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NovaGold Further Details Its NovaCopper Spin

Spin Doctor — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:20:44 +0000

NovaGold (NG) recently provided an update on its planned spinoff of its Northern Alaska Ambler copper deposits. Since that doesn’t quite roll off the tongue, the new company will be known as NovaCopper. Click here for our earlier article on this topic. Shareholders of NovaGold will receive 1 share of NovaCopper for every 6 shares of [...]

Episode 83 – Jere Jones, Where Are You?

Android Buffet — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 04:18:55 +0000

Jere didn't show up this week, so Guru had to go it alone. Jere, please come back...

Paulson To Hartford Financial – Spin Or Else?

Spin Doctor — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 14:20:21 +0000

Listening to (or reading) company conference calls are a necessary but often painful part of investing. Calls are usually filled with a bunch of numbers, some CEO speak and suck-up analysts (if the company is doing well) so anything out of the ordinary or even somewhat controversial becomes noteworthy. Throw in ‘legendary’ fund manager John [...]

The Joys Of Activist Investing

Spin Doctor — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:57:32 +0000

Ah, to be an activist investor. Push around executives, demand ‘shareholder friendly’ measures and all this while maintaining the flexibility of trading in and out of shares. After pushing hard for a breakup, Carl Icahn quickly rang the register on a chunk of his Motorola Mobility (MMI) stake shortly after its takeout announcement. Too much [...]

Review: Home Water Filtration

Admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:00:07 +0000

Time after time, we start research all sorts of gadgets, from technology to productivity tools to…well, home tech. This week, we are talking about water filtration filters. Many people buy bottled water. We’re not sure why they do this. Some bottled water is actually tap water. Tap water is actually more regulated than bottled water....

Google’s Motorola Purchase Nears Completion

Spin Doctor — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:34:46 +0000

With both the DOJ and EU regulatory body blessing the transaction, Google’s (GOOG) purchase of spinoff Motorola Mobility (MMI) is finally close to fruition. No small feat given the recent failures of some other large deals such as ATT’s (T) takeout of T-Mobile and the NYX/Deutsche Boerse combo. Motorola’s hefty patent portfolio appears to have [...]

PEOPLExpress is Back

Admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:25:49 +0000

PEOPLExpress is back…well, the name is, at least. The new PEOPLExpress is a low-cost carrier with a mission statement to serve markets currently underserved by major carriers. Despite the fact it has not even filed with the DOT to become a scheduled airline, they made this announcement and hope to have service up by this summer, operating a fleet of 737-400s with 158 seats. The airline wants to make flying fun again, and will offer fares that includes the first two bags and seat assignments. The announcement was made at Patrick Henry Field in Newsport News, Virginia, which will be the future headquarters of the airline. More on this as it develops. Related articles An airline is born: PEOPLExpress to begin service out of Virginia (gadling.com)

Episode 82 – Cookies on a Plane?

Android Buffet — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:56:10 +0000

Verizon...it's an old person's nightmare.

When One Plus One Equals Negative Two- Tiny US Rare Earth Minerals To Spin Off Even Tinier Division That Wants You To Eat Mud

Inelegant Investor — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:17:29 +0000

Not all spinoffs unlock value. For one thing, there has to be something of value there to begin with. Spinoffs can sometimes be a tool in the arsenal of those operating in the underbelly of the stock market, promoting stocks with no real business except selling stock. Take U.S. Rare Earth Minerals(USMN). An impressive name, [...]

When One Plus One Equals Negative Two- Tiny US Rare Earth Minerals To Spin Off Even Tinier Division That Wants You To Eat Mud is a post from Stock Spinoffs - Finding Value in Special Situations. All Rights Reserved.

Biglari Adds Old Rival To Biglari Holdings Board

Inelegant Investor — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:36:21 +0000

Sardar Biglari has acquired a reputation as mercurial CEO, engaging in multiple proxy fights and hostile bids for companies he’d like to acquire. In a particularly prolonged battle, Biglari spent well over a year attempting to acquire Fremont Michigan Insuracorp through his Biglari Holdings(BH) vehicle. Fremont went so far as to have a Michigan state [...]

How Do You Say Spinoff In Portuguese?

Spin Doctor — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:28:55 +0000

It seems the spinoff bug is even starting to spread a bit into the emerging markets, with Brazil being the latest country to catch the fever. Well…maybe more of a cough or a minor cold. JBS SA (JBSAY), once a potential player in the Sara Lee (SLE) sweepstakes, announced plans to spin off its dairy [...]

Bankrupt Kodak Finally Starts Killing Hopeless Businesses, Retains Doublespeak

Inelegant Investor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:15:28 +0000

Eastman Kodak(EKDKQ), in bankruptcy with its shares destined to be worthless, is finally starting to make the moves that might have helped it avert this fate had failed CEO Antonio Perez undertaken them sooner. The company announced today that “it plans to phase out its dedicated capture devices business“. Perhaps part of its failure lies [...]

