BRLC - News and Analysis from Seeking Alpha

BRLC - News and Analysis from Seeking Alpha 'BRLC' Tag RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/brlc Syntax-Brillian Files Chapter 11, Shares Worthless http://seekingalpha.com/article/84136-syntax-brillian-files-chapter-11-shares-worthless?source=feed 84136

The television maker Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) Tuesday morning announced that the company has filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code, and that its stock “will have no value” under a proposed reorganization plan.

The company has signed a deal to to sell certain assets to Olevia International Group, a new company owned by TCV Group, which provides the plastic injection molded parts for BRLC’s Olevia-branded LCD televisions. In exchange for the assets purchased, Olevia will assume $60 million of the BRLC’s secured debt. The company said its business will continue to operate as usual.

]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:32:57 -0400 Eric Savitz Eric Savitz (Barron's) submits:

The television maker Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) Tuesday morning announced that the company has filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code, and that its stock “will have no value” under a proposed reorganization plan.

The company has signed a deal to to sell certain assets to Olevia International Group, a new company owned by TCV Group, which provides the plastic injection molded parts for BRLC’s Olevia-branded LCD televisions. In exchange for the assets purchased, Olevia will assume $60 million of the BRLC’s secured debt. The company said its business will continue to operate as usual.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Eric Savitz Samuel Sanmina: Last Remarks on Syntax-Brillian http://seekingalpha.com/article/84117-samuel-sanmina-last-remarks-on-syntax-brillian?source=feed 84117 Samuel Sanmina submitted the following to our editorial staff:

Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly for others), a little more then two months after analyst Tristan Gerra of Robert W. Baird stated that chances of bankruptcy for Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) “are very low” and that company will be able to refinance its debt, lowering its interest expense “significantly”, the company files for Chapter 11.

]]> Tue, 08 Jul 2008 07:57:10 -0400 SA Editors Samuel Sanmina submitted the following to our editorial staff:

Surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly for others), a little more then two months after analyst Tristan Gerra of Robert W. Baird stated that chances of bankruptcy for Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) “are very low” and that company will be able to refinance its debt, lowering its interest expense “significantly”, the company files for Chapter 11.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC SA Editors Left-for-Dead Syntax-Brillian Should Jump on Bullish Note http://seekingalpha.com/article/73310-left-for-dead-syntax-brillian-should-jump-on-bullish-note?source=feed 73310 Baird is upgrading Syntax-Brillian (NASDAQ:BRLC) to Outperform from Neutral based on recently announced strategic initiatives and what they view as an attractive valuation. New price target is $3.

Syntax-Brillian is ramping TV manufacturing at Compal, moving away from Kolin. Firm believes the move eliminates most of the counterparty risk seen with the Kolin relationship. Syntax-Brillian also announced it will implement headcount reduction, cutting its overhead costs by approximately 20%.

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:07:42 -0400 Notable Calls Notable Calls submits:

Baird is upgrading Syntax-Brillian (NASDAQ:BRLC) to Outperform from Neutral based on recently announced strategic initiatives and what they view as an attractive valuation. New price target is $3.

Syntax-Brillian is ramping TV manufacturing at Compal, moving away from Kolin. Firm believes the move eliminates most of the counterparty risk seen with the Kolin relationship. Syntax-Brillian also announced it will implement headcount reduction, cutting its overhead costs by approximately 20%.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Notable Calls Syntax-Brillian and Other TV Sales Hurting in Weak U.S. Economy http://seekingalpha.com/article/72972-syntax-brillian-and-other-tv-sales-hurting-in-weak-u-s-economy?source=feed 72972 A recent report from Digitimes suggests that sales for Syntax-Brillian's (BRLC) Olevia televisions may be hurt by the weak US economy during the second quarter of calendar 2008. The report stated that both Kolin and Teco Electronic & Machinery, who are in a three-way alliance with Syntax-Brillian to manufacture Olevia televisions, reported that they would not receive as many LCD TV OEM orders as expected in the second quarter. Kolin has trimmed their outlook from 350,000 units to 230,000 units while Teco was stated having trouble meeting their goal of 600,000-700,000 units.

Kolin has been Syntax-Brillian's long-standing main contract manufacturer while Teco entered into the strategic partnership back in September 3, 2007. Teco originally invested $20 million into Syntax-Brillian for at 3,083,945 shares of common stock priced at $6.4852 per share. With Syntax-Brillian trading around $1 per share currently, their investment is now worth almost 85% less.

