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YAHOO! RELATED
NEWS STORIES |
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ZACKS INVESTMENT REPORT |
WORDCRUNCHER
HOME PAGE |
SEARCH NORTHERN LIGHT FOR WCTI |
CLEARSTATION
TECHNICAL CHART |
RAGING
BULL MESSAGE BOARDS |
The Analysis!! |
ORIGINAL
COVERAGE DATE / PRICE: |
January 3,
1999 / $5 1/4 |
UPDATE/PRICE: |
June 25, 1999
/ $5 |
SECTOR |
INTERNET |
SHARES
OUTSTANDING: |
11,877,002 |
SHARES IN
PUBLIC FLOAT: |
~4,500,000 |
NUMBER OF
EMPLOYEES: |
22 |
Description |
RETIRED 7/14/99
WordCruncher Internet Technologies,
Inc. (WCTI) develops multi-lingual search engine products in support of Internet,
Extranet, and Intranet applications. These products are characterized by their ability to
more quickly find relevant information and by their new and unique way of representing the
information to the user. This method of representing information will save the user time
and reduce the frustration inherent in existing search methods. With its multi-lingual
capabilities, WCTI offers search solutions that truly set new standards while addressing
the needs of the global community.
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Current Situation |
WCTI is developing a new search engine. The new WCTI web site will be
called "Spyhop'' (CEO Dan Lunt explained that "Spyhop'' describes what makes the
WCTI technology different from other search engines. Traditional search engines provide
only broad descriptions of sites, which users must randomly access to determine if the
information is useful. WCTI search results show actual details from Internet sites. This
enables users to determine if a site's information is relevant before they access an
individual Web page. So in a very real sense, the WCTI engine lets user view or 'spy' data
on a site before they have to link or 'hop' to it. WCTI is developing a business model for
providing a general index and search technology for the Internet. The model includes
content, advanced technological features, and a specialized user interface. The model is
characterized by its ability to help users locate credible, relevant information.
However, as of April 13, 1999 the company is
shifting the focus of the company as follows:
"WCTI is committed to delivering cutting-edge technology that provides
unparalleled service to its users by making information easier to find and use," said
Daniel Lunt, WCTI President and Chief Executive Officer. "Based on the dynamics of
the Internet market, we believe the best application of our
expertise and technology is a service tailored to the information needs of business
professionals. In order to deliver this service, we've revised our
development timeline and put in place a business plan which we expect will support a
comprehensive product release in fourth quarter 1999."
WCTI will employ a revenue model that initially is
comprised of both advertising and licensing revenue streams. Since searching is the most
popular activity on the Internet, and WCTI's engine will accommodate many different search
applications, there is sufficient flexibility to take advantage of additional revenue
opportunities as the Internet matures.
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Outlook |
Their approach to conducting searches
appears to be superior to that of other search engines, such as Excite and Lycos.
Currently, Excite has a market capitalization of $3.5 billion and Lycos $3.8 billion.
WCTI's market capitalization is $150 million as of January 15. We look forward to seeing
the new direction of the company but can't help but wonder if this "strategic
direction" will be enough.WCTI's model of searching the net in a multi-lingual
capacity may be adversely affected by competition in the marketplace. For example,
Altavista
allows for language translation as you search and Northern Light
displays the search results in a much more user friendly format than earlier search
engines.
WCTI needs to develop a solid
business plan quickly and get it to the market before others in the business steal their
glory.
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Company Management |
M. Daniel Lunt, President and CEO
A 17-year veteran of the computer software industry, Mr. Lunt's most notable success came
at WordPerfect Corporation as Vice President of Worldwide Marketing (1983-1993), where his
management drove the marketing, sales and support division from relative obscurity to half
a billion dollars in annual sales.James W. Johnston, Executive Vice
President & COO
With 15 years of experience in all essential aspects of content presentation, analysis
software and electronic publishing, Mr. Johnston has published numerous electronic texts
using WordCruncher technology. His clients include the Winston S, Churchill Family Trust,
the University of Southampton (UK) and Thiokol Corporation.
Kenneth W. Bell,
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Bell has nearly 25 years experience in a variety of finance and management positions.
He was a commercial banker for 15 years prior to becoming Vice President and Treasurer of
Bonneville Pacific Corporation in 1986. Since 1990, Mr. Bell has served as President of
Kelmarc Corporation, a financial and management advisory company. During his career, Mr.
Bell has participated in financial transactions in excess of $500 million, including
initial and secondary offerings.
Peter Stoop,
Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Mr. Stoop has more than 14 years of diverse management experience, including nine years
between Data General Corporation, WordPerfect Corporation and Novell, Inc. He's held a
wide variety of senior-level positions in marketing, strategic planning and business
development, along with an MBA in marketing.
Martin E. Cryer,
Vice President of Product Development
Mr. Cryer has 20 years experience in system design, architecture, and development. Prior
to joining WCTI, he oversaw the Utah Research and Development Center for Siemens.
Previously, he worked for 12 years in the UNIX Systems Group of Unisys Corp. Cryer
graduated from Queen Mary College, University of London.
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Disclaimer |
WrightStock is not a Registered Investment Advisor or a Broker / Dealer.
This profile was compiled from information provided by WordCruncher's (the
"Company"), website and Company Press Releases. Readers are advised that this
information is issued solely for information purposes and is not to be construed as an
offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy. The opinions and analysis included
herein are based on sources believed to be reliable and in good faith but no
representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to their accuracy,
completeness or correctness. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis
of any investment decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the
investment needs of any particular investor. The foregoing discussion contains
forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations and differences can be
expected. The information contained herein is for information purposes only; in addition,
the information contained in this report is not intended to be a complete discussion of
information regarding some of the current and/or intended business activities of the
Company. Readers are urged to consult with
independent financial advisors with respect to an investment in the shares mentioned
herein. Investors should review a complete information package on WordCruncher which
should include, but not be limited to, the Company's annual report, quarterly report,
press releases, as well as all regulatory filings where applicable.
All information contained in this report should be independently
verified with the Company mentioned herein. Any opinions expressed in this report are
statements of judgment as of the date of publication and are subject to change without
further notice, and may not necessarily be reprinted in future publications or elsewhere.
Neither WrightStock nor its officers, directors, partners or employees/consultants accept
any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this
report or its contents.
In order to be in full compliance with the Securities
Act of 1933, Section 17(b), WrightStock advises the readers of this document that it
has received no compensation of any form for its efforts in researching, writing,
presenting and disseminating the information contained herein.
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