Seven risky bets with big potential gains-Barron's

NEW YORK, March 2 (Reuters) - A group of debt-laden companies whose shares have been hammered in recent months could pay off handsomely for investors willing to risk losing everything, according to Barron's financial weekly.

The companies, including Bon-Ton Stores Inc (BONT.O: Quote, Profile, Research) and FelCor Lodging Trust Inc FCH.N, have debt that exceeds their equity market value.

Given the modest market capitalizations of these companies, it doesn't take much change in sentiment or valuations to produce a big move in their prices, Barron's said in the cover story of its March 3 edition.

"A little bit of equity and a lot of debt can produce huge returns in a favorable market," the report said.

The other high-risk potential big winners named in the report were Carmike Cinemas Inc (CKEC.O: Quote, Profile, Research), Gray Television Inc (GTN.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Idearc Inc (IAR.N: Quote, Profile, Research), Libbey Inc (LBY.N: Quote, Profile, Research) and McClatchy Co (MNI.N: Quote, Profile, Research). (Reporting by Bill Berkrot; Editing by Braden Reddall)