Autlan, Banco do Brasil, Cencosud, Kroton: Latin Equity Preview

By [bn:PRSN=1] William Freebairn [] and James Attwood

Nov. 3 (Bloomberg) -- The following companies may have unusual price changes today in Latin America trading. Stock symbols are in parentheses, and share prices are from the previous close. Preferred shares are usually the most-traded class of stock in Brazil.

The MSCI Latin America Index fell 1.8 percent Oct. 31 to 2,141.71. Chilean markets were closed Oct. 31 for a holiday. Markets in Colombia are closed today for a holiday.

Argentina

Transportadora de Gas del Sur SA (TGSU2 AF): The natural gas processor and transporter probably will report today that third- quarter profit rose to 34.5 million pesos ($10.2 million) from 3 million pesos in the year-earlier period, Grupo SBS said in an Oct. 31 note to clients. The year-ago quarter was hurt by restricted gas supply because of a cold snap, the brokerage wrote. TGS rose 9.3 percent to 1.29 peso.

Brazil

Banco do Brasil SA (BBAS3 BS): The country's biggest bank agreed to buy 5.25 billion reais ($2.4 billion) of bank loans from other financial institutions, O Estado de S. Paulo said Oct. 31. The bank acquired loans from 14 financial firms in October, the newspaper reported, citing an e-mailed statement sent by bank vice president Aldo Luiz Mendes. Banco do Brasil rose 0.8 percent to 14.77 reais.

Kroton Educacional SA (KROT11 BS): The Brazilian administrator of private schools and colleges that sold shares in July boosted its share repurchase program by 53 percent. Kroton said it plans to buy back as many as 1.23 million share units, each representing 1 voting share and 6 non-voting shares. Kroton was unchanged at 8 reais.

Chile

Cencosud SA (CENCOSUD CC): Chile's biggest retailer had its ``buy'' rating reiterated at Banco Santander SA after reporting third-quarter operating profit that matched estimates. Cencosud probably will be able to lower expenses and remain financially ``healthy,'' analysts including Antonio Cruz wrote in an Oct. 31 note to clients. Cencosud rose 1 percent to 983.43 pesos.

Concha y Toro SA (CONCHA CC): Chile's biggest wine exporter reported third-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization that missed Banco Santander's estimates. The results suggest wine consumption is being hit harder than previously thought by the credit crisis, Paula Vicuna and other analysts wrote in an Oct. 31 note to clients. Concha y Toro rose 0.3 percent to 930 pesos.

Mexico

Cia. Minera Autlan SAB (AUTLANB MM): The largest manganese producer in North America said it plans to temporarily close a ferroalloy plant that accounts for 14 percent of production. The plant, which was scheduled to be closed Nov. 1, will re-open once demand increases. Autlan rose 9.6 percent to 35.50 pesos.

To contact the reporters on this story: William Freebairn in Mexico City at wfreebairn@bloomberg.net; James Attwood in Santiago at jattwood3@bloomberg.net.