"Stocks in the Spotlight's"
A CURRENT UP-DATE
Sunday - October - 13 - 2002
"Current" up-dates on "Spotlight" stocks
The "Current Up-Date" are stocks that were covered by the Spotlight newsletter in the past. Just because a stock is not listed on the Current Up-Date does not mean that we have dropped that particular stock, it only means that there are no current news. If and when we do drop a stock, we will inform you as to why we are dropping that particular stock. We pick up or drop coverage weekly as items of importance or prices dictate the showing of any particular stock!
Closing prices are from the market close on Friday 10/11/2002
Up - Off - Flat = the change from last week
Nasdaq symbol in ( ) = Quote -- News in ( ) = news
Clicking on each will take you there
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) (semiconductor), $3.76 (up $0.25) On 10/7/2002, AMD's Austin Fab 25 Receives Two Additional Environmental, Health and Safety Certifications (more) On 10/7/2002, Mobile AMD Athlon XP Processors Deliver High Performance and More Choice in Compaq Business Notebook from HP (more) On 10/7/2002, Moody's revises Advanced Micro Devices outlook (more) On 10/8/2002, AMD Signs R&D Joint Venture Agreement With China Basic Education Software Company, Ltd. to Address China's Growing IT Education Market (more) On 10/8/2002, AMD, Fujitsu In Talks To Integrate Flash-Memory Ops-FT (more) On 10/9/2002, Advanced Micro Devices Earnings Call scheduled for Wed, Oct 16 (more) AMD has no PE and a 52 week range of 3.10 (recent) - 20.60. Nice company and one with a future once the economy gets going again. The problem is the lower than expected earnings and outlook brought the stock down to levels we may consider much too low. The recent new 52 week low broke 1998 levels and has created an excellent entry level. "Entry" here or lower OK!
AOL Time Warner, Inc. (AOL) (Internet & Communications), $11.79 (off $0.02). On 10/7/2002, SEC Probes AOL-Oxygen Pact for Double-Booking of Revenue (more) On 10/7/2002, Ted Turner Reports Selling 434,700 AOL Shares Oct 1 (more) On 10/8/2002, AOL Slashes Price Of UK Broadband By 20% (more) On 10/8/2002, Booting AOL Email Just a Warm-Up for Time Warner (more) On 10/8/2002, WorldCom Can Scrap AOL TW Ad Contract - Court (more) On 10/9/2002, Akamai In Expanded Relationship With Amer Online (more) On 10/9/2002, Case Closed? Accounting Probe May Be End For AOL Chairman (more) On 10/9/2002, AOL subscriber revenue could be a concern-Merrill (more) On 10/9/2002, Calpers Among Those Eying AOL Time Warner Complex Stake (more) On 10/10/2002, AOL Time Warner downgraded by Thomas Weisel (more) On 10/11/2002, Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, CEO of Detroit Public Schools Dr. Kenneth Stephen Burnley and America Online Announce Partnership to Use AOL@SCHOOL Citywide (more) AOL has no PE and the 52 week trading range is 8.70 - 39.21. The slew of negative news is not good and offers a strong chance of another new 52 week low. A good rule in this bargain infested market is avoid companies with trouble. If you own the stock at a loss, sell and take it. There are better places to be. Move to Intel Corp. Watch & Wait!
Ascential™ Software Corporation (ASCL) (Software & programming), $1.64 (off $0.30). On 10/7/2002, Ascential Software Corporation, the enterprise data integration leader, announced that BlueCross BlueShield of Montana (BCBSMT), has selected Ascential's DataStage® XE enterprise data integration solution to provide comprehensive data transformation and migration services for its next- generation enterprise application deployment. BCBSMT will use DataStage to migrate its legacy mainframe data into a suite of applications for member/claims processing, financial, and statistical reporting running on NT servers. The statewide health insurer predicts that the initiative will allow it to reduce information technology maintenance costs, while improving customer service through deployment of more flexible, responsive client/server applications. (more) On 10/10/2002, Ascential Software Names Takemi Hojo Country Manager of Ascential Japan (more) Ascential has a PE of 0.77 and a 52 week range of 1.52 (recent) - 5.12. ASCL has an average daily volume of about 1.1 million shares, meaning it is quite popular, but the PE will climb due to the recently announced losses. The stock climbed from just under $3, after September 11/01 to $5 where it met strong resistance/support and back down again. Anything under $1.75 might be worth a closer look. "Entry" here or lower OK!
