It's one thing to report the information about the way many smartphones, including the iPhone, are enabled to keep track of the location of the phone... and it's quite another to author what is essentially an attack upon Apple as though the company is run by a bunch of technological terrorists.
The whole topic is indeed contraversial to a limited extent and it illustrates how technological advances can lead to privacy questions... but these questions have come up before... with Google's search records, with Facebook's prior inclusion of people that did not wish to be identified, and now with the method in which certain smartphone's location services can keep an ongoing track of the phone's whereabouts.
The author is so obviously overly-motivated to single out Apple and does not see the bigger picture... past, present, or future... surrounding the development. Additionally, as I pointed out, there are (and have been) other companies with related circumstances.
The entire issue can be better addressed AFTER the panic-type of reactions (such as the author's), and AFTER a better sense of perspective is developed by more thoroughly understanding the facts surrounding the situation. Henry would have us believe the sky is falling, and it's Apple's fault... neither of which are remotely true.
Indeed this was a VERY POOR and ignorant article by Henry Blodget, and it clearly had a predatory nature about it. Absolutely pitiful and unprofessional.
The whole topic is indeed contraversial to a limited extent and it illustrates how technological advances can lead to privacy questions.
Did he mention the fact that it is the FCC that is pushing the Cell Carriers for pinpoint locations of the cell caller? It was something being worked on at least 10 years ago. The premise was locating someone in a 911 situation. If a phone with GPS capabilities can send that information back to the carrier it can be passed on to a 911 operator. I personally do not like the feature. Yet I suppose if I was in need on a back road and did not know where I was at it would be a possible life saver.
Did Apple play any part in Blodget being banned from the securities business?
In 2003, he was charged with civil securities fraud by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He settled and agreed to a bar from the securities industry. He paid a $2 million fine and $2 million disgorgement
In 2003, he was charged with civil securities fraud by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He settled and agreed to a bar from the securities industry. He paid a $2 million fine and $2 million disgorgement
I had no idea who this idiot was. Mr, Integrity, hey?
He has 0% integreity to me but anyne that doesnt know can still fall victim to him and others. He was, along with others, given high kudos for the Nasdaq call when it jumped to 5,0000. Blodget also supported nearly every dot com company of that era and was viewed as a great vsionary. When that house of cards market collapsed he was viewed as negatively, if not more, than the super bubble market he helped create, and he lost nearly all the great persona and definitely all the integrity he had built. I believe he was also called in for guidance in the AOL/Time Warner merger. He of course profitted mightily from his "false" prowess that worked and then failed on the dot coms and Nasdaq 5,000 era. He's trying to buid himself back up but his bias and attempted market guidance remain way too obvious.
Blodget has a dicey career. That is why taking the advice of one financial pundit can cost you dearly.
Blodget's influence continued to increase, and, in 2000, he was voted the No. 1 Internet/eCommerce analyst on Wall Street by Institutional Investor, Greenwich Associates, and TheStreet.com. In early 2000, days before the dot-com bubble burst, Blodget personally invested $700,000 in tech stocks, only to lose most of it in the years that followed. In 2001, he accepted a buyout offer from Merrill Lynch and left the firm.
I went into Barnes & Noble today to buy some books, and left with a Nook Color. I downloaded the books I was originally going to purchase within a couple minutes. I updated the device, and then installed my email account. I then browsed the internet and saved a few of my favorite websites. I then went to the app store and downloaded a couple of games and office apps. I can read the display in ANY light condition, from pitch black to direct sunlight, which is remarkable, and the little gadget is only the size of an ultra-thin paperback book instead of a big tablet... and it plays flash, has wi-fi connectivity, so I can use it absolutely anywhere at all (my mobile phone has wi-fi hotspot). All this for only $250... I couldn't resist it. I'll keep everyone posted on how well it does over time... and I just placed this post with the device. Amazing, for so little $$$.
My daughter has one and the screen split up (cracked) after six months. It was a known problem with the generation I bought for her about 14 months ago. in the end the nook only lasted 6 months.
It's amazing to me that investors put sky high multiples on Amazon and Netflix and each company is much smaller than Apple and growing at a slower pace. The growth in Apple at the high revenue and high earnings that it has is staggering. Meanwhile Apple, with a giant cash hoard headed for $100bln by late 2012 is also a much safer bet with a Balance Sheet that is so much stronger than Netflix or Amazon. In fact to even conpare them is a joke. The valuation differences are just plain impossible to comprehend. But the notion I am picking up when I talk to bankers (met with ours today) is that there is a great negativity affecting Apple and Google and a hope that both companies start to fail.
Re Blodget - Got to love the timing of his thoughts - just after a spectacular earnngs reort.
Well... we'll see how it holds up. It's not much money, so I'm not concerned. It has a full year warranty. I think this latest model is much improved. Anyway, I am going to convert the entire family (except daughter, who is already using MacBook Pro) to Apple products, likely this summer after the new OS debut... and after the new iPhone and other product enhancements. Should be fun.
I know I'm in very predominant Apple territory around here, but what better place to get some opinions on RIM (as an investment)? Do you guys feel that Playbook's ability to multifunction (combined with enviable security) without the need for an extra monthly subscription, can put some heat on Apple? I would wager that Apple must already be trying to sort something that works on an existing cell subscription, and of course, increasing security as part of the package.
