Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : Gorilla and King Portfolio Candidates -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: gdichaz who wrote (27241)	7/3/2000 5:48:04 PM
From: Eric L	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 54805

Cha2, Re: Smart Card Semiconducter Manufacturers - IFX - STM - ATML << Since possible smart card investments seem hard to find, are Atmel (ATML) or Infineon possible ways to participate - at least in a small way - per your last para? >> I like both Atmel (ATML) & Infineon (IFX) much. In my business life I have dealings with both, and consider them to be top notch innovative players. STMicroelectronics (STM) could be added to the list. They are #2 in smart card silicon after Infineon. I am not invested in any of the above. I play semiconducters with INTC and PMCS. Each is 5% of my combined portfolios and I really like PMCS. Rumor has it someone is going to do a PMCS "Project Hunt" presentation. I hope so. These guys EXECUTE. Note: ATML up 409% for 18 months and 31% YTD STM up 402% for 18 months and 29% YTD IFX up a few % since the IPO I evaluated these guys as a way to participate in smart cards and rejected the idea. Smart Card (IC Card chips) are a small % of their overall business (10%). Silicon allocation is in effect. IC card chips are the low end of the semiconducter business in both ASP & margin. I was going to participate in the IFX IPO. It was heavily oversubscribed. Huge grey market. Sort of like Palm. Semiconductors are cyclical & seasonal and bear very close watch. I think Uncle Frank would agree. We are in cycle. Sort of out of season, but the season is coming. Gemplus probably a better smart card play when they IPO. A small "smart card" basket could be ATML, IFX, STM, Gemplus, Oberthur. (thinking out loud). BTW: You should read this EE Times article called "Europe Gains as Consumer Electronics Eeader": eetimes.com (Discusses STM, NOK, ERICY, Philips, Symbian, Bluetooth, et al. Gets into the new arenas of wireless devices and THE HANDHELD GAME). - Eric -