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Arch: Who first put PPSC on the board over the weekend?
Thanks
arkie
OK, I stand corrected Archie (Archangel)
Arkie
Sunday May 20, 12:32 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
Vivendi Universal Acquires MP3.com in Move to Strengthen Digital Distribution Capacity and Web Audience
PARIS and SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2001--Vivendi Universal (NYSE: V - news):
Price is $5 per share or approximately $372 Million in Cash and Stock
MP3.com to Provide Leading-Edge Technology Platform for Management and Distribution of Digital Content
Multiple Revenue Streams to Enhance Vivendi Universal's Online Strategy
MP3.com Will Continue to Function as an Independent Distributor of Music Content for All Record Labels and Independent Artists
Vivendi Universal (Paris Bourse: EX FP; NYSE: V) announced today that it will acquire San Diego-based MP3.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: MPPP - news) for $372 million ($5 per share) in a friendly, combined cash and stock transaction. MP3.com represents a major acquisition and is expected to strongly reinforce Vivendi Universal's digital efforts in the strategic areas of online music, subscriptions, branding, technology and all its content.
MP3.com shareholders have the ability to elect $5 per share in cash, a number of Vivendi Universal shares (in the form of American Depositary Receipts) having a value of $5, or any combination thereof, subject to aggregate transaction consideration caps of 50% cash consideration and 50% share consideration, which may result in proration. The transaction has been structured as a reorganization that will be tax free to MP3.com shareholders to the extent they receive Vivendi Universal shares. Consistent with its previous statements, Vivendi Universal will not issue new common shares in this transaction, but will use treasury shares for the share portion of the aggregate transaction consideration. The Board of Directors of MP3.com has unanimously approved the transaction. Holders of more than 50% of MP3.com's outstanding shares have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction.
MP3.com (www.mp3.com) will maintain its role as the premier distributor of music on the Internet. The company will continue to feature content from all record labels and from independent artists. There are currently over 150,000 artists from more than 180 countries that make their music available to music fans through MP3.com. Currently, more than 25% of Billboard Magazine's current Top 40 albums are being promoted on MP3.com.
Music Online
MP3.com is a candidate to provide state-of-the-art technical contributions for Duet, Vivendi Universal's joint venture with Sony Music, to create an online digital music subscription service. Duet is expected to launch this summer. Duet's U.S. on-demand service will be available and marketed through a number of distribution alliances, the first being with Yahoo!
MP3.com has the potential to be a key component in that initiative, and has already created a massively scalable technology for the distribution of digital music and other diverse content across multiple platforms.
Vivendi Universal's online music distribution capabilities will be enhanced by the MP3.com acquisition. The total aggregate audience for MP3.com, GetMusic, FarmClub and EMusic represents close to 40 million registered users, with approximately 120 million monthly page views.
Branding
Vivendi Universal is to acquire one of the top worldwide Internet brands. MP3.com's brand and web site are well-known to a global online gathering of music fans and artists. The company is expected to contribute a huge audience to Vivendi Universal's already-impressive online entertainment fold. The brand is particularly popular among young users, although a significant user base is represented by affluent 35-55 demographics of both men and women.
Technology
MP3.com is a technology leader in the delivery of online music. Recently, it pioneered the digital content delivery revolution and built a Music InterOperating System (IOS), which is designed to connect various segments of the music industry for the first time. Music IOS allows the music business to interoperate in ways previously unavailable by connecting retailers, labels, music players, and hardware and software tools.
MP3.com's Music IOS is fully compatible with a variety of devices and networks. The company possesses proprietary-patented technology for music distribution and has comprehensive solutions in data management and tracking. MP3.com's proven distribution technology can power not only music content, but also video and text content.
MP3.com technologists have an exceptional track record of creating industry-leading technology relating to a variety of contents and interfaces that include digital distribution, databases and e-marketing. More than 120 MP3.com technologists will assist Vivendi Universal Net in current and future Vivendi Universal initiatives.
Vivendi Universal's Cross Contents and Digital Efficiency
Vivendi Universal is wholly committed to extending its reach to all continents through digital distribution. Vivendi Universal's strategy is to digitally distribute all of its content across all technology platforms. MP3.com will strongly power this strategy by enhancing Vivendi Universal's capacity to implement database management, direct marketing and subscriptions on the Internet. MP3.com will also contribute to the implementation of digital efficiency within Vivendi Universal.
Michael Robertson, MP3.com founder, chairman and chief executive officer, will become special adviser to Jean-Marie Messier with regard to Vivendi Universal's digital distribution.
Commenting on the announcement, Jean-Marie Messier, chairman and chief executive officer of Vivendi Universal said: ``The MP3.com strategic acquisition is a big step forward for Vivendi Universal's priority to develop and implement an aggressive, legitimate and attractive offering of our content to consumers. MP3.com will be a great asset to Vivendi Universal in meeting our goal of becoming the leading online Music Service Provider. Our first step toward leadership in digital distribution was the creation of Duet with Sony Music and distribution agreement with Yahoo!. With MP3.com's proven technologies and team, we'll have the tools and talents to aid the success of this and other digital content distribution ventures. Their engineering and digital expertise will be a tremendous advantage for Vivendi Universal, especially in the digital distribution of all Vivendi Universal content and the creation of common technology platforms.''
``This groundbreaking merger is a defining moment in the digital music era,'' said Michael Robertson, chairman and chief executive officer of MP3.com. ``It brings together industry leading technology, brands, distribution and content. We will continue with our current MP3.com pursuits, but also work with our new partners to innovate subscription systems and music offerings that reach a global audience across many devices. We believe consumers will see the full promise of digital music come to fruition and that transaction is in the best interest of our shareholders.''
As a major global force in media and communications, Vivendi Universal's stated vision is to further its position as the world's premier creator and provider of personalized information, entertainment, and services to consumers -- anywhere, at any time and across all distribution platforms and devices. With a plethora of rich and varied content through its Music, Publishing and TV and Film business units, coupled with its access and distribution units in Telecoms and Internet, the Company is poised to make consumers the winners in this age of digital communications.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, approval by the MP3.com shareholders, and other customary closing conditions.
About Vivendi Universal
Media and Communications and Environmental Services: The media and communications business is divided into five business segments: Music, Publishing, TV and Film, Telecoms and Internet. The Music business is conducted though Universal Music Group, which produces, markets and distributes recorded music throughout the world in all major genres. Universal Music Group also manufactures, sells and distributes video products in the United States and internationally, and licenses music copyrights in 63 countries worldwide. The Publishing business is Europe's premier publisher of information providing content across multiple platforms, including print, multimedia, on the wired Internet and to PDAs via WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) technology. The Publishing business is a content leader in five core markets: education, games, healthcare information, local services and business and general information. The TV and Film business produces and distributes motion picture, television and home video/DVD products worldwide, operates and has ownership interests in a number of cable and pay TV channels, engages in the licensing of merchandising and film property rights and operates theme parks and retail stores around the world. The Telecoms business provides a broad range of telecommunications services, including mobile and fixed telephony, Internet access and data services and transmission, principally in Europe. The Internet business manages the strategic Internet initiatives and new online ventures for Vivendi Universal. Utilizing advanced digital distribution technology, the Internet business develops e-commerce, e-services and thematic portals that offer access to the Internet via a variety of devices, including mobile phones, PDAs, interactive TV and computers. Vivendi Environnement, is a 63-percent effectively owned subsidiary of Vivendi Universal, which operates the environmental services business, with operations around the globe. Vivendi Environnement provides environmental management services, including water treatment and system operation, waste management, energy services and power generation, and transportation services, to a wide range of public authorities and industrial, commercial and residential customers.
The Company's corporate website is located at http://www.vivendiuniversal.com. The Company's financial website is located at http://finance.vivendiuniversal.com.
About MP3.com
MP3.com, Inc. has created a unique and robust technology infrastructure designed to facilitate the storage, management, promotion and delivery of digital music. As the Internet's premier Music Service Provider (MSP), the company is dedicated to providing consumers with access to music when they want it, where they want it, using any web-enabled device. The company's web site hosts what MP3.com believes is the largest collection of digital music available on the Internet, with more than 967,000 songs and audio files posted from over 150,000 digital artists and record labels. Dedicated to growing the digital music space, the company's products and services include on-demand Subscription Music Channels, an innovative Business Music Services program, a Syndicated Radio program and others. Additionally, through the company's MSP technology initiative and its music InterOperating System, MP3.com is partnering with a variety of forward-looking businesses to expand its digital music strategy. MP3.com's common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the ticker symbol MPPP. The company is based in San Diego, California. For more information on MP3.com, visit www.mp3.com.
Important Disclaimer
This press release contains ``forward-looking statements'' as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, including but not limited to: the risk that recently acquired operations will not be integrated successfully; that the synergies expected to be created as a result of recent acquisitions will not materialize; that Vivendi Universal will be unable to further identify, develop and achieve success for new products, services and technologies; that Vivendi Universal will face increased competition and that the effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues of such competition will limit or reduce Vivendi Universal's revenue and/or income; that Vivendi Universal will be unable to establish and maintain relationships with commerce, advertising, marketing, technology, and content providers; and that Vivendi Universal will be unable to obtain or retain, upon acceptable terms, the licenses and permits necessary to operate and expand its businesses; as well as the risks described in the documents Vivendi Universal has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged to read those documents at the Commission's web site at www.sec.gov. Those documents may also be obtained free of charge from Vivendi Universal.