Those e readers are amazing. I have had a kindle for about 2 and a half years now and never had a problem. It has very limited internet access and I use it almost 100% just for reading. Black and white only, no light source, and it cost $350. back then.
If you read a lot you will really enjoy your nook. I have around 250 books stored on mine currently. The ability to instantly purchase a book you are interested in and be reading it in a matter of minutes is awesome. Your own personal library in the palm of your hand.
It's amazing to me that investors put sky high multiples on Amazon and Netflix and each company is much smaller than Apple and growing at a slower pace. The growth in Apple at the high revenue and high earnings that it has is staggering. Meanwhile Apple, with a giant cash hoard headed for $100bln by late 2012 is also a much safer bet with a Balance Sheet that is so much stronger than Netflix or Amazon.
Len,
Like you, I am astounded how the "big boys" are ignoring AAPL. WHY? It makes no sense. I believe it was last Thursday when I posted that I was a little disappointed in the way AAPL acted the day after the incredible earnings report. These SOB's have an agenda against AAPL. Eventually, it will bite them where it hurts.
I TOTALLY DISAGREE! Other than a few idiots, I do not believe that the vast majority of investors have ANYTHING against Apple.
They are the same smart investors that brought Apple's stock to it's current levels.
There is currently an overly-cautious mindset based upon a herd mentality... and it will change very soon when Apple announces a new round of hardware and software enhancements this summer.
The fundamentals are waaaaay to good to ignore for long. Investors WILL return to investing in Apple. There is no conspiracy.
Also, I want to offer my prediction that Apple has been deliberately accumulating a massive amount of cash because they are going to make a MAJOR and brilliant purchase.
I think the individual AAPL stock is too expensive for many investors. I am strictly a Low Price stock buyer. If Apple would split 10 for 1 I would be interested in buying. There is just something in me that will not pay $350 for one share of stock. Maybe I am all alone in that thinking. If that was the case why would companies have stock splits?
I think the individual AAPL stock is too expensive for many investors.
I tend to agree with you here, but I think even if Apple split three or four ways, you would see more interest still. But maybe it's not going to be necessary, as there are other stocks that have steadfastly remained as a single and manage to trade daily. Berkshire Hathaway comes to mind. :shades:
Ok TM. We disagree on the agenda part. I hope you are dead right and I am dead wrong on that aspect.
But the important thing is that we are both in total agreement that AAPL is going to the moon sooner or later for all the reasons (and more) you stated above.
You are definitely not alone on your unwillingness to buy stock at that high of a price. For example, I have several friends that will not touch AAPL due to it's $350 price tag. They look for much cheaper stocks and hope they gain rapidly in value.
How do you explain a company that just jumped rev and Op income 90%, on top of like growth for years, and sitting on a hoard of $70bln in cash with a tremendous Balance Sheet, trading at a PE under 17?? Meanwhile Amazon now has a PE of 77, had lower growth on kower numbers and has a Balance Sheet that is a piece of you know what next to Apple's!
I agree an 8 or 10 for 1 stock split would make the company more attractive.
I'd vote for a stock split too. Imagine AAPL at $35/share, it'd reach $100/share in no time.
That is my belief. Then I don't know nearly as much about the market as most here do. I look at it like the Ford stock I was lucky enough to get into at $1.76 per share. For AAPL to match that performance it would have to go up over $3000 per share in the next year and a half.
Just like Berkshire stock, Apple isn't for every investor. I'll leave it for the high rollers.
This is a VERY healthy company. IMO Apple is a beacon. I accumulated quite a bit more when it was recently beaten down, and I still buy more at the dips. Some investors are mixed up here, and I am confident that they will return to Apple in a big way by this late summer/early fall. There is some "talk" about Apple changing its product rollout schedule to later than usual, so if this happens, it is possible that we won't see the stock boost I expect until a little later than I had previously expected... but nonetheless it will happen.
Stock spilt? I personally think it would be a good idea, but not until this summer/fall.
Did you see my prediction that Apple is saving its massive cash holdings for a very significant purchase in the future?
Beyond Apple, for a long time here and on the old forum I used to tell everyone that Ford was a great company and that they should buy it's shares. I just want everyone here to know that I still have high expectations from Ford, and that I continue to buy more Ford stock when it dips.
For better or worse, I changed my mind and got rid of my financials this week (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.), as they are currently dead weight on my portfolio at this time... except I did not sell Citigroup, which I hold for the very-long-term... I am convinced that one day C will jump again... just as I was convinced years ago, and it DID jump (but I sold it too early last time, and this time I will hold it no matter what).
Interestingly, after buying the NOOK Color e-reader, I bought a modest number of Barnes & Noble (BKS) shares, because I noticed that they have been literally hammered to death, and I see this as a buying opportunity. There is a massive upside potential for this stock at this point, and their digital service is a winner, IMO... also, every time I go in their store, it is crowded.
I mentioned GE several times here, and I have done well with this stock, in spite of a couple of arguments I got from some non-believers. I expect GE to go a lot higher by next summer.
I continue to do well with my solid dividend-paying stocks, and I believe they are an important part of any good portfolio.
I recently decided to invest in more gold, and it has already payed off nicely.
I have owned Sprint for quite a while, and it hadn't done anything all that exciting lately... but it looks like today it is up around 5%... so patience could be paying off on this risky stock.
