Baxter International's (BAX) reported intention to buy Sweden-based Gambro AB for $4 billion should help the company achieve its long-term growth objectives for dialysis therapy and global expansion.

On Friday, Wall Street Journal reported a possible take over of Gambro AB for $4 billion by Baxter. Following the report, the stock witnessed a 4% gain on Friday. This clearly demonstrated investors' support for the deal and the benefits Baxter could get from the acquisition. This is primarily because of the fact that Gambro's medical products perfectly fit well in Baxter's product lines. However, the stock is trading down on Monday probably due to overall weakness in the market.

Gambro is one of the biggest makers of kidney and liver dialysis equipment globally. Its equipments including, myeloma kidney therapy and other extracorporeal therapies are sold in more than 100 nations. The company is controlled by AB and EQT with 49%

Strong Black Friday online sales will boost the sentiments for a faster growth of retail sales on Cyber Monday. The optimism comes in the wake of more consumers preferring to use online shopping with new age devices, like smartphones and tablet PCs that can be used from the comforts of the home. The research organizations data also supports this view.

While comScore expects Cyber Monday sales to grow 20% this year compared to 22% growth last year, retailers' irresistible offers could allow them to add another $40 - $65 million-- so as to achieve 23% - 25% growth in the current year.

Data from comScore indicates that online sales have crossed the $1 billion mark for the first time on Black Friday, posting sales of $1.04 billion. This represents 26% growth over the last year. Amazon.com (AMZN) continues to be the most visited retailer site on Black Friday. Wal-Mart

Retailers have lined up different schemes to attract consumers in the upcoming Black Friday weekend. The National Retail Federation, or NRF, is expecting 4.1% growth in retail sales in the current year's holiday season. While this growth is for the period up to December or the first week of January, the immediate focus is on how sales will shape up in the forthcoming black Friday weekend. Retail sales could register 13% - 15% growth if the rough calculations using various methods are correct.

The upcoming weekend will likely see 147 million shoppers, according to a NRF estimate. This is slightly below the last year survey of 152 million. However, the actual number of visitors was 226 million in 2011. This means a difference of about 48.7% more shoppers between the pre-survey and the actual shoppers. A similar pattern of a rise in the actual number of shoppers in

Medtronic (MDT) delivered yet another satisfactory quarterly result. The company's overall performance has allowed it to meet the Street EPS estimation and modestly top revenue expectations. The company has maintained its pattern of revenue generation in Q2, both on a year-over-year basis, and over the first quarter. As far as the stock movement is concerned, there is little room for further appreciation based on the current profit earning ratio.

The company earned a profit of $646 million or EPS of 63 cents for the second quarter, down from $871 million or EPS of 82 cents last year. On an adjusted basis, net earnings rose to $902 million or EPS of 88 cents. Street analysts predicted the company to earn 88 cents a share and revenue of $4.05 billion.

The company's overall revenue rose 1.79% to $4.10 billion. Of this, revenue from the U.S. increased 2.3% to $2.29 billion, whereas

Technology bellwether Apple's (AAPL) market value dropped below the psychological $500 billion mark on Friday for the first time in the more than three months. This raises a question of whether investors are losing confidence in Apple stock. There are various indicators, which are not providing any encouraging signs for the stock.

For instance, the stock is not trading anywhere nearer the 200-day or the 50-day moving averages of $610.30 and $607.50, respectively. The average volume during the last ten days increased nearly 46% to 28.4 million shares from the 3-month average volume of 19.5 million shares. The stock had lost more than 6% for the week ended November 16, when it traded around $510 on Friday, before narrowing the loss to 3.5% at the close. Similarly, for the month of November, the most valued company's shares dropped 11.4%.

After the company's stock had hit an all time high

Britain-based Reckitt Benckiser Group jumped into the bidding war on Thursday evening to acquire Schiff Nutrition (SHF) for $42 a share, valuing the company about $1.4 billion. This comes on the heels of Bayer agreeing to buy SHF for $34 a share in October.

