The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: DISH Network, T-Mobile US,AT&T, Sprint and iRobot
CHICAGO, Sept. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the DISH Network Corp. (Nasdaq:DISH-Free Report), T-Mobile US Inc. (NYSE:TMUS-Free Report), AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T-Free Report), Sprint Corp. (NYSE:S-Free Report) and iRobot Corporation (Nasdaq:IRBT-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:
Is DISH Eying T-Mobile US Takeover Again?
Recently, Bloomberg reported that satellite TV operator DISH Network Corp. (Nasdaq:DISH-Free Report) once again expressed its interest to acquire T-Mobile US Inc. (NYSE:TMUS-Free Report) and is presently in talks with Deutsche Telekom, the parent company of T-Mobile US.
Bloomberg also reported that DISH may seriously pursue the deal after the completion of the upcoming airwaves auction for advanced wireless access (AWS-3) scheduled to be conducted by the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) on Nov. 13.
DISH has created an extensive portfolio of spectrum, the most important component of wireless networks. We believe DISH's attempt to enter the wireless market is a diversification strategy to counter pay-TV market saturation. The company enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with established telecom or tech companies to jointly establish a wireless network or monetize its spectrum holding for considerable profits.
T-Mobile US remains hot in the ongoing consolidation trend within the U.S. telecom industry. Since 2011, Deutsche Telekom has been exploring several options to divest its U.S. operations. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T-Free Report) placed the first bid for T-Mobile U.S. After close scrutiny, the FCC thwarted AT&T's attempt to acquire T-Mobile U.S., stating that it seeks a minimum four national carriers in order to maintain competitiveness.
In Jul 2014, Sprint Corp. (NYSE:S-Free Report) offered $16 billion for a little over 50% stake in T-Mobile U.S. Again the deal was thoroughly evaluated by both the FCC and the U.S. Department of Justice. The regulators decided for the same opinion. Consequently Sprint opted out from the race.
Last month, French broadband service provider, Iliad SA offered $15 billion for a 56.6% stake in the nation's fourth largest telecom operator. However, T-Mobile US's management immediately rejected the offer on ground of inadequacy. Meanwhile, theNew York Post revealed that Iliad is pursuing several private equity firms and tech giants to help it to offer an enhanced bid for T-Mobile US.
Will iRobot Stop Cleaning Up on Dyson's 360 Eye Arrival?
iRobot Corporation's (Nasdaq:IRBT-Free Report) award winning flagship Roomba, is facing an ominous threat as British vacuum cleaner giant Dyson marks its foray into the robot vacuum cleaner market with its 360 Eye automated robot cleaner that claims to be more powerful, effective and intelligent than Roomba and other smart floor cleaners. It is slated to launch in Japan later this year but does not plan to hit the North American market until fall 2015.
What Makes Dyson 360 Eye a Game Changer?
The Dyson 360 Eye, that took 16 years and an investment of around $47 million, is equipped with a 360-degree panoramic camera that can "see" an entire room and navigate accordingly. The camera captures up to 30 frames per second. These images are then processed by the internal software to assess the room's geometry and potential obstacles. The 360-degree panoramic camera is a breakthrough in the field of robotic vacuum cleaners, given that most of the other robotic vacuum cleaners are only equipped with some sensor system to look or feel around a room.
The 360 Eye also employs a set of flexible tank treads that will help it to climb over smaller obstacles enabling it to easily transition between rooms with subtle lips, ledges, or steps.
Dyson's robotic vacuum is equipped with the cyclone technology and a full-width brush bar to suck up dirt and dust. As per the company, its powerful digital motor provides it with a suction capacity higher than that of any robotic vacuum. Dyson's 360 Eye can also be controlled by an app available on the iOS and Android platforms, which will enable users to schedule their cleaning. It also enables the user to view maps of cleaning progress
Dyson claims that its new vacuum cleaner is superior to the competing products available in the market and will outscore them on the following grounds - its unique camera system which enables it to better map the area to be vacuumed, its suction that is more powerful at sucking up dirt and a powerful lightweight digital motor that enhances battery life.
What Does This Mean for Roomba?
iRobot's Roomba has so far ruled the roost in the intuitive, higher-end robot vacuum space. Since the launch of Roomba in 2002, iRobot has sold more than 10 million home robots globally. Four generations of Roomba have been introduced so far with a few differing models in each of them. Although more and more robotic vacuum cleaner brands have been introduced in the market by players like LG Electronics and Samsung, they have not been able to the cut Roomba's market share, which continues to be a household name.
Robotic floor cleaners have proved to be one of the fastest-growing consumer products in the past few years, and iRobot has capitalized on the demand. In such an evolving robot vacuum cleaner market, Dyson's 360 Eye camera is surely a breakthrough, providing it with a competitive edge. However, it is a bit early to determine the extent of the competitive threat to Roomba, given that Dyson's product is yet to be used in a real-world environment.
Dyson's new robot is also taller than Roomba, which might make it a bit difficult for it to clean under low furniture. Moreover, pricing is an important factor as Dyson has not officially set a price as of now. If the company sets at a higher price for the product, customers will opt for the more economical and successful Roomba.
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
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