US benchmark equity indexes ended higher Thursday as markets analyzed the latest batch of corporate earnings and economic data.

* Applied Materials (AMAT), Palo Alto Networks (PANW) and Airbnb (ABNB) are among the companies scheduled to report results after Thursday's closing bell.

* US producer price growth rose more than Wall Street's expectations last month as wholesale costs of goods increased amid a jump in diesel fuel prices, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.

"A hotter-than-expected producer price report on the heels of yesterday's rise in the (consumer price index) report reinforces concerns of ingrained inflationary pressures in the economy and further upside price risks given an aggressive fiscal policy agenda," Stifel said. "As such, hopes of further policy relief from the [Federal Reserve] is off the table, at least for now, or until inflation stabilizes and/or the labor market shows meaningful signs of cooling."

* March West Texas Intermediate crude oil closed up $0.05 to settle at $71.42 per barrel, while April Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen down $0.02 to $75.16.

* MGM Resorts International (MGM) shares jumped nearly 18%. The company late Wednesday posted Q4 adjusted earnings and revenue that fell less than projected.

* AppLovin (APP) shares were up 23%. The company delivered a Q4 beat late Wednesday.

* West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) was down 38% after issuing a downbeat full-year outlook.