U.S. HOT STOCK FUTURES: HOT STOCKS TO WATCH

Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Monday's session are Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc. (NSM), Harmony Gold Mining Co. (HMY) and Epocrates Inc. (EPOC).

Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc. (NSM) struck a $1.3 billion deal to acquire roughly $215 billion in residential mortgage servicing rights from Bank of America Corp (BAC). Word of the agreement, which will double Nationstar's customer base, sent shares surging 20% to $40.04 in premarket trade.

Harmony Gold Mining Co. (HMY, HAR.JO)--South Africa's third-largest gold producer--on Monday suspended work for another two months at a mine after a violent strike. The company also said it may not reopen the site because of continued labor unrest. U.S.-listed shares slumped 6% to $7.95 in premarket trade.

Athenahealth Inc. (ATHN) agreed to acquire Epocrates Inc. (EPOC) for about $293 million in cash as the company looks for ways to share information among an expanded network of providers. Epocrates shares jumped 22% to $11.70, nearing the $11.75 a share offer price.

Vivus Inc. (VVUS) shares jumped after the company reported that the number of prescriptions shipped for its obesity drug Qsymia increased to 12,978 in the four weeks ended Dec. 21, up from 7,749 the month before. The 67% jump eases concerns about the drug's slow start. Shares surged 7.3% to $14.75 premarket.

 
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Bank of America Corp. (BAC) agreed to pay mortgage finance firm Fannie Mae (FNMA) about $10.35 billion to settle agency mortgage repurchase claims on loans it originated and sold to Fannie Mae through the end of 2008.

Citigroup Inc. (C) will seek permission for its first share buyback since 2007 as part of the latest Federal Reserve "stress tests," the Wall Street Journal reported citing people familiar with the company's plans.

Office Depot Inc. (ODP) said Kevin Peters, the office-supply chain's president for North America, is leaving immediately to assume the role of chief executive at an industrial distribution company.

Write to Mia Lamar at [e-mail]

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