I hold MSFT as a 'long term' investment. I haven't had much luck on the 'buy' - 'sell' stuff. I saw an article some time ago that compared buying at the 'low'- selling at the 'high' vs. just riding the market. The 'workers' didn't fair significantly better, and in my timing, I usually miss both the bottom and top. You know like I sell and it goes up another 10, so I get in again and it drops 20 before I can get out. I just watch it now, and I seem to do OK. I did by last July at $139.75 and it hasn't done much until now. I know that it got to $144 and down to $120, but still is is only paper until I sell.
As for innovation, I think that the fact that they have been able to get to the position that they enjoy now is pretty good. It is pointless for them to try and develop new technology on a myriad of fronts, when much of the new stuff might not make it! Why spend resources when you can wait to see the best and brightest and by them out? You know that some of the ones that were 'gobbled' up, were willing victims! If I had a product that MSFT wanted to by, and I could either take $2M NOW or $4M by marketing it myself, I'm taking the $2M NOW! It takes a lot to market, and MSFT has a good distribution network. Next, if they really want it, they can ante' up until you colapse! Of course the NEWS is that MSFT 'forced' another out of business. (FORCE ME, FORCE ME - then write to me in the Carribean!)
Your thoughts?
Ken |
