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To: Apollo who wrote (13109)	12/21/1999 8:42:00 AM
From: unclewest	Respond to of 54805

cree is getting ready to grow...big! cree has a lot of cash...no announced borrowing for this growth. DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Cree Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: CREE - news) announced today that it has commenced facility construction to expand manufacturing capacity for its high brightness light emitting diode (LED) product. LEDs are used in applications for cellular handsets, automotive instrument clusters, indoor and outdoor signage, indicator lighting, and other consumer products. As part of the company's multi-year factory expansion plan, Cree has recently completed a 42,000 sq. ft. addition for production and administration, and has also begun construction on a 125,000 sq. ft. expansion that is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of calendar year 2000. This new 125,000 sq. ft. will increase the square footage of the company's production facilities by an additional 45%. Charles Swoboda, President and Chief Operating Officer, stated, ``Cree continues to invest in the facilities, equipment, and personnel required to execute our increased production requirements to meet the demand we have experienced. Our mission is to provide our customers with high quality silicon carbide (SiC) products at the lowest cost. These new facility upgrades reflects our confidence in the continued growth and demand for devices made from silicon carbide.' The company also announced that it is under contract to acquire an additional 120,000 sq. ft. building on approximately 18 acres for $8.16 million. This new site, now under construction, is adjacent to the existing manufacturing operations in Durham, North Carolina. This new facility, which Cree will upfit after the closing of the purchase, will house general and administrative, sales, certain research and development personnel and other employee service functions. The company will continue its due diligence examination of the property through mid-January 2000 with occupancy scheduled for summer 2000. North Carolina-based Cree Research, Inc. is the world leader in developing and manufacturing semiconductor materials and electronic devices made from silicon carbide. The company uses proprietary technology to make enabling compound semiconductors such as blue and green LEDs, microwave transistors for use in wireless base stations and radar, SiC crystals used in the production of unique gemstones and SiC wafers that are sold for research. Cree has new product initiatives based on its experience in SiC, including blue laser diodes for optical storage applications and high power devices for power conditioning and switching. For more information on Cree, visit cree.com . This press release contains forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated. Actual results could differ due to a number of factors, including the possibility of reduced demand for the company's products due to price reductions or other actions by competitors; the possibility the company may be unable to manufacture the volume of products required to fulfill contracted demand in a timely manner; and other factors discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 27, 1999.

To: Apollo who wrote (13109)	12/21/1999 9:31:00 AM
From: gdichaz	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 54805

Snasraway: Some thoughts re Globalstar. The other thread may be where it is discussed most appropriately, since it has been dismissed pretty much out of hand here in the past. Loral is worth considering as a way to participate in the huge potential of delivery of data (of all flavors, including news, video, TV, music, etc etc - as well as a ubiquitous internet and intranet connection) as well as owning 45% of G* Have followed both for years as part of my three legs - wireless terrestrial (the Q), fiber (JDSU) and wireless satellite (LOR ((&G))). Since my primary interest has always been in the most rapid and efficient transmission of data (with voice as a secondary consideration) the possibilities of satellite transmission for data is very appealing. Coverage is practically by definition worldwide. The primary bottleneck so far is the movement of data up to the satellite for transmission down. But that is in the process of being dealt with. Still early yet though. And of course all three will thrive at the same time as complimentary and mutually reinforcing - with satellite the slowest to get off the ground so to speak. Both types of wireless and fiber will both interconnect and bypass each other - many different and as yet unforeseen permutations IMO. But in brief, suggest that anyone seriously interested in Globalstar look at Loral both for G participation and satellite data which is Loral's opportunity not G's. G is just getting started. Loral's data delivery is also just starting to become meaningful. Both stocks are cheap - if the companies succeed. Neither have earnings nor a track record. That is why I suggested the other thread may be where they should be discussed. Best. Cha2