Marvelous Microcaps
Ceragon Networks (CRNT)
INTRO:
At Perritt Capital Management, we take focused positions in companies where we have a high conviction in their success; companies that are out of the mainstream of small cap investing. To highlight our process, we are pleased to present the newest installment in our ongoing series “Marvelous Microcaps – Big Ideas on Small Companies.” This series profiles companies that we believe have a niche in their existing markets or are launching a product that could disrupt their marketplace.
THE COMPANY:
Ceragon Networks (CRNT) is a leading solutions provider of end-to-end wireless connectivity. Their customers are service providers, utilities, public safety organizations, government agencies, energy companies, and more. Customers rely on CRNT’s wireless expertise and solutions for 5G and 4G broadband wireless connectivity. Their solutions include wireless networks for a city-wide surveillance network with video, bringing high-speed internet access to rural communities, and helping water and sewage providers minimize disruptions.
WHY WE OWN: THE PERRITT ADVANTAGE
Ceragon’s revenues are mainly in India and the U.S. They won a $150m order from a Tier 1 operator in India last year and has not even started to deliver on it. CRNT recently acquired Siklu, which gave them more exposure to the private networks segment thus increasing bookings and revenue growth opportunities. There is a growing need for high-bandwidth communication networks in education, utilities, and government sectors. CRNT aims for $80m+ in bookings from private networks this year – double that of 2023.
Wireless solutions have many benefits over the alternative of fiber. With wireless there is low deployment cost, rapid deployment, has application for 4G and 5G and is excellent for rural and suburban areas where fiber would be too expensive.
Their financial performance since 2020 has been good. Revenue has grown from $263m then to $347m in 2023. They have improved from an operating loss of $4m to operating profit of $29m. 2024 goals are to achieve non-GAAP (Generally Acceptable Accounting Practices) operating margin of at least 10%, expects revenue of $395m and will trade at 0.5x Enterprise Value/Sales.