]]> Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:17:08 -0400 Samuel Sanmina Samuel Sanmina submits:

A recent report from Digitimes suggests that sales for Syntax-Brillian's (BRLC) Olevia televisions may be hurt by the weak US economy during the second quarter of calendar 2008. The report stated that both Kolin and Teco Electronic & Machinery, who are in a three-way alliance with Syntax-Brillian to manufacture Olevia televisions, reported that they would not receive as many LCD TV OEM orders as expected in the second quarter. Kolin has trimmed their outlook from 350,000 units to 230,000 units while Teco was stated having trouble meeting their goal of 600,000-700,000 units.

Kolin has been Syntax-Brillian's long-standing main contract manufacturer while Teco entered into the strategic partnership back in September 3, 2007. Teco originally invested $20 million into Syntax-Brillian for at 3,083,945 shares of common stock priced at $6.4852 per share. With Syntax-Brillian trading around $1 per share currently, their investment is now worth almost 85% less.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC FUAIY.PK SNE Samuel Sanmina Are the Changes at Syntax-Brillian Material? http://seekingalpha.com/article/71551-are-the-changes-at-syntax-brillian-material?source=feed 71551 There have been a number of changes at Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) in the past week, but the real question remains: will it be enough to turn around the flailing LCD television manufacturer?

]]> Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:47:31 -0400 James Cullen James Cullen submits:

There have been a number of changes at Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) in the past week, but the real question remains: will it be enough to turn around the flailing LCD television manufacturer?

Complete Story »]]> BRLC James Cullen Syntax-Brillian Can't Compete With Vizio http://seekingalpha.com/article/69977-syntax-brillian-can-t-compete-with-vizio?source=feed 69977 It seems that while Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), makers of the Olevia LCD televisions, is finding themselves in more and more trouble, their competitor Vizio Inc., makers of the Vizio televisions, has enjoyed more and more success and growth.

Just recently, Vizio was named as supplier of the year by Wal-Mart (WMT) on March 7, 2008. On March 24, 2008, Vizio appointed five new executives in order to keep up with the company’s growth and stride to improve efficiency and provide value to customers. On the other hand, Syntax-Brillian did finally appoint a new independent board member on February 29 after being one independent board member short since October 22, 2007. However, the company is still quiet regarding their financial crisis after disclosing last month that they were in default on over 19 covenants of their loan as mentioned in my previous article.

]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:56:39 -0400 Samuel Sanmina Samuel Sanmina submits:

It seems that while Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), makers of the Olevia LCD televisions, is finding themselves in more and more trouble, their competitor Vizio Inc., makers of the Vizio televisions, has enjoyed more and more success and growth.

Just recently, Vizio was named as supplier of the year by Wal-Mart (WMT) on March 7, 2008. On March 24, 2008, Vizio appointed five new executives in order to keep up with the company’s growth and stride to improve efficiency and provide value to customers. On the other hand, Syntax-Brillian did finally appoint a new independent board member on February 29 after being one independent board member short since October 22, 2007. However, the company is still quiet regarding their financial crisis after disclosing last month that they were in default on over 19 covenants of their loan as mentioned in my previous article.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Samuel Sanmina Under The Radar News - Tuesday http://seekingalpha.com/article/68099-under-the-radar-news-tuesday?source=feed 68099 Rate cut odds fall. Futures now give 60% odds to a 75 BP rate cut on March 18; it was fully priced in yesterday. Many economists cheered the Fed's move to lend $200B for 28 days, vs. the current overnight term. One noted that although the action will boost liquidity, it does little to reduce counterparty risk that has banks calling margins and tightening lending standards.

Cheers. An AP investigation shows many Americans unknowingly ingest some 56 pharmaceuticals -- including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones -- in their tap water, which has scientists worrying about the effects from decades of persistent exposure to random combinations of low levels of pharmaceuticals. Reverse osmosis removes virtually all pharmaceutical contaminants, but is very expensive. Good news for Coca-Cola's (KO) Dasani and PepsiCo's (PEP) Aquafina?

]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:09:39 -0400 SA Editor Eli Hoffmann Rate cut odds fall. Futures now give 60% odds to a 75 BP rate cut on March 18; it was fully priced in yesterday. Many economists cheered the Fed's move to lend $200B for 28 days, vs. the current overnight term. One noted that although the action will boost liquidity, it does little to reduce counterparty risk that has banks calling margins and tightening lending standards.

Cheers. An AP investigation shows many Americans unknowingly ingest some 56 pharmaceuticals -- including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones -- in their tap water, which has scientists worrying about the effects from decades of persistent exposure to random combinations of low levels of pharmaceuticals. Reverse osmosis removes virtually all pharmaceutical contaminants, but is very expensive. Good news for Coca-Cola's (KO) Dasani and PepsiCo's (PEP) Aquafina?