The offer of Reckitt Benckiser represents 23.5% premium over Bayer's buying price. While Reckitt Benckiser directly took the buying offer to shareholders through a tender offer, Bayer struck a deal with Schiff Nutrition on Oct. 30 to buy the company.

Suddenly, Reckitt Benckiser jumped into the bidding fray, throwing various possibilities into the mix. Bayer could now sweeten its bid and reach a fresh deal with Schiff Nutrition. This means that the offer price should be more than $42. Investors seem to be hoping for this, as the stock surged close to $44.00. If Bayer sweetens its deal, then Reckitt Benckiser will also be

Two retailers, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) and Staples (SPLS), have provided the much needed cheer to investors with their strong quarterly earnings results on Wednesday morning. The results of these two retailers came in just a couple of weeks before the holiday season kick starts after the Thanksgiving Day, which is the last Thursday of November.

Significantly, the apparel retailer ANF bumped up its 2012 EPS outlook despite projecting a slight single digit percentage fall in comparable store sales for Q4. However, the company is confident of realizing slightly better gross margin in the fourth quarter.

Abercrombie & Fitch earned a profit of $715 million or EPS of 87 cents for Q3, higher than $50.9 million or EPS of 57 cents last year. Net sales rose 9% to $1.17 billion from $1.08 billion despite a 3% fall in comparable store sales. The quarterly results were much better

Investors can keep track of at least seven stocks when the market opens on Wednesday morning for their intraday activities. These stocks are likely to move either upward or downwards following their corporate announcements (earnings, management changes, outlook, etc.) after the regular markets closed on Tuesday.

The technology segment will get a boost following the better-than-expected quarterly results from networking equipment company Cisco (CSCO). The company's stock will be the cynosure of investors on Wednesday's trading. The company's stock gained more than 7% in the extended hours of trading on Tuesday. The company believes that its innovation, operational discipline and ongoing evolution are driving it to be different in the market.

However, there are more stocks with downside pressures. The Mosaic Co. (MOS) witnessed an over 4% drop in the after hours trading on Tuesday. While AMD (AMD) has shed about 2%, Zynga (ZNGA) and UBIQUITI Networks (UBNT) witnessed the

There are six stocks that are worth watching when the market opens on Tuesday. These stocks will react to the company's earnings or outlook announcement or management changes. At least two stocks could see upside bias, whereas four stocks have potential downside risks when the market starts trading on Tuesday.

While Transcept Pharmaceuticals (TSPT) and Cornerstone OnDemand (CSOD) are likely to offer upside rewards, Hologic (HOLX), Esco Technologies (ESE), Weight Watchers International (WTW) and MarkWest Energy Partners (MWE) will likely see downside risks.

Transcept Pharmaceuticals reported a profit of $4.9 million or EPS of 25 cents for Q3 versus a loss of $5.0 million or EPS of 37 cents in the year-ago quarter. Revenues rose to $10.4 million from $0.6 million. Street analysts expected the company to earn 6 cents a share and revenues of $8.37 million. Following the better than expected results, shares of the company advanced

It looks as if Qualcomm (QCOM) is ready to replace Intel (INTC) as the favorite stock of investors. This can be seen from the market value of Qualcomm going higher than Intel during intraday trading on Thursday. While the interest for Qualcomm shares increased after the company delivered better-than-expected Q4 results and provided an upbeat forecast for fiscal 2013 driven by the smartphone craze, Intel shares are languishing close to a yearly low as the PC is losing its shine.

On Wednesday, after the market closed, Qualcomm announced that it earned a profit of $1.27 billion, or EPS of 73 cents, in Q4, up from $1.06 billion, or EPS of 62 cents. On an adjusted basis, profit for Q4 was $1.55 billion, or EPS of 89 cents. Total revenues increased 18% to $4.87 billion from $4.12 billion in the last year. Both EPS and revenues were above Street expectations

There are 7 stocks investors should keep an eye for potential upside or downside when the market opens on Friday. These stocks will react to the company's announcement of financial results or other developments. Four stocks are poised for likely gains, three stocks face downside risk.

