What's Driving Semtech Corp's Surprising 98% Stock Rally?

Semtech Corp (SMTC, Financial), a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, has experienced a significant stock price surge of 97.56% over the past three months, bringing its current market capitalization to $2.7 billion. Despite a slight decline of 0.20% in the past week, the company's stock price stands at $41.8. According to GuruFocus, the current GF Value of Semtech is $38.09, suggesting that the stock is fairly valued. This is a notable shift from three months ago when the stock was considered a possible value trap with a GF Value of $70.34.

Overview of Semtech Corp

Semtech Corp specializes in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of a range of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors. These products are crucial for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, including connectivity modules, gateways, and routers. The company operates through four segments: Signal Integrity, Advanced Protection and Sensing, IoT System, and IoT Connected Services, with the majority of its revenue derived from the Advanced Protection and Sensing Products segment. Semtech's primary market is the Asia Pacific region, where it earns most of its revenue. 1795820180199337984.png

Assessing Semtech's Profitability

Semtech's Profitability Rank stands at 7/10. Despite a challenging operating margin of -15.69%, which is better than 20.06% of 987 companies in the same sector, the company has maintained profitability over 9 of the past 10 years, outperforming 71.3% of its peers. However, its Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA) are significantly negative at -290.04% and -51.51%, respectively. The Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is also negative at -8.29%, though it still ranks better than 20.8% of 1000 companies. 1795820199258255360.png

Growth Trajectory of Semtech

The Growth Rank of Semtech is 4/10. The company has shown a solid 3-year revenue growth rate per share of 14.60%, which is better than 67.89% of 925 companies. Its 5-year revenue growth rate per share stands at 9.90%, surpassing 61.47% of 815 companies. Looking ahead, the estimated EPS growth rate for the next 3 to 5 years is an impressive 20.00%, which is better than 65.38% of 104 companies. 1795820221446123520.png

Notable Shareholders

Among the notable investors in Semtech are Steven Cohen (Trades, Portfolio), holding 1,511,365 shares (2.34% share percentage), Ken Fisher (Trades, Portfolio) with 1,074,434 shares (1.66% share percentage), and HOTCHKIS & WILEY, holding 433,600 shares (0.67% share percentage). These significant investments reflect confidence in the company's future prospects.

Competitive Landscape

Semtech faces competition from several closely matched companies in the semiconductor industry. Silicon Motion Technology Corp (SIMO, Financial) with a market cap of $2.6 billion, SiTime Corp (SITM, Financial) valued at $2.89 billion, and Vishay Intertechnology Inc (VSH, Financial) with a market cap of $3.22 billion are its main competitors. These companies are also key players in the semiconductor space, providing similar products and services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Semtech Corp's recent stock performance has been impressive, with a significant rally over the past three months. Despite some challenges in profitability metrics, the company's solid growth in revenue and EPS projections for the coming years suggest potential for sustained performance. Additionally, its competitive position within the semiconductor industry remains strong, supported by substantial investments from notable shareholders. As the company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings in the IoT space, it remains a noteworthy stock for investors to consider.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.