BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cerberus may have new CEO for GM/Chrysler combo]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/24/cerberus-may-have-new-ceo-for-gm-chrysler-combo/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/24/cerberus-may-have-new-ceo-for-gm-chrysler-combo/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/24/cerberus-may-have-new-ceo-for-gm-chrysler-combo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Will a marriage occur between General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Chrysler? According to industry scuttlebutt, talks have been going on for several weeks, but have been held up partially because of the credit crunch. Today in the Wall Street Journal, a source familiar with the talks reported that talks were proceeding at a "measured pace" and that Cerberus, the private equity firm that owns Chrysler, would want to breathe "fresh air" into the management team of the combined company.

The only member of the two current management teams who could possibly be considered "fresh air" would be Robert Nardelli, much-maligned former CEO of Home Depot and now-chief of Chrysler. He's been in the spot for a little over a year, the sum total of his auto experience. The two most likely candidates to head the combined entity at GM, CEO Rick Wagoner and COO Fritz Henderson, have each been with GM for decades (Henderson was even born in Detroit) and can hardly be considered new blood.

Bringing an outsider into a merged company would certainly create change, though it's hard to know who Cerberus has in mind. The firm's own staff is filled with onetime Fortune 500 executives, including former Johnson & Johnson COO Jim Lenehan and former MCI president and COO Tim Price. My money's on Price, who worked actively on the GMAC deal and thus has deep experience with the industry. Who else could Cerberus be considering for this historic amalgamation of American autos?

Cerberus may have new CEO for GM/Chrysler combo originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 06:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cerberuschryslergminthenewsmergerprivate equityPrivateEquityrumorFri, 24 Oct 2008 06:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Why Facebook is no threat to Google]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/17/why-facebook-is-no-threat-to-google/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/17/why-facebook-is-no-threat-to-google/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/10/17/why-facebook-is-no-threat-to-google/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Some joker's Facebook pageIs Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) really feeling threatened by social networking property Facebook? Sensationalist media pundits think so, and the fuel is building on just when social networking websites will somehow "steal" customers from established internet properties like Google and Yahoo (NASDAQ: YHOO). Oh my, how the flavor of the month can get too many riled up in their seats.

After having perused Facebook for a while, I'm still in disbelief of how it's such a hot topic these days. Perhaps it is the virtual mall for the tweener and early twenty-something set. No problem with that. But, didn't MySpace.com have this title a year ago? How long is it since you've seen MySpace in the news outside of some sexual predator being busted for posting a profile there? I'm still wondering if Rupert Murdoch is secretly kicking himself over that one. Another question mark in my brain centers around Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and why he has not cashed out at the pinnacle of his brainchild. Maybe the pinnacle is not there yet, but it's getting very close.

A really cool social networking technology called Second Life had its day (a very short one), and word has it that fans of the site are leaving in droves just as corporate sponsors start littering the environment with their wares and marketing messages. Coincidence? Or, are the target demographics for social networking websites as finicky as all get out? If Google is chasing the new "innernet," where you connect with those you want to interact with (and only those) using images, voice, chat or whatever, then it's chasing being un-innovative in this space. First-mover advantage is always where it's at (ask Yahoo! about Yahoo! Mail), and social networking is still just the flavor of the month in its current incarnation.

It may persevere, but the proof is only partly there. Business models and profit run a business, not page views and ad inserts alone. Although Google may be losing some top talent to Facebook, many are likely looking to cash out once an IPO or buyout occurs. Loyalty is a forgotten term (even with many brainiacs), and social networking has a bit to go to provide a sustainable business platform that works long term and consistently.

Why Facebook is no threat to Google originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FacebookGOOGGooglerumorsocial networkingSocialNetworkingthreatWed, 17 Oct 2007 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Should you buy TD Ameritrade (AMTD) on the rumors?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/22/should-you-buy-td-ameritrade-amtd-on-the-rumors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/22/should-you-buy-td-ameritrade-amtd-on-the-rumors/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/08/22/should-you-buy-td-ameritrade-amtd-on-the-rumors/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shares of TD Ameritrade (NASDAQ: AMTD) are up roughly 3% today on higher-than-average volume as merger rumors are surrounding the company. The Wall Street Journal reported [subscription required] reported that the company is in talks with E*Trade Financial (NASDAQ: ETFC), supposedly considering a merger.

Should you buy into these rumors? In my opinion, I don't think it makes sense to ever buy a stock simply because the media is circulating buyout, merger, or any other rumors. When considering these situations, you need to step back, study the company, and make sure you're not overpaying for the prospects of the rumor.

Shares of TD Ameritrade sold off hard when the financial sector (as a whole) got hit on rate concerns during the last two months. This trade-off has put the stock at slightly less than 18x earnings. With Charles Schwab (NASDAQ: SCHW) fetching more than 19x earnings, there seems to be a small valuation discrepancy suggesting TD Ameritrade is undervalued. Why? TD Ameritrade is more profitable, expected to grow faster than Schwab in the next year, and grew more quickly than Schwab in the last several years.

