Boston, MA 01/31/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) paid around $450 million to acquire Whiptail in September. While that was not too high a cost, analysts believe that it could be a costly move by the struggling network gear company in that it stands to compromise some existing partnership agreements. Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO)having struck partnership deals with storage and cloud management providers EMC Corporation (NYSE:EMC) and FlexPod among others, adding Whiptail to its side leads to competition that is in conflict with the letter and spirit of the earlier signed agreements. That being the case, analysts are worried that painful reversal could catch up with Cisco sooner than later.
Alcoa Inc (NYSE:AA) has reached a separation deal with its workers at Massena East and West plants. These plants were recently closed as the company continues with its exit of low-value operations and cost reduction efforts. In the deal announced Thursday, the company will offer incentives to workers, who choose to resign, retire or transfer to factories in other locations. The latest deal is a culmination of lengthy talks between Alcoa Inc (NYSE:AA) and union of Steelworkers. The affected workers at the closed plants have until February 21, to accept or decline the deal. Details about the deal were also released Thursday whereby Alcoa commits to pay up to $25,000 lump sum and $500 for each year worked.
Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) is gearing up to Winter Analyst Conference on February 7. The company’s execs including CEO Mark Durcan will present at the conference. The event will be Webcast and feature live audio. Investors are wise to keep tab on the company’s commentary around memory chips for smartphones and tablets. It will also be important to track what Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) is doing to expand its market. Furthermore, with expectation that the factory of its Taiwan rival which got burned last year will be up and running early this year, be sure to get what the management says about how they are going to deal with the increasing competition. Note the least; the management should highlight something around cost-cutting efforts.
