Ultra Electronics — Return to growth

Ultra Electronics — Return to growth

The overall picture of improving global defence spending supports a return to organic growth for UItra. This is already reflected in the uplift seen in the order book at the H118 report. The company is well positioned to leverage the growth in naval budgets and increased demand for military aircraft around the world. Ultra also has a significant role to play in commercial aerospace, energy and cyber markets. Our fair value is 1,918p.

Andy Chambers

Written by

Andy Chambers

Director, Industrials

Ultra Electronics

Return to growth

H118 results

Aerospace & defence

6 August 2018

Price

1,690p

Market cap

£1,254m

US$1.30/£1

Net debt (£m) at 30 June 2018

170.1

Shares in issue

74.2m

Free float

99%

Code

ULE

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

3.6

19.9

(19.4)

Rel (local)

2.9

17.7

(21.5)

52-week high/low

2070.0p

1142.0p

Business description

Ultra Electronics is a global aerospace and defence electronics company, with operations across three divisions: Aerospace & Infrastructure (26% of 2017 sales); Communications & Security (31%); and Maritime & Land (43%).

Next events

FY18 results

March 2019

Analysts

Andy Chambers

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Annabel Hewson

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Ultra Electronics is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

The overall picture of improving global defence spending supports a return to organic growth for UItra. This is already reflected in the uplift seen in the order book at the H118 report. The company is well positioned to leverage the growth in naval budgets and increased demand for military aircraft around the world. Ultra also has a significant role to play in commercial aerospace, energy and cyber markets. Our fair value is 1,918p.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/16

785.8

120.1

134.6

47.8

12.6

2.8

12/17

775.4

110.0

116.7

49.6

14.5

2.9

12/18e

743.6

93.7

99.0

49.6

17.1

2.9

12/19e

767.1

101.9

114.5

52.1

14.8

3.1

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

H118 impressive order growth

Strong order book growth of 18.0% y-o-y (on an IFRS 15 basis) accompanied growth across all three divisions. Reported H118 group revenues were £350.5m (H117 £365.8m) with constant currency growth of 1.3% and a negative impact of FX of 5.5%. Reported H118 group operating profit was £47.9m (H117 £56.5m) with constant currency growth of 1.4% excluding a £6.1m impact of development contracts and a negative impact of FX of 5.8%. Reported underlying H118 EPS of 45.1p (H117 57.0p) was down 22.6% while H118 dividend was flat at 14.6p (H117 14.6p). Reported net debt at H118 was £170.1m (H117 £260.4m; FY17 £74.5m) giving an improved net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.39x (H117 1.78x). FY18 guidance is maintained, underpinned by a strong order book and supportive end markets.

Organic growth returning

The increase in global defence spending appears to be underway, especially in the US, which is Ultra’s largest market. US Department of Defense (DOD) outlays are up 9.3% in YTD; while this may moderate as the year progresses, the fundamental direction appears to be for improved spending globally. The result should be that the return to organic growth seen in H118 should continue. The arrival of new CEO should add momentum to the restoration of confidence in the business model. While the Herley contract issue has detracted from the overall progress, the underlying prospects remain broadly unchanged following the interim results.

Valuation: Rating still depressed

We calculate our estimated fair value of the company as a simple average of the discounted cash flow (DCF) and sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) measures, currently 1,918p (previously 1,811p). Our valuations reflect the lower share count due to the £134m share buyback. The increase largely reflects improved global defence sector ratings on the back of increasing defence spend. At our fair value, Ultra’s shares would be trading on an FY19 P/E of 16.7x.

Investment summary

Company description: Built for growth

Ultra Electronics listed on the London Stock Exchange in October 1996, three years after it was subject to a management buy-out from Dowty Group with revenues of £84m. After more than 50 acquisitions, the group has matured into a global specialist defence electronics and software solutions supplier with sales of around £750m. It operates across eight market-facing segments in three divisions: Aerospace & Infrastructure (26% of FY17 sales/27% of operating profit); Communications & Security (31%/24%); and Land & Maritime (43%/49%). It is still a predominantly US- and UK-centric business, which together accounted for 73% of sales in 2017.

Returning to normality

Having started to recover its poise following the Oman airport contract issues, the company has faced several challenges over the last 12 months. An ultimately aborted $235m bid for Sparton Corporation of the US was accompanied by a £133m net equity fund raising last July. However, the CEO departed the company in the autumn, which followed a prolonged period of organic decline driven mainly by constrained defence spending. H217 was further disrupted by the deferral and cancellation of programmes by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and higher than expected development investment at Herley to support the additional US Navy Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Programme (SEWIP) modules the company had won. We think the return of Chairman Douglas Caster to his former CEO role on an interim basis underpinned the invest and grow, entrepreneurial strategy that has been the hallmark of Ultra. However, Sparton failed to overcome regulatory pushback in H118 and an ongoing share buyback was launched to return the money raised, with a further Herley contract issue affecting performance. The re-establishment of investor confidence that the model remains valid and intact has been slowly improving and the appointment of Simon Pryce, the former CEO of BBA Aviation who started on 18 June 2018, is expected to mark a return to a more normal period of trading. With defence spending beginning to improve, led by the important US market, there is a clear opportunity to establish a sound and growing investment proposition.

H1 trading sees a return to organic growth

H118 demonstrated the strength of the end markets with an 18% increase on order book y-o-y. Group H118 revenues grew by 1.3% on a constant currency basis with group operating profit up 1.4% excluding £6.1m impact of development contracts. Reported underlying H118 EPS of 45.1p (H117 57.0p) was down 22.6%, while the H118 dividend was held flat at 14.6p (H117 14.6p), as against our expectation of a 5% rise. Reported net debt at H118 was £170.1m (H117 £260.4m; FY17 £74.5m) giving an improved net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.39x (H117 1.78x). FY18 guidance is maintained, underpinned by strong order book and supportive end markets

Valuation: Opportunity from restoring confidence

We calculate our estimated fair value of the company as a simple average of the DCF and SOTP measures, currently a value of 1,918p (previously 1,811p). Our valuations reflect the lower share count due to the £134m share buyback. Our capped DCF currently returns a value of 1,987p (1,943p previously). Our FY19 SOTP-based value is currently 1,849p (previously 1,688p). The increase largely reflects improved global defence market prospects, especially the US.

H118 results

Highlights of the H118 results are summarised as follows.

Strong order book growth of 18.0% (on an IFRS 15 basis), with growth across all three divisions.

Reported H118 group revenues were £350.5m (H117 £365.8m), constant currency growth of 1.3% with a negative impact of FX of 5.5%.

Reported H118 group operating profit was £47.9m (H117 £56.5m), constant currency growth of 1.4% excluding £6.1m impact of development contracts, with impact of FX of 5.8%.

Reported underlying H118 EPS of 45.1p (H117 57.0p) was down 22.6% while H118 dividend was held flat at 14.6p (H117 14.6p), as against our expectation of a 5% rise

Reported net debt at H118 was £170.1m (H117 £260.4m; FY17 £74.5m) giving an improved net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.39x (H117 1.78x).

FY18 guidance maintained, underpinned by strong order book and supportive end markets.

