Hi Steve, Mario, cc, JDN, LC5683 and all -- some folk on various Atmel threads have talked about another 2:1 split. It certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility but such a split would result in nearly half a billion shares! Actually, I see several possibilities. (1) eps for 2Q of $.26 a share, 3cents more than consensus estimate and 2cents more than the whisper number (lawd i HATE the idea of a "whisper" number, yet here I am whispering!). (2) eps of more than the estimated $.95 to $1.00 this year and more than the estimated $1.50 next year. That sets up the possibility of a p/e of forward looking earnings of better than 50 (hence my $75 - $86 coming soon). (3) Given the price of several recent acquisitions, I see Atmel as a possible buyout candidate, by an IBM type company. At a buyout price of, say, $80/share, that still amounts to "only" less than $18 billion. (4) The "cycle" of semi stocks has not been eliminated, but I believe the upside has been extended in duration because of all the new uses for Atmel's chips. Thus, I see Atmel's stock price moving upward for another year at least, and possibly longer.
OT: cc, thanks for the pix. Does second from the left mean as we look at it?
OT: My daughter's wedding went beautifully. Thanks to all of you who sent good wishes. It rained the afternoon of the ceremony, so it had to be moved indoors, but we wanted it indoors anyway: Atlanta's heat and humidity would have melted us outdoors, especially me in my black tux and vest. But then again, this wedding wasn't about me. We had a grand time, partied nearly four hours later than originally planned.
Back on topic: I'm looking for a significant rally this week and next to sell my long August calls, and maybe my November calls. I increased my share holdings a couple of weeks ago at 35 3/8 just because I thought the stock had overcorrected and I was already heavily into options. Cheers to all/t |
