DJ JP Morgan Says Dell Growth To Quicken In Early 2000 DELL
20 Dec 10:35
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. upgraded Dell Computer Corp.
(DELL) Monday, predicting increased growth early next year spurred by the
February release of Microsoft Corp.'s (MSFT) Windows 2000 operating system.
Dell shares traded recently up 1 15/16, or 4.3%, to 47 1/2, on volume of 15.7
million shares. Average daily volume is 26.9 million.
In a research note Monday, analyst Daniel Kunstler wrote, "We believe Dell
could have an edge among early adopters (of Windows 2000) in corporate America,
in the high-end consumer market and in small and medium businesses."
Kunstler fixed a 12-month price target of $65 on Dell stock, but left
unchanged his earnings estimate of 72 cents a share for the company's fourth
quarter, which ends Jan. 31. The firm's new investment rating is buy, increased
from market-perform.
But along with his optimism for the new year, Kunstler voiced a certain amount
of wariness. He cited the "little surprises" Dell has sprung on Wall Street this
year - particularly lower-than-expected revenue and thinning gross margins -
which have weighed on the company's stock. But, Kunstler indicated, the current
price is an attractive point of entry given next year's potential upswing.
"While this train could still be stuck in the station a short while longer, we
want to get back on board while there are still seats," he wrote.
The Round Rock, Texas, computer maker's stock has performed sluggishly since
hitting a record high of 55 in February. For 1999 the stock is up about 30%, a
relatively lackluster percentage given the explosive growth Dell has posted in
previous years.
-Scott Eden; Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-5253
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 12-20-99
10:35 AM |
