Here are some questions and expectations to consider heading into the earnings release and conference call:
How has Oracle done in Database? (The Street expects 51% to 56% market share.)
How are the synergies from BEA Systems (BEAS - commentary - Cramer's Take) helping Oracle offset a potential slowdown in IT spend?
How is the European business? (Most are saying that Europe is holding its own.)
How is the commercial business in North America? (Some choppiness is expected.)
Given the departure of Doug Kennedy for archrival Microsoft (MSFT - commentary - Cramer's Take), what is Oracle planning to do to offset his loss?
How much was license revenue?
Were there any slippages in third-quarter deal closures?
If there were a few, will they be made up in the fourth quarter, or will they lead to a reset (read: lowering)?
Is the company is seeing a slowdown in technology spend due to uncertain economic conditions, and what is the plan for weathering a potential downturn?
When will BEA Systems deal close? (BEA Systems offers Oracle significant opportunities going forward, and the faster Oracle closes the deal, the better it will be, and that is where the major upside potential lies for the combined companies.)
Oracle usually reports very good quarters and also provides guidance that keeps the Street happy, but given the current economic backdrop this time around, the company could provide conservative guidance going forward into fourth quarter.
Good luck whichever way you are positioned, good guy or dark-sider.
Technology Hard-Drive Makers Have Growth in Store 3/25/2008 2:53 PM EDT These stocks are cheap, and the personal data storage market has enormous potential.
Technology A Nice Beat From CIEN 3/7/2008 12:24 PM EST The company reported earnings of 47 cents per share on $227 million in revenue.
At the time of publication, Somaney had no positions in the stocks mentioned, although positions may change at any time without notice. Jay Somaney is a partner and fund manager with TSG Capital Partners, a hedge fund based in Plano, Texas, and founder of GlobalTechStocks.com, a subscription site that focuses on technology and Indian stocks (including ADRs), providing information, news and chatter. Under no circumstances does the information in this column represent a recommendation to buy or sell stocks. Somaney appreciates your feedback; click here to send him an email.
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