Fannie Mae (FNM) reports that its gross mortgage portfolio grew at a compound annualized rate of 14.4% in July.

Darden Restaurants (DRI) expects first quarter EPS from continuing operations of $0.57-$0.59, including anticipated integration costs and purchase accounting adjustments [of about $0.03] related to its acquisition of RARE Hospitality in October 2007. Anticipates first quarter combined U.S. same-restaurant sales at Red Lobster, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse to decline 1.1%. Now expects combined full-year U.S. same-restaurant sales growth in fiscal year 2009 of flat to up 1%, total sales growth of 12-13%, EPS from continuing operations growth of 55-10%.

Chico's FAS (CHS) posts better-than-expected $0.04, vs. $0.22, second quarter EPS on 16% lower same-store sales, 7.1% lower total sales. Street was looking for $0.03. Although anticipates negative comps for the fall season, expects to see an improvement in trends and believes it will be profitable in the second half of fiscal year 2009.

Big Lots (BIG) posts $0.32, vs. $0.21, second quarter EPS from continuing operations on 2.8% same-store sales rise, 1.9% total sales rise. Sees $0.15-$0.19 third quarter EPS from continuing operations and $1.02-$1.09 for the fourth quarter. Raises fiscal year 2009 EPS from continuing operations guidance to $1.90-$2.00.

EOG Resources and other natural gas producers are seen higher on worries about Hurricane Gustav and after Bernstein Research said outlook for natural gas prices is more favorable than the outlook for crude oil prices. Bernstein also upgrades EOG to outperform from underperform.

Daktronics (DAKT) posts $0.24, vs. $0.17 a year ago, first quarter EPS on 33% revenue rise. Says order for the quarter were up over 15%, not including the recently announced contract for the New Meadowlands Stadium, which is expected to exceed $45 million. All domestic business units benefited from order growth.

Sanderson Farms (SAFM) posts $0.18 third quarter loss per share, vs. $1.51 EPS a year ago, as weak economic conditions, higher fuel and feed costs offset 18% sales rise.

New York Times Co. (NYT) reports that July total revenues from continuing operations decreased 10.1%, while advertising revenues fell 16.2% and circulation revenues fell 0.5%.

Oppenheimer downgrades Broadcom (BRCM) to perform from outperform, sees deceleration beginning in the fourth quarter that could affect BRCM's multiple for several quarters.

Jefferies downgrades Marvell Technology Group (MRVL) to hold from buy.