Update: Since this article was posted, Charter announced it would be terminating its common share stocks. We DO NOT think charter should be bought any more since it is now worthless.

OK, this is a quick mover and not a LONG term investment.
Yes this is very speculative but I think it is worth it.
Charter is about to get investment via the hard way, through debt buyout in chapter 11.
However, we like this move and feel the stock will shoot over 50 cents in the next few months.

Here is more info on the current news.

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Private-equity firm Apollo Management reportedly is in talks to acquire a stake in Charter Communications Inc. as part of the cable company’s expected bankruptcy reorganization, according to a published report.

A story in the online edition of the Wall Street Journal late Thursday, citing people familiar with the talks, reported that Apollo — which already controls a large amount of Charter’s debt — would swap debt for equity as part of the restructuring.

Charter (CHTR) said last month it planned to filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by April 1.

The Journal report said Paul Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft Corp. who has controlled Charter, will retain voting control of the company, according to securities filings. Apollo will have minority voting rights and a noncontrol position, according to people familiar with the talks.

The news of Apollo’s involvement in the restructuring talks was reported earlier by Reuters.

Charter, which has been weighed down by huge debt for years, said in mid-February it had reached an agreement with some of its creditors on plans to begin a financial restructuring that would reduce its debt by about $8 billion. Two of its subsidiaries, CCH I Holdings LLC and Charter Communications Holdings LLC, would make interest payments of about $74 million on certain notes that were due.

Charter is one of the largest U.S. cable operators, with 5.5 million customers. It carries a crushing long-term debt of more than $20 billion.

The company reported Monday that its fourth-quarter net loss widened on $1.5 billion in write-downs as the debt-laden cable operator said it wouldn’t make its scheduled interest payment due on its CCH II LLC notes.

Charter posted a net loss of $1.5 billion, or $3.96 a share, compared with a year-earlier loss of $468 million, or $1.27 a share. The latest results included the write-downs, while the prior year’s included $178 million in write-downs. The company had said last month in preliminary results that it expected about $1.5 billion in write-downs for the period.

Revenue increased from $1.55 billion to $1.66 billion, slightly above the company’s projection last month for $1.65 billion.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters had expected a net loss of 71 cents a share on revenue of $1.63 billion

This is a stock pick of mine that I feel has huge potential.
Bionovo Inc (BNVI) NASDAQ is near it’s all time lows but for the wrong reasons.
This company has several promising drugs and research programs that could EXPLODE at anytime.
I think this stock is a BUY up to about $1.25 and then hold.
If they “strike it” on one drug or are sought for purchase, this stock could shoot up over $6 a share.

Here is some of their corporate info:

“Scientific development, regulatory progress and growth accurately characterize Bionovo in 2008,” said Isaac Cohen, O.M.D., Bionovo’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We successfully laid the scientific groundwork and regulatory filings which ultimately is essential for the successful approval and marketing of several safe and efficacious drug candidates, which address significant areas of currently unmet medical need. We look forward to 2009 as a year for clinical progress and commercial partnering. This progress is reflected by the increased interest by the scientific community and is evidenced by the number of key opinion leaders, with three National Academy of Science members, who are now actively involved with the progress and development of Bionovo’s drugs.”

Corporate Issues

* Bionovo made several notable additions to its Board of Directors; leading healthcare professionals with extensive experience in the development of life science companies, including:
o George Butler, formerly of Astra Zeneca and Novartis,
o Louis Drapeau, CEO of Insite Vision and formerly in leadership roles at Nektar Therapeutics and BioMarin, and
o John D. Baxter. M.D., member of the National Academy of Sciences, and a founder and director of Scios/Nova, Karo-Bio A.B. (Stockholm), Calhoun Vision, and SciClone Pharmaceuticals (SCLN).

* During 2008, Bionovo significantly strengthened its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) with the addition of several world-renowned scientists and clinicians:
o Ethan Weiss, M.D., University of California at San Francisco,
o Willa A Hsueh, M.D., The Methodist Hospital, Houston,
o Jan Ake Gustafsson, M.D., Ph.D., member, National Academy of Sciences and formerly of the Karolinska Institute, and
o Bert W. O’Malley, M.D., Recipient of the 2008 National Medal for Science, member, the National Academy of Sciences, and currently at the Baylor College of Medicine.

