Looking for a former billion-dollar company that has fallen off most investors' radar? Have a look at Verint Systems Inc. (OTC: VRNT). As part of the Comverse Technology, Inc. (OTC: CMVT) options backdating scandal, the company was delisted from the NASDAQ because of filing issues. Comverse was delisted as well, and its CEO fled to Africa after he was wanted by U.S. authorities. Verint is a leading provider of analytic software-based solutions for security and workforce-enterprise optimization. Their solution generates actionable intelligence through the collection, retention and analysis of various communication networks.

The company today received an upgrade from JP Morgan. The stock has gotten crushed over the last 2 years falling from a high of over $40 to today's price in the $17.40 range. Business is doing well, and as that they are in the security space, that should help valuation. There has been speculation that either the parent Comverse will get bought or they will sell off their divisions, Verint among them. This sale would fetch a hefty premium, and with a market cap in the $500 million dollar range, this could get juicy for investors. Another potential catalyst, would be for them to get current in their filing and potentially regain the NASDAQ listing, which would get them back on institutional investors radar screen.

If you are looking for an interesting turnaround story for '08, check out Verint.

Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. Disclosure: Writer owns stock and is long both VRNT.pk and CMVT.pk. He has no position in any other stock mentioned as of 12/5/07.

Verint Systems: Turnaround story for '08 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

I recently wrote a post for BloggingStocks.com about the former CEO of Comverse Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: CMVT), Kobi Alexander. Because of charges for backdating of stock options, Alexander fled the U.S. - until he was caught recently in Namibia.

Well, he must have a smart attorney as he was able to get bail for $1.3 million. But there are some conditions; that is, he must surrender his passport, report to Interpol two times a week and not flee.

Not flee? Isn't that what he already did - running from the FBI and Interpol?

But Alexander understands the power of money. According to an AP report, he has wired about $16 million to Namibia. He has invested in some businesses - even a low-cost housing project.

Oh, and he is living in a $500,000 house at a country club.

So, he better enjoy his freedom. Once he is extradited back to the U.S., prosecutors will have lots of juicy details for the jury to ponder.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and operates InvestorOffering.com.

Fugitive former CEO is free again originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 11:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.