Vivendi Universal and MP3.com will file a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents regarding the proposed merger described in this press release with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors and security holders are urged to read the proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available, because it will contain important information about Vivendi Universal and MP3.com and the proposed transaction. A definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to security holders of MP3.com seeking their approval of the transaction. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed by Vivendi Universal and MP3.com with the SEC at the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents may also be obtained free of cost by directing a request to the following Investor Relations contacts:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Vivendi Universal
Media Relations:
Paris:
Catherine Gros, 011-33-1-71-71-1711
Alain Delrieu, 011-33-1-71-71-1341
Antoine Lefort, 011-33-1-71-71-1180
or
New York:
Anita Larsen, 212/572-1118
Mia Carbonell, 212/572-7556
or
Investor Relations:
Paris:
Ariane de Lamaze, 011-33-1-71-71-1084
or
New York:
Eileen McLaughlin, 212/572-8961
or
MP3.com
Media Relations:
Greg Wilfahrt, 858/623-7280
or
Investor Relations:
Karen Silva, 858/623-7222
ISNQ UP 39.13% on 283,000 shares
holdon
Archie: Need to really watch *** (EDIG) eDigital... Moving away from lows now. OEM's to start getting product out in the market.
arkieboy
Small caps in U.S. and U.K. deserve a closer look
Thom Calandra's StockWatch
LONDON (FTMW) - Small stocks on both sides of the Atlantic, while beating the performance of larger companies thus far this year, are still a neglected bunch, market pundits say.
Shares of small companies, for example, sell for far lower multiples of profits and revenue than their larger cousins. In some surveys, shares of companies with a market capitalization of $1 billion or less sell for as little as a third of the price-earnings multiples of larger companies.
"My contention is that there is terrific value among small and mid-cap companies in the U.K. market and a very serious anomaly because institutional managers have a very blanket approach to investment," says Neil Thapar, city editor of Sharecast.com, a regulated financial Web site in London. "A lot of value is being ignored below the FTSE-100 and FTSE-250 indexes."
Small stocks have nothing to be ashamed of this year.
Small-cap mutual funds in Britain gained 1 per cent in this year's first three months, surpassing all stock-fund categories. The FTSE SmallCap Index of 410 companies has risen 10 percent since hitting a low in early April. The FTSE-100 Index of Britain's largest companies, meanwhile, has risen just 7 percent in the same span.
In the U.S., shares of small companies as measured by the Russell 2000 Index have risen 2 percent this year against a 4 percent loss for blue chips as measured by the Standard and Poor's 500 Index.
Thapar, who dispenses "share tips" along with a panel of market writers at Sharecast and at Durlacher-owned sister Web site Nothing-Ventured.com, says British fund managers are too complacent.
"One of the excuses they make is that they cannot buy enough stock because of a lack of liquidity in small issues, but I see that as sheer laziness," said Thapar, a former financial writer for The Mail on Sunday.
To be sure, American investors often voice the same complaints about the performance of small stocks, which, notwithstanding a valuation surge in the early part of last year, get little attention from professionals on Wall Street, fund managers in Boston and brokers in London.
"I think most people are comfortable with the names they recognize, whether it is in the stock market or on the supermarket shelves," said Glenn Cutler, a former California fund manager who specialized in shares of small companies. "The stock market is becoming much more fragmented these days, and that leaves many profitable but depressed companies in niche markets."
Joe Duarte, a Texas fund manager and author of "Successful Biotech Investing," says most investors are barraged by news about giant companies -- "the Cisco nonsense," he calls it. Meanwhile, smaller companies' stories go begging for attention.
In London this week, Thapar calls this the BT effect. British Telecommunications, carrying $40 billion of debt, will seek a break-up via an $8.3 billion rights issue, the company said Thursday. "Many of these London fund managers are now being caught with their pants down, buying giant telecom stocks like BT at ridiculous levels last year while ignoring small companies," said Thapar.
American and British investors - and fund managers -- have a wide range of small stocks from which to choose. They include those on the London Stock Exchange and on the Alternative Investment Market, an exchange for British companies whose shares often sell for a few pence. In the United States, small stocks can be found across the three major stock exchanges, Nasdaq, the New York Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange.
Some examples:
Thapar points to Ferraris Group (UK) - a U.K. medical products maker whose half-year pretax profit rose 70 percent. "It is likely to grow its earning by 15 percent a year long term and yet it trades at a P/E of 11. There is no earthly reason why institutions should not be buying this stock." He also points to Convergence Holdings (UK), whose top executives include Mike Luckwell, an investor who backed successful media companies WPP, Carlton and Hit Entertainment. Convergence, which trades on the Alternative Investment Market, hopes to build a media library of images and deliver them to professional agencies, much like Getty Images (US) in the U.S. has done.
Cutler in California wonders why shares of profitable Israeli company Camtek Ltd. (US) get no respect. "This Is just a neat company that has optical inspection systems to find defects in circuit boards during their manufacturing process," he said. "The company just reported a nice profit in a quarter when many tech companies struggled. It has a clean balance sheet, no debt and few people have heard of them." Camtek, which listed on Nasdaq last summer, sells for a P/E of 7.
Duarte points to Biopure Corp. (US), also on Nasdaq. "Its blood substitute has performed better than expected in clinical trials and looks to be headed for the Food and Drug Administration's approval panel soon," says Duarte, a medical doctor. "This is significant since there is no other real contender for a useful blood substitute in the world. One product, Hemopure, which is purified cow hemoglobin, is approved for use in South Africa. "That sets the company up for either huge profits or a takeover from someone like Baxter (US), who has been trying for years to come up with a blood substitute." Note: Several other companies are developing blood substitutes, including Alliance Pharmaceutical (ALLP) and Hemosol (HMSL), both trading on Nasdaq.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thom Calandra is Editor-in-Chief of CBS MarketWatch and FTMarketWatch.com.
EDIG 38.00% increase today! Closed on the High for the Day.
Thursday, May 3 2001 10:20pm ET - U.S. Markets Closed. E DIGITAL CORP (OTC BB:EDIG.OB) - More Info: News, Profile, Insider - Trade: N/A
Last Trade
4:01PM · 2.07 Change
+0.57 (+38.00%) Prev Cls
1.50 Volume
1,564,100 Div Date
N/A
Small: [1d / 5d / 1y / none]
Big: [1d / 5d / 3m / 6m / 1y / 2y / 5y / max]
Day's Range
1.49 - 2.07 Bid
2.06 Ask
2.07 Open
1.50 Avg Vol
311,954 Ex-Div
N/A
52-week Range
1.1875 - 8.3125 Earn/Shr
-0.05 P/E
N/A Mkt Cap
269.5M Div/Shr
N/A Yield
N/A
Add to My Portfolio - Set Alert Non-Tables Version - Download Spreadsheet
Quotes delayed 15 minutes for Nasdaq, 20 minutes otherwise. Quote data provided by Reuters.
Customize Finance - Yahoo! Finance Home
Recent News Customize News
Thu Mar 29 EDIG.OB Letter From the President - Business Wire
Fri Mar 23 EDIG.OB e.Digital Music Player Products Featured At CeBIT - Business Wire
Thu Feb 15 EDIG.OB e.Digital Hires Fleishman-Hillard Inc. to Lead U.S. and International Media Relations - Business Wire
Wed Feb 14 EDIG.OB This Letter is a Direct Communication From the President and CEO of e.Digital Corporation -- OTC:EDIG - Business Wire
Wed Feb 14 EDIG.OB E DIGITAL CORP - Quarterly Report (SEC form 10QSB) - EDGAR Online
Tue Nov 14 EDIG.OB E DIGITAL CORP - Quarterly Report (SEC form 10QSB) - EDGAR Online
Thu Aug 10 EDIG.OB E DIGITAL CORP - Quarterly Report (SEC form 10QSB) - EDGAR Online
All headlines for: EDIG.OB
Sorry, I have not checked out TRLT.
arkieboy
TRILUCENT TECHNOLOGIES (OTC BB: TRLT)
Latest price: 46 cents
TRILUCENT TECHNOLOGIES has just released the following news
after market close. A discovery has already been made
utilizing TRLT' s microwave detection technology. Further
announcements of discoveries (expected soon) could propel
this stock skywards.
TRILUCENT TECHNOLOGIES CORP. ANNOUNCES SCHEDULED COMPLETION
OF WELLS & HIRING OF OIL AND GAS EXECUTIVE
SAN ANTONIO--May 1, 2001--TriLucent Technologies Corp.
(``TriLucent'') (OTCBB: TRLT) Tuesday announced that it has
employed a senior oil and gas executive to act as its chief
operating and financial officer. Additionally, the company
has begun testing its mobile radar detection system.
TriLucent recently announced that a discovery was made from
an exploratory (``Wildcat'') well drilled in Clark County,
Kansas. The company expects that the wells will be
completed within the next two weeks and production data per
well will be forthcoming. The company has a carried
interest in each of these wells.
The discovery was made utilizing the microwave detection
technology that TriLucent has incorporated into its overall
technology exploration package. This is the first of three
exploratory wells to be drilled using TriLucent's resource
exploration strategies. The Big Basin No. 1 in Clark
County, Kansas was drilled to a depth of 5,625 ft by
Parwest Land Exploration of Oklahoma City.
The well encountered the carbonate bed which had a
excellent mud gas show, a 19-foot zone showing gas and oil
was logged. Production casing has been set and the well is
awaiting a completion rig. The nearest equivalent
production, was drilled in 1987, 2 1/2 miles away and had
an Initial Production of 1.4 million cubic feet of gas per
day from a similar but smaller carbonate section. TriLucent
has a royalty interest in these wells.
Mark Zouvas, who has served as the chief financial officer
of Power Exploration Inc., has been retained to assist
Jerry Witte, chief executive officer, in implementing
financing strategies necessary to securing adequate equity
funding and also in establishing additional industry
clients.
Zouvas has been active in the oil and gas industry for more
than six years in both operational and financial
capacities. A graduate of the University of California --
Berkeley, Zouvas has had previous tenures with Price
Waterhouse and LFG-PSD, a commodities firm located in
Chicago.
Zouvas has also been elected to the company's board of
directors. Witte, CEO of TriLucent indicated that the
addition of Zouvas to the company's team brings a higher
level of sophistication and exposure to its financing
efforts.
``We are very excited about having Mr. Zouvas on board. His
past work in the oil and gas industry plus his experience
in the capital markets will greatly enhance our position in
the industry as we move forward,'' said Witte.
TriLucent also announced that it has commenced testing its
second generation of mobile radar detection equipment. The
company recently acquired the necessary equipment to test
its radar detection technologies in the field. Once it has
passed the testing phase, the company will deploy the unit
to several acreage blocks held by future clients. It is
anticipated that its mobile unit will be able to recon and
analyze approximately 10,000 acres per month, which could
result in the generation of four to five drillable targets
per prospect.
For more information about TriLucent, visit its Web site
at: www.trilucent-technologies.com
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains
forward-looking information within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
including statements that include the words ``believes,''
``expects,'' ``anticipates'' or similar expressions. Any
statements with respect to the success rates of exploratory
drilling for oil and gas utilizing TriLucent's technologies
are based solely on the historical experience of TriLucent,
and there are no assurances that these success rates can be
obtained in every instance of exploratory drilling. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual
results, performance or achievements of TriLucent
Technologies Corp. (the company) to differ materially from
those expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. (Such factors include, among others, the risk
factors contained in the company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.) In addition,
description of anyone's past success, either financial or
strategic, is no guarantee of future success. The company
will remain dependent upon future financing for its growth
and development, and for it to successfully implement its
business plan. No statement contained herein should be
construed as indicating that such financing is or will be
available, and if available, will be on terms favorable to
the company. This news release speaks as of the date first
set forth above and the company assumes no responsibility
to update the information included herein for events
occurring after the date hereof.
Contact:
Olivia Communications Inc.
Brian Cole, 866/623-3320
Info@oliviacom.com
DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURE: This is an advertisement for
TriLucent Technologies Corp. The purpose of this
advertisement, like any advertising, is to provide coverage
and publicity for the company. The information provided in
this advertisement is not intended for distribution to, or
use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country
where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or
regulation or which would subject us to any registration
requirement within such jurisdiction or country. Verify all
claims and do your own due diligence. This is not a
solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold
securities and does not provide an analysis of the
financial position of the company. We recommend you use the
information found here as an initial starting point for
conducting your own research on the advertised company in
order to determine your own personal opinion of the company
before investing. We are not offering securities for sale.
An offer to buy or sell can be made only with accompanying
disclosure documents and only in the states and provinces
for which they are approved. All statements and opinions
are the sole opinion of the authors and are subject to
change without notice. We are not liable for any investment
decisions by our readers. Readers should independently
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site.
http://sos.state.nv.us/corp_nme.asp
Dean Heller
Nevada Secretary of State
Corporate Information
Name: VENTURE ENERGY, INC.
Type: Corporation File Number: C26597-2000 State: NEVADA Incorporated On: October 04, 2000
Status: Initial list of officers filed Corp Type: Regular
Resident Agent: GATEWAY ENTERPRISES, INC. (Accepted)
Address: 3230 E. FLAMINGO ROAD
SUITE 156
LAS VEGAS NV 89121
President: GORDON H JOHNSON
Address: 3109 CARLISLE #100
DALLAS TX 75204
Secretary: JOHN M HICKEY
Address: 1601-1415 W GEORGIA
VANCOUVER BC CN V6G3C
Treasurer: JOHN M HICKEY
Address: 1601-1415 W GEORGIA
VANCOUVER BC CN V6G3C
By the end of the 2001 fiscal year, Chancellor Group anticipates a market value of some $1.5 billion and a share price of approximately $20.00 per share, based upon a market value of $2.5 billion for Chancellor Energy Inc. and a fully diluted 50% ownership position in that entity; a value of $150 million for Chancellor’s interest in it’s proposed environmental/engineering subsidiary; and ascribing a value by the market of only $100 million for the advanced power system technology. This valuation represents 19.4 times assumed direct, and equity accounted, earnings for Chancellor Group in fiscal 2001. The per share figures assume that Chancellor’s fully diluted capital will expand to 75 million shares of common stock, following a series of acquisitions, and stock offerings.
P.S. This came from CHAG's web page.
arkieboy
SONICblue's Newest Rio Players Receive Rave Reviews From Top Consumer Publications
VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2001--Rio®, a division of SONICblue(TM) Incorporated (Nasdaq:SBLU - news), today announced that its Rio 800 and RioVolt digital audio players have recently received product review awards from top consumer publications, including PC Magazine, CNET, ZDNet, Smart Business, MP3.com and others. Winning these coveted awards highlights the strength of Rio's newest handheld offerings and reflects Rio's continued leadership in digital audio technology.
``With the Rio 800 and RioVolt players, our focus is on giving consumers greater freedom to listen to digital music in the format and style they choose and, as evidenced by these awards and initial strong sales, it's clear that we've succeeded,'' said Jim Cady, president of Rio. ``This success is a significant milestone for us as it underscores our continued lead in the portable market and highlights the Rio technology and brand strengths that we believe will help drive new products into the home and car audio markets.''
Recent Rio 800 accolades include winning PC Magazine and CNET Editor's Choice awards, being named a ZDNet Best Buy and a member of Smart Business's A-List, as well as receiving a five out of five rating from MP3.com. RioVolt also won a CNET Editor's Choice award, was named CNET's No. 1 MP3 player and a member of Smart Business's A-List, and received a five out of five rating from MP3.com.
About the Products
Expanding on Rio's award-winning 600 players, the Rio 800 comes with 2, 4 or 12 hours of music storage and features an ergonomic shape, large display, support for MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) formats, a rechargeable battery and voice record capabilities. The Rio 800 also offers the industry's only Backpack expansion technology, allowing users to further expand the music storage of their Rio 800 by simply purchasing and slipping on a new Backpack.
The first portable CD player in the Rio product family, the Rio Volt plays standard music CDs and recordable CDs containing MP3 and WMA files -- making it possible to store and play more than 250 songs on a single CD. The RioVolt also enables users to view track number, song and artist names, as well as the ability to quickly and simply navigate through the songs on the CD. Additional features include a user interface that is as simple to use as a CD player, skip-free listening and the ability to play up to 15 hours of music on two AA batteries.
The Rio 800 and the RioVolt are available today on Rio's eStore (www.riohome.com) and through leading North American retail outlets including Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA and Fry's Electronics.
About Rio
Rio, a division of SONICblue Incorporated, is a pioneer and acknowledged leader in digital audio. Focused on delivering a family of digital audio products designed for various lifestyles, Rio is dedicated to engineering superior portable, home and car digital audio products for consumers.
About SONICblue Incorporated (www.SONICblue.com)
SONICblue is a leader in the converging Internet, digital media and consumer device markets. Working with partners that include some of the biggest brands in consumer electronics, SONICblue creates and markets products that let consumers enjoy all the benefits of a digital home and connected lifestyle. SONICblue holds significant financial assets, global marketing capabilities and a focused technology portfolio, that includes Rio® digital audio players, HomeFree(TM) home networking solutions, Diamond(TM) Internet access products and frontpath(TM) Information Appliances.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements as to the ability of the Rio technology and brand strengths to drive new products into the home and car audio markets, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the ``safe harbor'' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, manufacturing difficulties, possible delays in the release of other products, the impact of competitive products and pricing and of alternative technological advances, and other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of SONICblue Incorporated, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. SONICblue and Rio disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: SONICblue, HomeFree, Diamond and frontpath are trademarks of SONICblue. Rio is a registered trademark of RioPort, Inc. and is used by SONICblue under license from RioPort, Inc. Other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
SONICblue Incorporated
Tracy L. Perry, 408/588-8086 (Investor)
ir@sonicblue.com
or
Rio
Paul Crossley, 408/588-8060 (Editorial)
pcross@SONICblue.com
arkieboy
SONICblue's Newest Rio Players Receive Rave Reviews From Top Consumer Publications
VANCOUVER, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 2001--Rio®, a division of SONICblue(TM) Incorporated (Nasdaq:SBLU - news), today announced that its Rio 800 and RioVolt digital audio players have recently received product review awards from top consumer publications, including PC Magazine, CNET, ZDNet, Smart Business, MP3.com and others. Winning these coveted awards highlights the strength of Rio's newest handheld offerings and reflects Rio's continued leadership in digital audio technology.
``With the Rio 800 and RioVolt players, our focus is on giving consumers greater freedom to listen to digital music in the format and style they choose and, as evidenced by these awards and initial strong sales, it's clear that we've succeeded,'' said Jim Cady, president of Rio. ``This success is a significant milestone for us as it underscores our continued lead in the portable market and highlights the Rio technology and brand strengths that we believe will help drive new products into the home and car audio markets.''
Recent Rio 800 accolades include winning PC Magazine and CNET Editor's Choice awards, being named a ZDNet Best Buy and a member of Smart Business's A-List, as well as receiving a five out of five rating from MP3.com. RioVolt also won a CNET Editor's Choice award, was named CNET's No. 1 MP3 player and a member of Smart Business's A-List, and received a five out of five rating from MP3.com.
About the Products
Expanding on Rio's award-winning 600 players, the Rio 800 comes with 2, 4 or 12 hours of music storage and features an ergonomic shape, large display, support for MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) formats, a rechargeable battery and voice record capabilities. The Rio 800 also offers the industry's only Backpack expansion technology, allowing users to further expand the music storage of their Rio 800 by simply purchasing and slipping on a new Backpack.
The first portable CD player in the Rio product family, the Rio Volt plays standard music CDs and recordable CDs containing MP3 and WMA files -- making it possible to store and play more than 250 songs on a single CD. The RioVolt also enables users to view track number, song and artist names, as well as the ability to quickly and simply navigate through the songs on the CD. Additional features include a user interface that is as simple to use as a CD player, skip-free listening and the ability to play up to 15 hours of music on two AA batteries.
The Rio 800 and the RioVolt are available today on Rio's eStore (www.riohome.com) and through leading North American retail outlets including Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA and Fry's Electronics.
About Rio
Rio, a division of SONICblue Incorporated, is a pioneer and acknowledged leader in digital audio. Focused on delivering a family of digital audio products designed for various lifestyles, Rio is dedicated to engineering superior portable, home and car digital audio products for consumers.
