Ceragon Networks (NASDAQ: CRNT) reported Q1 EPS of ($0.01), $0.02 better than the analyst estimate of ($0.03). Revenue for the quarter came in at $68.3 million versus the consensus estimate of $64.55 million.

Primary First Quarter 2021 Financial Results:

Revenues were $68.3 million, up 22.2% from $55.9 million in Q1 2020 and down 7.7% from $74.0 million in Q4 2020. Our revenues varied from region to region and were in line with the effect that COVID has had on local business operations and network build-out plans.

Gross profit was $20.1 million, giving us a gross margin of 29.5%, compared with a gross margin of 25.1% in Q1 2020 and 29.1% in Q4 2020. The relatively low gross margin reflects continued high supply chain costs due to the COVID-19 environment.

Operating income (loss) was $0.4 million compared with operating loss of $(6.0) million for Q1 2020 and $(1.5) million for Q4 2020.

Net loss was $(1.2) million, or $(0.01) per diluted share compared with $(6.9) million, or $(0.09) per diluted share for Q1 2020 and $(6.3) million, or $(0.08) per diluted share for Q4 2020.

Non-GAAP results were as follows: Gross margin was 29.6%, operating profit was $0.7 million, and net loss was $(0.9) million, or $(0.01) per diluted share.

Cash and cash equivalents was $33.0 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $27.1 million at December 31, 2020.

Ira Palti, President & CEO, commented: "2021 has been off to a good start both for the telecom industry in general and for us at Ceragon specifically. The amount of data flowing around the globe has increased at an exponential rate. As Tier-1 and Tier-2 operators step up their efforts to provide enhanced 4G coverage as well as new 5G services, many of them turn to Ceragon."

"In Q1 2021, the accelerated 5G evolution along with the growing OpenRan movement has kept Ceragon's growing suite of innovative solutions in the spotlight. We achieved three new 5G design wins, saw very strong bookings across different regions, and were selected to participate in an OpenRan trial in TIM Brazil. Even though the industry is currently facing component shortages, which might affect our short-term deliveries, the global telecom industry is fast moving into a new era and Ceragon is well prepared to excel in it."

"As the Company's president & CEO for the last sixteen years, I've led the company from a simpler 2G world into today's more complex OpenRan, 5G world. It's with peace of mind and a feeling of accomplishment that I pass the keys of the CEO office to our successful former deputy CEO & CFO Doron Arazi. I'll continue serving Ceragon as vice-chairman of the board starting July."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Ceragon Networks (CRNT) click here.