A workforce reduction of 10 to 15 percent (3,800 to 5,700 people) now seems more likely, but may not be enough to satisfy current investor expectations. |
As much as we had hoped that our reseller checks would have been more encouraging, the fact is simply that demand continues to remain weak, with no imminent rebound, |
As much as we had hoped that our reseller checks would have been more encouraging, the fact is simply that demand continues to remain weak, with no imminent rebound. |
Beneath the headline numbers, Dell's FY Q4 06 was not confidence inspiring. Dell didn't gain PC share in the quarter, despite the fact that its gross margins declined meaningfully and the company had an extra week in the quarter. |
Dell was able to gain PC share while sustaining moderate ASP (average selling prices) declines and benefiting from component cost declines. The PC market unit growth was 15% during calendar Q4 and Dell gained share. |
I think companies have been so focused on improving operations. Quite frankly, they have been somewhat negligent about their burgeoning cash balances. |
Our channel checks do suggest that overall IT spending is fairly strong ... but that [Sun's] quarter did not experience a material acceleration. |
Our channel checks indicate that Sun's new line of x86 'Galaxy' servers are not yet shipping. This is disappointing given the high profile launch Galaxy received seven weeks ago. |
Overall, it seems unlikely that Dell's share gains would be enough to offset the potential loss of Intel marketing monies. |
Should investors buy the stock now? No. There is too much uncertainty...for investors to get comfortable with the stock short-term. |
Since he took over, the stock has gone up 25 percent, so clearly the market...appears to be expecting material cost-cutting, of which I would presume a significant ingredient would be work force reduction. |
Suggesting that quick fixes are likely may be underestimating prevailing market dynamics. |
Sun's fundamental story does not appear to be changing. |
The fourth quarter is likely to be filled with anxiety-provoking rumor and speculation - not fun for investors. Moreover, we do think that many investors may feel that they have heard too many excuses about execution to buy into the stock now, even at levels around $100. |
The growing strength of AMD puts Dell in a favorable bargaining position with Intel, in our view. Even if Dell does not move to adopt AMD, it is likely to continue to use them as a leverage point to gain further concessions from Intel. Intel seems likely to lose revenue and/or margin, either because Dell defects or because it is forced to offer incremental concessions to Dell to maintain their loyalty. |