More interestingly, TD Ameritrade is currently trading for less than 16x its earnings guidance for this year and less than 13x estimates for next year's earnings! Shares of Charles Schwab, on the other hand, are fetching more than 17x next year's earnings estimates. This huge forward discount makes no sense, in my opinion, and leads me to believe TD Ameritrade is undervalued, merger or no merger.

Continue reading Should you buy TD Ameritrade (AMTD) on the rumors?

Should you buy TD Ameritrade (AMTD) on the rumors? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ameritradeamtdcharles schwabCharlesSchwabetetraderumorschwWed, 22 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: CV Therapeutics for sale?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/22/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cv-therapeutics-for-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/22/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cv-therapeutics-for-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/22/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cv-therapeutics-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

CV THERAPEUTICS INC (NASDAQ: CVTX)

For sale? Seems so. The bio-pharmaceutical company hired investment bankers to check it out and just like that, the stock jumped 6%. But sell to who? Some say a bigger competitor. At what price? $18 a share is about right. One report says that the CEO would absolutely jump at $20 a share. Added pressure to make a move has come from Third Point, who made their point to do something as they acquired a 10% stake in May.


MARSH & MCLENNAN COMPANIES INC (NYSE: MMC)

Since January there has been interest in buying this worldwide professional services company. Management is taking the tact of listening to some of the interested LBO parties, but has not said it wants to sell, nor has it hired a team of advisers to help think it through. Bids could be made in the mid-$30s, but management might be expecting something the $40 range. Which means there is interest to sell, but at a higher price, equal to a premium over their $18B market cap. Blackstone and KKR are said to be among the interested. A sale of some assets may first be necessary to make it all happen.


WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL (NYSE: WEN)

The company chairman, James V. Pickett, speaks: "While a sale remains only one of the alternatives under consideration, we believe it merits more thorough examination." And, I'll have a square hamburger on a round bun, please.



STILL FLYING AROUND


KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS INC (NYSE: KKD)

But will they trade oil for donut batter? Mohamed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi & Sons of Kuwait are buying up the stock like crazy. The shares are rising fast, and a purchase could finally happen. Or, could there be big expansion outside the U.S. of A.?


NETFLIX INC (NASDAQ: NFLX), AMAZON.COM INC (NASDAQ: AMZN)

It's not getting any easier for Netflix. Blockbuster Inc (NYSE: BBI) is making life miserable by price undercutting. Now Netflix will have to top that. Will Amazon now make it's move?



BUZZ


Tyson Foods Inc (NYSE: TSN): The shares are up on heavy trading, but many balk at talk of a sale or buyout... Harley-Davidson Inc (NYSE: HOG): Stock price moving on up may be due to takeover talk.

This week's rumor round-up: CV Therapeutics for sale? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutcv therapeuticsCvTherapeuticscvtxlbomarsh and mclennanMarshAndMclennanprivate equityPrivateEquityrumorsalespeculationFri, 22 Jun 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Barneys New York sale coming soon?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/22/barneys-new-york-sale-coming-soon/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/22/barneys-new-york-sale-coming-soon/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/06/22/barneys-new-york-sale-coming-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Analysts are expecting Jones Apparel Group Inc (NYSE: JNY) to announce a sale of upscale fashion retail chain Barneys New York any minute now. Sources have indicated Jones CEO Peter Boneparth is looking to sell the chain because of a decline in the company's stock price -- shares closed yesterday at $28.36, while trading in January for over $35. Additionally, having failed to sell the entire company nearly a year ago, Mr. Boneparth may be looking to take advantage of the highly competitive market for luxury goods.

Because of the desire for luxury goods, Barneys has been sought after by publicly-traded companies as well as private-equity groups. There is strong market speculation that Istithmar, the investment arm of the Dubai government, could be the victor in the race for Barneys. Istithmar has a global real estate portfolio valued around $7 billion, including owning apparel retailer Loehmann's Holdings, and has been in hot pursuit of other U.S. properties over the past year. Sources close to the matter believe Istithmar could offer around $825 million for Barneys.

In addition to Istithmar, rumors swirled recently that Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom Inc (NYSE: JWN) had been interested in the chain and considered making bids around in the $800 million to $850 million range price, but dropped out when both companies believed the price would escalate too high, perhaps as far as $1.4 billion.

A sale of Barneys would likely come, as the New York Times reported, as a "partial victory" for Mr. Boneparth. He had been oft criticized that he paid too high a price in 2004 for the chain, but may have the last laugh if the sale price turns out to be nearly twice as high.