Complete Story »]]> AAPL BRLC BSC C CCTYQ.PK COF CRM CSUN DELL DFS DIS JPM KO LDK LEE MU NYT ORCL PEP SHLD SNDK STP STX TGT WFR WMT YYY SA Editor Eli Hoffmann Will Syntax-Brillian Survive? http://seekingalpha.com/article/66607-will-syntax-brillian-survive?source=feed 66607 It is probably an understatement to say that Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), makers of the Olevia televisions, is now in deep financial trouble. The stock has fallen about 78% from $3.12 at the beginning of the year to a low of 70 cents. The most recent sell off was prompted by the company or rather the company’s creditors forcing the company to disclose they were in default over 19 covenants of their loan in an 8-K. I have been highly critical of the $250 million financing obtained by Syntax-Brillian back in November in a previous article. The main reason was the terms of the loan had interest rates between 11% to 13% at the time and required the company to issue 5 million warrants, exercisable at 1 penny per share, for Syntax-Brillian common stock.

]]> Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:55:44 -0500 Samuel Sanmina Samuel Sanmina submits:

It is probably an understatement to say that Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), makers of the Olevia televisions, is now in deep financial trouble. The stock has fallen about 78% from $3.12 at the beginning of the year to a low of 70 cents. The most recent sell off was prompted by the company or rather the company’s creditors forcing the company to disclose they were in default over 19 covenants of their loan in an 8-K. I have been highly critical of the $250 million financing obtained by Syntax-Brillian back in November in a previous article. The main reason was the terms of the loan had interest rates between 11% to 13% at the time and required the company to issue 5 million warrants, exercisable at 1 penny per share, for Syntax-Brillian common stock.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Samuel Sanmina Under The Radar News - Wednesday http://seekingalpha.com/article/66301-under-the-radar-news-wednesday?source=feed 66301 Abandonment. A bond marketer said the current crisis in auction-rate securities "is not the finest hour of the investment-banking community," criticizing bankers for refusing to make a market. Now bankers have turned to recommending debt restructurings, "where they will earn yet another investment-banking fee."

Bond market guru speaks. Pimco's Bill Gross says value is returning to many parts of the bond market. "And if Washington gets off its high “moral hazard” horse and moves to support housing prices, investors will return in a rush."

]]> Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:31:11 -0500 SA Editor Eli Hoffmann Abandonment. A bond marketer said the current crisis in auction-rate securities "is not the finest hour of the investment-banking community," criticizing bankers for refusing to make a market. Now bankers have turned to recommending debt restructurings, "where they will earn yet another investment-banking fee."

Bond market guru speaks. Pimco's Bill Gross says value is returning to many parts of the bond market. "And if Washington gets off its high “moral hazard” horse and moves to support housing prices, investors will return in a rush."

Complete Story »]]> AAPL BBY BLK BRLC C CCTYQ.PK DIA ERTS FIG GLW GOOG GS JPM LEH LLNW LVLT MBI MER MS MSFT ODP OZM QQQQ SNE SPY T TTWO USO WMT YHOO SA Editor Eli Hoffmann Is Silver Point a Television Company Repairman? http://seekingalpha.com/article/66090-is-silver-point-a-television-company-repairman?source=feed 66090 On Thursday, February 21, 2008, Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), makers of the Olevia branded television, filed an 8K within which the company disclosed a letter from Silver Point Finance which outlined events of default in addition to an amended credit agreement. In response, the company's stock fell more than 40% on Friday. It is believed that much of the selling was due to fear of the company filing for bankruptcy in the near future. But that fear may be unfounded.

Silver Point has a history of helping companies that are struggling through a liquidity crisis. In the cases of Krispy Kreme and Salton, they helped the companies to avoid bankruptcy. In late March, 2005, Krispy Kreme's lenders agreed to extend until April 11, 2005 the date on which the company would be in default on a $150 million credit facility for failure to deliver its financial statements for the quarter ended Oct. 31 of 2004 [i]

]]> Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:15:57 -0500 Larry Lazer Larry Lazer submits:

On Thursday, February 21, 2008, Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), makers of the Olevia branded television, filed an 8K within which the company disclosed a letter from Silver Point Finance which outlined events of default in addition to an amended credit agreement. In response, the company's stock fell more than 40% on Friday. It is believed that much of the selling was due to fear of the company filing for bankruptcy in the near future. But that fear may be unfounded.

