Microsemi Part of Curiosity's Success

Microsemi Corporation ( MSCC - Analyst Report ) , an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of a broad range of high-reliability and analog/mixed signal integrated circuits, announced that it provided space solutions in the epic journey of Curiosity’s landing on the red soil of Mars.

On August 6, 2012, NASA successfully landed a robotic space probe mission to Mars that started its journey on November 26, 2011. The reason for sending the robot to Mars was to gather information about its habitability, climate and geology, as well as the collection of data for a manned mission to Mars. The robot contains many critical components for the mission’s success.

Microsemi supported the critical mission by providing some of the crucial components on Curiosity that were used in its launch systems, avionics, telemetry, navigation, drive control, mission computers, cameras and other instruments.

Microsemi has been an active participant in U.S. space programs as it provided semiconductor solutions to the first Atlas rocket launched more than five decades ago. The successful landing of Curiosity also marks the credibility, reliability and innovative prowess of the company.

Also as per research by RNCOS, a research and consultancy firm, the global aerospace segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% during 2012-2015 and is estimated to reach $ 460.0 billion by 2015.

Over the past five decades, Microsemi’s has remained at the forefront of innovations supporting space exploration (among other segments). This has given rise to a comprehensive product portfolio comprising a wide range of high-performance, high-reliability radio frequency (RF) and power components, analog and RF integrated circuits (ICs), standard and customizable system-on-chip solutions (SoCs/cSoCs), and mixed-signal and radiation-tolerant field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Microsemi’s revenue in the third quarter of 2012 was $259.2 million, up 4.0% sequentially and 19.6% year over year. Thedefense & security market generated 28% of sales, increasing 2.0% sequentially and aerospace generated 21% of revenue, increasing 5.0% sequentially. The defense, aerospace and medical markets largely consume Microsemi’s high reliability chips, while the other markets use its analog/mixed signal products.

Currently, Microsemi Corporation has a Zacks Rank of #3, implying a short-term ‘Hold’recommendation.