Wynn Resorts Ltd. (NDAQ:WYNN) announced today that it would be issuing a $6.00 per share cash dividend for all shareholders of its common stock. The distribution will be payable December 10th for shareholders on record November 30th and will begin to trade ex-dividend on November 28th. Shares moved up over 6 percent on the news after a substantial drop yesterday.

The news comes amid a mass exodus from the casino stocks. Barrons came out yesterday saying that early profits from Macau were strong, but forecasts for this to continue fail to consider the impact of over-building and maturation. Since entering Macau, Wynn has surged more than 140 percent and it is going to slow down. They believe that investors are in for a surprise when they see margins being pressured.

Some analysts disagree, however, saying that forecasts are on-track for a total market size of over $15 billion by the end of 2010. However, one wildcard acknowledged by both parties is the risk of the Chinese government intervening with new rules and regulations that could curb growth. Combined, these factors make WYNN a stock worth watching!

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Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) shares are down marginally after the retailer announced disappointing third quarter earnings but managed to mask it with a giant share buyback. Shareholders are hoping that the company will be able to turn itself around in a tough sales environment, while many are encouraged by the giant share buyback announced.

"Our third quarter earnings were disappointing due to soft sales in our higher margin categories, leading to lower-than-expected gross margin in our core retail operations," said Chairman and CEO Bob Ulrich. "However, we have not observed any meaningful change in the intensity of the competitive environment and continue to believe that we are well-positioned to operate in a variety of sales environments going forward."

Target also announced a giant $10 billion share buyback program along with an update to credit card receivables unit that is still pending. In September, the company said it was considering selling $7 billion in credit card assets in order to unlock further value for shareholders. The buyback alone would result in nearly a quarter of its shares being repurchased while the $7 billion cash infusion from a sale would also be a windfall.

In the end, Sears is facing a variety of problems. The company is facing a credit downgrade and a tough competitive environment. However, a share buyback combined with the prospects of a $7 billion sale of its credit card division. Combined, these factors make TGT a stock worth watching!

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Sears Holding Corporation (SHLD)

Sears Holding Corporation (NDAQ:SHLD) disclosed a 13.7% stake in Restoration Hardware Inc. (NDAQ:RSTO) and indicated that it may be interested in a takeover of the hardware company. The news comes after Restoration Hardware entered a definitive merger agreement at $6.70/share with an affiliate of Catterton Partners. Shareholders are hoping that Sears will make a higher bid and unlock additional value for shareholders.

Currently, Sears Holdings is seeking to obtain certain non-public information from Restoration Hardware and has indicated that it would enter into a confidentiality agreement to do so. The two companies have reportedly discussed the terms of such an agreement, but there is no guarantee that anything will come of it. Presumably, this agreement will enable Restoration Hardware to open its books and perhaps lead to a higher bid.

This speculation led to an 11.85% jump in the stock price today - far in excess of the $6.40 per share buyout offer that is currently on the table. Notably, this number is still well below the company's 52-week high of $9.17. But it is unclear whether Sears would raise the bid that significantly in order to beat out a $6.40 bid that is unlikely to be raised in response.

In the end, Sears' previous offer of $4.00/share was too low and an additional bid may be possible once they have more information about the company. This is great news for RSTO shareholders, as it could mean more money for the buyout. Combined, these factors make RSTO and SHLD two stocks worth watching closely!

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