Bill, after their prior denials of stuffing the channel in the first place, perhaps management's statements don't carry the clout they used to. I'm still not convinced the street is giving their blessing in earnest 6 months away from signs of earnings. You can say that the timing of the recent rally has been coincidence. But to wait till after the anticipated bounce through the 50day MA to announce the buyback that kept it going, then when that started to wear thin announce multiple upgrades that kept it up while an interest hike is feared, bonds are over 6%, and the world is coming down on MSFT, keeps me cautious. Don't get me wrong, I think the merger will be great, I just question the stay power of a choreographed 38% runnup. Of course I believe most stock action is choreographed anyway <g>.
Also agree with your good news/bad news scenario. Coke did a study years ago that found out negative word of mouth has 15 times the impact of positive word of mouth.
best wishes,
Tom |
