[Leica] Investing in LEICA CAMERA AG AKTIEN DM 5

["Kotsinadelis, Peter (Peter)" <peterk@lucent.com>]

Jeff,
I think you're better off to look at an investment that offers the potential
in providing a good return.  The camera market is crowded so if you are
looking at the players in only this market put your money with a leader
[from a diversified and financial perspective].  

LEICA CAMERA AG AKTIEN DM 5 was at one time 50DM per share (about 8/97), now
its around 11. 
In the last 9 months it has fluctuated a good deal but is about where it was
in December 98, so you'd be about even had you invested then.

I would suggest a technology stock like Cisco, Microsoft, Lucent.  Each has
more than doubled, some tripled their value in the last 2 years, while Leica
has lost avbout 80% of its value in the same time.  You would be better off
to buy Leica camera(s) as collectible(s), they will probably appreciate more
and at a greater pace.

Peter K


- -----Original Message-----
From: 4season [mailto:4season@boulder.net]
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 12:46 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: Would you invest in [Leica]?


I expect to be investing my money with Warren Buffett & company shortly,
but will likely have a modest amount of leftover cash. Now for you
investment-savvy types, does Leica Camera seem like at least an okay
investment for the next few years? I'm not finding the reports they've
posted a model of candor (certainly no match for Berkshire Hathaway's)
but have deduced that M camera sales are up a bit, R- and Minox sales
are down sharply, that the R-system is a very major source of revenue,
and they've had to sack around 100 of 1,500 employees. Does Leica's new
top management "get it", do they have the means to correct matters
decisively, and might we see some solid performance from Leica Camera in
coming years? Opinions are welcomed!

Jeff

PS: And if the R8 is Leica's new M5 of the '90s, could an R7-2 inject
life back into the company? And are there any hints of such a beast?