Michael Soper

Editor’s note: Cisco’s ongoing portfolio transition efforts support the recapture of growth in 2018 as clients increasingly seek next generation network solutions, says Technology Business Research Analyst Michael Soper after reviewing the tech giant’s latest financials on Wednesday. Cisco operates one of its largest corporate campuses in Research Triangle Park. HAMPTON, N.H. – Cisco closed fiscal 2017 down, however the company will pare losses in 2018 as clients accelerate reinvestments in core product portfolio areas 2Q17 results underscore the challenges Cisco faces as it seeks to evolve its legacy routing and switching businesses toward an intent-based networking model. While the...

Analysis: Now that Alcatel-Lucent has wrapped up its merger with Nokai, what’s next for the Alcatel-Lucent side of the equation? Technology Business Research analyst Michael Soper offers an in-depth analysis. Note: Be sure to read TBR’s view of Nokia post-merger as the second part of this two-part package. HAMPTON, N.H. – Despite vastly improved results in 4Q15 as reported recently, Alcatel-Lucent maximizes value by combining with Nokia. Alcatel-Lucent ends its run as a stand-alone company by concluding the Shift Plan and delivering record operating margin Alcatel-Lucent’s final quarter as a stand-alone company ended with it achieving several Shift Plan...

Editor’s note: Alcatel-Lucent’s restructuring lead to tangible improvements in cash flow and margins in 2Q15 despite weak spending by service providers, says Technology Business Research analyst Michael Soper. Alcatel-Lucent maintains an operation in Raleigh. HAMPTON, N.H. – While currency effects obscured weak revenue, Alcatel-Lucent delivered improved gross and operating margin and cash flow in its 2Q15 results, driven by the “Shift Plan” restructuring. A strong U.S. dollar bolstered revenue growth in 2Q15, but underlying factors, including a lumpy payment cycle in China and lower spending by AT&T and Sprint in the U.S., drove down revenue at constant currency rates....

Editor’s note: Alcatel-Lucent, which has an outpost in Raleigh, posted improved results in 1Q15, but underlying financial problems highlight the need to merge with Nokia, writes analyst Michael Soper of Technology Business Research. HAMPTON, N.H. – Alcatel-Lucent’s finances — including margins and revenues — continue to improve, but its cash flow remains deeply negative due to restructuring and interest payments, among other factors. The company remains focused on becoming cash positive in 2015 and will accelerate fixed cost-reduction activities in 2H15 to achieve its goal. Alcatel-Lucent is reinvesting much of its fixed cost savings into R&D to continue innovating...

Editor’s note: Alcatel-Lucent’s Shift Plan is delivering on its promise of margin growth, writes analyst Michael Soper of Technology Business Research. However, revenue did contract in the most recent quarter, but TBR explains why that’s not a concern. Alcatel-Lucent maintains a large operation in Raleigh. HAMPTON,N.H. - Alcatel-Lucent’s Shift Plan is delivering on its promise of margin growth. In 3Q14, Alcatel-Lucent’s gross and operating margins rose year-to-year for the fifth consecutive quarter, indicating that the Shift Plan is addressing key pain points that have historically kept the company a laggard among its peers. This Shift Plan is helping the company reduce...