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Should You Add Ceragon Stock to Your Portfolio Pre-Q4 Earnings?
CRNTCeragon Networks(CRNT) ZACKS·2025-02-07 21:01

Core Viewpoint - Ceragon Networks Ltd. (CRNT) is set to report its fourth-quarter 2024 results on February 11, with expectations of significant earnings growth and revenue increase compared to the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the upcoming quarter is 10 cents, reflecting a 150% increase from the same quarter last year [2]. - Total revenue is projected at 104million,indicatinga15104 million, indicating a 15% year-over-year growth [2]. - CRNT previously exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings by 77.8% in the last reported quarter [2]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Ceragon, with an Earnings ESP of -5.26% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3][4]. Market Demand and Growth Drivers - Strong demand for Ceragon's solutions, particularly in private networks in North America, is expected to support top-line performance [5]. - North America contributed 24.5 million to overall revenues in Q3 2024, highlighting the region's importance [5]. - Ceragon's strong presence in India, with revenues of 50.5millioninQ32024,isasignificantgrowthdriverasthemarketupgradesto4Gand5Ginfrastructure[6].StrategicAcquisitionsTheacquisitionofSikluisanticipatedtoenhancemarketshareintheEnterpriseSecuritydomaininNorthAmerica,contributingtorevenuegrowth[7].Ceragonsrevenueguidancefor2024,includingSikluscontribution,isprojectedbetween50.5 million in Q3 2024, is a significant growth driver as the market upgrades to 4G and 5G infrastructure [6]. Strategic Acquisitions - The acquisition of Siklu is anticipated to enhance market share in the Enterprise Security domain in North America, contributing to revenue growth [7]. - Ceragon's revenue guidance for 2024, including Siklu's contribution, is projected between 390 million and $400 million, representing a 12% to 15% year-over-year growth [8]. Profitability Outlook - Management expects non-GAAP operating margins to be at least 10% at the mid-point of the revenue guidance, indicating improved profitability [10]. Competitive Landscape - The company faces challenges from a slowdown in public network domains outside of India and intense competition from Chinese players in various regions [10][11]. - A slowdown in orders from Tier 1 customers in the CSP business was noted, which could impact revenue visibility [11]. Stock Performance - CRNT shares have increased by 83.6% over the past six months, outperforming the Wireless Non-U.S. industry and the Zacks S&P 500 composite [12]. - The stock is trading at a forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 14.13X, which is higher than the industry average of 8.61X, indicating a premium valuation [15]. Strategic Focus - Ceragon aims to capitalize on growth initiatives in mmW products, Private Networks, and Managed Services, enhancing its competitive edge [16]. - Recent acquisitions, including End 2 End Technologies, are expected to provide synergies and operational efficiencies, although they also introduce integration risks [17][18].