While Zipcar (ZIP) has evoked interest in extended hours trading following better than expected results for Q3 and an upbeat outlook for Q4, Kayak Software (KYAK) surged over 25% after Priceline.com (PCLN) announced its intention to buy Kayak Software for $40 a share. Lionsgate (LGF) and Allscripts Healthcare Solution (MDRX) also gained 8.6% and 7% respectively after normal trading closed on Thursday following their September quarter results.

On the downside, Groupon (GRPN) is likely to face investor ire for below than expected results. The stock was hammered by 16% after hours Thursday. Nordstrom's (JWN) EPS for Q3 missed estimates.\ while Walt Disney's (DIS) revenue

There are six stocks that will attract the attention of investors when the market opens on Thursday. While two stocks are likely to see upticks in movement, there are at least four stocks with a potential downside risk. The market will be reacting to the company's financial results or guidance and other developments.

Qualcomm (QCOM) should be the cynosure of investors for upside rewards. The growth in smartphones is driving the company's results and outlook favorably. Loral Space & Communications (LORL) will also gain after a special distribution announcement.

For the downside risks, Universal Display (PANL) is likely to be a worst performer in Thursday's trading after it cut its fiscal 2012 revenue outlook. The company's stock was hammered by 30% in the extended hours of trading on Wednesday. Similarly, Monster Beverage (MNST) delivered results below predicted Q3 results, while Whole Foods Market (WFM) sees the hurricane Sandy impact in

The decks seem to be cleared for the continued affordable care act or ACA implementation in healthcare reforms following the victory of U.S. President Barack Obama for a second term. However, challenges continue to remain for the President to overcome in his second stint.

Obama is credited for introducing healthcare reform in March 2010 and the legislation continues to remain controversial, with some states questioning it in a Federal court. However, the U.S. Supreme Court gave a 5 - 4 ruling in favor the reforms in June 2012 and held the law as constitutional. The Supreme Court has also given an option to states to participate in the healthcare reform or not. This has suited the Republican-ruled states, which are not eager to implement the reforms.

While the re-election of Obama clears the path for the continued execution of the ACA, there are challenges such as

Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX) delivered better than expected fourth quarter EPS. Revenues were in line with expectations. The results have come despite weakness in the U.S., which trimmed down the strengths witnessed globally for its products. However, the company guided fiscal year 2013 below consensus.

The medical technology company reported net income of $289.04 million, down from $299.98 million. However, EPS rose to $1.43 from $1.36 in the last year. On an adjusted basis, EPS from continuing operations grew 7.6% to $1.42 from $1.32. On neutral basis of foreign currency, adjusted EPS from continuing operations recorded a growth of 15.2%. Revenues slackened 1.1% to $1.97 billion from $1.99 billion. Street analysts' were predicting the company to report EPS of $1.40 and revenues of $1.97 billion.

There are three stocks that investors can keep an eye for potential upside during the intraday trading on Wednesday. The market is likely to react to the company's financial results for the September quarter, special dividend and guidance. These stocks witnessed hectic trading activity in the extended hours trading on Tuesday.

While News Corp. (NWS) has gained over 2%, The Buckle (BKE) advanced 5%. However, it was Procera Networks (PKT) that recorded more than 10% gains. These stocks advanced after the companies announced better than expected results for Q3 or declared a special dividend.

Similarly, there are three stocks that have potential for downside risks following their quarterly results, loss of business and guidance. Plexus is likely to be the worst since the stock plunged 23% in the after hours of trading on Tuesday following its announcement that it will no longer be a supplier to Juniper Networks

There are at least five stocks investors can keep an eye on in Tuesday's normal trading. These stocks will react to the company's September quarter earnings announcement and guidance for the fourth quarter. The stocks have either moved down or up based on the guidance, and witnessed hectic trading activities after the normal markets closed on Monday.

