Apple, Crocs, Fannie Mae, Republic Airways: U.S. Equity Preview

By Lynn Thomasson

July 13 (Bloomberg) -- The following companies may have unusual price changes in U.S. markets tomorrow. Stock symbols are in parentheses after company names, and prices are as of 5:45 p.m. in New York on July 11, unless stated otherwise.

Apple Inc. (AAPL US): The maker of iPod media players and Macintosh computers still had models of the new iPhone for sale in its own shops today after most AT&T Inc. stores ran out of inventory. Apple shares fell $4.05, or 2.3 percent, to $172.58.

Crocs Inc. (CROX US): The maker of colorful plastic clogs with holes sued Skechers USA Inc. (SKX US), accusing it of selling footwear that copies patented and trademarked designs. A Skechers spokeswoman couldn't immediately be reached for comment. Crocs fell 2.9 percent to $7.79 in regular trading.

Diageo Plc (DEO US): The maker of Johnnie Walker scotch and Guinness stout may rise more than 30 percent in a year as the distiller withstands concerns about slowing sales, Barron's reported, citing an analyst. The company's American depositary receipts, each of which represent four ordinary shares, fell $1.71 to $69.02.

Fannie Mae (FNM US): The largest providers of U.S. mortgage financing are in a ``sound situation,'' said Senator Christopher Dodd. Separately, the Times of London said U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson is planning a $15 billion injection of capital into Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (FRE US), without citing anyone. Fannie Mae fell $2.95, or 22 percent, to $10.25 on July 11. Freddie Mac shares dropped 3.1 percent to $7.75.

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT US): The world's largest software developer will triple the storage capacity of its Xbox 360 video-game console without raising the price to compete with market leaders Nintendo Co. and Sony Corp. Microsoft fell 20 cents to $25.25.

Nasdaq OMX Group Inc. (NDAQ US): The stock exchange operator, which has fallen by almost half since last year's 52- week high, may climb by 50 percent during the next two to three years as the world's securities exchanges consolidate, Barron's reported, citing Mark Boyar, adviser to the Boyar Value Fund. Nasdaq OMX gained 63 cents to $24.33 on July 11.

Republic Airways Holdings Inc. (RJET US): The operator of regional flights for bigger airlines said it would cut 500 jobs amid record fuel prices and ``expected reductions'' in its contracts with larger carriers. The company's shares fell 31 cents, or 3.8 percent, to $7.78.

Steak n Shake Co. (SNS US): The restaurant chain said Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Blade resigned to ``pursue other interests.'' The stock retreated 0.2 percent to $5.80 in regular trading.

UAL Corp. (UAUA US): The parent of United Airlines, the world's second-largest carrier, said it will offer as many as 400 employees voluntary buyouts as it cuts seating capacity because of record fuel costs. UAL shares tumbled 13 percent to $3.63 in regular trading.

To contact the reporter on this story: Lynn Thomasson in New York at lthomasson@bloomberg.net.