Limelight Networks, Inc.: Down 47% from High; Time to Take a Look!

Limelight Networks, Inc. Playing the Future of Digital Delivery

As the demand for digital content delivery rises, so will the need for securing the content in an era where cybersecurity threats continue to rise. An intriguing small-cap provider of high-speed private global networks that’s looking to benefit from this is Limelight Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:LLNW).

The company offers a viable private option for digital content. LLNW clients include media, music, movie, gaming, software, social media, enterprise, technology, and government companies.

Limelight Networks, Inc. traded as high as $8.19 on July 2, staging an impressive rally from $3.51 on March 17.

But for those traders who missed the initial surge in LLNW stock, we saw another opportunity surface on October 23, when Limelight Networks sold off 28% to the $4.00 level.

Chart courtesy of StockCharts.com

Triggering the selling in LLNW was a $0.03 earning per share (EPS) shortfall in the third quarter. While disappointing, it’s not a surprise with companies of this scale, as Limelight Networks is still in its growth phase.

Limelight Networks did manage to increase revenues by around 15% year-over year, to a slightly better-than-expected $59.2 million. LLNW has beaten the consensus revenues in four straight quarters.

I’m not concerned about the miss for now, especially after the sell-off.

Why LLNW Stock Is Worth a Look

Revenues increased in four of the last five years, with a small 1.6% decline in 2016. Limelight Networks has increased revenues in three consecutive years to a record $200.6 million in 2019.

(Source: “Limelight Networks,” MarketWatch, last accessed October 23, 2020.)

There are encouraging signs looking forward. LLNW is estimated to ramp up revenues by 17.9% to $236.6 million this year, and 9.7% to $259.5 million in 2021. (Source: “Limelight Networks, Inc. (LLNW),” Yahoo! Finance, last accessed October 23, 2020.)

Limelight Networks is also generating positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), which is good for a small company. There is some concern, as EBITDA fell in 2018 and 2019.

(Source: MarketWatch, op. cit.)

As far as profitability goes, Limelight Networks is not at the stage where it is producing consistent profits on a generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and adjusted basis. Again, not a surprise given the stage of development.

(Source: MarketWatch, op. cit.)

A positive is that Limelight Networks is expected to report an adjusted $0.08 per diluted share this year and $0.13 per diluted share in 2021. (Source: Yahoo! Finance, op. cit.)

LLNW is still largely reporting negative free cash flow, but this is expected as the company spends on its growth.

(Source: MarketWatch, op. cit.)

Analyst Take

I view the sell-off in Limelight Networks stock as an aggressive opportunity to either enter an initial position or add to an existing position.

The fact that Limelight Networks is ramping up revenues while moving towards adjusted profitability is bullish for LLNW stock.