Monday, June 14, 2010

Stocks to watch Monday: BP, La-Z-boy, Carnival


binocularsInvestors will be closely monitoring any news of a potential dividend cut at BP(BP 33.97+1.19+3.63%) (UK:BP. 373.55-18.35-4.68%) as the oil giant is under pressure to reduce the payout to help pay for the Gulf oil cleanup.
BP is unlikely to decide to cancel the dividend, Reuters reported Sunday. The oil company is considering several ideas, including deferring the dividend, paying it in shares or paying into an account until its liabilities associated with the oil spill become clearer, according to the report.
BP is mulling setting aside several billion dollars for the cleanup, according to separate reports Sunday. See full story on BP and the oil cleanup.
La-Z-boy (LZB 12.31+0.31+2.58%) is expected to report earning of 23 cents a share for the fourth quarter of 2010, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters.
Carnival Corp. (CCL 36.31-0.02-0.06%) will likely report earnings of 29 cents a share for the second quarter of 2010.
Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.(LGF 6.97-0.02-0.29%) said Friday it is in talks with lenders to waive or amend its credit facilities to prevent a default. The entertainment company is also exploring financing options and alternatives to continue its business regardless of the outcome of billionaire Carl Icahn's attempt at a hostile takeover.
Casey's General Stores(CASY 35.41-0.30-0.84%) accused Canadian Company Alimentation Couche-Tard(CA:ATD.B 18.880.000.00%) of violating U.S. federal securities laws when it did not disclose it held about 2 million shares of the Iowa-based convenience store chain. Alimentation recently launched a $1.9 billion bid to take over Casey's, or about $36 per share.
Casey's chairman and former chief executive, Ronald M. Lamb, 74, died Friday after a battle with cancer. Casey's is expected to report fourth-quarter earnings of 38 cents a share on Tuesday, according to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters.






    No comments: