Bid spotlights cutthroat disk-drive supply business; Applied Magnetics is after Read-Rite's next-generation technology
Article Abstract:
Applied Magnetics' takeover bid for Read-Rite is revealing the relentless competition in the disk drive parts industry, and the general technology industry trend toward consolidation. Applied is trying to take over Read-Rite, whose sales are triple those of Applied, at a low point in Read-Rite's stock valuation. Applied is seeking to acquire Read-Rite's impressive next-generation 'magneto-responsive' technology. However, the takeover attempt seems to have drawn attention to Applied's weaknesses, and its stock has fallen by $7.125 to $48.125. The $6 billion recording head industry is incredibly competitive, due to a constant decline in disk drive prices. Disk drive industry leader Seagate produces the majority of its own componentry, and other vendors are learning to do the same, putting increasing pressure on components manufacturers. Applied has 10% market share, and has seen its stock soar in recent months.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Iomega's devoted fans, foes declare a cyber war of words over its stock
Article Abstract:
IOMEGA's folder on the Motley Fool financial online bulletin board can receive as many as several hundred posted messages from concerned investors about the status of the removable hard-drive manufacturer's stock price. However, analysts are more skeptical about IOMEGA's chances for success, noting the company's recent offering of $40 million in convertible notes to increase operating capital and a general slowdown in the computer industry. A noticeable chasm has developed between two staunchly partial factions on IOMEGA's bulletin board, and the rift is spreading to other sectors of the online community. IOMEGA's December 1995 filing with the SEC stated that postings on Motley Fool and other services had false information about the company and may have contributed to the volatility of its stock, marking the first warning about online activity in an SEC filing.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
More holiday shoppers forsake malls for the Net despite security worries
Article Abstract:
Holiday online sales will jump to an expected $194 million in 1996, up from $46 million in 1995, as shoppers become more confident about buying gifts over the Internet. Experts explain that consumers are overcoming their distrust of Internet security because of the use of encryption and the lack of significant credit card fraud. Because of more sophisticated graphics, Web sites are also becoming more attractive to customers. The purchases are primarily items that do not need to be seen or tried on, such as books, food and computer products. Despite the increase in sales, online purchases account for a small portion of retail sales. Retailers are nonetheless encouraged by the growth in electronic commerce and expect it to continue.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: A simplified route to markets abroad. Trade links via the Internet; here's how some small business exporters are using technology to plug into global markets
- Abstracts: Contests can rev up employees: additional incentives for salespeople and other workers can generate excitement and boost profits
- Abstracts: Threat to corporate computers is often the enemy within. The great domain name hunt. Digital outlets for your holiday generosity
- Abstracts: Military budget set at $263.4 billion. Clinton urges end to Vietnam rancor. President Clinton seeks support for U.S. role in NATO force for Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Abstracts: Combining interior-point and pivoting algorithms for linear programming. Capacity expansion of power generation systems with uncertainty in the prices of primary energy resources