Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:
Manitowoc—Carl Icahn has taken a 7.7-percent stake in the crane maker, according to an SEC filing, saying they are undervalued. Icahn plans to talk to company management about separating its crane and food service businesses into two companies.
Gilead Sciences—Gilead shares are rising this morning after it was named a top 2015 stock pick in Barron's. Others include General Motors, Bank of America, Boeing, American Airlines Group, Google, Micron Technology, Macy's, Royal Caribbean, and Fluor.
Ambarella—The stock was downgraded to "underperform" from "hold" at Needham. Ambarella is the lead technology supplier for high definition camera maker GoPro.
Sony—Sony's movie "The Interview" brought in $15 million over the weekend in theaters and online following its delayed release. Separately, Sony's PlayStation Network continues to suffer intermittent connection problems, although the company said full service is gradually being restored.
Apple—The tech giant is in talks with U.K. banks about bringing its Apple Pay service to Britain, according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper.
Intercontinental Exchange—ICE may sell the New York Stock Exchange as soon as next year, according to a report in the New York Post.
Google—Google's Gmail service has been blocked in China, according to users and Greatfire.org, a China-based freedom of speech group.
Allianz—Allianz is the lead reinsurer for the missing AirAsia jet that disappeared over the weekend with 162 people on board.
BHP Billiton—BHP and other mining stocks are rising this morning in a bargain-hunting rally, after those stocks fell in recent weeks on declining metals prices.
Smith & Nephew—Smith & Nephew is giving back some of last week's gains, which came on reports that medical products maker Stryker is preparing a takeover bid.
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