Analyst's Latest Comment -
PAIRGAIN (PAIR - $11 3/16; RATED 3) - Signs that the pricing pressure in HDSL is abating, new contract wins for the company's small subscriber systems business or any indication of a possible buyer could help justify the recent move up in PAIR shares.
------------ 09:55am EST 4-Nov-98 Lehman Brothers (Steven D. Levy (212)526-2499/Sende) TLAB Telecom Equipment/Data Networking: AEA Preview
Today's Date : 11/04/98
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* There is an old adage in technology investing that goes: "buy at AEA, sell at H&Q." In other words buy the stocks at the annual American Electronics Association, AEA, Classic investor conference in October/November and sell them at the Hambrecht & Quist Technology conference in late April/early May.
* Given the recent rebound in many technology stocks, however, this year's buying opportunities might not seem as bountiful.
* Nonetheless we believe that there are still likely to be some catalysts for near-term stock movement based on the presentations and meetings at the annual AEA Classic.
* Below we have outlined the one or two items that investors should, in our opinion, focus on for each of the companies we follow that are confirmed AEA presenters (Tellabs, RELTEC, Advanced Fibre, ADC Telecommunications, and PairGain). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- There is an old adage in technology investing that goes: "buy at AEA, sell at H&Q." In other words buy the stocks at the annual American Electronics Association, AEA, Classic investor conference in October/November and sell them at the Hambrecht & Quist Technology conference in late April/early May. Given the recent rebound in many technology stocks, however, this year's buying opportunities might not seem as bountiful. Nonetheless we believe that there are still likely to be some catalysts for near-term stock movement based on the presentations and meetings at the annual AEA Classic and for each of the companies we follow that are confirmed AEA presenters we have outlined the one or two items that investors should, in our opinion, focus on.
TELLABS (TLAB - $54 1/16; RATED 1) - The most important thing we are looking for is expanded details of Tellabs entry into the data-oriented ATM world. This should set the stock up for further P/E multiple expansion and remove some of the skepticism that seems to remain with certain analysts. - We fully expect the company to remain bullish about its near-term prospects-fourth quarter 1998 and 1999.
RELTEC (RLT - $24 3/16; RATED 1) - The critical issue is likely to be how much confidence RELTEC management can engender in the idea that the September quarter's problems are truly behind them. - It might also be interesting if RELTEC is able to give an early read on its recently completed acquisition of Positron Fiber.
ADVANCED FIBRE COMMUNICATIONS (AFCI - $11 3/16; RATED 1) - A critical factor in our investment recommendation is the idea that the September quarter represented the low point in the company's foreseeable financial future. - Some clearer indication of a new CEO, rumors are floating all around, would also be constructive. - In addition, any signs of a pickup in international business or an acceleration of revenue from the CLEC market could also be catalysts.
ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS (ADCT - $23 1/2; RATED 1) - Given the company's fiscal year, which ended last week, the most pressing issue here is likely to be guidance for the next quarter or two. In other words, investors are probably going to be paying particular attention to ADC's "body language."
PAIRGAIN (PAIR - $11 3/16; RATED 3) - Signs that the pricing pressure in HDSL is abating, new contract wins for the company's small subscriber systems business or any indication of a possible buyer could help justify the recent move up in PAIR shares.
We recognize that its always tricky trying to invest based on expectations of near-term presentations, but in the case of these five companies, we are only looking for reinforcement of our current investment theses. |