Ultra Electronics Holdings — Defence growth to resurface

Ultra Electronics Holdings — Defence growth to resurface

It is appropriate to describe the H117 results from Ultra Electronics as flat. Revenues, operating profit, profit before tax and EPS growth (all on an underlying basis) varied by less than 0.5% when compared to the prior year. The company still anticipates a bigger skew in organic growth to H2 than in previous years. There is further fine-tuning to our EPS estimates, which we have lowered by 1%. The dilution from the placing in July depresses EPS until the reinvestment in Sparton completes, which is expected at the start of FY18. The subsequent uplift should coincide with higher organic growth following the improved momentum in H217.

Andy Chambers

Written by

Andy Chambers

Director, Industrials

Ultra Electronics

Defence growth to resurface

Interim results

Aerospace & defence

7 August 2017

Price

2070p

Market cap

£1,609m

US$1.315/£

Net debt (£m) at 30 June 2017

260.4

Shares in issue

77.7m

Free float

99%

Code

ULE

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

2.3

(0.9)

21.1

Rel (local)

0.0

(4.0)

7.7

52-week high/low

2204.0p

1677.0p

Business description

Ultra Electronics is a global aerospace and defence electronics company, with operations across three divisions: Aerospace & Infrastructure (26% of 2016 sales); Communications & Security (33%); and Maritime & Land (41%).

Next events

DSEI

September 2017

Q3 trading update

November 2017

Analysts

Andy Chambers

+44 (0)20 3681 2525

Roger Johnston

+44 (0)20 3077 5722

Ultra Electronics is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

It is appropriate to describe the H117 results from Ultra Electronics as flat. Revenues, operating profit, profit before tax and EPS growth (all on an underlying basis) varied by less than 0.5% when compared to the prior year. The company still anticipates a bigger skew in organic growth to H2 than in previous years. There is further fine-tuning to our EPS estimates, which we have lowered by 1%. The dilution from the placing in July depresses EPS until the reinvestment in Sparton completes, which is expected at the start of FY18. The subsequent uplift should coincide with higher organic growth following the improved momentum in H217.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/15

726.3

112.4

123.9

46.1

16.7

2.2

12/16

785.8

120.1

134.6

47.8

15.4

2.3

12/17e

802.5

120.4

127.7

49.5

16.2

2.4

12/18e

840.0

130.1

130.6

52.0

15.8

2.5

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles and exceptional items.

Stable first half performance, improving orders

The stable H117 outcome arose from a combination of organic revenue declines of 6.7% due to a higher level of engineering activity and contract award delays primarily caused by the Continuing Resolution (CR) in the US. The organic revenue decline was exacerbated by the impact of a 2.9% decline from the disposal of the ID business in August 2016, but these declines were largely offset by a favourable FX tailwind of 9.3%. Underlying operating margins were held at 15.7%, helped by net savings from the S3 shared services programme of £2.6m (H116 net charge: £0.5m). Encouragingly, the order book grew organically by 3.9% to £807.8m in H117 and order intake by 1.5% to £390.3m, a book to bill ratio of 1.07x. Cash flow was depressed by deferred working capital flows that should unwind in H2, but the modest £3.7m net debt increase maintained the strong balance sheet even ahead of the £133.9m placing. The interim dividend increased by 2.8% to 14.6p per share.

Signs of improvement despite budget constraints

The CR, lifted in early May, has had a detrimental impact on H117 performance and order flow during H117. Although the pace of DOD spending improved in May and June, hopes of avoiding a new CR from October appear to be receding, despite a technically aligned administration. In comparative terms this should not affect H2 performance but could still constrain growth in Ultra’s largest market. As well as order growth, increased customer-funded R&D implies a rise in future programme sales. Encouragingly export sales are gathering pace, boosted by the recent Indian order. The prospect of more dynamic organic growth in FY18 remains.

