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Quarterhill (TSE:QTRH)
TSX:QTRH

Quarterhill (QTRH) AI Stock Analysis

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Quarterhill

(TSX:QTRH)

47Neutral
Quarterhill's overall stock score is weighed down by significant financial and technical challenges, including declining revenues and bearish technical indicators. However, positive factors such as strategic initiatives, revenue growth guidance, and innovative corporate events provide a foundation for potential long-term improvement.

Quarterhill (QTRH) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Quarterhill Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionQuarterhill Inc. is a diversified investment holding company focused on acquiring technology companies in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and Intellectual Property (IP) sectors. The company aims to create long-term value by investing in businesses that leverage technology to improve operational efficiencies. Its business operations span traffic management solutions, wireless communication technologies, and patent licensing.
How the Company Makes MoneyQuarterhill generates revenue primarily through two key segments: the ITS segment and the IP segment. In the ITS segment, the company provides technology solutions for traffic management, which includes hardware and software systems that help municipalities and governments manage traffic flow and safety. This segment earns revenue through product sales, service contracts, and maintenance agreements. In the IP segment, Quarterhill monetizes its intellectual property portfolio by licensing patents and technology to other companies, often through litigation-driven strategies or strategic partnerships. The company’s earnings are bolstered by its ability to acquire and integrate complementary businesses that enhance its existing operations.

Quarterhill Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Quarterhill faces significant financial challenges with declining revenues, negative profitability margins, and cash flow issues. The balance sheet remains relatively stable, but high leverage and negative returns on equity pose potential risks. The company needs to address operational inefficiencies and improve its cash flow generation to enhance financial stability and performance.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Quarterhill has experienced declining revenues over recent periods, with a negative revenue growth rate of approximately -11% from 2023 to the TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) period. The company also struggles with negative net profit margins and EBIT margins, indicating operational inefficiencies. The gross profit margin has seen a significant decrease compared to previous years, which may reflect increased cost pressures or reduced pricing power.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company's balance sheet shows a relatively stable equity ratio of around 56% in the TTM period, indicating a solid capital structure. However, the debt-to-equity ratio is relatively high at 0.48, which could pose financial risks if cash flows do not improve. The return on equity is negative due to net losses, highlighting profitability challenges.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Quarterhill's cash flow situation raises concerns, with negative free cash flow and operating cash flow in the TTM period. The free cash flow growth rate is negative, indicating deteriorating cash generation capability. Additionally, the ratios of operating and free cash flow to net income are unfavorable due to consistent net losses.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020Dec 2019
Income StatementTotal Revenue
172.67M194.32M305.69M125.69M144.53M191.66M
Gross Profit
12.37M40.60M117.54M37.44M58.86M95.21M
EBIT
-9.04M-24.11M42.05M-19.48M9.93M19.68M
EBITDA
-8.79M-8.92M-15.67M3.90M30.53M46.96M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-19.72M-49.99M2.77M-22.18M4.43M13.75M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
68.85M56.62M67.91M72.60M141.25M89.62M
Total Assets
329.02M332.08M411.94M427.19M303.81M325.41M
Total Debt
7.45M86.54M89.94M115.90M3.76M8.92M
Net Debt
-59.85M29.92M23.58M45.15M-131.94M-79.15M
Total Liabilities
55.91M142.02M154.28M186.08M31.88M48.42M
Stockholders Equity
273.11M190.06M257.66M241.12M271.93M276.99M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-16.30M-34.27M30.92M-19.92M32.63M6.53M
Operating Cash Flow
-11.98M-27.56M39.61M-13.34M35.22M9.86M
Investing Cash Flow
598.00K27.77M-10.30M-158.09M41.44M91.44K
Financing Cash Flow
-3.52M-9.05M-42.89M108.26M-19.48M

Quarterhill Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price1.31
Price Trends
50DMA
1.51
Negative
100DMA
1.57
Negative
200DMA
1.62
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.05
Positive
RSI
31.17
Neutral
STOCH
14.34
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:QTRH, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 1.31 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1.40, below the 50-day MA of 1.51, and below the 200-day MA of 1.62, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.05 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 31.17 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 14.34 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for TSE:QTRH.

Quarterhill Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (58)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSDSG
77
Outperform
$11.88B61.3610.92%16.07%25.71%
72
Outperform
$1.32B15.5514.76%4.33%8.11%15.83%
TSCSU
71
Outperform
C$97.59B97.4530.90%0.12%21.56%31.90%
68
Neutral
$9.23B10.3516.00%4.15%-3.59%432.46%
TSKXS
68
Neutral
C$4.88B157.81-0.10%14.85%-105.25%
58
Neutral
$9.99B10.12-6.46%3.10%7.47%-11.60%
47
Neutral
$154.00M-8.01%5.05%70.18%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:QTRH
Quarterhill
1.31
-0.46
-25.99%
TSE:ENGH
Enghouse Systems
24.51
-5.20
-17.51%
TSE:DSG
The Descartes Systems Group
138.81
10.30
8.01%
TSE:OTEX
Open Text
35.20
-12.35
-25.97%
TSE:KXS
Kinaxis Inc
174.50
21.99
14.42%
TSE:CSU
Constellation Software
4,644.13
918.11
24.64%

