News Reader.info

_Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell on Friday_: Dell — A specialcommittee has recommended that shareholders approve the buyout bid led by CEO Michael Dell, saying

the $13.65 per share offer is the best alternative. General Electric — The company's GE Capital unit has sold an $807 million restaurant portfolio to American Realty Capital Properties

(ARCP). Sony — The stock has risen in recent days as the company evaluates investor Daniel Loeb's proposal to spin off its entertainment unit. The stock has risen 2.7 percent this

month, and CNBC's David Faber reported Thursday that Sony has hired Morgan Stanley and Citigroup to consider its options. CEO Kazuo Hirai told CNBC's Closing Bell that the proposal

will be thoroughly evaluated. American Eagle Outfitters — The retailer increased its quarterly dividend by 14 percent to 12-1/2 cents per share. The new dividend is payable on July 12 to

shareholders of record on July 1. Saks — Speculation continues on whether the retail chain will be merged with Neiman Marcus, which is owned by private equity firms TPG and Warburg Pincus.

Dow Jones is reporting that Neiman Marcus turned down a proposal which would see KKR make an investment in Saks and then see the two retail chains combine. Krispy Kreme— Krispy Kreme earned

20 cents per share, excluding certain items, for the first quarter, three cents above estimates. Revenue was also above consensus, and the doughnut chain also raised its full year forecast

because of improved sales. Splunk — Splunk reported a first quarter loss of 6 cents per share, in line with estimates, although revenue exceeded forecasts. The data analysis firm also raised

its full year revenue outlook. Lions Gate — The company earned 51 cents per share, excluding certain items, for its fourth quarter, beating estimates by seven cents, while revenue was well

above analyst forecasts. The movie studio has benefited from the success of "The Hunger Games" and a deal which gave it control of the "Twilight" movies. Palo Alto

Networks — Palo Alto earned 6 cents per share for its third quarter, a penny above estimates. Revenue, however, fell short of forecasts, with investors keying in on a significant shortfall

in cash flow from operations. That number came in at $15.2 million, well below Street consensus of $26.3 million for the network security technology company. Clearwire —The wireless services

provider has acknowledged receiving Dish Network's (DISH) improved takeover bid of $4.40 per share, and said a special committee will review the new proposal. Intel —The chipmaker will

provide the processor for a new version of Samsung's Galaxy Tablet, according to Reuters. Intel's Clover Trail chip will be included in the Galaxy Tab 10.1. Toyota — The automaker

sees a "good chance" that it will sell a record number of Lexus vehicles this year, thanks in part to a weaker yen. Apple — Apple raised prices for its iPads and iPods in Japan,

the latest foreign company to raise prices in response to a greater than 20 percent drop in the value of the yen since mid-November. Boeing — Boeing won a $6 billion order for 60 of its 737

MAX jets from British travel firm TUI Travel. Separately, Boeing said the 737 MAX will burn about 13 percent less fuel than originally anticipated. Procter & Gamble — P&G will

regroup its various products and brands into four sectors, according to the Wall Street Journal. Each sector will have a president who will report to its recently returned CEO, A.G. Lafley.

_(Read More_: See CNBC's Market Insider Blog) _—By CNBC's Peter_ Schacknow _Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]_