(By Balachander) Polycom Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM) shares were downgraded to "Neutral" from "Buy" by UBS Securities on uncertainty around market and business transition issues.
The brokerage said there is much flux in the video-conferencing market creating uncertainty as customers evaluate alternative offerings; customers spend more cautiously given the macro backdrop and with lower-cost alternatives being pursued; and customers face intense competition with some pricing pressure.
UBS wrote that PLCM is being challenged both by CSCO with its integrated offerings, and by smaller cloud-based players with VC and strategic partner support. Meanwhile, Huawei also appears to be entering the market, investing aggressively.
UBS reduced price target on the stock to $10 from $12.
The brokerage sees limited operating leverage for the time being as operating expenses have outgrown sales for a few quarters.
Given the uncertainties mentioned above and likely higher NT operating expenses associated with 4Q product launches, UBS lowered revenue and EPS estimates for FY12 and FY13 to $1.41 billion and $0.63 and $1.46 billion and $0.70, from $1.42 billion and $0.67 and $1.46 billion and $0.79 previously.
UBS believe cash on hand ($3 per share) and the precedence for M&A (Cisco/Tandberg, Logitech/Lifesize) could help provide a floor on the stock price.
The stock, which has been trading in a 52-week range of $7.45 to $22.74, dropped 2.77 percent to trade at $9.47 on Thursday.