On The Irrelevance Of The Dow Jones Industrial Average

Inelegant Investor — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:56:02 +0000

Though its influence has finally waned somewhat in recent years, for over a century, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has been, and, for many, remains, synonymous with the stock market. News reports continue to proclaim “the market” is up or down, referring to this index. Yet, the index consists of a mere 30 stocks, not [...]

Barry Diller: “I am the Spin Master”

Inelegant Investor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:04:17 +0000

We came across this gem recently while perusing a transcript of IAC/InterActiveCorp’s(IACI) 4th quarter conference call. Diller is indeed a veteran of many spinoffs, including Expedia(EXPE) and its new progeny, TripAdvisor(TRIP) Ross Sandler – RBC Capital Markets Just two quick questions. Barry on that theme of using the past to kind of look at the [...]

Satellite Spinoff In The Air For Loral

Spin Doctor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:53:51 +0000

After undergoing a strategic review and failing to find a buyer, Loral Space & Communication (LORL) announced that it is committed to spinning off its Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) segment. SS/L designs, manufactures and integrates satellites and space systems for a wide variety of commercial and government customers. The unit appears to be growing rather nicely [...]

Episode 81 – Phone Booth

Android Buffet — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:33:59 +0000

Jere loses weight, Guru doesn't know who he is on what social network...private phone booths and more.

Does Two Spins A Marathon Make?

Spin Doctor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:28:11 +0000

Less than a year after being spun out of the Marathon Oil Corporation (MRO), the Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is pondering a spin of its own. Talk about moving quickly. Egged on by activist investor Jana Partners (who is also ‘prodding’ McGraw-Hill [MHP]), the company is considering setting up an master limited partnership (MLP) for [...]

Hundreds Tune In to Malev Funeral Procession

Admin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:23:38 +0000

On Friday, Malev ceased operation. Late that night and into Saturday morning, fourteen Boeing 737 aircraft, leased from the International Lease Finance Corporation, were flown to Shannon, Ireland. Malev operated eighteen 737s, seventeen of which were leased from ILFC. The first of the aircraft to leave Budapest flew a solemn lap around the airport and a fly-past over the runway. The operation attracted more than 300 listeners to the Shannon air traffic control feed on LiveATC.net, making it the most listened to live feed in the world at the time. Almost 200 people listened to the Budapest feed as the aircraft departed. It is not known how long the planes will remain in Shannon, but they are expected to be repainted and leased to another airline. Accompanying the 737s was a DeHavilland Dash-8 turboprop, which flew the crews back to Budapest. It is always a sad day in aviation when a long-standing airline fails. At least there was this final moment of remembrance, as Malev departed Budapest for the last time. Related articles RIP Malev and Spanair (flightwisdom.com) Hungarian carrier Malév parks its airplanes (aviationblog.dallasnews.com) R.I.P. Malev – by Szafi (airlineworld.wordpress.com) R.I.P. Malév – by balint01 (airlineworld.wordpress.com) Ryanair moves into [...]

The Asus Transformer as a Productivity Device

Admin — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 04:47:08 +0000

Last time on Gadget Wisdom, we were asking the question of whether a tablet can be your primary computer. After we wrote this, we headed off on a long weekend with only an Asus Transformer. This is the original Asus Transformer TF101, not the newer Transformer Prime, but the concept is basically the same. If...

Rouse Announces Record Date For Rights Offering

Inelegant Investor — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:44:20 +0000

Rouse Properties(RSE) had announced it intended to do a rights offering after its spinoff from General Growth Properties(GGP) was complete. This afternoon, Rouse announced that the offering will be set for the close of business on February 13. Each Right will allow the holder to purchase 0.375094056 shares of stock at a price per share [...]

RIP Malev and Spanair

Admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:45:40 +0000

Last week, Spanair ceased operations after 25 years. The airline had been looking for a takeover partner to ensure operations, but was unable to do so and the government withdrew the funding support it had been giving the airline. Today, after 65 years, state-owned Malev Hungarian Airlines ceased operations as the government withdrew financing. The government had renationalized Malev in 2010, after 3 years of private ownership. Flights ceased at 6AM local time, and police are likely still guarding the ticket desk at the airport in Budapest as hundreds of passengers are trying to rebook or get a refund. The withdrawing of government funding for carriers is an issue in many European countries right now, due to the European debt crisis. The Hungarian government is seeking to aid in setting up a replacement, but only with private equity. We remember watching passengers queue for Malev flights in Terminal 3 at JFK. Their service to the United States terminated in 2008, after over a decade. It is always sad to see another airline go. Malev was actually supposed to receive deliveries of the Sukhoi Superjet 100, beginning last year, as part of a fleet revitalization. Now, that, like many things, will [...]

Viking Global Investors Reveals 6% Passive Stake In TripAdvisor

Inelegant Investor — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:28:07 +0000

Viking Global Investors filed a 13G yesterday, declaring a 6% passive stake in TripAdvisor(TRIP). It appears that the entire stake was purchased quite recently, as former TripAdvisor parent Expedia(EXPE) does not appear in the firm’s most recent 13F-HR, filed on November 14. As far as we can tell, Viking has never filed a 13D to [...]