Exhibit 1: H118 results summary on an IFRS 15 basis

 £m

H117

FY17

H118

H-o-h % change

Order book by division

- Aerospace & Infrastructure

269.6

294.6

319.1

18.4

- Communications & Security

234.7

258

282.6

20.4

- Maritime & Land

316.8

361.8

367.5

16.0

Total order book

821.1

914.4

969.2

18.0

- Aerospace & Infrastructure

94

202

91.9

-2.2

- Communications & Security

110.5

243.5

110.2

-0.3

- Maritime & Land

161.3

322.8

148.4

-8.0

Total revenues

365.8

768.3

350.5

-4.2

Operating profit by division

 

 

 

- Aerospace & Infrastructure

14.4

-0.7

14.8

2.8

- Communications & Security

13.3

33

7.9

-40.6

- Maritime & Land

28.8

26.1

25.2

-12.5

Total operating profit

56.5

117.7

47.9

-15.2

Operating margin by division (%)

 

 

 

- Aerospace & Infrastructure

15.3%

-0.3%

16.1%

5.1

- Communications & Security

12.0%

13.6%

7.2%

-40.4

- Maritime & Land

17.9%

8.1%

17.0%

-4.9

Total operating margin (%)

15.4%

15.3%

13.7%

-11.5

Pre-tax profit (underlying)

51.2

58.2

43.6

-14.8

EPS (p) (ongoing underlying)

57.0

112.0 

45.1

-20.9

DPS (p)

14.6

49.6 

14.6

0.0

Source: Company reports

Exhibit 2: Revenue by end market (H118)

Exhibit 3: Revenue by geography (H118)

Source: Company reports

Source: Company reports

Exhibit 2: Revenue by end market (H118)

Source: Company reports

Exhibit 3: Revenue by geography (H118)

Source: Company reports

Aerospace & Infrastructure (26% of H118 group sales) reported an 18.4% (on an IFRS 15 basis) increase in its order book y-o-y. Key order wins include engine ice protection and high pressure pure air generator (HiPPAG) stores ejection systems for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and wing ice protection controller units for the Boeing 787. H118 revenue grew on a constant currency basis and divisional operating margin was supported by the expected lower level of R&D spend.

Communications & Safety (31% of H118 group sales) reported a 20.4% (on an IFRS 15 basis) increase in its order book y-o-y. Key order wins include an ORION radio contract in the Middle East and Strategic Deployable Terminal contract for the Canadian Armed Forces. Revenue grew on a constant currency basis although the division faced tough comps with lower crypto product sales versus H117. The division was affected by £6.1m of cost overruns on specific development contracts at Herley, as flagged early last month, and is set to complete this year. The divisional margin would have been 12.7% without the Herley impact.

Marine & Land (42% of H118 group sales) reported a 16.0% increase (on an IFRS 15 basis) in its order book y-o-y. Key order wins include the Indian Navy marine propulsion order (c £30m, won in 2017), sonobuoys to the US Navy and equipment for the UK Navy submarine fleet. Revenue declined on a constant currency basis and the division has faced some delays in its maritime programmes, which have moved into H218. Operating margin has also been affected by cost overruns from redesign work.

Outlook

Prospects for growth appear to be continuing to improve as defence spending is clearly rising, especially in the US. We have already adjusted for the Herley contract loss to completion, so the only change to our forecast results from the expectation that the dividend will be held in FY18 before starting to increase progressively from FY19, but with an element of rebuilding cover.

The result is slightly lower cash outflows this year and next with a small decline in net interest expense in FY19 improving EPS by 0.1%.

Exhibit 4: Estimate revisions

Year to December (£m)

2018e

 

2019e

 

 

Prior

New

% change

Prior

New

% change

Aerospace & Infrastructure

195.0

195.0

0.0

198.9

198.9

0.0

Communications & Security

238.7

238.7

0.0

245.8

245.8

0.0

Maritime & Land

309.9

309.9

0.0

322.3

322.3

0.0

Sales

743.6

743.6

0.0

767.1

767.1

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

121.2

121.2

0.0

131.8

131.8

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Infrastructure

29.3

29.3

0.0

29.8

29.8

0.0

Communications & Security

25.1

25.1

0.0

32.4

32.4

0.0

Maritime & Land

51.1

51.1

0.0

53.2

53.2

0.0

Underlying EBITA

105.5

105.5

0.0

115.5

115.5

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

Underlying PTP

93.7

93.7

0.0

101.8

101.9

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPS - underlying continuing (p)

98.9

99.0

0.0

114.4

114.5

0.1

DPS (p)

52.0

49.6

-4.7

54.6

52.1

-4.7

Net debt / (cash)

185.3

183.6

-0.9

166.7

163.0

-2.2

Source: Edison Investment Research

As stated at the pre-close statement and reiterated at the H118 report, Ultra notes that the majority of the group has received better than anticipated order intake and is expected to deliver H218 performance in line with management’s expectations. The group’s cash performance will be more heavily weighted to H218 with FY18 cash conversion expectations of 70-75%, due to higher working capital requirements as a result of order wins.

Company description: Built for growth

Ultra Electronics Group provides products and services to the aerospace and defence, security and cyber, transport and energy sectors. The company has developed a core of critical technology expertise. Within the defence universe it operates as a predominantly Tier 3/4 supplier, although it is capable of systems integration as a Tier 2 supplier, primarily for its own solutions. Its major markets are in North America and the UK, with its two largest customers being the US DOD (19% of FY17 group sales) and the UK MOD (11% of FY17 group sales). Development of innovative solutions addressing customer needs has been key to this positioning. Common threads run through its businesses: stealth, cyber, security, power management, communications and control.

Ultra takes its roots from a management buyout of businesses from the Dowty Group in 1993 and subsequent floatation in 1996. Since then, the company has grown organically and through a series of bolt-on acquisitions.

Exhibit 5: Organisational chart

Source: Company reports

The current group structure was put in place in 2015 alongside the S-3 shared services programme, where investment should come to an end in 2018 and the benefits reach maturity in 2019.

As the new CEO assesses the business for the next phase of its development, it would not be surprising to see efforts to lean the overall business, and potential rejigging of the divisional structure with a continuing focus on operational excellence. However, we would not anticipate any review to be completed until the prelims in 2019. We do suspect that the board continues to feel that agility and operating autonomy of individual subsidiaries is a key element to serving Ultra’s end markets.

Strategy

Ultra’s strategy is framed around key areas for strengthening and growing the business:

Increase the group’s portfolio of specialist capability areas

Increase number of platforms and programmes it has exposure to

Extend the customer base

Broaden the geographic footprint

The core capabilities of the group are shown in Exhibit 6.

