Should you buy in? I haven't a clue, lol. Don't take this wrong, but I know nothing of your investment time horizon, tolerance for risk, investment objective, etc., etc. I just make investment decisions for myself.
What's the deal with STM and why did I choose to start building a position recently?
First off, STM is in a position to benefit from the predicted explosive growth in smart sensors. The predicted growth in smart sensors is being driven by the growth in Electric Vehicles (electrification of the power train), Advanced Driver Assistance of Cars, Autonomous Driving, Smart Appliances, Smart Watches, Smart Speakers, Chips for Facial Recognition Technology (3D Imaging Sensors), Robotics/Factory Automation to increase efficiencies. etc.
For example, I've read that Electric Vehicles (EV) are projected to go from 1.5% of cars in 2106 to 22% by the end of 2022 and 58% by 2030. The chip content in EV is 3 times that of what's in a cars powered by a gas combustion engine. I've read that it's even more than triple for a premium electric car.
In a nutshell, recipient of growth from a Megatrend; while competition is and will be fierce, STM is very well positioned and has some first-mover advantage in the supply chain. The innovations have been made, and IMHO we are in the early stages of the acceptance phase of usage by the masses.
From my viewpoint, the current market valuation of around $12.5mm ($14 per share) under values the company and makes a compelling argument that the market has swung too far in pricing-in all the recent negatives and cyclical nature of semiconductors. Given that the company is well-positioned to benefit greatly from the massive growth in smart sensors, combined with the current "value" proposition, I have concluded that I want to build a position now with the full understanding that it may take the market quite awhile (over a year) to catch-up to a more accurate current valuation (low $20's per share), and even more time to then see share appreciation from the growth in revenues and cash flow (think 3+ years).
I have the patience for this type valuation and currently out-of-favor play. Many people don't....it can be boring!
Oh, what are the negatives that chopped the Company's value in half?
-Semiconductor industry in down cycle/industry inventory concerns = pressure on all semiconductor stocks
-Slow order flows from China/China based worries (STM has number of customers in China)
-Phone supplier hit (STM is an Applie iPhone supplier)
It is my belief that the current valuation is a product of overly pessimistic sentiment that has priced-in an ugly 2019. I believe that we'll see an upturn in the industry during the 2nd half of 2019, and that today's price is a bargain bin valuation.
Another potential positive is that there is room for management to improve operating margins going forward. Combine increased operating margins with top-line growth generated by megatrend = the potential (within 5 years) to get back to and exceed the stock's all-time high back in 2000 of $54 a share.
**The above provides a glimpse into why I have decided to build a position in STM at current pricing. I am in no way advocating or suggesting that you or anyone else buy the stock. I am not a licensed securities representative, nor am I a registered investment advisor. I am an individual investor merely sharing why I made a decision for my own account.