Boston, MA 05/20/2014 (wallstreetpr) – The London-based cigarette maker British American Tobacco PLC (ADR) (NYSEMKT:BTI) repurchased 218,100 of its ordinary stock shares yesterday, May 19, at an average price of 3,530p each to hold in its treasury. The stock repurchase development comes at a time when the company is soaked in speculations over a possible acquisition of one or two U.S. cigarette makers. With regulators around the world tightening the noose around the neck of tobacco companies with increased taxes and smoking bans, BTI and its peers in the industry are seeking to reach out for opportunities whenever and wherever they can be found in the market. As such, the company intends to increase its footprint in the U.S., and it is reportedly circling Reynolds American, Inc. (NYSE:RAI) and Lorillard Inc. (NYSE:LO). British American Tobacco PLC (ADR) (NYSEMKT:BTI) already owns a significant stake in Reynolds and could increase its stake in the company now that their standstill agreement that prevented hostile takeover approaches expiration in July. While speculations are widespread about a possible bid, neither BTI nor its potential targets have confirmed they are in unity talks. However, a look at the changing landscape in the tobacco industry suggests a deal among the companies is not farfetched.
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) expects its ongoing railroad system upgrade will conclude in mid-July. The company approved $39.5 million for track renewal in Nebraska. The work at Nebraska started on May 6. The track renewal project seeks to replace 115,000 of railroad ties. The project is among the more than 1,500 that the company has earmarked to support operating efficiency, enhance safety and reduce the wait time by motorists. The renewal of the rail system comes at a time when the company has increased its scrutiny of the rail industry following widespread derailment incidents. Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP) recently saw its train derailed near LaSalle in northern Colorado. In the meantime, the company recently performed a 2-for-1 stock split that saw shareholders adding an extra share to every single piece held. The move made the shares of the company more affordable and attractive to prospective investors while increasing the number of shares available for existing shareholders to trade.
The managed health care services provider Health Net, Inc. (NYSE:HNT) continues to witness improving investor confidence in its stock. Although the company faltered in the latest earnings release, its challenges in the quarter were obvious, and investors believe that the future holds the promise. As such, shares of the company continue to trend up having increased 3.14 percent in the whole of last week and $35.22 year-to-date.
