Monday, March 28, 2011

Nokia (NYSE:NOK): Back to basics strategy creates a turnaround opportunity; up to Buy - Goldman

Goldman Sachs analyst Tim Boddy, the long-term Nokia (NYSE:NOK) bear is upgrading the name this morning to a Buy from Neutral with a $12.40 price target, representing 47% upside.

Nokia’s stock price is down 80% from 2007 highs as it failed to execute on its strategy of becoming an integrated competitor to Apple and Google. Given the strong network effects enjoyed by rival ecosystems, Goldman now believes the decision to focus on smartphone hardware design, assembly and distribution is appropriate and returns Nokia to its core competencies. Despite likely near-term volatility as it goes through a difficult 12-18-month transition period, they believe that cost reduction can be larger than investors anticipate, while the collapse in handset market share and margins implied by the valuation is excessive.

Nokia has large cost cutting potential, a pre-requisite for success
A study of successful Tech hardware ‘turnarounds’ by new CEOs in the last decade (e.g., Xerox in 2002-05, Ericsson in 2003-06, HP in 2005-08, Gemalto in 2006-09) suggests that dramatic cost reduction is a pre-requisite for a transformation of a company’s earnings power. A healthy or improving macro/demand environment is also important, but the key long-term issue is whether or not secular pressures absorb efficiency gains (e.g., Motorola and Nortel in 2003-04, Alcatel-Lucent and Nortel in 2007-08, or Ericsson in 2007).

In this context Goldman's benchmarking analysis vs. handset peers suggests that Nokia spends almost $3 bn more than leading competitors on R&D, which they believe creates a substantial cost-cutting opportunity. With Nokia now relying on Microsoft for software development and most ‘cloud’ services, even taking into account Nokia’s geographic reach and breadth of products they see scope for at least €1 bn in cost reduction over the next 12-18 months. Importantly, Nokia’s robust balance sheet means it can absorb nearterm losses in the process.

See a floor for L/T smartphone share, high single digit margins
With Microsoft an unproven partner, Goldman assumes that Nokia continues to lose smartphone market share at a dramatic pace, with smartphone volume/value share approximately halving from 37%/22% in 2010 to 17%/13% in 2013. Although execution risk is high, and Microsoft’s track record in mobile weak, the firm sees several reasons why investors should believe that Nokia’s smartphone share can eventually bottom (likely in mid-2012):

- Microsoft’s $22 bn annual free cash flow and $37 bn cash pile means it can afford to invest aggressively in a market critical to its future. As a result, Microsoft will likely be one of the leading providers of ‘cloud’ services to consumers (email, search, apps, games, storage, etc) longer-term, and the firm assumes it achieves c.20% share of the overall smartphone market.

- Nokia’s brand is stronger than Microsoft’s in emerging markets (60% of Nokia’s sales), mitigating the risks created by Microsoft’s mixed developed-market brand perception.

- Goldman believes that Nokia’s expertise in low-cost handset development and its scale will allow Microsoft to move Windows 7/8 rapidly to lower price tiers.

- Microsoft can help Nokia gain share in the Enterprise, historically a weak spot.

Despite the likely commoditised nature of the end market, they forecast high single digit long-term smartphone margins for Nokia, reflecting aggressive cost reduction, its success in extracting a share of services/software value from Microsoft in the form of c.$500 mn estimated annual marketing subsidies and its robust intellectual property rights position.

Basic mobile phones share to recover, double digit margins
Attention naturally focuses on smartphones, but in 2010 48% of Device revenues and around two thirds of profits were generated by Nokia’s ‘basic’ Mobile Phones division. Although this business will likely be progressively cannibalized by smartphones, recent ASP stabilization has gone largely un-noticed as Nokia enjoys a product cycle with lowend touch/Qwerty products. Goldman also sees scope for Nokia to materially recover lost market share as it enters the multi-SIM market (as much as 40% of end-demand in India). They see little change in the economics of this business for Nokia, and expect its scale dominance and increased investments in low-cost Internet services to sustain 10%+ EBIT margins.

Nokia’s CEO is highly incentivized to deliver change
If Nokia’s stock price is between €9 and €17 by end-2012, they estimate that the CEO will earn between €8 mn and €39 mn above his ‘baseline’ cumulative compensation of c.€10 mn for the 2010-12 period. They believe that increasing Nokia’s time to market is critical given a track-record of missing key market innovations. Potentially, this could require a more wholesale change of senior management than the February ‘reshuffle’ delivered

Valuation discounts a collapse in share, ‘automotive’ future
Goldman thinks the risk that cost savings are absorbed by falling revenues and gross margins has been discounted by the market. Assuming 0.4x EV/sales for NSN, and 3x EV/sales from NavteQ, they estimate that Nokia shares are currently pricing in a near halving of handset value market share to 10%, and only 3% EBIT margins. As a result Nokia is now nearing the trough valuation levels experienced historically by PC makers/Tech hardware peers, or by structurally challenged industries like Automobiles. Given their belief that Nokia can stabilize its long-term handset value share in the mid/high teens, and achieve high single digit overall handset EBIT margins, they apply a 0.7x EV/sales multiple for Devices to reach their new 12-month price target of €8.8 (ADR $12.40).

