Dueling Fools
January 13, 1999
Deep in the Heart of Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments price (1/12/99): $92
This week, Dueling Fools turns to the semiconductor sector to debate over the merits of the reliable Texas Instruments <% if gsSubBrand = "aolsnapshot" then Response.Write("(NYSE: TXN)") else Response.Write("(NYSE: TXN)") end if %>. We have Paul Larson (TMF Parlay), who is fond of the company's Texas-sized prospects, and we have Chris Rugaber (TMF RFK), who believes that the next "instrument" this company will be playing might be a harp.
Who has the ESP over DSPs? Just what is a DSP? Read on. It's all explained in this week's technobattle.
And don't miss this week's Duel Flashback, where we look back at the smoking hot Philip Morris <% if gsSubBrand = "aolsnapshot" then Response.Write("(NYSE: MO)") else Response.Write("(NYSE: MO)") end if %> Duel.
You Get to Vote!
Once you've read the arguments and the rebuttals, it's your time to cast your vote. We'll tabulate results each week and revisit them from time to time to see whether you were right! As always, we invite you to join us in the Dueling Fools Message board to continue the duel.
[Any suggestions, comments, praise, or flames, please send them along to the Dueling Fools Team.]
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The Bull... The Texas Instruments you knew yesterday is not the Texas Instruments you will see tomorrow. Sure, the company still makes calculators, but TI has just finished going through a massive metamorphosis that has transformed it from a widely dispersed technology conglomerate to a company focused on a hot sector that it currently leads -- Digital Signal Processors. This new focus has not only dramatically changed the operating environment at the company; it will allow TI to maintain and build upon the lead in this important portion of the semiconductor industry. Continue... |
The Bear... Want to invest in the fast-growing DSP chip industry and make some quick money? Oh, sorry, missed your chance: Texas Instruments has already jumped 81% from October 8th to December 31st. Maybe next time. Try to move a little more quickly, though, OK? I mean, hey, if you're going to play with the big boys, you better move! None of this namby-pamby research and due diligence stuff. Continue... |
Results for last week's Sears Duel
| Answer | Percentage |
| I can't make up my mind | 7% |
| TMF Edible's Bull argument |
26% |
| TMF Gump's Bear argument |
52% |
| They were both excellent |
11% |
| They were both lame |
3% |