Barneys New York sale coming soon? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BarneysBarneys New YorkBarneysNewYorkdealDubaiIstithmarJNYJones ApparelJones Apparel GroupJonesApparelJonesApparelGroupJWNLoehmann'sluxury goodsLuxuryGoodsNeiman MarcusNeimanMarcusNew York TimesNewYorkTimesNordstromPeter BoneparthPeterBoneparthretailrumorsaleFri, 22 Jun 2007 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone release date June 20: Of rumors and [probable] untruths]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/28/iphone-release-date-june-20-of-rumors-and-probable-untruths/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/28/iphone-release-date-june-20-of-rumors-and-probable-untruths/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/28/iphone-release-date-june-20-of-rumors-and-probable-untruths/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Everyone wants to know exactly when the iPhone will be released, and, hey! It's so much fun to speculate. Who knew CNBC, the source of all financial (supposed) fact and opinion, would announce a launch date that was confirmed only by one iPhone store representative.

Talk about having your fingers do the walking. When the AP sought to confirm this fact, they were given estimates ranging between June 11 and June 22 from eight different stores in the New York area. No one in the financial press, popular media, or blogosphere has yet been able to find any more firm news. Is it true?

I, for one, don't believe it for a second -- taking one's information from an AT&T (NYSE: T) store rep (though they're all lovely people) seems about as reliable as getting it off the subject line in one of your spam e-mails. I'm still planning to have my cash socked away by June 11th (the start of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL)'s Worldwide Developer's Conference and, many believe, the real launch date of the iPhone) just in case. If you're an investor, the launch date is only liable to cause an effect on the stock if it's much earlier or later than expected -- and much earlier seems highly unlikely.

Update: The iPhone release date of June 29 has been confirmed as of June 3, 2007.

Click through for our gallery of iPhone release date news and rumors.

Continue reading iPhone release date June 20: Of rumors and [probable] untruths

iPhone release date June 20: Of rumors and [probable] untruths originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 28 May 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaplappleapple iphoneAppleIphoneattcingulariphoneiphone launch dateIphoneLaunchDatelaunch dateLaunchDaterumortMon, 28 May 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft doesn't Yahoo!: Insider says big merger not forthcoming]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/25/microsoft-doesnt-yahoo-insider-says-big-merger-not-forthcomin/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/25/microsoft-doesnt-yahoo-insider-says-big-merger-not-forthcomin/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/25/microsoft-doesnt-yahoo-insider-says-big-merger-not-forthcomin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) has been hungry for online advertising companies lately. Of course, the latest deal was a zinger: $6 billion for aQuantive (NASDAQ: AQNT).

In light of all this, it seems natural that Mr. Softy would buy Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO). But Microsoft's chief advertising strategist, Yusuf Mehdi, threw cold water on this and said "[w]e have all of the pieces we need to move forward.''

What to make of this? I had a chance to interview Allan B. Krans, who is an analyst with Technology Business Research (TBR). According to him:

"I agree with the statement that Microsoft has all of the tools needed to be successful in the online business. However, a solid toolset alone will not spur an improvement in Microsoft's online business. Microsoft needs to drive online search traffic in order to attract advertisers to its toolset. For this reason, we believe a merger/acquisition with Yahoo! continues to make sense for Microsoft. Combining the two companies' respective shares of the online search market gives Microsoft the opportunity to drive search traffic and leverage its newly compiled advertising toolset."

I also got this from John Byrne, who is also an analyst with TBR:

"At this point I think maybe Yahoo is the stickler though - they've just implemented Project Panama and they probably feel like they're going to show real improvement over the next few quarters which would increase their value without an acquisition. Then maybe next year they're in a much stronger position."

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and the EDGAR-Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.

Microsoft doesn't Yahoo!: Insider says big merger not forthcoming originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 May 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allan kransAllanKransbuyoutbuyout rumorBuyoutRumorjohn byrneJohnByrnekransmehdimicrosoftmicrosoft buying yahooMicrosoftBuyingYahoomsftrumorrumorsyahooyahoo!yhooyusufyusuf mehdiYusufMehdiFri, 25 May 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: Lam Research close to sale?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/25/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-lam-research-close-to-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/25/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-lam-research-close-to-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/25/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-lam-research-close-to-sale/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Heading to Memorial Day, there's certainly no moratorium on the number of talked about potential deals. Receiving a fair amount of attention over the last few days include the companies below. There's more, of course, but hey, it's a three-day weekend.

LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION (NASDAQ: LRCX)

This supplier of tools that makes microchips keeps seeing its stock move up. Up about 13% over the last few months. And it may be more than speculation that it will soon be acquired. Investors looking for a deal are snapping up equity calls, some are then selling them, and keeping both eyes on the stock price. Others are looking out to see which private equity firms or "strategic" buyers come calling.

AMDOCS LIMITED (NYSE: DOX)

As Alltel Corporation (NYSE: AT) goes, so goes Amdocs? Well, not quite. Yes the Alltel sale has pushed Amdocs' stock upward. Some say this maker of software products for telecom services firms may want to continue to go forward by themselves. But that hasn't stopped that list of potential buyers from being passed around. Best bet: International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM).

