A year ago, I didn't know what to make of him. But I've been impressed with what I've seen. |
As we have said before, the investor owns IBM for its consistent earnings and cash flow growth and relatively high degree of earnings predictability. |
Compaq is No. 1 in the retail segment, they're No. 1 in the high end of the business. In the small-business segment, they don't have the same market share they have elsewhere. The key for Compaq is how well they'll execute. |
He is taking the right steps. He is setting milestones and hitting them. It's what's important. |
I don't think this is a total shock, given what their competitors have done. |
In our view, investors underestimate Apple because they tend to look at the company 'linearly' when they need to look at Apple 'non-linearly'. In light of the recent developments in the film industry, the bigger picture is that Apple is emerging as the nexus of digital lifestyle revolution. |
Investors do not appreciate the superior financial dynamics at Apple and do not accord it the valuation it deserves - because, in our minds -- Apple is still viewed by many as a reformed alcoholic - just one step away from returning to the gutter. We have a different view and think there is a great team. |
It corroborates our view of a renewed sense of vigor and competitive spirit at HP. |
It is a show-me situation. They need to improve revenues and so far they haven't. |
It's either another Digital Equipment or another turnaround like HP or IBM. Right now, the jury is still out. |
It's good for Compaq at the margin, because it helps them fill out their product line, and it is good for IBM at the margin because it helps them to sell storage. |
More importantly, we are rather surprised by the launch plan for Mac OS X. Apple plans to release the new OS into stores in March and then bundle onto systems in July -- which creates the potential of a lengthy stall by customers waiting for the new OS. |
Our estimates reflect the strong demand trends for data storage products, increasing acceptance of the Network Attached Storage model, and the company's ability to execute with regard to expanding its market opportunity into new verticals, new applications. |
Our expectation is that we are looking at upcoming good quarters for IBM. |
Our point is that, like other cyclical businesses, this overcapacity has to get worked out. |