MF101

* An independent physician survey shows strong evidence that, if approved, Menerba(TM) (MF101) could become first-line treatment for menopausal symptoms. This suggests that Menerba could take a leading position in a multi-billion dollar market.
* Bionovo announced that it has developed a novel analytical 2-dimensional liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based (LC/LC-MS/MS) multiplexing platform that allows for the rapid, specific, sensitive automated quantification of the active pharmaceutical compounds of Menerba. If applied to botanical drug product production, this technique should facilitate exquisite batch-to-batch consistency and control of the final drug product.
* Multiple papers were presented to the Endocrine Society indicating that estrogen receptor beta may have a role in cancer prevention – suggesting that Menerba may have an ultimate role in cancer treatment beyond its current proposed indication for menopausal hot flashes.
* Also presented at the Endocrine Society was a study describing the development of a neural model for thermoregulation in the brain, providing more specific scientific support for Menerba’s mechanism of action and efficacy potential.
* Bionovo announced that further analysis of the data from its successfully completed phase 2 study of Menerba showed that Menerba was able to reduce “night awakenings” from menopausal hot flashes at a statistically significant level. This sign of efficacy in the most debilitating aspect of hot flashes is further evidence that Menerba may provide an unmatched combination of safety and efficacy in comparison to other treatments being developed or currently on the market.

BZL101 and other Cancer Drug Candidates

* A peer-reviewed study published in the journal Cancer Biology and Treatment, described the powerful and selective mechanism of action for BZL101 in cancer tumors.
* Another study was presented at American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) that detailed the unique mechanisms of action for two other Bionovo drug candidates for the treatment of cancer, BN107 and BN108.
* Results from a second clinical study of BZL101 in advanced breast cancer was presented at ASCO, indicating BZL101′s favorable tolerability and safety profile, and exhibiting encouraging signs of positive efficacy.
o Further results from this study were presented to the Society of Integrative Oncology (SIO), where the abstract was the highest scoring abstract.
* Additional studies of BN107 and BN108 were presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, indicating promising signs of potential efficacy for both cancer drug candidates.

VG101

* Laboratory studies were presented at the 7th Annual Oxford International Conference on the Science of Botanicals & American Society of Pharmacognosy 4th Interim Meeting, describing the structural elucidation of active estrogen receptor beta selective compounds from VG101, Bionovo’s drug candidate for vaginal atrophy. This structural elucidation is key to the development of the drug candidate’s mechanism of action and intellectual property protection.
* In vivo safety and efficacy data were presented to the Endocrine Society, indicating VG101 may have superior clinical activity to existing drug products for the treatment of menopausal vaginal dryness.
* This data was further detailed to the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), indicating that VG101 may well provide superior efficacy and safety versus estrogen therapy.

Full Year Result

For the year ended December 31, 2008 total revenues were $0.2 million compared with $0.6 million for the same period in 2007. Revenues in 2008 consisted of a National Institute of Health (NIH) grant drawdown, whereas revenues in 2007 included the recognition of licensing revenues from a licensing and technology agreement with a Taiwanese company that has been terminated.

For the year ended December 31, 2008 total operating expenses were $17.5 million compared with $14.2 million for the same period in 2007. The increase in 2008 operating expenses include the impact of research and development expenses for the development of our lead drug candidates, clinical trial expenses and a related increase in operational support.

The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $16.7 million, or $0.22 per share, compared with a net loss of $12.9 million, or $0.20 per share, for the same period in 2007. The year-over-year increase in net loss was driven primarily by the increased activity related to our clinical trials and a related increase in operational support.

As of December 31, 2008, cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled approximately $13.6 million compared to $33.3 million at December 31, 2007. The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments included $3.2 million in capital expenditures for a facility expansion which is now complete. The net cash used in operating activities for 2008 was $15.2 million, compared with $10.3 million in 2007.

2009 Expense and Cash Guidance

Revenues for 2009 will include a further drawdown on an NIH grant. The company has submitted and will submit further applications for grants throughout the year.

Operating expenses in 2009 are expected follow a run-rate slightly under $1.0 million per month – which is the current run rate — due to decreased clinical activities in the first half of the year and operational efficiencies implemented in the first quarter of 2009. Operating expenses will increase as and when clinical trial activities increase.

