gmmpa's Comments gmmpa's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.com/user/2323881/comments Intel (INTC) is reportedly encountering difficulty in signing up programming deals for its upcoming online TV service, with major media companies such as Disney (DIS), Time Warner (TWX), Viacom (VIA), News Corp (NWS) and Comcast (CMCSA) yet to sign on. Pressure from cable TV providers such as Time Warner (TWC) is one reason, as is a fear of damaging the current lucrative ecosystem that the content and service providers enjoy. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1084332?source=feed#comment-19970912 19970912 Fri, 14 Jun 2013 06:43:44 -0400 Amazon (AMZN) -1.9% and eBay (EBAY) -2%, following markets lower, after ChannelAdvisor reports same-store-sales growth declines for clients relying on the companies in May. Amazon's growth rate fell to 25.8% (its lowest over the last 12 months) from 30.6% in April, and eBay's fell to 16% from 20.5% (auctions -18%, fixed-price +16%, Motors +30%). The numbers also aren't great for Google (GOOG), which is seeing rising e-commerce ad competition and has been tweaking its strategy: sales from search ads -0.8%, and comparison shopping (e.g. Google Shopping) +0.3%. comScore puts total U.S. e-commerce growth in the 14%-15% range. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1076892?source=feed#comment-19869322 19869322
I guess the NSA will pass this comment on to the IRS. I already hear a knock at my front door. Dispute this we must stay in the game. It is the only one we have. I still like Google more than Amazon and Ebay which is really mostly retail in nature. Sooner or later the government will run out of other people's money, policies will change and common sense will make a comeback. ]]> Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:26:23 -0400
I guess the NSA will pass this comment on to the IRS. I already hear a knock at my front door. Dispute this we must stay in the game. It is the only one we have. I still like Google more than Amazon and Ebay which is really mostly retail in nature. Sooner or later the government will run out of other people's money, policies will change and common sense will make a comeback. ]]> YouTube's (GOOG) mobile ad sales have tripled over the last 6 months and about a quarter of its 1B users now watch videos on handheld devices, boasts sales VP Lucas Watson. The yanking of an ad-free YouTube app from iOS 6, and Google's subsequent release of an ad-featuring iOS app, likely have much to do with the jump. But so does soaring traffic: Nielsen estimates at least 70M U.S. smartphone users accessed YouTube apps in March, +42% Y/Y; international growth is probably higher. Last fall, Nomura estimated YouTube, whose short-form material is more mobile-friendly than Netflix and Hulu's fare, will yield $3.2B in 2013 revenue. Wedge Partners sees 20%-25% of YouTube's ad sales now coming from mobile. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1069511?source=feed#comment-19738252 19738252 Fri, 07 Jun 2013 23:05:00 -0400 Motorola (GOOG) intends to introduce a new smartphone called the Moto X in October as it seeks to pull itself back into the top tier of mobile device makers. The handset will be made by Flextronics (FLEX) at a plant in Texas that will employ 2,000 people by August. The Moto X will incorporate two processors to conserve battery life, and include sensors to help it better understand the needs of the user. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1053641?source=feed#comment-19416381 19416381
The only take way here is that smartphone technology sector is evolving rapidly and is very competitive. No one has a clue where it is going.

Flextronics (FLEX) stock link shows a stock pop presumably on the potential for increased sales of the MOTO X whose features are not reported nor compared to the galaxy 4 or the iphone.

So... This is just a Google press release of the MOTO X.


]]> Thu, 30 May 2013 09:53:24 -0400
The only take way here is that smartphone technology sector is evolving rapidly and is very competitive. No one has a clue where it is going.

Flextronics (FLEX) stock link shows a stock pop presumably on the potential for increased sales of the MOTO X whose features are not reported nor compared to the galaxy 4 or the iphone.

So... This is just a Google press release of the MOTO X.