Borland Software Corporation (BORL) (Software & programming), $8.509 (up $0.529). On 10/7/2002, Borland Software Corporation announced that on October 4, 2002 it acquired assets of privately-held BoldSoft MDE Aktiebolag, a leading provider of next-generation, design-driven technology used to accelerate the software development process and improve collaboration across the enterprise. With this move, Borland is advancing design-driven development for the Microsoft .NET framework and strongly positioning Borland as the only independent path to .NET. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Borland management does not expect this acquisition to have a material impact on revenues or net income for 2002. The market for application design-driven development is expected to reach $1.1 billion by 2006 according to industry analyst research firm IDC. (more) On 10/8/2002, BEA and Borland Offer Developers a Review of JBuilder, WebLogic Edition With Free Online Tutorial (more) On 10/9/2002, Borland Software Corporation and Starbase Corporation (Nasdaq:SBAS) jointly announced they have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which Borland will acquire Starbase in an all-cash tender offer for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $24 million or $2.75 per share. Starbase's products will complement and expand Borland's suite of products and address a market estimated to reach $1 billion by 2004, according to industry research firm META Group. (more) Borland has a PE of 29.93 and a 52 week range of 6.48 - 18.40. Nice company with nice products and growing revenue. BORL moved from over $6 to 18.40 since last September before easing back and building a base near $10 before a quick fall to under $7. The PE is high enough to support another backing off but with a bright future, it will be hard to tell when 'how much is too much'. "Hold" here with entry best closer to $7!
Cirrus Logic, Inc. (CRUS) (Semiconductors), $1.68 (off $0.07). On 10/8/2002, Cirrus Logic Inc., a leading supplier of semiconductor solutions for digital entertainment electronics, and Shanghai Video & Audio Electronics Co Ltd. (SVA), a world leader in the manufacture of advanced consumer electronics, announced the opening of a joint design center in Shanghai, China. The new facility will be the centerpiece of an agreement announced earlier this year in which SVA and Cirrus Logic agreed to utilize each other's technology and manufacturing resources to jointly develop and promote digital entertainment technologies. (more) Cirrus has no PE and a 52 week range of 1.4705 (recent) - 20.45. Nice company to own for the longer term if in at the right price. The stock climbed quite well, from $6 to $20 since September 2001 and back down. The absence of a PE makes it hard to really tell the bottom. The book value is about $4.13, cash is setting around $134 million and the company has very low debt. There are no support levels to work with in the current range. We are looking at over a five year low. Entry while under $2 looks good for the long term, or short term, investor!
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) (Computer Networks), $10.32 (up $0.86) On 10/7/2002, Cisco Delivers New MPLS Bandwidth Protection Solution (more) On 10/7/2002, Cisco Extends Catalyst 6500 Series Switch Family (more) On 10/7/2002, Cisco Eyes Veritas as Storage Partner (more) On 10/7/2002, RESEARCH ALERT-Deutsche Banc cuts Cisco 2003 view (more) On 10/8/2002, Telia Picks Cisco Technology for SMB Service Launch (more) On 10/8/2002, El Paso Community College Deploys Cisco ONS 15454 to Offer Community, Students, and Faculty Leading-Edge Network Resources (more) On 10/8/2002, Bear Stearns Cuts Cisco Estimates (more) On 10/9/2002, Cisco Systems upgraded by Needham & Co (more) On 10/9/2002, Arcor Chooses MPLS-Based IP Core Network from Cisco (more) On 10/10/2002, Batelco Powers Bahrain's e-Government Broadband Drive with Metro Ethernet to the Business network from Cisco (more) On 10/10/2002, Cisco Selected for China Telecom's "ChinaNet'' IP Backbone Northern Network (more) On 10/11/2002, Cisco Systems Completes Acquisition of AYR Networks (more) Cisco has a PE of 39.00 and a 52 week range of 8.12 (recent) - 21.92. CSCO is one of the most popular stocks on the market. The company is one to own, either long term or short term, but the PE is high and a strong sell off could bring another new 52 week low, although, it will be hard catching this very active stock at the bottom. Entry on anything under $10 should work just fine!
Comtech Telecommunications Corporation (CMTL) (Communications equipment), $6.55 (up $0.45). On 10/9/2002, Comtech Telecommunications Corp. announced that it has received a $42 million contract from a large U.S. prime contractor for mobile digital over-the-horizon microwave troposcatter and line-of-sight microwave communications equipment. The contract was awarded to Comtech's Orlando, Florida - based subsidiary, Comtech Systems, Inc. Comtech Systems will supply its field proven, fully synthesized over-the-horizon microwave radios utilizing its patented state-of-the-art adaptive digital modem. The over-the-horizon system will also use Comtech's automatic power control system, which reduces interference problems with other communication systems. The mobile antennas will be supplied by Comtech's St. Cloud, Florida subsidiary, Comtech Antenna Systems, Inc. Deliveries will occur over a 48 month period. (more) Comtech has a PE of 19.17 and a 52 week range of 5.75 (recent) - 15.30. Nice company and nice products. Entry should work fine on anything under $7!
