Suresha, Neon, concerned about competition?
Following is an article from the bloomberg:
New Era of Networks Shares Fall on Concern About Competition
Englewood, Colorado, March 19 (Bloomberg) -- New Era of Networks Inc. shares fell as much as 14 percent on concern that the business software company will face more competition because of a rival's acquisition yesterday.
New Era of Networks, which makes ''middleware'' or programs that link incompatible corporate software systems, fell 6 5/8 to 61 1/2 in midafternoon trading of 3.0 million. The shares earlier touched 58 3/4.
One of Neon's main rivals, TSI International Software Corp., yesterday agreed to buy U.K.-based Braid Group Ltd., which specializes in linking computer systems for banks and securities firms. Neon derives more than 50 percent of its revenue from financial services companies. It's unclear how the competition from TSI will affect Neon, since the market is expanding overall, said Rehan Syed, an analyst with SG Cowen. ''The success of one vendor does not have to come at the expense of another,'' said Syed, who rates Neon a ''strong buy.''
Neon itself considered buying Braid but decided against it because Braid's products are similar to some of Neon's and Neon already has U.K. operations, said Cynthia King, Neon's director of investor relations.
Neon's stock has been a stellar performer in the last 12 months, climbing fivefold on optimism that more companies will seek to link together incompatible computer systems.
Today's decline comes after a 7 percent dip yesterday on concern that Neon has lost business with investment bank J.P. Morgan & Co. ''We have not lost a potential contract with J.P. Morgan. We don't even have a proposal in front of them,'' said King. ''Our ongoing business is healthy.''
Hopefully you don't own any!
Eric |
