jonkman sean writes “University researchers conducted research into how they have the ability to gain wireless access to pacemakers, hacking them. They’ll be presenting their findings at the “Attacks” session of the 2008 IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy. Their previous work (PDF) noted that over 250,000 implantable cardiac defibrillators are installed in patients each year. This subject was first raised along with similar issues as a credible security risk in Gadi Evron’s CCC Camp 2007 lecture “hacking the bionic man”.”

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jcatcw writes “By 2011, there will be 1.8 zettabytes of electronic data stored in 20 quadrillion files, packets or other containers because of, among other things, the large growth rate of social networks, and digital equipment such as cameras, cell phones and TVs, according to a new study by IDC. Data is growing by a factor of 10 every five years. According to John Gantz, IDC’s lead analyst, “at some point in the life of each file, or bit or packet, 85% of that information somewhere goes through a corporate computer, website, network or asset,” meaning any given corporation becomes responsible for protecting big amounts of data that it and its customers might not have created. The study, which coincided with the launch of a ” digital footprint” calculator, also found that as the world changes over to digital TVs, analog sets and obsolete set-top boxes and DVDs “will be heaped on the waste piles, which will double by 2011.””

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Filed under: Forecasts, Competitive strategy, Wal-Mart (WMT)

Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) has surprised some investors these past six months or so by putting up more than decent earnings results. After yesterday’s big rally, Wal-Mart has nudged up over $50 per share. At this level, the company’s market cap has also just crossed over the $200 billion mark. But is the stock a buy here at $50 and a $200 billion cap and what are its near term prospects?

It has been hinted strongly that in this consumer-led slowdown that millions of Americans are “shopping down” on daily staples at Wal-Mart instead of going to pricier competitors. If this is a temporary phenomenon, Wal-Mart should see a good April 30th quarterly result with momentum building to the July 31st quarter.

Long term, however, Wal-Mart is more of a market performer than an out-performer. Consensus estimates for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009 calls for revenue of $405 billion and EPS of $3.40 and for fiscal year 2010, revenues of $435 billion and EPS of $3.75. Barely 10% growth of earnings and less than 10% growth of revenues. With the stock trading at a 13 PE multiple of fiscal year 2009, many would say the shares are more than fairly valued. In a difficult market as we’ve experienced, Wal-Mart became a safe place to hide money. The shares are up 14% this year which is outstanding performance vis a vis the rest of the market.

Wal-Mart may trade up to the $53-55 level before the year is finished, but as I mentioned it isn’t the best long term story in the large box retail segment. If the economy improves in the second half of the year, consumers may start to “shop up” again, which would leave Wal-Mart with its traditional shopping base. That base is not enough to propel strong same store sales which is the life blood of big box retailers.

Georges Yared write about great growth stocks today in Game On Investing

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Filed under: Law, Competitive strategy, Microsoft (MSFT), Intel (INTC), Advanced Micro Dev (AMD)

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is finally making its case to European Union authorities, saying its practices in the region were not anti-competitive. It may be a hard sell.

The extent to which Intel has beaten rival AMD (NYSE: AMD) does not look good on paper. Intel has almost 80% of the global chip market for Computers and servers. According to The Wall Street Journal: “The EU filed preliminary charges against Intel in July, alleging the company offered rebates to customers only if they didn’t use AMD products; paid customers to delay the launch of AMD-based products; and sold its chips below cost to undercut AMD.”

If Intel loses the case, it could face major fines and sanctions just as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) did recently when the EU ruled that its activity violated anti-trust laws.

There may be more riding on the outcome of the hearing for AMD than for Intel. The more massive company can afford fines and probably live with some restrictions in the region. AMD might need chain on Intel to turn itself around. The company has over $5 billion in debt and recently took a big write-off for the falling value of its buy of graphic chip company ATI. The company’s shares are down from over $36 less than two years ago to just above $6.

AMD might not be able to compete in an open marketplace. The courts may be its only refuge.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

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An anonymous reader alerts us to new material up on Wikileaks: 208 scanned pages (in one PDF) relating to the Church of Scientology and its former “Office of Special Affairs” employee (and subsequent apostate) Frank Oliver. “The documents are dated between 1986 and 1992 inclusive, when, according to the file, Frank Oliver was declared a ’suppressive person’ and excommunicated. Frank Oliver should be able to verify the material and has appeared in the media before on subjects relating to the church. Starting on page 107, the document shows that at the time of writing the Church of Scientology was still actively engaged in black propaganda (especially concerning psychiatry), ‘fair game’ and infiltration.”

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