Wireless network equipment provider Ceragon Networks
On a GAAP basis, the company reported net earnings of $4.4 million for the quarter and $13.1 million for the full year. Considering that Ceragon was still reporting losses last year, one would think that the new profit trend would be reason to celebrate -- yet investors spanked Ceragon shares for a 17% loss yesterday.
Ceragon's shares had jumped over the past few days after an upgrade from banking firm Collins Stewart, so the drop puts the stock at essentially the same level as last week. But it escapes me what drove such a negative reaction to the company's earnings. Granted, the company guided revenue to an essentially flat range of $44 million to $48 million for next quarter, and expects revenue growth of "only" 25% to 30% for 2008 at this point.
But Ceragon is piecing together a solid operations picture. Gross margins are holding at around 36% and operating margins have been increasing toward the goal of 10% the company would like to see in 2008. Ceragon has been very successful at winning business through OEMs such as Nokia
Future trends look very positive for Ceragon as well -- the company noted that it doesn't see any impact from larger economic issues at this point and expects demand to continue. Since Ceragon's products help carriers cut costs and meet surging bandwidth needs, its items are more of a need than a want. Wireless carriers such as Verizon
So even with dilution from a recent share offering, there's a lot to like about Ceragon's prospects. The dip in the stock makes the growth more attractive at a current GAAP earnings multiple of 24, particularly if the company can deliver on revenue and earnings growth targets.