Ahead Of The Bell: DTS Upgraded At Deutsche Bank

NEW YORK (AP) — DTS Inc. is set for a period of "hyper-growth," a Deutsche Bank analyst said Monday, pointing out improving demand for Blu-ray DVD players.

Deutsche Bank analyst Brian Thackray said his checks with more than 500 retailers show Blu-ray technology is finally catching on as prices come down, a trend likely to boost sales for DTS. The Agoura Hills, Calif., company makes equipment for audio systems used in DVD players, computers and other electronics.

Thackray raised his rating on DTS to "Buy" from "Hold" and lifted his price target to $32 from $28.

In a note to investors, Thackray said the average cost of a low-end Blu-ray player is down 53 percent from the year before at about $130.

"Prices are now clearly in the sweet spot," he said. "Our work shows that demand increases significantly for Blu-ray players below $150 and we are starting to see the increased demand over the last few weeks."

Shares of DTS closed Friday at $25.65.