Equity Movers: BellSouth, PSINet, Autodesk
Philips Electronics, BellSouth, PSINet, Broadbase Software, Autodesk, Globix, Semtech and Talx are among the companies expected to move in the markets Friday.
Philips Electronics (PHG): The European consumer electronics company announced it would buy the health care unit of Agilent Technologies (A) for $1.7 billion to expand its medical technology unit. Shares of Philips rose 25 cents, or almost 1 percent, to $35.75 in morning trading. Shares of Agilent rose $3.69, or nearly 9 percent, to $45.31.
BellSouth (BLS): The local-phone company warned that its earnings per share next year will probably grow by 7 percent to 9 percent, down from a previous forecast of 13 percent to 15 percent. Shares of BellSouth fell $6.50, or about 13 percent, to $42.75.
PSINet (PSIX): The Internet service provider said Thursday it retained investment bank Goldman Sachs to explore a merger or sale of the company. Shares of PSINet slid 31 cents, or nearly 16 percent, to $1.69.
Broadbase Software (BBSW): The software maker said it expects a fourth- quarter loss, excluding acquisition-related costs and other items, of 15 cents to 17 cents a share. Analysts polled by First Call/Thomson Financial expected the company to lose 7 cents. Shares of Broadbase fell $2.50, or nearly 18 percent, to $11.50.
Autodesk (ADSK): The software maker said it earned 38 cents a share in its third quarter ended Oct. 31, 4 cents better than the average estimate of analysts polled by First Call. Shares of Autodesk rose $4, or 19 percent, to $25.
Globix (GBIX): The company, which operates a fiber-optic network and provides connectivity services, said it lost 81 cents a share in its fourth quarter ended Sept. 30. Analysts polled by First Call predicted the company would lose $1.06 per share. Globix fell 3 cents to $6.84.
Semtech (SMTC): The semiconductor maker said it earned 22 cents a share in its third quarter ended Oct. 29, beating analyst expectations by a penny. Shares of Semtech fell 25 cents, or nearly 1 percent, to $29.44.
Talx (TALX): The application service provider for human resources, benefits and payroll services said it plans to split its stock 3-for-2 and buy back as many as 400,000 shares in the next two years. Shares of Talx rose 50 cents, or almost 2 percent, to $31.63.