Market Analysis: Emerging Growth Companies and Investment Opportunities

Strategic Insights -

The finance sector witnessed significant developments as several key players made notable announcements. Ashby Corporation Limited (OTC: AHBY) is developing a world-class film, television, and music recording facility and movie theme park in Grand Bahama Island with a $70 million contract from The Government of The Bahamas. Exult Incorporated (NASDAQ: EXLT) announced new changes in services provided to Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC), and Mellon Financial Corporation (NYSE: MEL) is acquiring Safeco Corporation's (NASDAQ: SAFC) Safeco Trust Company. Meanwhile, the market experienced a relatively tight trading range, with most sectors closing in positive territory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ashby Corporation Limited (OTC: AHBY) traded over 30,000 shares during Monday's session and is developing a $70 million film and music facility in Grand Bahama Island.
  • Exult Incorporated (NASDAQ: EXLT) announced new changes in services provided to Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC), with expected annual billings ranging from $20-30 million.
  • Mellon Financial Corporation (NYSE: MEL) is acquiring Safeco Corporation's (NASDAQ: SAFC) Safeco Trust Company, with terms remaining undisclosed.
  • The majority of sectors closed in positive territory, except for utilities, real estate operations, and homebuilding, which experienced pullbacks in concert with the bond market decline.
  • The bond market saw the 10-year note decline by 10/32, increasing its yield to 4.23%.

Statistics:

  • Over 30,000 shares of Ashby Corporation Limited (OTC: AHBY) were traded during Monday's session.
  • The expected annual billings from Exult Incorporated (NASDAQ: EXLT) for its services to Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC) range from $20-30 million.
  • Also, Exult's expected net impact to billings from the scope change is slightly positive in 2004, a net reduction of $15-25 million in 2005, and a net reduction of approximately $60-75 million annually by 2006.

Sources:

  • Ashby Corporation Limited (AHBY) - OTC: AHBY
  • Exult Incorporated (EXLT) - NASDAQ: EXLT
  • Bank of America Corporation (BAC) - NYSE: BAC
  • Mellon Financial Corporation (MEL) - NYSE: MEL
  • Safeco Corporation (SAFC) - NASDAQ: SAFC
  • InvestSource - M2 PressWIRE (http://www.presswire.net)