About SONICblue Incorporated (www.SONICblue.com)
SONICblue is a leader in the converging Internet, digital media and consumer device markets. Working with partners that include some of the biggest brands in consumer electronics, SONICblue creates and markets products that let consumers enjoy all the benefits of a digital home and connected lifestyle. SONICblue holds significant financial assets, global marketing capabilities and a focused technology portfolio, that includes Rio® digital audio players, HomeFree(TM) home networking solutions, Diamond(TM) Internet access products and frontpath(TM) Information Appliances.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release, including statements as to the ability of the Rio technology and brand strengths to drive new products into the home and car audio markets, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the ``safe harbor'' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including, but not limited to, manufacturing difficulties, possible delays in the release of other products, the impact of competitive products and pricing and of alternative technological advances, and other risks detailed from time to time in the SEC reports of SONICblue Incorporated, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2000. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. SONICblue and Rio disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Note to Editors: SONICblue, HomeFree, Diamond and frontpath are trademarks of SONICblue. Rio is a registered trademark of RioPort, Inc. and is used by SONICblue under license from RioPort, Inc. Other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
SONICblue Incorporated
Tracy L. Perry, 408/588-8086 (Investor)
ir@sonicblue.com
or
Rio
Paul Crossley, 408/588-8060 (Editorial)
pcross@SONICblue.com
arkieboy
Penny Stock 100 Bull & Bear List for Next Day:
Penny Stock Top 100 Bull & Bear List for Next Trading Day :
Thursday, April 19, 2001 click on any symbol to get its detailed forecast FIVE Day
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Top 100 Bull Top 100 Bear
SYMBOL VOLUME PREVIOUS CLOSING PRICE NEXT DAY FORECAST FORECAST % CHANGE SYMBOL VOLUME PREVIOUS CLOSING PRICE NEXT DAY FORECAST FORECAST % CHANGE
OMKT 2229000 $1.3 $1.74 34% KANA 2673700 $1.27 $1.09 -13.8%
GNLB 7865200 $1.7 $1.77 4.3% ARTT 3479600 $0.28 $0.23 -17%
COVD 2893400 $1.43 $1.55 8.3% USIX 807700 $1.55 $1.35 -12.8%
LOR 2804800 $1.61 $1.73 7.4% RAZF 2520700 $0.7 $0.65 -7.9%
SCNT 2231000 $1.16 $1.31 12.5% RRRR 895400 $1.39 $1.24 -11.1%
ORCT 673400 $1.69 $2.16 28% THDO 385100 $2 $1.69 -15.6%
DSLN 1138500 $1.44 $1.62 12.3% FGH 4093800 $0.2 $0.17 -14.6%
GTS 2086500 $0.72 $0.81 12.9% IGCA 625100 $0.71 $0.53 -25.7%
CPTH 906500 $1.3 $1.51 15.8% GSTRF 2667900 $0.51 $0.47 -7.8%
TMWD 1206300 $1.67 $1.81 8.7% AKLM 532000 $1.59 $1.41 -11.4%
WAC 1072800 $0.78 $0.92 17.8% AMES 692600 $1.85 $1.72 -6.9%
CYBS 313700 $1.92 $2.37 23.6% NENG 1232900 $0.99 $0.92 -7.2%
EXBT 498200 $1.1 $1.34 21.8% NXWX 359600 $1.08 $0.84 -22%
VATA 8102500 $0.28 $0.29 4.9% MED 818500 $0.85 $0.75 -12.1%
VRTL 237700 $1.75 $2.21 26.4% PPHM 356300 $1.41 $1.2 -14.5%
RACE 761500 $0.8 $0.93 15.7% ARCH 1016600 $0.38 $0.31 -18.1%
HAXS 415800 $1.1 $1.31 19.5% NSCT 327900 $1.81 $1.61 -11.3%
ITRA 203800 $1.2 $1.62 34.8% PFSW 296800 $1.32 $1.1 -17%
EQIX 1340200 $1.63 $1.69 3.8% AURA 2569900 $0.68 $0.66 -3.7%
CXW 1447200 $0.75 $0.8 7.3% BNBN 363200 $1.53 $1.36 -11.1%
TSCC 960800 $1.75 $1.82 4.1% CQB 383400 $1.67 $1.51 -9.4%
PRDS 476200 $1.6 $1.74 8.8% TALK 239200 $1.87 $1.62 -13.3%
PDYN 200400 $1.9 $2.16 13.5% BWEB 312400 $1.74 $1.56 -10.5%
AGA 256600 $1.88 $2.08 10.6% TIGA 210000 $1.35 $1.1 -18.5%
ADVC 590500 $0.63 $0.71 12.2% ALRC 455300 $0.86 $0.76 -11.2%
FLNT 574500 $0.4 $0.48 19.5% LMGR 357900 $1.86 $1.75 -6.1%
GMGC 529200 $0.96 $1.04 8.6% VYYO 319400 $1.42 $1.3 -8.3%
IPIX 971800 $0.34 $0.38 13.1% AASI 499800 $0.31 $0.24 -23.9%
COOL 1141200 $0.32 $0.36 11.5% IMDS 254000 $0.96 $0.82 -14.7%
SINA 243900 $1.65 $1.82 10.3% ZMBA 94400 $1.65 $1.27 -22.9%
EPIC 336800 $1.02 $1.14 11.4% IMNR 345900 $1.61 $1.51 -6.3%
TGNT 278300 $0.43 $0.57 31.6% DPCH 945900 $0.19 $0.15 -19.3%
IBEM 1066000 $0.74 $0.78 4.8% ADAP 670100 $1.39 $1.34 -3.5%
VIAN 352600 $1.89 $1.99 5.3% NPCT 603200 $0.7 $0.65 -7.7%
EDIG 226200 $1.42 $1.57 10.8% SOHU 140900 $1.2 $0.99 -17.9%
MYIQ 6287200 $0.03 $0.03 19.8% SFTS 129700 $1.43 $1.2 -16%
NTWO 344200 $0.43 $0.53 23.3% IFTP 10442100 $0.07 $0.07 -4%
ASTN 212000 $1.16 $1.32 14% JMXI 194000 $1.84 $1.7 -7.6%
BBAN 539500 $0.1 $0.17 60.2% SRCH 174100 $0.68 $0.53 -22%
SGDE 204200 $1.39 $1.55 11.9% NSAT 122700 $1.43 $1.22 -14.8%
BEOS 202300 $0.95 $1.11 17.2% FLDR 112700 $1.98 $1.75 -11.5%
NWKC 1808600 $0.1 $0.12 17.9% SGIC 1164600 $0.11 $0.09 -19.5%
XDSL 188900 $1.57 $1.74 10.8% GWRX 243800 $2 $1.9 -5.1%
EBTB 345700 $0.63 $0.72 14.2% CNTR 431100 $1.34 $1.29 -4.3%
PGA 201100 $1.23 $1.38 12.4% SGNT 96100 $1.85 $1.6 -13.6%
TFSM 634000 $0.69 $0.74 7% FNV 173900 $1.59 $1.45 -8.5%
NCTI 4080500 $0.14 $0.15 5.2% MADGF 154100 $1.16 $1.01 -12.9%
PGI 490500 $1.42 $1.48 4.2% ECNC 2180500 $0.12 $0.11 -8.5%
VNTR 1095400 $0.85 $0.88 3.1% DLNK 301700 $0.22 $0.16 -31.1%
VCSY 1402500 $0.06 $0.08 33.8% DIGI 83400 $1.57 $1.32 -16%
PCBM 5560000 $0.05 $0.06 10% JAWZ 900200 $0.19 $0.17 -11.9%
NEXL 99400 $1.72 $2 16.3% SSFT 87900 $1.02 $0.8 -21.6%
SQST 197000 $1.38 $1.52 10.2% BFRE 522000 $1.3 $1.26 -2.8%
VDOT 354400 $0.46 $0.54 16.7% CONE 608600 $1.55 $1.52 -1.9%
PCWKF 489600 $0.54 $0.59 9.6% TRIP 103100 $0.75 $0.58 -22.3%
EEEE 956500 $0.22 $0.25 12% EBNK 658800 $0.16 $0.13 -16.6%
RGEN 170300 $1.73 $1.88 8.4% HL 119600 $0.78 $0.64 -18.1%
GRA 118100 $1.54 $1.75 13.6% CRIO 108100 $1.99 $1.83 -7.8%
EMUS 238400 $0.54 $0.64 19.2% CMTO 298500 $1.88 $1.82 -2.9%
ISNQ 424500 $0.15 $0.21 36.8% DROOY 295300 $1.03 $0.97 -5.4%
IMAT 360800 $1.78 $1.84 3.6% TDFX 846500 $0.32 $0.3 -5.9%
PRAV 170700 $0.68 $0.82 19.9% ABTL 141200 $1.2 $1.09 -9.3%
IIXL 245400 $1.29 $1.38 7.2% TVIA 60200 $1.73 $1.47 -15.1%
NCNT 275800 $0.97 $1.05 8.5% ECO 268400 $0.76 $0.7 -7.7%
LUMT 93300 $0.98 $1.22 24.8% BSTI 197100 $0.5 $0.42 -15.5%
VIXL 122000 $1.85 $2.03 9.8% MDTV 422600 $0.54 $0.5 -6.6%
CLRT 1116200 $0.14 $0.15 14.7% SAFH 64400 $0.8 $0.57 -28.8%
URMD 32800 $1.7 $2.37 39.1% WNG 375200 $1.3 $1.26 -3%
EVTV 127100 $0.44 $0.61 38.6% BSII 224800 $0.47 $0.41 -13.7%
MHTX 505500 $0.6 $0.64 7% PLNS 527900 $0.38 $0.35 -7.2%
ESAF 642900 $0.58 $0.61 5.6% ELOT 419500 $0.2 $0.17 -16.3%
ARCS 700300 $0.4 $0.43 7.3% CYLK 193600 $0.75 $0.68 -9.4%
CALY 424600 $0.48 $0.53 9.9% CLN 204700 $1.01 $0.94 -6.4%
EELN 202200 $1.27 $1.37 7.8% BWAY 349100 $0.39 $0.35 -9.7%
EPRS 351900 $1.06 $1.11 5.1% VETX 85500 $1.95 $1.8 -7.8%
ESTI 220600 $1.4 $1.49 6.1% KOOP 419600 $0.13 $0.1 -22.9%
PETS 121100 $1.52 $1.67 10.1% PFCK 3537700 $0.03 $0.03 -10.7%
FIRE 64300 $1.93 $2.21 14.7% TWW 49700 $1.67 $1.43 -14.5%
SPCI 396400 $0.21 $0.26 21.8% DANKY 197000 $0.72 $0.66 -8.3%
INTW 1576200 $0.13 $0.14 8.8% CCAA 1704700 $0.05 $0.04 -15.4%
IBUY 103800 $1.2 $1.37 14.4% TRAC 263700 $0.95 $0.91 -4.5%
TDDD 90400 $1.08 $1.27 18% NTVT 33200 $1.59 $1.26 -20.8%
NSPK 172900 $0.78 $0.88 12.9% CSGI 539100 $0.12 $0.1 -16.9%
KRUZ 117600 $0.59 $0.73 24.4% EAG 239800 $1.63 $1.58 -2.8%
VONE 49300 $1.91 $2.25 17.9% TTRIF 26653900 $0.01 $0.01 -4.3%
FONX 464000 $0.41 $0.44 8.5% INVT 149300 $0.4 $0.33 -17.9%
MYPT 470800 $0.79 $0.82 4.3% DYGN 344200 $0.25 $0.22 -12.2%
NTGX 47700 $1.19 $1.53 28.3% HPII 37200 $1.39 $1.12 -19.4%
RVST 63000 $1.78 $2.03 14% NETS 62700 $1.09 $0.93 -14.7%
KRY 186700 $0.75 $0.83 11.2% COMM 3547100 $0.17 $0.17 -1.7%
OH 86600 $1.03 $1.21 17.1% ASFD 87200 $0.62 $0.51 -18.5%
ISUM 126300 $0.43 $0.55 27.2% TRIL 74700 $1.91 $1.78 -6.9%
VYST 77000 $0.58 $0.77 32.9% SOMN 19900 $1.49 $1.01 -32.1%
AIGI 751600 $0.32 $0.34 6.1% GULF 72400 $0.75 $0.62 -17.4%
PCSH 993000 $0.78 $0.79 1.9% TFF 54600 $1.15 $0.98 -15%
MVL 58200 $1.9 $2.15 13.1% SHPS 90300 $0.88 $0.78 -11.8%
IARC 141000 $1.23 $1.33 7.9% ONVI 251900 $0.69 $0.65 -5.4%
VISG 50800 $1.82 $2.09 14.8% WEBS 178400 $0.52 $0.47 -9.9%
ROSS 111500 $0.4 $0.52 30.4% UGNE 233000 $0.46 $0.42 -8.4%
SDWS 301800 $0.38 $0.42 11.7% HTVN 117500 $0.43 $0.35 -17.8%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
@2001 Copyright of Stock100.com
arkieboy
Bernard Ng, What does SOX stand for or does it stand for semiconductor sector? Just trying to figure it out.
Thanks
arkie
Bernard Ng, what are you referring to when you said SOX is going to die after this bounce?
Thanks
arkie
Muel, all you have to do is reboot your computer. At least that is what has happened to me in the past.
arkie
Hello BOB:
I would like to know if there is a way of stopping someone from sending you Private Messages that one would not care to get them from?
Thanks
arkieboy