I have owned a LOT of Vodaphone for a while, and it has done very well... I LOVE this stock for many reasons, and I highly recommend that everyone here do some homework, and then buy tons of shares of Vodaphone (VOD).
That's it for now...
EDIT: Forgot to mention... I believe that a small market correction is not far off... your opinion on this?
I`m sorry to report, but business has definitely slowed down a bit....I checked around with a good number of small business people here in N C and they are all employed but not a worthwhile backlog...No one is complaining like a year and a half ago, but not the business I thought would be here.....Housing is just so much more important, and it is still struggling....but bottoming ...
Market may begin to reflect this before it gets to thirteen thousand.....so it might be that the old saying about going away in May could be the thing........Now to follow my own advice :>) Tony ps I think apple is one of those once in a lifetime stocks....back in the sixties ibm was one then followed by xrx.....I think I would buy and hold that stock with the majority of my funds if I were just not interested in spending some money for fun at this point in my life.....It looks poor right now, but that is just an opportunity ....I wish all good fortune Tony
Tony... Overall, American business is OK, IMO... and improving... the numbers are a good indication. The problem now is clearly gas prices, and this is EXACTLY what I predicted when we all went through the big energy debate... (almost two years ago?... time flies!)
It might settle down... but I will say AGAIN... after any short-term price decline, gas prices will be higher again and reach even higher levels.
We MUST have a better domestic energy policy, and soon...otherwise the terrorists won't need any weapons other than oil to cause serious damage to our country.
TM
Edit: GREAT days for the market... small correction will come soon. Be ready.
Congratulations on QLIK's stellar performance. Funny, I almost bought QLIK earlier this week, but I have been increasing my positions in stocks I already own instead. They are also doing very, very well, but QLIK is a definite winner, and I think you are clearly on the path towards acquiring your new supercar... and I couldn't be happier for you.
TM, I got out at around 28, and wish that I got back in when it dipped to 23. However, I would be a seller at this point. We know that the revenue does not support the stock price, even at $20/shares, and I doubt any big IT boys would pay much higher than the current price to acquire this company. SAP is rumored to be developing something similar, or perhaps they've decided to accummulate QLIK? :surprise:
I would like to sell some gold. Just have no place I want to put the cash. Our cash in the bank is going down in value as fast as our gold coins are going up. Over $20k net gain in just the last 21 days. I am thinking it will hit $2000. Some of the gold fund guys say $3k. I think that is just hype to sell shares. I sure would not buy any gold coins or funds at these prices. We should see renewed activity in mining. At least in other countries. Much of our good potential gold land is locked up.
Unless I've misunderstood something, based upon what you posted, there is no reason to sell your gold... unless you are convinced it will decline in value. More likely, it will continue to go up in value, and even if it slows its ascention, it is better than cash. If you need some cash in order to make a purchase of some sort, then only sell what you must in orer to obtain the cash. Otherwise, stay put and let the value of the gold continue to increase over the long haul. Sounds like you are doing very well with your gold... congratulations.
I have no need for cash. I have kept enough in savings to buy the house next door if it becomes available. I don't think the lady is going to sell. She will probably die and her son will get it. I would like to buy some property, just not sure where. I may look at Nevada. Good prices and a good place to be a resident. My tax man told me most of the tuna fishing boat owners keep a place in NV to claim residency. That avoids the big CA state income tax hit.
I don't mind just saving the cash. It just irks me that the bunch in DC keep printing more making mine worth less by the day. If they would kick the interest up it would help.
You predicted a high for the Dow of 12,775 on July 4th. You have now reached and passed that level, so you are looking pretty good at this point.
I was a little more optimistic, and predicted the Dow would reach 12,850 on July 4th, so I've still got some ground to cover.
And... who knows what might happen in the next two full months!
But, regardless... we are making money hand over fist lately... at least on paper.
Unfortunately, I really believe a pullback is in the cards soon... and I expect to ride it out... unless it is a pullback based upon something serious.
Ben Bernanke is a genius, IMHO... and as bad as things were, and still are in some ways... it still boils down to the fact that he is the only guy that should get any credit for saving the United States from what was soooo close to a total economic collapse.
If you want to get mad at someone, get mad at our insane Congress and some of those perverted bankers that brought our country to its knees and almost destroyed us.
But, regardless... we are making money hand over fist lately... at least on paper.
Unfortunately, I really believe a pullback is in the cards soon... and I expect to ride it out... unless it is a pullback based upon something serious.
I was making money hand over fist today until AAPL took a dive from $7 higher 15-20 minutes before the close to only $3 higher on the close. What in the world happened in the last few minutes of trading to cause such a sharp decline? Was it just profit taking from day traders?
As far as your prediction of a pullback in the market is concerned, I don't believe that it will be much of a pullback. Companies continue to do very well and they will continue to show good growth the rest of this year. But who knows? Maybe something nasty will come out of the Middle East, China, or Japan, etc. and screw everything up.
I was making money hand over fist today until AAPL took a dive from $7 higher 15-20 minutes before the close to only $3 higher on the close. What in the world happened in the last few minutes of trading to cause such a sharp decline? Was it just profit taking from day traders?
