U.S. Hot Stocks: Hot Stocks to Watch

Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Monday's session are Idenix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IDIX) and Hillshire Brands Co. (HSH).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved BioDelivery Sciences International Inc.'s (BDSI) Bunavail for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. Shares edged up 2% to $10.20 premarket.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Biogen Idec Inc.'s (BIIB) Eloctate drug for adults and children with Hemophilia A. Biogen said it expects the drug will be commercially available in the U.S. in July. Shares edged up 0.8% to $320 premarket.

Merck & Co. (MRK) agreed to buy Idenix Pharmaceuticals in a bid to expand its portfolio of hepatitis C treatments. The pharmaceutical company said it will acquire Idenix for $24.50 a share in cash, more than three times Idenix's closing price Friday. Idenix more than tripled to $24.11.

Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN) emerged as the winner in a battle to acquire Hillshire, topping by almost a billion dollars a bid by rival Pilgrim's Pride Corp. (PPC) for the maker of Jimmy Dean sausages. Tyson has offered $63 a share in cash, while Pilgrim's Pride, a unit of Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS SA, withdrew its offer. Hillshire climbed 4.8% to $61.75 premarket, while Tyson slipped 0.9% to $39.75. Pilgrim's was inactive.

 
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Men's clothing retailer Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc. (JOSB) swung to a loss in its fiscal first-quarter, hurt by costs related to its acquisition by Men's Wearhouse Inc. (MW), and said it was cautious entering the important Father's Day shopping period.

Write to Maria Armental at [e-mail]

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