]]> Ford (F) says it will close its plants in Australia in 2016 as a strong aussie and high labor costs weigh heavily on the Australian manufacturing sector's ability to compete with cheap imports. The closures are expected to result in the loss of some 1,200 jobs. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1042091?source=feed#comment-19149081 19149081 Thu, 23 May 2013 00:37:54 -0400 In what could be a win for PayPal (EBAY), Google (GOOG) is shutting down Checkout in 6 months to focus its online payments efforts on Wallet. Though Google will still handle payment processing for developers selling on Google properties (Play, Chrome Web Store, Offers Marketplace), 3rd-party merchants using Checkout and lacking an internal processing solution will have to find an alternative. The announcement comes a week after Google announced several new Wallet features, including new developer APIs and an option to attach money to Gmail messages. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1038551?source=feed#comment-19103211 19103211 
It is good to see Google enter the space, however, I think they they should use their cash to acquire some small cap start up companies that can help them quickly gain experience in electronic banking and electronic payment security. Companies like the European Elephant Talk Communications (ETAK). They should look to banks and consumers in Europe which are further along in smart phone eCommerce than in the USA.

However it is in its early stages of development world wide. It is something that should be watched but not necessarily used. It will make cell phones truly and electronic wallet when it matures.

I am long GOOG and ETAK. Do not have a position in Ebay.]]> Wed, 22 May 2013 00:41:21 -0400 
It is good to see Google enter the space, however, I think they they should use their cash to acquire some small cap start up companies that can help them quickly gain experience in electronic banking and electronic payment security. Companies like the European Elephant Talk Communications (ETAK). They should look to banks and consumers in Europe which are further along in smart phone eCommerce than in the USA.

However it is in its early stages of development world wide. It is something that should be watched but not necessarily used. It will make cell phones truly and electronic wallet when it matures.

I am long GOOG and ETAK. Do not have a position in Ebay.]]> Is Google Worth That Much More Than Microsoft? http://seekingalpha.com/article/1392731/comments?source=feed#comment-18645761 18645761
What is wrong with 97% in ad revenue even if your statement is true? Regardless it is not ad revenue anyway. It is search. There is a big difference. Search make Internet activity useful and more friendly. Without it the Internet would not be the dynamic environment it is. It cannot be pirated. You don't have to pay for it directly. Unlike Microsoft products it is not a once every few years purchase with new computers. ]]> Thu, 09 May 2013 16:56:10 -0400
What is wrong with 97% in ad revenue even if your statement is true? Regardless it is not ad revenue anyway. It is search. There is a big difference. Search make Internet activity useful and more friendly. Without it the Internet would not be the dynamic environment it is. It cannot be pirated. You don't have to pay for it directly. Unlike Microsoft products it is not a once every few years purchase with new computers. ]]> Intel Drops An Atomic Bomb On ARM's 'Abomination' http://seekingalpha.com/article/1406441/comments?source=feed#comment-18528931 18528931 Tue, 07 May 2013 08:43:54 -0400 Is Google Worth That Much More Than Microsoft? http://seekingalpha.com/article/1392731/comments?source=feed#comment-18350121 18350121
The invisible sentiment of the stock market maybe wrong in the short term but over time it is rarely wrong. Microsoft's management is self centered and NOT growth oriented. I believe that Google still is a better value even at the high PE. Market sentiment is not sure what to make of Apple's current management with the death of Steve Jobs and that is why the stock is struggling. Apple has a certain cache and product pipeline that keeps its margins high. The market is trying to determine if this still applies going forward. I like Apple and owned it in the past, but will not take a current position in it until this issue is resolved by the market.

