ARM(LSE: ARM) (NASDAQ: ARMH.US) has had a poor start to the year. After falling 14% year to date, the companys shares have underperformed the FTSE 100 by, well, 14% this year.
The weakness can be attributed to the companys poor sales performance during the first six months of the year. However, the second half should see sales recover and Arms shares are set to surge as a result.
Slowing down
Arms sales during the first quarter slowed, although they still grew at an impressive double digit rate. Indeed, total second quarter dollar revenues rose by 17% year over year, compared to 24% growth as reported during the second quarter of 2013.
Still, the technology company said processor shipments jumped 11% year on year as strong growth in enterprise networking and microcontrollers offset a slowdown in the smartphone market. Unfortunately, processor royalty revenue only ticked higher by 2% compared to the same period a year ago.
To some extent, this slowdown is to be expected. Arm cannot grow sales at 20% per annum forever,if they did the company would quickly take over the whole semiconductor market.
Nevertheless, despite the companys poor first half, the future is bright for Arm.
Multiple releases
The semiconductor industry now works in cycles. For example, most companies release their new products, smart phones and tablets, during the second half of the year in time for the key Christmas trading period.
The combination of both Christmas, and new release buying, sends sales skyrocketing and Arms sales are no different.
Indeed, the company is really set to benefit over the next few months asApples new iPhone and iPad set to be launched duringthis period. Both of these products usually see strong demand, both at release and over the months following the release.
So, Arms sales should recover during the second half and this should renew investor confidence. Based on the fact that Arms share have traded at an average P/E of 52 for the past two years, if the shares return to this valuation, they would be worth 1,200p each City forecasts are calling for earnings of 23p per share this year.
Get in early
Theres no denying that Arm has been one of the UKs greatest growth stories of the past decade. However, right now the companys shares are expensive and the groups valuation leaves little room for error.
Indeed,right now Arm is trading at a forward P/E of 41, if the company misses lofty growth targets this valuation could come rapidly back to earth.
But there are other opportunities out there.The key, when searching for growth stocks, is looking under the radar. You want to get on board while the company is still an unknown quantity.
Analysts here at the Motley Foolhave identified a sharethat we believe has the potential to nearly double profits within the next four years. So, if you’re a keen growth investor looking for ideas, download this exclusive report entitled“The Motley Fool’s Top Growth Stock For 2014”.
The report is completely free, but you’ve only got a limited time to claim your copy. To claim before it’s gone —click here today— it’s free.
Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended shares in ARM Holdings and owns shares in Apple. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