Valuation: Rating premium justified

The dilution from the placing with reinvestment in Sparton targeted for early 2018 is distorting the current premium of Ultra to its UK peers. Given expectation of future growth and the uplift from Sparton we suggest Ultra’s underlying quality merits the premium.

Interim results

Exhibit 1: Interim results and full year estimates summary

Consolidated income statement

2016

2017

% change

Year to December (£m)

H1

H2

FY16

H1

H2e

FY17e

H1

H2e

FY17e

Revenues

366.6

419.2

785.8

366.4

436.1

802.5

-0.1%

4.0%

2.1%

EBITDA

65.2

82.8

148.0

64.5

82.6

147.0

-1.2%

-0.3%

-0.7%

OPBIT

57.7

73.5

131.1

57.6

73.8

131.5

-0.1%

0.5%

0.2%

Pre-tax profit (underlying)

52.4

67.7

120.1

52.4

68.1

120.4

-0.1%

0.6%

0.3%

Net income (ongoing underlying)

40.9

53.8

94.7

41.1

52.8

93.9

0.6%

-1.8%

-0.8%

EPS (p) – ongoing underlying

58.1

134.6

58.3

127.7

0.3%

-5.1%

DPS (p)

14.2

33.6

47.8

14.6

34.9

49.5

2.8%

3.9%

3.6%

Source: Ultra Electronics reports, Edison Investment Research estimates

Were it not for the moving parts, the interim results would resemble a repeat of H116 at the underlying level. However, the sale of the ID business, the deferral of US opportunities due to CR, higher company funded R&D and increased engineering activity were largely offset by the more favourable FX and at the operating level by the net savings now coming from the S3 shared services programme.

We take encouragement from an improving order book progression and rising book to bill ratio. The order book has grown organically by 1.8% to £807.8m over the last year, and by 3.9% since December 2016. All divisions saw higher backlogs at the end of the half year, including FX swings, albeit only modest in Aerospace & Infrastructure (up £0.4m at £255.8m). The Indian Defence Systems contract was not included in the half year so the situation has continued to improve in July. Orders on hand covered full year sales by 82% at the half year, similar to the 84% level a year ago.

A further positive for the medium-term growth potential is the increase in the level of customer-funded R&D. It increased by 13% or £6.9m to £60.0m. The investment generates lower development margins in the near term and generally leads to higher margins and expanded production revenues in the medium term.

Sales to the rest of the world increased 24% to £58.1m in H117 and now represent 16% of group sales. Given the increasing proportion of the group that total export sales represents, the rising demand for Ultra’s products, notably in ASW, should further enhance organic growth and margins.

Exhibit 2: Ultra Electronics half year divisional performance

Year to December (£m)

H1

H2

2016

H1

H2e

2017e

% change

H1

H2e

2017e

Aerospace & Infrastructure

93.0

111.7

204.7

96.0

116.9

207.9

3.2%

0.2%

1.6%

Communications & Security

119.8

139.2

259.0

109.8

143.2

258.0

-8.3%

6.5%

-0.4%

Maritime & Land

153.8

168.3

322.1

160.6

176.0

336.6

4.4%

4.6%

4.5%

Revenues

366.6

419.2

785.8

366.4

436.1

802.5

-0.1%

4.0%

2.1%

Aerospace & Infrastructure

15.2

17.2

32.4

16.1

16.9

32.2

6.1%

-6.3%

-0.5%

Communications & Security

15.8

23.9

39.7

13.0

26.2

40.0

-17.8%

13.0%

0.7%

Maritime & Land

26.7

32.4

59.1

28.5

30.7

59.2

6.9%

-5.1%

0.3%

Group operating profit

57.7

73.5

131.1

57.6

73.8

131.5

-0.1%

0.5%

0.2%

Aerospace & Infrastructure

16.3%

15.4%

15.8%

16.8%

14.5%

15.5%

Communications & Security

13.2%

17.2%

15.3%

11.8%

18.3%

15.5%

Maritime & Land

17.4%

19.2%

18.3%

17.8%

17.4%

17.6%

EBIT margin

15.73%

17.5%

16.7%

15.73%

16.9%

16.4%

Source: Ultra Electronics reports, Edison Investment Research estimates

Aerospace & Infrastructure benefited from an increase in the land vehicle segment, boosted by FX and supplemented by an improved performance from the contract manufacturing business. Revenues rose 3.2% to £96.0m generating operating profits of £16.1m. The operating margin increased by 50bps to 16.8%, which appears very supportive of our full year expectation.

