Stocks to Watch, Nov. 28: Apple, Hillenbrand

SAN FRANCISCO – Among the companies whose shares are expected to see active trading Monday are Hillenbrand Industries Inc. and Apple Computer Inc.

Hillenbrand Industries (HB) is expected to report fiscal fourth-quarter earnings of 74 cents a share, according to two analysts polled by Thomson First Call.

In addition, Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) said Friday that Apple's (AAPL) popular iPod music players were among the online retailer's best-selling items so far for the holiday-shopping season.

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Cray Inc. (CRAY) said that Burton Smith, its co-founder and chief scientist, plans to leave the supercomputer maker to take on an undisclosed position at Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)

Merck & Co. (MRK) is reportedly planning a restructuring that could involve thousands of job reductions as well as plant cutbacks. It would be a major move for Merck's chief executive, who joined the company earlier this year.

Mittal Steel Company NV (MT) said it has completed its $4.84 billion acquisition of 93.02% of Kryvorizhstal, a Ukrainian carbon-steel producer. Kryvorizhstal had liquid-steel production of 7.7 million tons in 2004 and shipments of 6.7 million tons. It also produced 17.1 million tons of iron ore. Mittal named Narendra Chaudhary as the Ukrainian company's new chief executive.

Taser International (TASRE) disclosed Friday that its stock was in danger of losing its listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

The European Commission cleared Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) to buy U.S.-based drugmaker Ivax Corp. (IVX)

Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) said Saturday that it expects November sales, which includes the Friday after Thanksgiving, to rise 4.3%. That is within the company's 3% to 5% forecast range.

Crowds flocked to retailers like Best Buy Co Inc. (BBY) , Target Corp. (TGT) , Wal-Mart and Sears Holdings Corp. (SHLD) , heralding the start of the most important shopping season of the year.

XL Capital Ltd. (XL) said that the previously announced independent, actuary draft report issued in connection with the company's acquisition of Winterthur International from Winterthur Swiss Insurance Co. requires Winterthur Swiss to pay XL $575 million for the net losses and unearned premium balances relating to the acquired business. It's also expected to result in XL recording a fourth-quarter net charge of $830 million, according to the Bermuda-based insurance company.

XL added that it's working with ratings agencies and its financial advisers to determine how much capital it will raise and in what form.