SA Editor Eric Jhonsa's Comments SA Editor Eric Jhonsa's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.com/user/958811/comments "About [2/3] of Facebook’s (FB) users are now over 35. The average age of a Facebook user has climbed to 41. The average age of a Facebook employee is 31." Thus writes Quartz's Leo Mirani in a surreal recap of the company's 2013 shareholder meeting that highlights the disconnect between the social networking giant and many of its shareholders. One investor told Mark Zuckerberg he "invested blindly" in Facebook because "my family is a big fan of yours." He earlier expressed concerns about all the "hackers" at the company (Zuck responded by explaining his definition of a hacker). http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1080412?source=feed#comment-19897172 19897172 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:35:07 -0400 "Netflix (NFLX) has exploded the old broadcast television format," says Tero Kuittinen, discussing the implications of Arrested Development's use of a unique/complex episode structure. "Entire 10-episode cycles can be created in a way that makes them far more elaborate and tightly plotted than anything network television can handle." There could also be implications here for Amazon. Though reviews weren't great, one study pegged AD's opening weekend viewing at 3x that of  the acclaimed House of Cards. Also: NPD estimates Netflix had an 89% share of Q1 U.S. subscription TV show streaming activity; Hulu had 10%, and Amazon Prime (AMZN) just 2%. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1072942?source=feed#comment-19772222 19772222 Sun, 09 Jun 2013 14:39:07 -0400 Samsung (SSNLF.PK) has been meeting with investors to temper Galaxy S4 expectations, and the consensus for Q2 and Q3 S4 sales has fallen to 20M/quarter from a prior 25M and 30M, writes Susquehanna. The firm adds Samsung is now placing a greater emphasis on mid-range sales (Chinese OEMs have been competing aggressively here), and sees lower S4 estimates as a negative for Broadcom (BRCM) and Maxim (MXIM). PANL, RFMD, SYNA, and ANAD could also be affected. On the flip side, Canaccord believes S4 sales have passed iPhone sales at Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile USA, and RBC offered an upbeat forecast last week. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1070281?source=feed#comment-19699721 19699721
http://bit.ly/ZwxoPr

The article also says 2013 consumption could be flat with 2012 due to shortages, but this sounds bizarre, since Samsung controls production. On the other hand, I've heard of Samsung dealing with manufacturing challenges for the Exynos Octa (used in the S4), which has led them to rely more on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chip.]]> Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:57:01 -0400
http://bit.ly/ZwxoPr

The article also says 2013 consumption could be flat with 2012 due to shortages, but this sounds bizarre, since Samsung controls production. On the other hand, I've heard of Samsung dealing with manufacturing challenges for the Exynos Octa (used in the S4), which has led them to rely more on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 chip.]]> Pandora (P -4.1%) bleeds for the second day in a row (previous) on concerns about iRadio's impact. CFO Mike Herring's efforts at a BofA/Merrill conference to downplay the threat aren't doing much to help. A Bloomberg report claiming Apple is ramping its iRadio ad sales efforts and will share ad revenue with studios (apparently in return for playback options not supported by rivals) could be adding to the pressure. Will Apple disrupt Pandora in a way that Spotify, Amazon, Google, Sony, Microsoft, TuneIn, and Songza have thus far failed to? http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1063881?source=feed#comment-19611281 19611281
Apple's main goal is to sell/profit from hardware, and its software/services efforts are aimed at creating an ecosystem for that hardware. Hence Tim Cook's recent comments about how iAd's purpose is to make money for developers, rather than Apple itself.]]> Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:06:22 -0400
Apple's main goal is to sell/profit from hardware, and its software/services efforts are aimed at creating an ecosystem for that hardware. Hence Tim Cook's recent comments about how iAd's purpose is to make money for developers, rather than Apple itself.]]> Microsoft (MSFT +0.5%) appears bent on unloading Surface inventory: the software giant is now offering a free Touch or Type Cover (they normally go for $120/$130) with a Surface RT purchase, and will be selling RT and Pro models for a respective $100 and $399 to attendees at next week's TechEd conference (the tablets normally start at $499 and $899). The discounts could be due to weak demand, a pending hardware refresh (reportedly due at the June 26-28 BUILD conference), or both. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1058321?source=feed#comment-19531581 19531581
Also, it goes without saying that Microsoft could easily have provided some other kind of giveaway to TechEd attendees. The fact the conference discount coincides with Touch/Type Cover bundling represents a pattern, one that just happens to emerge amidst reports of an upcoming Surface refresh. Hardly a sign of bias to view the two actions in tandem as a likely sign of inventory-clearing efforts.