"e.Digital has been innovating advanced digital mobile solutions for the business dictation and medical industry for the last three years. We believe VoiceTIMES will allow e.Digital to expand development of mobile information gathering devices employing speech and leverage our product designs into many additional industry solutions."
-- Fred Falk, president & CEO of e.Digital Corporation
arkie
VoiceTIMES Members Represent Key Elements of Mobile Computing
By joining together leaders in microprocessor and system design, mobile devices and consumer electronics, the VoiceTIMES alliance companies offer a rich array of experience and technology. These initial members will contribute:
IBM -- expertise in speech recognition technology and mobile computing, toolkits for customization, evaluation and testing for mobile devices, transcription extensions, file formats and client/server protocols.
e.Digital -- expertise in the design and development of digital mobile devices interfacing with PCs and the Internet. e.Digital is working with Intel on advanced digital voice recorders.
Dictaphone -- expertise in the areas of digital recorder design and development and enterprise related customer environments.
Intel -- expertise in microprocessor and system design. In addition, Intel will work closely with IBM to help identify optimal user scenarios for mobile workers to use distributed speech applications.
Norcom Electronics -- expertise in creating and bringing to market professional dictation/speech recognition products and solutions.
Olympus -- expertise as an innovator in the digital recorder field. Olympus has in the past worked with other recorder providers, such as Philips, to create recording standards for digital speech.
Philips -- expertise in electronic components, speech technology and mobile productivity tools.
arkie
From IBM web site.
Voice Technology Initiative for Mobile Enterprise Solutions (VoiceTIMES). VoiceTIMES' goal is to coordinate the technical requirements needed for companies to build and deploy solutions using voice technologies and handheld mobile devices. Inaugural VoiceTIMES alliance members include Dictaphone, e.Digital, IBM, Intel, Norcom Electronics, Olympus and Philips.
With the explosive growth of mobile devices and the increasing demand for network access, the VoiceTIMES initiative was formed to define specifications for how voice commands and information are transmitted and received by existing and future mobile devices. Currently, there are no standards in place for mobile speech-enabled devices. The VoiceTIMES alliance plans to deliver the specifications and industry cooperation to build interoperable, cost-effective mobile solutions with voice technology.
"In today's world of pervasive computing, users want simple, fast and hassle free mobile computing devices to connect and communicate," said W.S. "Ozzie" Osborne, general manager of IBM Speech Systems. "Through joint collaboration, the VoiceTIMES alliance aims to eliminate complexities for the consumer and solutions integrator, while providing future generations of standard compliant speech-enabled mobile products."
Today, companies wanting to use speech recognition, speaker identification and speech synthesis with mobile devices are faced with high development costs and proprietary, incomplete products. Members of the VoiceTIMES alliance plan to solve many of the technical issues in both hardware and software that arise while incorporating voice technology in mobile enterprise solutions. As additional technical specifications are created, they will be submitted to the industry standards bodies for consideration as open standards solutions.
One of the initial joint efforts of the VoiceTIMES alliance will be to conduct highly targeted research studies to identify enterprise solutions where mobile devices will significantly enhance -- and in some cases change -- the way companies do business. Since remote, just in time access to information and computer resources is viewed by professionals as a major competitive advantage, mobile Internet/intranet access will be a primary focus for the alliance.
"The human voice will become the user interface for the next generation of productivity tools. As computing technologies become increasingly embedded in a range of products, speech is the one convenient, consistent and natural way people can effectively interact with systems," said Chris Shipley, editor of DemoLetter and executive producer of the Demo Mobile 99 conference. "A move toward standards that support speech technology as a consistent user interface and that facilitate the user's access to information is fundemental to making this vision a reality."
VoiceTIMES Members Represent Key Elements of Mobile Computing
By joining together leaders in microprocessor and system design, mobile devices and consumer electronics, the VoiceTIMES alliance companies offer a rich array of experience and technology. These initial members will contribute:
IBM -- expertise in speech recognition technology and mobile computing, toolkits for customization, evaluation and testing for mobile devices, transcription extensions, file formats and client/server protocols.
e.Digital -- expertise in the design and development of digital mobile devices interfacing with PCs and the Internet. e.Digital is working with Intel on advanced digital voice recorders.
Dictaphone -- expertise in the areas of digital recorder design and development and enterprise related customer environments.
Intel -- expertise in microprocessor and system design. In addition, Intel will work closely with IBM to help identify optimal user scenarios for mobile workers to use distributed speech applications.
Norcom Electronics -- expertise in creating and bringing to market professional dictation/speech recognition products and solutions.
Olympus -- expertise as an innovator in the digital recorder field. Olympus has in the past worked with other recorder providers, such as Philips, to create recording standards for digital speech.
Philips -- expertise in electronic components, speech technology and mobile productivity tools.
VoiceTIMES Alliance Complements Other Industry Efforts
VoiceTIMES will be defining the structure of voice data used in enterprise solutions including transmission over other wireless standards. The work to establish speech technology standards extends beyond mobile enterprise to all parts of the computing environment. Voice recognition, identification and verification solutions that are currently being integrated into a wide range of products and standards for integration can not be developed fast enough by one group or alliance. As a result, other standards alliances are forming to address voice requirements in the areas of accessing information from the Internet and wireless communications networks. IBM and many of its VoiceTIMES allies are also participating in these initiatives including VXML, Speech for Java and World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and will coordinate VoiceTIMES' activities into the other alliances as standards develop.
About IBM
As a pioneer in speech recognition, the company is focused on developing and supporting open standards that help accelerate the creation of content, servers and browsers that allow speech recognition technology to be easily integrated into voice, data and applications infrastructures. IBM's ViaVoice speech recognition technology is based on 30 years of speech recognition research and development. With a portfolio of more than 100 patents, an established R&D business worldwide, and a robust, proven speech technology available in many languages, IBM is a leader in speech recognition.
IBM has established a reputation for developing and engineering innovative mobile solutions. Through its award-winning ThinkPad notebook computers, WorkPad PC Companion and CrossPad products, the company is recognized as a leader in mobile computing. For more information about IBM, visit the World Wide Web at http://www.ibm.com.
Member Comments on VoiceTIMES Initiative
"Dictaphone has been a leader in developing mobile and enterprise-wide solutions for the Healthcare, Legal, and Law Enforcement Markets. We believe VoiceTIMES will establish open standards for mobile voice and data devices to deliver "user friendly" integrated systems solutions."
-- Rob Schwager, senior vice president and general manager, Dictaphone Voice Systems Division
"e.Digital has been innovating advanced digital mobile solutions for the business dictation and medical industry for the last three years. We believe VoiceTIMES will allow e.Digital to expand development of mobile information gathering devices employing speech and leverage our product designs into many additional industry solutions."
