We are dead in the water until we see if the PTO upholds the patents in VISX's favor. If VISX gets the call, they go out ahead of the crowd. If the patents are set aside, they fall "into" the crowd. They'll have to compete from the position of leader in the industry with competition coming up from the rear. I still expect a merger for access to technology advances.
Should the patents controls evaporate, don't be surprise if they go for BEAM (Ladar). The FTC would not be able to cry ----- monopoly!
VISX, without the patents, loses its growth label and becomes a value stock. (old economy)
As for the LVC's, none seem to command individually, but all will make respectable money. Promotion, economy of scale, business models, etc. will all determine the leader. Most important; look for the "MERGER" between two or several of the top five companies. The companies that immerge larger and more cost efficient will be the leaders in the sector. |