The Company currently has enough funds to continue operating through 2009 into the first quarter of 2010. The Company will need to seek additional funding prior to that time, in order to continue operations and/or to increase the clinical testing program and other research.

Our call on AIRSPAN NETWORKS INC (AIRN) is that this company will be making a HUGE move over the next 6 to 12 months.  They are aligned well for stimulus benefits and are now meeting to seek other avenues.
Watch this stock as we see it hitting the $3 to $7 mark over the next 12 – 24 months.

Here is a recent press release:

Airspan Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AIRN), a leading provider of broadband wireless access networks, publicized today the availability of the industry’s most complete FCC and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) certified lineup of fixed and mobile WiMAX Base Stations and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) for the U.S. rural market. This announcement follows the just-signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that has placed significant emphasis on rural broadband. RUS approval is obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, affirming Rural Development acceptance and “Buy American” status of equipment. Airspan is among a select few WiMAX equipment manufacturers with this coveted “Buy America” status.

“Airspan has been recognized by leading WiMAX industry analysts as the market leader in rural America,” said Declan Byrne, Airspan’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Following the recent legislation, many of our existing customers are positioning our WiMAX equipment to the grant and loan-making authorities of the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture. In addition, we are working to bring together an industry-leading consortium of operators, systems integrators and grant-writing and loan-application partners to assist rural operators in attaining funds from the stimulus legislation, and to deploy broadband networks in a targeted and timely manner.”

Airspan has been serving rural America for several years already, with broadband wireless equipment deployed in 43 states. Airspan is currently providing equipment to the largest 3.65 GHz rural network in the country being deployed by FairPoint Communications in New England. Airspan has RUS approved and FCC certified products ready to deploy to help rural residents and businesses get connected. Supporting bandwidth-intensive services such as high-speed Internet access, Internet telephony (VoIP) and video streaming, Airspan’s WiMAX solutions allow for an easy, quick and affordable deployment of a broadband network.

“Wireless broadband is an ideal technology for rural America,” commented Declan Byrne. “Whereas other technologies such as cable and DSL require digging trenches and laying down cables to reach these remote areas, which can be very costly and time consuming, WiMAX base stations can be easily set up to service a rural and dispersed subscriber base with immediate connectivity. We are aligned with the stimulus bill’s broadband intentions of reaching rural and underserved Americans quickly with quality connectivity.”

“Broadband for the rural market will be a key focus in the next 12-18 months, and WiMAX in 3.65 GHz will be a leading technology choice due to the recent deregulation of the frequency and the economic characteristics of WiMAX,” said Emmy Johnson, Founder & Principal Analyst of Sky Light Research. “Equipment vendors that have successfully demonstrated their ability to provide a strong wireless product offering will benefit the most. Sky Light’s quarterly market share research, in conjunction with Synergy Research Group, shows that the 3.65 GHz WiMAX market demonstrated triple digit growth in the first nine months of 2008, with Airspan leading the market at more than 30 percent share.”

Earlier this week 650 mainly rural television broadcasters decided to move ahead with the transition from analog signals to digital signals despite a government approved delay. “We are encouraged by this decision, made by approximately one third of the total 700 MHz broadcasters, which will allow our current customers who hold this valuable spectrum to quickly deploy our WiMAX equipment in this band,” continued Declan Byrne.

J.J. Stutler, CEO of Stutler Technologies, a Kansas-based wireless integrator, added, “Airspan has been a valuable partner for Stutler in the last few years and we have made great progress in reaching rural America. The stimulus package reserves $7.2 Billion for rural broadband, all of which must be allocated by September 2010. We believe WiMAX is one of the only technologies that can reasonably and cost-effectively reach the dispersed and low-density population areas targeted by this bill. We are looking forward to assisting current and future customers with this growth.”

Airspan joined the Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO) recently. OPASTCO is a group of hundreds of independent carriers providing voice and data services in rural areas that are often expensive to serve due to difficult terrain and low population density. These innovative service providers use a variety of technologies, including WiMAX, to extend broadband to customers in hard to reach communities.