At least four stocks will see downside risks. Zillow (Z), Express Scripts Holding (ESRX), BroadSoft (BSFT) and ServiceSource International (SREV) have witnessed more than a 10% drop in the extended hours of trading on Monday. Investors were particularly harsh on Zillow and ServiceSource, as the stocks plunged over 25% and 17% respectively following their downbeat outlook.

For the upside rewards, Weight Watchers International (WTW) is worth watching. The stock advanced about 9% following its September quarter results and guidance. The company reported a profit of $67.4 million for Q3, down 16.5% from

There are at least two factors that should haunt investors in oil company Chevron (CVX). One is on the production side and the other is the price realization in Q4. Both of these factors have played a significant role in dragging down the company's earnings in Q3. Therefore, investors are concerned about the outlook for Q4 specifically on these two factors.

While the company is hopeful of improved production in Q4 compared to Q3, analysts are expecting the company's production to become normal in Q1 2013. As far as the price realization in Q4, the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) outlook is not offering any encouragement for year-over-year improvements. The production specifications will also undergo changes in Q4 to winter grade from summer grade. Therefore, the price realization for Q4 is likely to be downward on a year-over-year basis.

The company's production dropped in Q3 as a result of Hurricane

At least two pharmaceutical stocks have the potential for upside rewards in the near term. One is Baxter International (BAX) for having got FDA approval of orphan drug status for the treatment of prophylactic Hemophilia B and the other is Thoratec (THOR) after its strong Q3 results.

Baxter also struck an exclusive $200 alliance with Brazil-based Hemobras to provide patients with hemophilia with greater access to recombinant factor VIII (rFVII) therapy to treat hemophilia A. Over 10,000 people are living with hemophilia in Brazil. Hemophilia A is a genetic condition that does not produce a sufficient clotting protein.

The partnership allows Baxter to provide recombinant FVIII treatment in the next ten years. Both the companies will work on the technology transfer for the development of local manufacturing by Hemobras. Baxter expects to earn peak sales of over $200 million a year.

Currently, Pfizer's (PFE) BeneFIX is the only product available

There are seven stocks that could see either upward or downward trajectory following the announcement of their quarterly results. The company's results and outlook have either topped consensus or came in below expectation triggering movement.

These seven stocks have witnessed hectic activities in the after hours of trading on Thursday. For instance, TripAdvisor (TRIP) advanced 17%, followed by Priceline.com (PCLN) by 9%. LinkedIn (LNKD) and Starbucks (SBUX) have also gained 8% each following their robust September quarter results.

On the downside, ActiveNetwork (ACTV) was the major loser with over a 25% drop. Guess (GES) AND First Solar (FSLR) witnessed 7% and 5% respectively in the extended hours trading on Thursday. These effects will likely to be reflected in Friday's trading too.

Starbucks announced results for the fourth quarter that topped estimates and raised its fiscal 2013 forecast. Aside from this, the company also lifted its dividend. These are likely to

Hard disk drive maker Seagate Technology's (STX) outlook for the near term looks sluggish due to weak PC shipment growth and the increasing adoption rate of tablet PCs among the consumers. Aside from this, the outlook provided by the company and its peer Western Digital (WDC) for the December quarter is also not encouraging.

Seagate reported a surge in net income to $582 million or EPS of $1.42 for Q1 from $140 million or EPS of $1.40 in the last year. On a Non-GAAP basis, net income was $594 million or EPS of $1.45 versus $146 million or EPS of 34 cents in the prior year. Revenues grew to $3.73 billion from $2.81 billion in Q1 last year. Analysts expected the company to earn EPS of $1.67 and revenues of $3.75 billion. The first quarter revenues were below its guidance of $4.0 billion. The company guided