You seem intent on splitting hairs in order to justify a preconceived opinion. Feel free to have the last word.]]> Sun, 02 Jun 2013 16:53:09 -0400
Also, it goes without saying that Microsoft could easily have provided some other kind of giveaway to TechEd attendees. The fact the conference discount coincides with Touch/Type Cover bundling represents a pattern, one that just happens to emerge amidst reports of an upcoming Surface refresh. Hardly a sign of bias to view the two actions in tandem as a likely sign of inventory-clearing efforts.

You seem intent on splitting hairs in order to justify a preconceived opinion. Feel free to have the last word.]]> Microsoft (MSFT +0.5%) appears bent on unloading Surface inventory: the software giant is now offering a free Touch or Type Cover (they normally go for $120/$130) with a Surface RT purchase, and will be selling RT and Pro models for a respective $100 and $399 to attendees at next week's TechEd conference (the tablets normally start at $499 and $899). The discounts could be due to weak demand, a pending hardware refresh (reportedly due at the June 26-28 BUILD conference), or both. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1058321?source=feed#comment-19507141 19507141
I said it appears that way, not that they definitely are (only Microsoft knows that for sure). I stand by that.

And once more, you're looking at only half the story to find signs of bias. I noted Microsoft's moves could also be due to upcoming Surface refreshes rather than any demand issues, or maybe a combo of the two. A BUILD conference refresh announcement, btw, could also help explain why the Touch/Type Cover discounts are for 30 days.

"Google giving away Pixel's (a device that cost $1,000+) is an even more notable example of that same idea - yet you never even noticed that when it happened."

As you may have noticed, there was a deluge of Google-related news during the first day of I/O. The focus was on covering the most important items. And Google didn't announce any Pixel discount for non-attendees. Not to mention the Pixel (which I think is a niche product at best) hasn't been given a fraction as much attention by Google as Surface has been given by Microsoft. But again, if you want to find bias, there are always ways to find confirming details.]]> Sat, 01 Jun 2013 14:10:41 -0400
I said it appears that way, not that they definitely are (only Microsoft knows that for sure). I stand by that.

And once more, you're looking at only half the story to find signs of bias. I noted Microsoft's moves could also be due to upcoming Surface refreshes rather than any demand issues, or maybe a combo of the two. A BUILD conference refresh announcement, btw, could also help explain why the Touch/Type Cover discounts are for 30 days.

"Google giving away Pixel's (a device that cost $1,000+) is an even more notable example of that same idea - yet you never even noticed that when it happened."

As you may have noticed, there was a deluge of Google-related news during the first day of I/O. The focus was on covering the most important items. And Google didn't announce any Pixel discount for non-attendees. Not to mention the Pixel (which I think is a niche product at best) hasn't been given a fraction as much attention by Google as Surface has been given by Microsoft. But again, if you want to find bias, there are always ways to find confirming details.]]> Microsoft (MSFT +0.5%) appears bent on unloading Surface inventory: the software giant is now offering a free Touch or Type Cover (they normally go for $120/$130) with a Surface RT purchase, and will be selling RT and Pro models for a respective $100 and $399 to attendees at next week's TechEd conference (the tablets normally start at $499 and $899). The discounts could be due to weak demand, a pending hardware refresh (reportedly due at the June 26-28 BUILD conference), or both. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1058321?source=feed#comment-19493951 19493951
I've already seen accusations of bias against Apple, BlackBerry, Nokia, Google, Facebook, and several other companies. I hope you can see how absurd such claims are when taken in aggregate.]]> Fri, 31 May 2013 23:20:47 -0400
I've already seen accusations of bias against Apple, BlackBerry, Nokia, Google, Facebook, and several other companies. I hope you can see how absurd such claims are when taken in aggregate.]]> Microsoft (MSFT +0.5%) appears bent on unloading Surface inventory: the software giant is now offering a free Touch or Type Cover (they normally go for $120/$130) with a Surface RT purchase, and will be selling RT and Pro models for a respective $100 and $399 to attendees at next week's TechEd conference (the tablets normally start at $499 and $899). The discounts could be due to weak demand, a pending hardware refresh (reportedly due at the June 26-28 BUILD conference), or both. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1058321?source=feed#comment-19489231 19489231
"Bing continues to gain share, slowly but surely, on Google's crown jewel"

