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Quarterhill Inc. (TSE:QTRH)
:QTRH

Quarterhill (QTRH) AI Stock Analysis

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Quarterhill

(OTC:QTRH)

Rating:50Neutral
Price Target:
C$1.50
▲(11.11%Upside)
Quarterhill's overall score reflects significant financial challenges with declining revenues and profitability, offset by positive strategic initiatives and corporate events indicating potential for future growth. Technical indicators and valuation metrics highlight current market hesitance.

Quarterhill (QTRH) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

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 Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 15, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -15.09%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 07, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted several strategic initiatives and new contracts positioning the company for future growth, particularly in the Safety and Enforcement Unit and new tolling contracts. However, the quarter was significantly impacted by negative adjusted EBITDA due to two unprofitable contracts. Despite a decrease in revenue and gross margin, the company is optimistic about resolving these challenges and leveraging a growing project pipeline.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Safety and Enforcement Unit Growth
The Safety and Enforcement Unit delivered solid top-line growth with strong margins. New contracts were signed in several states, and product innovation like the iTHEIA AI system generated significant interest.
Significant New Tolling Contract
Quarterhill announced a new tolling contract with ACTC valued at $40 million, with options to extend for an additional four years at $15 million.
Dividend from Wi-LAN
Quarterhill received a $3.2 million dividend from its 10% ownership stake in Wi-LAN, contributing positively to its cash position.
Strategic Board and Leadership Changes
New leadership added to both the management and board levels, including Asha Daniere and Stephen Smith, to enhance growth opportunities.
Growing Pipeline and Opportunities
Quarterhill's pipeline for new projects is around $2 billion, with $278 million weighted high probability in tolling and $250 million in enforcement.
Strong Performance in IOD
The IOD business grew approximately 28% year-over-year in Q1, contributing to overall business strength.
Negative Updates
Negative Adjusted EBITDA
Q1 adjusted EBITDA was negative $3.4 million, impacted by two unprofitable tolling contracts currently under renegotiation.
Decrease in Revenue
Q1 2025 revenue was $33.9 million, down $1 million from Q1 2024, mainly due to revenue timing from ongoing projects.
Decline in Gross Margin
Gross margin percentage decreased to 12% from 20% year-over-year due to poor margin on two tolling projects.
Increased Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses increased from $10.5 million to $11.2 million year-over-year due to investments in leadership and resources.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Decline
Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $26.1 million from $31.9 million at the end of 2024.
Company Guidance
In the Q1 2025 financial results call, Quarterhill provided guidance on several key metrics, reflecting both challenges and progress. Revenue for the quarter was reported at $33.9 million, with an adjusted EBITDA of negative $3.4 million, primarily impacted by two legacy tolling contracts under renegotiation, which together represented $3.6 million in revenue but negatively affected adjusted EBITDA by $3.2 million. Excluding these contracts, the company would have been close to adjusted EBITDA breakeven. The contracted revenue backlog stood robustly at $476 million. The Safety and Enforcement Unit showed solid top-line growth and strong margins, while the tolling unit secured a significant $40 million contract with ACTC. The company also highlighted a $3.2 million dividend received from a 10% ownership stake in Wi-LAN, boosting its cash position. Looking forward, Quarterhill aims to drive revenue growth and margin improvement by focusing on completing contract renegotiations, executing on its sales pipeline, and advancing its technology initiatives, including a shift toward a more software-focused business model.

Quarterhill Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Quarterhill faces significant financial challenges with declining revenues and profitability across its income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow. The company struggles with negative cash flows and profitability trends, posing risks to financial stability despite manageable leverage.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Quarterhill experienced a challenging period with declining revenues and profitability. The Gross Profit Margin decreased significantly, and the Net Profit Margin turned negative, reflecting increased costs or decreased pricing power. The revenue decline from the previous year indicates potential market share loss or decreased demand for products. Negative EBIT and EBITDA margins highlight struggles in operational efficiency and cost management. Overall, the income statement shows a concerning trend of declining financial health.
Balance Sheet
55
Neutral
The balance sheet reveals a moderately leveraged position with a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.47, indicating manageable debt levels relative to equity. However, the Return on Equity (ROE) has turned negative due to net losses, impacting shareholder value. The Equity Ratio remains healthy at 57%, showing a solid equity base. Despite these strengths, the declining net income and equity raise concerns about future financial stability.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
The cash flow analysis shows significant weaknesses, with negative Operating Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow, indicating issues in generating cash from operations. The Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is unfavorable, and the Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is negative, reflecting cash flow strains. The Free Cash Flow Growth Rate is also negative, highlighting declining cash generation capability. This weak cash flow position raises concerns about liquidity and the ability to fund operations and investments.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue153.31M194.32M305.69M125.69M144.53M
Gross Profit27.78M40.60M117.54M37.44M58.86M
EBITDA11.20M-8.92M-15.67M3.90M30.53M
Net Income-11.02M-49.99M2.77M-22.18M4.43M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets230.11M332.08M411.94M427.19M303.81M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments31.89M56.62M67.91M72.60M141.25M
Total Debt61.07M86.54M89.94M115.90M3.76M
Total Liabilities98.98M142.02M154.28M186.08M31.88M
Stockholders Equity131.12M190.06M257.66M241.12M271.93M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-9.86M-23.38M30.92M-19.92M32.63M
Operating Cash Flow-4.42M-27.56M39.61M-13.34M35.22M
Investing Cash Flow-1.99M27.77M-10.30M-158.09M41.44M
Financing Cash Flow-4.54M-9.05M-42.89M108.26M-19.48M

