RE:blog comments I've seen/FYIAbout the Venezuela thing, I've heard many analysts saying the way they are reporting sales there is way off and should be 70-80% lower because of the real U.S current exchange rate (what people on the street have to pay) to the Bolivar.
Also heard, as you did that they are increasing their debt load for buy backs so they can keep the stock propped up artificially. Basically, with sales and revenue taking a turn for the worse, that'll just help the company implode that much faster. Nice going HLF management!
As far as Ackman is concerned, they would have to prove that he doesn't believe what he's saying if they were to be successful in suing him because of freedom of speech laws in the U.S.. Question: Why would he spend $50 million to try and make his case if he didn't believe what he's been saying to be true? If they go after him, it'll cost them a lot more than the $25M they just spent last quarter, allow Ackman to gain access to their confidential, internal documents so he and his lawyers can prepare their defence, and will help bring the company down that much faster.