I agree that I can't see the logic in BoA short selling at these prices (limited upside and material downside risk) - but have been struggling to understand why BoA would borrow shares if not to short sell.
You raise an interesting point. Was the borrowing of shares to give the appearance of or an expectation of short selling in order to be able to accumulate shares at a low price?
But if that was the intention, why not just buy out Regal shares directly? Did they not wish to do this whilst either was a substantial shareholder?
Why would Bank of America be playing around with HIO unless they thought there was money to be made. There is not much money to be made short selling 45 million shares with a share price less than 5 cents.
Given that Bank of America own Merrill Lynch, if Merril Lynch stays on the Top 20 shareholder list, it could be Bank of America that has bought the remaining shares from Regal.
Just trying to work out the motivation of Bank of America. Any thoughts welcome.
HIO Price at posting:
3.8¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
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