Exhibit 6: Businesses mapped to core capabilities

Aerospace

Nuclear

Infrastructure

Underwater Warfare

Maritime

Land

C2ISR

Comms

Advanced Tactical Systems

X

Airport Systems

X

Avalon Systems

X

Command & Control Systems

X

X

X

Communications & Integrated Systems

X

Controls

X

X

EMS

X

X

Flightline Systems

X

X

Forensic Technologies

X

Gigasat

X

Herley

X

X

Maritime Systems

X

Nuclear Control Systems

X

Nuclear Sensors & Process Instrumentation

X

Ocean Systems

X

PMES

X

X

X

Precision Air & Land Systems

X

ProLogic

X

X

Sonar Systems

X

TCS

X

X

USSI

X

3eTi

X

X

3 Phoenix inc

X

Source: Company reports

The scale and geographic reach of the group are shown in the following charts. It can be seen that North America and Europe still account for the bulk of activity. Given that the capabilities are desirable for other export markets, we would expect to the rest of the world exposure increase over time, eg the FY17 Indian Navy contract win, although renewed growth in the US may mask this.

Exhibit 7: FY17 revenues by destination

Exhibit 8: FY17 revenues by market segment

Source: Company reports

Source: Company reports

Exhibit 7: FY17 revenues by destination

Source: Company reports

Exhibit 8: FY17 revenues by market segment

Source: Company reports

Despite recent strengthening of order intake, the long-term opportunities for Ultra remain significant. The current major potential programmes are listed in Exhibit 9.

Exhibit 9: Long-term growth opportunities

Segment

Key programmes

Value

Status

Underwater Warfare (UWW)

India Naval Defence Systems

£30m

2017 – won

UK T-26 S2150 Hull Mount Sonar

£9m

2018 – first three shipsets

India IADS & ASW Shallow Water Craft

£94m

2019 – SWC FET complete, partnered with Mahindra

Canadian Surface Combatant HMS & LFTAS

£67m

2020 – teaming with LM on T-26, supplier to GD

US Navy FY19-23 Sonobuoy IDIQ

£217m

2020 – proposal submitted, award Q120

Maritime

UK Propulsion System

£37m

2017 – won

US Virginia Class – Power Conversion follow-on

£18m

2018 – incumbent supplier

US Navy Next Gen Surface Search Radar Production

£17m

2020 – early development orders from 2018

Land

US Soldier Wearable System Nett Warrior

£30m

2020 – funded trials successfully completed

UK UltraLynx soldier worn power & data system

£20m

2020 – first trials successfully completed

C2ISR (Command, Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance)

Advanced airborne surveillance system

£50m

2017 – won. First systems orders of £17m

ATF IBIS bullet forensics

£40m

2018 – five-year support contract

SEWIP Block 3

£100m

2019 – initially LRIP

Communications

UK government encryption & key management

£20m

2018 – selected. Multiple individual orders

US Army WIN-T ORION radio production

£70m

2018 – LRIP order initially

UK Air force secure radio upgrade

£15m

2018 – production orders

Middle East land border security

£20m

2017 – no bid. High risk

Aerospace

SAAB Gripen E/F HiPPAG - First production orders

£9m

2017 – won

Cessna Hemisphere control systems

£40m

2018 – delayed by customer

WheelTug on Boeing 737

£70m

2018 – certification and entry into service 2019

Nuclear

Chinese CPR-1000/ACC-1000 new build reactors

£9m

2018 – sensors for Chinese variant delayed

US plant life extension expanded sensors and I&C

£27m

2018 – being bid through individual programmes

AGR systems & sensors lifetime support

£35m

2019 – nucleonics and lifetime build of sensors

Infrastructure

London Heathrow baggage reconciliation system renewal

£10m

2017 – won

Digital Trackside Power

£10m

2018 – evaluation trials programme

Source: Company reports

Acquisitions have been a key part of Ultra’s strategy, typically identified and integrating bolt-on deals to expand the company’s addressable market.

We should outline how the proposed acquisition of Sparton Corporation in the US was halted by anti-trust considerations early in 2018. At the forefront of these appears to have been concerns about the ability to maintain a competitive sonobuoy market following a total merger, in what seems to be a period that will see increased requirements for sonobuoys for the US Navy. In the context of the existing joint venture, ERAPSCO, this was possible even though at present the supply agreements make this a de facto monopoly.

The announcement by Sparton in early July that it would protest a decision to exclude ERAPSCO from bidding for the GFY19-23 AN/SSQ-125A Production Sonobuoy appears to be evidence of a change. The Q125A is a follow-on programme for the Q125 (in delivery since 2012) that generates revenues of c $20m per year for Sparton. While the outcome of the protest should be decided by 17 October 2018, it would appear to be an effort to introduce a third party into the sonobuoy market for the US Navy. If unsuccessful, it will reduce production revenues from 2019. The Q125 is still likely to be available for export markets.

Both Sparton and Ultra are likely to be able to rebid independently in 2024 as a second source if an appropriate and adequate technical solution is offered.

The current IDIQ contract for sonobuoys, including another six types, expires at the end of 2018 and bids have been submitted by ERAPSCO for the IDIQ requirement for 2019–23. ERAPSCO has not been excluded from the bidding process as a sole source on four. It is thus likely that the status quo for these should be maintained for the time being, although there is a clear indication in the Sparton statement that the Navy would like to see Ultra and Sparton offer solutions outside of the ERAPSCO joint venture in future. Ultra’s management appears confident that it has the technical and physical capability to participate in a competitive bid scenario.

Although the Sparton transaction did not go to plan, it was clearly beyond Ultra’s control. This should not preclude future M&A and the company’s ability to fund this and execute upon it. A share buyback worth £134m was initiated to return the funds raised in 2017 to shareholders to part-fund the proposed deal.

Market overview

Historically, Ultra asserted that no more than 5% of group sales would be generated from one customer. However, Exhibit 10 clearly demonstrates the strength of the company’s relationship with the US DOD.

Exhibit 10: Ultra Electronics’ largest customers

Source: Company reports

Defence and aerospace (67% of FY17 group revenues)

Overall, Ultra is exposed to military programmes that have a long duration and hence provide good visibility. Around the globe, Ultra is seeing demand from the national shipbuilding strategies announced by the US, UK, Australia and Canada. Meanwhile, military aircraft demand is increasing, with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter moving to full rate production.

Exhibit 10 demonstrates the significance of the US DOD to Ultra. Today the direction of travel of the world’s largest defence budget has reversed the declines seen earlier in the decade with reduced overseas operations. Exhibit 11 demonstrates the uplift in outlays. The FY19 DOD budget is very much focused on addressing future threats from a position of strength. Hence, the required uplift in defence spending is increasingly visible.

Exhibit 11: US DOD investment* budget outlays (rolling 12 months)

Source: US Department of Defense. Note: *RDT&E and procurement.

The UK defence market had been under considerable scrutiny. Although it is the fifth largest defence budget globally, ongoing budgetary pressures, a change in defence secretary and a new review launched in January have all kept the spotlight on the sector. Defence secretary Gavin Williamson intends for the current the Modernising Defence Programme to be completed by the summer and says it is unlikely to be ‘fiscally neutral’. However, the Public Accounts Committee has already made it clear that the current Defence Equipment Plan falls short of requirements.

Around the globe, Ultra notes that countries are ‘coming under pressure to establish an indigenous defence capability’. The company has been successful in building its international defence footprints and views technology transfer as an increasingly important factor to win work in export markets.