Worst case, Goldman sees downside to €4.5/share if Nokia or Microsoft fail to execute and the stock falls to a PC-industry historical trough of 0.3x sales. Best-case upside is €13/share if Nokia can retain 20% value share and earn 10%+ EBIT margins.

Notablecalls: With the stock down 80% from 2007 highs, the sharks are starting to circulate. I think it close to impossible to know how the whole mobile space will evolve in the coming years but as a rule of thumb you start buying former market leaders when they are down 80-90% from highs. You make the leap of faith.

Goldman has been a long-term bear & with them turning positive on Nokia, I think people will take notice. Also, Goldman is gaming the n-t expectations telling clients to expect below-consensus #'s. That takes some juice out of the n-t bear case.

All in all, I think NOK can be bought here for a trade (& possibly looked as an investment).

I'm expecting an outsized move in NOK today, possibly in the $8.75 range. This may feel as a stretch at first glance but when you think about it, it does make some sense.

17 comments:

Chris said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

You make the leap of faith.
dissertation sample literature review

Unknown said...

This service is deliberately designs for traders deals with low risky trades for higher rewards. Recommendations are given after deep study of global market, domestic market, fundamental and technical factors that can affect market directly or indirectly.
Ways2Capital-Equity Tips





Unknown said...

"We design and built fresh, dynamic websites for organisations of all sizes. Combining years of experience with the very latest
technologies we can ensure that our online business strategy is highly effective and tightly integrates with your day to day
processes."
PNPINFOTECH -Web Design And Development in indore








Unknown said...

Free commodity tips

Nice blog .... keep posting... too much ..information i gather from it ..

Unknown said...

mcx silver tips
Lovely presentation of your article .

Unknown said...

I am a private loan lender, Do you Need legitimate and quick loan service? Apply now and get your loan money urgently! and am also a bitcoin investment trader located here in USA.I can help you with the loan you are looking for and also if you are interested in bitcoin investment trade we can also trade for you with the below information.

I can make you earn $50,000 worth of bitcoin daily mining.

Are you interested in the loan or interested in bitcoin investment trade with a minimum amount of your choice And how much more all in 24 Hours.

For Urgent Response very much available send messages on Email: harryben5177@gmail.com .

BEST OFFER FOR BG/SBLC said...

We are project funder as well as financial lender. We have BG/SBLC specifically for BUY/LEASE at a leasing price of 4%+2% of face value Issuance by HSBC London and many other 25 top AA rated Bank in Europe, Middle East or USA. We also secure funding. Also We are into the provision of short term and long term business/personal loans for both small and large scale business funds.

* FOR LEASING OF BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
LEASING FEE = 4%+2%

* FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
PRICE = 32%+2%
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M

Kindly contact us for our procedures and be sure that we shall respond within 48hrs maximum.

Intermediaries/Consultants/Brokers are welcome to bring their clients and are 100% protected. In complete confidence, we will work together for the benefits of all parties involved.
Contact Name : Blaine Lorcan
Contact Email: blainelorcan@gmail.com
Skype:blainelorcan@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +1(501)420-4128

Unknown said...

GENUINE BANK GUARANTEE (BG) AND STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT (SBLC) FOR BUY OR LEASE AT THE BEST AVAILABLE RATES
We offer certified and verifiable financial bank instruments via Swift Transmission from a genuine provider capable
of taking up time bound transactions.
FOR LEASING OF BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
LEASING FEE = 4%+2%
FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
PRICE = 32%+2%
Our BG/SBLC Financing can help you get your project funded,
loan financing by providing you with yearly.
RWA ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days
I will be glad to share with you our working procedures.
Name : Thomas Wolfgang
Email : inquiry.fastfunding@gmail.com
Skype : inquiry.fastfunding@gmail.com

scott james said...

GENUINE BANK GUARANTEE (BG) AND STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT (SBLC) FOR BUY OR LEASE AT THE BEST AVAILABLE RATES
We offer certified and verifiable financial bank instruments via Swift Transmission from a genuine provider capable
of taking up time bound transactions.
FOR LEASING OF BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
LEASING FEE = 4%+2%
FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
PRICE = 32%+2%
Our BG/SBLC Financing can help you get your project funded,
loan financing by providing you with yearly.
RWA ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days
I will be glad to share with you our working procedures.
Name : scott james
Email : inquiry.securedfunding@gmail.com
Skype : inquiry.securedfunding@gmail.com

Unknown said...