LaGuardia’s Central Terminal Plan Requests Proposals

Admin — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:06:11 +0000

When they knocked down the former National Airlines terminal at New York’s Kennedy Airport, we bemoaned the fact nothing could be done to save part of this unique structure. When they knocked down the back of the old TWA terminal, and fortunately saved the front part of it, we were equally sad. And when they announced the loss of the Worldport, we bemoaned the loss of another icon. But, when it comes to the Central Terminal at LaGuardia Airport, there is nothing interesting or distinctive about it. It consists of narrow concourses. They’ve made some improvements, but it is inadequate for the needs of the airport and should be replaced.And the Port Authority announced that it was received 15 proposals from private investors to the project. We’re not sure what their plans are, but there are architectural features we hope they would keep in a new building. The terminal contains a food court and shopping area with a large glass window area. We tend to be saddened by the fact that modern airports seem to lack observation areas, outdoor or enclosed. The one at Laguardia used to be a tourist attraction. Too many of these have been closed for security [...]

McGraw-Hill May Sell, Rather Than Spin, Education Business

Inelegant Investor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:22:48 +0000

McGraw-Hill(MHP) confirmed that it continues to move forward with a spinoff of its Education business, calling it ‘Plan A’, even while it engages in talks with potential buyers for the business. It is believed that the division is worth more than $2.5 billion. On today’s earnings conference call, the company indicated that the spinoff continued [...]

Post Holdings To Join S&P MidCap 400 Index

Inelegant Investor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:21:04 +0000

S&P announced that, as of the close of trading on February 6, Post Holdings(POST) will join its former parent, Ralcorp(RAH) in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. Post will replace Comstock Resources(CRK) which will be moving to the smallcap index. Post will be distributed to shareholders of Ralcorp at the close of trading on February 3. [...]

Forbes Plays Monday Morning QB And Looks At Five ‘Shortsighted’ Spins

Spin Doctor — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:11:24 +0000

M&A gets a lot of attention, but many have questioned whether or not it delivers the expected returns to shareholders. Often this is a result of paying too much. While the data on spinoffs is pretty favorable (we might be a bit biased here), the transaction can have some consequences. For example, if the parent [...]

Episode 80 – The Incredible Shrinking Co-Host

Android Buffet — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:11:41 +0000

Guru and Jere talk about privacy, news, and more.

What You Say On Twitter May Keep You Out Of The United States

Infrequent Flier — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:37:51 +0000

We were disturbed by reports today that two British travelers were questioned, detained, and deported by the Department of Homeland Security, allegedly because of two tweets. Leigh Van Bryan and Emily Bunting say they were questioned for hours, detained, placed in a cell with violent criminals who stole their food, and finally sent back to England. All because Mr. Bryan joked on Twitter that he was going to “destroy America” during his trip — an apparent reference to partying — as well as dig up the grave of Marylin Monroe — a joke. “The Homeland Security agents were treating me like some kind of terrorist,” Mr. Bryan, a 26-year-old Irish citizen, said in an interview published in the British tabloid The Daily Mail. “‘You’ve really messed up with that tweet, boy,’” Mr. Bryan remembered one agent saying, using a more profane expression for messed up. He was questioned under oath about his postings to Twitter, according to images of a document said to be from the agency. The document, posted by The Daily Mail and quoted by The Sun, appeared to demonstrate a less-than-full understanding of social media by agents explaining the reason for the questioning: Mr. Bryan confirmed that [...]

Sears Sells Inventory And Customer Lists From Kmart’s Pharmacies To Be Closed To Walgreens

Inelegant Investor — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:34:04 +0000

Walgreens(WAG) announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire prescription files and inventory from 33 Kmart pharmacies in 16 states from Sears Holdings(SHLD). A quick look at the locations reveals that these are the Kmart locations scheduled to be closed in the next few months. The first transition already happened 3 days ago, [...]

Kayak Stares Into The Face Of New Competition From Google, Fights Back With New Design

Infrequent Flier — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:21:10 +0000

We’ve long been fans of Kayak.com, though we have to admit that as of late, increased clutter and unreliability or lack of JetBlue results have had us using the site less often. Like most comparison sites, Kayak uses ITA software’s technology. ITA was purchased by Google last year, amid much fear that Google would use the acquisition to dominate this market. Google has, in fact, launched its own flight search tool, but Kayak is not standing still. Kayak spent six months on a new, simplified interface which it will be launching today. We aren’t seeing it yet on their website, but based on the screenshots, it looks to have removed much of the clutter that has crept into Kayak’s interface in the past few years. We welcome simplicity and will be looking to see whether Kayak can once again become our first stop for flight search. Related articles Google Makes Flight Search Results Better Looking, More Useful (searchengineland.com) Bing’s Travel Search & Kayak Favoritism Angers No One, While Google’s Gets Headline Attention From WSJ (searchengineland.com) Orbitz, Kayak think Google is abusing its power with travel search (venturebeat.com) Google excludes online travel agents from “Flight Search” (consumertraveler.com) With IPO On Hold, [...]

Kayak Stares Into The Face Of New Competition From Google, Fights Back With New Design is a post from Flight Wisdom - News, Thoughts, and Advice on Air Travel and the Travel Experience. All Rights Reserved.