HEADLINE STOCKS-U.S. stocks to watch on April 2

NEW YORK, April 2 (Reuters) - Some U.S. stocks to watch on
Thursday:

ALLSTATE CORP (ALL.N)

The home and car insurance company awarded its CEO a 2008
compensation that was 12 percent lower than it was in the
previous year. [ID:nN01475594]

The stock closed Wednesday at $20.06.

BANK OF AMERICA (BAC.N)

CEO Kenneth Lewis told CNBC that that the bank had a "huge"
capital cushion even if the economy continues to deteriorate.
[ID:nWEN6792]

The stock, a Dow component, rose 8.8 percent to $7.67.

BIOGEN (BIIB.O)

The company recommended that its shareholders vote against
a slate of four people nominated by Carl Icahn for election to
the company's board. [ID:nWNAB9906]

The stock closed Wednesday at $51.88.

BLACKSTONE GROUP (BX.N)

The alternative asset manager is trying to roll out a new
fund geared toward providing financing for struggling
companies, according to a report in the New York Post.
[ID:nBNG22954]

Shares closed Wednesday at $7.33.

CHANGYOU.COM (CYOU.O)

The online gaming company priced its $120 million initial
public offering at $16 per share, the top of its indicated
range. It will begin trading later on Thursday.
[ID:nBNG493707]

CONTINENTAL AIRLINES (CAL.N)

The airline reported a decline of 9.7 percent in its March
traffic, as the economy pressured demand for travel.
[ID:nN01258562]

The stock closed Wednesday at $9.23.

COSTCO WHOLESALE (COST.O)

The retailer plans to close two of its Costco Home stores
because of the economic slowdown and weakness in the home
furnishings business. [ID:nBNG503396]

Shares closed Wednesday at $46.35.

EXCEL MARITIME CARRIERS LTD (EXM.N)

The dry bulk carrier secured covenant waivers from lenders
for two outstanding credit facilities and obtained a $45
million capital infusion from its major shareholder.
[ID:nBNG502291]

The stock rose 3 percent to $4.44 in after-hours trading.

GOLDMAN SACHS (GS.N)

MORGAN STANLEY (MS.N)

Barclays raised its first-quarter earnings outlook on
Goldman to $1.70 a share from 80 cents a share, but forecast a
loss of $1.30 a share for Morgan Stanley. It previously saw
earnings of 24 cents a share.

The firm expects structured debt losses of about $950
million at Morgan Stanley, as well as larger principal
investment marks from real estate companies. [ID:nWNAB0032]

Goldman shares rose 2.7 percent to $113.25 in premarket
trade while Morgan Stanley shares rose 4.5 percent to $24.80.

LEGG MASON (LM.N)

The investment management company said it would repay $250
million of its revolving credit facility and that it sold the
remaining $49 million in SIV exposure on its balance sheet.
[ID:nWNAB9878]

Shares of Legg Mason closed Wednesday at $16.40.

MGM MIRAGE (MGM.N)

The company late Wednesday said it was able to meet its
funding obligations on an $8 billion Las Vegas complex.
[ID:nN01526427]

The stock surged 31.2 percent to $3.45.

MONSANTO (MON.N)

The company reported its second-quarter results and gave a
full-year outlook. [ID:nWNAB0102]

The stock rose 5.2 percent to $85.98.

RITE AID CORP (RAD.N)

The drug store chain reported a fourth-quarter loss that
was wider than expected, and a decline of 0.1 percent in its
quarterly same-store sales. [ID:nN02543521]

The stock closed Wednesday at 39 cents.

UNIFIRST CORP (UNF.N)

The uniform and protective clothing maker posted a
higher-than-expected quarterly profit, helped by lower fuel
costs and strong performance of its specialty garments segment.
[ID:nBNG501814]

The stock rose 10 percent to $31.80 in after-hours
trading.

(Reporting by Ryan Vlastelica)