Well, the market in general had a last 90-minute moderate pullback, but the AAPL pullback was indeed sharp at the last 15-20 minutes. Strangely, there was an article that came out of CNBC, "Who Will Be Apple CEO After Steve Jobs?" shortly before that steep decline. Perhaps there was a rumor that Steve Jobs had passed away, but I doubt it. Most likely it was the nasty work of day-traders. After hours quotes don't show any improvement.
As far as your prediction of a pullback in the market is concerned, I don't believe that it will be much of a pullback. Companies continue to do very well and they will continue to show good growth the rest of this year. But who knows? Maybe something nasty will come out of the Middle East, China, or Japan, etc. and screw everything up.
I'm referring to a normal and modest correction, and I think it WILL happen. However, overall I am definitely bullish for the remainder of the year... unless there is a major event that impacts the market.
Ben Bernanke is a genius, IMHO... and as bad as things were, and still are in some ways... it still boils down to the fact that he is the only guy that should get any credit for saving the United States from what was soooo close to a total economic collapse.
The politicians and bankers lie, spin, and exaggerate so much it is hard for me to believe much of anything they say. Sometimes I think that whole fiasco was one big con job.
Re pullback - I d'ont think the market is ahead of itself given the very strong quarterly earnings that were reported and those earnings would have been even higher than expected if not for the Japanese earthquake. I think US exports are big now given the weaker dollar, and are playing a key role in the S&P 500 earnings. If I looked at just the US economic situation I'd expect a moderate pull back. But taking the exports into consideration, it may not happen or it will be light and very transitory.
Charlie, that tornado outbreak was incredible but perhaps even more incredible was it's overall placement in the south instead of tornado alley and ability in its pinpoint placment to hit major urban areas. The Tuscalossa tornado was one of the worst I've ever seen and certainly the worst I've ever seen to hit a city.
Sorry TM. I honestly have swamped recently and I forgot to give my comments on the historic April for killer tornadic outbreaks down south and as far north as the southern Cornbelt. The reason I have been SO busy is due to the fact that it has been extremely wet in the Midwest and this has brought about a very early weather market for corn planting. There is no margin for error this year because of record tight corn supplies. Yields start to get lost for every day corn planting is delayed after about May 14.
As far as the historic tornadoes in the Siuth are concerned, we always need to look at the jet stream behavior. It has been flowing much further south an normal and the rsult is that it has been very much unseasonably cool in the Midwest. This has been causing a huge temperature contrast between the Midwest and the South. This in turn causes incredible battle zone mostly south of the Cornbelt. The battle zone of air masses spawns severe thunderstorms which can bring about tornadoes. This has been happening time and time again in April. Unfortunately it looks as if this pattern will persist for a while.
On a different note, I had a real "bad break" on this last day of April today. I was playing tennis in a USTA doubles match in Cedar Rapids, IA earlier today. One of the opponents mishit a shot that had lots of spin. I was retreating backwards rapidly to get in a position to return it. In my attempt to do so, I somehow tripped and fell backwards with lots of force. In an attempt to brace the fall, I broke my left wrist real bad. I spent about 5 hours in a hospital emergency room in Cedar Rapids. My wrist was really deformed and looked very ugly. The orthopedic doctor was able to straighten it out (of course I was under pain killers), but unfortunately, the wrist will require surgery. I am going to see an orthopedic surgeon here in Des Moines Monday. Tonight, my left forearm is in a splint and I am takingain killers this weekend. My wife and I were planning to drive to St. Louis for a family reunion at my wife's parents house. I hope this doesn't mess things up. Btw, I had never before fallen on th tennis court and the first time I do, I break my wrist. I guess it could have been worse, if I had not braced myself , I may have broken I tail bone or hip. It was that hard of a fall. I'll try and keep you guys posted.
Btw TM, my son's G5 Apple computer that he purchased in 2003, died this past Thursday. He wants to get the new MacBook Pro. So, while in St. Louis, we will visit the Apple store. He wll likely be buying the MacBook Pro and I will getting the iPad2 if available.
First things first... You and that left wrist GET BETTER! I am assuming you are right-handed. As a "southpaw", I pay attention to that stuff a bit more than most. You have a nasty recovery ahead, but if you are determined and highly-motivated during your physical therapy, you will have a better outcome. I will be here offering my support and prayers for you, as will the rest of the forum members without a doubt... so you will have to keep us posted on your progress. We want to see the good Charlie fully restored ASAP!
Thanks for the weather info regarding those tornadoes. Some of the pictures are heartbreaking, as they show the unbelieavable devastation that a tornado is capable of... and the profound effect on people's lives.
Charlie... it's only a matter of time before AAPL breaks out... I can't wait.
Your son will love his new MacBook Pro. My daughter loves hers.
BTW, there is a rumor that new iMacs are coming very soon... maybe even as early as next week. I want one for my desk.
I hope that wrist goes back to normal or near normal for you post surgery. Amazing how so much can change in a split second. The other day I felt really tired (after a poor night of sleep thanks to an active mind in the middle of the night) and I had the feeling I would fall asleep at the wheel. It happened t me once for a split second on the Long Island Expressway (the famous LIE of traffic reports) when I was much younger. I hit the curb an immediately was wide awake. This time I pulled over, rested for 10 minutes and resumed driving. Luckily I was only 15 minutes from home. When the LIE incident happened I swore I'd never again let that happen again and till this day I thank God that all that happened that night was a brief touching of the curb by my tires. It's amazing that you can fall asleep under such active conditions on the road and lie awake under such serene conditions in bed.
