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Technology Stocks : Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: RetiredNow who wrote (53832)	6/27/2001 8:12:17 AM
From: kvkkc1	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 77400

I'm just curious about your 66th percentile argument. How much difference is there between the 90th and 66th percentile in dollars? I have no idea, I'm just trying to figure out your argument about CSCO underpaying so badly.knc Also, in your reply to Happy girl, you make the assumption that there will be equivalent job opportunities when/if the telecom market recovers. I'm not sure that's valid.

To: RetiredNow who wrote (53832)	6/27/2001 9:04:26 AM
From: Stock Farmer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 77400

Hi Mindmeld, re options, if we can continue briefly I fundamentally have a difficult time with the concept of re-pricing stock options. If options are indeed a way of helping employees share in the fruit of their labor.... well they get to share. Not just take a 100% beneficial stake. As a shareholder you get the downs as well as the ups, and it's nice to know that the sailors don't have first dibs on seats in the lifeboats. Second, if they are indeed "extra" compensation, then make the cash payable and account for it properly. Not in some pyramid scheme that ends up with shareholders looking at a value to cost-base ratio less than one. Third, numerous studies show that a stronger motivation for "top talent" to leave is internal inequity, not external inequity. It is key that top talent is treated "better" than bottom talent within the org. Not necessarily better than that other patch next door. Keeping up with the Joneses leads to wage inflation which is bad for everyone. Fourth, top talent is smart. They don't necessarily want to pay "newbie tax" on their productivity. The bleeding of staff is not over. A great deal of their ability to contribute is often essential domain knowledge, including how the organization functions. Go somewhere else and they may be "mediocre" talent for a while. Man, I'd sure like to be top talent underpaid than mediocre talent fired. Oh, and severance tends to be based on length of time employed. The words "I Quit" can be very expensive! Finally, would you pay $25 for Cisco stock today? No. Why is it that you won't pay more for the stock than it costs to acquire it? 'Cause you can get it cheaper? Hmmm... Same ruthless thinking goes towards those people you were "repurposing" a while back. Compensation is like that too. This of course is in my perspective as a shareholder. If I put my employee hat on then of course I want stock options. The more the merrier. And I want all of my underwater options priced above the waterline. And I want a raise. And I know I'm top talent <g>. And I want my job tomorrow. And I want my pick of assignments and I want my nice perks and pampering. And I want, I want, I want.... Somewhere in between these views is an appropriate balance. So market conditions being what they are, I think now is not the time to be re-pricing options just yet. John.

To: RetiredNow who wrote (53832)	6/27/2001 9:19:18 AM
From: HG	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 77400

You were discussing CSCO and JNPR earlier...Nortel is out of it... Anyone who told you JNPR exchanged the stock was telling you a lie. I don't work for CSCO or JNPR, but do feel uncomfortable at false allegations and bashings. In case you are unaware, CSCO has been on the employer of choice list for ever.....it ranks number 2 or 3 in the whole of United States..... The example of their commitment to employees was their severance package and the services and benefits provided to the people laid off...much better than the best in the industry....and it was aimed at making laid off employees comfortable and secure......and building loyalty so that when times are better, they would WANT to return....and most sensible employees of CSCO acknowledge that and thank their stars for an opportunity to work with such a caring employer. My advice to your friends would be to leave the company as soon as they can......it doesn't do anyone good to be biting the kind hand that feeds it generously. Repricing options is such a lousy thing to do....i won't even go there. It only serves the interests of a greedy management.....and reflects their lack of trust in their abilities and future of the company....and a mentality to sc*ew the shareholder.... I would be very interested in seeing some proof about the 66th percentile coz i don't believe its true. And I make my living trading options <smile> Peace.