Quarterhill Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price1.35
Price Trends
50DMA
1.42
Negative
100DMA
1.48
Negative
200DMA
1.56
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.02
Positive
RSI
39.49
Neutral
STOCH
14.81
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 1.35 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1.39, below the 50-day MA of 1.42, and below the 200-day MA of 1.56, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.02 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 39.49 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 14.81 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 (49)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
TSET
79
Outperform
C$925.25M15.5122.71%8.97%-4.64%-19.57%
TSBEW
77
Outperform
C$68.14M110.457.04%41.67%-23.86%
TSVCM
60
Neutral
C$225.15M61.141.61%3.25%9.13%-77.24%
60
Neutral
$507.18M8.35-12.49%-20.40%-161.60%
50
Neutral
C$156.93M-11.53%4.23%47.22%
49
Neutral
C$2.89B2.48-80.91%2.94%6.72%-18.96%
TSBYL
41
Neutral
C$34.10M275.12%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:QTRH
Quarterhill
1.35
-0.44
-24.58%
TSE:ET
Evertz Technologies
12.01
0.55
4.80%
TSE:BEW
BeWhere Holdings
0.76
0.36
90.00%
TSE:BYL
Baylin Tech
0.22
-0.03
-12.00%
TSE:VCM
Vecima Networks
9.26
-10.66
-53.51%
TSE:TSAT
Telesat Corp
31.99
21.33
200.09%

Quarterhill Corporate Events

Private Placements and FinancingBusiness Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Quarterhill Files Preliminary Base Shelf Prospectus to Raise Up to C$200 Million
Neutral
Jun 17, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. has filed a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus in Canada, excluding Quebec, to potentially raise up to C$200 million through various securities over a 25-month period. This move is intended to provide the company with the flexibility to access new capital for strategic acquisitions, depending on its financial needs and market conditions, thereby potentially strengthening its position in the ITS industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:QTRH) stock is a Buy with a C$2.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Quarterhill stock, see the TSE:QTRH Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Quarterhill Appoints New CFO to Propel Growth
Positive
Jun 6, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. has appointed David Charron as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective June 17, 2025. Charron, with over 15 years of experience in public technology companies, is expected to drive the next phase of growth for Quarterhill, leveraging his expertise in capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. This strategic appointment comes as Quarterhill is in the late stages of its transformation efforts, positioning the company for further expansion and operational excellence in the Intelligent Transportation System industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:QTRH) stock is a Buy with a C$2.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Quarterhill stock, see the TSE:QTRH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Quarterhill Reports Q1 2025 Results Amid Contract Renegotiations
Neutral
May 15, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. reported its Q1 2025 financial results, showing a slight decline in revenue to $33.9 million from $34.9 million in Q1 2024. The company’s adjusted EBITDA was negatively impacted by $3.2 million due to ongoing renegotiations of two tolling contracts. Despite these challenges, Quarterhill secured a $40 million renewal contract to upgrade the Alameda CTC I-580 Express Lanes, with potential expansion valued at $15 million. The company also received a $3.2 million dividend from Wi-LAN Inc., which will positively affect its Q2 2025 financials. Quarterhill remains focused on its turnaround strategy, aiming for long-term success through operational enhancements and technology investments.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:QTRH) stock is a Buy with a C$2.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Quarterhill stock, see the TSE:QTRH Stock Forecast page.

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Quarterhill Completes Major Toll System Projects for CTRMA
Positive
May 13, 2025

Quarterhill has successfully completed and received full system acceptance for the US 290 toll road project and CTRMA 183A Phase III, marking a significant achievement in deploying advanced toll collection systems. This accomplishment not only enhances regional mobility but also reinforces Quarterhill’s reputation as an innovator in tolling technology. The projects, which include automated toll systems and improved traffic flow, are expected to boost economic growth and provide a superior travel experience in the region.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:QTRH) stock is a Buy with a C$2.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Quarterhill stock, see the TSE:QTRH Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Quarterhill Announces Shareholder Meeting Results and Strategic Decisions
Neutral
May 12, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. announced the results of its Annual General and Special Meeting of shareholders, where key decisions were made. Shareholders elected a new Board of Directors, appointed Ernst & Young Canada LLP as auditors, and approved an amendment to the company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. These decisions are expected to influence the company’s strategic direction and operational efficiency, potentially impacting its market positioning and stakeholder interests.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:QTRH) stock is a Buy with a C$2.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Quarterhill stock, see the TSE:QTRH Stock Forecast page.

Financial Disclosures
Quarterhill to Release Q1 2025 Financial Results
Neutral
May 1, 2025

Quarterhill Inc. announced it will release its Q1 2025 financial results on May 15, 2025, with a conference call and webcast hosted by CEO Chuck Myers and Interim CFO Morgan Demkey. This announcement is significant as it provides stakeholders with insights into the company’s financial performance and strategic direction, potentially impacting its market positioning and investor relations.

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.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: Jun 19, 2025