Silver Point has a history of helping companies that are struggling through a liquidity crisis. In the cases of Krispy Kreme and Salton, they helped the companies to avoid bankruptcy. In late March, 2005, Krispy Kreme's lenders agreed to extend until April 11, 2005 the date on which the company would be in default on a $150 million credit facility for failure to deliver its financial statements for the quarter ended Oct. 31 of 2004 [i]

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Larry Lazer Syntax-Brillian Appears Teetering on the Brink of Disaster http://seekingalpha.com/article/65723-syntax-brillian-appears-teetering-on-the-brink-of-disaster?source=feed 65723 Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), maker of Olevia brand LCD televisions, is in deep financial trouble.

In an 8-K filing with the SEC Thursday night, the company disclosed a letter from Silver Point Finance, as agent for a group of lenders, which said that “certain Events of Default have occurred and are continuing under” a credit agreement in which Syntax-Brillian owes more than $137 million.

]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:06:47 -0500 Eric Savitz Eric Savitz (Barron's) submits:

Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), maker of Olevia brand LCD televisions, is in deep financial trouble.

In an 8-K filing with the SEC Thursday night, the company disclosed a letter from Silver Point Finance, as agent for a group of lenders, which said that “certain Events of Default have occurred and are continuing under” a credit agreement in which Syntax-Brillian owes more than $137 million.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Eric Savitz Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News http://seekingalpha.com/article/65715-wall-street-breakfast-must-know-news?source=feed 65715

Microsoft breaks things wide open. In the hopes of encouraging programmers to build add-ons to its products, Microsoft (MSFT) announced broad steps to open up its source code. Microsoft hopes the move will give it leverage against rival online software suites that make it easy to build plug-ins that enhance usability and function. Developers and regulators were pleased by the move, although some were skeptical of Microsoft's commitment to interoperability.

Commercial property - safehaven or snare? While actual delinquencies on commercial-mortgage bonds are at all-time record lows, the CBMX index, which tracks the values of such debt, is signalling an extreme increase in the odds of future defaults. The question: Is the index foretelling a rocky future, or falsely echoing investors' jitters?

Markets disdain commercial debt. U.S. asset-backed commercial paper fell for the fourth straight week, by $11.7B to $784B, as investors continue to shun all forms of non-government-backed short-term debt. Total debt is close to a December low of $780B, down from a July high of almost $12B. In recent days, indexes that track the cost of insuring commercial debt (credit-default swaps) have skyrocketed, a development that could trigger a chain-reaction of forced unraveling of debt products even in the absence of actual defaults.

Homeowner rescue plans. Policy makers are listening to a variety of proposals aimed at rescuing nearly 8.8 million homeowners (10.3% of the total) whose mortgages are now higher than the worth of their homes.

Manufacturing, leading indicators suggest weakness. The Philly Fed's manufacturing index fell to -24 from -20.9, while economists were expecting an improvement to -12; anything below 0 denotes contraction. Initial jobless claims fell by 9,000 to 349,000 -- better than the 1,000 rise expected -- while the four-week average stands at a worrisome two-year high of 360,500. The Conference Board's leading indicators fell by 0.1% to 135.8, in line with expectations. Over the past six months, the index is down 2%, or 4% annually, its worst since 2001.

Hedge funds sail through liquidity crisis. Hedge funds may have learned their lesson. Unlike during previous market crises, fund managers have not panicked, and some have even managed to improve the terms at which they borrow money from banks. Smaller funds may have to bear the brunt of the savings lenders are forced to concede to their bigger brethren.

Motorola's multiple miseries. LG Electronics says Motorola's (MOT) handset difficulties will allow it to increase its market share at MOT's expense. Meanwhile, the same security issues that dealt a deadly blow to a 3Com (COMS) buyout could do the same to any Asian or Middle Eastern company thinking about buying Motorola's handset unit, threatening its proposed spinoff. A lack of interest since MOT announced its intention to divest the unit has weighed on its share price, and analysts who once saw it as a business that needed fixing are now more prone to view it as unfixable.

Chinese steelmakers reject Rio's iron ore price hike. Chinese steelmakers are refusing Rio Tinto's (RTP) demand for a 71% iron ore price increase, and will not pay more than the 65% they negotiated with Vale (RIO). Industry experts were surprised Rio could not achieve a higher price in view of its closer proximity to China, which reduces shipping costs, and said the refusal may be a face-saving ploy. Meanwhile, Rio said it is selling its 40% stake in the Cortez Hills gold mine for $1.7B to Barrick Gold (ABX), surprising analysts who thought the stake would fetch just $600M. Rio is committed to divesting $10B of assets in 2008 in hope of fending off BHP Billiton's (BHP) hostile bid for the company.

March may be the month for China telecom overhaul. The Chinese government may announce long-awaited plans to restructure its telecom industry as early as next month, paving the way for 3G licenses. The proposed plan has China Mobile (CHL) merging with smaller China Tietong, while China Unicom (CHU) and China Netcom Group (CN) would likely join forces.

