Ahead of the Bell: Analog division may be on TI agenda

Last month, the Dallas-based chip maker reported a higher first-quarter profit and robust sales of its analog chips, which process sound, manage power and perform other tasks for electronic devices. Analog chips made up about 40 percent of its quarterly sales, the company said.

Goldman Sachs analyst James Covello said in a note to investors last week that he was upbeat on the company's growing analog segment and anticipated comments from management on its products.

"We continue to have a favorable view of TI's focus on operational efficiencies and shift toward analog," he said, but expressed concerned about higher inventories in the second quarter. Covello rates the company "Neutral."

Similarly, Citi Investment Research analyst Glen Yeung had a favorable view of the company's analog segment, and expected its inventories to be a topic of discussion.

The analyst said inventories grew in the last quarter above average rates, prompting him to remain "on the sidelines for Texas Instruments." He rates the company "Hold."

Shares of Texas Instruments slipped 12 cents to close at $29.51 on Wednesday.