth-quarter profit of $0.63 per share, three cents above estimates, on increased contributions from its vacation ownership and hotel segments. It also raised its quarterly dividend to $0.29 per share from $0.23 a share.
Walt Disney – Walt Disney reported fiscal first-quarter profit of $0.79 per share, excluding certain items, three cents above estimates. It also saw its interactive segment turn a profit for the first time since it started breaking out those results separately. Profit, however, was down from a year ago, due in part to increasing costs for rights to televise sporting events.
3M – The Dow Jones Industrial Average component increased its quarterly dividend by 8 percent to 63-1/2 cents per share, and also announced a $7.5 billion stock buyback program.
Hewlett-Packard – HP is the subject of conflicting rumors on a possible breakup of the company. Quartz reports that the computer maker is studying that option, but AllThingsD reported that the company is not actively studying any such plan. HP has no official comment.
Virgin Media - Virgin will be acquired by Liberty Global for $23.3 billion in stock and cash. That amounts to a value of $47.87 per share for Virgin Media shareholders, a 24 percent premium over Tuesday's close.
Biogen Idec - Biogen will take over full control of the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri from partner Elan. Biogen will pay Elan $3.25 billion plus future royalties.
Chipotle Mexican Grill – Chipotle earned $1.95 for its fourth quarter, a penny below estimates, with revenue essentially in line with consensus. Higher costs for food ingredients pushed profit margins lower, as has been the case for many restaurant chains.
Panera Bread – Panera earned $1.75 per share for the fourth quarter, a penny above estimates, and also issued a current quarter outlook that was largely ahead of current consensus. Panera has not reported a decline in year-over-year profit since the beginning of 2008.
Aflac – Aflac reported fourth-quarter profit of $1.48 per share, excluding certain items, matching Street estimates, but revenue came in light. However, the insurer's Japan operations, where it gets its largest revenue stream, continued to grow.
Zynga – Zynga reported a profit of $0.01 per share for the fourth quarter, surprising analysts who had expected a loss of $0.03 per share. Revenue was also much higher than analysts had projected, but the online game developer said it expects a wider-than-expected loss for the current quarter.
Shutterfly – Shutterfly earned $1.40 per share for the fourth quarter, 39 cents above estimates, with revenue swamping estimates, as well. The online photo sharing service enjoyed strong demand during the holiday season, especially in its commercial printing division.
Take-Two Interactive - Take-Two earned $0.67 per share for its fiscal third quarter, 13 cents above estimates, with revenue scoring a strong beat, as well. The videogame developer's results were helped by a record-breaking release for its NBA 2k13 game.
Expedia – Expedia earned $0.63 per share for the fourth quarter, excluding certain items, two cents below estimates. Revenue, however, was above consensus on stronger bookings for hotel and airline reservations. The online travel site also said it expects adjusted earnings to rise this year, although its marketing spending will be higher, as well.
Harley-Davidson – The motorcycle maker raised its quarterly dividend by 36 percent to $0.21 per share from the previous 15-1/2 cents.
Apple – The company will lose its iPhone trademark in Brazil, according to a source quoted by Reuters. Brazilian consumer electronics maker Gradiente Electronica had registered the name in 2000. A final decision will be issued next week.
