Google's Mobile Success Is Key Factor In Stock's 30% 1-Year Gain [View article]
I can remember when Microsoft was late to the Internet party. Netscape was eating their lunch. They purchased the rights to Spyglass Mosaic's browser in the late 90s for $3 million and then gave it away for free as part of Windows 95 platform. It put Mosaic out of business and eventual destroyed market share for Netscape by 2000.
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 [View article]
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) [View news story]
There is no one that is an advocate of Freedom more then I. It is true that Google's business model and digital footprint is growing in the world. On the hand who is this group of unelected bureaucrats called the EU that seems to have a claim on what is good for the European population?
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 [View article]
Sooo... Would you join the herd if the stock split 4:1 and traded at $200? The herd is not buying an $800 stock. They are trading in BIDU. The question is: Is GOOG worth a $800 and are there better places to put your money to return more than 20% should Google go to $1000.
One Big Reason To Believe In Google's Stock [View article]
Regarding this article and Google's future... The best American companies must have a nimble flexible management that can change directions quickly while still remaining visionary. They should not be afraid to try new things to see how it is received by the end users or customers of the products and services. The stockholders only care about long term growth, stock price, sector competition and better opportunities . Google will remain relevant for the foreseeable future. I am still long and am on board for the ride.
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 [View article]
Regarding Google splitting... I also agree it would make Google stock easier to trade for the retail investors. I suspect Google's reasoning against the move is that it really does not increase shareholder value and the underwriters, traders and bankers just get transaction fees for doing nothing.
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) [View news story]
Intel entering into this space mystifies me. I am still trying to understand the compelling case that will increase Intel's bottom line with this decision.
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) [View news story]
Companies that do not pay dividends and trade side ways for years are worthless investments for retail investors. These companies only exist for the convenience of the principles of the company to cash out at the expense of the capital markets and stupid investors. However, It can benefit the traders if the trading range is large and consistent enough to play the game. To this extent the game is not rigged. It is the rules of the game. For the stupid investor the game seems rigged. The smart investors don't play this game. They move one.
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!
Just to weight in on a few of these comments. Both Apple and Google are great companies that have and are still making significant contributions to the growth of technology world wide. They have both made money for me. I am proud they are rooted in American free market capitalism even if their management tends to lien a little left in political philosophy for my taste. That said... it is not what school their founders are from that will determine their success. It is very small minded to believe that. It is the freedoms offered individuals here in this country to pursue one's passion, dreams, great wealth and along with it fame and great respect that drive these individuals to produce things and ideas that change the way the world lives and works. It is freedom of talented individuals to pursue their ideas without government interference that is the key. It is access to private capital and free markets that drives us all in seekingalpha. This is not a sporting event or horse race and it is definitely not in pursuit of some misguided idea of economic fairness.
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.
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) [View news story]
Google is finally breaking out of the funk it has been in over the last several years. It is very disappointing to hear that Schmidt is cashing in such a large block of stock at this time. This is the same bull shit that caused me to dump all my Microsoft shares years ago. Microsoft had not traded over $31 share because whenever the market bids up the stock price Gates and Balmer and other senior management take turns cashing out options and grants. Why should these guys care about capital growth and investor interests when you can cash in 3 million shares at $785/share? Mike Dell cashed out $17 billion from DELL over the years and when DELL stock is in the tank he steps in and screws the retail investors by bidding with Microsoft to take his old company private for another round capitalization at investor's expensive. These guys are all greedy pigs!
If Google's stock price is hurt by this move I will cash out my long position and move my investment to better opportunities. What is the use of investing in a growth company if the stock price stays is a perpetual trading range never increasing because the principles keep the price in a lower trading range by increasing the circulation in the outstanding shares?
EMC's Earnings Will Get A Boost From VMWare Growth, Lenovo Tie-Up [View article]
I have no position in EMC. This stock has not been over $30 in the last 10 years. EMC has always been noted as a competitive player in cheaper commercial mass disk storage devices. My understanding is that it owns 80% of VMware which products an excellent software way to run virtual computer operating systems very important to today's growth in cloud technology. I have used this software and it works so well that IBM and Microsoft has developed its own virtual O/S solution. It is currently trading in the high $90's and doing well since its IPO. I believe VMware also has a role in extending the life of older software in cloud processing and disaster recovery solutions for companies by emulating older hardware and operating systems.
I have tracked how EMC has traded since January 2012. It has done very little gaining less than 3% YTD. Hardly a reason to start a new position in a commodity mass storage business. That said EMC needs to change something in its business model to move the needle and attract new investors. What exactly is it planning to do that? Is its plans to expand activities in the trendy cloud technology sector in the grow areas like Asia enough to do that? Perhaps today's earnings report will help shed some light on its growth potential going forward.
