This week’s Stock of the Week makes integrated circuits for a wide and growing variety of industries.

Circuit Creator

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (CY) is a well-diversified maker of integrated circuits that made a major acquisition two years ago and, as it continues absorbing that business, is being held back in the stock market—creating an investment opportunity.

Cypress is still working through its acquisition of Broadcom Limited’s wireless Internet of Things business, which expanded Cypress into Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chips. The integration of this acquisition is going well but not as quickly as some investors had hoped. Cypress refinanced debt a year ago and has solid operating margins. And its fundamentals are strong.

Cypress makes integrated circuits that are especially important in newer generations of cars, where semiconductor content is growing quickly. It sells directly to car makers, such as Toyota and BMW, and to firms that supply audio systems and components to car makers, such as Bosch. Its products are also used in smart appliances, medical devices and industrial applications. Even if the new-car market is at a plateau, the consumer and industrial markets should keep Cypress growing. Revenue was $2.3 billion last year and should rise to $2.5 billion this year and $2.75 billion in 2019. The dividend of $0.44/share/yr. recently yielded 2.7% and appears secure.

Fiscal year: December. Earnings per share: 2019 est./$1.57…2018 est./$1.27…2017/$0.89.

George Young is co-portfolio manager of the $290 million Villere Balanced Fund (VILLX), New Orleans. Villere.com