**OT** Joanna, I'm sorry you're having a bad day.
Some random thoughts regarding INTC and the box makers: From what I understand, CPQ, HWP and IBM are all jugged up with inventory. That probably translates into poorer sales for INTC for the coming quarter. But, here's where I see an opportunity if you believe that the market is not efficient.
Just as INTC will experience sluggish sales, so will all the other computer component manufacturers like WDC and SEG. This means decreasing prices and increasing margins for any box maker without inventory problems. Only one comes to mind: DELL. GTW would be a possibility if they had proven themselves capable of handling their inventory in the past. DELL keeps about seven days of inventory on hand, so it is in a position to full advantage of rapidly decreasing component prices.
NOW, if your a timing gambler notice that Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and IBM report in April, but Dell reports in May. If these companies have poor to middling financials (as a result of their inventory problems) they could easily drive the price of Dell's stock down. Then, when Dell has it's typical blowout quarter (because it is the only major computer company that understands JIT manufacturing) -- voilla. And you can owe me a truffle dinner!
BTW, I sold CKR to buy more PSFT. Got in at 43 1/4! Did you get in?
Regards,
Paul |