Does anyone have an opinion or new information to share in how EMC can do this? I cannot bring myself to start a position in this mature industry sector. I just don't see a catalyst that is compelling enough for meaningful growth.
Moran, It is Bret Jensen that wrote the first comment. It is GM that has the government interference. I just wanted to add another rule to his article.
Ford did not take government money and has much less interference. However, No American car company can avoid all government interference. All I am saying is that Ford is a rule breaker. I am long Ford and happy with the return. However, I still do not like this sector. Does that help or are you more confused than before?
Don't invest in heavily unionize companies... Good rule. You should add to the rule... Don't invest is companies that have a lot of government interference. That said it looks like Ford is on the right track. To paraphrase Henry Ford... Its not the cost of the car but the value the consumer gets for his money that is important.
National Oilwell Varco: Growing Company At A Discount [View article]
I agree with the author's analysis. The only question is timing. I believe that NOV is trading at or below fair value. If Romney won the election it would be a no-brainer. With this administration... not so much. All the market forces and data are being manipulated. Government bureaucrats are interfering in every aspect of the economy with onerousness regulations. They are negatively affecting outcomes.
It is hard to ignore low interest rates, but I am waiting for a major sell off before adding to my positions. In the meantime I will invest in companies less sensitive to US government action or do nothing until the S--- hits the fan.
I am currently long NOV. I looked at it today in this down market and still decided to pass on adding to my position. I will add it to my shopping list but with wait for the political shack out of those running the country and interfering in the markets.
Google (GOOG) is selling Motorola Home for $2.35B ($2.05B in cash + $300M in stock) to Arris (ARRS). The division, which sells set-top boxes, infrastructure gear, and other hardware to pay-TV and broadband providers, had revenue of $3.4B in the 4 quarters ending Sep. 30. Arris, which closed with a market cap of just $1.65B, is halted. The deal will be "significantly accretive" to Arris' EPS and give Google a 15.7% stake in the company, which will probably have to raise a lot of debt to finance the purchase. (previous) [View news story]
It is probably a good decision for Google to break off the set top business from Motorola mobile. Its needs to focus more on core businesses. I believe mobile will be one that will become more important when consumers start excepting the used of mobile devices for financial transactions and replacements for credit cards. Google should make sure it positions itself to be able to shape the direction of the services in the future.
Google's Mobile Success Is Key Factor In Stock's 30% 1-Year Gain [View article]
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 [View article]
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) [View news story]
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 [View article]
One Big Reason To Believe In Google's Stock [View article]
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 [View article]
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) [View news story]
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) [View news story]
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 [View article]
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.
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) [View news story]
If Google's stock price is hurt by this move I will cash out my long position and move my investment to better opportunities. What is the use of investing in a growth company if the stock price stays is a perpetual trading range never increasing because the principles keep the price in a lower trading range by increasing the circulation in the outstanding shares?
EMC's Earnings Will Get A Boost From VMWare Growth, Lenovo Tie-Up [View article]
I have tracked how EMC has traded since January 2012. It has done very little gaining less than 3% YTD. Hardly a reason to start a new position in a commodity mass storage business. That said EMC needs to change something in its business model to move the needle and attract new investors. What exactly is it planning to do that? Is its plans to expand activities in the trendy cloud technology sector in the grow areas like Asia enough to do that? Perhaps today's earnings report will help shed some light on its growth potential going forward.
Does anyone have an opinion or new information to share in how EMC can do this? I cannot bring myself to start a position in this mature industry sector. I just don't see a catalyst that is compelling enough for meaningful growth.
Finally Sold On Ford [View article]
Ford did not take government money and has much less interference. However, No American car company can avoid all government interference. All I am saying is that Ford is a rule breaker. I am long Ford and happy with the return. However, I still do not like this sector. Does that help or are you more confused than before?
Finally Sold On Ford [View article]
National Oilwell Varco: Growing Company At A Discount [View article]
It is hard to ignore low interest rates, but I am waiting for a major sell off before adding to my positions. In the meantime I will invest in companies less sensitive to US government action or do nothing until the S--- hits the fan.
I am currently long NOV. I looked at it today in this down market and still decided to pass on adding to my position. I will add it to my shopping list but with wait for the political shack out of those running the country and interfering in the markets.
Google (GOOG) is selling Motorola Home for $2.35B ($2.05B in cash + $300M in stock) to Arris (ARRS). The division, which sells set-top boxes, infrastructure gear, and other hardware to pay-TV and broadband providers, had revenue of $3.4B in the 4 quarters ending Sep. 30. Arris, which closed with a market cap of just $1.65B, is halted. The deal will be "significantly accretive" to Arris' EPS and give Google a 15.7% stake in the company, which will probably have to raise a lot of debt to finance the purchase. (previous) [View news story]