A $10 million piece of the Finova Group's '02 paper traded up last week at 70, moving from its previous level of 68. The seller was reportedly Asahi Bank, but that could not be confirmed by last week. Officials at Asahi bank did not return calls by press time. One dealer said this upward trend is consistent with the bonds moving up, as well as news that investor Warren Buffett is interested in the company's debt. "Because this company has financial assets it's easier to get a level," a trader said. "If the company were to go bankrupt you could still sell the loans. It's easier than selling inventory. Investment shops are willing to buy loans quickly because it's easier to get a handle on where it should trade." The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company offers commercial financing to small and mid-sized businesses. A spokesman did not return calls by press time. Dealers put varying weight on whether Buffett's interest in Finova has nudged up trading levels. "I wouldn't say it's that. People have known for a while that he was interested," said one. Another believes the upward trend is due largely to Buffett's investment. "He may see there's significant value-he's a value player," said a market watcher. "With a finance company it's so hard to know [where it's headed] unless he's gotten a chance to look at the details of the portfolio. [Buffet's interest] is certainly good for it in the short-run. He's been wrong, but certainly more often he's right."
Finova Bumps Up On $10 Mln Trade