Etteplan: Expectations set quite high for 2022 - Evli Research
Q4 quite in line with expectations
Etteplan reported Q4 results quite in line with expectations. Revenue grew some 21% to EUR 85.3m (EUR 82.9m/82.9m Evli/cons.), with organic growth of some 15%. EBIT amounted to EUR 7.8m (EUR 7.9m/8.1m Evli/cons.). Growth was particularly good in Software and Embedded solutions, although profitability suffered slightly from growth investments and the increased use of subcontracting due to the challenges with availability of professionals within certain areas.
Guidance implies solid growth
Etteplan gave a rather good guidance, in particular in terms of growth, with revenue expected to amount to EUR 340-370m and EBIT to EUR 28-32m, with pre-Q4 expectations of EUR 338.3m/326.9m (Evli/cons.) and 29.6m/29.6m (Evli/cons.) respectively. Taking into account the inorganic growth from the recent acquisitions of Cognitas and Syncore Technologies along with acquisitions made during 2021 the mid-range of the guidance would imply organic growth somewhere near 10%, which although certainly not unachievable, currently seems somewhat challenging due to the pandemic and some demand uncertainties. Growth could of course still be boosted by further acquisitions in line with the company’s strategy. The good organic growth in 2021 (8.9% y/y) was also skewed by the weak comparison period. We have made only slight changes to our 2022 estimates, expecting revenue of EUR 344.5m and EBIT of EUR 29.3m. Some weakness is seen during the start of 2022 due to the pandemic but we expect relative profitability and growth to pick up going forward.
HOLD with a target price of EUR 17.5 (17.0)
With only smaller changes to our estimates, we adjust our target price to EUR 17.5 (17.0), valuing Etteplan at approx. 20x 2022e P/E. Current valuation appears quite fair looking at peers and historical multiples. We retain our HOLD-rating.
Länk till analysen i sin helhet: https://pankki.evli.com/hubfs/ERP/Raportit/Etteplan/Etteplan%20220211%20Q4%20Company%20update.pdf