Takeover possibility a plus

Article Excerpt

SYMANTEC CORP. $14.99 (Nasdaq symbol SYMC; SI Rating: Average) (1-408-517-8000; www.symantec.com; Shares outstanding: 789.3 million; Market cap: $11.8 billion; No dividends paid) jumped 10%, to $13.80, on August 20 in response to Intel Corp.’s $7.7-billion purchase of McAfee Inc. (New York symbol MFE). Symantec’s shares have since moved even higher. Like McAfee, Symantec is a leading maker of computer-security software. Symantec could also become a takeover target, as its shares are well off their high. The possibility of a takeover adds to Symantec’s appeal, but it’s not enough reason to buy the stock right now. Symantec is still a hold. hold…