On a global level, that's not true. StatCounter's data shows Google's share holding steady (and far above Bing/Yahoo's). I suspect this is due to Google's dominant mobile search position offsetting any PC share losses.

http://bit.ly/16x9sRm

"SA takes a more negative view, because that's "only" 3M units in tablets."

You can disagree here, but I don't think 3M was impressive considering how many major OEMs launched Windows 8/RT hardware, starting in Q4. Also, while Strategy Analytics estimates 3M, IDC thinks only 1.8M units were shipped.

http://seekingalpha.co...

With all that said, I think Windows 8's tablet share will grow in time (RT remains a question mark).

"I guess that Docs & Chromebooks are really struggling..."

I have my doubts Chrome OS will see much success outside of a few verticals such as education, but it's much less important to Google's future than the tablet OS market is to Microsoft's. Especially given Android's mobile success. If I was Google, I'd be more worried about iOS, e-commerce ad competition (Amazon/eBay), and maybe social search (Facebook/Twitter) than how Chrome OS fares.]]> Fri, 31 May 2013 19:26:42 -0400
"Bing continues to gain share, slowly but surely, on Google's crown jewel"

On a global level, that's not true. StatCounter's data shows Google's share holding steady (and far above Bing/Yahoo's). I suspect this is due to Google's dominant mobile search position offsetting any PC share losses.

http://bit.ly/16x9sRm

"SA takes a more negative view, because that's "only" 3M units in tablets."

You can disagree here, but I don't think 3M was impressive considering how many major OEMs launched Windows 8/RT hardware, starting in Q4. Also, while Strategy Analytics estimates 3M, IDC thinks only 1.8M units were shipped.

http://seekingalpha.co...

With all that said, I think Windows 8's tablet share will grow in time (RT remains a question mark).

"I guess that Docs & Chromebooks are really struggling..."

I have my doubts Chrome OS will see much success outside of a few verticals such as education, but it's much less important to Google's future than the tablet OS market is to Microsoft's. Especially given Android's mobile success. If I was Google, I'd be more worried about iOS, e-commerce ad competition (Amazon/eBay), and maybe social search (Facebook/Twitter) than how Chrome OS fares.]]> Microsoft (MSFT +0.5%) appears bent on unloading Surface inventory: the software giant is now offering a free Touch or Type Cover (they normally go for $120/$130) with a Surface RT purchase, and will be selling RT and Pro models for a respective $100 and $399 to attendees at next week's TechEd conference (the tablets normally start at $499 and $899). The discounts could be due to weak demand, a pending hardware refresh (reportedly due at the June 26-28 BUILD conference), or both. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1058321?source=feed#comment-19484001 19484001
http://seekingalpha.co...
http://seekingalpha.co...

Microsoft has had its share of bad news over the last year in the PC and mobile spheres, and a lot of that has been covered here. But the same goes for its successes in other areas (Server & Tools, Azure, Android licensing, etc.).]]> Fri, 31 May 2013 16:43:09 -0400
http://seekingalpha.co...
http://seekingalpha.co...

Microsoft has had its share of bad news over the last year in the PC and mobile spheres, and a lot of that has been covered here. But the same goes for its successes in other areas (Server & Tools, Azure, Android licensing, etc.).]]> Microsoft (MSFT +0.5%) appears bent on unloading Surface inventory: the software giant is now offering a free Touch or Type Cover (they normally go for $120/$130) with a Surface RT purchase, and will be selling RT and Pro models for a respective $100 and $399 to attendees at next week's TechEd conference (the tablets normally start at $499 and $899). The discounts could be due to weak demand, a pending hardware refresh (reportedly due at the June 26-28 BUILD conference), or both. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1058321?source=feed#comment-19482471 19482471
If you really think that, you haven't been paying close attention. Do these look like negative posts to you?

http://seekingalpha.co...
http://seekingalpha.co...