Less than a 50/50 chance is gambling. 60/40 and 90/10 is measured risk/return. 100% is insider trading. We all like the latter but don't tell the SEC. This is reserved for Congress and those in the shorts of government. ]]> Thu, 02 May 2013 09:13:55 -0400
The invisible sentiment of the stock market maybe wrong in the short term but over time it is rarely wrong. Microsoft's management is self centered and NOT growth oriented. I believe that Google still is a better value even at the high PE. Market sentiment is not sure what to make of Apple's current management with the death of Steve Jobs and that is why the stock is struggling. Apple has a certain cache and product pipeline that keeps its margins high. The market is trying to determine if this still applies going forward. I like Apple and owned it in the past, but will not take a current position in it until this issue is resolved by the market.

Less than a 50/50 chance is gambling. 60/40 and 90/10 is measured risk/return. 100% is insider trading. We all like the latter but don't tell the SEC. This is reserved for Congress and those in the shorts of government. ]]> Google's Phony Beat http://seekingalpha.com/article/1354481/comments?source=feed#comment-18211611 18211611
For now my opinion on Google is unchanged until year end. I am long Google and have no position in Apple. I am definitely not listening to guys with cowboy hats trying to figure out what to do with their 10 shares of Google.]]> Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:52:14 -0400
For now my opinion on Google is unchanged until year end. I am long Google and have no position in Apple. I am definitely not listening to guys with cowboy hats trying to figure out what to do with their 10 shares of Google.]]> Google (GOOG) spent $291M on acquisitions and asset purchases in Q1, the company discloses in its latest 10-Q. Among other things, that figure covers Google's $125M purchase of Channel Intelligence from ICE, and its acquisitions of startups DNNResearch and Talaria. The disclosure comes as Google's $12.5B purchase of Motorola Mobility looks more and more questionable, given Motorola's dismal sales and legal setbacks, and the fact Motorola's IP hasn't done much yet to halt Apple's legal war against Android OEMs (even if the market share impact has been limited). http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/976231?source=feed#comment-18180261 18180261 Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:01:35 -0400 Automobile sales in western China are expanding twice as fast as in the nation's wealthier coastal cities, according to China-based auto analysts. The development plays well into Ford's (F) strategy after the automaker invested to set up plants in the region capable of producing more than one million vehicles a year. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/973991?source=feed#comment-18157871 18157871
I am long Ford... I am happy things look better.]]> Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:47:22 -0400
I am long Ford... I am happy things look better.]]> Google's Phony Beat http://seekingalpha.com/article/1354481/comments?source=feed#comment-17943201 17943201
So what valuation should $10.36 quarterly in earnings have in today's potentially inflationary market? Should I sell all my Google and buy Gold or maybe Hersey bars? Please... give me some direction other than "buy low and sell high".]]> Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:05:17 -0400
So what valuation should $10.36 quarterly in earnings have in today's potentially inflationary market? Should I sell all my Google and buy Gold or maybe Hersey bars? Please... give me some direction other than "buy low and sell high".]]> Google's Phony Beat http://seekingalpha.com/article/1354481/comments?source=feed#comment-17840781 17840781 Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:38:40 -0400 What Do Amazon, Alibaba, Facebook And Mozilla Have In Common? http://seekingalpha.com/article/1349831/comments?source=feed#comment-17779291 17779291
I suppose that is what this article implies. But then many of us already know that. The value added here is what the players in the sector are doing. This article could be a tad stronger here. There is little new information on Alibaba, Facebook (FB) and Mozilla's contribution to the mobile sector.

Long Google. Sold my positions in Amazon and Microsoft long ago. Never really considered Facebook, Alibaba, Mozilla as an investment opportunity. This article does not change my opinion going forward.]]> Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:39:00 -0400
I suppose that is what this article implies. But then many of us already know that. The value added here is what the players in the sector are doing. This article could be a tad stronger here. There is little new information on Alibaba, Facebook (FB) and Mozilla's contribution to the mobile sector.

