Today XRX stock hit a new 52-week high ($33.08). UP 74% since Christmas! Although Xerox employees are upset with all that is happening, Icahn's plan is working to perfection. With all the applied changes, investors become more and more confident Icahn will get his $40/share and maybe even more!
In fact, publicly traded companies are usually purchased for a 20-25% purchase premium on average. That means, as of today, Xerox may actually be RIGHT AT $40/share in the eyes of an acquirer.
$33 x 1.2 = $39.60 (20% premium)
$33 x 1.25 = $41.25 (25% premium)
Investors know this, so don't expect the share price to go up much more. It will probably float around the $32-$34/share range until June when the holding company is put in place. Afterward, there may be another spike, right before an acquisition is announced.
The fact institutional investors are driving up the share price to the purchase premium value of $33/share means they think Icahn is close to getting his wish. And, they want to join in on the party.
Icahn is playing chess.