Those are just two recent ones. There are plenty of older posts that also feature positive news/commentary.

And dwelling on the conference discount overlooks the bundling of Touch/Type Covers with RT purchases. Regardless of the specific reason, Microsoft is clearly looking to lower Surface inventories.]]> Fri, 31 May 2013 16:15:34 -0400
If you really think that, you haven't been paying close attention. Do these look like negative posts to you?

http://seekingalpha.co...
http://seekingalpha.co...

Those are just two recent ones. There are plenty of older posts that also feature positive news/commentary.

And dwelling on the conference discount overlooks the bundling of Touch/Type Covers with RT purchases. Regardless of the specific reason, Microsoft is clearly looking to lower Surface inventories.]]> Xbox One (MSFT) roundup: 1) Microsoft exec Yusuf Mehdi thinks 400M to "potentially upwards of a billion" next-gen consoles (the Xbox One and rival systems) could be cumulatively sold. "We think you can go broader than a game console," he adds, possibly hinting at an Xbox set-top. Microsoft has only sold 77M Xbox 360 units, and hopes to eventually hit 100M. 2) On top of the features shown off at last week's event, Microsoft claims the console will (via Kinect) be able to detect new faces in a room, and allow Skype contacts to remotely take over a game. 3) AMD's deal to supply a Jaguar CPU/GPU for the Xbox One is worth $3B+, per former AMD and current Nvidia exec Bob Feldstein. (previous) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1050291?source=feed#comment-19347501 19347501 Tue, 28 May 2013 19:20:59 -0400 Goldman is working with NetApp (NTAP) to explore options, Bloomberg reports in an updated version of its story about Elliott Associates' stake. Not surprisingly, Elliott is said to be pushing NetApp to return cash, and to be proposing a new director slate. NetApp ($13.9B market cap) had $6.7B in cash/investments on its balance sheet as of Jan. 24, and $2.2B in debt. The company doesn't pay a dividend. Piper believes NetApp is planning to cut 1,300 jobs (~10% of its workforce) in underperforming areas such as its Engenio high-performance storage unit (acquired in 2011 from LSI). Shares +1.6% AH after jumping 6.1% in regular trading. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1031341?source=feed#comment-18922351 18922351 Thu, 16 May 2013 19:26:44 -0400 App store downloads have topped 50B, Apple (AAPL) boasts. The announcement comes 14 months after downloads hit 25B. Google announced earlier today Play downloads have passed 48B and totaled 2.5B last month. ABI estimated in March Apple's 2013 App Store revenue (exc. payouts) would be near $4.9B. Also: Susquehanna has started coverage with a Hold and $480 PT: the firm thinks a bigger iPhone is crucial (it doesn't expect one at least until Q1 2014), and worries iPad sales could miss consensus. (earlier) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1028461?source=feed#comment-18874261 18874261
A tremendous number of Market Currents are provided featuring positive news and commentary about Apple (including the first half of this one). But it's clear from your posting history Apple is a religion for you as much as a company, and that anything short of constant praise and positive coverage will lead to insults and accusations of bias. You're not going to find that on Market Currents for Apple or any other stock.]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 19:40:15 -0400
A tremendous number of Market Currents are provided featuring positive news and commentary about Apple (including the first half of this one). But it's clear from your posting history Apple is a religion for you as much as a company, and that anything short of constant praise and positive coverage will lead to insults and accusations of bias. You're not going to find that on Market Currents for Apple or any other stock.]]> App store downloads have topped 50B, Apple (AAPL) boasts. The announcement comes 14 months after downloads hit 25B. Google announced earlier today Play downloads have passed 48B and totaled 2.5B last month. ABI estimated in March Apple's 2013 App Store revenue (exc. payouts) would be near $4.9B. Also: Susquehanna has started coverage with a Hold and $480 PT: the firm thinks a bigger iPhone is crucial (it doesn't expect one at least until Q1 2014), and worries iPad sales could miss consensus. (earlier) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1028461?source=feed#comment-18873991 18873991
Of course, then some Apple fans would be claiming bias on grounds the Google news is being portrayed as something worth bragging about, and the Apple news isn't.]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 19:29:22 -0400
Of course, then some Apple fans would be claiming bias on grounds the Google news is being portrayed as something worth bragging about, and the Apple news isn't.]]> App store downloads have topped 50B, Apple (AAPL) boasts. The announcement comes 14 months after downloads hit 25B. Google announced earlier today Play downloads have passed 48B and totaled 2.5B last month. ABI estimated in March Apple's 2013 App Store revenue (exc. payouts) would be near $4.9B. Also: Susquehanna has started coverage with a Hold and $480 PT: the firm thinks a bigger iPhone is crucial (it doesn't expect one at least until Q1 2014), and worries iPad sales could miss consensus. (earlier) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1028461?source=feed#comment-18873621 18873621 http://seekingalpha.co...