-- Fred Falk, president & CEO of e.Digital Corporation
"Intel is excited to be working with the member companies and IBM to establish the market for fully integrated enterprise solutions using IBM's speech technologies. Innovation in speech capable handheld devices and Internet-based applications will grow rapidly in 1999. Intel Architecture-based products will deliver the components, platforms and high volume servers to provide complete solutions to business users."
-- Ron Whittier, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Content Group
"Norcom has been developing mobile solutions for physicians in the Medical Industry for the last few years. VoiceTIMES will enable us to develop better medical solutions and expand our voiceprinting capability to other industries."
-- Bruce Hansen, CEO of Norcom Electronics Corp.
"Olympus has been working with several customers to develop mobile solutions for Insurance Investigators. These solutions require combining the information from our Digital Cameras and Digital recorders. VoiceTIMES will help standardize the way companies capture, store and access digital information."
-- Michael Handa, assistant division manager, Digital Imaging and Systems Group, Olympus
"Philips Speech Processing is a world market leader in analogue and digital speech input devices, successfully serving professional dictation markets, such as legal and medical, for more than 40 years. We believe VoiceTIMES will allow Philips to expand its market reach of mobile dictation solutions and leverage our products into additional industry solutions."
-- Ron van den Bos, CEO and president, Philips Speech Processing
MEDIA CONTACTS FOR VOICETIMES COMPANIES:
Robert Wick
Dictaphone
(212) 682-0600
rwick@dictaphone.com
Robert Putnam
e.Digital Corporation
(619) 679-1504
robert@edig.com
Marion Koehler
Intel
(408) 765-3547
marion.koehler@intel.com
Kevin Ross
Norcom
(203) 374-1500
kross@norcom-electronics.com
Karen Thomas
Olympus' PR Representative
(516) 549-7575
kthomas@thomas-pr.com
Ralph Preclik
Philips Speech Processing
+43 1 60101 1128
rpreclik@austria.ds.philips.com
arkie
OLD TICKER SHCC: NEW TICKER STGA: Wednesday April 11, 5:05 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
Corrected: Saratoga International Holdings Corp. Announces Details On Reverse Stock Split and New Ticker Symbol
KIRKLAND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2001--Saratoga International Holdings Corp., (OTCBB:SHCC - news), announced that its previously announced 2:1 reverse stock split is effective today for shareholders of record as of Wednesday April 11, 2001 5:00 p.m. PDT. The first trading day under the new price will be Thursday, April 12, 2001.
The originally planned effective date of April 10, 2001 was changed because of a delay in notifying NASDAQ on the part of the transfer agent.
Effective tomorrow, April 12, 2001, the new ticker symbol will be STGA.
About Saratoga International Holdings Corp.
Saratoga International Holdings Corp. is a publicly traded company, stock symbol OTC BB: SHCC, until 4/12/2001, STGA thereafter. Saratoga's operating entities include Saratoga Telecom and SOLVOX Consulting Group, among others. Saratoga is a development stage company, focused on emerging telecom markets.
Contact: This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995. Expression of future goals and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact involve risks and uncertainties. The actual results the company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statements due to such risks and uncertainties. Saratoga International Holdings Corp. can be contacted by calling Cory Weber at 888-878-9683 or you may visit our web site at www.SaratogaHoldings.com. To find out more about the companies stock logon to www.otcinfo.net.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Saratoga International Holdings Corp.
Cory Weber, 888/878-9683
arkieboy
PFCK) Wednesday April 11, 11:00 am Eastern Time
Press Release
Peacock Announces First Appointments to Shareholder Focus Group
SAN JACINTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2001--Peacock Financial Corp. (OTCBB:PFCK - news) today announced names of the initial eight members appointed to the company's newly created Shareholder Focus Group.
The eight members were selected from among those who volunteered to reflect a cross-section of the roughly 5,000 shareholders currently invested in the company's stock. The selection process was based on providing both a geographical balance, as well as a diversity of backgrounds and age groups.
Appointees represent a wide range of occupations, including shareholders from California, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Oregon and Wisconsin.
The appointments are as follows:
1) Tony Salls -- General Manager/Restaurant;
2) John Keamy -- Commercial Property Developer;
3) Arthur Viola -- Private Investor and Venture Capitalist;
4) Gary LaBarbera -- Senior Sales Professional for Fortune 30
company;
5) Harvey Orndorf -- retired Real Estate Broker, Graduate of the
United States Military Academy -- West Point, N.Y., and Vietnam
veteran;
6) Douglas Morgan -- MIT graduate, Business Consultant and
Entrepreneur;
7) Thomas Pienkos -- Patent Attorney and Notre Dame graduate;
8) David Donnelly -- CPA and Accountant for the U.S. Government.
The Focus Group is expected to hold its first organizational meeting in the coming week by teleconference. The Focus Group will meet monthly and will be moderated by Christopher Houghton, who serves as a director of the company.
So as to comply with SEC and NASD rules and regulations, Houghton will function only as an observer, listening to and compiling ideas, suggestions, or criticisms; and then presenting the findings of each session for review by the BOD at the next scheduled board meeting.
Responses based on suggestions submitted in this fashion will be reflected in subsequent news releases of the company in order to provide full and fair disclosure to all shareholders.
Robert Braner, interim president, said: ``We are pleased at the overwhelming response to this initiative. We do have a large number of dedicated shareholders that have a strong interest in the company and its future. We greatly appreciate their loyalty and support. We look forward to the continuing implementation of our new strategic initiatives and to being able to report on the progress we are making in the near future.''
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements contained in this document that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements based upon management's current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. The company is not required to update its forward-looking statements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Peacock Financial Corp.
Robert Braner, 909/652-3885
or
Stock Enterprises Inc.
Jim Stock, 702/614-0003 (Investor Relations)
arkieboy
Wednesday April 11, 6:00 am Eastern Time (PTSC)
Press Release
PTSC Demonstration at Embedded Systems Conference Gets High Marks First Day
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2001--PTSC (Patriot Scientific Corp.)(OTCBB:PTSC - news), a premier provider of embedded systems components and solutions, received visitor praise for its IGNITE I(TM) demonstration and associated technologies at Embedded Systems Conference (ESC)-San Francisco.
Key components included the IGNITE I integrated product suite's microprocessor and vxPresso software components, hardware reference designs and Intellectual Property (IP). The automotive demonstration of instrumentation with X10 and OneWire devices, supported by Sun Microsystems' Java Embedded Server(TM) 2.0 as an OSGi solution, was considered most impressive by attending professionals. The soft core hardware simulation technology of the microprocessor in a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) was also well received.
``The spectrum of visitors is remarkable, with representatives from all embedded systems business segments, including automotive, wireless, industrial and service gateway industries, looking to procure embedded systems technologies and solutions,'' said Richard Blum, PTSC chairman and CEO. ``All of our visitors were uniformly enthusiastic about the PTSC technologies.''
ESC-San Francisco officials estimated a total of 16,000 first-day attendees with a verified total of 351 exhibitors. The demonstration and booth are managed by PTSC sales and engineering personnel complemented by Sun Microsystems representatives.
``ESC is the single most important place to match solutions to problems,'' said Mike Korodi, PTSC VP of sales and marketing. ``The show has brought us unparalleled opportunities to meet with our customers. There's no other event that brings it all together like this -- every segment of the embedded systems universe is here. The Embedded Systems Conference reiterates that PTSC has very innovative products and a well-integrated and comprehensive offering, from microprocessors to IP.''
Founded in 1987, PTSC designs, markets and manufactures advanced microprocessor technology aimed at the World Wide Web and Internet appliances as well as traditional embedded systems markets. IGNITE I is the first embedded microprocessor available based on Removed Operand Set Computer (ROSC) architecture. For more information on PTSC, visit http://www.ptsc.com.
IGNITE I is a trademark of Patriot Scientific Corp. Java and Java Embedded Server are trademarks of Sun Microsystems Inc. in the United States & other countries.
Safe Harbor statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this news release looking forward in time involve risks and uncertainties, including the risks associated with the effect of changing economic conditions, trends in the products markets, variations in the company's cash flow, market acceptance risks, technical development risks, seasonality and other risk factors detailed in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
Patriot Scientific Corp., San Diego
Investor Relations
Linda Romero, 858/674-5000, ext. 235
lromero@ptsc.com
or
Trade Press Relations
Mike Korodi, 858/674-5000, ext. 224
mkorodi@ptsc.com
arkieboy
I sure don't like what I'm reading in my previous post.
arkie
Canada should use summit to oppose Alaska oil plan - WWF
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CANADA: April 11, 2001
CALGARY, Alberta - Canada should use the upcoming Summit of the Americas in Quebec City to hammer home its opposition to U.S. plans to open up Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling, the World Wildlife Fund said yesterday.
The WWF said any development in the 19-million-acre (7.7-million-hectare) refuge would harm the region's Porcupine caribou herd and the native Gwich'in people who depend on it, and the group enlisted former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner to help spread its message.
Canada has already said it opposes drilling in the rugged northern refuge that borders its remote Yukon Territory.
Prime Minister Jean Chretien has worked to promote natural gas development in Canada's own Arctic regions as a better solution to resolve the problem of tight U.S. energy supplies.
"With 34 heads of government in Quebec City and with continental energy issues certain to be discussed, I can't imagine a better opportunity for our government to step forward publicly and make clear its firm opposition to any future development, drilling or production of oil and gas from the Arctic refuge," Turner, who led Canada for 2-1/2 months in 1984, said in a statement.
The WWF said Turner made the remarks after meetings with Yukon Premier Pat Duncan, Northwest Territories Premier Stephen Kakfwi and various community leaders from the region.
On Sunday, U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney shrugged off criticism of the administration's environmental policies and pledged to pursue the opening of Alaskan reserve to oil drilling, saying only 2,000 acres would be disturbed.
Critics say the refuge's coastal plain is the summer calving area for the Porcupine caribou herd, 130,000 animals that migrate annually from the Yukon and western Northwest Territories.
