- Stocks May Rise Further after Fed Waves on 'Risk Trade'
- Obama in China Grapples with Economic Strains
- Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Boosts Stake in Wal-Mart
- Microsoft Co-founder Allen Diagnosed with Cancer
- Time Warner to Spin Off AOL on December 9
- Gates Boosts Waste Management, Coca Cola Stakes
- What's Kept Stock Rally Going? Fear, Not Confidence
- US Cities With Most Underwater Mortgages
- Citi Shares, A Strange Indicator Of Unemployment?
- Answers to Your Questions: A Path to Economic Disaster?
- 5 Ways to Play the Chinese Markets: Analyst
- Meredith Whitney: Turns Bearish
- 3 Stock Plays on Rising College Costs
- Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Almost Doubles Wal-Mart Holdings During Summer
- Nov. 16: Unusual Volume Leaders
- Getting to the Heart of the Merck-Abbott Embargo Break
- What MGM's Sale Could Say About Value of Content
- My Ratings on Lowe's & Home Depot: Analyst
- Va. company to design Army's Pacific headquarters
- Safeway, King Soopers make final contract offer
- Obama, China’s Hu open talks as world watches
- NJ man indicted in Web name theft, sale on eBay
- Microsoft co-founder Allen treated for lymphoma
- SEC accuses 4 people in alleged Ponzi scheme
- Mass. residents file lawsuit over Danvers blast
- Newmont transfers stake in Indonesian venture
- Blackstone Group buys Southwest Airlines shares
NEW YORK - The result of an Ohio referendum that could legalize four casinos in the state may prove to be a catalyst for Penn National Gaming Inc. shares, an analyst said Tuesday.
The ballot measure would allow casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo if passed. Supporters say the casinos would bring jobs and $650 million in annual tax revenue, mostly for local governments. Opponents charge the proposed 33 percent tax rate and $50 million license fee for each casino is lower than in other states.
It is the state's fifth major gambling referendum in the last two decades.
David Katz of Oppenheimer said in a client note that the referendum might impact Penn's stock because the casino operator is on tap to own and run two of the casinos if the referendum passes.
"Although we offer no indication on the likelihood of the outcome of the vote, as it is presently too close to call, we believe a positive outcome for Penn could add significant value, which is not reflected in our forecast," Katz wrote.
If the referendum does not pass, Penn's stock could fall, which would give investors a more appealing buy opportunity, the analyst added.
Katz maintained an "Outperform" rating and $37 price target on the shares.
- Where, what, how.
- CNBC's Jim Goldman asks: Has the sun begun to set on Twitter? Data suggests its best days are over.
- Everyone wanted a piece of Madoff's "Bullship"--the famous buoy sold for $7,500 at auction. You won't believe these prices.
- De Loach Vineyards is selling its pinot noir the old fashioned way, helping to cut energy and transportation costs.
- Why are the Chinese concerned about the progress of U.S. health care legislation?
- CNBC's Maria Bartiromo talks to rapper Snoop Dogg about brand identity in both business and music.








