This Analyst Just Downgraded LinkedIn, Recommends Shareholders To Sell Into Strength


27% profit every 20 days?

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Randle Reece of Avondale Partners recommended LinkedIn Corp (NYSE: LNKD) shareholders should take the money and run after the company agreed to sell itself to Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) for $196 per share.

Reece pointed out that shares of LinkedIn were trading within 2 percent of the buyout offer, but the transaction isn't expected to close until late this year. The analyst added that LinkedIn agreed to sell itself to Microsoft because it got an offer that was "too good" to pass on there's unlikely to be a competing offer to push the takeout price higher.

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Reece downgraded LinkedIn to Market Underperform with a $196 price target.

Reece continued that Microsoft's acquisition of LinkedIn is subject to the usual regulatory approval process during which LinkedIn is likely to report two fiscal quarters worth of results. If the company were to report a significantly worse than anticipated earnings print, there's the risk of the deal falling through and LinkedIn's stock could fall "well below" the transaction price.

On the other hand, if LinkedIn reports significantly better-than-expected results, it's "conceivable" a competing bidder may present a superior takeout offer prior to the close of the deal with Microsoft.

Nevertheless, Reece stated he doesn't expect the $196 buyout offer to change and LinkedIn's stock is now "unattractive" given the spread between the current stock price and the takeover price. As such, the analyst recommends "LinkedIn holders sell into strength following the deal announcement."


27% profit every 20 days?

This is what Nic Chahine averages with his option buys. Not selling covered calls or spreads… BUYING options. Most traders don’t even have a winning percentage of 27% buying options. He has an 83% win rate. Here’s how he does it.


Posted In: Analyst ColorNewsDowngradesPrice TargetM&AAnalyst RatingsTechAvondale PartnersLinkedInLinkedIn MergerMicrosoft LinkedIn AcquisitionRandle Reece