RadiSys Corporation (NASDAQ: RSYS) makes system products for embedded computer applications used in the manufacturing automation, medical, transportation, telecommunications, gaming and test equipment markets. Products include embedded boards, board-level modules and chip-level components. The company also offers system integration and repair services. Clients include Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Nortel Networks (NYSE: NT) and IBM (NYSE: IBM).
The firm pleased investors last week, when it reported Q2 EPS of 14 cents and revenues of $97.6 million. Analysts had been expecting six cents and $87.8 million. The CEO attributed success to strong demand for the company's wireless and IP media server products. Management also guided Q3 EPS to 16-22 cents (nine cent consensus) and Q3 revenues to $98-$103 million ($91.2M consensus).
RadiSys Corporation (NASDAQ: RSYS) makes system products for embedded computer applications used in the manufacturing automation, medical, transportation, telecommunications, gaming and test equipment markets. Products include embedded boards, board-level modules and chip-level components. The company also offers system integration and repair services. Clients include Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Nortel Networks (NYSE: NT) and IBM (NYSE: IBM).
The firm pleased investors earlier in the month, when it announced Q3 EPS of 11 cents and revenues of $83.6 million. Analysts had been expecting a penny and $77.1 million. Management also guided Q4 EPS to 11-15 cents (5 cent consensus) and Q4 revenues to $92-$98 million ($83.56M consensus). The CEO was particularly pleased with the prospect of recent acquisitions going cash flow positive in the fourth quarter. Jefferies, Cantor Fitzgerald and Needham subsequently declared the stock a "buy." RSYS shares popped on the news and then moved into a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern. Prices frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.
MOST NOTEWORTHY: RadiSys, Diageo plc, Vitesse, Big 5 Sporting Goods and Coca-Cola Enterprises were today's noteworthy upgrades:
Jefferies upgraded shares of RadiSys (NASDAQ: RSYS) to Buy from Hold following the Q3 upside to reflect the large ramp of new business expected in 2008.
Lehman raised its rating on Diageo plc (NYSE: DEO) to Equal Weight from Underweight and has increased confidence that the group can increase margins.
CIBC upgraded shares of Vitesse (NASDAQ: VTSS) to Sector Performer from Sector Underperformer following the company's business update, as they believe progress is being made on numerous fronts.
Nollenberger upgraded shares of Big 5 Sporting Goods (NASDAQ: BGFV) to Buy from Neutral following the better-than-expected Q3 results and improved full-year outlook, as they believe visibility has improved significantly.
Citigroup upgraded Coca-Cola Enterprises (NYSE: CCE) to Buy from Hold on valuation as they believe the stock is undervalued given Glaceau's expansion to European markets. The broker recommends taking profits in Pepsi Bottling Group (NYSE: PBG) and swapping into CCE.
MOST NOTEWORTHY: Clearwire, Citrix Systems, Altria Group, Overstock.com and Interpublic Group were today's noteworthy upgrades:
Jefferies upgraded shares of Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR) to Buy from Hold on valuation as they believe the stock is trading as if the Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE: S) deal is off. Jefferies thinks the Sprint/Clearwire deal is still in the best interest of both companies.
Deutsche Bank upgraded shares of Citrix Systems (NASDAQ: CTXS) to Buy from Hold, as they believe the contribution from XenSource beginning in Q4 could be better than expected.
UBS upgraded shares of Altria Group (NYSE: MO) citing stronger Q3 International results and potential share repurchases. Shares were upgraded to Buy from Neutral.
Piper Jaffray raised shares of Overstock.com (NASDAQ: OSTK) to Market Perform from Underperform, as they are incrementally more positive on shares following the company's Q3 upside. They believe the company has turned the corner on profitability.
Bear Stearns upgraded shares of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) to Outperform from Peer Perform on valuation and expectations for improved performance in 2008.
OTHER UPGRADES:
Morgan Stanley upgraded Walgreen (NYSE: WAG) to Overweight from Equal Weight.
Friedman Billings raised its rating on IMS Health (NYSE: RX) to Outperform from Market Perform.
JP Morgan upgraded Stericycle (NASDAQ: SRCL) to Overweight from Neutral.
MOST NOTEWORTHY: Roo Group (RGRP) Best Buy (BBY), Circuit City Stores (CC) and several healthcare companies were today's noteworthy initiations:
ROO Group (OTCBB: RGRP) was initiated with a Buy rating and $3.50 target at Cantor. The firm believes the company is one of the few pure-play online video public investment opportunities for investors today.
Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) and Circuit City Stores (NYSE: CC) were initiated at FTN Midwest with a Buy rating and Neutral rating, respectively.
Needham initiated shares of RadiSys Corp. (NASDAQ: RSYS) with a Buy rating and $17 target, as it expects the company to benefit from the development of standards-based embedded solutions.
Atmel Corp. (NASDAQ: ATML) was initiated with a Buy rating and $7.50 target at American Technology.
Genomic Health (NASDAQ: GHDX) was initiated with an Outperform rating at Leerink Swann.
Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) was initiated with a Buy rating and $24 target at Soleil.
Banc of America initiated shares of Hertz Global Holdings (NYSE: HTZ) with a Buy rating and $27 target.