For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – January 6, 2010 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Microsoft (MSFT), Altera Corporation (ALTR), Xilinx Inc. (XLNX), Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN) and Microchip Technology Incorporated (MCHP).
Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513
Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:
Chip Sales on the Rise
According to the latest updates from the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), worldwide sales of semiconductors rose to $22.6 billion in November, up 3.7% from October and up 8.5% year over year.
SIA President George Scalise added that sales of many IT and consumer products fared much better than earlier projections in 2009. Sales of personal computers continue to be strong, signaling the beginning of a recovery of demand from the business sector. The release of Microsoft’s (MSFT) Windows 7 operating system in October has boosted sales. In the consumer market, unit sales of LCD TVs were up 25% – 30%. Sales increased sequentially in all geographic markets.
Most chipmakers have recently raised their outlook for the December quarter in anticipation of strong sales from all geographies.
Altera Corporation (ALTR) upgraded its guidance for the fourth quarter of 2009. Management expects revenues from all vertical markets to be up sequentially in the fourth quarter, reflecting a strong new product cycle as well as improving end-market trends and customer desire for appropriate inventory to support sales levels.
Rival company Xilinx Inc. (XLNX) upgraded its guidance for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Management increased sales guidance primarily due to broad-based strength across all end market categories and geographies.
Earlier, top player Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN) also raised its outlook for the fourth quarter, driven by improved demand in chips used in cell phones and other electronic gadgets such as hard disk drives and video game consoles. Management stated that October and November were both strong months for the company.
Microchip Technology Incorporated (MCHP) upgraded its guidance for the third quarter as the company continues to see excellent design-win traction in strategic product lines. This clearly signals a strong recovery in semiconductor markets, which were hit hard by the global economic downturn a year ago.
Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5515.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks “Profit from the Pros” e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5517
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it’s your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5518.
Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Contact:
Mark Vickery
Web Content Editor
312-265-9380
Visit: www.zacks.com
