AOL, Apple: Premarket Movers

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- AOL shares surged in premarket trading on Monday after the Internet firm agreed to sell more than 800 of its patents to Microsoft in a $1.1 billion deal.

"The agreement with Microsoft represents the culmination of a robust auction process for our patent portfolio," said Tim Armstrong, the AOL CEO, in a statement released before the market open. "The combined sale and licensing arrangement unlocks current dollar value for our shareholders and enables AOL to continue to aggressively execute on our strategy to create long-term shareholder value."

Shares of AOL climbed more than 34% to reach $24.70. Microsoft's stock dipped 0.86% to $31.25.

AOL has announced a patent deal with Microsoft.

Apple which recently hit new all-time highs, fell 1.26% to $625.68 before market open. BTIG downgraded Apple to neutral from buy on Monday, citing changing dynamics in the post-paid wireless industry. The frequent upgrades of iPhone customers, according to BTIG, have squeezed wireless operator margins.

The analyst firm also highlighted the possible need for an iPhone price cut, as well as heightened expectations that Apple will launch another revolutionary phone.

--Written by James Rogers in New York.

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