Before the bell: AAPL, LLY, DIS, GOOG ...

The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is not resting and keeps planning forward. After the recent launch of the iPhone in Europe, it is Japan's turn, and reportedly, Apple has held talks with NTT DoCoMo. Jobs, according to "people familiar with the matter," recently met with NTT DoCoMo's president, Masao Nakamura, to discuss a deal to offer its iPhone in Japan. Engadget notes, however, that NTT DoCoMo does not run a GSM/EDGE network and maybe consumers there will have to wait for the 3G version of the phone.

After announcing a dividend increase Monday, drug maker Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) said Tuesday CEO Sidney Taurel will retire on March 31 and step down as chairman of the board at the end of 2008. President and Chief Operating Officer John C. Lechleiter will take over as CEO on April 1.

Hong Kong Disneyland, held by Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) and the Hong Kong government, which holds a majority stake, failed to meet its visitor attendance target for the second year running, a park official said Tuesday, revealing that numbers tumbled to over 4 million in its second year of operation from 5.2 million a year earlier.