Or a Facebook announcement?
http://seekingalpha.co...

Or a France Telecom announcement?
http://seekingalpha.co...

I guess "shots" are being taken at all those companies as well. Only an investor with a persecution complex regarding a stock (sadly the case for a minority of Apple investors) would think "boasts" amounts to any kind of unfair portrayal for a positive announcement being made by a company.]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 19:19:00 -0400 http://seekingalpha.co...

Or a Facebook announcement?
http://seekingalpha.co...

Or a France Telecom announcement?
http://seekingalpha.co...

I guess "shots" are being taken at all those companies as well. Only an investor with a persecution complex regarding a stock (sadly the case for a minority of Apple investors) would think "boasts" amounts to any kind of unfair portrayal for a positive announcement being made by a company.]]> App store downloads have topped 50B, Apple (AAPL) boasts. The announcement comes 14 months after downloads hit 25B. Google announced earlier today Play downloads have passed 48B and totaled 2.5B last month. ABI estimated in March Apple's 2013 App Store revenue (exc. payouts) would be near $4.9B. Also: Susquehanna has started coverage with a Hold and $480 PT: the firm thinks a bigger iPhone is crucial (it doesn't expect one at least until Q1 2014), and worries iPad sales could miss consensus. (earlier) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1028461?source=feed#comment-18872441 18872441 Wed, 15 May 2013 18:46:23 -0400 Pandora (P) -3.6% AH following reports Google (GOOG) will launch subscription-based music services - a Spotify-like service, and a YouTube music video service - with at least the former service launching tomorrow. Neither appears to directly compete with Pandora's ad-supported online radio service (which thus far hasn't been hurt badly by Spotify's growth), particularly given an NYT report stating the Spotify-like service won't include a free tier. However, the YouTube service would be a unique market entry, one backed by a site with enormous reach. It would need an audio-only option to keep a lid on battery drain and mobile data usage; a WSJ report suggests Google is looking to offer one. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1025191?source=feed#comment-18848121 18848121
I'm pretty sure a lot more than 2%-3% of music video content is now on YouTube, particularly when weighted for popularity. Aside from the stuff posted by the studios themselves, a lot of videos are monetized via ContentID.

http://bit.ly/16ftfUZ]]> Wed, 15 May 2013 10:28:37 -0400
I'm pretty sure a lot more than 2%-3% of music video content is now on YouTube, particularly when weighted for popularity. Aside from the stuff posted by the studios themselves, a lot of videos are monetized via ContentID.