"In my view, those messages must be delivered clearly to President Bush by our prime minister with the world watching. Quebec City is the place to say it," Turner said.
The Summit of the Americas, being held to discuss a range of issues including the creation of a free trade area for the western hemisphere, takes place April 20-22.
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
emit... I know that you are right.
arkieboy...
Tuesday April 10, 1:25 pm Eastern Time (NRES)
Press Release
National Residential Properties, Inc. Signs Rooftop Leases for Wireless Communications
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2001--National Residential Properties, Inc. (OTCBB:NRES - news; Formerly OTCBB:NRPI) Richard Astrom, President and CEO, announced today that the company has signed a lease for the leasing of the rooftops for Wireless Communications antennas with Message Center Management. The lease calls for $50,000 to $75,000 net rent to NRES per year, per building, to begin when the buildings are built and the antenna network is in place during the first year after construction. The 4 NRES projects included are: Granada Grand Apts, Conquistador Plaza Apts, Barcelona Apts, and The Residences at Bay Harbor.
About MCM: (http://www.mcmgmt.com) MCM (Message Center Management) is a Rooftop, Tower, site Management Company based in the heart of the Northeast. Our staff of industry professionals acts as a catalyst in bringing the wireless telecommunications industry and our client's property together to develop communication networks.
MCM evolved from wireless network construction. Our founders and president were one of the first land mobile license holders in the wireless industry. As a license holder of paging and SMR frequencies, with 40 years of experience the company built a network from Maine to Florida, and in the early 1990's went on to build and launch one of the first nationwide paging networks in North America. Over the years and throughout these builds, property owners began to ask if we could manage their rooftops, towers, and water tanks and other structures and bring on other wireless carriers. Message Center Management evolved from the request and needs of those property owners. Today MCM manages over one thousand properties throughout the northeast and an additional eight hundred properties throughout the country.
Richard Astrom, President and CEO announced again that, ``The Board of Directors will meet April 12, 2001 to discuss the dividend issue for stockholders, and how and when to issue the dividend.''
Astrom also stated: ``The company has entered into a contract with Sharun Paroxy Organization LLC. (www.sharun.net) for a new, modern and artistic web page with several engines for NRES office control of portions of the web page. Pictures of projects, the writing of the typed portion of the web page will be written and controlled from the NRES office, facilitating efficient communication to stockholders and investors of NRES. Launching of the web site is contracted for the second week of April, 2001. The present web page is www.nres.tv.''
The company is seeking acquisitions and land for real estate developments.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
NRES, based in Miami, is a fully reporting company. NRES has 5 major projects where the company owns the land and is either under construction or in the plans and permitting process. The company's business is real estate development. NRES projects are: Building a 60 unit luxury apartment house in Miami known as GRANADA GRAND, upon sale the company will generate $7,000,000 revenues and $2,500,000 net income in 2002;
Building a 60 unit luxury apartment house in Miami known as CONQUISTADOR PLAZA, now under construction, generating $7,000,000 revenues upon sale, and $2,500,000 net income in 2002;
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS REPORT: demolition and land clearing have been completed; the parking basement has been excavated and in process of building foundation; building forms for concrete column dowels is ongoing, when forms are in place, rebar steel will be installed; Perimeter wall to receive forms and steel are simultaneously being make ready for concrete pour, as well as underground plumbing.
Now under construction, the company is developing a subdivision in Vero Beach, Florida, known as EAGLE TRACE. EAGLE TRACE is a heavily deed restricted, walled, gated community with a lake in the center. NRES will build houses and sell lots to other builders. The sale of the lots in EAGLE TRACE will generate $1,500,000 net income in year 2001-2002.
A 60 unit condominium project known as THE RESIDENCES AT BAY HARBOR, located on Bay Harbor Island, which will generate $12,000,000 in revenues and a $2,500,000 profit to the company in year 2002. The building is pre-sold to one buyer before being built, generating $2,500,000 profit to the company;
A 70 unit apartment house in Miami known as BARCELONA APARTMENTS, generating upon sale $8,000,000 revenues and $3,000,000 net income in 2002. ENCORE SERVICES, INC. is a licensed building contractor, and a wholly owned subsidiary, which is building the company projects thru its affiliate Encore Builders Inc. and subcontractors.
Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the ``safe harbor'' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation reform act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, continued acceptance of the company's products, competition, completion problems, technological changes and other risks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
National Residential Properties, Inc., Miami
Richard Astrom
Telephone: 305/573-8882
Fax: 305/571-8357
Web Page: http://www.nres.tv
arkieboy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Datek Online. Apply NowRelated Quotes
GAMZ.OB
0.24
+0.0600
delayed 20 mins - disclaimer
Tuesday April 10, 12:42 pm Eastern Time
Press Release
GameCom and Global VR Terminate Letter of Intent
ARLINGTON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 2001--GameCom, Inc. (OTCBB:GAMZ - news), a leader in interactive Internet gaming, today reported the termination of the letter of intent to acquire Global VR, a manufacturer of virtual reality game platforms, after mutual agreement by both companies' officers.
After a careful due diligence period, the companies jointly agreed that they would pursue other opportunities more appropriate and timely for their respective shareholder base.
``As the due diligence phase wound down, we determined that this acquisition was not in the best interests of our shareholders,'' stated L. Kelly Jones, GameCom's chief executive officer.
``GameCom is currently in negotiations with two companies we feel would better serve our shareholders and expedite our business plan's execution. I look forward to releasing the details of these opportunities in the very near future,'' Jones concluded.
GameCom, Inc. designs, manufactures, and assembles 'Net GameLink(TM), an interactive Internet gaming concept utilizing network-enabled gaming kiosks. GameCom recently completed the 'Net GameLink(TM) system.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by the words such as ``plans,'' ``expects,'' ``believes,'' ``anticipates,'' or ``intends.'' Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. GameCom urges investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties contained within its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact:
GameCom, Inc., Arlington
L. Kelly Jones, 817/261-GAMZ
kjones@GameComInc.com
arkieboy
Peter D. Henig
Red Herring
April 9
This article is from the April 1, 2001, issue of Red Herring magazine.
My grandfather owned a Pontiac, a 1965 Bonneville. The kind of car others lusted after. It was as wide as it was long. And, almost unbelievably for its vintage, it had power windows, air-conditioning, and a fancy FM radio. A poor Jewish boy from Brooklyn, he bought that Pontiac for the same reason that everyone else in America bought one -- it was a symbol of success. And for General Motors (NYSE: GM) in the early '60s, that translated into nearly 50 percent market share.
At the start of this new century, GM, one of the world's largest corporations, is suffering an identity crisis. Domestic market share has been nearly halved to 27.9 percent, as the grandchildren of poor Jewish boys from Brooklyn opt for Hondas, Toyotas, and BMWs. Consumers now enjoy a smorgasbord of car choices far beyond GM's eight tired brands. Detroit is no longer GM's fortress. "This is a low-margin, slug-it-out, tough business," says Mark Hogan, president of e-GM, GM's e-commerce initiative.
By GM's own admission, its margins on vehicle sales are roughly 3 percent while revenue growth sputters along at less than 5 percent. Too many dealers, declining brand value, and a massive oversupply of trucks and sport-utility vehicles -- those high-profit vehicles that made the Big Three fat and happy over the last eight years -- are converging on a corporation sorely lacking the one thing that made it great: exciting cars that people will buy in droves. The company has been buoyed by downstream revenue from sources like financing and insurance. Now, Mr. Hogan and other GM top brass are counting on new revenue from wireless initiatives that would emerge from its OnStar division. But will that be enough to restore GM to its former glory?
THIS YEAR'S MODEL
Call it a credit card on wheels or simply the latest node on the information highway. GM is betting that the automobile is the next thin client. It's called telematics and proponents view the car as a platform through which to sell not only wireless safety and security services -- keyless remote access or stolen-vehicle tracking -- but through which they will gain slivers of revenue from drivers downloading email, stock quotes, and voice-activated concierge services from the Internet (see "Will telematics drive the industry to distraction?"). (Not to mention what would have been my grandfather's favorite: usage-based insurance -- the perfect insurance savings plan for Sunday drivers.)
Eager for new revenue streams, mobile e-commerce and telematics has GM's, if not the entire auto industry's, undivided attention. "For 100 years, all they've been doing is selling the hardware; now they're looking at the software and saying, 'We don't want to be IBM anymore, we want to be Microsoft,'" says Thilo Koslowski, senior auto analyst with the Gartner Group, a market research firm. And for good reason: even in today's market Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) trades at a price-to-earnings multiple of 33, while GM lags far behind at between seven and eight times earnings. If in-vehicle Internet services become a high-growth, high-income business, the reasoning goes, shares of GM should theoretically trade more like those of a technology company.
GM's revenue streams first have to become transaction fee-based, like those of an Internet or wireless company. If GM can generate telematics revenue per customer every three to four minutes through online transactions, rather than every three to four years -- the usual replacement rate for buying a new car -- it might indeed justify a higher valuation on Wall Street. "Call it a nickel, call it a dime, call it a buck, call it ten bucks -- we make money on every personal call that's made and every connection with the wireless environment," says Mr. Hogan.
Add further technology initiatives -- Covisint, its trading exchange, or GM BuyPower, its Web site, which are intended to cut costs from the supply chain while selling directly to customers online -- and GM's transformation starts to take form.
THE NET BEHIND THE WHEEL
Defined as bringing together the capabilities of voice, data, and automotive technology to facilitate Internet and wireless cellular services, telematics represents GM's best opportunity for generating recurring revenue since it started GMAC (General Motors Acceptance Corporation), its own financial services business. Within a few years, OnStar -- or other telematics initiatives like Ford Motor's (NYSE: F) Wingcast, a joint venture with Qualcomm (Nasdaq: QCOM), or DaimlerChrysler's (NYSE: DCX) DCX -- will come not as an option, but as a built-in feature.
