Procera Networks Inc. Stock Downgraded (PKT)

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model.

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Procera Networks (Nasdaq:PKT) has been downgraded by TheStreet Ratings from buy to hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, unimpressive growth in net income and disappointing return on equity.

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Highlights from the ratings report include:

• Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 14.3%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 6.0%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• PKT has no debt to speak of therefore resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of zero, which we consider to be a relatively favorable sign. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 8.55, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
• The gross profit margin for PROCERA NETWORKS INC is rather high; currently it is at 64.70%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Despite the strong results of the gross profit margin, PKT's net profit margin of 7.38% significantly trails the industry average.
• The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. In comparison to the other companies in the Communications Equipment industry and the overall market, PROCERA NETWORKS INC's return on equity is significantly below that of the industry average and is below that of the S&P 500.
• Despite any intermediate fluctuations, we have only bad news to report on this stock's performance over the last year: it has tumbled by 40.56%, worse than the S&P 500's performance. Consistent with the plunge in the stock price, the company's earnings per share are down 50.00% compared to the year-earlier quarter. Although its share price is down sharply from a year ago, do not assume that it can now be tagged as cheap and attractive. The reality is that, based on its current price in relation to its earnings, PKT is still more expensive than most of the other companies in its industry.

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Procera Networks, Inc. provides intelligent policy enforcement solutions based on deep packet inspection technology that enable mobile and broadband network operators and entities to manage private networks. The company has a P/E ratio of 23.3, above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. Procera has a market cap of $231.9 million and is part of the technology sector and computer software & services industry. Shares are down 35.8% year to date as of the close of trading on Tuesday.

You can view the full Procera Ratings Report or get investment ideas from our investment research center.

-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff

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For more information on Procera Networks Inc. click any of the following:

• Procera Networks Inc. Stock Price

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• Procera Networks Inc. Growth Rates

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• Procera Networks Inc. Income Statement