Despite the deferral of some sales to H217 arising from the CR, sales of the Communications & Security division were flat after stripping out the contribution in H116 from the ID cards activity, which was a high-margin activity. In addition, the prior year period had benefited from now complete higher-margin production contracts. The division saw increased levels of engineering in support of future production programmes. These also served to reduce overall operating margins, which fell to 11.8% (FY16 c12.9% excluding the ID business).

The sale of ID took place a year ago and will therefore have less of an influence on second half performance. In addition, the 7.2% increase in the order book is an encouraging support for improved growth in the division.

Maritime & Land remains the largest activity, a position that should shortly be further extended by purchase of Sparton. In H117 sales rose 4.4% to £160.6m and profits rose by 6.9% to £28.5m, driven largely by increased demand for both US domestic and international sonobuoys. The CR did weigh on performance during the period and the benefit of the Fatahillah ship contract last year was absent. The 30bps increase in margin to 17.8% appears impressive in these circumstances. There was also an encouraging 1.9% improvement in orders on hand to £317.5m or almost two years’ sales. The international demand for ASW products combined with the expansion of the sonobuoy business through the Sparton acquisition looks to be well timed.

Reduced estimates reflect ongoing budget constraint

While the CR ended in May, we had hoped that the US administration might achieve an on time defence budget agreement and allow a full second half of uninterrupted contract flows. This now appears unlikely and although the issue may be resolved by the year end, it does seem likely to constrain H2 performance. Budgetary pressures are also apparent in the UK as evidenced by the first half decline in revenues. Affordability of the major procurement programmes has yet to be addressed and the snap general election has only served to delay the process and increase uncertainty. FX is also likely to provide a diminishing tailwind in the second half.

As a result we have found it necessary to reduce our revenue estimates by 1.3% this year and 1.5% next year, which leads to a c 2% decline in EBITDA in each year. However, the current FY18 earnings level is diluted by the cash held on account to part finance Sparton when it completes. The EPS growth when that happens should appear far more compelling.

Exhibit 3: Ultra Electronics earnings estimates revisions

Year to December (£m) 

2017e

2017e

 

2018e

2018e

 

Prior

New

% change

Prior

New

% change

Aerospace & Infrastructure

212.9

207.9

-2.4%

223.5

218.3

-2.4%

Communications & Security

268.0

258.0

-3.7%

284.1

268.3

-5.5%

Maritime & Land

331.9

336.6

1.4%

345.2

353.4

2.4%

Sales

812.8

802.5

-1.3%

852.8

840.0

-1.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

149.8

147.0

-1.9%

157.2

153.9

-2.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Infrastructure

33.0

33.0

0.0%

34.9

34.0

-2.4%

Communications & Security

41.5

39.2

-5.6%

44.6

42.1

-5.5%

Maritime & Land

58.4

59.2

1.4%

60.7

62.2

2.4%

Underlying EBITA

132.9

131.5

-1.1%

140.2

138.4

-1.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying PBT

121.9

120.4

-1.2%

132.0

130.1

-1.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS – underlying continuing (p)

129.3

127.7

-1.2%

132.5

130.6

-1.5%

DPS (p)

49.5

49.5

0.0%

52.0

52.0

0.0%

Net debt

96.0

97.4

1.4%

44.6

48.2

8.0%

Source: Edison Investment Research estimates

Exhibit 4: Financial summary

£m

2015

2016

2017e

2018e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

726.3

785.8

802.5

840.0

Cost of Sales

(514.1)

