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Technology Stocks : Semi Equipment Analysis -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Sarmad Y. Hermiz who wrote (6436)	10/24/2002 10:07:08 AM
From: robert b furman	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 95530

Hi Sarmad, We are at our highest level of employment. The Houston market is perhaps one of the greatest public corporation owned markets in the US. It was the strongest Auto Nation effort when they persued used Cars and consequently new car stores as well. This is also a strong position with Sonic,Auto one ,and Group One. The presence of publicly owned dealerships has created an exodus out of these stores from some of the more entrepeneurial /experienced employees. My store has been a benefiary of this loss of talent from some of the public stores. I may perhaps be an exception - since I have the benefit of a demographic growth in my market.We're a suburb - the next town North of the Bush intercontinental airport. That being said there are some dealers that are in financial trouble - so I'm sure employment is not so good there. The majority of troubled stores are the Ford stores - huge in Texas are truck sales. G.M. has been in a sweet spot with trucks and Dodges new crew cab like extended cab is doing great.That has been a double whammy on Ford as they've enjoyed the top spot for years - so a sea change is occurring. Additionally Ford has owned the lead role in Compact SUV with Explorer. Now the new GM entries Trailblazer and Envoy are extremely well received and for the first time ever outselling Explorer. There is a good reason Ford is selling below 10 - they've lost market share in all the high margin lines. That's just how I see it in my little corner of the world. I'm beginning to think the market is beginning to see beyond todays troubles and looking forward like it often does. I wouldn't want to be short here.Way too much money leaving bonds to equities.This is buying up the float created by the shorts and they're beginning to sense they've stayed short too long. The newbies in this game will get a rude lesson on the higher risk that shorting creates. JMHO Bob