Dell Computer Corporation (DELL) (Computer hardware), $26.41 (up $1.65). On 10/7/2002, Dell Introduces Two New Dimension Desktops (more) On 10/7/2002, Dell Inks Storage Deal With Publication Company (more) On 10/8/2002, Dell, Legend spar for giant China computer market (more) On 10/8/2002, Coverage initiated on Dell Computer by Pacific Crest (more) On 10/8/2002, Dell Lands Starring Role in Creative Artists Agency's Data Center (more) On 10/9/2002, Dell Will Lower Prices For IT Services, CEO Says (more) On 10/9/2002, Dell to Sell Dell, Not HP, Printer Cartridges (more) Dell has a PE of 55.89 and a 52 week range of 21.70 - 30.52. The problem with DELL is the PE is too high for this current market. The stock has been trading between $23 and $28 all year. The PC business is expected to expand, once the economy gets going again, but how much and when is still an unknown. If the markets continue to climb, so will DELL, but if the markets return to selling, DELL will also. "Hold" here and keep the $27.50 PUT, with a best entry under $21!
Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFII) (Software & programming), $14.50 (up $0.39). On 10/7/2002, Electronics For Imaging, the world leader in software and hardware imaging solutions for network printing, announced a new partnership with Heidelberg USA to distribute EFI's Velocity(TM) workflow software for high speed production printing. The software is now available for Heidelberg's Digimaster® 9110 black and white production engine, offering robust workflow and productivity advantages to Heidelberg's customers. The companies will also collaborate to develop a fully integrated Velocity solution for Heidelberg's new SmartBoard(TM) technology, bringing even greater functionality and production workflow control to 9110 environments. (more) On 10/7/2002, Electronics For Imaging and Xerox announced that they are working together to create new powerful controllers. EFI, a world leader in software and hardware imaging solutions, and Xerox are establishing a new initiative that combines EFI's powerful new Fiery® Q4000 color server with Xerox's DocuSP® color controller. This will bring together EFI's advantages of ease of use, award-winning quality, and Xerox's production hardened dependability to drive Xerox production printers. (more) EFII has a PE of 34.49 and a 52 week range of 13.22 (recent) - 25.25. Nice company and specialty. The stock was on a downtrend after hitting the $30 level over a year ago, but is currently building a base near $15. The PE is high enough to allow for further downside. "Hold" here with best entry under $13!
Exponent, Inc. (EXPO) (Business services), $13.90 (off $0.60). On 10/7/2002, Exponent's Third Quarter Earnings Conference Call Monday, October 14, 2002, At 2:15 p.m. PDT/5:15 p.m. EDT (more) On 10/8/2002, Exponent, Inc. announced that is has been awarded the Phase ID contract for the U.S. Army's Advanced Combat Uniform (ACU) program. Exponent has been working on Phases IA-IC of the ACU program with the U.S. Army Product Manager -- Soldier Equipment (PM-SEQ) to provide a solution to the soldier's combat uniform needs through the use of currently available off-the-shelf technologies. Exponent will net approximately $400,000 of the $547,000 Phase ID contract, which will run through March 2003. (more) Exponent has a PE of 15.38 and a 52 week range of 9.06 - 15.00. EXPO is sort of a unique kind of company. You need to move a mountain or build a lake, call EXPO and it will send a team of engineers to figure out how to do it. Nice company. "Hold" here with best entry under $11!
Symantec Corporation (SYMC) (Software & programming), $34.40 (up $4.35). On 10/8/2002, Symantec Corp., the world leader in Internet security, announced Symantec AntiVirus for Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server, which will provide scalable and reliable virus detection and repair for HTTP, FTP and SMTP traffic served through ISA Server. Scheduled to be available in December, Symantec AntiVirus for ISA Server will help thwart outbreaks by preventing new threats from entering an organization through ISA Server -- an extensible firewall and Web cache server that integrates with Windows 2000 to provide policy-based security. (more) Symantec has a PE of 110.99 and a 52 week range of 21.575 - 43.10. Nice company with nice and needed computer products. The best anti virus program around, but SYMC does so much more. The stock has been finding support in the just under $30 area but the moves off this level are quick and back down again. With such a high PE, it is hard to find a value entry level, but last quarter, SYMC did not even have a PE and as the economy improves, the PE should come down quick. If the markets return to selling, we might see something under $30 again. "Hold" here with best entry under $30!