The long-term fundamentals for the global commercial aerospace market remain healthy. IATA expects air traffic in 2018 to stay above trend, while in the longer term both Airbus and Boeing predict aircraft fleets to double over next 20 years. We show our expectations for Airbus and Boeing aircraft deliveries in Exhibit 12.

Exhibit 12: Airbus and Boeing deliveries

Source: Company reports, Edison Investment Research

Core to Ultra’s involvement in commercial aviation programmes is investing in new technology in cooperation with major industry partners. The company is starting to see the benefit as new programmes ramp up production. These include the company’s Ice Protection system for the Boeing 787 programme and landing gear controls across the Airbus product fleet.

Security and cyber (15% of FY17 group revenues)

This area is constantly evolving and keeping pressure on countries to modernised their security systems. While Warren Buffet suggests that cyber attacks are the number one problem for mankind, cyber crime is estimated to generate damage costs worldwide of c $6trn annually by 2021, up from c $3trn in 2015. In turn, this threat is expected to drive cybersecurity spending up from c $86.4bn in 2017 up to c $1trn in 2021, according to Gartner. From a defence perspective, the FY19 US President’s budget includes $15bn of budget authority for cybersecurity-related activities. This represents a $583.4m uplift over FY18, or 4.1% growth. Within this, the US DOD was the largest contributor at $8.5bn (FY18 $8.2bn) and notes that the role of terrorism today has ‘transformed global affairs with increased capabilities of mass disruption’. Meanwhile, civilian cybersecurity within the overall budget funding is increasing in the US by a similar percentage to defence.

At the core is Ultra’s ability to cyber-harden control and security systems in mission-critical areas. In the UK there have been some delays in spending in this area, whereas the US market is stronger. This exhibits itself in Ultra winning a $16.2m contract to cyber-secure systems for the Navy. Beyond the military, Ultra has found success in the oil and gas industry, winning work in the areas of multi-layered surveillance and security.

Transport and energy (18% of FY17 group revenues)

Ultra has a strong position in the nuclear energy sector, with capability in the area of sensors, process instrumentation and control systems. The backdrop for the nuclear market is relatively robust, with 445 nuclear power reactors in operation in 29 countries in 2017. Looking forward, c 150 power reactors with c 160,000MWe gross capacity are on order or planned, with a further 300 proposed. Exhibit 13 demonstrates that nuclear new build is largely skewed to emerging markets. Ultra recognises that the focus in Western markets has largely shifted to safety system upgrades, life extensions, emergency management and plant sustainment. The barriers to entry are high in this sector and the opportunities for Ultra in new and aftermarket business areas remain strong.  

Exhibit 13: Global planned nuclear reactors for construction between 2018-26e

Source: World Nuclear Association

The transport opportunity for Ultra is broad. The airport sector should leverage air traffic growth, while at the same time requiring more efficient and secure operating systems. In rail, the focus continues to be on power conversion and control markets. The UK market is not without price pressures. However, the drive towards controls and smart digital solutions continues. Once again, the geographic divide is visible with more developed countries working towards upgrading and maintaining networks, whereas the emerging market opportunity is focused on growth and building national capacity.

Overall, Ultra’s order book includes long-duration contracts, from winning programmes on aircraft or marine programmes to working on nuclear systems. This adds visibility into the order book and underpins future performance. Exhibit 14 demonstrates order cover in terms of value and composition.

Exhibit 14: 2018 liquidation of mid-term orders from long-term positions

Source: Company reports

Divisional overview

Exhibit 15: Divisional progression  

Year to Dec (£m)

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

Revenue

Aerospace & Infrastructure

229.3

226.6

230.4

198.6

193.2

204.7

203.2

195.0

198.9

Communications & Security

228.7

268.9

237.7

224.4

239.3

259.0

242.7

238.7

245.8

Maritime & Land

273.7

265.3

277.1

290.7

293.8

322.1

329.5

309.9

322.3

Group revenues

731.7

760.8

745.2

713.7

726.3

785.8

775.4

743.6

767.1

 EBIT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Infrastructure

37.2

45.1

46.2

29.6

28.6

32.4

32.6

29.3

29.8

Communications & Security

41.7

32.9

27.5

37

40.4

39.7

28.2

25.1

32.4

Maritime & Land

42.8

43.8

48

51.5

50.9

59.1

59.3

51.1

53.2

Group EBIT

121.7

121.8

121.7

118.1

120.0

131.1

120.1

105.5

115.5

 EBIT margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aerospace & Infrastructure

16.2%

19.9%

20.1%

14.9%

14.8%

15.8%

16.1%

15.0%

15.0%

Communications & Security

18.2%

12.2%

11.6%

16.5%

16.9%

15.3%

11.6%

10.5%

13.2%

Maritime & Land

15.6%

16.5%

17.3%

17.7%

17.3%

18.3%

18.0%

16.5%

16.5%

Group EBIT margin

16.6%

16.0%

16.3%

16.5%

16.5%

16.7%

15.5%

14.2%

15.1%

Source: Company reports, Edison Investment Research

Aerospace and infrastructure

Exhibit 16 gives an overview of the principal exposures and products of the business units. The variety of activities encompassed by a simple divisional title is extensive. The complexity within each division arises as a result of the chosen status of Ultra as predominantly a Tier 3/Tier 4 supplier to over 350 platforms.

The aerospace domain, which accounted for 17% of FY17 group sales, has established strengths in a variety of mission-critical electronic systems, control and instrumentation solutions, as well as more niche aviation technologies such as ice protection. It operates across both civil and military aircraft programmes, establishing long-term positions by providing innovative, low-cost and safety-compliant solutions to platform manufacturers. Civil output is set to continue to ramp up in the large commercial aircraft market and Ultra has positions on regional jet and turboprop programmes such as the Mitsubishi Regional Jet and the Chinese MA700. It has gained share in the large business jet market with Gulfstream and Cessna. Commercial sales growth is thus underpinned by aircraft production schedules. In the military market, exposure to the F-35 programme combined with growth in new transport programmes such as the KC390 and A400M should also drive sales. The company recently won first production orders on the SAAB Gripen E/F for its HiPPAG system for weapon ejection.

Infrastructure accounted for just 4% of FY17 group sales, with Ultra providing critical systems and software for the safe operation and security of transport and energy infrastructure. Transport investment remains in a growth phase with tier 2 airport systems experiencing growth in South America, the Middle East and Asia. That said, the most recent win for this business was for the renewal of the London Heathrow baggage reconciliation system. Rail investment is also expected to grow, although pricing is becoming increasingly competitive in export markets for Ultra’s range of power management solutions. Smart grid technologies also look set to benefit from the continuing constraint of energy networks, combined with increasing power demand.

Nuclear accounted for 8% of FY17 group sales. Its qualified sensors and safety systems support the growing market in reactor licensing, delivery, security and safe operation of reactors. With equipment on more than 190 reactors in 16 countries as well as on 32 new build reactors worldwide, Ultra has a well-established presence. While nuclear is a notoriously long-cycle business, Ultra should be able to access an increasing demand for plant life extensions and upgrades, as well as exploiting opportunities for new build growth on Generation 3 and NuScale’s Small Modular Reactor. The cyber protection and physical security of infrastructure is also now an increasing requirement.

