U.S. Hot Stocks: Hot Stocks to Watch

   By Maria Armental 
 

Among the companies with shares expected to trade actively in Friday's session are Groupon Inc., Sotheby's and Noodles & Co.

Groupon Inc. (GRPN) swung to a rare profit in its latest quarter, thanks to a gain stemming from a recent divestiture, though the company warned current-quarter earnings would fall short of expectations.

Southeastern chicken restaurant chain Bojangles Inc.'s (BOJA) second-quarter profit rose slightly as the company recorded a double-digit sales increase bolstered by price increases.

Hershey Co. (HSY) on Friday said that revenue was about flat in the June quarter because of continuing weakness abroad and the strengthening of the dollar. However, earnings beat Wall Street expectations.

Sotheby's (BID) on Friday reported weaker-than-expected profits and sales for its latest quarter as currency headwinds and the shifting of a contemporary art sale to later in the year dented the top line.

An investment group led by billionaire investor Carl Icahn on Thursday disclosed an 8.18% stake in Cheniere Energy Inc. (LNG), saying it intends to discuss operational changes with the company, including executive compensation, and that Mr. Icanh may seek board representation.

EOG Resources Inc. (EOG) said Thursday that its second-quarter profit and revenue fell sharply, as the natural-gas and oil producer continued to feel the pressure from low oil prices.

Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST) reported a sharp slowdown in sales, blaming worse-than-expected results on disruptions as it shifts distribution to Coca-Cola Co.

Mylan NV (MYL) on Thursday reported better-than-expected second-quarter profit and raised its projection for the year. The pharmaceutical company has launched a hostile bid for Perrigo Co.

Noodles & Co. (NDLS) reported disappointing second-quarter results and again reduced its outlook for the year as the restaurant chain continues to struggle.

Nu Skin Enterprises Inc.'s (NUS) chief executive said the seller of anti-aging products would return to revenue growth in the second half of the year. On Thursday, the company reported second-quarter profit soared on lower costs and expenses.

Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) said revenue for the July quarter was above its projection as the graphics chip maker saw strong demand for its GeForce GTX gaming processors, reflecting new games and growth in e-sports.

Re/Max Holdings Inc. (RMAX) reported higher profit and revenue in the second quarter as its agent count continued to increase. Re/Max collects fees and dues from its network of agents.

Grocery chain Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) on Thursday lowered its guidance for the year, citing increased competition. Separately, it announced its chief financial officer has been promoted to chief executive as its longtime CEO becomes executive chairman.

TrueCar Inc. (TRUE) founder and chief executive Scott Painter will step down at the end of the year, the company said Thursday, in a move that comes as the online car-buying firm faces a wave of new legal and financial troubles. In a conference call with analysts Thursday afternoon, Mr. Painter cited his "strained" relationship with dealers and the firm's weak quarterly earnings as reasons for stepping down.

Wingstop Inc.'s (WING) profit narrowed sharply in its first reporting period following its June initial public offering on higher costs tied to the IPO.

Zynga Inc.'s (ZNGA) second-quarter revenue rose 30%, driven by increased spending on its slot-machine games, though the company struggled to stem a decline in players.

Write to Maria Armental at [e-mail]

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