Novatel Wireless helps to keep you in touch ... from anywhere

Posted Feb 8th 2007 3:08PM by Larry Schutts
Filed under: Major Movement

"Anytime, anywhere communications" is fast becoming a hallmark of civilization. A San Diego, California, company is among the leaders in designing the wireless devices that enable worldwide mobile communications.

Novatel Wireless, Inc. (NASDAQ:NVTL) designs and develops the wireless modems that let users access the internet from anywhere. It delivers a broad range of high-quality, 3G wireless PC cards, ExpressCards, embedded modules, fixed mobile convergence modems and communications software to wireless network operators, distributors and original equipment manufacturers worldwide. The firm holds 30 technology patents and has established partnerships with leading telecom operators, infrastructure providers and device manufacturers.

The company surprised the Street earlier in the week, when it issued upside guidance for fourth quarter results. Management now sees Q4 EPS of 13-14 cents (6-7 cents prior) and Q4 revenues of $76 million ($61-$63 prior). The new numbers top Street consensus estimates of seven cents and $62.46 million. The firm also said it expects FY07 EPS of 55-65 cents (41 cent consensus) and sales of $330-$350 million ($257.73M consensus). Officials remarked that Q4 growth was driven by increased demand across its entire range of offerings. The company ended the quarter with record backlog levels. Shares jumped on the news and are now consolidating the gain in a bullish "flag" pattern. Equities frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling when they entered them. In this case, that would be to the upside.

Brokers recommend the issue with four "strong buys," four "buys" and eight "holds." Analysts see a 21% average annual growth rate, through the next five years. The NVTL Price to Sales ratio (1.90), Price to Book ratio (2.77), Sales Growth rate (30.89%) and Revenue per Employee ($1.12M) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages.

Institutional investors hold about 95% of the outstanding shares. The stock is one of those used to calculate the S&P 600 Small Cap Index. Over the past 52 weeks, it has traded between $8.06 and $12.80. A stop-loss of $10.50 looks good here. Note that the company expects to present fourth quarter results on February 27th, after the closing bell.

Larry Schutts is a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com and the Vice-President of Stockwinners.com.

Tags: flag, fundamental analysis, FundamentalAnalysis, momentum, Novatel Wireless, NovatelWireless, NVTL, technical analysis, TechnicalAnalysis