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Technology Stocks : Network Appliance -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: kbtrans who wrote (5109)	11/17/2000 12:29:44 PM
From: DownSouth	Read Replies (5) \| Respond to of 10934

I guess that is a matter of how one defines quantitatively the concept of "astronomical" and the TA relationship between the quantification of "astronomical" and the stock price. We all know that DW takes his queue from John Chambers when it comes to forward looking statements and his external goals versus his internal goals. As I recall, DW predicted that 2001 (last FY) would be somewhat over $500M on that trip. He also "warned" and explained why the next quarter would see a book/bill ration below 1.0. There was a big deal made about these numbers, but in retrospect these numbers are very consistent with what has been said and conservative with what has actually happened. I consider a compounding 100%+ annual growth with 60%+ gross margins to be at least "atmospheric" growth if not "astronomical". I also consider the fact that NTAP, EMC and the like are after a market that is already $16B (external storage market) and growing at 40%/year and together they only have about 25% of that huge market. It is also worth noting that NTAP's prices are less than half of EMC's in terms of cost/MB, and yet NTAP's GM is higher--not to mention the fact that NTAP's system performance is far superior when comparing $=$ configs. I am not concerned about NTAP's stock price today, nor am I concerned with "only" a 110% forecast growth for the next few quarters. I am pleased with the company's direction, products, marketplace, and management. I am pleased with the American economy and NTAP's presence internationally. Sorry for the rant, but I am hearing some really exaggerated, out of context crap out there, and your statement is on the edge, imo. Don't go away, though kbtrans. Your opinions, as those of so many (including GM) are valuable to us all. Jerry