# Monday, November 05, 2007
IAC/InterActiveCorp (NDAQ:IACI) shares rallied over six percent today after the diversified internet company announced that it would split up into five separate entities. Shareholders are hoping that the move will enable them to better capitalize on web media and services. The deal also included a deal with Google to provide sponsored search listings, which is expected to yield in excess of $3.5 billion in advertising revenue for the company.

The new IAC, led by Barry Diller, will be comprised of Ask.com, Citysearch, CursorMania, IAC Advertising Solutions, Evite, Excite, InsiderPages, iWon, My Fun Cards, My Way, Popular Screensavers, Smiley Central, Webfetti, Zwinky, Match.com, ServiceMagic, Shoebuy.com, Entertainment Publications, Reserve America, Black Web Enterprises, BustedTees, CollegeHumor, GarageGames, Gifts.com, Green.com, InstantAction, Primal Ventures, Pronto, Very Short List, Vimeo , and 23/6 along with its investments in Active.com, Brightcove, FiLife, Medem, MerchantCircle, OpenTable, Points.com and SHOP Channel.

The four new operations will include HSN for retailing, Ticketmaster, Interval International and LendingTree. Upon completion of the transaction, IAC's shareholders will own 100% of the equity in all five companies in a transaction that is expected to be tax-free. Shareholders are hoping that this transaction will help unlock value in the company that has been somewhat depressed despite its strong holdings of internet properties. This makes IACI a stock worth watching!

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Monday, November 05, 2007 8:38:50 PM UTC  #     |  Trackback
Entergy Corporation (NYSE:ETR) shares rose four percent today after the company announced that it would be spinning off its non-utility nuclear business from its regulated utility business through a tax-free spin off. Shareholders are hoping that the spin off will provide them with an opportunity to profit in an increasingly difficult marketplace.

The new spin off is expected to consist of the non-utility nuclear assets, including the Pilgrim Nuclear Station, the James A. FitzPatrick plant, Indian Point Energy Center, the Palisades plan, and the Vermont Yankee plant along with a power marketing operation. The new company would be 50 percent owned by Entergy and would generate about 5,000 megawatts in a market that has some of the highest energy prices in the USA.

Interestingly, the new spin off is expected to have $4.5 billion in debt, which Fitch considered too high to give it an investment grade level rating. This means that the new company could have trouble raising money through debt offerings and may have to resort to more-costly equity if it needs funding at any point. However, the parent company will definitely have a large burden off its shoulders, which has many shareholders excited.

The parent company also noted that shareholders should expect a share buyback plan as soon as the deal is completed. Combined, this news has many shareholders excited as shares continue to rally this afternoon. This makes ETR a stock worth watching!

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Monday, November 05, 2007 5:36:08 PM UTC  #     |  Trackback
American International Group Inc. (NYSE:AIG) is facing increased pressure from Hank Greenberg to unlock value for shareholders. The former CEO said late last week that he was considering and evaluating strategic alternatives designed to lead to the maximization of their investment in the company. Shares in the company jumped almost three percent today while options volatility soared on the news.

Greenberg said that he believes there are opportunities to significantly improve the company's performance and strategic direction, as well as the value of their investment. In this connection, he anticipates holding discussions with stockholders and third parties that may address a number of issues.
 
These discussions include without limitation, their respective views on the company's business and prospects, the suggested disposition of certain of its operations, investment opportunities and concerns over the direction and management of the company generally, and other opportunities to improve or realize on the value of their investment in the company.

Many investors are concerned that the insurance company will face a writedown related to subprime assets; however, the bad news is likely already priced into the stock. This move by Greenberg should help AIG in the long run by refocusing management on ways in which shareholder value can be maximized. Combined, these factors make AIG a stock worth watching!

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Monday, November 05, 2007 4:11:20 PM UTC  #     |  Trackback