Dell is trying to reassure shareholders about its proposed $24.4 billion acquisition by a group led by its founder, saying it considered a number of strategic options before agreeing to the deal.

Shares of LinkedIn Corp. jumped more than 10 percent before Friday's opening bell after the online professional-networking service reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results.

Stocks are edging higher in early trading on Wall Street after a report showed that the U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in December.

Sirona Dental Systems' fiscal first-quarter earnings were nearly unchanged due to an international sales slump and higher costs.

Shares of Allstate Corp. on Thursday rose to their highest level since September 2008 on news that the company posted a surprise fourth-quarter profit despite hefty losses related to Superstorm Sandy.

Health Insurance Innovations Inc., a Web-based coverage provider, has raised $65.3 million in an initial public offering of stock.

Greenlight Capital is suing Apple in federal court in New York over attempts to eliminate preferred stock at the world's most valuable company.

Coventry Health Care's fourth-quarter earnings jumped 39 percent, as the health insurer's enrollment in Medicaid coverage and Medicare prescription drug plans helped counter rising costs.