May 3, 2023 - SQNS
There's a silent revolution brewing in the tech world, and it's not happening in the gleaming headquarters of Silicon Valley giants. It's unfolding in the heart of Paris, France, where a company called Sequans Communications is quietly positioning itself to become a major player in the burgeoning 5G Internet of Things (IoT) market. While much of the financial world is focused on the usual suspects in the semiconductor space, a deep dive into Sequans' recent financial data reveals a compelling story of potential growth that seems to have slipped under the radar.
Sequans isn't a household name, but their work is already impacting your life. Their cellular semiconductor solutions are the unseen force powering millions of connected devices, from smart meters and industrial sensors to connected cars and wearable health trackers. As the world races towards a 5G-powered future, Sequans is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the massive growth of the IoT market. The company's focus on providing solutions for both massive and broadband IoT applications gives them a wide playing field, allowing them to cater to a diverse range of industries and use cases.
While the company's current financial performance might not be screaming 'buy,' a closer look reveals intriguing possibilities. Despite a recent dip in quarterly revenue growth (-0.7% year-over-year), Sequans has maintained a healthy gross profit margin (TTM) of 42.88 million USD. More importantly, the company is heavily investing in research and development, pouring 33.33 million USD into this crucial area in 2023. This suggests a strategic focus on innovation and a commitment to staying ahead of the technological curve in the rapidly evolving 5G landscape.
Here's where things get really interesting. Sequans' recent financial data points to a potential inflection point on the horizon. Their Earnings per Share (EPS) estimate for the next year is a positive 0 USD, a stark contrast to the negative EPS figures of recent years. This projected shift to profitability aligns with their increasing emphasis on 5G solutions, which command higher margins and are expected to drive significant revenue growth in the coming years.
"The company's valuation metrics further support the hypothesis of an undervalued opportunity. Their Price/Sales (TTM) ratio sits at a modest 1.0439, significantly lower than many of their industry peers. This suggests that the market may not be fully appreciating Sequans' future growth potential, especially considering their strategic positioning in the 5G IoT market."
The institutional interest in Sequans is also worth noting. B. Riley Asset Management, LLC, Lynrock Lake LP, and Divisar Capital Management, LLC, all hold significant stakes in the company, indicating a level of confidence in their long-term prospects.
The following chart illustrates Sequans' projected revenue growth and shift to profitability based on available data. Please note that these projections are based on estimates and may not reflect actual future performance.
Sequans' path to becoming a 5G IoT leader is not without its challenges. Competition in the semiconductor industry is fierce, and larger players with deeper pockets could pose a threat. However, Sequans' early mover advantage in the 5G IoT space, their focus on niche markets, and their established relationships with key players in the ecosystem give them a fighting chance.
Sequans Communications, currently flying under the radar, is poised for a significant breakout as the 5G IoT market explodes. The company's projected return to profitability, coupled with its low valuation and strategic positioning, presents a compelling investment opportunity for those willing to bet on the next wave of technological innovation.
Projected shift to profitability in 2025: EPS estimate for next year is 0 USD.
Strong gross profit margin: 42.88 million USD (TTM).
Significant investment in R&D: 33.33 million USD in 2023.
Low valuation compared to industry peers: Price/Sales (TTM) ratio of 1.0439.
Strong institutional interest: Significant stakes held by B. Riley Asset Management, LLC, Lynrock Lake LP, and Divisar Capital Management, LLC.
"Fun Fact: Sequans played a pivotal role in the development of the world's first commercially available LTE Cat 1 chip, a key technology enabling low-power, wide-area (LPWA) IoT applications."
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.