This is a Semi-conductor

Buy - Price 9.08 on Dec. 30
by Wedbush Morgan Securities
Although we continue to like Intersil's long-term story, we think the stock could be range-bound in the near term, as the company [which designs and makes analog integrated circuits] battles broad-based weakness in its end markets (computing and consumer were 61% in 3Q08). Our checks indicate that although the steep drop in demand has begun to stabilize, visibility continues to be poor. Our contacts believe that general visibility will not improve until after Chinese New Year.... Similar to most other analog companies, we think it is likely Intersil will take a one-time charge and write down or write off inventory in 4Q.... We highlight Intersil's solid balance sheet, with $289.8 million in cash [and] no debt.... We maintain our 12-month price target of $10, derived by applying a two times enterprise value/sales multiple on our calendar-year 2009 estimate of $477.3 million in revenue. [Estimated earnings: 33 cents a share.]

Goldman Sachs said it is upgrading Intersil (ISIL) to Buy from Neutral based on new product cycle in notebooks, LCD DTV/displays and wireless handsets. Expect stock to fare better than peers during current downturn. Price target raised to $31 from $24.

Intersil (ISIL) was downgraded to Hold rating from Buy at Jefferies. Price target slashed to $30 from $38 and FY 2008 eps estimates dip to $1.59 from $1.69.

Intersil Corp., which designs and makes analog semiconductors, said last week that its board authorized the repurchase of up to $400 million of its commom shares over the next 12 months.

In late October, the semiconductor maker predicted its earnings will increase during the seasonally strong fourth quarter. Intersil expects quarterly earnings of between 31 cents and 32 cents per share, compared with 28 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2006. This was below analyst expectations.

The stock has a forward PE of 18.

Goldman Sachs said it is downgrading Intersil (ISIL) to Sell from Neutral due to valuation and likely PC component correction. Shares trade well above analog peer group multiples and could see weakness from decrease in demand from PC end-market. Maintained price target of $29.

fantastic growth potential in hot computer sector right now

Upgraded by Banc of America Sec from Neutral to Buy

Downgraded by Credit Suisse from Outperform to Neutral

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