Netgear to Spin-Off Arlo Security Camera Unit With an IPO
Netgear announced the planned IPO during a fourth-quarter earnings conference call. The new company will be called Arlo Technologies.
Netgear is spinning off its Internet-connected security camera business and taking it public. The new company will be called Arlo Technologies.
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Netgear (NASDAQ: NTGR) will spin out its Arlo security camera unit into a separate business, the company announced Tuesday.
The company, best known for its consumer routers, expects Arlo to issue less than 20% of its common stock in the IPO, with Netgear to retain the remaining interest.
Arlo is then anticipated to confidentially submit a draft registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the first half of this year, with the IPO expected to be completed in the second half of the year.
Netgear revealed its plan during a fourth quarter 2017 earnings conference call, during which CEO and Chairman Patrick Lo said, “Arlo’s market-leading, IP wire-free security camera solution would not have been possible without the world-class radio frequency expertise that can only be found at Netgear.”
Cho said Arlo has achieved “widespread and rapid global distribution” through Netgear’s worldwide brick-and-mortar and online channels, and that Arlo is now at a point it can succeed independently.
“We evaluated the different markets in which Arlo and the rest of the Netgear play in and we have determined that separation will provide a strategic focus, agility and financial resources needed to position each for accelerated success in their respective marketplaces,” Cho said.
Arlo’s portfolio of residential and small business security cameras offer HD video quality, two-way audio, live streaming, free Cloud recording, instant alerts, among other features. The brand recently launched its newest entry — the Arlo Pro 2, with a wireless design and rechargeable battery — to compete with Amazon, Google’s Nest, and others in the smart home sector.
Matthew McRae, who was appointed as senior vice president of strategy for Netgear about four months ago, will be CEO of the new company, Arlo Technologies.
Netgear reported a Q4 2017 net loss of $31.9 million, or $1.02 a share, due to a tax charge of $48.3 million related to the new tax law. After adjusting for that and other factors, the company reported earnings of 71 cents a share, down from adjusted earnings of 88 cents a share the year prior. Netgear said it had Q4 revenue of $397.1 million, an increase from $367.9 million a year ago. Analysts on average expected the company to report adjusted earnings of 64 cents a share on sales of $393 million.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Rodney Bosch, Senior Editor
Although Bosch’s name is quite familiar to those in the security industry, his previous experience has been in daily newspaper journalism. Prior to joining SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2006, he spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Times, where he performed a wide assortment of editorial responsibilities, including feature and metro department assignments as well as content producing for latimes.com. Bosch is a graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in Mass Communication & Journalism. In 2007, he successfully completed the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association’s National Training School coursework to become a Certified Level I Alarm Technician.
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
