25 May 2012

IQE standing firm

18/01/2012 Ben Jaglom

Semiconductor wafer manufacturer IQE (IQE) has reported an encouraging trading update amidst increased usage of its technology in devices such as smartphones.

The AIM 100 constituent declared that revenues for the year to December are expected 'to exceed £75 million', an increase on the £73 million reported the previous year. EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation) is expected to stand at £13.7 million. Net debt of 'less than £4 million' is anticipated.

The company enthused that sales growth was driven by the 'double-digit' improvement in its wireless and optoelectronics divisions, noting that growth in wireless sales was reflected by the increasing popularity of devices using its Gallium Arsenide wafers in smartphones and tablet computers.

There was a reminder that second half sales were adversely affected by 'inventory corrections in the supply chain' relating to what it described as 'market share swings' amongst some of its key customers, as highlighted in a profit warning in October. It added these have now 'unwound as expected' and should be resolved by the first quarter of 2012.

Looking ahead the group enthused on the progress made with its BiHEMT product, remarking that it is in the 'final stages of qualification' with two of the 'leading wireless chip manufacturers'.

Analysts at Peel Hunt are forecasting pre-tax profits of £7.23 million (EPS: 1.36p) for the year to December 2011. In 2012 profits of £8.78 million (EPS: 1.54p) are expected.

Last recommended by Growth Company Investor in January of 2010 with an 'add' rating at 19p, shares in IQE surged to a high of 59p in early 2011 before sinking to their current value of 25p after a dismal 2011. At the current price the shares, which do not offer a dividend look fairly valued. Hold.

Tags: AIM 100, Semiconductors, Technology Hardware & Equipment, Wafers

Sector: Technology Hardware & Equipment

Companies: IQE

Achieve impressive returns

Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena

Click here

Achieve impressive returns on the go

Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena. Sign up NOW!

Institutional Investors in AIM 2011 - New Report

This unique study analyses the shareholdings of companies listed on AIM, extracting trends including rankings of the value and number of their investments.
Please click here to order your copy of the report or call 0207 250 7056.

Coverage of AIM, techMARK and PLUS Markets

Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.

If you're interested in business tax updates visit our specialist tax guide website.

Latest small-cap and growth company news

Daily coverage of small-cap company stocks on London's junior markets AIM and PLUS, breaking news, stock research and latest share price information for investors. Full sector coverage with all the latest news on smaller listed companies, updated several times a day with financial reports, trading statements and links to further web resources.

Popular News

Latest News

Gulf starts at Sheikh Adi-2 25/05/2012

Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.

Tags: Doing business in Iraq, Drilling on AIM, Oil on AIM

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Gulf Keystone Petroleum

Shell considers Cove 24/05/2012

Oil giant Shell is extending its offer period for Mozambique-focused Cove Energy (COV) after having its bid trumped by Thai government-owned PTT Exploration & Production.

Tags: Bid trumped, Doing business in Mozambique, Oil giants on AIM, Takeovers and bids

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Royal Dutch Shell 'A' , Cove Energy

Roxi reaches 1,360 metres 23/05/2012

Kazakhstan-focused Roxi Petroleum (RXP) has declared that its NK7 well in the Galaz aea has drilled to a depth of 1,360 metres.

Tags: AIM ventures, Doing business in Kazakhstan, Oil on AIM

Cluff Natural Resources joins AIM 22/05/2012

Steered by sector veteran Algy Cluff, North-Sea focused cash shell Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has joined AIM.

Tags: Entrepreneurs on AIM, Gold mining, Oil and gas on AIM

Red Emperor exercises Shabeel 21/05/2012

Somalia-focused oil explorer Red Emperor Resources (RMP) has exercised its option to take part in the drilling of the Shabeel North well.

Tags: Business in the Puntland, Doing business in Somalia, Drilling for oil & gas, Oil on AIM

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Red Emperor Resources

Heritage happy in Iraq 18/05/2012

Oil concern Heritage Oil (HOIL) has reported its Miran West-3 well in Iraq could deliver 1,000 barrels per day of condensate.

Tags: Doing business in Iraq, Oil on the full list, Oil production, Target depth

Sector: Oil & Gas Producers

Companies: Heritage Oil

More News

Sectors