Exhibit 16: Aerospace and infrastructure - business activities

Business

Products and activities

HQ

Airport systems

Provides IT services and solutions for airlines and airports including master systems integration; common use check-in; local departure control; weight & balance management systems; central database; flight information; management information; passenger bag matching; resource management; data acquisition and control.

Wythenshawe, Manchester, UK

Nuclear control systems

Provides a full suite of capabilities to the nuclear industry including: high integrity reactor instrumentation and control; life extensions and upgrades; nuclear emergency management systems; radiation monitoring solutions.

Wimborne, Dorset, UK

Nuclear sensors & process instrumentation

Designs and manufactures high integrity instrumentation for the civil nuclear and other industries, specialising in temperature and pressure sensors; fibre-optic converters; switches.

Round Rock, Texas, US

Precision control systems

Provider of high integrity control products for aerospace, military vehicle and soldier applications. Aerospace solutions include position sensing and control; airframe ice protection systems; active noise and vibration control; propeller balance monitoring systems; cockpit controls such as joysticks, throttles, selector handles and switches; lighting systems; high-pressure pure air generators for sensor cooling and for pneumatic ejection of aircraft munitions; ruggedized cable harnesses and ground service panels. For fighting vehicles and dismounted soldiers, Ultra PCS provides generic architectures, data management and local situational awareness systems.

Cheltenham, UK

Source: Company reports

Communications and security

Communications accounted for 16% of FY17 group sales and provides advanced, interoperable secure communications and systems for voice, video and data transfer. This includes the provision of scalable and low-risk radio, encryption, satellite and specialist systems to military government, law enforcement, industry and commercial customers around the globe.

The demand for faster, lower-cost, more mobile yet secure links are increasingly in demand in the command and control environment to improve situational awareness through efficient transfer of voice, data and video. In turn this should drive increased bandwidth demand and higher capacity requirements on High Throughput Satellites operating on the higher frequency Ka-band over the next five years. Demand for secure key management and increasingly IP-based encrypted system continues to drive demand in the military market, and Ultra has presence in both the UK and the US encryption programmes.

Command & Control, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C2ISR) accounted for 19% of FY17 group sales and is driven by growing requirement to secure and protect critical national infrastructure (CNI) and national borders. Increasing precision targeting and range of strikes continues to be a key demand in the military market, requiring improved and secure intelligence and surveillance data capture and analysis, increasingly in a real-time environment. ISTAR is being developed for both manned and unmanned air platforms.

The Herley acquisition forms part of this division and was acquired on 21 August 2015 for £164.7m. This business extended Ultra’s electronic warfare (EW) capabilities; however, it has also captured recent headlines. Historically, issues with the business have included work on the SEWIP and an EW contract for the F-15 aircraft platform. The business has been very successful in winning new business, but this has required financial support to deliver and there have been project cost overruns. It appears now that the continued additional cost is at least partly due to changes in scope, some of which may be recoverable from the customer, although negotiations on such issues tend to be protracted.

Exhibit 17: Communications & Security - business activities

Business

Products and activities

HQ

3eTI

A leading cyber-technology company with products and systems that secure critical infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. 3eTI helps preserve operational investments through advanced M2M security, secure wireless networks and sensor network applications, leveraging new and legacy systems while complying with highest government and industry standards.

Rockville, Maryland, US

Advanced Technical Systems

 A leading supplier of tactical command and control systems, communication gateways, data fusion and display systems. It also provides software-based applications that deliver enhanced situational awareness in military command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems.

Austin, Texas, US

Communication & Integrated Systems

Key supplier of communications and security solutions to both defence and commercial markets. Key capabilities include:

Greenford, UK

Data security – tactical and network encryption accredited to the highest standards, hardware security modules and key management and distribution.

EW simulation and test.

Military communications & ISTAR – airborne surveillance and targeting, tactical, video and C2 data links, deployed communications networks and satcom terminals.

Surveillance & security – border, port and harbour security, CNI protection, covert surveillance and recording systems.

Commercial communications – telemetry and RF mesh networking, flexible voice and data routing and fixed, mobile and transportable satcom terminals.

Forensic Technology

Provides automated firearm ballistics identification and forensic analysis systems for the criminal justice and border security communities. A world leader in its field, the company works with hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the globe, providing cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

Cote St-Luc, QC, Canada

Herley

Industry leader in the design, manufacture and support of advanced integrated RF subsystems and components for high performance EW, radar and communications systems and flight test and instrumentation systems and subsystems.

Lancaster, PA, US

TCS

Designs and manufactures high capacity, multi-channel line-of-sight radios and multiplexers; EW and electronic counter-countermeasure radio systems; military network communications equipment for voice, data and video information; high speed protocol converters and modems.

Montreal, Canada

Source: Company reports

Maritime and land

Underwater warfare accounted for 25% of FY17 group sales and represents the historical core of Ultra. By virtue of foresight and investment, Ultra’s products and systems in this area remain as relevant to global naval fleets as ever. Contract sizes in this area reach into hundreds of millions and add visibility to the portfolio. A recent win here is the £30m India Naval Defence Systems contract.

Maritime accounted for 8% of FY17 group sales, providing advanced warfighting systems and power management equipment to naval surface ships, submarines and unmanned vehicles. Contract sizes tend to be smaller; however, there is a drive to increase capability and hence deliver cost-effective upgrades to existing platforms. Ultra provides a suite of products to address signature management and degaussing to counter more sophisticated threats such as influenced mines.

Land accounted for just 3% of FY17 group sales and through this business Ultra provides power systems and electronic solutions. Army funding, especially around development and production of new armoured vehicles, has reduced in recent years with a step back in operational activity. Hence, as new build quantities have fallen, the focus has switched to a more integrated battlespace. Ultra is working on system connectivity and power supplies.

Exhibit 18: Maritime & Land – business activities

Business

Products & activities

HQ

Command & Sonar Systems

Operates in the maritime, land, underwater warfare and C2ISR market segments. In the Maritime segment, products and capabilities include naval ship modernisation, EO Tracking and Fire Control Systems, Surface Ship Combat Management Systems, naval data distribution systems, Graytronics RIB intercoms, servo control systems, TV cameras and submarine weapon fire control. In the underwater warfare market segment the company leads in the design and development of integrated naval sonar systems; torpedo defence systems and countermeasures; mine disposal systems; submarine communication systems and sensor to display distributed anti-submarine warfare systems, including multi-static active technologies. In the C2ISR market segment, solutions include Deployable Air C2 and maritime and border security solutions. In the land segment, products and capabilities include vision systems and turret servo control for armoured fighting vehicles. The business operates primarily at Tier 2 and Tier 3 and also offers comprehensive support services for all of the above products and systems, supporting its own and third-party equipment worldwide.

Loudwater, UK

EMS

An established supplier of specialist power supplies and degaussing systems for the electromagnetic silencing of naval vessels. It also provides transformer rectifier units, high voltage power conversion sub-systems and a wide variety of magnetic and power components. It also provides specialist military and civil human-machine interface solutions, including displacement and force joysticks; hand grip controls; trackballs; encoders and simulation equipment; cockpit equipment.