http://bit.ly/16ftfUZ]]> Pandora (P) -3.6% AH following reports Google (GOOG) will launch subscription-based music services - a Spotify-like service, and a YouTube music video service - with at least the former service launching tomorrow. Neither appears to directly compete with Pandora's ad-supported online radio service (which thus far hasn't been hurt badly by Spotify's growth), particularly given an NYT report stating the Spotify-like service won't include a free tier. However, the YouTube service would be a unique market entry, one backed by a site with enormous reach. It would need an audio-only option to keep a lid on battery drain and mobile data usage; a WSJ report suggests Google is looking to offer one. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1025191?source=feed#comment-18830981 18830981 Tue, 14 May 2013 21:21:23 -0400 Facebook (FB) roundup: 1) Calcalist reports Facebook's buyout talks with Waze have stalled over Waze's insistence on maintaining its Israeli R&D center and keeping all its employees in the country (translation). 2) Another executive departure: Larry Yu, Facebook's PR chief for the last 5 years, is leaving to join a startup. 3) It's not exactly House of Cards, but Facebook is ramping its investment in its Facebook Live original programming series; Live typically features celebrity interviews and instructional videos. 4) BGR reports AT&T is planning to discontinue the HTC First (the closest we've gotten to a Facebook phone) less than a month after its launch. The First's ho-hum specs could be a factor, but chances are Facebook Home's underwhelming debut is as well. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1022681?source=feed#comment-18789861 18789861
http://seekingalpha.co...
http://seekingalpha.co...]]> Mon, 13 May 2013 20:37:55 -0400
http://seekingalpha.co...
http://seekingalpha.co...]]> BlackBerry (BBRY) +1.2% after Barron's provides a semi-favorable writeup about the potential of its BES 10 mobile device management (MDM) platform and network operations centers. The fact BlackBerry can pair its MDM software with a secure network could give it an edge, Barron's notes. However, it also points out MDM competition from startups (AirWatch, MobileIron) and bigger IT names (SAP, Citrix) is intense - Airwatch's chairman argues BES 10 is still "woefully behind" in supporting advanced management features for iOS/Android, such as FIPS 140 encryption. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1020861?source=feed#comment-18766951 18766951 Mon, 13 May 2013 12:11:32 -0400 Another day, another Yahoo (YHOO) acqui-hire is announced. The target this time is mobile game developer Loki Studios, whose engineering team will be joining Yahoo. Surveying the non-stop purchases, Pando Daily's Erin Griffith declares Yahoo has become "a safe haven for VC rejects." Specifically, consumer-facing startups featuring "talented teams of fewer than 10 employees," but which lack "any truly notable traction," and have been unable to obtain a Series A funding round. (yesterday) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1019691?source=feed#comment-18725181 18725181 Sun, 12 May 2013 00:55:04 -0400 Groupon (GRPN): Q1 EPS of -$0.03 in-line. Revenue of $601.4M (+8% Y/Y) beats by $12.5M. Expects Q2 revenue of $575M-$625M vs. $616.1M consensus. Expects Q2 operating income of $20M-$40M, reaffirms 2013 GAAP operating income guidance of $100M+. Shares +12.2% AH. (PR) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1010511?source=feed#comment-18596201 18596201 Wed, 08 May 2013 16:55:32 -0400 Palo Alto Networks (PANW -1%) closes modestly lower in the wake of Intel's (INTC) deal to buy Finnish security hardware vendor Stonesoft. Stonesoft's product line includes next-gen firewalls, and though its presence in this space doesn't compare with PANW's, Intel's resources and McAfee's security software (could allow for richer content analysis) stands to make it a tougher rival. Stonesoft, which relies on a security engine that can be modified to support different types of hardware, also makes intrusion prevention systems, but shares of Sourcefire (FIRE +0.5%), the leader in this market, have closed slightly higher. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1001591?source=feed#comment-18529741 18529741 Tue, 07 May 2013 09:00:16 -0400 Palo Alto Networks (PANW -1%) closes modestly lower in the wake of Intel's (INTC) deal to buy Finnish security hardware vendor Stonesoft. Stonesoft's product line includes next-gen firewalls, and though its presence in this space doesn't compare with PANW's, Intel's resources and McAfee's security software (could allow for richer content analysis) stands to make it a tougher rival. Stonesoft, which relies on a security engine that can be modified to support different types of hardware, also makes intrusion prevention systems, but shares of Sourcefire (FIRE +0.5%), the leader in this market, have closed slightly higher. