Atlanta, GA
There I was at the drive-thru (why don't they just go the whole 9
yards with the misspelling and call it a drive-THREW) ordering a
MacGrill Chicken. The electro-voice said it would be $2.61, so as
not to get a pocketful of McChange, I rendered $3.11. I just
wanted two case quarters back, but the Mcdonald's helperette
started pouring me coins. I said, "Whoa, skipper, I gave you $3.11
so I could get back two quarters." She said "your change is 49
cents." I asked her if the price was $2.61 and she said yes, so I told
her that $3.11 less $2.61 was, you with me? 50 cents. "The
computer says it's 49 cents." Incredulously I looked at her, and
although normally I would become irate as I'm grumpy when I'm
hungry, I just had to laugh. I responded "Look, this isn't Clinton
math: 3.11 minus 2.61 is 50 cents." Geez, what does McDonald's
take me for, a Buchanan supporter? The manager finally solved the
dilemma and gave me two quarters.
Lately Clinton math seems to prevail, even on wall Street. Look at
my last newsletter pick, Trident Microsystems (TRID: NASDAQ).
On the eve of the Superbowl which the Steelers should have won
had they not had that mouthbreather of a quarterback, I noted that
TRID was cheap at 13 1/2, in my estimation. Since then it went up
to 17 1/2...then back down...then up to 18...set clothes on spin
cycle...It's done this three times, and just today hit as low as 13 3/4.
I would say I'm beating a dead horse, but I think this one might win
or place at the Derby. I reiterate my belief that any buy under $20
on TRID is a good move. The fundamentals are strong, the
company is in an interesting niche, and the stock is cheap compared
to the high it reached last year of 37. For those of who still believe
there aren't enough torts out there: this is an aid to your due
diligence, not a substitute.*
* This is the opinion of only Martin Dekom and no other, so take it up with
him