We continue to be concerned with the recent pattern of (the company's) estimate reductions, sales sluggishness in the core personal-care division, increasing margin pressures and deteriorating working capital trends.

While the strong showing at the retail stores and particularly consumer direct was impressive ... margins overall continue under pressure and working capital trends appear to be deteriorating.

Going to Target was a big misstep because direct sales are key to its distribution system.

Tropicana is a great grocery brand. Tropicana is already showing growth, so PepsiCo is buying a company with momentum.

Direct sellers tend to be globally diverse. They aren't typically leveraged to the U.S. consumer, which has been spotty lately.

Coca-Cola is our top pick for 2000 as global gets good again.