Through The Fly's Eyes: Rumor Mill

from Tedd Cohen of Theflyonthewall.com











Rumor Round-up

Just another Friday the 13th. Right? Like those odds? Let’s see…

SPRINT NEXTEL (S)

Here’s a talked about possible takeover target that deserves attention. The customer is always right, right? Not here. Complain about a problem, don’t get results, complain some more, and bam!, they cut you off. That’s right. Ask the first lucky 1,000 complainers-soon-to-be-former customers if they’re happy with their new carrier. Bet they are. What this company needs is a new leader. And don’t forget Mr. Gary D. Forsee, chairman, president and CEO, what goes around, comes around. Time to hand those triple titles over to new management and move out of the way. What a country.

MOTOROLA (MOT)

Being number two not good enough? How about number three? It hasn’t hit the newswire yet, but don’t be surprised if Edward J. Zander, chairman and CEO, is pushed out. Another case of bad customer relations? Sure is. First falling behind Nokia (NOK), and now Samsung, is a matter of a lack of sales in a booming wireless market. No easy fete, that. The company is losing money, shaking the management tree, and firing employees in droves. And they have no new phone coming out of the pipeline. The question is: When does Mr. Zander get his number called?



STILL FLYING AROUND

WADDELL & REED FINANCIAL (WDR)

Is a private equity firm interested in this investment products company? Since last month, when Nuveen Investments (JNC) was sold to Madison Dearborn Partners, Waddell & Reed has been the subject of a buyout. The speculation hasn’t gone away, and the stock continues to trade near its 52 week high of $27.80.

TRAVELZOO (TZOO)

The talk of a sale gets louder.


BUZZ

FedEx (FDX): Takeover talk continues as the stock climbs…Under Armour (UA): Will the next Nike (NKE) be bought?...BEA Systems (BEAS): Have they hired an investment banker to explore their options?...Black & Decker (BDK): Trading is trading near its 52 week high on word that it may be a takeover target…E.W. Scripps (SSP): Could they spin off their cable assets?