Stocks in the news: Philips Electronics, Blackstone, Lazard

Some of the companies making headlines today:

Royal Philips Electronics NV (PHG) reported a better than expected net profit of euro174 million ($256 million) for the third quarter on Monday, three times the depressed levels of a year ago, due to cost-cutting measures. Still, the company said sales fell 11 percent. Shares jumped over 6 percent in pre-market trade.

Blackstone Group (BX) is planning to list up to eight of its portfolio companies, according to a source who received a letter the firm sent to investors on Friday. The letter also says that Blackstone is in the process of five sales of companies it owns this year. Of these, four have already been announced and one is imminent, the source said. Shares gained over 4 percent ahead of the bell.