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mrmarket
01-14-2004, 04:08 PM
The screen door slams, Angelina's dress waves
Like a vision she dances across the porch as the radio plays
Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
that's me and I want you only
Don't turn me home again
I just can't face myself alone again tonight

Don't run back inside, you know just what I'm here for
So you're scared and you're thinking
That maybe you ain't that young anymore
Show a little faith there's magic in the night
You ain't a beauty but hey you're alright
And that's alright with me

This old Ford she's gonna overheat
Make up your mind girl I gotta get her back out on the street
I know you're lonely like me so baby don't try and fake it
I'm no prince and I can't lay the stars at your feet
But I got this old car and she's pretty tough to beat

There's plenty of room in my front seat, baby if you wanna take it
Oh roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair
It's like the rushing touch, the dirty wings them highway Angels wear
Well tonight we're gonna find out how it feels
I'm gonna trade in your wings - for wheels
Climb in back, heaven's waiting down on the tracks
Ah, mama, come take my hand
We're gonna ride all the way to the promised land
Oh I'm gonna dance all the way, dance all the way
Well I don't know but baby I've been told
There's something waiting for us, down that dirty road
Oh take a chance, take a chance, take a chance

Well now I bought this guitar and I learned how to make it talk
I got my car parked out back if you're ready to take that long walk
From your front porch to my front seat
Well I think we could take it all babe, just you and me
Climb in back baby, the ride's for free
Oh come take my hand, we're gonna ride all the way to the promised land
We'll dance all the way
Oh baby I don't know but I've been told
There's something waiting for us, down that dirty road
If we take our chance, take our chance

Now the season's over and I feel it getting cold
I wish I could take you to some sandy beach where we'd never grow old
Ah but baby you know that's just jive
But tonight's bustin' open and I'm alive
Oh do what you can to make me feel like a man

But this 4/4/2's gonna overheat
Make up your mind girl, I gotta get her back out on the street
I know you're lonely like me, oh so don't fake it
And maybe I can't lay the stars at your feet
But I got this old car and she's pretty tough to beat
There's plenty of room in my front seat
Oh if you think you can make it, climb in
This is town full of losers and baby I was born to win

Can you dig it? The Titans are cruising down Ft. Lauderdale on Los Olas Boulevard. Their tan 19” biceps are pressed firmly against the shiny metal of Titan Omega’s gleaming Porsche Boxster. The young and fit women swoon as the Titans navigate their way to the ocean. What is it that’s causing the world to stand still? Is it the sight of one of the nation’s leading plastic surgeons sitting next to the world’s best stock picker? Actually, it’s the sound of the Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band blaring out of 600 watts of JBL speakers. Life is good.

Today I bought HAR (Harman International Industries) at 77.39. I will sell it in 4 to 6 weeks at 89.31. Here’s why I like HAR:

Oh my, has $$$MR. MARKET$$$ lost his senses? True, HAR is up about 195% over the last 12 months but boy is it ever expensive. With a P/E of 45, this is hardly a true MM stock. Sometimes you gotta drill down boys and girls. The forward PE is only 30 and these guys are the kings of sandbaggery. Even more incredible is the price momentum of this stock. The 12 month r^2 is 0.91 and it’s 6 month r^2 is 0.97. I couldn’t draw a straighter line if I had a ruler!

You have heard of Harman. Harman built its reputation on audio equipment for homes and commercial venues. It boasts some of the best-known brands in the business: JBL, Harman Kardon, Infinity, Becker, AKG, Soundcraft, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. HAR manufactures and markets high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems targeted primarily at OEM, consumer and professional markets. They want to rule the world of “infotainment” in your automobile. Chances are, every fancy car you see will have a HAR system in it. Chances are better, that any new fancy car you see will be equipped with lots of HAR gizmos like dashboard installed cellphones, car DVD players, Mapquest stuff, and, of course, a bad ass stereo system. The company is probably best known for its home-audio brands like JBL or Harman/Kardon. But it's greatest growth potential is in outfitting cars with top-of-the-line entertainment and communication systems. Harman has a big lead on the competition and the market is enormous. . A radio-CD system costs $300 vs. $1,000 for an infotainment product. Can you dig it?