Airspan successfully passed FCC compliance tests for its 1.4 GHz solution earlier this week. “This continues to underscore Airspan’s unique and complete offering of WiMAX solutions. Airspan now has solutions for 700 MHz, 1.4-1.5, 3.65, 4.9, 5.4, and 5.8 GHz frequency bands, and is the only WiMAX vendor covering all of these bands,” added Byrne. “We have welcomed the tremendous customer response for our solutions and urge interested local exchange carriers to contact us via our North American sales offices. The legislation’s intent to rapidly distribute broadband assistance is evident and Airspan is ideally positioned to bring operators the necessary spectrum, certified equipment, deployment partners and grant-writing expertise in a timely and successful manner.”

About Airspan Networks Inc.

Airspan is a leading WiMAX pure player and the solution-provider of choice for some of the world’s largest WiMAX deployments. Developing leading-edge technology for broadband access and IP-telephony, Airspan continues to supply operators around the world with best-of-breed solutions. With direct sales offices throughout Asia, EMEA and the Americas, a worldwide network of resellers and agents, and partnership alliances with major OEMs, Airspan boasts over 100 commercial WiMAX deployments worldwide.

Everyone seems to be looking for good stocks to buy these days.
I am often asked about about CitiGroup / Citibank (C) and my response has changed.

In today’s market you should buy stock in companies that can SURVIVE, not just be profitable.
What better way to survive through these times than to have the government own 36%?
My concern for most stocks and companies is that they will simply disappear at some point in this turmoil.

Now I prefer stocks that are undervalued due to market conditions and have a chance to rebound.
See our stock pick of the week for the “sleeper” that will make a BIG move over the next 6 – 12 months.

See our stock pick of the month HERE

CITI continued…
Some say the stock has been diluted, but I really could care less. It is a bargain these days and it’s kind of like buying government backed t-bills in my opinion. The company will be around for any years even though it will never return to its “glory days” of the very high dollars.

This stock is a BUY and HOLD for about 2 years. I see the stock SHOOTING over $10 again when a public announcement is made about the government getting out, or a partnership announced with another bank. It will happen someday, but it will not come soon.

Do NOT put a huge amount of your portfolio in this stock. Buy a small amount and hold.

Be ready.

UPDATE: News Release

NEW YORK/MEXICO CITY, March 4 (Reuters) – The recent purchase of shares in Citigroup by its top executives in Mexico is a show of confidence in the troubled bank’s eventual recovery, a spokesman for the group’s Mexican unit said on Wednesday.

Citigroup Inc’s (C) Roberto Hernandez, chairman of its Mexican Banamex unit, bought 6 million shares of Citi and Manuel Medina-Mora, in charge of the group’s Latin American business, bought 1.5 million shares, according to an SEC filing.

Both executives have denied market speculation in recent weeks that they were planning to buy Citigroup’s Mexican bank Banamex.

“They (the share purchases) are a show of confidence in the company’s future and its return to profitability,” Banamex spokesman Paulo Carreno said in a statement to Reuters.

Mexico’s bank regulator said on Friday it is analyzing the legal implications of the U.S. government’s plan to boost its equity stake in Citigroup Inc.

Analysts say Citi might have to sell Banamex because of a Mexican law prohibiting foreign governments from owning Mexican banks.

Hernandez resigned from Citigroup’s board last month, stirring speculation that he might be preparing a bid. Hernandez also has a stake in a Mexican mutual fund that owns 14.6 million shares of Citigroup, according to the filing.

Hernandez bought his shares at $1.25 each, while Medina Mora paid $1.24, according to the filing.

I have been following this stock for quite a while. I was in earlier on it and now getting ready to go all in. This one is a little bit “dicey” but I have a gut feeling they are about to explode. It seems like something is in the works, whether a buy out or merger I really don’t know. I think this one has the potential to go up over $1.50 a share very quickly if that happens.

More info about them.

Tarragon Corporation (Tarragon) is a real estate developer, owner, and manager in the real estate industry. Tarragon operates two divisions, a real estate development division (the Development Division) and an investment division (the Investment Division). The Development Division focuses on developing, renovating, building and marketing homes in high-density, urban locations and in master-planned communities. The Investment Division owns and operates a portfolio of stabilized rental apartment communities located in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Maryland, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Georgia. During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Company delivered 2,343 homes. Tarragon had 16 residential for-sale communities with 1,432 homes or home sites in inventory or under development in five states; eight rental communities with 1,969 units under development, and 13 communities with 2,398 units in its development pipeline.