GENUINE BANK GUARANTEE (BG) AND STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT (SBLC) FOR BUY OR LEASE AT THE BEST AVAILABLE RATES
We offer certified and verifiable financial bank instruments via Swift Transmission from a genuine provider capable
of taking up time bound transactions.
FOR LEASING OF BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
LEASING FEE = 4%+2%
FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
PRICE = 32%+2%
Our BG/SBLC Financing can help you get your project funded,
loan financing by providing you with yearly.
RWA ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days
I will be glad to share with you our working procedures.
Name : Thomas Wolfgang
Email : inquiry.fastfunding@gmail.com
Skype : inquiry.fastfunding@gmail.com

bitcoinprivatekey said...

Bitcoin Private Key Finder Bitcoin Key Finder is the # 1 app for finding BTC Bitcoin private keys with a balance. It gives you the exact BTC Bitcoin private key in a minute all transaction and shows you the current balance. BTC Bitcoin Key Finder saves all the results and gives you an easy export option to save to your hard drive. Did you know that there are literally thousands of bitcoin addresses with a balance and no transactions in years. Get your Bitcoin Key Finder now to be the first to find one of these gems. http://allcryptosoftware.net/programs/ whatsapp: +971529644548

Unknown said...

GENUINE BANK GUARANTEE (BG) AND STANDBY LETTER OF CREDIT (SBLC) FOR BUY OR LEASE AT THE BEST AVAILABLE RATES
We offer certified and verifiable financial bank instruments via Swift Transmission from a genuine provider capable
of taking up time bound transactions.
FOR LEASING OF BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
LEASING FEE = 4%+2%
FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
PRICE = 32%+2%
Our BG/SBLC Financing can help you get your project funded,
loan financing by providing you with yearly.
RWA ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days
I will be glad to share with you our working procedures.
Name : Thomas Wolfgang
Email : inquiry.fastfunding@gmail.com
Skype : inquiry.fastfunding@gmail.com

Bank Instrument said...

Hello
We are a trade finance company that uses our own credit lines to facilitate the issuance of financial guarantees like BG, SBLC, DLC and more. If our services will be of help to you, let us know so we can guide you with our process.
Mobile | WhatsApp: +19893413179
Email:mohammedahsan877@gmail.com

Christopher Liam said...

We offer certified and verifiable financial bank instruments via Swift Transmission from a genuine provider capable
of taking up time bound transactions.
FOR LEASING OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
LEASING PRICE = 4%+2%
FOR PURCHASE OF FRESH CUT BG/SBLC
MINIMUM FACE VALUE OF BG/SBLC = EUR/USD 1M
PURCHASE PRICE = 32%+2%
Our BG/SBLC Financing can help you get your project funded,
loan financing by providing you with yearly.
RWA ready to close leasing with any interested client in few banking days
I will be glad to share with you our working procedures.
Name : Christopher Liam
Email : trustedfinancemandate@gmail.com
Skype : trustedfinancemandate@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +13475948294

Unknown said...

Cryptocurrency Scam/Fraud Tracing & Recovery
I never thought I will get scammed of all my assets on this exchange which I was warned by friends not to invest online or apply for exchange from unknown online investors, they stole all my life saving ranging to a total sum of $68k [sixty eight thousand dollars] worth of bitcoin, i started regretting my life untill i came acrose some article online about jamesmckaywizard a genuine hacker who is into any kind of hacking and helping people recover their lost funds via online scam, I still didn't believe bitcoin can ever be recovered, but had to once again trust my guts and instinct. To my greatest surprise Mr. James was able to carry out the job neatly without any traces or complications all thanks to him and his team for offering me a top notch services. To that one person or persons out there who really need a true and efficient hacker l would advice you to contact: Email: jamesmckaywizard@gmail.com / What's App:+91 98632 93475

Monty Kay said...

Contact a Professional Hacker Recovery Masters

I Saw A Post Online Talking About RecoveryMasters Who Helped A Lady Get Proofs From Her Cheating Partners Phone, Without Any Physical Touch Which Means It Was Done Remotely, I Then Tried It Out And To My Surprise they Blew Me Off With The Very Type Of Results I Needed I Was Able To See My Spouse's WhatsApp Messages Snapchat Messages Facebooks Messages And See His Call Logs And Also Listen To His Incoming Calls As Well You Should Give them A Try Also Contact them through email “ Recoverymasters@email.cz ” reach them For Any Type Of Hacking job Funds recovering , Bitcoin recovering , recover what a ripper took from you contact them WhatsApp +1(551) 202-23-35 )