Geron Corp (GERN)

[TEUFForBust]

Johnson and Johnson has espoused a policy of NOT operating the company with a focus on shareholder value.
The argument being, that if they focus on the needs of customers, partners, employees and the communities that they do business in, shareholders will do just fine. With an average 11% total return over 130yrs, it’s hard to argue.

That being said, the impact that the timing of the continuation grant might have on GERN’s stock price is immaterial from JNJ’s prospective. If Geron is not in immediate need of cash to continue trials, way would JNJ give the grant early? And why would JNJ commit to a merger prior to FDA approval, unless a third party forces there hand?