Gains ahead for Aastra

Article Excerpt

AASTRA TECHNOLOGIES $22 (Toronto symbol AAH; SI Rating: Speculative) (905-760-4200; www.aastra.com; Shares outstanding: 14.0 million; Market cap: $307.1 million; Dividend yield: 3.6%) reported that its sales fell 21.6% in the three months ended March 31, 2010, to $171.9 million from $219.3 million a year earlier. Earnings per share fell to $0.58 from $1.02. Despite the lower sales and earnings, Aastra’s outlook is positive. The improving global economy should push up sales of its products and systems. As well, the company holds cash of $118.8 million, or $8.49 a share, and has no long-term debt. The company recently raised its quarterly dividend by 33.3%, to $0.20 from $0.15, with the March 2010 payment. The new annual rate of $0.80 yields 3.6%. Aastra is still a buy. buy…