Auto analysts like Saul Rubin of financial services firm UBS Warburg estimate that domestic telematics revenue -- including subscription fees, wireless reselling, and hardware sales -- could reach $12 billion by 2005 and more than $20 billion by 2010. Such forecasts don't include advertising, sponsorship, and slotting fees derived from future in-vehicle Internet services, or the transaction-based revenue derived from other location-based applications, like Bluetooth or virtual-adviser concierge services.
But not everybody is buying the vision. "GM will solve its issues by creating cars and trucks people lust over," says Gary Lapidus, senior auto analyst with Goldman Sachs, pointing out that while telematics services might carry high margins, they won't be the savior for GM or any other automaker.
In fact, out of this burgeoning market, GM's OnStar will garner barely $3 billion in domestic revenue by 2010; worldwide, it will struggle to generate $6 billion, according to estimates from UBS Warburg. For a $180 billion corporation, such revenue is like peanuts on an elephant's tuchas. GM refuses to release its own revenue forecasts for OnStar, but Chet Huber, managing director of OnStar, disagrees with analysts who doubt that OnStar can fundamentally change GM's revenue mix, calling the forecasts "grossly underestimated."
STARRY-EYED
Technologically, GM remains in the driver's seat. In 1996, when GM unveiled its telematics services, the company was first to market; its technology was incubated within Hughes Electronics (NYSE: GMH), the valuable electronics and satellite subsidiary of GM. By the end of this year, GM will have more than a million installed OnStar systems in at least 32 of GM's 54 car and truck models. "Our competitors, they're not even in the ball game yet," says Ralph Szygenda, GM's chief information officer (see "Can a non-car guy remake GM?"). GM will also be the largest reseller of wireless minutes in the country by year-end. Yet, as another industry competitor, speaking on condition of anonymity, likes to remind GM, "Just because you're the first one in the pool, doesn't necessarily make you the best swimmer."
OnStar is not a guaranteed winning business. At potentially 15 million subscribers by 2010 -- at an average of $15 per month in subscription fees -- there's no doubt OnStar can generate several billion dollars in revenue. Yet, as with any other commodity business, subscription fees will fall. And as safety and security wireless applications become embedded within more vehicles, the OnStar of the future starts to look more and more like today's factory-installed air bags. "Telematics will be something all car manufacturers will have to do," says Mr. Lapidus.
GM's best use of telematics could be as a way of getting new drivers into its cars during the years that it still has the lead -- and getting them out of BMWs, Hondas, and Toyotas. GM would be shortsighted to depend on telematics services for its survival, let alone a primary means of growth. That's not to say OnStar or GM's other Internet commerce initiatives won't add to the top or bottom lines. Or even generate nice profit margins, possibly as high as 25 to 30 percent. But recurring revenue streams and incremental additions to overall net income will do little to change how GM is perceived in the hearts and minds of those on Wall Street.
Even Rick Wagoner, the CEO of GM, is under no illusion that the company's e-business initiatives will convince analysts that GM has become anything more than a slightly faster-than-average brick-and-mortar company. "Wall Street analysts, for us, they're auto analysts," says Mr. Wagoner. "They look at production schedules and penetration and economic forecasts and they see what's driving earnings, and that's the way they determine the stock price."
GM's argument that telematics and technology will reshape it into a high-growth, high-margin enterprise is overly ambitious. It's far more likely that telematics will be an evolutionary phase (remember Oldsmobile?) for the auto giant as it tries to reclaim a competitive edge. In the end, these vaunted, yet basic, telematics services -- wireless safety and security features -- "become the price of admission for simply selling vehicles in the future," says Mr. Huber. Or as my grandfather used to say, over and over again -- an admonition GM may not wish to hear -- "growing down is harder than growing up."
GENERAL MOTORS AT A GLANCE
CEO & PRESIDENT Rick Wagoner
LOCATION Detroit, MI
PHONE 313/556-5000
URL www.gm.com
OWNERSHIP Public (NYSE: GM)
FOUNDED 1897
EMPLOYEES 388,000
PRODUCT Automotive, communications services, financing and insurance operations
COMPETITORS Ford Motor, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen, Honda Motor, BMW
PROFITABLE? Yes
THE HERRING TAKE One of the world's largest corporations, weighed down by too much inventory and flat demand, is struggling to keep market share in a highly competitive market. Telematics initiatives and high-tech-driven efficiencies won't do much to improve the company's revenue.
Analyst: Expect high energy prices
Paula Dittrick
OGJ Online
HOUSTON, Apr. 6 -- The US is running out of oil, natural gas, and electricity simultaneously, and higher energy prices are the only long-term solution, Marshall Adkins, Raymond James & Associates Inc. oil field analyst, said Friday.
"Like the 1970s, this is an energy supply-constrained market," Adkins told the Oilfield Breakfast Forum. "The bottom line is $5/Mcf gas, $30/bbl oil and $50 Mw-hr power are here to stay longer term."
He estimates a benchmark US light, sweet crude oil price of $29/bbl in the second half of the year, while gas prices will remain strong but volatile, leveling out at $5-6/Mcf.
"Gas prices will get whipsawed this summer. Prices will weaken and then come back up," he said at the meeting sponsored by Resource Marketing International, a consulting firm, and Randall Morton International Inc., an advertising and public relations agency.
Craig Clark, Apache Corp. executive vice-president of US operations, agreed 2001 oil and gas prices will be "very good."
"The longer high commodity prices persist, the more ingrained they become in expectations," Clark said.
David Welch, BP PLC's Houston regional vice president, said prices inevitably rise when supplies decline and demand goes up.
"I think we could say we're pretty confident that we are nearing an energy crisis here in the US," Welch said. "If we get into this crisis mode where we do have some brownouts, not only in California but perhaps in the Northeast this summer, it's likely we could have some type of an energy policy that would evolve sometime later this summer."
He urged the oil and gas industry to deliver a unified message to Congress regarding its wishes on energy policy.
"There are lots of hydrocarbons in the US, but a lot of them are off-limits right now to drilling, so we need to have access to lands that are locked up and that we are not able to explore," Welch said.
"The second thing is that we have had tremendous technological innovations for the last 30 years. This technology now enables us to go in and produce oil and gas without doing any long-term environmental harm, and it has a very low noticeable temporary harm."
Of an energy crisis, Welch said he does not see "any quick fix. I don't think there is going to be anything we can do over the next couple of months to deal with it."
Elements that might avert an energy crisis are access to new lands, both onshore and offshore; more infrastructure including an Alaska gas pipeline, liquefied natural gas terminals and power plants; and a streamlining of the permitting process to enable producers to get access to drilling faster.
"We need to think about ending some of these prohibitions we have in Iran … These sanctions actually just preclude the companies that are in the US from being able to go in and compete with the French and other companies that might be interested," Welch said.
"BP is the largest oil and gas producer here in the US, and closer to home here, we're the largest reserve holder in the Gulf of Mexico," Welch said. "Over the last few years, we've discovered 3.5 billion bbl net of oil in the Gulf of Mexico, and we've put in place contracts to enable those to come online very steadily."
Five years ago, BP produced 50,000 b/d from the gulf compared with 250,000 b/d now and a projected 750,000 b/d by 2007. "We'll ultimately get much, much higher than that," he said.
arkieboy
Thanks Archangle. arkie
Analyst: Expect high energy prices
Paula Dittrick
OGJ Online
HOUSTON, Apr. 6 -- The US is running out of oil, natural gas, and electricity simultaneously, and higher energy prices are the only long-term solution, Marshall Adkins, Raymond James & Associates Inc. oil field analyst, said Friday.
"Like the 1970s, this is an energy supply-constrained market," Adkins told the Oilfield Breakfast Forum. "The bottom line is $5/Mcf gas, $30/bbl oil and $50 Mw-hr power are here to stay longer term."
He estimates a benchmark US light, sweet crude oil price of $29/bbl in the second half of the year, while gas prices will remain strong but volatile, leveling out at $5-6/Mcf.
"Gas prices will get whipsawed this summer. Prices will weaken and then come back up," he said at the meeting sponsored by Resource Marketing International, a consulting firm, and Randall Morton International Inc., an advertising and public relations agency.
Craig Clark, Apache Corp. executive vice-president of US operations, agreed 2001 oil and gas prices will be "very good."
"The longer high commodity prices persist, the more ingrained they become in expectations," Clark said.
David Welch, BP PLC's Houston regional vice president, said prices inevitably rise when supplies decline and demand goes up.
"I think we could say we're pretty confident that we are nearing an energy crisis here in the US," Welch said. "If we get into this crisis mode where we do have some brownouts, not only in California but perhaps in the Northeast this summer, it's likely we could have some type of an energy policy that would evolve sometime later this summer."
He urged the oil and gas industry to deliver a unified message to Congress regarding its wishes on energy policy.
"There are lots of hydrocarbons in the US, but a lot of them are off-limits right now to drilling, so we need to have access to lands that are locked up and that we are not able to explore," Welch said.
"The second thing is that we have had tremendous technological innovations for the last 30 years. This technology now enables us to go in and produce oil and gas without doing any long-term environmental harm, and it has a very low noticeable temporary harm."
Of an energy crisis, Welch said he does not see "any quick fix. I don't think there is going to be anything we can do over the next couple of months to deal with it."
Elements that might avert an energy crisis are access to new lands, both onshore and offshore; more infrastructure including an Alaska gas pipeline, liquefied natural gas terminals and power plants; and a streamlining of the permitting process to enable producers to get access to drilling faster.
"We need to think about ending some of these prohibitions we have in Iran … These sanctions actually just preclude the companies that are in the US from being able to go in and compete with the French and other companies that might be interested," Welch said.
"BP is the largest oil and gas producer here in the US, and closer to home here, we're the largest reserve holder in the Gulf of Mexico," Welch said. "Over the last few years, we've discovered 3.5 billion bbl net of oil in the Gulf of Mexico, and we've put in place contracts to enable those to come online very steadily."
Five years ago, BP produced 50,000 b/d from the gulf compared with 250,000 b/d now and a projected 750,000 b/d by 2007. "We'll ultimately get much, much higher than that," he said.
arkie
Archangle, what are you talking about the TPS category? Do you
mean to your new board?
Thanks
arkie