An electronics vendor wrote me the other day taking issue with my characterization of Soyo Group (SOYO.OB) as a “low-end” consumer electronics manufacturer.   He sent links to the company’s latest products, brought out under the “Honeywell” brand it has licensed.  I was surprised to learn that the new line is not at all “low-end.”  In fact, my next monitor may be a Soyo.

BenchmarkReviews had this to say about Soyo’s Honeywell Airus 22″ monitor, which it awarded a 9/10 ranking:

For a mid-level widescreen display, the MT-SY-HWLM2216 certainly offers a tremendous amount of premium features and functionality while also remaining elegant with an appearance that could fool the most discerning shopper.  .  .  .

Construction is surprisingly clean and refined.  SOYO manufactures the Arius for Honeywell, and it appears that they have focused on bringing quality to the consumer electronics market. Quite apparent from the excellent craftsmanship in this 22-inch widescreen monitor, SOYO has helped maintain the prestige of the Honeywell name.

In regards to product functionality, the Honeywell Arius series sets a new standard for monitors.  In fact, it practically establishes a whole new product line of multifunction monitors.  Even though the TN panel LCD still proves itself very capable at it’s core: high-quality widescreen pictures with good color and brightness and nearly no ghosting visible, there is still much more to be gained from the wide range of functions offered in this product.

Integrated webcam, 90 degree swivel, 2ms response time for $300 . . . nice!

SOYO.OB — the stock — shows a lot less pizzazz.  After tripling in price last fall, shares have steadily retreated and now trade under $.70.  I bought more today at $.61, but only got filled for a few thousand.

SOYO has a market cap. (per Yahoo!) of only $33.9M. Yet the company expects to generate $140-145M in revenues for 2008, and $.11-$.12 per share in earnings. JM Dutton projects $.14 per share earnings in 2009 (note: link is to PDF). Dutton is compensated by the company for its coverage, so take its projections with a grain (or a shaker) of salt. If Soyo comes close to meeting these projections, its stock price should soon be as flashy as its new monitors.

DISCLOSURE: Long SOYO.OB.