Long Google. Sold my positions in Amazon and Microsoft long ago. Never really considered Facebook, Alibaba, Mozilla as an investment opportunity. This article does not change my opinion going forward.]]> No mercy has been shown to Microsoft (MSFT -4.3%) today in the wake of IDC's figures (blamed in part on Win. 8) and Goldman's downgrade. Goldman now sees the PC/tablet sales ratio falling to 59/41 in 2014, and thinks Microsoft could respond with price cuts or SG&A spending cuts. Nomura's Rick Sherlund wonders if a breakup or privatization is possible for Microsoft. He notes March was better than Jan. or Feb. for PC sales, but is still downbeat. "It really takes your breath away, just how bad the quarter was." Separately, Argus has downgraded Intel (INTC -2%) to Hold. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/938731?source=feed#comment-17527181 17527181
Through out these innovations and growth Microsoft was running to catch and buy their way to stay in the game. Intel was was developing the hardware to enable this growth along with other hardware firms.

Microsoft can be replaced. All software companies can be replaced especially as the IT industry moves toward thin client Intranet/ Internet and Cloud technology. As the hardware and networks get faster and more reliable software applications can be written by the end users. However, hardware companies are needed. Intel will be a player in the semi-conductor space.

I am still long INTC and have no plans to change or trade around the position. It ranks right up there with Hersey, MacDonalds, J&J. ]]> Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:57:55 -0400
Through out these innovations and growth Microsoft was running to catch and buy their way to stay in the game. Intel was was developing the hardware to enable this growth along with other hardware firms.

Microsoft can be replaced. All software companies can be replaced especially as the IT industry moves toward thin client Intranet/ Internet and Cloud technology. As the hardware and networks get faster and more reliable software applications can be written by the end users. However, hardware companies are needed. Intel will be a player in the semi-conductor space.

