Dell Computer (DELL)... Buoyed by expectations of another strong earnings report, DELL advanced 3 5/16 to within a fraction of its all-time high at 69 1/4... This ceiling should fall today or tomorrow, with next stock at 75... However, best time to buy this stock is in advance of its earnings... Stock often suffers from hangover after its report - even if better than expected on sell on the fact reaction... Consensus estimate calls for gain of $0.27 v. $0.18 a year ago... Based on recent history, however, street will be looking for gain of $0.30+... Focus will also be on ASP (average selling price)... Dell has also been making, and living up to, bold forward looking comments... Any sign of caution now would be red flag.
from briefing.com
Greg
According to a survey recently conducted by Dell Computer Corporation
(NASDAQ:DELL) and Louis Harris & Associates Inc., 43 percent of Americans who
use computers say they are likely to shop on the Internet this holiday season. That's a 330
percent increase over the 1997 holiday season -- last year just 10 percent shopped
online. Ninety percent who say they are likely to shop online for the 1998 holiday season
are likely to purchase gifts via the Internet. The growing online shopping trend is
apparent at companies like Dell, the world's leading direct computer systems company,
which sees more than $6 million in daily sales via the Internet.
"More and more Americans are buying online, and, they're happy with the results," says
Scott Eckert, director of Dell Online. "Once consumers realize how simple shopping
online can be, they are likely to ask why they didn't do this sooner. It's a trend that's
taking the country by storm because it's convenient, easy and secure."
Poll results indicate that 70 percent of online shoppers enjoy the experience.
Meanwhile, only 36 percent of overall respondents are willing to describe a trip to the
mall as part of their holiday fun. Those who like and dislike the malls are turning to the
Internet to shop for and purchase goods -- and they are enjoying it. Online shopping was
most popular with respondents who described holiday mall shopping as "Bah Humbug -
it's a Pain." Seventy-six percent of these people say they enjoy shopping on the Internet.
To further support this burgeoning online trend, 61 percent of those who enjoy mall
shopping also gave electronic commerce a thumbs-up.
The survey results (see attached fact sheet) -- from 1,943 adult respondents who use
computers and the Internet -- bolster analysts' rosy outlook for online sales this holiday
season.
Nielse n Media Research and CommerceNet report the base of online purchasers
doubled from 10 million to 20 million from September 1997 to June 1998. Jupiter
Communications LLC forecasts $2.9 billion in online sales for the fourth quarter of
1998, nearly triple the $1 billion in online sales during the same period last year.
Cybershopping Veterans Tout Benefits
Survey respondents who shop online report numerous benefits: 94 percent said they
could shop anytime of day, and 93 percent say they like the ease of shopping from the
comfort of their homes. Fifty-eight percent said they could find anything they want to buy
through the Internet. And, 47 percent said they save money shopping online.
Respondents Encouraged by Security Guarantees
Security is an overriding issue for respondents who had not shopped online. Eighty-nine
percent cite concern over security of online transactions. But, 76 percent of those who
have not shopped online said they would be about as or more likely to shop online if
companies offer security guarantees. Dell, for instance, backs up its stringent data
encryption with the Online Secure Shopping Guarantee. The guarantee covers liability
charges up to $50 in the unlikely event that fraud has taken place through an online
transaction. For Dell customers, this means never having to pay for credit card liability
charges resulting from an online purchase at Dell.
Ranked No. 125 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 363 in the Fortune Global
500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems
company, based on revenues of $15.2 billion for the past four quarters. Dell designs,
manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers
an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products
can be obtained through its toll-free number 800-388-8542 or by accessing
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