Conexant Systems, Inc. (CNXT) designs and develops semiconductor solutions that enable consumers to access the digital world. The company's products enable set-top boxes (STBs), personal computers (PCs), and game terminals to share voice, video, and data over broadband networks including asynchronous digital subscriber line (ASDL), cable, and direct broadcast satellite systems.Recently, Conexant closed the deal for SigmaTel's Multi-Function Printer unit, which it purchased for $16 million and divested its broadband media processing segment. The company is in the process of deleveraging its balance sheet and retired almost $133 million of debt in fiscal 2008. Going forward, management had limited visibility owing to the global financial crisis and expects revenues between $103 million and $108 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009, down 12%-16% sequentially. We continue to rate the stock a Hold and have set a target price of $1.50.Read ...

Once was the time when companies were molded to do one thing and do it good. Distractions were to be avoided for fear of losing focus and a steady revenue stream. In today’s marketplace the same is true in a general sense, but the idea is quietly losing some of its imperativeness as allied markets show opportunity and the possibility for diversification. Technology is largely responsible for this subtle change to the markets as it mingles its tentacles across traditionally oriented market lines. Staying true to a company’s traditional mission is necessary, but if an investor can find a company that successfully blends their traditional market with an allied one, profit can be had in ways that may not have been originally thought of.

Blast Energy Services Inc., an oil and gas energy services company, works to offer down-hole and satellite services to oil and gas well operators. The company also

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Norsat International, Inc. (OTCBB: NSAT) announced that it has received a $5.97 million repayable investment from the Canadian government and will use it in research and development of new products.

Some of the future development objectives for Norsat include: components that operate in extreme hot and cold temperatures; flat antenna technology for improved portability of satellite systems; consoles easy for non-technical users to operate; as well as more products for the wireless communication market.

“The support we have received through the federal government is instrumental … as it enables us to cost-effectively complete the R&D necessary to further the technology leadership of our satellite systems and effectively expand into new industries such as terrestrial wireless communication,“ said Norsat President and CEO, Dr. Amiee Chan.

The investment came through Canada’s Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI). It represents a portion of the $17 million the company could be eligible for in the

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