Learning Tree International Inc. (Nasdaq: LTRE), which provides information technology and management training, was a fast grower from 1974 to 2000. However, since then, things have languished. True, the company has instituted various initiatives to jump-start growth, but such measures will take some time.

So, in the meantime, Learning Tree is trying to sell out. That is, the company has formed a special committee to explore the possibility of selling itself and has retained RBC Capital Markets as a financial advisor.

Learning Tree is likely to be attractive to private equity players as well as strategic buyers. Over the past few years, the company has improved its operating performance, earned 50% of sales from overseas and has $56 million in the bank, without debt. What's more, the company has no school loan exposure.

Continue reading Learning Tree (LTRE) wants to sell out

Learning Tree (LTRE) wants to sell out originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 28 May 2008 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• B. Riley initiated Learning Tree (NASDAQ:LTRE) with a Buy rating and $24 target. The firm believes investors have an opportunity to invest in a compelling revenue growth/margin expansion story at reasonable multiples with the stock off recent highs.
  
• Merriman started Shengda Tech (NASDAQ:SDTH) with a Buy rating and points to the company's growing nano-particle business and the vast market expansion opportunities associated with this business.
  
• Stephens believes Cepheid (NASDAQ:CPHD) possesses a best-in-class platform for molecular diagnostic testing with a virtual monopoly in the molecular point of care market; shares were assumed with an Overweight rating and $32 target.

• Visa (NYSE:V) was started at Morgan Keegan with a Market Perform rating.
  
• Morgan Stanley initiated Dr. Pepper Snapple (N YSE:DPS) with an Equal Weight rating and $30 target.
  
• Goldman initiated Kraft Foods (NYSE:KFT) with a Neutral rating.

Analyst initiations: LTRE, SDTH and CPHD originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 May 2008 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

• Markets are closed for the Christmas holiday

• Healthcare conference calls: Merrill Lynch 10:00am, Bank of America 10:30am, Bear Stearns 11:00am

• Delta and Pine Land Company (NYSE: DLP) will hold an earnings conference call at 10:00am
• Bear Stearns will hold a retailing-broadlines conference call at 10:00am

• Learning Tree International Inc (NASDAQ: LTRE) will hold its earnings conference call
• Newpark Resources, Inc (NYSE: NR) will hold its shareholder meeting at 11:00am
• Hurray! Holding Co., Ltd (NASDAQ: HRAY) to hold a firm-sponsored meeting with Think Equities

• The Mills Corporation (NYSE: MLS) will hold its shareholder meeting at 10:00am

Highlights for next week originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.