Here it is halfway through 2007 -- basketball and hockey seasons are behind us and the sleepy summer heat is settling in. That means it's time for a mid-year stock review. Up this time is Motley Fool Hidden Gems recommendation and wireless communication chip maker Atheros Communications
First-half review
Atheros' investors are a happy bunch these days. The stock has roared ahead with a 45% gain since the start of 2007, easily topping the 9% gain in the Nasdaq. This spike came on the back of strong first-quarter earnings from the company that, thanks to top-tier customers such as Apple
Atheros was busily ramping up new products early in the year as well, and several have been gaining traction with design wins in the market. For instance, it released a full line of Ethernet switching products and began introducing Bluetooth chips to complement its wireless offerings. Not to say that the core business of Wi-Fi chips is lagging -- the company reached a major milestone by shipping its 100 millionth wireless LAN chipset in February.
Second-half prospects
To get a peek at what the top investors think of Atheros Communications' prospects going forward, we can tap the Motley Fool CAPS database of investor opinions and ratings on the stock. CAPS players give the company five stars, a rating that has been maintained all year.
Even in the face of giant competitors Broadcom
For more Foolish insight:
As a Motley Fool Hidden Gems selection, Atheros Communications has returned subscribers 67% in less than a year. Check out what other stocks meet the Hidden Gems criteria with a free 30-day trial. Intel is an Inside Value recommendation.
Fool contributor Dave Mock would opt to cut back on winter to add a few more weeks to summer. He owns shares of Intel. He is the author of The Qualcomm Equation. The Fool's disclosure policy is not afraid to roll down the window and ask for directions.