Randi,
>>"A single share of MSFT. . .could be split into one share of up to 4 different companies. . . each of which could then merge, make acquisitions, grow the company and grow the earnings over time."<<
Once they split, do you think the non-operating system (non-OS) divisions (especially the application softwares division) can continue to compete strongly without the stranglehold tie-in bundled deal with PC manufacturers around the world? The way I look at it, softwares, unlike telecom businesses which involved established hardware infrastructure, are easily replaceable if better products can be created by competition. After all, we have seen all the once great market leaders displaced by competition: VisiCalc displaced by Lotus 123, Wordstar displaced by Wordperfect. And of course, both Lotus 123 and Wordperfect were all displaced by MSFT once Windows OS becomes the prominent OS of all PC.
I have no doubt the divided non-OS divisions will have a whole lot of cash and competent management behind them; but without the big brother (Windows OS division) watching over them, can they compete fair and square and still take a big bite out of the market? How well each division fair in the ensuing fierce market competition will then determine if they are worth more than when they are just one company.
I guess my point is that this is still a 50/50 chance the splitted companies will be bigger than before the split. IMO, just because AT&T has succeeded in splitting does not mean MSFT can repeat the same history. After all, they are not in the same field.
Am I making any sense here? I'm sure there are many flaws in my argument that your rebuttal (if you choose to rebut at all) will open my eyes wider. It is from my above opinion that I prefer not to buy MSFT until they can prove themselves all over again after their governmental antitrust case is concluded. But then, I could be missing the best bargain in the world if I'm wrong. Fortunately, MSFT is not the only company out there I can buy.
Thanks for your attention and
Wish you good health for a long time to come. |
