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After spending the better part of the past year at a four-star rank, more top-performing CAPS members have been coming to the bullish side of Linear Technology (NASDAQ:LLTC) lately -- enough to have it teetering back and forth at the venerable five-star level. A total of 726 members have given their opinion on the semiconductor provider, with many offering analysis and commentary to explain the recent optimism.

With the worst of the recession apparently behind us, and an improving tech environment that's seen as increasing business for companies like Broadcom (NASDAQ:BRCM) and Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN), many investors expect to see Linear Technology's business gain strength.

The company, which has its technologies in products like Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhones and many other mobile devices and computers, recently reported signs of a recovery of its own in its fiscal-second-quarter earnings report. It had stronger-than-expected bookings in the quarter, and revenue that went beyond analyst expectations. Investors are also keen on the company's growing margins, which top other semiconductor companies like ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ:ONNN), Analog Devices (NYSE:ADI), and Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ:MXIM).          

With growing strength in many of its end markets, Linear expects further revenue growth in its third quarter. The company has consistently pulled in positive free cash flow and many CAPS members like the solid dividend that Linear pays. In fact, the company just raised its dividend for the 18th consecutive year. With more margin expansion expected and a turnaround that has, so far, provided an uptick in demand, many CAPS members like the outlook for the chip maker.

Do you think Linear Technology deserves its five-star status? Add your thoughts in the comments box below on this page, or head over to CAPS to rate the company and check out all the information and opinions the community offers, absolutely free.