Quarterhill Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Mar 17, 2025 | % Change Since: -12.67% | Next Earnings Date: May 8, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call indicates a positive outlook for Quarterhill, with significant revenue growth, improved cash flow, and strategic initiatives showing progress. However, challenges with legacy tolling contracts and a decrease in gross margin slightly dampen the overall outlook. The sentiment remains positive due to the strong highlights outweighing the lowlights.
Highlights
Revenue Growth
For the full year, revenue grew by 6.5% and the company generated positive adjusted EBITDA of $0.2 million, including $1.2 million in Q4.
Positive Cash Flow
Achieved $6.5 million of positive cash from operations in Q4, with cash on the balance sheet growing to $31.9 million at the end of the year, up from $23.1 million at the end of Q3.
Contracted Revenue Backlog
The contracted revenue backlog stood at $495 million at the year's end, providing good visibility into future revenue.
Strategic Initiatives and Acquisitions
Focus on growing core business units, expansion in Europe, and the acquisition of Red Fox, enhancing capabilities in the tolling space.
International Expansion
Secured new contracts in multiple US states and internationally in Thailand and South Korea, with a growing adoption of AI vehicle classification systems.
Lowlights
Legacy Tolling Contracts Impacting Margins
Adjusted EBITDA margins were impacted due to three legacy tolling contracts, with one resolved in 2024 and ongoing discussions on the other two.
Gross Margin Decrease
Gross margin percentage for the full year decreased to 18% from 21% in 2023, primarily due to reserves taken for certain tolling projects.
Company Guidance
In the Quarterhill Q4 and Fiscal 2024 Financial Results Conference Call, CEO Chuck Myers and Interim CFO Morgan Demkey provided guidance for the company's future. They highlighted a 6.5% revenue growth for the year and a positive adjusted EBITDA of $0.2 million, with $1.2 million generated in Q4. The company achieved $6.5 million in positive cash from operations in Q4, marking significant progress in reversing historical cash flow challenges. The cash balance increased to $31.9 million from $23.1 million in Q3, and the contracted revenue backlog stood at $495 million. The company plans to drive organic growth and expand adjusted EBITDA margins in 2025, despite Q1 being a seasonally slower quarter. The focus will continue on improving cash flow, resolving legacy contract issues, and exploring M&A opportunities.

Quarterhill Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Quarterhill Announces Virtual Shareholders Meeting and Board Nominees
Positive
Apr 11, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. announced its upcoming virtual Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders scheduled for May 12, 2025. The meeting will feature the election of six nominees to the Board of Directors, including two new nominees, Asha Daniere and Stephen A. Smith, who bring extensive governance, legal, and financial expertise. This strategic move aims to enhance the Board’s diversity and expertise, supporting Quarterhill’s growth opportunities and long-term shareholder value.

Spark’s Take on TSE:QTRH Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, TSE:QTRH is a Neutral.

Quarterhill’s overall stock score reflects significant financial and technical challenges, mitigated by positive strategic developments and a promising earnings outlook. The company’s financial health poses risks, but strategic initiatives and recent corporate events provide a foundation for potential long-term improvement.

To see Spark’s full report on TSE:QTRH stock, click here.

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Quarterhill to Showcase Innovations at 2025 IBTTA Technology Summit
Positive
Mar 20, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. is set to exhibit at the 2025 IBTTA Technology Summit in Dallas, Texas, where it will showcase its advanced tolling technologies, including video-based vehicle classification systems and the Quantum LiDAR-based AVDC system. As a platinum sponsor with its U.S. headquarters in Dallas, Quarterhill will have a significant presence at the summit, highlighting its commitment to leveraging modern technologies to refine tolling operations and improve efficiency. The company’s participation underscores its strategic positioning in the industry, aiming to influence the future of tolling technology through innovative solutions and cross-industry insights.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Quarterhill Reports Fiscal 2024 Results and Strategic Progress
Positive
Mar 17, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. reported its financial results for Q4 and fiscal year 2024, showing a slight decrease in quarterly revenue but an overall increase for the year, attributed to strong performance in enforcement and tolling operations. The company made significant progress in its turnaround strategy, enhancing its financial foundation, operational efficiency, and technology, positioning itself for future growth and expansion.

Financial Disclosures
Quarterhill to Release Fiscal 2024 Financial Results
Neutral
Mar 10, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. is set to announce its fiscal 2024 financial results for the periods ending December 31, 2024, on March 17, 2025. The announcement, which will be accompanied by a conference call and webcast hosted by CEO Chuck Myers and Interim CFO Morgan Demkey, is crucial for stakeholders as it will provide insights into the company’s financial health and strategic positioning within the ITS industry.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Quarterhill Strengthens Board with Appointment of Robin Saunders
Positive
Feb 19, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. has appointed Robin Saunders to its Board of Directors, highlighting her extensive expertise in mergers and acquisitions, finance, and infrastructure investment. Saunders’ appointment is expected to align with Quarterhill’s growth strategy, bolstering its global position in the ITS industry and potentially driving long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.