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 : Market Gems:Stocks w/Strong Earnings and High Tech. Rank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: LastShadow who wrote (4114)	11/28/1997 12:22:00 AM
From: AlienTech	Respond to of 120523

Sun outlines its commitment to Asean McNealy says firm is here for long haul despite turmoil Borisuthiboun Dasaneyavaja The economic situation in Asean has been heading downwards - and with it, investment in IT. In addition, devaluation of Asean currencies translates into less money being contributed by subsidiaries to their parents companies abroad. Database talks to Sun Microsystems President and Chief Executive Officer Scott McNealy on Sun's view of the sitution and its commitment to the region. Database: What is Sun's policy in this part of the world, which is facing an economic slump? Are you still committed to being a player in this region? Scott McNealy: Sun is absolutely committed to be not just a player but a very significant partner in the IT development of Southeast Asia. Our presence here is for the long haul, and has always been. The current economic situation in Southeast Asia is actually not an "economic slump" but a slowdown. All countries in Asean are still forecasting positive growth for 1997 and 1998, although the growth projections are now lower. For example, one source indicated that Thailand will still experience a 3% GDP growth for 1998. Database: How does Sun plan to help their distributors and customers in this region? Mr McNealy: We are already actively helping our partners in this region in view of the current uncertain financial fluctuations. One of the most significant things we are doing is to help our partners better manage their inventory. This reduces their interest rate burden, therefore reducing their costs to customers. Another way is helping them to co-fund currency hedging costs, again reducing their cost of doing business. Database: Do you feel that Asean is losing its charm for international IT suppliers because of this situation? Mr McNealy: No, Asean is certainly not losing its "charm" for major IT suppliers. Sun Microsystems believes that Asean countries will still enjoy one of the fastest GDP growth rates in the world, in the mid to longer term. IT is crucial in ensuring that these economies continue to stay ahead, and as such, we believe that Sun is well poised to further contribute towards this growth. Database: Up until now, has Sun's sales revenue in this region been higher or lower than the same period last year? By how many percent? Mr McNealy: By company policy, we are not permitted to share sales revenue in this region. Suffice to say that our revenue growth in Asia South (which includes Asean and India) till June 1997 grew at a robust rate of 40%, almost double the growth-rate of the company as a whole. This is further evidence of the attractiveness of this region. Database: From your point of view, why did Asean crash? When do you expect recovery? Mr McNealy: Many theories have been discussed on this so-called "crash". Our view is that escalating annual current account deficits experienced in some countries here were one of the main sources of the current uncertainties we are now facing. However, the fall in currency strength in these countries will now mean a very positive investment prospect for them, especially in manufacturing. Investments will flow into these countries, therefore reversing the slide in economic growth in the mid-term for these countries.

To: LastShadow who wrote (4114)	11/28/1997 1:17:00 AM
From: AlienTech	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 120523

Whats some good stocks to buy for DEC/JAN? Toy sales are expected to be strong this holiday season despite the lack of a single blockbuster product such as last year's "Tickle Me Elmo" dolls, according to industry officials. Toys 'R' Us CEO Michael Goldstein said Nintendo 64 and the Sony Playstation video game systems and the hand-held Nintendo Game Boy should do very well this holiday. As usual, television and movies will shape a lot of children's wish lists this season, as the multitude of products from the movies "Star Wars," "Anastasia" and the "Little Mermaid," as well as Nickelodeon cable TV's "Rugrats," cover store shelves.