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/1001591?source=feed#comment-18529731 18529731 Tue, 07 May 2013 08:59:51 -0400 A very bullish presentation from Longboard Asset Management helped Tesla (TSLA +7.4%) rally today. Calling Tesla the auto industry version of Apple (others have made that analogy in some form) due to its brand, management, and disruptive impact (among other things), Longboard predicts shares will hit $100 within 18 months and $200 within 5 years. The firm expects Tesla to grab 80% of the global EV market, praises the company's engineering skill, and expects a heavy short interest (44% of the free float is shorted) to help fuel a rally. (slides) Update: SA commenters report having seen Longboard's presentation earlier. However, it was only today that it received media coverage. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/979381?source=feed#comment-18244621 18244621
http://bit.ly/ZMMiCz
http://read.bi/10ojlr7]]> Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:59:12 -0400
http://bit.ly/ZMMiCz
http://read.bi/10ojlr7]]> A very bullish presentation from Longboard Asset Management helped Tesla (TSLA +7.4%) rally today. Calling Tesla the auto industry version of Apple (others have made that analogy in some form) due to its brand, management, and disruptive impact (among other things), Longboard predicts shares will hit $100 within 18 months and $200 within 5 years. The firm expects Tesla to grab 80% of the global EV market, praises the company's engineering skill, and expects a heavy short interest (44% of the free float is shorted) to help fuel a rally. (slides) Update: SA commenters report having seen Longboard's presentation earlier. However, it was only today that it received media coverage. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/979381?source=feed#comment-18244061 18244061 Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:45:32 -0400 If Verizon (VZ +2.2%) is serious about buying Vodafone's (VOD +2.8%) Verizon Wireless stake, $100B isn't going to cut it, thinks Jefferies. The firm values the stake at $121B based on a 7.7x estimated EV/EBITDA multiple for the March 2014 fiscal year, and notes a Sunday Times article discussed a possible valuation of $135B (others have suggested $115B). There's also the question of how keen Vodafone is on selling when its stake has been appreciating considerably, and is now yielding giant cash distributions. On the flip side, a sale could fuel a massive M&A-driven expansion into growth markets. (Reuters report) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/970131?source=feed#comment-18093771 18093771 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:51:44 -0400 More on Qualcomm: 173M MSM chip shipments in FQ2, +14% Y/Y and at high end of guidance. 163M-173M shipments seen in FQ3 (+16%-23%). Royalty-bearing device sales +18% Y/Y in Dec. quarter, but ASP fell to $214-$220 from Sep. quarter's $224-$230 (affects royalties/margins) and device sales growth seen dropping to 7%-17% for March quarter. FY13 ASP guidance narrowed to $216-$224; calendar year device guidance raised by 15M to 1.05B. Free cash flow +10% Y/Y to $1.99B vs. net income of $2.07B. R&D spend +28% Y/Y, SG&A +14%. No buybacks (that could soon change). QCOM -5.2% AH. CC at 4:45PM ET (webcast). (PR) (slides) http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/965481?source=feed#comment-18050771 18050771 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:28:03 -0400 Are wireless chip stocks decoupling from Apple? Even with Apple off slightly as bleak June quarter guidance outweighs fresh capital returns, iPhone/iPad combo chip supplier Broadcom (BRCM +6.6%) is surging thanks to a Q1 beat and strong Q2 guidance, and is helping out some peers - QCOM +1.4%, SWKS +2.6%, INVN +1.8%, SNDK +1%. During its earnings call, Broadcom, which also provides combo chips for many Samsung phones, stated mobile chip sales only fell 1.6% Q/Q in seasonally weak Q1, and forecast sequential growth for the business (Apple-dependent Cirrus Logic sure isn't doing the same). Qualcomm reports after the close. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/964371?source=feed#comment-18041611 18041611
http://seekingalpha.co...]]> Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:33:09 -0400
http://seekingalpha.co...]]> Are wireless chip stocks decoupling from Apple? Even with Apple off slightly as bleak June quarter guidance outweighs fresh capital returns, iPhone/iPad combo chip supplier Broadcom (BRCM +6.6%) is surging thanks to a Q1 beat and strong Q2 guidance, and is helping out some peers - QCOM +1.4%, SWKS +2.6%, INVN +1.8%, SNDK +1%. During its earnings call, Broadcom, which also provides combo chips for many Samsung phones, stated mobile chip sales only fell 1.6% Q/Q in seasonally weak Q1, and forecast sequential growth for the business (Apple-dependent Cirrus Logic sure isn't doing the same). Qualcomm reports after the close. http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/964371?source=feed#comment-18036311 18036311 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:44:11 -0400