My son loves his macbook pro and that's a great way to go. Tag has me seriously thinking about that IMAC Here's one Apple product rumors site.
Re the tornados - many have also been rain wrapped or on the front edge of heavy rain as opposed to the dry ones we often see in the midwest. So this also makes them difficult to see or to figure out their direction and speed of movement. I am amazed though how cars and trucks are often speeding in the direction of tornados like this one below. Even if you miss the tornado you can get hit with debris flying around it and it's always possible a separate vortex develops or the vortex you see gets larger in size. Also in this one note at the bottom of the screen someone is casually crossing the road at the 46 second mark. Even if you miss the tornado that is a heck of a severe thunderstorm that is coming in. I think most folks think the tornado passes and everything is fine. That may be the case in dry ones. In some midwest tornados the rest of the sky doesn't even look threatening. I've even seen tornados that disspate into a partly cloudy sky that looked peaceful. But in many cases with tornados the actual thunderstorm with heavy rain and straight line winds comes afterward and in the severe ones you may have to deal with a hail core and of course dangerous lightning.
I have noticed lots of satellite vortices in this recent outbreak, a lot of these tornados seem to have been very similar in terms of physical characteristics. Some awesome Youtube videos out there of various incidents, that one you posted is very amusing for the guy walking past at around 0:45, apparently not impressed by the storm.
Thank you for your good wishes guys! I'll keep you posted on my progress. It's amazing how one improvises oh he has to. I've already learned to do some things with one hand that I did not think was possible prior to the injury. For example, I learned to open the painkiller container with my right hand only by pressing up with the palm and pushing and slightly twisting with the fingers on the cap.
TM and Len, tell me a bit more about this iMac. Pardon my ignorance on this but what is the main difference between the new iMac and the MacBook Pro?
The iMac is essentially a desktop computer that is amazingly streamlined. It is a high-definition screen with the guts (CPU and graphics processor and the ports and the optical drive, etc. all built in... so all you really see is the beautiful display. The keyboard (there are choices) is very elegant and wireless, as is the touch-sensitive mouse or touchpad.
The advantage is the amazing real-estate that the display offers (especially the larger one), and the genuine power (if so equipped) of the unit. When compared to the notebooks, the price advantage of the iMac is nothing short of gigantic. In fact, it is one of the best bargains out there... and it is hard to believe that there could be a bargain from Apple... but the iMac is indeed a bargain.
As with other Macs, it can run Windows in addition to the Mac OS, making it a very versatile piece of equipment.
The iMac looks elegant on any desk, and its performance advantages are very measureable. The only thing given up is portability, of course. But, I would love to have that gorgeous elegant display on my desk, and if I need something portable, I will probably go with the amazingly portable and sexy MacBook Air (once it is upgraded).
Here's the link... but be careful... Like Len and I, you will also want one (it will go nicely with that iPad2!)
Sorry to hear about the fall. I did something similar on a skate board several years ago. Sprained both wrists breaking a fall. Not nearly as serious as your injury but painful none the less.
Comments
The whole topic is indeed contraversial to a limited extent and it illustrates how technological advances can lead to privacy questions... but these questions have come up before... with Google's search records, with Facebook's prior inclusion of people that did not wish to be identified, and now with the method in which certain smartphone's location services can keep an ongoing track of the phone's whereabouts.
The author is so obviously overly-motivated to single out Apple and does not see the bigger picture... past, present, or future... surrounding the development. Additionally, as I pointed out, there are (and have been) other companies with related circumstances.
The entire issue can be better addressed AFTER the panic-type of reactions (such as the author's), and AFTER a better sense of perspective is developed by more thoroughly understanding the facts surrounding the situation. Henry would have us believe the sky is falling, and it's Apple's fault... neither of which are remotely true.
Indeed this was a VERY POOR and ignorant article by Henry Blodget, and it clearly had a predatory nature about it. Absolutely pitiful and unprofessional.
TM
Did he mention the fact that it is the FCC that is pushing the Cell Carriers for pinpoint locations of the cell caller? It was something being worked on at least 10 years ago. The premise was locating someone in a 911 situation. If a phone with GPS capabilities can send that information back to the carrier it can be passed on to a 911 operator. I personally do not like the feature. Yet I suppose if I was in need on a back road and did not know where I was at it would be a possible life saver.
Simply put, this guy is an an ignoramus. He obviously has an agenda to do everything in his power to hurt Apple.
In 2003, he was charged with civil securities fraud by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He settled and agreed to a bar from the securities industry. He paid a $2 million fine and $2 million disgorgement
Well, I expect Ford will do VERY well today in the market.
TM
PS
Yes Ford is my single largest stock holding. I have most in mutual funds. Overall they do a better job than I have.
I had no idea who this idiot was. Mr, Integrity, hey?
Blodget's influence continued to increase, and, in 2000, he was voted the No. 1 Internet/eCommerce analyst on Wall Street by Institutional Investor, Greenwich Associates, and TheStreet.com. In early 2000, days before the dot-com bubble burst, Blodget personally invested $700,000 in tech stocks, only to lose most of it in the years that followed. In 2001, he accepted a buyout offer from Merrill Lynch and left the firm.