Device makers celebrate court victory. Since Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling (.pdf) protecting medical device maker Medtronic (MDT) from personal injury lawsuits, lawyers and judges have been busily reexamining similar cases against companies like Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Boston Scientific (BSX) and St. Jude Medical (STJ) to decide whether the suits should be closed down. Some experts say so-called 'parallel' claims may have their own conceptual problems.

Committee to set credit crunch code. Bank regulators around the globe are developing guidelines for how banks should deal with cash-flow problems in the hope of heading off future liquidity crises.

Syntax flirts with disaster. Shares of digital display developer Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) plunged 37% to $0.95 in AH trading after the company disclosed a letter from a group of its lenders sent to address BRLC's debt default issues. An amended credit agreement makes it clear the creditors plan to keep Syntax under a tight rein.

Exchange merger close to done deal. The CME's (CME) proposed acquisition of the Nymex (NMX) could become official by early March.

Intel thinks small. Intel's (INTC) developmental 25mm Diamondville CPU will mark the first time the company is using its newest production line on a low-cost chip aimed at Netbook computers that sell for $250 or less.

JAL may buy Airbus planes after Boeing 787 delays

Starbucks Cuts 600 Positions

BP aims for billions more barrels from Prudhoe Bay

Nasdaq seeks to list 'blank check' firms

Today's Markets

In Asia, markets finished the week deep in negative territory. Nikkei -1.37%. Hang Seng -1.35%. Shanghai -3.47%.
European markets were slightly lower at midday. FTSE -0.1%. CAC -0.4%. DAX -1.2%.
U.S. index futures are just about flat. Dow -0.07%. S&P -0.11%. Nasdaq -0.16%.

Get Wall Street Breakfast by email -- it's free and takes only seconds to sign up.]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:44:21 -0500 SA Editor Eli Hoffmann

Microsoft breaks things wide open. In the hopes of encouraging programmers to build add-ons to its products, Microsoft (MSFT) announced broad steps to open up its source code. Microsoft hopes the move will give it leverage against rival online software suites that make it easy to build plug-ins that enhance usability and function. Developers and regulators were pleased by the move, although some were skeptical of Microsoft's commitment to interoperability.

Commercial property - safehaven or snare? While actual delinquencies on commercial-mortgage bonds are at all-time record lows, the CBMX index, which tracks the values of such debt, is signalling an extreme increase in the odds of future defaults. The question: Is the index foretelling a rocky future, or falsely echoing investors' jitters?

Markets disdain commercial debt. U.S. asset-backed commercial paper fell for the fourth straight week, by $11.7B to $784B, as investors continue to shun all forms of non-government-backed short-term debt. Total debt is close to a December low of $780B, down from a July high of almost $12B. In recent days, indexes that track the cost of insuring commercial debt (credit-default swaps) have skyrocketed, a development that could trigger a chain-reaction of forced unraveling of debt products even in the absence of actual defaults.

Homeowner rescue plans. Policy makers are listening to a variety of proposals aimed at rescuing nearly 8.8 million homeowners (10.3% of the total) whose mortgages are now higher than the worth of their homes.

Manufacturing, leading indicators suggest weakness. The Philly Fed's manufacturing index fell to -24 from -20.9, while economists were expecting an improvement to -12; anything below 0 denotes contraction. Initial jobless claims fell by 9,000 to 349,000 -- better than the 1,000 rise expected -- while the four-week average stands at a worrisome two-year high of 360,500. The Conference Board's leading indicators fell by 0.1% to 135.8, in line with expectations. Over the past six months, the index is down 2%, or 4% annually, its worst since 2001.

Hedge funds sail through liquidity crisis. Hedge funds may have learned their lesson. Unlike during previous market crises, fund managers have not panicked, and some have even managed to improve the terms at which they borrow money from banks. Smaller funds may have to bear the brunt of the savings lenders are forced to concede to their bigger brethren.

Motorola's multiple miseries. LG Electronics says Motorola's (MOT) handset difficulties will allow it to increase its market share at MOT's expense. Meanwhile, the same security issues that dealt a deadly blow to a 3Com (COMS) buyout could do the same to any Asian or Middle Eastern company thinking about buying Motorola's handset unit, threatening its proposed spinoff. A lack of interest since MOT announced its intention to divest the unit has weighed on its share price, and analysts who once saw it as a business that needed fixing are now more prone to view it as unfixable.

