HOT Early Movers: Facebook Jumps 2%, Orbitz Targets Wallets of Apple Users

Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) shares over 2 percent in early trading. The social company announced that chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg is joining its board of directors. “Sheryl has been my partner in running Facebook and has been central to our growth and success over the years,” said CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a press statement. “Her understanding of our mission and long-term opportunity, and her experience both at Facebook and on public company boards makes her a natural fit for our board.”

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares edged slightly higher before the opening bell. Orbitz Worldwide Inc. (NYSE:OWW) announced it has found that people who use Apple Mac computers spend as much as 30 percent more per night on hotel rooms, when compared to Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows users. Thus, the travel agency is beginning to show Mac users more expensive options when viewing travel options.

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JPMorgan Chase and Co. (NYSE:JPM) shares gained almost 2 percent in early trading. The bank was upgraded by Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), citing near term earnings and a favorable risk/reward ratio. JPMorgan is expected to earn $5.32 per share in 2013.

Shares of News Corp. (NASDAQ:NWS) surged nearly 8 percent in early trading. The company is reportedly considering splitting into two companies, dividing its entertainment businesses from its publishing operations. The WSJ reports, “The split would carve off News Corp.’s film and television businesses, including 20th Century Fox film studio, Fox broadcast network and Fox News channel from its newspapers, book publishing assets and education businesses. News Corp.’s publishing assets include The Wall Street Journal, the Times of London and the Australian newspaper, as well as HarperCollins book publishing. If a separation occurs, the publishing company would be far smaller than the entertainment company.” A final decision has not been made yet.

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