re What was the p/e ratio when it was at 180?
Ah Jef, those questions make you sound like a bear. Do you have a subscription to Barron's?
I don't remember, off hand. What you can do though, is check out the split history. DELL hit the high immediately before the Aug 97 split. Then go back and read the thread for that time frame to get an idea of the p/e. (Or, if you can find Candlestick, he might remember.)
Of course, you need to be very careful. Everyone uses 'p/e' and everyone else acts as if they understand what was meant. So not infrequently two people are arguing, one using trailing and the other forward earnings.
Another possibility involves more elbow grease. Assemble the historical data for quarterly earnings. Use the last 4 quarters to arrive at a trailing earnings, which you can use for 1 (the next) quarter to measure against the highest price. Add the next 4 quarters, subtract 10-15% and use that figure as a forward earnings estimate, which you can use with price.
If you do decide to short or sell calls against your stock, be very sure to set stop loss points. Your heirs will thank you.
Good trading, 3 |