TCSI Corporation (TCSI) (Software & programming), $0.34 (off $0.02). On 10/7/2002, Privately held Newcastle Partners L.P. on Monday sent a letter to software company TCSI Corp. offering to acquire the approximately 87 percent of TCSI it doesn't already own. Newcastle is offering to pay 40 cents per share for the outstanding shares of TCSI. That represents an 11 percent premium over TCSI's current market price of 36 cents per share, according to Newcastle, based in Dallas. The deal is conditioned upon the companies getting all the necessary regulatory, board of directors and shareholder approvals, among other items. The offer is not based on any financing contingency, Newcastle said, which owns about 12.8 percent of TCSI. (more) TCSI has no PE and a 52 week range of 0.31 - 0.98. TCSI plays with the big telecommunications companies but the stock has been a disaster, falling from near $7 to under 35 cents in a little over two years. If management ever gets it together, the stock could climb quite well. I doubt that current management wants to give the company away so cheap, but if it happens, the stock will have a new team. Watch & Wait!
3Com® Corporation (COMS) (Computer networks), $3.95 (up $0.04). On 10/7/2002, 3Com Delivers Embedded Firewall Solution to Protect Remote Workforces in Enterprises Worldwide (more) On 10/7/2002, 3Com Announces Winners of `Learning Through Technology' Competition (more) On 10/7/2002, Felix Gibson Appointed as Sales Manager for 3Com in Scotland (more) On 10/9/2002, 3Com Wins At Computing Awards 2002 (more) On 10/9/2002, 3Com Corp. signed an agreement last week to sell its Marlborough, Mass., campus for $57.8 million, resulting in a loss of about $30.9 million. The network company will lease back about 168,000 square foot of space on the property following the sale, which should close in December, according to a quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday. 3Com also said in the filing it sold a 639,000-square-foot manufacturing and office building in Mount Prospect, Ill., in July for $17.8 million, $400,000 more than the company's estimated value for the property. Following the sale, the company repaid $7.5 million under a term loan it collateralized with the building. As part of a previously announced restructuring, 3Com said it would sell excess real estate. (more) On 10/10/2002, 3Com Announces Stock Buyback (more) 3Com has no PE and a 52 week range of 3.51 - 7.00. Nice company that is loaded with cash and is a leader in the communication device industry. The stock more than doubled since last September, showing how easy it is able to climb before backing off, but the backing was met with several attempts to climb, showing much underlying strength. It has been hard to bring this one down, but the lower earnings and revenue, combined with a selling market, made the under $4 area become a reality."Entry OK here , but best if under $3.75!
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The Spotlight's Stocks to Watch for the current market are: AMD, AIRM, BORL, CSCO, COMS, DELL, EXNT, FONR, INTC, INLD, NOVL, QCOM, SHRP, SYMC, TSTF, TTEK, UCO, and ZILA. We feel this group is worth a "closer look" and all hold promise for a strong future. Visit our "Stocks To Watch" section for our brief opinion on the above listed companies.
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Remember, if in the right stock, at the right price,
the market direction will mean little!
I am J.R. Budke and this is my opinion!
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J.R. Budke had been a stock broker since 1981, an options principle since 1982 and a branch office manager since 1987. He is currently inactive as a stockbroker as of 12/31/99. J.R. writes the articles and opinions for the Stocks in the Spotlight. The stories and stocks found on this site, or any "Stocks in the Spotlight" written material, are the opinions of J.R. Budke unless other wise stated, and should not be considered as advice. You should not purchase any stocks solely on the opinions found on the "Stocks in the Spotlight's" web site or in any of its written material. You should also be aware that options are not for everybody and carry a high degree of risk.
The "Stocks in the Spotlight" provides information only, this is not meant to be a recommendation to buy or sell the profiled security, nor is this an offer to buy or sell the security. The publishers of "Stocks in the Spotlight" are not investment advisors and are not acting in any way to influence the purchase or sale of the security. Before purchasing or selling any security profiled, it is encouraged and recommended that you consult a stockbroker or other registered financial advisor. The reader must understand that the companies we select may involve a high degree of investment risk. Potential investors must understand that they may lose all or a portion of their investment due to the risk involved.
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