Atheros Can Exploit Intel's WiFi Stumble - Piper

Piper Jaffray semiconductor analyst Auguste “Gus” Richard this morning raised his rating on wireless chip vendor Atheros (ATHR) from “Neutral” to “Buy” on the belief that the company’s business of supplying chips for 802.11n, the fastest form of WiFi wireless networking, is picking up among personal computer makers.

“Checks indicate a pick-up in market share in 802.11n […] We believe that Intel’s issues with its 802.11n silicon is benefiting Atheros,” says Richard. He goes on to say he thinks Intel will stop subsidizing the cost of 802.11n to its customers, to instead focus on WiMax chip sales.

Richard says he’s above Street estimates for Atheros with his projection of $1.35 in profit per share this year and $519 million in revenue, and there may be upside to his numbers, he thinks, as gross margin erosion at Atheros may be more gradual than previously thought.