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

To: Ron Burns who wrote (532)	3/11/1998 2:54:00 AM
From: Toby Zidle	Respond to of 663

I too like TCOMA, not so much because of AT&T specifically, but because they're so big a player in an exploding industry. My main concern is how they (and other cable companies) will raise the megamillions needed for investing in the new technologies, with Congress at the same time intent on keeping the costs to the individual customer at as low a level as possible. Also, direct satellite systems pose a significant challenge to the pure cable companies. Have you looked at TCOMA's major subsidiaries -- TCI Liberty Media (LBTYA) which is into content programming, and United Video Satellite Group (UVSGA) which is TCOMA's answer to the satellite system competition? TCOMA has increased its ownership of UVSGA to nearly 80% recently and may decide to go 100% in the future. I think both of these companies have the potential to grow as fast as TCOMA. Good luck with your kids' educations. toby

To: Ron Burns who wrote (532)	3/11/1998 12:53:00 PM
From: Terrapin	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 663

I like your gut feeling but we've already seen a triple in TCOMA alone. And now with TCIVA in my portfolio I'm happier than ever! My big problem is the complexity of this company's balance sheet - I've given up any amateur analysis and am basically holding on faith. I can see how the cable infrastructure is an enormous asset but it is one that will require maintenance and upgrades. I can see how Hindery has slimmed down the company and hope he has more tricks up his sleeve! The low interest rate environment helps with the sizable debt this company carries around. Another perk is that Malone likes to spin-off companies and get the stock, let it appreciate and then sometimes just up-n-buys them back at emormous profit to himself and us shareholders! A good thing to know is what else can be spun-off? I have faith in Malone as a very smart financier but he seems to be making enemies with the likes of MSFT and INTC. Short-term his decisions get a less expensive chip and software into the set-top boxes but long-term it may get tricky. The titans are fighting for control of electronic trade and communication. A brief look at history shows that the cause of nearly every war has been disputes over control of commercial trade routes. Either way, there is money to be made as a war profiteer! John