PeopleSoft CEO Duffield: 'I'm not here to sell' 21.10.2004 22:07 Zurück Headlines
LOS ANGELES (AFX) -- PeopleSoft founder David Duffield, who recently
returned to the helm of the company that's been fighting against a $7.7 billion
unwelcome bid by rival Oracle, pledged this week to fight to keep the company
independent.
"I didn't come back here to sell to Oracle," the CEO of the corporate software
maker said in a memo sent to the company's staff early this week.
"Rather, I'm here to beat Oracle in the marketplace, increase our revenues,
re-energize our employees and deliver greater long-term value to our
shareholders," he wrote.
PeopleSoft shares rose 22 cents, or 1 percent, to $20.42 ahead of its
third-quarter results expected after the closing bell.
Earlier this month, it issued an upbeat outlook for the period, predicting net
income of 3 cents or 4 cents per share, with earnings before one-time items of
13 cents or 14 cents per share. The company forecast sales of $680 million to
$695 million.
Duffield took on the CEO role after the Pleasanton, Calif.-based company fired
Craig Conway, citing a loss of confidence in Conway's ability to lead the
company. Misleading statements by the former executive to the investment
community about the effect of Oracle's pursuit on its business also played a
part in his demise, it emerged.
Conway was a fierce opponent of the hostile takeover attempt by Redwood Shores,
Calif.-based Oracle .
Speculation had circulated that the shakeup in PeopleSoft's executive suite
could signal a change in the company's receptiveness to the offer that currently
values it at $21 a share.
Duffield dismissed the thoughts that his return was to help a sale of the
company. The executive even said he and his wife are planning to purchase a home
near PeopleSoft's headquarters before the end of the month.
The best way for PeopleSoft to head off Oracle's takeover attempt is for the
company to "show the board and our shareholders that we can deliver greater
long-term value," he told employees.
In order to do that, PeopleSoft must in the short term deliver strong
fourth-quarter results and manage its costs carefully, Duffield said.
He also said he'll soon announce a five-year plan.
Wall Street analysts, on average, expect third-quarter earnings of 14 cents a
share on sales of $680.75 million, according to a Thomson First Call survey. For
the fourth quarter, the average of current estimates puts earnings at 18 cents a
share on sales of $714.25 million.
This story was supplied by CBSMarketWatch. For further information see
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