Picture supply: Getty Photos
Raspberry Pi (LSE:RPI) shares proved to be a candy addition to the London Inventory Trade in final week’s preliminary public providing (IPO).
Contemporary UK inventory market listings have slumped to a 10-year low, however this tech firm has attracted important investor curiosity. In its first day of buying and selling, the Raspberry Pi share value skyrocketed as a lot as 40%.
So, ought to traders contemplate grabbing a slice of this new inventory immediately?
Right here’s my take.
New child on the block
Regardless of the title, Raspberry Pi has nothing to do with edible treats.
The Cambridge-based enterprise began life because the industrial arm of a charity to advertise pc science schooling. It’s now best-known for designing and manufacturing miniature single-board computer systems with costs beginning at simply $35.
Since its inception, Raspberry Pi’s offered a powerful 60m models. At the moment, industrial prospects account for 72% of gross sales. The rest come from tech lovers and educators.
Business purposes for its computer systems embody sensible residence units, seismometers, synthesisers, cardiology system screens, and rather more.
Progress credentials
Unusually for a tech startup, Raspberry Pi’s already a worthwhile enterprise with zero debt. Final yr, pre-tax revenue rose 90% to achieve $38.2m.
It’s additionally backed by main gamers, together with the likes of Sony and ARM. These strategic partnerships are essential for the fledgling firm and add weight to the funding case.
As well as, the group already has a gorgeous diploma of geographic diversification. Europe’s the most important market, representing 38% of shipped models, adopted by North America (29%), and Asia (26%). The remainder of the world accounts for 7%.
So as to add a cherry on high, the potential market alternative is big and rising. At present, Raspberry Pi estimates its mixed goal market is price round $21bn.
All good to date, then.
Issues might flip bitter
Nonetheless, I’ve some issues about investing within the shares. Three main dangers spring to thoughts, though it’s removed from an exhaustive record.
First, the valuation. As I write, Raspberry Pi shares commerce at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio round 29. The corporate has a £720m market cap.
Whereas it’s common for tech shares to draw larger multiples, that places the agency in the identical ballpark as Alphabet, Apple, and Meta.
Whether or not a inventory market minnow with a lot to show deserves to commerce for the same P/E ratio as established US tech titans is a moot level. Briefly, it doesn’t appear to be a very low cost purchase to me.
Second, there are notable competitors dangers. Raspberry Pi doesn’t seem to have a large moat. Arguably, there’s little stopping different corporations from consuming into its market share with decrease costs or higher merchandise.
Third, whereas the enterprise has admirable non-profit roots, I’m involved that its loyal group of lovers could also be dismayed by the choice to go public. Balancing shareholder pursuits with an ethically-conscious fanbase gained’t be straightforward.
A uncommon probability to get wealthy?
General, I feel Raspberry Pi is a captivating firm and I hope it does effectively. That mentioned, I’ve too many doubts in regards to the challenges it faces to speculate immediately.
I feel there are higher alternatives to spend money on wealth-creating shares elsewhere, however courageous traders who disagree with me may be handsomely rewarded for taking over the dangers.
