STOCKS NEWS US-Small software cos may be buyout targets: Barrons

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0807 ET 16March2009-Small software cos may be buyout targets: Barrons
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Barron's said that smaller software companies could be compelling
acquisition targets, despite some depressed stock valuations in the sector.

The financial publication listed Informatica (INFA.O), JDA Software
(JDAS.O), Manhattan Associates MANH.O and Quest Software (QSFT.O) as possible
targets because they have little to no debt and even if they are not bought
out, their services are useful for companies maintaining and operating their
businesses.

Barron's said the companies could by bought by a larger firm like Oracle
(ORCL.O). [ID:nN15379560]

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0801 ET 16March2009-UBS removes short-term sell rating on GE
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UBS removed its short-term sell rating on General Electric (GE.N), saying
that the likelihood of further negative catalysts in the near-term was now much
lower.

Despite that, the firm lowered its price target on the company to $9.50
from $12. [ID:nWNAB4244]

Shares of GE, a Dow component, rose 3.2 percent to $9.93 in premarket
trade.

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net; Editing by
Kenneth Barry
0756 ET 16March2009-Goldman upgrades Coca-Cola Enterprises
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Goldman Sachs on Monday upgraded Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE.N) to buy from
neutral while cutting its price target on PepsiAmericas (PAS.N) to $14 from
$16.

The firm recommended that investors short PepsiAmericas and go long
Coca-Cola Enterprises in a pair trade. [ID:nWNAB4183]

Shares of PepsiAmericas closed Friday at $16.60 while Coca-Cola Enterprises
shares closed at $11.25.

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0750 ET 16March2009-Geithner to propose financial system overhaul
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U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will propose an overhaul of the
financial regulatory system, a Treasury spokesman said on Monday. The system is
expected to give the Federal Reserve powers to monitor broad economic risks.

The overhaul is also expected to include tougher capital standards for
banks, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal that a Treasury
spokesman said was accurate. [ID:nN16495793]

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net
0745 ET 16March2009-Barron's sees earnings upside for DirecTV Group
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Barron's wrote that the satellite television company DIRECTTV's earnings
were on track for a sharp increase this year, as it was adding subscribers at
"a healthy clip."

In its March 16 edition, Barron's wrote that DIRECTV's subscriber growth
could drive its 2009 earnings up 7 percent, and that it could eventually be an
acquisition target for such companies as AT&T Inc (T.N) or Liberty Media
(LINTA.O). [ID:nN15488235]

Reuters Messaging: ryan.vlastelica.reuters.com@reuters.net