In October, HAR announced record sales and earnings for the company's fiscal first quarter ended September 30, 2003. Net sales for the quarter were $597.3 million, which was a +22% increase over net sales of $490.8 million in the same quarter last year. Net income for the quarter was $19.8 million compared to $9.8 million a year ago. Earnings per diluted share of 58 cents were double the 29 cents for the same period last year. Can you hear the jing a ling?

Harman is the clear technology and market share leader in an underpenetrated market for supplying high-end infotainment systems to automobile manufacturers. In addition, revenue visibility is high as Harman's infotainment systems are already scheduled to be installed in a number of luxury car models in upcoming years, including several Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Porsche models. Harman looks for future profit growth from expanded deals with Mercedes, Audi 6 and Dodge Ram trucks. New contracts include a 2005 deal with General Motors Corp. to offer the system on its Buick line. Three Mercury lines will offer the system in the 2006 model year, thanks to a contract signed last year. Harman's products will be in 1 million to 1.2 million vehicles of the 2005 minted automobiles. When you look at the fact that about 50 million cars are produced worldwide each year, that’s an awful lot of growth potential!

Harman also rules the world of sound outside of the car. Its systems can be found in movie theaters, airports, sports arenas and music venues. The key here is that HAR will be surfing the rebound in the economy as more of these types of construction projects once again materialize. But it’s the auto business that is the “engine of growth”.

Analysts estimate that revenues will climb from $2.2 B in 2003 to $2.6 B in 2004. Indeed, HAR has grown their revenues sequentially each year for the past 4 years. $$$MR. MARKET$$$ believes that there has been a suppression of high end spending over the last couple of years and, based on the high end Xmas sales, I think we’ll see much more spending on fancy stuff. Give HAR $2.8 B in revenues for 2004.

With the new gadgets coming out, margins for HAR products will widen significantly. This means that their revenue growth will lead to even greater acceleration of earnings. Last year, HAR did $1.58/share. ANALysts say that HAR will make $2.07/share in 2004. Don’t make me laugh. $$$MR. MARKET$$$ says that the additional $200 million in revenue will translate into total 2004 earnings of $2.44/share. At today’s PE of 45, that gives you a share price of $109.80 which is well past my target. Given the 25% growth expected for HAR, this PE, and resulting stock price, is not unreasonable. Remember that the overall market is expected to be very strong. Also, as the Euro gets stronger against the dollar, HAR’s products become much more affordable.


That’s not all folks. If your kid uses Kazaa and Napster, have we got a deal for you. HAR also offers branded audio products to PC users through supply agreements and licenses with Dell and Apple. It believes these audio systems enhance the appeal and capability of the PC as an entertainment device. PC’s will probably be the stereos of the future and HAR is all over this fact like white on rice. SoundSticks II comprises two powerful 10-watt satellite speakers backed by a 20-watt subwoofer, which produces stunning bass response down to 44Hz. Housed in a tubular, transparent enclosure, the satellite towers contain four Odyssey® transducers that deliver crisp, sparkling high frequencies beyond 20kHz.

As they stay up with the times, Harman launched Harman Audio Factory Store, one of the first audio manufacturers to establish a branded presence on eBay. Harman's eBay Store has proven to be a highly effective sales channel. Harman offers refurbished and prior seasons' inventory on eBay and begins most auctions at one dollar, with no reserve price. With bids soaring from $200 to nearly $6,000 for home theater systems, speakers and other auction equipment, Harman's store achieves 100 percent sell-through. Nearly all listings receive multiple bids and closing prices have been higher than in traditional liquidation channels.

With a return on Equity of 17.8%, HAR scores near the top of this management effectiveness benchmark. With a Beta of 1.29, it should continue to outperform the anticipated strong market this election year. S&P gives HAR 4 stars.

Here’s what the bosses had to say:

Dr. Sidney Harman, Executive Chairman, and Bernard Girod, Vice
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer commented:

"The Company achieved record first quarter results while
continuing to make investments that strengthen our position as a
leading provider of audio and infotainment systems. We also
announced a two-for-one stock split subject to shareholder approval at
our upcoming annual meeting. The first quarter has provided us with a good start to the new fiscal year. We look forward to the next three quarters." So do I, Sid. Thanks for splitting the stock. The way you’re going, you’ll split it again next year.

mrmarket
01-14-2004, 04:09 PM
now who knows the name of THAT song?

talkingrobe
01-14-2004, 04:24 PM
Good picks...
From your NFL top 5 I picked STC and WHC both doing well...
From your MLK top 5 I liked AACE and HAR...I bought AACE right away and will look into buying some HAR. I think they both will do just fine.