I am still long INTC and have no plans to change or trade around the position. It ranks right up there with Hersey, MacDonalds, J&J. ]]> Screenshots of the next version of Windows 8 (MSFT), codenamed Blue, have leaked. Features include smaller live tiles, more Snap View options, and various UI tweaks meant to make the OS more touch-friendly. Separately, CNET reports Blue will feature power-saving tech meant to work with Intel's (INTC) Haswell CPUs. Intel has promised Haswell will deliver major power savings relative to Ivy Bridge, and has mandated all Haswell ultrabooks sport touchscreens. Blue is expected later this year, and reportedly is the start of a shift to an annual Windows update cycle. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/906361?source=feed#comment-16756061 16756061
What the technology sector needs is a reincarnation of Steve Jobs not shallow dweebs like Gates, Ballmer, or Zuckerberg. ]]> Mon, 25 Mar 2013 03:42:31 -0400
What the technology sector needs is a reincarnation of Steve Jobs not shallow dweebs like Gates, Ballmer, or Zuckerberg. ]]> Google's Battle With Samsung Will Reshape The Smart-Phone Market http://seekingalpha.com/article/1281191/comments?source=feed#comment-16419921 16419921
Was BetaMax better than VHS? Ask Sony. Is UNIX better than Microsoft OSs? Ask Apple, Sun Micro and Red Hat. Who has the best Laptops? Who has the better file servers. Who has the best digital cameras? The answer is the best technology does not always win market's share. It is the best marketing firm and the decisions of the management teams that drive financial growth and shareholder value not the GEEK squads locked in the basement playing with their subroutines saving 2 lines of code when the processor are approaching speed of light. You don't need a CS degree to know that. Who turned these guys loose? Are they making any money in this market?]]> Sun, 17 Mar 2013 22:34:00 -0400
Was BetaMax better than VHS? Ask Sony. Is UNIX better than Microsoft OSs? Ask Apple, Sun Micro and Red Hat. Who has the best Laptops? Who has the better file servers. Who has the best digital cameras? The answer is the best technology does not always win market's share. It is the best marketing firm and the decisions of the management teams that drive financial growth and shareholder value not the GEEK squads locked in the basement playing with their subroutines saving 2 lines of code when the processor are approaching speed of light. You don't need a CS degree to know that. Who turned these guys loose? Are they making any money in this market?]]> Intel And Qualcomm: The Moment Of Truth Is Near http://seekingalpha.com/article/1068881/comments?source=feed#comment-16164411 16164411 Tue, 12 Mar 2013 04:09:07 -0400 A Chinese government white paper has said China is "too dependent on Android," and accused Google (GOOG) of discriminating against some Chinese OS developers by delaying code sharing, as well as trying to limit their ability to do business. While the paper made no recommendations, analysts see it as an indication that China could be set to impose regulations on Android. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/866451?source=feed#comment-15893601 15893601 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:55:20 -0500 A Chinese government white paper has said China is "too dependent on Android," and accused Google (GOOG) of discriminating against some Chinese OS developers by delaying code sharing, as well as trying to limit their ability to do business. While the paper made no recommendations, analysts see it as an indication that China could be set to impose regulations on Android. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/866451?source=feed#comment-15850081 15850081 1.6 billion people should have something more to contribute to mankind other then noodles and gun powder. Maybe they should look to the Arabs. They also have contributed much to civilization as Obama likes to tout.]]> Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:23:53 -0500 1.6 billion people should have something more to contribute to mankind other then noodles and gun powder. Maybe they should look to the Arabs. They also have contributed much to civilization as Obama likes to tout.]]> Google's Mobile Success Is Key Factor In Stock's 30% 1-Year Gain http://seekingalpha.com/article/1221691/comments?source=feed#comment-15508011 15508011
I hate Microsoft for many different reasons, but marketing strategy is not one of them. Look at the ridiculous PE ratios of Amazon. Yet it keeps up with both the retail and the technology sectors. Time will tell with Google.]]> Tue, 26 Feb 2013 01:46:00 -0500
I hate Microsoft for many different reasons, but marketing strategy is not one of them. Look at the ridiculous PE ratios of Amazon. Yet it keeps up with both the retail and the technology sectors. Time will tell with Google.]]> A Dangerous Sign For Google's Stock http://seekingalpha.com/article/1211351/comments?source=feed#comment-15480791 15480791 adrian816... Google could be doing a lot of things. So could their stockholders. Let Google do whatever they thing will stick and grow EBIDA. Google admitted they missed the boat by not acquiring Twitter when it still as a start up. Google needs to take risks, be bold and visionary to stay relevant in the technology sector. Stockholders can weight in only one way. Criticizing the management is not one of them unless you own a significant percentage of the stock. ]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2013 12:31:52 -0500 adrian816... Google could be doing a lot of things. So could their stockholders. Let Google do whatever they thing will stick and grow EBIDA. Google admitted they missed the boat by not acquiring Twitter when it still as a start up. Google needs to take risks, be bold and visionary to stay relevant in the technology sector. Stockholders can weight in only one way. Criticizing the management is not one of them unless you own a significant percentage of the stock. ]]> The EU's antitrust probe of Google (GOOG +0.1%) is set to drag out to 2H12. "We can reach an agreement after the summer break. We can envisage this as a possible deadline," says antitrust chief Joaquin Almunia. He had previously been hoping for an earlier resolution. Like the FTC, which ended its probe last month, the EU has been investigating Google's inclusion of links to complementary services within search results, and controls over the exporting of ad campaign data. (privacy probe) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/846581?source=feed#comment-15410671 15410671
