Author: Mark DeFrance

Mark DeFrance is a senior research analyst at Tech Insider, focusing on the enterprise software sector. Prior to joining TI, Mark covered enterprise software for First Albany, and prior to that he worked in equity research at B.T. Alex Brown and Bankers Trust. Mark has written software applications in various programming languages including BASIC, Pascal, and COBOL. He has also been recognized in The Wall Street Journal's "Best on the Street" survey and was recognized by Forbes Magazine as the No. 1 sell-side stock picker in the software industry for a five-year period, with returns of 115% versus 26% for the software industry.
BioTech, Diversified Tech, Semiconductors, Tech IPO

Avago Technologies to Acquire LSI Corp at 41% Premium

On Monday morning, it was announced that Avago Technologies (AVGO), a leader in advanced optical, analog and mixed-signal chip design, will acquire LSI Corp (LSI), a strong market participant in hard disk drive semiconductor, system-level silicon for communications and server applications and flash storage solutions. AVGO will pay $6.6 billion for LSI, or $11.15 per LSI share. This is a 41% premium from Friday’s close … Continue reading Avago Technologies to Acquire LSI Corp at 41% Premium

Mark DeFrance
Analysis, Finance, Financial, Software

Stericycle Profits Rise Despite Revenue Declines

Stericycle reported stronger profitability in the third quarter despite experiencing slower top-line growth both year over year and sequentially. Seventeen acquisitions contributed toward an increase in revenue by 11.3% to $535 million in the quarter; however, consolidated internal growth of 6.5% was on the low end of Stericycle’s typical target range. In particular, domestic small quantity (SQ) revenue grew organically by 8%, and large quantity … Continue reading Stericycle Profits Rise Despite Revenue Declines

Mark DeFranceLeave a comment
Popular, Services Sector

SVB Financial Posts 18% Increase in Revenue

SVB Financial Group’s first-quarter profits available to common investors rose 18% to $40.9 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, from $34.8 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, in the year-earlier first quarter. We are not changing our $55 per share fair value estimate or our narrow economic moat rating at this time. Noninterest expense rose 13% to $149 million. Noninterest income climbed 33% year over … Continue reading SVB Financial Posts 18% Increase in Revenue

Mark DeFranceLeave a comment
Analysis, Diversified Tech, Finance

Steel Dynamics Delivers Strong Sequential Growth in Quarter

In the third quarter of 2013, Steel Dynamics delivered improved sequential operating results. Companywide operating income increased 64% to $113 million in the third quarter from a base of $69 million in the second quarter. While shipment volume increased across nearly every product line, steel operating income per ton increased to $94, which amounts to the company’s best result since the third quarter of 2011. … Continue reading Steel Dynamics Delivers Strong Sequential Growth in Quarter

Mark DeFranceLeave a comment
FB Nasdaq FB Facebook
Analysis, Finance, Financial, Global Equity, Services Sector

Crown Holdings Reports Concerning Quarterly Results

Crown Holdings reported third-quarter results that were broadly in line with our expectations, but we have increasing concerns about the profit potential of Crown’s operations in Asia-Pacific. For example, through the first nine months of the year, Asia-Pacific segment profit declined $2 million while sales increased $157 million compared with the first nine months of 2012. In recent years, the company has invested significant sums … Continue reading Crown Holdings Reports Concerning Quarterly Results

Mark DeFranceLeave a comment