(580.9)

(609.9)

(640.4)

Gross Profit

212.2

204.9

192.5

199.6

EBITDA

 

 

134.8

148.0

147.0

153.9

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

 

 

120.0

131.1

131.5

138.4

Intangible Amortisation

(3.8)

(5.4)

(5.1)

(4.9)

Exceptionals

(81.7)

(71.5)

(31.8)

(38.8)

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Operating Profit

34.5

54.2

94.5

94.7

Net Interest

(7.5)

(11.1)

(11.0)

(8.3)

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

112.4

120.1

120.4

130.1

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

27.0

43.1

83.5

86.4

Tax

(9.8)

(9.4)

(17.3)

(20.1)

Profit After Tax (norm)

86.8

94.7

93.9

101.5

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

17.2

33.8

66.2

66.3

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

70.1

70.3

73.5

77.7

EPS - normalised (p)

 

 

123.9

134.6

127.7

130.6

EPS - normalised and fully diluted (p)

 

 

123.8

134.5

127.6

130.4

EPS - (IFRS) (p)

 

 

24.5

48.0

90.0

85.4

Dividend per share (p)

46.1

47.8

49.5

52.0

Gross Margin (%)

29.2

26.1

24.0

23.8

EBITDA Margin (%)

18.6

18.8

18.3

18.3

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

16.5

16.7

16.4

16.5

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

637.2

655.4

627.7

604.0

Intangible Assets

569.0

589.2

555.8

526.1

Tangible Assets

68.2

66.2

71.8

77.9

Investments

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Current Assets

 

 

308.5

364.9

522.5

537.2

Stocks

81.8

78.2

82.2

88.7

Debtors

117.0

142.5

160.5

167.2

Cash

45.5

74.6

208.3

208.3

Other

64.2

69.6

71.4

73.0

Current Liabilities

 

 

(181.4)

(178.6)

(176.0)

(183.6)

Creditors

(181.4)

(178.6)

(176.0)

(183.6)

Short term borrowings

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(447.5)

(478.1)

(454.3)

(406.9)

Long term borrowings

(341.0)

(331.3)

(305.7)

(256.5)

Other long term liabilities

(106.5)

(146.8)

(148.6)

(150.5)

Net Assets

 

 

316.8

363.6

519.8

550.6

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

85.4

117.8

107.1

137.5

Net Interest

(6.0)

(7.5)

(11.1)

(11.0)

Tax

(26.0)

(17.3)

(17.3)

(20.1)

Capex

(6.4)

(7.4)

(18.8)

(19.5)

Acquisitions/disposals

(171.8)

16.8

0.0

0.0

Financing

4.9

3.0

133.7

0.0

Dividends

(31.3)

(32.6)

(34.3)

(37.6)

Other

(13.9)

(34.0)

(0.0)

0.0

Net Cash Flow

(165.2)

38.9

159.3

49.2

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

129.5

295.6

256.7

97.4

HP finance leases initiated

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other

(0.9)

0.0

0.0

0.0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

295.6

256.7

97.4

48.2

Source: Ultra Electronics reports, Edison Investment Research estimates

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Ultra Electronics Hdg. and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

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London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

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Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

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NSW 2000, Australia

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Brady — Transitioning continues

We have revised our forecasts following the newsflow over the last few months. While management has completed its strategic review, the transitioning process is continuing. The group has switched from operating on a divisional basis to global functions. The development team has been unified, and development work has shifted from platforms to ‘microservices’, so that new products can be leveraged across the group. Further, Brady is evolving to a recurring revenue model. We have cut our FY17 forecasts to reflect the current transitioning but forecast revenue and margins to improve significantly thereafter. Given the long-term growth opportunities, notably in agriculture, natural gas and power, we believe the shares look attractive on 14x our cash-adjusted FY19 EPS.

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