U.S. Hot Stocks: Hot Stocks to Watch

Among the companies with shares expected to trade actively in Thursday's session are Kohl's Corp. (KSS), Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA) and Macy's Inc. (M).

Kohl's Corp. on Thursday reported a surprise increase in profit as gross margin expanded in the latest quarter thanks to inventory-management initiatives. Shares rose 9.15% to $41.52 in premarket trading.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. reported revenue and earnings that easily topped expectations in the most recent quarter as the Chinese e-commerce giant continued to add users and drive mobile sales. Shares rose 6.26% to $92.88 premarket.

Macy's Inc. said it would shut 100 more stores, about 15% of its store base, the latest move by the retailer as it contends with falling foot traffic and declining sales. Shares rose 14.5% to $38.98 premarket.

Blue Buffalo Pet Products Inc. (BUFF) on Wednesday raised its financial projections for the year as second-quarter results beat expectations. Shares rose 1.86% to $27.34 premarket.

Blackstone (BX) is exiting shopping center landlord Brixmor Property Group Inc. (BRX)--which the financial-services giant took public in 2013--with its latest offering of 42.4 million shares. The move comes less than two weeks after Blackstone's offer of 30 million BRX shares that raised roughly $828 million.

Chesapeake Energy Corp. (CHK) is exiting the Barnett Shale in Texas, which will eliminate about $1.9 billion of future commitments and improve its operating income over the next few years. The company said it would convey its Barnett interests to Saddle Barnett Resources LLC, which is backed by private-equity firm First Reserve Corp. In addition, Chesapeake will pay Williams Partners LP (WPZ) in connection with the termination of a gathering agreement in the Mid-Continent area.

Shake Shack Inc's (SHAK) same-store sales growth decelerated in the second quarter, as the restaurant sector continues to show signs of weakening.

Write to Chris Wack at [e-mail] or Maria Armental at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 11, 2016 09:21 ET (13:21 GMT)

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