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TM
My daughter has one and the screen split up (cracked) after six months. It was a known problem with the generation I bought for her about 14 months ago. in the end the nook only lasted 6 months.
It's amazing to me that investors put sky high multiples on Amazon and Netflix and each company is much smaller than Apple and growing at a slower pace. The growth in Apple at the high revenue and high earnings that it has is staggering. Meanwhile Apple, with a giant cash hoard headed for $100bln by late 2012 is also a much safer bet with a Balance Sheet that is so much stronger than Netflix or Amazon. In fact to even conpare them is a joke. The valuation differences are just plain impossible to comprehend. But the notion I am picking up when I talk to bankers (met with ours today) is that there is a great negativity affecting Apple and Google and a hope that both companies start to fail.
Re Blodget - Got to love the timing of his thoughts - just after a spectacular earnngs reort.
Bought more AAPL shares today on the dip.
TM
Sam
If you read a lot you will really enjoy your nook. I have around 250 books stored on mine currently. The ability to instantly purchase a book you are interested in and be reading it in a matter of minutes is awesome. Your own personal library in the palm of your hand.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Len,
Like you, I am astounded how the "big boys" are ignoring AAPL. WHY? It makes no sense. I believe it was last Thursday when I posted that I was a little disappointed in the way AAPL acted the day after the incredible earnings report. These SOB's have an agenda against AAPL. Eventually, it will bite them where it hurts.
They are the same smart investors that brought Apple's stock to it's current levels.
There is currently an overly-cautious mindset based upon a herd mentality... and it will change very soon when Apple announces a new round of hardware and software enhancements this summer.
The fundamentals are waaaaay to good to ignore for long. Investors WILL return to investing in Apple. There is no conspiracy.
Also, I want to offer my prediction that Apple has been deliberately accumulating a massive amount of cash because they are going to make a MAJOR and brilliant purchase.
TM
I tend to agree with you here, but I think even if Apple split three or four ways, you would see more interest still. But maybe it's not going to be necessary, as there are other stocks that have steadfastly remained as a single and manage to trade daily. Berkshire Hathaway comes to mind.
Sam
But the important thing is that we are both in total agreement that AAPL is going to the moon sooner or later for all the reasons (and more) you stated above.
How do you explain a company that just jumped rev and Op income 90%, on top of like growth for years, and sitting on a hoard of $70bln in cash with a tremendous Balance Sheet, trading at a PE under 17?? Meanwhile Amazon now has a PE of 77, had lower growth on kower numbers and has a Balance Sheet that is a piece of you know what next to Apple's!
I agree an 8 or 10 for 1 stock split would make the company more attractive.
That is my belief. Then I don't know nearly as much about the market as most here do. I look at it like the Ford stock I was lucky enough to get into at $1.76 per share. For AAPL to match that performance it would have to go up over $3000 per share in the next year and a half.
Just like Berkshire stock, Apple isn't for every investor. I'll leave it for the high rollers.
This is a VERY healthy company. IMO Apple is a beacon. I accumulated quite a bit more when it was recently beaten down, and I still buy more at the dips. Some investors are mixed up here, and I am confident that they will return to Apple in a big way by this late summer/early fall. There is some "talk" about Apple changing its product rollout schedule to later than usual, so if this happens, it is possible that we won't see the stock boost I expect until a little later than I had previously expected... but nonetheless it will happen.
Stock spilt? I personally think it would be a good idea, but not until this summer/fall.
Did you see my prediction that Apple is saving its massive cash holdings for a very significant purchase in the future?
Beyond Apple, for a long time here and on the old forum I used to tell everyone that Ford was a great company and that they should buy it's shares. I just want everyone here to know that I still have high expectations from Ford, and that I continue to buy more Ford stock when it dips.
For better or worse, I changed my mind and got rid of my financials this week (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, etc.), as they are currently dead weight on my portfolio at this time... except I did not sell Citigroup, which I hold for the very-long-term... I am convinced that one day C will jump again... just as I was convinced years ago, and it DID jump (but I sold it too early last time, and this time I will hold it no matter what).
Interestingly, after buying the NOOK Color e-reader, I bought a modest number of Barnes & Noble (BKS) shares, because I noticed that they have been literally hammered to death, and I see this as a buying opportunity. There is a massive upside potential for this stock at this point, and their digital service is a winner, IMO... also, every time I go in their store, it is crowded.
I mentioned GE several times here, and I have done well with this stock, in spite of a couple of arguments I got from some non-believers. I expect GE to go a lot higher by next summer.
I continue to do well with my solid dividend-paying stocks, and I believe they are an important part of any good portfolio.
I recently decided to invest in more gold, and it has already payed off nicely.
I have owned Sprint for quite a while, and it hadn't done anything all that exciting lately... but it looks like today it is up around 5%... so patience could be paying off on this risky stock.
I have owned a LOT of Vodaphone for a while, and it has done very well... I LOVE this stock for many reasons, and I highly recommend that everyone here do some homework, and then buy tons of shares of Vodaphone (VOD).
That's it for now...
EDIT: Forgot to mention... I believe that a small market correction is not far off... your opinion on this?