Chinese steelmakers reject Rio's iron ore price hike. Chinese steelmakers are refusing Rio Tinto's (RTP) demand for a 71% iron ore price increase, and will not pay more than the 65% they negotiated with Vale (RIO). Industry experts were surprised Rio could not achieve a higher price in view of its closer proximity to China, which reduces shipping costs, and said the refusal may be a face-saving ploy. Meanwhile, Rio said it is selling its 40% stake in the Cortez Hills gold mine for $1.7B to Barrick Gold (ABX), surprising analysts who thought the stake would fetch just $600M. Rio is committed to divesting $10B of assets in 2008 in hope of fending off BHP Billiton's (BHP) hostile bid for the company.

March may be the month for China telecom overhaul. The Chinese government may announce long-awaited plans to restructure its telecom industry as early as next month, paving the way for 3G licenses. The proposed plan has China Mobile (CHL) merging with smaller China Tietong, while China Unicom (CHU) and China Netcom Group (CN) would likely join forces.

Device makers celebrate court victory. Since Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling (.pdf) protecting medical device maker Medtronic (MDT) from personal injury lawsuits, lawyers and judges have been busily reexamining similar cases against companies like Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Boston Scientific (BSX) and St. Jude Medical (STJ) to decide whether the suits should be closed down. Some experts say so-called 'parallel' claims may have their own conceptual problems.

Committee to set credit crunch code. Bank regulators around the globe are developing guidelines for how banks should deal with cash-flow problems in the hope of heading off future liquidity crises.

Syntax flirts with disaster. Shares of digital display developer Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) plunged 37% to $0.95 in AH trading after the company disclosed a letter from a group of its lenders sent to address BRLC's debt default issues. An amended credit agreement makes it clear the creditors plan to keep Syntax under a tight rein.

Exchange merger close to done deal. The CME's (CME) proposed acquisition of the Nymex (NMX) could become official by early March.

Intel thinks small. Intel's (INTC) developmental 25mm Diamondville CPU will mark the first time the company is using its newest production line on a low-cost chip aimed at Netbook computers that sell for $250 or less.

JAL may buy Airbus planes after Boeing 787 delays

Starbucks Cuts 600 Positions

BP aims for billions more barrels from Prudhoe Bay

Nasdaq seeks to list 'blank check' firms

Today's Markets

In Asia, markets finished the week deep in negative territory. Nikkei -1.37%. Hang Seng -1.35%. Shanghai -3.47%.
European markets were slightly lower at midday. FTSE -0.1%. CAC -0.4%. DAX -1.2%.
U.S. index futures are just about flat. Dow -0.07%. S&P -0.11%. Nasdaq -0.16%.

Get Wall Street Breakfast by email -- it's free and takes only seconds to sign up.
Complete Story »]]> BA BHP BP BRLC BSX CHL CHU CME CN COMS INTC JNJ MDT MOT MSFT NDAQ NMX RIO RTP SBUX STJ XHB SA Editor Eli Hoffmann BRLC Experiencing Growth in North America http://seekingalpha.com/article/65341-brlc-experiencing-growth-in-north-america?source=feed 65341 The preliminary data released by Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) shows that they are executing on their plan to increase sales in North America. In order to solve cash flow issues due to long payment terms in Asia for accounts receivables, BRLC has moved to a royalty system for sales in Asia. That has allowed BRLC to shift their focus to direct sales in North America while their royalty partners focus on sales in Asia. While this new business model is still in its infancy, it appears as though progress is being made.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, BRLC shipped 252,000 units to North America and sold a total of 642,000 units worldwide from both direct sales and sales through their royalty partners. In the fourth quarter of 2006, BRLC shipped a worldwide total of 352,000 units. Of those sales, approximately 204,000 units were sold in North America. Therefore, BRLC had an approximate increase in unit sales, under their corporate brand name, of 82% worldwide and 24% in North America, compared to the fourth quarter of 2006.

]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:57:37 -0500 Larry Lazer Larry Lazer submits:

The preliminary data released by Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) shows that they are executing on their plan to increase sales in North America. In order to solve cash flow issues due to long payment terms in Asia for accounts receivables, BRLC has moved to a royalty system for sales in Asia. That has allowed BRLC to shift their focus to direct sales in North America while their royalty partners focus on sales in Asia. While this new business model is still in its infancy, it appears as though progress is being made.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, BRLC shipped 252,000 units to North America and sold a total of 642,000 units worldwide from both direct sales and sales through their royalty partners. In the fourth quarter of 2006, BRLC shipped a worldwide total of 352,000 units. Of those sales, approximately 204,000 units were sold in North America. Therefore, BRLC had an approximate increase in unit sales, under their corporate brand name, of 82% worldwide and 24% in North America, compared to the fourth quarter of 2006.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Larry Lazer Syntax-Brillian Losing North American Market Share http://seekingalpha.com/article/64593-syntax-brillian-losing-north-american-market-share?source=feed 64593 Recent data released from iSuppli would suggest that Syntax-Brillian’s (BRLC) Olevia LCD televisions are losing market share in North America. Back during the second quarter of 2007, data from iSuppli showed Syntax-Brillian was ranked seventh in North America with approximately 256,197 units shipped. A total of 4,193,635 units of LCD televisions were shipped during the second quarter, which gave Syntax-Brillian a market share of 6.1%.

