Electronic design automation company Synopsys, Inc. Wednesday reported a rise in profit for the fourth quarter as revenues grew over 4 percent. Adjusted earnings for the quarter came in line with Street estimates as did revenues. The company's outlook for fiscal 2012 is also in line with Street view. Separately, Synopsys announced an agreement to acquire Magma Design Automation Inc. for about $507 million, at about 28 percent premium over Magma's closing price on Wednesday.

Casual apparel retailer Aeropostale Inc. said its profit for the third-quarter declined from last year, hurt by lower margins and a 9 percent drop in same store sales. Nonetheless, earnings per share for the quarter topped Wall Street estimates, as did sales. Looking ahead, the mall-based specialty retailer forecast a weak earnings outlook for the fourth quarter, citing fierce competition amid the holiday season and the continued economic uncertainty.

International fashion house Guess?, Inc. said Wednesday after the markets closed that its third quarter profit fell 4% from last year, hurt by slow revenue growth and lower gross margin. The company's quarterly earnings per share also came in below analysts' expectations as did its quarterly revenue. At the same time, the company gave a down-beat forecast for the fourth quarter and cut is full year outlook.

Clothing retailers seeing action in after-hours trading Wednesday, with Guess Inc., Coldwater Creek Inc. and Aeropostale Inc. all delivering their third-quarter results following the close of trading.