# Tuesday, September 16, 2008
American International Group Inc. (NYSE: AIG) shares fluxuated wildly throughout the day as investors speculated on the future of the insurance giant. Many experts believe that the firm is simply too large to fail as its securities are held by many hedge funds and other large players in the international markets. This led many to speculate that the Federal Reserve would rescue the firm if private investors failed; however, there are many other options also on the table keeping shares alive.

One popular theory is that Hank Greenburg, former CEO of AIG, may attempt to take control of the company through a proxy fight or buyout. The investors are also reportedly considering the acquisition of AIG's subsidiaries or making loans to the company. Many are aware that AIG was once Hank's baby before it was taken away and now destroyed- he may use this opportunity to retake control and attempt to save it. Indeed, the former executive already controls 11 percent of the bank.

Meanwhile, many experts are confident that the Federal Reserve will prove to be a backstop incase of any problems. CNBC reported that the Fed was considering providing financing and managed to help shares off of their lows of the day. However, the Fed itself could not provide any further comments on the matter. Others remain convinced that the Fed will not offer help after it jilted Lehman Brothers just yesterday.

Related Companies
Lehman Brothers (LEH)
Hartford Financial Services (HIG)
CNA Financial Corporation (CNA)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 8:09:52 PM UTC  #     |  Trackback
# Monday, September 15, 2008
Longs Drug Stores Corp. (NYSE: LDG) was a stock that we featured about a month ago after billionaire investor Bill Ackman built up a timely stake through his Pershing Square Capital Management. The activist investor purchased a sizable stake shortly before CVS announced that it intended to acquire the firm sending shares sharply higher. Now, it appears that another drug store with deep pockets is interested in acquiring the company...

Walgreen Co. announced a rival bid over the weekend that came in at $75 per share, compared to CVS' offer of just $71.50 per share. Investors pushed shares as high as $76 per share today as hopes they hoped CVS would increase its own bid for the company. However, the Walgreen's deal could be mired in problems, according to some analysts. Most notably, federal antitrust regulators could get involved as Walgreen's stores are very close to Long's stores in several key markets in California.

That same real estate is likely what attracted many of these acquisition offers. In fact, Bill Ackman likely purchased his stake with the idea of selling the company's owned real estate and leasing it back to generate value. CVS' own estimates also show the substantial value held in the real estate. And finally, several shareholders have already balked at CVS' offer because they believe it underestimates this real estate.

So, what will happen from here? Well, shareholders are likely to continue their speculation and keep Long's shares above $76. A higher offer from CVS is about 50% likely while an eventual acquisition by CVS at a smaller $73 or so premium makes up a substantial additional possibility. However, it is likely that Walgreen's bid will fail due to regulatory concerns unless they promise to actually sell off the properties in these key areas and divest them completely...

Related Companies
CVS Caremark Corporation (CVS)
Walgreen Company (WAG)
Rite Aid Corporation (RAD)
PetMed Express, Inc. (PETS)

Monday, September 15, 2008 6:07:18 PM UTC  #     |  Trackback
# Friday, September 12, 2008
NN, Inc. (NDAQ: NNBR) shares surged higher after the company announced a new $20 million share buyback program. The program would result in a little less than a 10% reduction in the number of shares on the open market. Investors are hoping that this reduction will help boost the company's earnings per share number as less shares outstanding increases the equation. This should then encourage investors to revalue the stock at a higher multiple.

Buying back stock is good for several reasons. First, it uses up excess cash on the balance sheet and provides a better return than the money market. Secondly, buying back stock can increase the company's return on equity along with other financial ratios as less shares outstanding increases the fraction in many cases. And finally, buying back stock has a psychological effect on the market in that it signals that the firm itself believes that its shares are undervalued.

NN, Inc. operates in three segments: the metal bearing components segment, the plastic and rubber components segment, and the precision metal components segment. Within the metal bearing components segment, the Company manufactures and supplies high-precision bearing components, consisting of balls, cylindrical rollers, tapered rollers and metal retainers, for bearing manufacturers on a global basis.

Related Companies
The Timken Company (TKR)
RBC Bearings Incorporated (ROLL)
Kaydon Corporation (KDN)
Friday, September 12, 2008 7:05:05 PM UTC  #     |  Trackback