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Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

–The big box retailer reported same-store sales dropped 0.9%, compared to analyst forecasts for an increase.

Citigroup–Citi reported quarterly profit of 82 cents per share, excluding certain items, 13 cents short of estimates, with revenue falling short as well. Separately, the bank is selling mortgage servicing rights for 64,000 Fannie Mae residential mortgage loans. Those loans have outstanding unpaid principal balances of about $10.3 billion. Separately, Citi is replacing all customer debit cards that were involved in the recently revealed data breach at retailer Target.

–The investment firm earned $4.92 per share for its fourth quarter, of $4.33, and also raised its quarterly dividend by 15 percent. BlackRock benefited from a 14 percent increase in assets under management.

–Goldman reported of $4.60 per share, above estimates of $4.22, with revenue beating consensus as well.

–The health insurer earned $1.41 per share for the fourth quarter, a penny above estimates, as the company saw an increase in enrollments.

Bank of America/Merrill Lynch upgraded HP shares to "buy" from "neutral", saying the company's 5-year turnaround plan will continue to yield benefits.

–Credit Suisse downgraded Kroger to "neutral" from "outperform", because of general caution regarding the supermarket sector.

—The retailer announced it would close 33 stores and eliminate 2,000 jobs. It expects to save about $65 million per year.

—Chief operating officer Henrique de Castro is . De Castro had only been on the job for a year and his severance package could be worth an estimated $42 million.

Oppenheimer downgraded the home generator maker to "perform" from "outperform", as shares approach the firm's price target.

SolarCityDeutsche Bank began coverage on the solar equipment maker with a "buy" rating, saying the company's installed base will double in the next two years.

AOL–The struggling news portal is giving up control of local news website Patch, contributing it to a joint venture with investment firm Hale Global. AOL retains a minority interest but will not be impacted by any operational losses Patch might incur.

CSX–The rail operator reported quarterly profit of $0.42 per share, falling a penny short of estimates. The company's results were impacted by weaker coal shipments.

–American is ending daily non-stop service from Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC to 17 cities. The halt is part of the deal the airline struck with the government for approval of the merger between AMR and U.S. Airways.

–United will furlough about 685 flight attendants, after failing to attract enough workers for voluntary furloughs and job-sharing.

–The parent of restaurant chain Chuck E. Cheese, will be bought by private equity firm for $54 per share.

–Microsoft is considering chief executive Hans Vestberg as a possible successor to outgoing CEO Steve Ballmer, according to a Bloomberg report.

–Amazon workers in Delaware voted against joining the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers by a 21-6 margin.

By CNBC's Peter Schacknow

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