Yaphank, New York, US

Flightline Systems

Provides advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sonobuoy telemetry receivers for maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters; AuRACLE digital engine power management systems; checkpoint intelligent engine monitoring system; mechanical gyroscopes; specialist military test equipment solutions for aircraft fuel systems; Mil-Std 1553 databus; EMC filter and sonobuoys.

Victor, New York, US

Maritime Systems

World leader in the development and manufacture of solutions for undersea surveillance including: passive sonobuoys; bathythermal buoys; towed array sonars; high power sonar transducers. It also supplies magneto inductive communication and signalling for military, government and commercial applications.

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada

Ocean Systems

A leader in the design, development, manufacture and support of undersea defence electronics equipment including: submarine communications; acoustic countermeasures; torpedo defence, ASW; transducers and special purpose arrays.

Braintree, Massachusetts, US

PMES

Provides innovative high technology power solutions including solid state power conversion and control equipment; naval data processing and distribution systems; transit system power conversion and control; multi-influence measurement and control systems for the management of naval vessels signatures; magnetic and electric field sensors.

Rugeley, Staffordshire, UK

USSI

A trusted supplier of active and passive sonobuoys; advanced autonomous sensor systems; acoustic hailing and voice projection equipment. It also designs and manufactures portable power solutions in the 50–300W range. Its solid oxide fuel cells run on propane and provide more power in less space than competing technologies.

Columbia City, Indiana, US

Ultra Electronics Australia

Provides specialised electronic systems integration, and through-life support of Ultra Group capabilities in Australia and New Zealand. The core focus of the business is the design and manufacture of Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, complemented by specialised maritime/underwater warfare and communications support capabilities.

Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, Australia

Avalon Systems

Specialises in the field of EW, undertaking the design and manufacture of EW subsystems and providing engineering consultancy services and through-life support.

Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, Australia

Source: Company reports

Management

While there has been a significant change in Ultra’s management, there is considerable strength and depth in the current team to drive the strategy. The parting of the ways with the now former CEO Rakesh Sharma certainly came as a surprise to us in November 2017 and followed a ‘period of reflection’ by the board. The incoming CEO, Simon Pryce, formerly Group CEO at BBA Aviation, takes over at an interesting time in Ultra’s development. If he can restore the market confidence that has been dented by events over the last six months, we would expect a significant re-rating of the shares. He brings considerable experience in operational performance and business portfolio management, with 10 years of sector experience. The board benefits greatly from the chairman Douglas Caster, who recently assumed the executive CEO role while the search for a CEO was underway. Douglas’s connection with Ultra dates back to 1988 when he worked for Dowty. After the management buyout, Douglas took on senior roles until assuming the CEO role in 2005. The Bbard benefits also from the continuity of group finance director Ami Sharma and the non-executives.

Sensitivities

Ultra is exposed to the following sensitivities and risks

Brexit impact: while Brexit negotiations are ongoing, we see little impact on Ultra. There is certainly some medium-term risk to UK defence spending if GDP falls against previous expectations, as this would allow the 2% of GDP spending commitment to NATO to be met at lower levels. However, most major equipment programmes are long term and committed.

UK defence market: the UK defence secretary Gavin Williamson said recently ‘In order to secure competitive advantage over our potential adversaries, we need to ensure we can move quickly to further strengthen our capabilities’. In addition, he said the outcome would not be ‘fiscally neutral’. The pressures on the UK defence budget have had an impact on Ultra. However, there is a key role for the company to deliver unique, best-in-class technology to the UK MOD to ensure it can address current and future threats.

Programme management: ongoing cost overruns at Herley have made headlines and the fiscal impact was noticeable in H118. Management needs to ensure it has the right project management teams in place to deliver current and future contracts.

Management change: the company acted swiftly to replace Rakesh Sharma in the CEO role with Simon Pryce from BBA. We believe the return of the dhairman Douglas Caster to his former CEO role on an interim basis underpinned the invest-and-grow, entrepreneurial strategy that has been the hallmark of Ultra. As such, Simon takes over a company that is well positioned to leverage end markets and deliver growth.

Currency movements: translation sensitivity of revenues to a 1 cent movement in the $/£ rate is £3.3m and £0.7m for adjusted operating profit. Ultra has budgeted at $1.45/£1 and typically hedges fully its transactional exposure. However, FX is a likely headwind in H218.

M&A: the Sparton deal had made strategic sense. However, the US Department of Justice ruling prompted a mutual decision between Ultra and Sparton to terminate the merger. Ultra continues to supply into the growing demand in this field. Ultra has a very strong background in bolt-on M&A and we expect this to continue. Given the size of the company today, a bolt-on deal will need to be larger to move the needle; however, access to the right technology and markets at the right price is key.

Valuation

We calculate our estimated fair value of the company as a simple average of the DCF and SOTP measures, currently 1,918p (previously 1,811p). Our valuations reflect the lower share count due to the £134m share buyback. Our capped DCF returns a value of 1,987p (1,943p previously). Our FY19 SOTP-based value is 1,849p (previously 1,688p). The increase largely reflects improved global defence market prospects, especially in the US.

DCF

In our view, our cash-based capped DCF valuation basis is a conservative basis for estimating cash flow values as it does not assume any growth in the terminal value. While we normalise working capital to zero and capex to equal depreciation, it still eliminates some element of the potential tail value. The DCF on a calculated WACC of 7.3% currently delivers a value of 1,997p.

The sensitivity of our DCF to differing WACC and terminal growth assumptions is shown in the table below.

Exhibit 19: Ultra Electronics capped DCF sensitivity analysis to WACC and terminal growth

WACC

5.0%

6.0%

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

Terminal growth rate

0%

3,133

2,532

2,103

1,782

1,533

1,334

1%

3,161

2,554

2,121

1,797

1,546

1,345

2%

3,189

2,576

2,139

1,812

1,559

1,356

3%

3,217

2,598

2,157

1,827

1,571

1,367

Source: Edison Investment Research

SOTP

Our SOTP valuation uses domestic and international peer comparators whose principal activities service the defence and security markets. Year-to-date performance has varied within this group as company-specific issues continued for some, but the sector rating has improved. The rise reflects the clear increase in US DOD spending and improving prospects in the UK and elsewhere.

Due to the upwards rerating of the UK peer group we have removed the premium of 20% from Maritime & Land although we believe this conservative due to the prospect of renewed high margin growth in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and underwater warfare. We base our SOP assumptions on FY19 estimates and the results are presented in Exhibit 20 below. It returns a value per share of 1,849p.

