DirecTV's Run Looks Over

Rupert Murdoch is selling DirecTV (DTV Quote), and it may be time for stockholders to do the same.

Shares of the U.S.'s leading satellite TV provider almost doubled in price last year amid better-than-expected profits and widespread speculation that an M&A deal was in the works.

Now, with Murdoch's News Corp. (NWS Quote) dealing its stake in DirecTV to John Malone's Liberty Media (LCAPA Quote), such speculation is poised to die down for a while -- or at least until the transaction closes midway through 2007.

Meanwhile, Murdoch's willingness to part with the company may be a sign that a favorable merger deal for DirecTV is unlikely, and the new bundled service offerings from cable and phone operators could zap its ability to compete for subscribers. ...