• June 26, 2001

Vivendi Universal sought Monday to dispel speculation that it would be socked by advertising woes, with the Paris-based parent of Universal Studios denying rumors it's about to issue a warning on profit expectations.

Despite the denial, Vivendi shares sank almost 3%, as the stock closed down $1.77 at $59.97 on the New York Stock Exchange Monday. Most media shares were down on the day, despite a relatively upbeat session in which the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 21.74 at 10,645.38.

Investors are concerned that plummeting advertising revenue will drag down the bottom lines of media companies. But Vivendi is less dependent on ad revenue than other congloms, and a spokesman said no profit warnings are planned.

"Vivendi Universal has been informed of the rumors circulating in the market about a possible results profit warning by the group," the Paris-based spokesman said. "Vivendi Universal denies any such prospect."

Meanwhile, another media stock was hit even harder on Wall Street on Monday, as Viacom's most widely tracked Class "B" shares dropped $2.24, or 4%, to $51.31. Concern over the New York-based conglomerate's advertising exposure likely was exacerbated by reports of preliminary talks to acquire Hispanic broadcaster Telemundo.

- Reuters/Variety