Exhibit 20: SOTP valuation (FY19 basis)

£m

FY19e EBITA

Tax rate

FY19e NOPAT

P/E

Value (£m)

Basis

Aerospace & Infrastructure

29.8

21.5%

23.4

18.7x

439

US peers (Raytheon, Rockwell Collins) + prem to Thales & BAE - Civil Aviation

Communications & Security

53.2

21.5%

41.8

15.3x

639

UK sector (15.3x) - improving order book, high margins, underwater ASW growth

Maritime & Land

32.4

21.5%

25.5

16.1x

411

Rating in line with UK sector, Leonardo and US peers (Rockwell Collins, L-3)

Enterprise value

1,489

Net debt

-217

Forecast December 2018 net debt, adjusted for completion of share buyback

Equity value

1,272

Shares in issue (m)

69

Adjusted for the share buyback

Implied fair value per share (p)

 

 

 

 

1,849

 

Source: Bloomberg and Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 21: Peer group valuation

Company

Ticker

Fiscal YE

Market cap

Share price

FX

FY1 PE

FY2 PE

FY1 EV/ EBITDA

FY2 EV/ EBITDA

FY1 EV/ Sales

FY2 EV/ Sales

FY1 Div yield

FY2 Div yield

Ultra Electronics (BBG)

ULE LN

12/17

1,248.4

1,690

GBP

15.4X

13.8X

10.5X

9.8X

1.76X

1.65X

3.0%

3.1%

BAE Systems

BA/ LN

12/17

19,960.3

625

GBP

14.5X

13.3X

10.1X

9.4X

1.19X

1.14X

3.6%

3.7%

Chemring

CHG LN

10/17

633.9

226.5

GBP

17.6X

16.1X

9.0X

8.4X

1.42X

1.45X

1.4%

1.6%

Cobham

COB LN

12/17

3,072.4

128.5

GBP

27.3X

19.5X

11.2X

10.2X

1.64X

1.62X

0.5%

1.7%

Cohort

CHRT LN

04/18

155.6

380

GBP

12.2X

11.6X

8.5X

8.0X

1.26X

1.19X

2.4%

2.6%

Meggitt

MGGT LN

12/17

4,387.2

565

GBP

17.3X

16.0X

11.8X

10.9X

2.67X

2.55X

3.0%

3.1%

QinetiQ

QQ/ LN

03/18

1,529.5

269.3

GBP

15.7X

15.4X

8.6X

8.2X

1.48X

1.44X

2.5%

2.6%

Rolls-Royce

RR/ LN

12/17

20,453.3

1,094

GBP

81.6X

41.9X

15.8X

11.8X

1.38X

1.34X

1.1%

1.3%

UK Average

26.6X

19.1X

10.7X

9.6X

1.6X

1.5X

2.1%

2.4%

Airbus

AIR FP

12/17

83,608.1

107.8

GBP

24.1X

19.3X

10.1X

8.5X

1.17X

1.07X

1.6%

2.0%

FACC

FACC AV

02/18

873.7

19.1

GBP

22.2X

17.9X

10.9X

9.5X

1.32X

1.19X

1.3%

1.8%

Latecoere

LAT FP

12/17

388.5

4.1

GBP

30.8X

14.6X

10.1X

6.2X

0.57X

0.55X

0.0%

0.7%

Leonardo

LDO IM

12/17

6,059.0

10.5

GBP

13.2X

10.3X

6.0X

5.7X

0.82X

0.78X

1.4%

1.5%

MTU Aero Engines

MTX GR

12/17

9,531.6

183.3

GBP

22.1X

20.3X

13.4X

12.5X

2.49X

2.26X

1.5%

1.7%

Rheinmetall

RHM GR

12/17

4,386.4

100.7

GBP

16.0X

14.0X

6.9X

6.4X

0.77X

0.72X

2.0%

2.2%

Saab

SAABB SS

12/17

44,609.7

408.7

GBP

26.6X

20.3X

14.1X

11.8X

1.45X

1.35X

1.5%

1.7%

Safran

SAF FP

12/17

46,808.3

105.5

GBP

23.5X

19.6X

12.6X

11.0X

2.25X

2.08X

1.7%

2.0%

Thales

HO FP

12/17

24,460.6

114.8

GBP

21.8X

18.2X

10.7X

9.3X

1.40X

1.25X

1.7%

2.1%

European Average

22.3X

17.2X

10.5X

9.0X

1.4X

1.3X

1.4%

1.7%

Boeing

BA US

12/17

200,181.7

348.4

GBP

23.8X

20.1X

14.5X

13.3X

2.06X

1.954X

2.0%

2.2%

Harris Corp

HRS US

06/18

19,279.2

162.4

GBP

20.7X

18.1X

14.6X

13.4X

3.44X

3.19X

1.5%

1.6%

Honeywell

HON US

12/17

115,134.3

155.0

GBP

19.1X

17.6X

13.3X

12.3X

2.83X

2.75X

2.0%

2.2%

L-3

LLL US

12/17

16,559.5

211.4

GBP

21.3X

18.5X

14.0X

12.5X

1.89X

1.79X

1.5%

1.6%

Lockheed Martin

LMT US

12/17

91,286.6

320.6

GBP

19.2X

17.0X

12.4X

11.6X

2.00X

1.91X

2.6%

2.8%

Northrop Grumman

NOC US

12/17

51,758.2

297.3

17.6X

15.7X

14.9X

13.1X

2.18X

1.92X

1.6%

1.7%

Raytheon

RTN US

12/17

55,853.9

195.8

GBP

19.7X

17.1X

11.6X

11.1X

2.17X

2.06X

1.7%

1.9%

Rockwell Automation

ROK US

09/17

22,205.6

179.5

GBP

22.4X

20.0X

14.6X

13.4X

3.26X

3.10X

1.9%

2.1%

United Technologies

UTX US

12/17

107,124.5

133.9

GBP

18.5X

17.0X

11.2X

10.5X

1.95X

1.84X

2.2%

2.3%

US Average

20.3X

17.9X

13.5X

12.4X

2.4X

2.3X

1.9%

2.0%

Source: Bloomberg. Note: Priced at 3 August 2018.


Financials

Revenue during H118 continued to be adversely affected by FX, but the return to organic growth was welcome, albeit at still-modest levels. We feel that as indicated by rising US defence spending rates, the organic rate is likely to develop positively as volumes continue to ramp up (eg civil and F-35) and programmes move from development into production phases next year (eg at Herley).

Ultra’s S3 (standardisation and share services) programme remains on track to deliver £20m of cost savings by the end of 2018, when the programme should be completed. In H118 Ultra spent £0.4m, bringing total expenditure to £19.7m, with £8.6m of savings already realised. Six ERP implementations have started and are on track for completion during H218 and H119, and a further 2% reduction in the property footprint has also been delivered,

Following completion of the S-3 investment we fully anticipate additional ongoing operational excellence and efficiency programmes will be implemented.

Ultra continues to invest for growth, with total R&D spending in H118 of £72.8m (H117 £76.6m of the total Ultra funded £12.6m or 3.6% of revenues (H117 £16.6m, 4.5%). Including the £6.1m of Herley development contract cost overruns, customer funding was £60.2m or 17.2% of revenues (H117 £60.0m, 16.4%).

Operating cash conversion at the half year was 14% (2017 53%; IFRS 15: 54%) with operating cash flow of £6.5m (2017 £30.5m). The reduction of £24m compared to H117 was caused by faster payments to secure a constrained supply chain; increased inventories against higher sales and H2 expectations; and increased capex. Management expects stronger performance in H218, leaving full-year cash conversion in the range of 70–75%. The company spent £50m on the share buyback programme in the first half, leaving period end net debt at £170.1m, compared to £74.5m at the start of the year.