CIRCUIT CITY STORES (NYSE: CC)

Again, here we go: Is it going to take a buyout? (Read: private equity buyer.) Or a miracle? (Read: new management) There are profit warnings. (Read: red flags everywhere) The stock is in miserable shape. (Read: cheap) Tough competition. (Read: Wal-Mart Stores Inc (NYSE: WMT)). Think there's a book to be written about all of this? (Read: who'd want to?).

APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL INC (NASDAQ: APPB)

Food for thought. Kangaroo Holdings wants to buy OSI Restaurant Partners Inc (NYSE: OSI). Not surprisingly, Applebee's stock goes up. Are they cooking up a sale price for themselves as they "evaluate" offers? You betcha.

PALM INC (NASDAQ: PALM)

Going, going...almost gone. Even we're beginning to tire of this one. But it never gets old if you like to watch. Now, they're canceling conferences. The CEO is selling shares. The CFO has a bad back. Come on! The latest product review - Palm Treo 755p - is terrible. Market share is going down the tubes. R&D? Forgetaboutit. Sound like a company on the go? Right. Right into someone else's lap. And to think what they once were. Great job all around, everybody.

This week's rumor round-up: Lam Research close to sale? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 May 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlltelAmdocsAPPBApplebee'sATbuyoutCCCircuit CityCircuitCityDOXIBMInternational Business MachinesInternationalBusinessMachinesLam ResearchLamResearchlboLRCXOSIOSI Restaurant PartnersOsiRestaurantPartnersPALMPalm IncPalmIncprivate equityPrivateEquityrumorsalespeculationTreoWal-MartWMTFri, 25 May 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: Cleveland-Cliffs a target?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/18/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cleveland-cliffs-a-target/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/18/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cleveland-cliffs-a-target/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/18/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cleveland-cliffs-a-target/#commentsFiled under: ,

Maybe this week's theme should be industry consolidation. At least that's where the rumors, and signs, seem to be pointing.

CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC (NYSE: CLF)

Think iron pellets. If you do, you won't be alone. Lots of options folk think they've caught a takeover candidate, and have been picking up bullish options all over. Is it steel industry consolidation fever? Most probably. Rio Tinto plc ADS (NYSE: RTP) and Brazil's CVRD have been named as predators. Speculation about the company's future actually began late last summer for a company with a market cap of just $3B, which happens to be the largest producer of iron ore pellets in all of North America, and a key part of producing steel. The stock has been heading up for about seven months now. Makes sense.

NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION (NYSE: NSC)

Higher and higher goes the stock for a few reasons: Railroad stocks look to be buyout candidates, and some analysts are focused on the Southern, the fourth largest railroad in the U.S. The other reason? Mr. Warren Buffett also owns 6.4M shares worth over $300M. Good enough?

EQUITY INNS INC (NYSE: ENN)

There's speculation that the Inns are in buyout mode. The stock recently hit a 52-week high, and has been going up for about six weeks. Some who follow the company think it's definitely worth more than the $20 a share range.

And two that won't go away: Monster Worldwide Inc (NASDAQ: MNST) and Sherman-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) are absolutely considered to be prime takeover targets.

This week's rumor round-up: Cleveland-Cliffs a target? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 18 May 2007 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutcleveland cliffscleveland-cliffsClevelandCliffsclfennequity innsEquityInnsmnstmonsternorthfork southernNorthforkSouthernnscrio tintoRioTintortprumorsherman williamssherman-williamsShermanWilliamsshwspeculationtakeoverwarren buffettWarrenBuffettFri, 18 May 2007 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple iPhone/Engadget SNAFU: The aftermath]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/17/apple-iphone-engadget-snafu-the-aftermath/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/17/apple-iphone-engadget-snafu-the-aftermath/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/17/apple-iphone-engadget-snafu-the-aftermath/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Understand that Engadget is our sister blog, a star in the AOL constellation, with great writers that push the envelope every day to bring readers the very latest, hottest tech news. Yesterday, that drive came back to bite them in the ass when, acting on a tip from a reliable source, they blogged, and then were forced to retract, a story that the Apple iPhone rollout was going to be delayed.

Unfortunately, in the interval, Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL)'s stock lost an estimated $4 billion in about six minutes. Within half an hour of the blog's retraction, the stock had recovered almost its full value.