]]> Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:59:08 -0500 Samuel Sanmina Samuel Sanmina submits:

Recent data released from iSuppli would suggest that Syntax-Brillian’s (BRLC) Olevia LCD televisions are losing market share in North America. Back during the second quarter of 2007, data from iSuppli showed Syntax-Brillian was ranked seventh in North America with approximately 256,197 units shipped. A total of 4,193,635 units of LCD televisions were shipped during the second quarter, which gave Syntax-Brillian a market share of 6.1%.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Samuel Sanmina Syntax-Brillian Sales Are Up http://seekingalpha.com/article/64366-syntax-brillian-sales-are-up?source=feed 64366 On February 11th, 2008, Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) delayed the release of their quarterly earnings report but did give some preliminary information about the quarter. The combined number of units sold in Asia and North America, through direct sales as well as sales made by royalty partners, was 642,000 compared to 240,000 units in the previous quarter and 352,000 units in the same quarter last year.

]]> Wed, 13 Feb 2008 02:58:28 -0500 Larry Lazer Larry Lazer submits:

On February 11th, 2008, Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) delayed the release of their quarterly earnings report but did give some preliminary information about the quarter. The combined number of units sold in Asia and North America, through direct sales as well as sales made by royalty partners, was 642,000 compared to 240,000 units in the previous quarter and 352,000 units in the same quarter last year.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Larry Lazer Syntax-Brillian Disappoints Again http://seekingalpha.com/article/64156-syntax-brillian-disappoints-again?source=feed 64156 Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), makers of the Olevia LCD televisions, surprised investors yet again with more disappointing news on the day the company scheduled to release their earnings. The company was originally scheduled to report their Q2 of 2008 earnings after hours on Monday, February 11, 2008. However, Syntax-Brillian announced in the morning that the company needs additional time to complete its financial statements for its second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2007. As a result, the company has to delay reporting their earnings. Following the news, shares of Syntax-Brillian fell 14.5% to close at $1.94.

]]> Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:32:49 -0500 Samuel Sanmina Samuel Sanmina submits:

Syntax-Brillian (BRLC), makers of the Olevia LCD televisions, surprised investors yet again with more disappointing news on the day the company scheduled to release their earnings. The company was originally scheduled to report their Q2 of 2008 earnings after hours on Monday, February 11, 2008. However, Syntax-Brillian announced in the morning that the company needs additional time to complete its financial statements for its second fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2007. As a result, the company has to delay reporting their earnings. Following the news, shares of Syntax-Brillian fell 14.5% to close at $1.94.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Samuel Sanmina Corning Hits a Home Run: Is Syntax-Brillian Next? http://seekingalpha.com/article/62019-corning-hits-a-home-run-is-syntax-brillian-next?source=feed 62019 Before the opening yesterday, Corning Incorporated (GLW) reported great results for the last quarter of 2007 and gave even better news for the first quarter of 2008 (see conference call transcript). Earnings per share for the last quarter of 2007, excluding special items, were 0.40 compared to analysts estimates of 0.39. That represents a 29% growth over the same quarter in 2006. For all of 2007, the earnings were 1.41 per share. That represents a 27% growth over 2006. One can thus conclude that Corning is growing at a nice steady rate of around 28%. Using the earnings number for 2007 and the closing price as of 1/25/2008, Corning's P/E would be less than 16.6. Sounds like a value to me!

]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2008 06:41:37 -0500 Larry Lazer Larry Lazer submits:

Before the opening yesterday, Corning Incorporated (GLW) reported great results for the last quarter of 2007 and gave even better news for the first quarter of 2008 (see conference call transcript). Earnings per share for the last quarter of 2007, excluding special items, were 0.40 compared to analysts estimates of 0.39. That represents a 29% growth over the same quarter in 2006. For all of 2007, the earnings were 1.41 per share. That represents a 27% growth over 2006. One can thus conclude that Corning is growing at a nice steady rate of around 28%. Using the earnings number for 2007 and the closing price as of 1/25/2008, Corning's P/E would be less than 16.6. Sounds like a value to me!

