Apple original content; Dollar Tree profit miss; Penn West cuts; Whirlpool bid

Here are some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today.

Apple (AAPL) Various reports say the company is in talks with Hollywood executives about creating original programming. That would put Apple in direct competition with streaming services such as Netflix (NFLX) as well as more traditional pay-TV providers such as Time Warner's HBO (TWX).

Dollar Tree (DLTR)  The discount retailer had a very big miss in second quarter profit, while revenue also came in light. Dollar Tree says sales were driven largely because of the acquisition of Family Dollar stores...that deal closed in July. Dollar Tree sees sales in the current quarter and full year to be in the low single digits.

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AstraZeneca (AZN) The drugmaker is selling the rights to its late-stage experimental psoriasis treatment to Canada's Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) for what could be as much as $445 million.  Valeant jumped in after Amgen (AMGN) dropped its collaboration with AstraZeneca, citing concerns about the drug's side effects.

Penn West Petroleum (PWE) It is the latest victim of the downturn in oil prices. Penn West says it is slashing its workforce by 35% and eliminating its stock dividend.  The Canadian oil and gas producer is also reducing its capital expenditures as it tries to cut costs.

Whirlpool (WHR) The big appliance maker is trying to snatch British oven manufacturer Aga Rangemaster from Middleby (MIDD). Whirlpool is now making a competing offer for Aga, which agreed in July to be bought by Middleby for $202 million. Middleby produces Viking ranges and other appliances.

 

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