Why Shares of AerCap Holdings N.V. Popped

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of aircraft financing company AerCap Holdings N.V. jumped 12% in late trading after rumors emerged about an acquisition.

So what: Bloomberg is reporting that AIG is in talks to sell its jet-leasing finance business to AerCap Holdings. The unit was supposed to be sold to Chinese buyers, but AIG hasn't been able to close the deal. AerCap may need to bring in other partners to complete it.

Now what: The AerCap acquisition is still only a rumor, and it's dangerous to buy on such rumors. AIG may also pursue an IPO, so it isn't as though AerCap is going to get a fire-sale price. I'd wait to see how this plays out, but I'm certainly not buying on the rumor today, because those gains can evaporate tomorrow if the deal doesn't turn out to be real.

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The article Why Shares of AerCap Holdings N.V. Popped originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Travis Hoium has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends American International Group. The Motley Fool owns shares of American International Group and has the following options: long January 2016 $30 calls on American International Group. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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