Thank you much...

craigmoosh
01-14-2004, 05:18 PM
That would be "Wings For Wheels," Bruce's early draft of "Thunder Road."

Nice pick, Ernie!

Craig

mrmarket
01-14-2004, 05:20 PM
That would be "Wings For Wheels," Bruce's early draft of "Thunder Road."

Nice pick, Ernie!

Craig

You are correct. Most famous from his 1975 performance from the Main Point in Bryn Mawr, PA.

titanomega1
01-14-2004, 05:23 PM
I was sitting in my favorite gogo establishment when I looked at the sound system, Karmon. Therfore Mr. Markets analysis is correct and I put in a double order of KAR. He is huge!

mrmarket
01-14-2004, 05:24 PM
I was sitting in my favorite gogo establishment when I looked at the sound system, Karmon. Therfore Mr. Markets analysis is correct and I put in a double order of KAR. He is huge!

That would be HAR, not KAR, mr Titan....perhaps one too many cold Heinekens???

taxman
01-14-2004, 05:33 PM
The song is "Wings for Wheels" or "Thunder Road" Personally I could never get into Springsteen. I tend to favor blues/rock artists like The Stones and Clapton. As for stocks, I would have picked COF-string earnings and this is the year for financials.

NillieWelson
01-15-2004, 04:38 PM
HAR is good! :D

I paid quite a few extra sheckles to have one of their custom 6 disc CD auto changer systems installed in my (then) new Jag VDP a couple of years ago and I have never regretted it. And I might add, the car is so extremely quiet that I can hear every little nuiance from the fourteen beautifully designed and discreetly placed speakers. I love it! :)

I could never get into Springsteen either, but I play lots of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Sinatra, and some old time southern gospel, as well as a moderate amount of classical music.

Thanks!

Nillie

stenzrob
01-23-2004, 06:17 PM
HAR is good! :D

I paid quite a few extra sheckles to have one of their custom 6 disc CD auto changer systems installed in my (then) new Jag VDP a couple of years ago and I have never regretted it. And I might add, the car is so extremely quiet that I can hear every little nuiance from the fourteen beautifully designed and discreetly placed speakers. I love it! :)

I could never get into Springsteen either, but I play lots of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Sinatra, and some old time southern gospel, as well as a moderate amount of classical music.

Thanks!

NillieI don't get it. You paid a lot of money, first for an extremely quiet car, then for the custom CD system, so you could hear every nuance in a Johny Cash tune ?!!! I looked up some reviews of Johny Cash CD's, and never once did I see the word "nuanced".

Springsteen's OK, but as long as I'm also stuck in the past, I prefer progressive rock like Yes, ELP and King Crimson, or their slightly more modern descendants like Dream Theater or The Flower Kings. The kind of stuff my brother always referred to as "pretentious shit". Now there's some nuance for you - enough nuance to rattle the windows when played at the appropriate volume.

I just left the stock CD changer in my Lexus SC, anyway.

billyjoe
01-23-2004, 06:49 PM
Stenz, This isn't really about HAR, but since we're off the subject anyway.Yes played the finest concert I ever heard. It must have been in 1972 in an old basketball arena known for terrible accoustics. They had great sound men. Also the shortest and tallest guys in the same group. The tall guy was Squires the short one, the singer, can't remember his name. On keyboards, Rick Wakeman, guitar player, Steve Howe, was an incredible musician. He played at least 5 different stringed instruments that night.
Also. I have an electrical problem with my Lexus LS. The battery runs down unless a 10 amp fuse is taken out of the fuse box under the hood. With the fuse out the CD player and about 6 other minor things such as door locks don't work and I'm not going to pay the Lexus dealer thousands to trace down a short. Lexus for sale, cheap! billyjoe

stocks54
01-26-2004, 02:45 PM
Guys,

Any idea what's up with PDEX? Dropped quite a bit with close to twice the average volume.

