Sparta: "I am absolutely certain Poet will not be bought out."

Close the case. Sparta is certain.

Ok, what would be the signs you're correct? They'll need to replace Vivek's position quick, so we'd see a new president and general manager soon. New board members. More high profile staff in general as they prepare for "inorganic growth". Probably a new CFO.

What would be the signs POET won't be around long as an independent entity? Vivek won't be replaced. Hiring would be at a standstill. Board members won't be replaced or by people experienced in mergers, buyouts, and sales (think people like Marc Lustig... oh, wait). They'd probably want to reprice their options as low as possible to maximize the payout.

You could be correct, Sparta. But that's not what I'm seeing. Not what I'm hearing.