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To: Sun Tzu who wrote (827)1/20/2000 5:01:00 PM
From: Greg S.  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 10713
 
Sun -

I too think that a lot of internet stocks are going to experience some serious pain this year. If a stock goes way up because of a change in the market's perception of the company and not because of its fundamentals, then it can go down for the exact same reason. When you buy the hype you are investing in the market's sentimentality, and not in the company. I'm still green behind the ears but I'd rather bet my money on a company than on the capricious whims of the average investor. Of course, if I were smarter I would be able to predict "what is the MARKET going to think is the next big thing" as opposed to "what is the next big thing".

I do own some internet stocks but my recommendation is that as far as investing goes, try to stick with ones that have profitable business models. A personal favorite of mine is Go2Net (GNET), but I don't want to plug anything on this board. What bothers me about the company is that it doesn't "play the Wall St. game", but if anyone wants to talk GNET we can take it to PM or the GNET thread.

Anyway, Sun, I'm wondering if you could possibly elaborate on your rather sweeping generalization of "internuts". You certainly don't mean internet stocks in general? Or just ones with sky-high PEs? I guess what I'm asking is are you talking a sector meltdown or the bursting of the bubble?

Also, I'm curious what you think about Japanese equities given that an awful lot of money is starting to become unlocked from the savings accounts of Japanese retail investors, and they have been regaining confidence in their market. The Nikkei has run up 35% this year, which I'd normally say is a lot but compare that to our Nasdaq, up 65% this year. I don't think they will reach the lofty heights of 40,000 anytime soon but a booming economy could send them back up to 30,000 in short order, what do you think? The Japanese still have plenty of room to grow.

Happy investing ..

-G



To: Sun Tzu who wrote (827)1/23/2000 3:27:00 PM
From: TwoBear  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 10713
 
Sun, I'll try to give you some info on HELX.

Helix Technology Corporation provides critical enabling vacuum system technology to a broad range of electronic component manufacturers, principally for the production of semiconductors, disk drives and flat panel displays. The Company's On-Board technology is a comprehensive package of hardware and software that can integrate both Helix and non-Helix vacuum products. Its On-Board Cryopump product is for use in both the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and ion implantation markets. The Company's Stabil-Ion and Convectron vacuum measurement systems are used in the PVD, ion implantation, Chemical Vapor Deposition and etch processes. The Company's vacuum gauging products are also integrated into analytical instruments, primarily mass spectrometers.

Ok, that's the technical explanation. Last year's acquisition of Granville-Phillips has allowed them to integrate revolutionary software into their products that allows them to monitor their pumps at all customer sites. This software will notify HELX immediately if a failure has occurred or is going to occur. HELX can then implement quick repair plans that limit downtime on the customer equipment. They guarantee a solution will be in place in 59 minutes. This link explains it better than I do.

ctihelix.com

The main reason I own this company is top level management. These guys made the hard decisions during the last semi downturn and poised themselves for the future with the Granville acquisition.

There is competition, but nothing of significance. I have seen reports that Helix has 70-80% of the marketshare. Sorry I'm a little vague, but that's all I have on that subject.

Hope this gives you a better picture of Helix.

Scott



To: Sun Tzu who wrote (827)2/23/2000 10:17:00 AM
From: Greg S.  Respond to of 10713
 
I just thought I'd swing VISX into the limelight again, briefly.

The company just slashed their licensing fee from $250 to $100, authorized a buyback of 10MM shares, and were downgraded by Lehman brothers. The most remote bottom Sun predicted was at 21 - indeed, the price hovered there for about a day before smashing through it on this "news". It now stands around $16/share. For all I can tell, the legal issues are still not resolved.

Is this kind of price action an overreaction on the part of the market? VISX just can't cut a break.

-G