ParkTwain
01-29-2004, 09:49 AM
URBN traded above the MM target in the last couple of trading sessions. Over 41.70 that is. That should give MM 50 in a row!

ibrandt
01-30-2004, 12:28 PM
I doubled down on HAR during yesterday's sell-off at 73.67. I like this one.

mrmarket
01-30-2004, 12:34 PM
I doubled down on HAR during yesterday's sell-off at 73.67. I like this one.

Selling off on news seems to be a very repeatable and predictable pattern. If I were a day trader, I'd short the night before earnings and buy back the day after. But I'm not a daytrader, thank goodness!

casinoboy3
02-02-2004, 03:58 PM
What's going on [besides the obvious] ??

scottieahmed
02-02-2004, 04:32 PM
about the only negative news that i can find for HAR is that an analyst alert saying that the P/E to growth ratio suggested that the stock might have been overvalued.

Pretty big drop today...

mrmarket
02-02-2004, 06:42 PM
earnings earnings earnings

stenzrob
02-02-2004, 07:29 PM
This selloff in HAR is really messing up the r^2, man.

Disclaimer: I do not own HAR. Never did, probably never will.

January 28
"Harman International expects second half 2004 revenue growth of 12% to 15%".

At a trailing PE of still almost 40, which is now over twice the estimated revenue growth, and the debt/equity ratio well above 0.7, I'm afraid I'd have to (respectfully) call this a mistake. I'd rather buy their stuff than their stock.

I have every confidence that a 15% gain will be realized someday, but in the meantime, this is more likely to go to $60 or below than back to $80 or above, IMHO.

This stock was bought on the basis of a reasonable forward PE, which was based on estimates now being revised downwards, and a very high r^2. As the selloff continues, the high r^2 will also soon be history.

If the reasons for buying are no longer true, there are no reasons for holding. Anyway, that's the way I see it. Good luck with it, big guy.

mrmarket
02-03-2004, 09:04 AM
This selloff in HAR is really messing up the r^2, man.

Disclaimer: I do not own HAR. Never did, probably never will.

January 28
"Harman International expects second half 2004 revenue growth of 12% to 15%".

At a trailing PE of still almost 40, which is now over twice the estimated revenue growth, and the debt/equity ratio well above 0.7, I'm afraid I'd have to (respectfully) call this a mistake. I'd rather buy their stuff than their stock.

I have every confidence that a 15% gain will be realized someday, but in the meantime, this is more likely to go to $60 or below than back to $80 or above, IMHO.

This stock was bought on the basis of a reasonable forward PE, which was based on estimates now being revised downwards, and a very high r^2. As the selloff continues, the high r^2 will also soon be history.

If the reasons for buying are no longer true, there are no reasons for holding. Anyway, that's the way I see it. Good luck with it, big guy.

Thanks..but HAR management are big time sandbaggers. Watch when they blast their numbers again. If I'm wrong, I'll be the first to admit it.

mr.yuk
02-03-2004, 05:21 PM
seems to be bouncing back a bit? OR was today a sucker's rally?

mrmarket
02-20-2004, 01:39 PM
For what it's worth:
Business Week Article 2/20/04

What's Driving Harman's Success
Innovative technology at lower prices is fueling demand for its audio and infotainment systems, especially for cars

Many of the comforts of the Information Age home have found their way into the automobile. Major carmakers now offer "infotainment" systems in a growing number of models that include functions such as audio and video entertainment, voice-activated phones, climate control, and Internet access, along with auto-specific features like navigation and diagnostics (see BW Online Special Report, 09/04/03, "High-Tech Cars"). Advertisement

And that's a key reason we at Standard & Poor's Equity Research like Harman Intl. (HAR; recent price, $74). We think it has a strong competitive position in what we consider an underpenetrated market: supplying these high-end systems to carmakers. We're attracted by its high revenue visibility because Harman's infotainment gadgets are already scheduled for installation in several models over the next few years.

WELL-KNOWN BRANDS. In addition, we believe the shares are undervalued, based on our discounted cash-flow and historical price-to-earnings analyses. The stock carries S&P's highest investment recommendation of 5 STARS, or buy.

For more than 50 years, Harman and its predecessors have created loudspeakers and electronic audio products. Its Consumer Systems Group (83% of sales in the quarter ended December 31, 2003) designs, manufactures, and markets audio and electronic systems for vehicle, home, video, and computer applications. Its products are sold worldwide under brand names including Harman/Kardon, Becker, JBL, Infinity, Revel, Lexicon, and Mark Levinson.