Complete Story »]]> BRLC GLW Larry Lazer Syntax-Brillian: High Short Interest, Recent Insider Buying http://seekingalpha.com/article/61175-syntax-brillian-high-short-interest-recent-insider-buying?source=feed 61175 Really, the title says it all. I had heard this before but was reminded of it when someone mentioned that Cramer had suggested that these were the conditions for a short squeeze. As Cramer states, "While shorts are usually smart, they aren’t smarter about the business than the people who actually run it."

I don't usually agree with Cramer but I agree in this instance. Perhaps these two conditions won't always lead to a short squeeze but it still common sense that it is a good sign for a stock. One could add to this all of the other tools for fishing for good values such as the P/E ratio, the PEG ratio, the price relative to intrinsic value, the price relative to the 52 week high and low, the price relative to the daily moving averages and other fundamental and technical indicators.

]]> Wed, 23 Jan 2008 05:49:53 -0500 Larry Lazer Larry Lazer submits:

Really, the title says it all. I had heard this before but was reminded of it when someone mentioned that Cramer had suggested that these were the conditions for a short squeeze. As Cramer states, "While shorts are usually smart, they aren’t smarter about the business than the people who actually run it."

I don't usually agree with Cramer but I agree in this instance. Perhaps these two conditions won't always lead to a short squeeze but it still common sense that it is a good sign for a stock. One could add to this all of the other tools for fishing for good values such as the P/E ratio, the PEG ratio, the price relative to intrinsic value, the price relative to the 52 week high and low, the price relative to the daily moving averages and other fundamental and technical indicators.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Larry Lazer Is Syntax-Brillian's Wal-Mart Partnership Good for Sales? http://seekingalpha.com/article/59993-is-syntax-brillian-s-wal-mart-partnership-good-for-sales?source=feed 59993 By Superbowl Sunday, Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) will be on the shelves at Sam's Club, Wal-Mart (WMT) and Best Buy (BBY) in addition to their long-time customers like Circuit City (CC), Target (TGT), Sears (SHLD), KMart, Costco (COST) and BJ's Wholesale (BJ). In my opinion, getting into Best Buy is a big plus for BRLC as it is the better of the two retail electronic giants, Circuit City being the other. While I like Circuit City, I think Best Buy has simply outperformed them and has a larger and more loyal customer base.

But, really, the big question is whether or not adding Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, as customers, is a good thing for Syntax-Brillian? I am not a big fan of Wal-Mart in general as I think they engage in unsavory practices with their suppliers. Sure, business is business but at what cost to the overall economy? So, that sounds bad for BRLC, right?

]]> Sun, 13 Jan 2008 14:32:20 -0500 Larry Lazer Larry Lazer submits:

By Superbowl Sunday, Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) will be on the shelves at Sam's Club, Wal-Mart (WMT) and Best Buy (BBY) in addition to their long-time customers like Circuit City (CC), Target (TGT), Sears (SHLD), KMart, Costco (COST) and BJ's Wholesale (BJ). In my opinion, getting into Best Buy is a big plus for BRLC as it is the better of the two retail electronic giants, Circuit City being the other. While I like Circuit City, I think Best Buy has simply outperformed them and has a larger and more loyal customer base.

But, really, the big question is whether or not adding Wal-Mart and Sam's Club, as customers, is a good thing for Syntax-Brillian? I am not a big fan of Wal-Mart in general as I think they engage in unsavory practices with their suppliers. Sure, business is business but at what cost to the overall economy? So, that sounds bad for BRLC, right?

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Larry Lazer Syntax-Brillian: Too Little, Too Late? http://seekingalpha.com/article/59524-syntax-brillian-too-little-too-late?source=feed 59524 After licensing off their higher margin sales in China to a manufacturer in exchange for a 3% royalty on sales, it appears that Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) will be selling their Olevia branded televisions in lower margin Wal-Mart (WMT) and Sam's Club stores in the U.S. this year instead. This is somewhat contrary to Syntax-Brillian's previous strategy of avoiding these stores, due to the fact that Wal-Mart is known for squeezing every penny they can out of many companies selling in their stores and leaving them with razor thin margins.

]]> Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:04:04 -0500 Samuel Sanmina Samuel Sanmina submits:

After licensing off their higher margin sales in China to a manufacturer in exchange for a 3% royalty on sales, it appears that Syntax-Brillian (BRLC) will be selling their Olevia branded televisions in lower margin Wal-Mart (WMT) and Sam's Club stores in the U.S. this year instead. This is somewhat contrary to Syntax-Brillian's previous strategy of avoiding these stores, due to the fact that Wal-Mart is known for squeezing every penny they can out of many companies selling in their stores and leaving them with razor thin margins.

Complete Story »]]> BRLC Samuel Sanmina