investorscraft@gmail.com

Stock Analysis & ValuationConcurrent Technologies Plc (CNC.L)

Professional Stock Screener
Previous Close
£261.50
Sector Valuation Confidence Level
Low
Valuation methodValue, £Upside, %
Artificial intelligence (AI)110.00-58
Intrinsic value (DCF)78.15-70
Graham-Dodd Method0.56-100
Graham Formula1.89-99

Strategic Investment Analysis

Company Overview

Concurrent Technologies Plc (LSE: CNC) is a UK-based leader in the design, development, and manufacture of high-performance single board computers (SBCs) for mission-critical applications. Serving industries such as defense, telecommunications, aerospace, and industrial automation, the company provides robust CPU boards and complementary accessory products like switches, storage, and I/O boards. With a strong presence in the UK, US, Malaysia, and Europe, Concurrent Technologies leverages its expertise in embedded computing to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions for system integrators and OEMs. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Colchester, the company operates in the competitive computer hardware sector, focusing on ruggedized and long-lifecycle products that meet stringent industry standards. Its commitment to innovation and quality makes it a trusted partner in sectors where reliability and durability are paramount.

Investment Summary

Concurrent Technologies presents a niche investment opportunity in the specialized computer hardware market, particularly for investors seeking exposure to defense and industrial technology. With a market cap of ~£172.7M, the company demonstrates stable financials, including £40.3M in revenue and £4.7M net income (FY 2024). Its low beta (0.837) suggests relative stability compared to broader tech stocks, while a dividend yield (~1.2% based on a 2p/share payout) adds income appeal. However, reliance on defense spending and long sales cycles in aerospace/industrial markets pose cyclical risks. Strong operating cash flow (£7.9M) and a healthy cash position (£13.7M) provide financial flexibility, but investors should monitor competitive pressures from larger global players.

Competitive Analysis

Concurrent Technologies competes in the high-performance embedded computing market by focusing on ruggedized, long-lifecycle SBCs—a differentiator in defense and industrial sectors where reliability trumps cost sensitivity. Its competitive edge lies in deep domain expertise, UK/US defense certifications, and a reputation for low-latency, high-availability solutions. Unlike mass-market hardware vendors, CNC’s niche positioning allows premium pricing but limits scalability. The company’s R&D focus on Power Architecture and x86-based boards caters to legacy system upgrades, a strength in aerospace/defense where technology refresh cycles are slow. However, it faces pressure from larger rivals with broader product portfolios and global distribution. CNC’s small scale (~£40M revenue) restricts its ability to compete on price with commoditized SBC suppliers, but its specialization in harsh-environment applications provides defensible margins. Supply chain localization (UK manufacturing) is a strategic advantage for NATO-aligned defense contracts, though dependence on a few large customers (~30% revenue from top clients) creates concentration risk.

Major Competitors

  • Raytheon Technologies (RTX): Raytheon’s defense electronics division competes indirectly with CNC in military SBCs. Its scale and vertical integration (sensors, avionics) give it an edge in large contracts, but CNC’s agility and focus on modular solutions appeal to niche applications. Raytheon’s reliance on US defense budgets contrasts with CNC’s transatlantic footprint.
  • Analog Devices Inc. (ADI): ADI’s embedded processors and ruggedized components overlap with CNC’s industrial market. ADI’s semiconductor IP and analog expertise make it a leader in signal processing, but CNC’s board-level integration and turnkey solutions are preferred in legacy system upgrades. ADI’s R&D budget dwarfs CNC’s, limiting the latter’s ability to compete in cutting-edge designs.
  • Kornit Digital (KRNT): Kornit’s industrial printing solutions use embedded computing akin to CNC’s boards, but in different verticals. Kornit’s focus on textile printing limits direct competition, though both serve OEMs requiring high-reliability hardware. CNC’s defense focus provides more stable demand compared to Kornit’s cyclical industrial exposure.
  • Codemasters Group Holdings (CODA.L): While Codemasters operates in gaming (not hardware), its UK tech presence highlights CNC’s isolation in British embedded computing. No direct competition, but Codemasters’ acquisition by EA (2021) underscores consolidation trends CNC might face as larger firms seek niche capabilities.
  • Currys Plc (CUR.L): Currys’ consumer electronics retail has no overlap with CNC’s B2B model, but as a UK tech sector peer, its struggles (declining margins) reflect broader hardware market challenges. CNC’s specialized focus insulates it from Currys’ consumer demand volatility.
HomeMenuAccount