McDonald’s Corp. (NYSE:MCD) shares edged .43 percent in early trading.  The fast-food giant reported that global same-store sales jumped 6.7 percent, bigger-than-expected.  Same-store sales in the U.S. increased 7.8 percent.  Shares of Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM) also gained .80 percent.

Despite reporting a fourth quarter loss, Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE:S) shares increased .20 percent.  The carrier reported a loss of $1.3 billion (43 cents per share), compared to a loss of $929 million (31 cents per share).  Sprint continues to lag behind Verizon (NYSE:VZ) and AT&T (NYSE:T) in iPhone sales.

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Shares of Ralph Lauren Corp. (NYSE:RL) surged nearly 9 percent after reporting fiscal second-quarter results.  The retailer earned $169 million ($1.78 per share), compared to $168.4 million ($1.72 per share) a year earlier.  Other luxury retailers performing well include Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE:JWN) and Saks Inc. (NYSE:SKS).

Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:TWX) shares jumped 2.3 percent after reporting fourth quarter earnings.  The media company earned $773 million (76 cents per share), compared to $769 million (68 cents per share) in the previous year.

Shares of Gamestop Corp. (NYSE:GME) increased 1.9 percent in morning trading.  The video-game retailer declared its first ever cash dividend.  The company’s board approved a 15 cent dividend that will be paid on March 12, with a February 21 record date.

CVS Caremark Corp. (NYSE:CVS) shares edged .19 percent higher.  The company raised its full-year earnings guidance by 3 cents per share, as it stands to benefit from the Walgreen Co. (NYSE:WAG) and Express Scripts Inc. (NASDAQ:ESRX) dispute.

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To contact the reporter on this story: Eric McWhinnie at staff.writers@wallstcheatsheet.com

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Damien Hoffman at editors@wallstcheatsheet.com

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