Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:
Wal-Mart – The retail giant reported adjusted quarterly profit of $1.08 per share, a penny a share above estimates. Revenue was also ahead of Street forecasts. Comparable-store sales in the U.S. were up 1.8 percent, in line with estimates, and Wal-Mart raised the lower end of its full-year outlook.
Alibaba – The China-based e-commerce company beat estimates on both the top and bottom lines, and revenue in its core e-commerce business was up 58 percent over a year earlier.
Hershey – Bernstein upgraded the chocolate maker to "outperform" from "market perform," noting that lower input costs could significantly expand profit margins.
Cisco Systems – Cisco reported adjusted quarterly earnings of 61 cents per share, in line with estimates. The networking equipment maker's revenue did beat estimates, but sales in its key security business declined.
L Brands – L Brands came in four cents a share ahead of estimates, with quarterly profit of 48 cents per share. The Victoria's Secret parent saw revenue come in very slightly above estimates, as well. The company cut its forecast for the current quarter and for the full-year, however, with Victoria's Secret exiting its swim and apparel categories.
NetApp – NetApp reported adjusted quarterly profit of 62 cents per share, seven cents a share above estimates. Revenue was roughly in line with expectations. The data storage company did give a lighter-than-expected current-quarter earnings outlook.
Novo Nordisk – The drugmaker said its diabetes drug semaglutide met its primary goal of reducing glucose levels in a late-stage trial. The drug was tested against a competing treatment made by Eli Lilly.
United Rentals – United Rentals struck a deal to buy construction equipment rental company Neff Corp. for $1.3 billion, or $25 per share. The price is approximately 1.8 percent above Neff's Wednesday close.
Berkshire Hathaway — Berkshire will not increase its $9 billion bid to buy 80 percent of utility company Oncor Electric. Elliott Management, which is the biggest creditor of Oncor's parent, is proposing a $9.3 billion price.
Overstock.com – The online retailer is in advanced talks with XPO Logistics to set up a two-day delivery system, according to the New York Post.
The Buckle – The accessories retailer beat estimates by a penny a share, with second-quarter profit of 24 cents per share. Revenue fell below forecasts, and comparable-store sales were down 7.7 percent — that was a smaller drop than the 8.4 percent that analysts were anticipating.
VIPShop – The Chinese online discount retailer earned an adjusted 1.18 renminbi per share, missing estimates of 128, while revenue was above forecasts. Its active customer base increased by 22 percent over a year earlier and total orders increased by 23 percent.