TM
Market may begin to reflect this before it gets to thirteen thousand.....so it might be that the old saying about going away in May could be the thing........Now to follow my own advice :>) Tony ps I think apple is one of those once in a lifetime stocks....back in the sixties ibm was one then followed by xrx.....I think I would buy and hold that stock with the majority of my funds if I were just not interested in spending some money for fun at this point in my life.....It looks poor right now, but that is just an opportunity ....I wish all good fortune Tony
Overall, American business is OK, IMO... and improving... the numbers are a good indication. The problem now is clearly gas prices, and this is EXACTLY what I predicted when we all went through the big energy debate... (almost two years ago?... time flies!)
It might settle down... but I will say AGAIN... after any short-term price decline, gas prices will be higher again and reach even higher levels.
We MUST have a better domestic energy policy, and soon...otherwise the terrorists won't need any weapons other than oil to cause serious damage to our country.
TM
Edit: GREAT days for the market... small correction will come soon. Be ready.
Congratulations on QLIK's stellar performance. Funny, I almost bought QLIK earlier this week, but I have been increasing my positions in stocks I already own instead. They are also doing very, very well, but QLIK is a definite winner, and I think you are clearly on the path towards acquiring your new supercar... and I couldn't be happier for you.
TM
I got out at around 28, and wish that I got back in when it dipped to 23. However, I would be a seller at this point. We know that the revenue does not support the stock price, even at $20/shares, and I doubt any big IT boys would pay much higher than the current price to acquire this company. SAP is rumored to be developing something similar, or perhaps they've decided to accummulate QLIK? :surprise:
Unless I've misunderstood something, based upon what you posted, there is no reason to sell your gold... unless you are convinced it will decline in value. More likely, it will continue to go up in value, and even if it slows its ascention, it is better than cash. If you need some cash in order to make a purchase of some sort, then only sell what you must in orer to obtain the cash. Otherwise, stay put and let the value of the gold continue to increase over the long haul. Sounds like you are doing very well with your gold... congratulations.
TM
I don't mind just saving the cash. It just irks me that the bunch in DC keep printing more making mine worth less by the day. If they would kick the interest up it would help.
You predicted a high for the Dow of 12,775 on July 4th. You have now reached and passed that level, so you are looking pretty good at this point.
I was a little more optimistic, and predicted the Dow would reach 12,850 on July 4th, so I've still got some ground to cover.
And... who knows what might happen in the next two full months!
But, regardless... we are making money hand over fist lately... at least on paper.
Unfortunately, I really believe a pullback is in the cards soon... and I expect to ride it out... unless it is a pullback based upon something serious.
TM
Ben Bernanke is a genius, IMHO... and as bad as things were, and still are in some ways... it still boils down to the fact that he is the only guy that should get any credit for saving the United States from what was soooo close to a total economic collapse.
If you want to get mad at someone, get mad at our insane Congress and some of those perverted bankers that brought our country to its knees and almost destroyed us.
The latest wildcard is OIL.
TM
Unfortunately, I really believe a pullback is in the cards soon... and I expect to ride it out... unless it is a pullback based upon something serious.
I was making money hand over fist today until AAPL took a dive from $7 higher 15-20 minutes before the close to only $3 higher on the close. What in the world happened in the last few minutes of trading to cause such a sharp decline? Was it just profit taking from day traders?
As far as your prediction of a pullback in the market is concerned, I don't believe that it will be much of a pullback. Companies continue to do very well and they will continue to show good growth the rest of this year. But who knows? Maybe something nasty will come out of the Middle East, China, or Japan, etc. and screw everything up.
Well, the market in general had a last 90-minute moderate pullback, but the AAPL pullback was indeed sharp at the last 15-20 minutes. Strangely, there was an article that came out of CNBC, "Who Will Be Apple CEO After Steve Jobs?" shortly before that steep decline. Perhaps there was a rumor that Steve Jobs had passed away, but I doubt it. Most likely it was the nasty work of day-traders. After hours quotes don't show any improvement.
As far as your prediction of a pullback in the market is concerned, I don't believe that it will be much of a pullback. Companies continue to do very well and they will continue to show good growth the rest of this year. But who knows? Maybe something nasty will come out of the Middle East, China, or Japan, etc. and screw everything up.
I'm referring to a normal and modest correction, and I think it WILL happen. However, overall I am definitely bullish for the remainder of the year... unless there is a major event that impacts the market.
TM
Regards,
OW
What's going on?
TM
The politicians and bankers lie, spin, and exaggerate so much it is hard for me to believe much of anything they say. Sometimes I think that whole fiasco was one big con job.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
X2
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Couldn't agree with you more re Bernanke
Re pullback - I d'ont think the market is ahead of itself given the very strong quarterly earnings that were reported and those earnings would have been even higher than expected if not for the Japanese earthquake. I think US exports are big now given the weaker dollar, and are playing a key role in the S&P 500 earnings. If I looked at just the US economic situation I'd expect a moderate pull back. But taking the exports into consideration, it may not happen or it will be light and very transitory.
Charlie, that tornado outbreak was incredible but perhaps even more incredible was it's overall placement in the south instead of tornado alley and ability in its pinpoint placment to hit major urban areas. The Tuscalossa tornado was one of the worst I've ever seen and certainly the worst I've ever seen to hit a city.
