BlackBerry seeking strategic alternatives
BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB): BlackBerry announces it is seeking strategic alternatives… again. BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) announced this morning it is seeking strategic alternatives. The company is open to considering joint ventures, partnerships, and/or an outright acquisition of the entire company. Prem Watsa, a notable value investor and chairman and CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd (OTCMKTS:FRFHF) (TSE:FFH), resigned from the board, sparking speculation he may make a bid for the company, perhaps in conjunction with the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board. The company had indicated in May 2012 that it had engaged investment banks to review strategic alternatives, but this is the first time a sale of the whole company is mentioned as an option in print.
Apple to launch iPhone 5S
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL): WSJ reporting Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) to launch the iPhone 5S on September 10. Consistent with our expectations, the WSJ is reporting Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will hold a media event to launch the iPhone 5S on September 10. Typically, new products begin selling within a week or two of the launch event. Digitimes is reporting manufacturing delays surrounding the fingerprint sensor may limit iPhone 5S shipments to 3-4 million units in September. Analysts are forecasting about five million new iPhones in September, and do expect the iPhone 5S to be supply constrained for numerous weeks after launch, which is normal. Overall, nothing in either of these reports is inconsistent with their current financial expectations.
