Topic: How To Invest

Pat, Could I get your advice on Brocade Communications? Regards.

Article Excerpt

Brocade Communications Systems Inc., $7.65, symbol BRCD on Nasdaq (Shares outstanding: 398.3 million; Market cap: $3 billion), makes fibre-optic based switches and other equipment. These are designed to improve the flow and speed of data inside computer networks. They also make it easier for businesses to expand their networks and data-storage capacities. The company mainly sells its products through larger computer companies. For example, Brocade recently extended its agreement with IBM to include a wider variety of products. That will let it continue to benefit from IBM’s vast global sales force and client base. Brocade also sells its products through Hewlett-Packard, EMC and Dell. Last December, Brocade paid $2.8 billion for Foundry Networks Inc., which makes high-speed Ethernet routers for large computer networks. This is a competitive field that is dominated by Cisco Systems, which has roughly 70% of the market. Still, the deal gives Brocade an opportunity to sell more of its own products to Foundry’s customers. Thanks to the addition of…