Jack - when DELL was in the doldrums, people were out giving all kinds of advice on what MSD should be doing to prop up share price. You and others here have been saying the same things about Capellas. I don't think any of us have the knowledge to figure out what the CEO of a company of CPQ's complexity should be doing - we have to grade him on results, not style.
I am as disappointed by today's action as anyone, but the notion that the CEO should jump up and speak about every rumor that comes along just does not strike me as a good way to use his time. If the rumor is untrue, the share price will pop back up. I'm obviously not a day trader, so I could care less what happens short term. I am much more interested in whether Capellas is solving the cost issues in the PC division, getting the headcount under control, investing in the right new technologies, getting the "spirit" back into CPQ so that they can leverage their leadership position.
I have been hearing the complaints about the lack of guidance to the street on this thread almost since Capellas came on board. I personally like the way CPQ is managing street expectations, although it will take a while - it is way preferable to the kind of "guidance" Mason and Pfeiffer provided.
If Capellas can not deliver on the things it will take to turn the company around, I will be the first and loudest critic. But this bleating about how he should get out like Carly and pour oil on the water is nonsense. I have yet to see evidence within HP or in the market that Carly is doing much for the company aside from being a "front man". I would prefer someone who actually understnads the business and can communicate with the product executives and partners. |
