Netcomm (ASX NTC): a compelling stock that meets Monash Investors high return hurdle requirement

One such example of a mispriced opportunity that is currently in our portfolio is Netcomm (ASX: NTC).  Netcomm has established itself as the go to provider of fixed wireless routers for telco networks, having won the only two large scale tenders globally. In addition, its strategy of customising M2M solutions opens a plethora of opportunities as the internet of things grows. We first bought Netcomm at a price of 20c in February 2013, with an average entry price of 35c. The stock closed on 30 November 2015 at $3.05 and a market cap of about $400m.

Netcomm has been listed for over 30 years. Over the course of that time, it has changed its focus from manufacturing standardised consumer wireline modems to developing customised commercial grade wireless routers. The change in focus has proved transformational for its outlook.

Netcomm specialises in niche areas.  It’s most successful example is providing telcos with equipment that connects high speed broadband to users over the last  10% of a network, where they cannot be economically reached with copper or fibre.

Its big break came when it provided the NBN with a fixed wireless rural broadband solution. This was a world first.  It has recently been awarded the contract for the AT&T roll out which is only the second such contract in the world.

Importantly (and prudently), we have controlled the weight of Netcomm in the portfolio over time, so that it does not dominate our returns if it runs into problems as companies invariably do from time to time.

So how did NTC meet our investment criteria?

INSIGHTS:

1. Product Roll Out – As is often the case with such a significant change, the market was underestimating the likely volume growth and profit margin increases that would be achieved.
2. Customer Behaviour – As broadband networks get built out, Netcomm provides a solution that end users and their governments are requiring the Telcos to provide.
3. Lack of Analyst Coverage – because of Netcomm’s chequered history and relatively small size, it had no broker coverage at the time it changed its focus from standardised consumer products to customised commercial grade products. It still only has analysts from small broking firms following it closely.

GROWTH:

1. This phase of the Netcomm business has really only just begun. FY16 revenue is around $100m.  The AT&T deal likely provides additional revenue of $200m pa from FY18.
2. Across the developed markets of North America and Europe, there are many more telco clients who will be needing products like Netcomm’s for their networks.
3. Netcomm has first mover advantage as the only supplier with reference sites. Given the caution typically shown by telcos, it will likely remain the market leader as a result.

VALUE:

1. The wireless broadband supply agreements that it has with telcos are effectively evergreen.  They typically take 5 years to implement and by then the technology requires upgrading, so the process is repeated. Sustainable earning growths attracts a high valuation multiple
2. Brokers analysts are now generally valuing Netcomm at around $4 (30% upside) on the announced contracts alone.
3. On the other hand, we include a reasonable assumption for further contract wins and  continue to see  well over 60% upside to Netcomm’s share price.

EVENT:

There is no specific near term event expected. Nevertheless,  we expect to see a number of  progress signposts over time, in terms of contracts tendered/won, and a capital raise  will likely be required to support growth.

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