talbot stock blew through it perhaps because their shareholders want more from simon? perhaps another bidder lurking that does seem unlikely. i have no idea why simon's paying such a colossal premium, but chairman, president, and ceo, acknowledged dean of the industry if he thinks it's a good price, who am i to criticize it might be a recognition of how cheap this whole group's become, and they are cheap even after this huge bid, it sports a 5% yield. why do i call this a statement buy? when you listen to the conference call of the merger, you'll hear simon talk about how he can fund the deal, as he says, quote without ever going to third-party financing end quote. more importantly, he's not giving away his precious equity. simon continues quote if you look at the multiple of earnings, net asset value, any metric you want, we are undervalued. i have no desire to issue stock at this time end quote that's a staggering indictment of the stock market's inability to correctly value simon stock versus its assets. i think it's weighed down by the real estate investment trust