RE: Drones and defence spending plan10 Jul 2026 20:15
Liontrust confident in CML recovery
CML Microsystems is rising on growing confidence in its recovery, says Liontrust manager Anthony Cross.
The designer and manufacturer of radio frequency semiconductors used in the global communications sector is the tenth largest holding in the Liontrust UK Micro Cap fund, where it makes up 3% of the £52m portfolio.
CML enjoyed a 44% share price gain in May with the rise appearing ‘to have reflected growing confidence in a recovery after its April trading update pointed to improving momentum’.
‘The company reported that second-half revenue grew by around 18% versus the first half, with full-year revenue expected to exceed £20m, supported by improved order intake,’ said Cross.
Although UK equities, particularly on the lower cap end of the spectrum, continue to struggle Cross said it is a ‘compelling juncture for the portfolio’.
‘Our quality metrics are as high as they have ever been, while valuations are at all-time lows,’ he said.
‘Valuations remain a key part of the opportunity. The fund’s price/earnings ratio is at its lowest level since launch, while free cash flow yield and dividend yield are at their highest monthly data points since launch. We believe this does not reflect the underlying growth and quality of the portfolio.’