BG - waiting for payout

Article Abstract:

BG is the new name for British Gas, and the company has faced problems in 1997 such as a dispute with the Office of Gas Supply. Four brokers from a sample of six rate the company's stocks a hold, one rates them a sell and one rates them a buy. The buyer, NatWest Securities, sees stockholders likely to receive a special dividend or benefit from a stock buyback. The holders are Merrill Lynch, Societe Generale Strauss Turnbull, Greig Middleton and SBC Warburg, while Robert Fleming is the seller.

Laws, regulations and rules, United Kingdom. Office of Gas Supply

Half say sell BG

Article Abstract:

BG stocks have risen in price in the year to Feb 1998, but this rise may not continue. Three brokers from a sample of six rate the company's stocks a sell. One broker from the sample rates the stocks a buy, ABN Amro Hoare Govett, the house broker. The sellers are Williams de Broe, Dresdner Kleinwort Benson, and Robert Fleming, and they see the stocks as having risen far enough. Credit Lyonnais Laing and Greig Middleton both rate BG stocks a hold.

SHV's cash cow

Article Abstract:

SHV has bid for a 48.4% stake in Calor and already holds 51.6% of the company. The bid includes a special dividend, but two days after the bid announcement, the UK chancellor decided to ban tax advantages for special dividends. This make the bid less attractive, and it is not seen as generous in the first instance, especially as Calor holds a stake of over 50% in the UK market for bottled gas for cooking and heating. SHV may increase its offer.

Investments, Calor Group PLC, SHV Holdings N.V.