The companies that made headlines before the rooster crowed ‘good morning – Family Dollar Stores, Inc (NYSE:FDO), Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), The Gap Inc (NYSE:GPS), DISH Network Corp (NASDAQ:DISH), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC), Groupon Inc (NASDAQ:GRPN), McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD), Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA and a few others

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By Thomas Copeland on September 3, 2014 Market

Family Dollar Stores, Inc (NYSE:FDO) - Dollar General Inc, (NYSE:DG) has beefed up its bid to an all-cash $80 per share to buy Family Dollar Stores, Inc (NYSE:FDO). Family Dollar Stores, Inc (NYSE:FDO) rejected a $78.50 bid previously and instead opted for a deal with Dollar Tree, Inc (NASDAQ:DTLR) which also favored the former company’s management.

Sanofi SA (NSYE:SNY), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:REGN)- The two companies have come up with a cholesterol depleting drug that will reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in half. The initial clinical tests came out positive and the companies are optimistic about its effectiveness.

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) - Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) came under scrutiny when controversial photos of celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton were hacked with the help of their iCloud device. The mega tech company in response said that it does not take privacy lightly and they will probe into the matter with all honesty. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) has also struck agreements with companies like Visa Inc (NYSE:V), MasterCard Inc (NYSE:MA) and American Express Company (NYSE: AXP) to turn it’s iphone into a mobile wallet.

The Gap Inc (NYSE:GPS) - The apparel retailer was ranked a top pick by numerous analysts for its easy comps and multiple drivers for effective operating performance.

DISH Network Corp (NASDAQ:DISH) - DISH Network Corp (NASDAQ:DISH)’s stock is considered major in the convergence between telecom, cable and satellite.

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) - The Aerospace giant got its ratings peaked by RBC capital on the defense contractor to “outperform” from “sector perform”, noting a large valuation gap compared to rivals as well as the rest of the sector.

Groupon Inc (NASDAQ:GRPN)- Groupon Inc (NASDAQ:GRPN) got upgraded from ‘’Sector Perform’’ to ‘’Underperform’’ following the share drop to what RBC considers a more reasonable valuation.

Nike Inc, (NYSE:NKE)- Nike Inc, (NYSE:NKE) has scored a mammoth deal with NBA star Kevin Durant, which could amount to $350 million over 20 years.

McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD)- The grand fast food restaurant chain will increase the number of audits it conducts on its China-based suppliers, following the food scandal earlier this year which afflicted sales at both McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) and Yum Brands in China.

Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS)- The Company is selling its Spanish retail and corporate banking operations to Spain’s CaixaBank SA (BME:CABK), which is also Spain’s third biggest lender.

Cyberonics, Inc (NASDAQ:CYBX)- Cyberonics, Inc (NASDAQ:CYBX) claimed to have improved heart function from its nerve stimulation device in a clinical trial, although experts said that further research would be required because the Cyberonics, Inc (NASDAQ:CYBX) research did not include a control group.

Compuware Corporation (NASDAQ:CPWR)- The Company is an advanced stage of negotiations with an equity firm. An announcement is imminent regarding the deal where Compuware Corporation (NASDAQ:CPWR) will announce the details.

T-Mobile Us Inc (NYSE:PCS) US- The mobile phone operator might get a raised takeover bid from France’ Illiad according to its chief financial officer. But Illiad has set certain specifications on how much money it would raise a fund a deal.

Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) - The automaker’s stock was placed at a $400s price target, with its growth potential excellent in luxury electric vehicle market.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ:NCLH) - The Cruise line has decided to buy Prestige Cruises International for just over $3billion in cash-and-stock, including the assumption of a debt.