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Generac –The maker of generating systems fell two cents short of estimates with first quarter profit of 72 cents per share, with sales falling short as well. Generac said the cold winter weather delayed the installation of residential units.

Becton Dickinson –The medical products maker earned $1.45 per share for the second quarter, missing estimates by five cents. However, the company did boost its full year earnings outlook, calling the second quarter "solid."

Ford –The auto giant will name chief operating officer Mark Fields as its new CEO at a news conference later this morning, replacing Alan Mulally. The exact timing of the change will be announced at the news conference, according to CNBC's Phil LeBeau.

Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Cigna–The insurance company earned $1.83 per share for the first quarter, well above estimates of $1.54, though revenue was slightly short of estimates. Cigna did see improved revenue from areas such as group disability and life insurance.

Intuitive Surgical–The maker of surgical systems has been told by the FDA that it has addressed manufacturing violations that had been mentioned in a prior warning letter.

Beazer Homes–The home builder lost 31 cents per share for the second quarter, wider than the 20 cent loss analysts had been expecting. Revenue was also short of estimates, with new home orders falling 8.6 percent amid bad weather.

Avon Products–The beauty company reported a first quarter profit of 12 cents per share, missing estimates by nine cents. Sales dropped in every region as more of the company's sales representatives left.

MasterCard–The credit card giant beat estimates by one cent with first quarter profit of 73 cents per share. Revenue was also above estimates as cardholders spent more on purchases.

Yelp–The online guide reported a loss of four cents per share for its first quarter, two cents smaller than expected. Its current quarter revenue projection is also upbeat, as it sells more local ads for mobile devices.

DirecTV–The satellite TV operator has been approached by AT&T about a possible buyout, according to the Wall Street Journal. The paper puts the possible value of such a deal at $40 billion or more.

Sony –The electronics giant has cut its earnings estimates for the year ending March 31 by almost 70 percent, on losses from electronics and costs to exit from the PC business.

Boeing–The aerospace big expects to finish test flights for a stretch version of the 787 Dreamliner within the next two months, according to company officials.

JDS Uniphase–The company reported a fiscal third quarter profit of 10 cents per share, one cent below estimates, with revenue short as well, and its current quarter revenue projection also below consensus. The networking equipment maker cites a delay in orders from telecom carriers.

Weight Watchers–Weight Watchers earned 31 cents per share for the first quarter, well above estimates of nine cents. Revenue beat projections, and the company also increased its full-year estimates. That comes despite a 56 percent drop in earnings from a year earlier, as fewer people attend Weight Watchers meetings.

Boston Beer–Boston Beer fell seven cents short of estimates with first quarter profit of seven cents per share, though revenue topped forecasts. The beer brewer has been increasing its advertising, marketing and promotion spending, as it seeks to outflank increasing competition.

Chevron–The second largest U.S. oil company increased its quarterly dividend by seven percent to $1.07 per share.

Abercrombie & Fitch–The clothing retailer has settled with activist investor Engaged Capital and nominated four new independent directors to its board.

—By CNBC's Peter Schacknow

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