Google and a free Internet is a challenge to their power and they are compelled to beat it back or control it in the name of antitrust or privacy conceived. I am long Google. I like the company as a stockholders and also have concerns of what the digital age means to the privacy and freedom of individuals worldwide. I have a bigger concern when governments get in bed with companies like Google to dictate and control their business model in the name of the people's rights. I am more concerned about the governments than the companies. When they become one I am concerned about individual freedom. Governments create nothing and control everything. Who should we fear most? Who is in the best position to destroy your life? Google or Government?]]> Sat, 23 Feb 2013 09:43:58 -0500
Google and a free Internet is a challenge to their power and they are compelled to beat it back or control it in the name of antitrust or privacy conceived. I am long Google. I like the company as a stockholders and also have concerns of what the digital age means to the privacy and freedom of individuals worldwide. I have a bigger concern when governments get in bed with companies like Google to dictate and control their business model in the name of the people's rights. I am more concerned about the governments than the companies. When they become one I am concerned about individual freedom. Governments create nothing and control everything. Who should we fear most? Who is in the best position to destroy your life? Google or Government?]]> A Dangerous Sign For Google's Stock http://seekingalpha.com/article/1211351/comments?source=feed#comment-15323211 15323211 Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:50:59 -0500 One Big Reason To Believe In Google's Stock http://seekingalpha.com/article/1211041/comments?source=feed#comment-15321911 15321911
Amazon on the other hand is also an excellent company with the best retail business model on the Internet, but I ended my Amazon position. I believe Amazon is currently over valued this level. There are better opportunities elsewhere. A 10% market correction and a different federal government would change my mind and offer new opportunities. This is not exactly a "Happy days are here again" economy.]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:25:06 -0500
Amazon on the other hand is also an excellent company with the best retail business model on the Internet, but I ended my Amazon position. I believe Amazon is currently over valued this level. There are better opportunities elsewhere. A 10% market correction and a different federal government would change my mind and offer new opportunities. This is not exactly a "Happy days are here again" economy.]]> One Big Reason To Believe In Google's Stock http://seekingalpha.com/article/1211041/comments?source=feed#comment-15319631 15319631
That said, Google does not have to be a Berkshire clone. I think a $200 is a nice trading range for a Blue Chip want-to-be. ]]> Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:52:26 -0500
That said, Google does not have to be a Berkshire clone. I think a $200 is a nice trading range for a Blue Chip want-to-be. ]]> In tandem with its Q4 report, CBS announced it plans to buy back $1B worth of shares in 2013, thereby nearly doubling its repurchase commitment for the year. The TV network/studio owner repurchased $299M worth of shares in Q4, and had $2.51B remaining on its authorization at year's end. On the earnings call, CEO Les Moonves said CBS is talking with Intel (INTC) about a programming deal related to Intel's upcoming Web-based TV service. (CBS Q4: I, II) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/830341?source=feed#comment-15024341 15024341 Fri, 15 Feb 2013 03:22:02 -0500 Google (GOOG) discloses chairman Eric Schmidt plans to sell 3.2M Class A shares, or 42% of his stake in the company, over the course of 2013 through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The sale will encompass nearly 1% of Google's outstanding shares, and 3.2% of their voting power. (8-K) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/816641?source=feed#comment-14881681 14881681
Management of growth companies MUST see to it that the stock price continues to go higher for shareholders. This is the point of the game. When it becomes a piggy bank for Senior Management it is time to get out. I am still long Google. I still believe in Google's management to keep Google a player in the coming changes in the future growth in technology sector. Otherwise I am gone! ]]> Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:42:00 -0500
Management of growth companies MUST see to it that the stock price continues to go higher for shareholders. This is the point of the game. When it becomes a piggy bank for Senior Management it is time to get out. I am still long Google. I still believe in Google's management to keep Google a player in the coming changes in the future growth in technology sector. Otherwise I am gone! ]]> Motorola Won't Sink Google's Ship http://seekingalpha.com/article/1170601/comments?source=feed#comment-14830691 14830691
Companies rise and fall all the time. Some remake themselves and go on. Others get acquired and become parts of other companies if their management teams can't duplicate the passion of the original founders. What will bring them all down is interference. Interference from small minded and corrupt politicians and bureaucrats both in the companies and in our government.]]> Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:51:32 -0500
Companies rise and fall all the time. Some remake themselves and go on. Others get acquired and become parts of other companies if their management teams can't duplicate the passion of the original founders. What will bring them all down is interference. Interference from small minded and corrupt politicians and bureaucrats both in the companies and in our government.]]>