U.S. Hot Stocks Futures: Hot Stocks to Watch

Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Thursday's session are Alimera Sciences Inc. (ALIM), pSivida Corp. (PSDV, PVA.AU), Semtech Corp. (SMTC) and AK Steel Holding Corp. (AKS).

Alimera Sciences and pSivida shares soared after Alimera disclosed they were in talks with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over labeling of a treatment for an eye disease found in patients with diabetes. Investors sent specialty pharmaceutical firm pSivida shares up 58% to $4.70, while biopharmaceutical firm Alimera's stock soared 84% to $4.70.

Semtech cut its expectations for the fiscal fourth quarter, as the chip manufacturer pegged the blame on delays to carrier capital spending and the ramp up of a new consumer mobile platform. Shares tumbled 17% to $23.30 in after-hours trading.

AK Steel expects to report a surprise adjusted profit in the fourth quarter, news that sent the steelmaker's shares higher in after-hours trading. The stock rose 7.4% to $6.79 after hours.

 
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Apogee Enterprises Inc.'s (APOG) fiscal third-quarter profit rose 20% as the glass-products designer posted top-line growth driven by revenue increases in all but its biggest segment.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (BMY) is nearing a deal to sell its stake in a diabetes partnership with AstraZeneca PLC (AZN, AZN.LN), according to people familiar with the matter. The deal between the two companies, which could be announced as early as Wednesday, is valued at more than $3 billion, some of the people said.

Herman Miller Inc. (MLHR) swung to a fiscal second-quarter loss due to the results of charges related to its former U.S. defined-benefit pension plans and other items, despite improved revenue. The office-furniture company also unveiled a 12% increase in its quarterly dividend.

MDU Resources Group Inc. (MDU) raised its full-year adjusted profit target, as the company said favorable weather in northern states in October and November helped extend the construction season. Meanwhile, colder weather in December resulted in higher natural gas and electric sales at the company's utility.

Oracle Corp. (ORCL) said its net income slid 1.1% in the fiscal second quarter as rising operating expenses outpaced revenue growth amid pressure from online competition. Results for the period exceeded Wall Street's expectations.

Paychex Inc.'s (PAYX) fiscal second-quarter earnings rose 7.3% as the payroll and human resources services company reported higher revenue.

Steelcase Inc.'s (SCS) fiscal third-quarter earnings edged down 2.5% as the office-furniture maker recorded a slight rise in expenses that helped mask a rise in revenue.

The U.S. Department of Energy is prepared to extend a cooperative centrifuge research program for three months beyond Jan. 15, uranium supplier USEC Inc. (USU) said. The announcement comes after USEC on Monday said that it plans to file for bankruptcy early next year as it seeks to restructure its debt.

Write to John Kell at [e-mail]

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