ratlong,
> We've "known" each other for awhile now, and as usual, I think
> we are in fundamental agreement- maybe coming from a slightly
> different perspective.
Yes, I think we basically agree but it's fun to debate anyway :-).
We fully agree on where the company is right now. The point I was trying to make is that I don't need any 'dramatical strategical changes for the future' from RATL in order to keep my investment.
I believe they are in the 'Gorilla' position (see "The Gorilla
Game" by Geoffrey Moore which I am sure you are familiar
with) and that they can continue to grow faster than the overall
market. Naturally that doesn't mean they just can lay back and
let the business run itself, there are threats and they have to deliver new, good products within their area. But I don't believe
any dramatical changes is necessary (and this is where we maybe disagrees): just keeping and maintaining their position, grow
along or faster than overall market, and slowly broaden their
product base and/or markets. I think that will provide excellent
growth.
One thing they could do is maybe rename themselves to
rational.com and call themselves 'the internet CASE tools
company' -- that would probably double their stock in a couple
of days...:-) No sorry, they are profitable -- then it
won't work...:-)
> As for the insider selling, I have to go with Diana, although she
> did dump this too early. :^) They definitely did sell and it makes
> me very nervous for the next couple of days...
Yes, makes you wonder. Levy also did a options-related BUY of
85,000 shares at the same time as those sales, though. And would
they really like to repeat a debacle similar to 97 and sell a
month before presenting bad earnings ? Wall street confidence
would take a hit.
Wednesday will tell. I'm in for the long term and optimistic.
Best,
/Hans-Erik |