Continue reading Apple iPhone/Engadget SNAFU: The aftermath

Apple iPhone/Engadget SNAFU: The aftermath originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 May 2007 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iPhoneapple pantherAppleIphoneApplePantherblogblog reportingbloggingBlogReportingengadgetiphoneiPhone rumorIphoneRumorrumorThu, 17 May 2007 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[AK Steel Holding: A big contributor to the nation's wealth of steel]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/16/ak-steel-holding-a-big-contributor-to-the-nations-wealth-of-st/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/16/ak-steel-holding-a-big-contributor-to-the-nations-wealth-of-st/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/16/ak-steel-holding-a-big-contributor-to-the-nations-wealth-of-st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The next time you are stuck in traffic on the Santa Monica Freeway, you might amuse yourself by recalling that much of the steel in that mass of vehicles was made by an outfit headquartered in Middletown, Ohio.

AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE: AKS) produces carbon, stainless and electrical steel products. The firm makes cold-rolled and aluminum-coated stainless steel for automakers, provides energy efficient electrical steels to makers of power transmission and distribution equipment, and sells hot- and cold-rolled carbon steel to construction companies, automakers and industrial machinery producers. It also manufactures carbon and stainless steel tubular products and makes antimicrobial coated steels for appliances. The firm has major plants and offices in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Pennsylvania. Clients include Ford Motor (NYSE: F), General Electric (NYSE: GE), General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM). Competitors include U.S. Steel (NYSE: X) and Nucor (NYSE: NUE).

The stock is up more than 30% over the past month, on news of a solid first quarter earnings report and takeover talk. The latest rumor involved last week's speculation that Arcelor-Mittal (NYSE: MT) might be sizing the company up as a potential acquisition. The possibility was actively debated in the press and that prompted a remark by the AK Steel CEO that management is "not actively seeking to sell the company." Still, the steel industry is in a consolidation phase and Arcelor-Mittal is said to be interested in bolstering its U.S. presence. The stock popped on the takeover rumor and has since been defining a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern. Prices frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling when they entered them. In this case, that would be to the upside.

Brokers recommend the shares with one "buy," five "holds" and two "sells." The AKS Price to Sales ratio (0.60), Sales Growth rate (19.78%), EPS Growth rate (983.33%) and Revenue per Employee ($907.57k) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutional investors hold about 95% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has traded between $11.11 and $37.70. A stop-loss of $29.30 looks good here.

Larry Schutts is a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com and the Vice-President of Stockwinners.com.

AK Steel Holding: A big contributor to the nation's wealth of steel originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 16 May 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AK Steel HoldingAKSAkSteelHoldingflagfundamental analysisFundamentalAnalysismomentumrumortechnical analysisTechnicalAnalysisWed, 16 May 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: a bidder found for Wendy's?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-a-bidder-found-for-wendys/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-a-bidder-found-for-wendys/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/11/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-a-bidder-found-for-wendys/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Another week, another run through the rumor mill. And, as usual, it all surrounds possible takeovers/buyouts.

WENDY'S INTERNATIONAL INC (NYSE: WEN)

Up first is Wendy's, because since the company is exploring strategic alternatives, and shareholder Highfields Capital Management is pushing for a sale, the idea of a suitor isn't that farfetched. The rumor is that this mystery suitor has bid for the company. Will this Biggie-size Wendy's stock price? Only time will tell.

ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND COMPANY (NYSE: ADM)

And in the earlier stages of the M&A cycle, the rumor with Archer Daniels Midland is that the company has hired a strategic adviser. This wouldn't be that mind-blowing, considering it follows an EPS miss when the company reported on May 1, and a downgrade by ThinkEquity on May 2 on margin weakness.

BEA SYSTEMS INC (NASDAQ: BEAS)

File this under "the boy that cried wolf." BEA Systems has long been the subject of takeover talk, and it has continued this week. This despite firms such as Bernstein saying a takeover is unlikely as the company's valuation is too high.

This week's rumor round-up: a bidder found for Wendy's? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 May 2007 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ADMArcher DanielsBea SystemsBEASBernsteinbuyoutHighfields Capital ManagementHighfieldsCapitalManagementrumorspeculationstrategic alternativeStrategicAlternativetakeoverThinkEquityWENWendy'sFri, 11 May 2007 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: Monster up for sale?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/04/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-monster-up-for-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/04/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-monster-up-for-sale/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/04/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-monster-up-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hour by hour, day to day, week after week, there's usually a fairly significant list of potential takeover candidates, LBOs, or word of a cash infusion from private equity firms. You look them over, and usually out pop some interesting tidbits. So here, dear reader, we go:

CHAPARRAL STEEL COMPANY (NASDAQ: CHAP)

Down in Midlothian, Texas there's a big old "For Sale" sign posted right out there on Ward Rd. That's right. The folks at Chaparral Steel have put the word out: "Come on down." Don't know if that was Goldman Sachs' (GS) idea or not, but those Yankees are there in force looking over them "strategic alternatives." And they're good at it, too. It's probably going to be a sale, but nothing wrong with a partnership, merger recapitalization or taking over another fella's firm. You know? Or who knows, they could decide to sit pretty a while longer. Anyway, the second largest producer of structural steel beams in all North America sure likes to let its neighbors know what it's up to. Right friendly, don't you think? The stock price sure likes it, cause it's moving right up there with all that news.