Harman's Professional Group (17%) designs, makes, and markets loudspeakers and electronics used by audio professionals in concert halls, stadiums, airports, and other buildings, as well as for recording, broadcast, cinema, and music-reproduction applications. Professional products are sold worldwide under brand names including JBL, AKG, Crown, Studer, Soundcraft, Lexicon, Digitech, and dbx.

In fiscal 2003 (ended June), approximately 62% of sales were to automotive customers, with DaimlerChrysler (DCX ) accounting for 26% and BMW 10% of total net sales.

TECHNICAL EDGE. In our view, Harman's key competitive strengths include its portfolio of well-recognized brands, as well as its technology and market-share leadership in its key product categories. We believe it enjoys a significant first-mover advantage in creating a digitally integrated infotainment system -- built on a single proprietary technology platform -- for cars.

In addition, we're encouraged by Harman's commitment to research and development. We believe that planned outlays in the next few years should help bolster Harman's already strong technical expertise in designing and integrating acoustics, navigation, speech recognition, and user interfaces into unique infotainment systems built for specific car models.

Management recently stated that with increasing levels of integration, Harman can greatly expand the functionality of its infotainment systems at no increase in cost. In addition, Harman said it has the capability to reduce the cost of the present set of features it offers by as much as 30% to 40% over the next 24 months. We believe these capabilities will give Harman significant leverage in contract negotiations with existing and potential original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers.

Jaws57
04-28-2004, 01:42 PM
Beat by 6cents. Stock Way down. I am going to guess since they didnt raise guidance, the stock is suffering for it. I almost took my profit yesterday, but held out for a good report. I am hoping that this is a overreaction and the price will bounce higher near the close or Thursday. I bought at 78.40 so it would a small but profitable trade. Any ideas?

My strategy is to hold 6-7 MrM picks. I have 6 now and HAR is the oldest holding. I am up 15% this year so far on the MrMarket part of my portfolio.

My other current MM stocks are SSNC(should have sold this one),OFG,SPF,SAFM,AACE.

I eagerly wait for the next pick.
Thanks MrMarket$$$$$$$$$

Jaws57

stockmarketwizard
04-29-2004, 12:33 AM
Another example of how using stops to protect profits could have prevented flushing a lot of profit right down the toilet.

Jaws57
04-29-2004, 01:17 AM
Seems like I always get screwed on the stop loss orders. My last stop was on ELN, I put the stop at 7.85, the freakin low for the day was 7.85 to the penny. I only lost 8% or so but not only did it recover that day, but look where it is now.

I like using the sell orders on profit targets. Ever since the SSNC miss, I have sell orders on all the MM stocks. Unless I am at home to play with it.

Jaws57

mrmarket
04-29-2004, 09:02 AM
Another example of how using stops to protect profits could have prevented flushing a lot of profit right down the toilet.

I'm holding HAR. It will reach my target. Profits will be in my pocket, not the toilet. There is no reason to believe it will not continue to have spectacular earnings, especially given the sizzling economic prospects.

stockmarketwizard
04-29-2004, 11:48 AM
It is true. You can get screwed on stop orders. But you can get even a bigger screwjob trying to trade without stop orders.

Don't get married to stocks!! Remember, you can always re-enter the trade.

Karel
06-15-2004, 12:47 PM
Nice day for HAR :)

jiesen
06-15-2004, 04:01 PM
got out today with my 15%. I'm happy, and I hope you get at least another buck or two for it tomorrow.

Thanks, $$MM, for this excellent pick. You are HUGE!

Karel
06-16-2004, 09:44 AM
Yesss! Time for the Happy Snoopy dance again!

$$$Mr. Market$$$ is HUGE

jiesen
06-18-2004, 10:08 AM
HAR is almost 90 today. another opportunity to exit this one with a nice gain (if you missed it the last time)

mrmarket
06-18-2004, 10:29 AM
HAR is almost 90 today. another opportunity to exit this one with a nice gain (if you missed it the last time)

Correct...I feel bad for the stop loss crew.

jiesen
10-27-2004, 04:25 PM
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041027/275778_1.html

Could have held out until today for 113!

go HAR! (too bad I don't still own this, but a good example of a solid pick anyway)
earnings, earnings, acquisitions!