OVTI: Zooming in on Omnivision
My latest RealMoney column is up, on Omnivision (OVTI). You can get the full story at their site, but in summary:
OmniVision derives 70%-80% of sales are derived from the camera cell phone market. Recent trends in the handset market suggest there could be some bumps in the road ahead. Handsets have been selling like hotcakes, but recent cooling signs have emerged.
In a tougher handset market, I’d also expect a tougher pricing environment for OmniVision and its peers. Competitors in the market for CMOS image sensors include MagnaChip, Micron (MU - Annual Report) , Samsung, Sony (SNE - Annual Report) , ST Microelectronics (STM) and Toshiba. The company also faces competition from the makers of CCD chips, which have typically represented the higher-end products.
Still, I like the recent trend in OmniVision and the potential for expanded interest among value investors in coming months. With appropriate protection (such as tight trading stops), it might be worth taking a risk in the name.
Alternatively, the April $17.50 puts are $0.80 as I write this. Writing the puts would offer either a 4.5% five-week yield on the money risked, or a more attractive entry point of $16.70 should the options be exercised.
Disclosure: At time of publication, William Trent has no financial position in the companies mentioned.
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