Continue reading This week's rumor round-up: Monster up for sale?

This week's rumor round-up: Monster up for sale? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 04 May 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutchapchaparrelmnstmonsterpogoppprumorsalespeculationstrategic alternativeStrategicAlternativetakeoverFri, 04 May 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft and Yahoo!: When it's too late, it's too little]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/04/microsoft-and-yahoo-when-its-too-late-its-too-little/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/04/microsoft-and-yahoo-when-its-too-late-its-too-little/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/05/04/microsoft-and-yahoo-when-its-too-late-its-too-little/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Well, it has gone and done it now. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) has apparently initiated talks with Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) again. All I can say is, HAVE IT NO PRIDE???

After Yahoo!'s management shrugged it off the last time it made an offer, Microsoft management should have undertaken an entirely different strategy which should have involved ramping up its own Internet advertising showboat and pinning Yahoo against the wall until it cried uncle and begged for just anyone to acquire it. Instead, MSFT went home, licked its wounds and now came back whining, "Please oh please, won't you marry me?" What kind of limp-wristed business strategy is that?!

The whole thing seems to be sired by Microsoft's bushel of sour grapes in regard to losing the DoubleClick bidding war to Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG). My interpretation of Microsoft's subliminal message here is that it couldn't win the game so it's going to pay the crippled kid down the street to come play with it. The only problem here is that the crippled kid isn't all too interested in playing, and Microsoft doesn't even seem to realize that it's a cripple.

Continue reading Microsoft and Yahoo!: When it's too late, it's too little

Microsoft and Yahoo!: When it's too late, it's too little originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 04 May 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbuyoutgooggoogleinternetmergermicrosoftmsftpartnershiprumorsaleyahoo!yhooFri, 04 May 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: Cummins hits record high]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/27/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cummins-hits-record-high/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/27/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cummins-hits-record-high/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/27/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-cummins-hits-record-high/#commentsFiled under: ,

While you've been busy scouring over this week's earnings reports, back here at rumor central there's been a number of "head ups," but not all that much to write home about, or to send you phoning your broker. But take note of these just for the heck of it.

UNITED RENTALS INC (NYSE: URI)

It's not news that the world's largest rental company has been for sale for a couple of weeks, but once again, as it is for so many speculative situations as this, there's an ongoing undercurrent of chatter. The CEO is retiring in June, and the COO will then hold down the fort. UBS (NYSE: UBS) and Credit Suisse (NYSE: CS) are offering advice. The company's in pretty good shape, and should attract some interesting offers. The stock keeps ticking slowly upward. But the rental market has slowed some. Stay tuned.

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY (NYSE: EK)

The stock's been moving on up. Take over? Cash infusion? Fabulous new product release? Not one of us outsiders knows for sure what's up. So, what is up? Well, they sold the health imaging business and should get paid its $2.35B soon. Is Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) a potential merger partner? Maybe, maybe not. Last month it was reported that Kodak had eyes for OmniVision Technologies (NASDAQ: OVTI). Maybe after quarterly results are released May 4 there'll be a clearer Kodak moment. Just don't count on them to try and rejoin the Better Business Bureau anytime soon. Now there's a rumor.

CUMMINS INC (NYSE: CMI)

Shares hit a record high the other day, at least one brokerage firm upgraded the stock, and reports were that the engine maker was...you guessed it...the target of takeover "expectations." Is that like, expecting? Like expecting to be courted and bought? Fiat (NYSE: FIA) could be expecting cause they are among the "rumored" to want to expand their truck division in good old North America. Cummins, one of the few remaining independents worldwide, meanwhile has been humming along, with three straight years of record earnings. What a machine, eh? Hmmm.

This week's rumor round-up: Cummins hits record high originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cmicumminseastman kodakEastmanKodakekkodakrumorspeculationunited rentalsUnitedRentalsuriFri, 27 Apr 2007 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: Jefferies may be a takeover target]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/20/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-jefferies-may-be-a-takeover-target/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/20/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-jefferies-may-be-a-takeover-target/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/20/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-jefferies-may-be-a-takeover-target/#commentsFiled under:

This is the week that was, or, actually, wasn't. Lots of talk in lots of industries, but not much action. Here's a sampler...

JEFFERIES GROUP, INC. (NYSE: JEF)

The investment bank may be a takeover target. MassMutual, or Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., may be the pursuer. Could make sense. Jefferies has lots of clients; MassMutual has big bucks. Back in the good old days of 2004 they actually worked together on a corporate lending venture. The two CEOs are buddies. We don't know if that's means fishin', huntin' or bridge. But buddies talk, don't they? Jefferies' stock is clearly on the rise.

WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL LTD (NYSE: WFT)

Now that Halliburton Company (HAL) has finished up in Iran, and is done with KBR, word is that they have oil and gas equipment and services provider Weatherford in their sights. That can't be too hard seeing that they have a lot in common and both operate out of Houston. Weatherford's shares have been trading in the high 40s, up some, higher than the lows and lower than the highs of the last many weeks. Not much has happened in the last few days, but maybe it's because those good 'ol boys are deciding whose barbeque place to meet at.

USG CORP. (NYSE: USG)

This one's been around for a while now, and it's worth noting that it's still around, and may be for a while longer. The stock seems poised for a breakout. Is Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett about to make his move? "Yes, hello. I'm calling with a few questions for Mr. Buffett, please...yes, I'll wait..."

This week's rumor round-up: Jefferies may be a takeover target originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jefjefferiesrumorspeculationtakeoverusgusg corpUsgCorpweatherfordwftFri, 20 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: AMD, Circuit City in play?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/13/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-amd-circuit-city-in-play/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/13/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-amd-circuit-city-in-play/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/04/13/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-amd-circuit-city-in-play/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Friday the 13th. Superstitious? If you are, don't read any further.

But hey, you're in the market, aren't you? You know what this game's all about. Then read on, because you never know what's around the next corner, do you? Just be careful not to walk under any ladders.

ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC (NYSE: AMD)

On Monday the chip maker announced that it would report first quarter revenue of $1.23B, about $300M below what was expected, and said it would immediately look to cut costs. So much for those rosy sales forecasts. And it may not get any better any time soon. No matter what, these guys need a cash infusion really badly. So the next thing you know, the rumors began to fly that a private, and friendly, equity partner would emerge from the shadows to help out. While the stock reacted positively to the retrenching news, there's another possibility to consider: management will sell the company. Down route 82 in Santa Clara, meanwhile, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) was said to be smiling broadly.

CIRCUIT CITY STORES INC (NYSE: CC)

Repeat after me: "They hired Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE: GS) to help them look at strategic alternatives." Okay? They've said it's to help them sell those 900 stores they have up in Canada. But they're closing stores in a lot of places, aren't they? They're also firing all those hard working execs who make too much, and will continue to trim the f-a-t, especially that unnecessary spending. Many analysts feel good vibes, focusing on a future they think will be blessed with a long-term upswing. That said, the stock smiled. Repeat after me: "Goldman's not there just to shut the doors on some Canadian stores." Okay? The competition -- think Best Buy Inc (NYSE: BBY) -- isn't going to back off. And word about is that they may go private. That'll keep the stock afloat for now, but then what?

This week's rumor round-up: AMD, Circuit City in play? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionadvanced microAdvancedMicroamdbuy outBuyOutcccircuit cityCircuitCitygoldman sachsGoldmanSachsgsintcintellbomergerrumorspeculationFri, 13 Apr 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: Starbucks in play?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/30/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-starbucks-in-play/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/30/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-starbucks-in-play/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/30/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-starbucks-in-play/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

From the absurd (that's how the Starbucks rumor reads to me) to the overexposed (have we heard enough about the sale of the struggling unit of an automaker yet?), and in between, here is this week's rumor round-up.


STARBUCKS CORP (NASDAQ: SBUX), THE COCA-COLA COMPANY (NYSE: KO)

Envision this: "Yes, I'd like a super-sized cherry vanilla Coca-Cola with a Starbucks mocha grande latte, please. Is that possible? Well, we hear a lot of things, and now it has surfaced that the colas might make a play for the coffees. How much fizz is there to it? Anybody's guess.

DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG (NYSE: DCX)

What began six weeks ago now looks like it has entered its final lap. Mercedes can begin to plan for a future without Chrysler. Here we go: Blackstone Group, Cerberus Capital Management, and Canadian auto supplier Magna International (MGA) are now expected to make their play for the company founded by Walter P. Chrysler. Once again, no one's talking, but bids are apparently to be received by J.P. Morgan Chase (JPM) for DaimlerChrysler before the company's annual meeting next Wednesday in Berlin. Gentleman, start your engines.

BCE INC (NYSE: BCE), TELUS CORPORATION (NYSE: TU)

If you were BCE, Canada's largest telecoms company (Bell Canada), would you loudly say you were not talking to any private equity investors about going private or some such thing? For goodness sakes, you're in the telephone business. Who's going to believe that? "Rumors and speculation" is all they'll say. Well, that's why we're here: r-u-m-o-r-s. Kohlberg Kravis Roberts has been mentioned. One Canadian paper even said BCE hired Goldman Sachs (GS) for advice. They don't lower their fees just for rumors, do they? Bet everyone's working the phones, with call waiting on. The latest says the company is looking to make "radical changes" which may include a merger with Telus.

