Holidays Are Huge for XM, Sirius Satellite

Satellite radio investors are expecting the gift of huge holiday growth under the tree next month, though some on Wall Street are already bracing for the stiff tab.

Heavy advertising, cash givebacks, a slew of new radios and Howard Stern's January debut will easily make this the biggest Christmas season yet for pay radio rivals XM (XMSR Quote) and Sirius (SIRI Quote), say analysts.

"It's going to be a great success," says Hoefer & Arnett analyst April Horace. "Go in a Best Buy or a Circuit City, satellite radio is pretty prominent. They have the best products they have ever had across the shelf." ...