US stocks are seen starting mixed on Tuesday after closing higher yesterday.
Last night saw the end of the partial government shutdown too after both Republicans and Democrats approved a bill on temporary funding.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) shares are up 0.75% to US$149.25 after its fourth quarter topped expectations.
Revenue was US$20.2bn - up 11.5% from the year-ago quarter. Worldwide sales grew 4.2%, not including the impact of acquisitions, divestitures and currency.
Elsewhere, Chesapeake Energy Co (NYSE:CHK) was among the notable gainers in pre-market, up 2.52% to US$4.07.
The energy firm is the second-largest producer of natural gas, a top 15 producer of oil and natural gas liquids and the most active driller of new wells in the USA. US crude is up 0.42% to US$63.85 at the time of writing.
Elsewhere, Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE:VZ) shares gained 0.88% to US$53.93 after it released earnings, which missed expectations but revenue topped estimates.
EPS (earnings per share) was 86 US cents versus the 88 US cents pencilled in by the market. Revenue was US$33.96bn against the US$33.26bn expected by Wall Street.
Travelers Companies Inc (NYSE:TRV) shares added 1% to US$142 as it posted a fall in profit to US$633mln or US$2.28 a share, from US$919mln, or US$3.20 per share, in last year's fourth quarter.