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Technology Stocks : America On-Line (AOL) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Voltaire who wrote (10896)	4/15/1999 10:15:00 PM
From: Lane	Respond to of 41369

Exactly what I was thinking. Interesting that AOL has already retraced 23% from its high to todays low. Couldn't stand it any longer and bought more today. Will add if it pulls back further. Am a little concerned that it didn't recover as well as some of the other nets did today though.

To: Voltaire who wrote (10896)	4/15/1999 10:59:00 PM
From: robert duke	Respond to of 41369

Why do you think we will get a reversal if the stock does not split. Maybe we will get a 3-2 split so AOL does not need to approve more shares.

To: Voltaire who wrote (10896)	4/16/1999 7:57:00 AM
From: GalSal	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 41369

I agree. Hopefully no one panics and sells. Doesn't AOL ALWAYS bounce back? From what I saw on my running ticker tape sales I firmly believe that an institution or mutual fund, or someone sold a very large amount of AOL and also that investors moved to paper, financials, etc. Does anyone agree with this thought?

To: Voltaire who wrote (10896)	4/16/1999 4:55:00 PM
From: Glenn D. Rudolph	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 41369

S&P raises America Online <AOL.N> ratings (Press release provided by S&P) NEW YORK, April 15 (Reuters) - Standard & Poor's raised its ratingy raised its ratings on America Online Inc. (see list below). The ratings were also removed from CreditWatch, where they were placed March 29, 1999. The outlook is stable. The upgrade is based on the company's strengthening leadership position as an online services provider, as well as improving cash flow and profitability measures driven by solid subscriber base growth. Ratings reflect Dulles, Va.-based AOL's strong position in a still evolving Internet environment, which offsets its currently robust financial measures. AOL has a substantial and growing recurring revenue base from its online services, AOL and CompuServe, and growing higher margin revenues from non-subscription services such as advertising and electronic commerce. These factors are offset by the challenges of managing rapid growth in an evolving and competitive Internet services environment and integration of Netscape's operations. AOL's membership base is nearly 10 times larger than that of its nearest competitors and provides enhanced earnings stability. Subscriber growth is robust, with over three million new subscribers added in the first half of fiscal year 1999. Additionally, increased network capacity and improved service levels have reduced customer churn. Advertising and electronic commerce revenues, which comprise about 20% of sales, are likely to accelerate, as advertisers and businesses find AOL's mass market consumer base desirable. Moreover, the Netscape acquisition expands the reach of its Internet sites and somewhat diversifies its customer base by adding more business customers. Still, Standard & Poor's believes managing AOL's rapid growth, a broad array of strategic initiatives, and the Netscape integration will be considerable management challenges. Additionally, the development of competing access technologies, such as broadband transmission over cable television lines, could weaken its market position if open access is not granted. Moreover, potential strategic investments or acquisitions may be needed to develop more media rich content for its distribution channels. Recurring revenues from subscribers account for 80% of sales, providing considerable support for the rating. Revenues for the last 12 months ended Dec. 31, 1998 were more than $3.5 billion. Operating margins have more than doubled from the previous year, to nearly 13% for the first half of fiscal 1999. Consequently, funds from operation to total debt is very strong for its rating at about 70% for the first half of fiscal year 1999. Additionally, the company is generating free operating cash flow despite considerable capital investments in its network. Liquidity is strong, with more than $2.2 billion in cash at March 1999, a considerable improvement over prior years. OUTLOOK: STABLE The ratings are constrained by the challenges posed by competing access technologies and a short record of consistent operating performance in the dynamic and evolving Internet access market. Support for the rating is provided by the recurring revenue stream from its large subscriber base and its leading market position, Standard & Poor's said. RATINGS RAISED AND REMOVED FROM CREDITWATCH WITH POSITIVE IMPLICATIONS ................................To..........From Corporate credit rating.........BB+.........BB- Bank loan rating................BB+.........BB- Convertible subordinated notes..BB-.........B $1 billion shelf (prelim.)......BB+/B+......BB-/B- REUTERS Rtr 12:47 04-15-99