As far as the historic tornadoes in the Siuth are concerned, we always need to look at the jet stream behavior. It has been flowing much further south an normal and the rsult is that it has been very much unseasonably cool in the Midwest. This has been causing a huge temperature contrast between the Midwest and the South. This in turn causes incredible battle zone mostly south of the Cornbelt. The battle zone of air masses spawns severe thunderstorms which can bring about tornadoes. This has been happening time and time again in April. Unfortunately it looks as if this pattern will persist for a while.
On a different note, I had a real "bad break" on this last day of April today. I was playing tennis in a USTA doubles match in Cedar Rapids, IA earlier today. One of the opponents mishit a shot that had lots of spin. I was retreating backwards rapidly to get in a position to return it. In my attempt to do so, I somehow tripped and fell backwards with lots of force. In an attempt to brace the fall, I broke my left wrist real bad. I spent about 5 hours in a hospital emergency room in Cedar Rapids. My wrist was really deformed and looked very ugly. The orthopedic doctor was able to straighten it out (of course I was under pain killers), but unfortunately, the wrist will require surgery. I am going to see an orthopedic surgeon here in Des Moines Monday. Tonight, my left forearm is in a splint and I am takingain killers this weekend. My wife and I were planning to drive to St. Louis for a family reunion at my wife's parents house. I hope this doesn't mess things up. Btw, I had never before fallen on th tennis court and the first time I do, I break my wrist. I guess it could have been worse, if I had not braced myself , I may have broken I tail bone or hip. It was that hard of a fall. I'll try and keep you guys posted.
Btw TM, my son's G5 Apple computer that he purchased in 2003, died this past Thursday. He wants to get the new MacBook Pro. So, while in St. Louis, we will visit the Apple store. He wll likely be buying the MacBook Pro and I will getting the iPad2 if available.
First things first... You and that left wrist GET BETTER! I am assuming you are right-handed. As a "southpaw", I pay attention to that stuff a bit more than most. You have a nasty recovery ahead, but if you are determined and highly-motivated during your physical therapy, you will have a better outcome. I will be here offering my support and prayers for you, as will the rest of the forum members without a doubt... so you will have to keep us posted on your progress. We want to see the good Charlie fully restored ASAP!
Thanks for the weather info regarding those tornadoes. Some of the pictures are heartbreaking, as they show the unbelieavable devastation that a tornado is capable of... and the profound effect on people's lives.
Charlie... it's only a matter of time before AAPL breaks out... I can't wait.
Your son will love his new MacBook Pro. My daughter loves hers.
BTW, there is a rumor that new iMacs are coming very soon... maybe even as early as next week. I want one for my desk.
Feel and get better!...
TM
I hope that wrist goes back to normal or near normal for you post surgery. Amazing how so much can change in a split second. The other day I felt really tired (after a poor night of sleep thanks to an active mind in the middle of the night) and I had the feeling I would fall asleep at the wheel. It happened t me once for a split second on the Long Island Expressway (the famous LIE of traffic reports) when I was much younger. I hit the curb an immediately was wide awake. This time I pulled over, rested for 10 minutes and resumed driving. Luckily I was only 15 minutes from home. When the LIE incident happened I swore I'd never again let that happen again and till this day I thank God that all that happened that night was a brief touching of the curb by my tires. It's amazing that you can fall asleep under such active conditions on the road and lie awake under such serene conditions in bed.
My son loves his macbook pro and that's a great way to go. Tag has me seriously thinking about that IMAC Here's one Apple product rumors site.
http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/
Re the tornados - many have also been rain wrapped or on the front edge of heavy rain as opposed to the dry ones we often see in the midwest. So this also makes them difficult to see or to figure out their direction and speed of movement. I am amazed though how cars and trucks are often speeding in the direction of tornados like this one below. Even if you miss the tornado you can get hit with debris flying around it and it's always possible a separate vortex develops or the vortex you see gets larger in size. Also in this one note at the bottom of the screen someone is casually crossing the road at the 46 second mark. Even if you miss the tornado that is a heck of a severe thunderstorm that is coming in. I think most folks think the tornado passes and everything is fine. That may be the case in dry ones. In some midwest tornados the rest of the sky doesn't even look threatening. I've even seen tornados that disspate into a partly cloudy sky that looked peaceful. But in many cases with tornados the actual thunderstorm with heavy rain and straight line winds comes afterward and in the severe ones you may have to deal with a hail core and of course dangerous lightning.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjVW0Du2ZIo&feature=related
TM and Len, tell me a bit more about this iMac. Pardon my ignorance on this but what is the main difference between the new iMac and the MacBook Pro?
Len, that tornado video is out of this world.
The advantage is the amazing real-estate that the display offers (especially the larger one), and the genuine power (if so equipped) of the unit. When compared to the notebooks, the price advantage of the iMac is nothing short of gigantic. In fact, it is one of the best bargains out there... and it is hard to believe that there could be a bargain from Apple... but the iMac is indeed a bargain.
As with other Macs, it can run Windows in addition to the Mac OS, making it a very versatile piece of equipment.
The iMac looks elegant on any desk, and its performance advantages are very measureable. The only thing given up is portability, of course. But, I would love to have that gorgeous elegant display on my desk, and if I need something portable, I will probably go with the amazingly portable and sexy MacBook Air (once it is upgraded).
Here's the link... but be careful... Like Len and I, you will also want one (it will go nicely with that iPad2!)
link title
TM
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460