This week's rumor round-up: Starbucks in play? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bcebuyoutcoca-coladaimlerchryslerdcxkomergerrumorsalesbuxspeculationstarbuckstakeovertelustuFri, 30 Mar 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: "The Donald" selling Trump Entertainment?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/23/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-the-donald-selling-trump-entertain/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/23/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-the-donald-selling-trump-entertain/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/23/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-the-donald-selling-trump-entertain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There are at least three busy bees this week: Donald, Carl, and Andy. Andy? Who's Andy? Read on...


TRUMP ENTERTAINMENT RESORTS INC (NASDAQ: TRMP)

Can you image Trump being in demand? Gosh, he always says that, but now, there's something to it. If "The Donald" decides to sell his casino company, his timing is right because there's strong interest in gaming assets, and not too much competition in Atlantic City, where his casino properties are located. Last week Donald's company hired Merrill Lynch to help with "strategic options", which, of course, means it's for sale. And if everyone gets this one right, Donald won't have to fire anyone.


MOTOROLA INC (NYSE: MOT)

There's no satisfying Carl. Carl Icahn, that is, who wants a seat on Motorola's board and keeps upping his stake in the company, now at 2.7%. The company buys back its shares; Carl wants them to buy more. Over the last five months, thanks to cheaper phones and tough competition, the company has lost about a third of its market value, or $22B. Then they issue another profit warning. Carl still wants in, but the company doesn't want Carl. Motorola sure hopes those shareholders will stand with them. Not Carl.


PALM INC (NASDAQ: PALM)

"As you can imagine, there's a lot of rumors and speculation out there and we're not going to comment on that stuff," says Palm CFO Andy Brown. Oh, come on Andy, what's up? Really. You have a 60%-plus profit decline, and gee, Wall Street doesn't have the hots for your stock. Earnings projections are in the tank. And what's Morgan Stanley doing to earn their keep and help you sort this all out, anyway? Sale, sale, sale? Will it be DelI (DELL)? Hewlett-Packard (HPQ)? Microsoft (MSFT)? Motorola? Come on Andy! Would you call us first? We're listed.

This week's rumor round-up: "The Donald" selling Trump Entertainment? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionbuyoutcarl icahnCarlIcahncasinodonald trumpDonaldTrumpmotmotorolapalmrumortakeovertrmptrumpFri, 23 Mar 2007 14:04:00 EST<![CDATA[This week's rumor round-up: New Century to go bankrupt?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/09/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-new-century-to-go-bankrupt/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/09/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-new-century-to-go-bankrupt/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/03/09/this-weeks-rumor-round-up-new-century-to-go-bankrupt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What is up is the theme of this week's merger talk, because there is lots of chatter, but no bold moves. Yet.


NEW CENTURY FINANCIAL CORPORATION (NYSE: NEW)

Down the tubes, and then what? With bankruptcy imminent, what next happens to the nation's second largest sub prime mortgage banker? Shares continue to fall today, recently at $3.18, a 69 cent fall, equal to almost 18%. Just two months ago the share price was over $30. The real estate investment trust isn't getting any help from lenders. Maybe reorganization is just what they need.

PALM INC (NASDAQ: PALM), DELL INC (NASDAQ: DELL)

Or should it be Dell, Palm? Either way, Palm is looking to sell, and Dell is looking to buy. Palm knows Apple Inc's (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone can really hit them with a number of body blows, hence, get out while the getting's good, or at least okay, seems to be the Palm plan. For Dell, they're looking at smart phones as a part of their consumer products future. And lord knows they have the cash to buy a Palm. It's a brand with international contacts and a retail distribution network. Let the bidding begin, say at $2B?

NOBLE DRILLING CORP (NYSE: NE)

A noble "no" to an LBO was sent out from high atop the corporate structure several weeks ago, but rumors keep a coming. Yes, they said they'd use their extra dough to buy their own stock, just like they did before, in 2006. And that's what they've been doing. Who knows, maybe there's nothing to it.


CLAIRE'S STORES INC (NYSE: CLE)

Private equity firm Apax seems to be in the lead to take the 3,000 stores-strong Claire's. Get this: Apax is said to be so anxious to get going that it's said they have new management "in waiting." Wow. Claire's has said it's exploring "strategic alternatives", including a sale. Goldman Sachs is helping. Must be serious stuff. By the way, same store sales were up but down recently. Up 1%, but 2.3% was expected. What do you think Apax feeds that management team in waiting, anyway?

ALLTEL CORPORATION (NYSE: AT)

Buy me, please. That's what the nation's fifth largest wireless operator (subscribers) has been saying. AT&T is kicking the tires, but because of antitrust and other issues, it may only be doing just that. Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) may have a look-see, as well as private equity firms. Tepid seems to have been the response so far, but that can change quickly. Management says the rumors are nothing new. Is that a bad thing?

This week's rumor round-up: New Century to go bankrupt? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alltelatbankruptcybuyoutchatterclaire'sclairescledellmergernenewnew centuryNewCenturynoblepalmrumorspeculationFri, 09 Mar 2007 15:00:00 EST