Now's the time to bounce on Boingo Wireless (WIFI +0.00%), a global market leader in Wi-Fi. Boingo stands to be a profitable stock in 2014, especially for those who are patient enough to ride out the storm that currently surrounds this company.
Last month, Boingo Wireless CEO, David Hagan, raised concerns among stockholders when he sold 25,000 shares for a total of $157,250 . At first glance, the move is surprising, particularly for a company that saw profits rise 1.24% between Sept. 2012-Sept. 2013 . But, there was no cause for concern because there are several reasons to be optimistic about where this company is going.
Boingo Wireless is an industry leader that keeps more than 1 billion consumers connected to the Internet annually, providing distributed antenna systems, or DAS, and Wi-Fi support at airports, stadiums, shopping malls, and other major venues across the globe. The company earned $28.6 million in revenue during the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2013, a $2.8 million year-over-year increase. In addition, several stock analysts rated Boingo Wireless as a buy as recently as last month.
Why is Boingo Wireless' CEO unloading his shares of the company's stock?
Hagan's decision to sell his shares is shocking for sure, but it makes sense after you look at it closely. Boingo Wireless is poised for substantial growth in the future, but there's no telling how long it will take for the company to dramatically increase its profits. Selling now eliminates all risk, and provides instant profits for Hagan and others who might be unwilling to wait for long-term rewards. The start of the new year may have been an ideal time for some stockholders to sell because Boingo Wireless posted a third-quarter profit, but it might not have been the "best" time to sell because 2014 looks promising for Boingo Wireless.
For example, many travelers regularly reap the benefits of Boingo Wireless without even knowing it. Boingo Wireless is the biggest ad-supported Wi-Fi partner to airports, and provides many of them with the equipment and installation of Wi-Fi systems while splitting the access fee revenues with the airports themselves
In addition, Boingo Wireless continues to extend its global reach, which is reflected in one of its recent moves. Boingo Wireless announced last month that it will be the exclusive DAS and Wi-Fi provider at GRU Airport, São Paulo's International Airport. GRU Airport, the largest airport in South America, could provide numerous growth opportunities for Boingo Wireless.
As part of the agreement, Boingo Wireless will provide comprehensive coverage and increased data capacity throughout the airport. Meanwhile, travelers will be able to take advantage of Boingo Wireless' support, as this company provides a neutral host network that anyone can access on their laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Already the number one provider of DAS and Wi-Fi at airports in the United States, Boingo Wireless is extending its international reach with its recent expansion into South America. This company will continue to provide airport wireless services at major airports such as Rome's Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino and London Gatwick, along with more than 75 airports around the world.
Boing Wireless remains an industry leader
Boingo Wireless continues to add to its trophy case as well, yet another reason shareholders should feel good about the company's long-term prospects. Last month, Boingo Wireless was named "Best Wi-Fi Service" in Global Traveler's 10th Annual GT Tested Reader Survey Awards, the third consecutive year it has received this honor. The award was just one of the reasons the company enjoyed a profitable year.
"2013 has been a year of milestones for Boingo," said Dawn Callahan, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Boingo Wireless. "This year our global roaming network grew to more than 700,000 hotspot locations; we added more than 20 major new airports to our network; and we launched our award-winning Wi-Finder app for Windows 8 and released an enhanced version for our iOS users."
What about the competition?
SONIFI Solutions, previously known as Lodgenet Interactive Corp (NASDAQ: LNET), and AT&T (T 2.46%) are two of the rivals keeping a close eye on Boingo Wireless. SONIFI provides connectivity solutions to health care and hospitality customers, but is currently going through a significant transition. After rebranding itself as SONIFI Solutions last year, longtime executive Peter Klebanoff, a 16-year Lodgenet Interactive veteran, left the company . Also, SONIFI Solutions is reorganizing its business strategy, which could make it difficult to catch up to Boingo Wireless.
Meanwhile, AT&T has been a global provider of telecommunications solutions for years, but is still feeling the heat from T-Mobile. AT&T watched its revenue rise 1.8% to $33.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2013 , but its primary focus will likely be on T-Mobile in the foreseeable future. As these two companies battle it out to dominate the mobile device marketplace, Boingo Wireless could boost profits by providing outstanding Wi-Fi service at airports and other venues worldwide.
With an expanding global presence and a successful 2013 in its rearview mirror, Boingo Wireless will continue to make strides in the right direction. There's no reason to sell your shares now -- in fact, Boingo Wireless could be ready to take flight.
