Amazon has 'no plans' to open 2,000 stores; Ciena cites huge backlog; H&R Block CFO to step down

Shares of H&R Block (HRB)T were down in the morning, giving back all of Wednesday’s 5% gains in aftermarket trading. The tax-preparer showed quarterly losses at 67 cents, a penny less than Wall Street expectations. Revenues of $131 million were $4 million higher than estimates. The company also reported that CFO Greg Macfarlane is stepping down at the end of the year. Shares of H&R Block are down 32% in the past year.

Amazon (AMZN) threw water on a Wall Street Journal report that the company plans to open more than 2,000 physical grocery stores. A spokesperson for the online retail giant said to CNBC, “We have no plans to open 2,000 of anything. Not even close.” Amazon shares are up more than 8% in the past 52 weeks.

Ciena Corporation (CIEN) saw its shares rise after saying its $1.15 billion order backlog was “its highest ever.” However, the equipment-maker reported quarterly earnings of 42 cents, four cents shy of estimates. Revenues of $716.2 million were only $300,000 below the Street’s consensus expectation. Shares of Ciena are down 11% in the past 12 months.