Sirius XM Radio (SIRI)

*I originally wrote the below as a pitch for my first red-thumb of SIRI way back in May 2006.*

This battle is about *content*, period.

Who one the war VCR war, VHS or Beta? Who had the superior technology?

Who one the operating system war, Microsoft or Apple? Who had the superior technology?

Content, content, content - I'll grant you that Howard Stern is a unique commidity, but it's not enough. As for the rest of traditional radio fare, music is music, sports is sports, news is news. Where is the *content* advantage that can't be duplicated and can't be done with pretty much the same effectiveness as syndication?

This Fool just doesn't see it.

A disruptive technology? If these guys don't win the *content* battle, satellite radio will join Betamax and the long list of other failed technologies. Without superior and differentiated content, the only disruption this technology will bring is to its shareholders' portfolios.

eesh. anyone got gauze? catching this falling knife has left me bleeding out...getting tired. maybe i'll just take a nap right here...

Finally merged. 1-2 years of shaking out the details and aligning the management teams before this thing takes off. combining debts and leveraging assets with XM was the final selling point. satellite radio is not going away

Too long takes for merge!

it can't go much lower before the second largest american radio broadcasting company turns around.

This is an experimental portfolio consisting of small-cap or larger picks that have recently entered the $1.50-3.00 range (favoring the low end), with the theory being that most stocks entering this range are not going to stay there unless they've been there for a while already.

... and the first pick for this portfolio? Come on down, SIRIUS-XM! Make the merger happen, or die trying!!

Sirius XM Radio will now see higher gains over the longer term. It's in the public's hand's carry satellite radio into the horizon from here. I highly suggest investing fun money as a long term play. Stay long and enjoy the benefits, but beware a possible near term reverse split.

J.P. Germanics

Iver sold. With the merger and future potential, it is a great opportunity. Watch for possible alliances, which will also help this company.

Clearly there are some challenges with how to profitably run this business. As a consumer I am quite happy to pony up $7-10/month for commercial-free broadcasting that caters to my tastes in ways traditional radio (HD included) have long since abandoned. I'm fairly confident that there will be a place for satellite radio for years to come given it's geographical reach and breadth of content. Profits may be a fair bit down the road, but my money's on them getting there and generating a nice return.

Finally, the merger is a done deal. Now this newly formed company can start to recoup some losses, turn a profit, and take down terrestrial radio like we all know they will.

Merger will drive stock price up, squezzing out shorts.

A bit oversold. Not a good long term buy, however.

Dead Cat Bounce Play

Although a new stock offering is by no means good news for stock holders, a 1.50 a share is a market over reaction. With both XM and SIRI posting smaller losses, and now merged, this company's assets are worth more than the 1.50 a share their currently fetching.

Well so much for the after merger "POP" everyone was betting the negative equity on they're homes on. This should serve as a lesson to all who thinks they can play the market, without the required "basic" understanding of a companies fundamentals.

Companies that "loose" more than they are worth and own, are INSOLVENT!!!

I don't care how you slice and dice it, Howard Stern, MLB, Nascar,..... whatever! It doesn't matter,.... if you're losing more than you own, your done!

Once that merger is well along this stock will explode

WONDER OPPORTUNITY. I KNOW. I USE THE SERVICE AND IT IS EXCELLANT. AS WELL AS OWNING A LARGE GROUP OF SHARES.

Sirius and XM merging changes the game in the Satellite arena. Just as many people said there wouldn't be anyone who would willingly pay for TV, many are saying people won't pay for Radio. Karmazin is a fantastic CEO, and I believe many years from now Sirius/XM will be in fantastic shape.

With the official Merger approval eminent, the long-term prospects of the company appear to be significant, especially in light of the estimated $400MM cost savings. While I expect a high-degree of short term-volatility, the overall trend should be positive over the next year. With approximately 17MM customers (and if satisfied with service, marketers), the potential for growth is great and should see a strong upswing once the interoperable receivers come on line by mid- to-late next year.

This stock is not for the faint of heart, and should be left for your "fun money" portfolio. However, for those willing to jump in and have a long-term horizon, the benefits should be great.