While management held the dividend payment at the half year, we believe this reflects a prudent approach rather than a concern. As growth returns in 2019 we expect to see increased payments, although probably lower than the rate of earnings progression as the company seeks to raise levels of cover.

Exhibit 22: Financial summary

£m

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

785.8

775.4

743.6

767.1

Cost of Sales

(580.9)

(609.9)

(640.4)

(672.5)

Gross Profit

204.9

165.5

103.2

94.6

EBITDA

 

 

148.0

133.8

121.2

131.8

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

 

 

131.1

120.1

105.5

115.5

Intangible Amortisation

(5.4)

(3.5)

(3.8)

(4.3)

Exceptionals

(52.4)

(49.4)

(35.4)

(24.6)

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Operating Profit

73.3

67.2

66.2

86.6

Net Interest

(11.1)

(10.1)

(11.7)

(13.6)

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

120.1

110.0

93.7

101.9

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

67.6

60.6

58.3

77.3

Tax

(9.4)

(11.7)

(12.5)

(16.6)

Profit After Tax (norm)

94.7

86.3

73.6

80.0

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

52.9

45.4

41.9

56.4

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

70.3

74.0

74.4

69.9

EPS - normalised (p)

 

 

134.6

116.7

99.0

114.5

EPS

 

 

134.5

116.6

98.9

114.4

EPS - (IFRS) (p)

 

 

75.2

61.4

56.4

80.7

Dividend per share (p)

47.8

49.6

49.6

52.1

Gross Margin (%)

26.1

21.3

13.9

12.3

EBITDA Margin (%)

18.8

17.3

16.3

17.2

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

16.7

15.5

14.2

15.1

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

655.4

590.6

566.3

544.5

Intangible Assets

589.2

531.4

508.6

488.1

Tangible Assets

66.2

59.2

57.7

56.4

Investments

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Current Assets

 

 

364.9

454.5

442.2

451.9

Stocks

78.2

76.6

81.8

80.5

Debtors

142.5

147.2

148.0

148.0

Cash

74.6

149.5

132.5

142.5

Other

69.6

81.2

79.9

80.8

Current Liabilities

 

 

(178.6)

(250.2)

(176.9)

(183.3)

Creditors

(178.6)

(198.4)

(176.9)

(183.3)

Short term borrowings

0.0

(51.8)

0.0

0.0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(478.1)

(282.7)

(427.3)

(417.5)

Long term borrowings

(331.3)

(172.2)

(316.1)

(305.6)

Other long term liabilities

(146.8)

(110.4)

(111.2)

(111.9)

Net Assets

 

 

363.6

512.2

404.3

395.6

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

117.8

100.8

86.1

135.6

Net Interest

(7.5)

(11.1)

(10.1)

(11.7)

Tax

(17.3)

(11.7)

(12.5)

(16.6)

Capex

(7.4)

(12.8)

(16.1)

(16.4)

Acquisitions/disposals

16.8

0.0

(18.0)

0.0

Financing

3.0

137.3

(100.5)

(33.5)

Dividends

(32.6)

(35.0)

(38.0)

(36.7)

Other

(34.0)

14.7

0.0

0.0

Net Cash Flow

38.9

182.2

(109.1)

20.5

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

295.6

256.7

74.5

183.6

HP finance leases initiated

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

256.7

74.5

183.6

163.0

Source: Company reports, Edison Investment Research

Contact details

Revenue by geography (H118)

Bridport Road
Greenford
Middlesex
UB6 8UA
+44 (0)20 8813 4321
www.ultra-electronics.com

Contact details

Bridport Road
Greenford
Middlesex
UB6 8UA
+44 (0)20 8813 4321
www.ultra-electronics.com

Revenue by geography (H118)

Management team

Chairman: Douglas Caster

Chief executive officer: Simon Pryce

Douglas started his career as an electronics design engineer with the Racal Electronics Group in 1975, before moving to Schlumberger in 1986 and then to Dowty as engineering director of sonar & communication systems in 1988. In 1992, he became managing director of that business and, after participating in the management buy-out that formed Ultra Electronics, joined the board in October 1993. In April 2000, he was promoted to the position of managing director of Ultra’s Information & Power Systems division. In April 2004, he was appointed chief operating officer and became chief executive in April 2005. He was appointed deputy chairman in April 2010 and became chairman of Ultra in April 2011. Douglas is a non-executive director of Morgan Advanced Materials and was appointed chairman of Metalysis in January 2015.

Simon joined Ultra on 18 June 2018 from BBA where he was group CEO from 2007 to 2017. Despite challenging market conditions, Simon led BBA’s transformation from an aggregation of loosely related aviation and defence businesses to the world’s leading business and general aviation service provider, through effective strategic and portfolio management and a focus on operational performance, financial discipline and cash generation. Simon is a non-executive director of Electrocomponents, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a member of the Council of the University of Reading. Prior to joining BBA, he worked in finance and management at GKN and previously worked at JP Morgan and Lazards in London and New York. He is a chartered accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Group finance director: Amitabh Sharma

Ami qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1993. He moved to KPMG in 1994 where he became an audit manager. In 1999, Ami joined Ultra Electronics where he spent six years as group financial controller. In 2005 he was appointed to the role of group finance director at Gibbs and Dandy. In 2008 Gibbs and Dandy was sold to CAC 40 listed Saint Gobain, a process in which Ami took a leading role. At Saint Gobain, Ami was appointed a divisional finance director. In 2014 he became group financial controller at Senior, a FTSE 250 aerospace group before moving to take up a finance director role at a start-up venture. Ami re-joined Ultra in January 2016, became group finance director and was appointed to the board in May 2016.

Management team

Chairman: Douglas Caster

Douglas started his career as an electronics design engineer with the Racal Electronics Group in 1975, before moving to Schlumberger in 1986 and then to Dowty as engineering director of sonar & communication systems in 1988. In 1992, he became managing director of that business and, after participating in the management buy-out that formed Ultra Electronics, joined the board in October 1993. In April 2000, he was promoted to the position of managing director of Ultra’s Information & Power Systems division. In April 2004, he was appointed chief operating officer and became chief executive in April 2005. He was appointed deputy chairman in April 2010 and became chairman of Ultra in April 2011. Douglas is a non-executive director of Morgan Advanced Materials and was appointed chairman of Metalysis in January 2015.

Chief executive officer: Simon Pryce

Simon joined Ultra on 18 June 2018 from BBA where he was group CEO from 2007 to 2017. Despite challenging market conditions, Simon led BBA’s transformation from an aggregation of loosely related aviation and defence businesses to the world’s leading business and general aviation service provider, through effective strategic and portfolio management and a focus on operational performance, financial discipline and cash generation. Simon is a non-executive director of Electrocomponents, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a member of the Council of the University of Reading. Prior to joining BBA, he worked in finance and management at GKN and previously worked at JP Morgan and Lazards in London and New York. He is a chartered accountant and a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Group finance director: Amitabh Sharma

Ami qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1993. He moved to KPMG in 1994 where he became an audit manager. In 1999, Ami joined Ultra Electronics where he spent six years as group financial controller. In 2005 he was appointed to the role of group finance director at Gibbs and Dandy. In 2008 Gibbs and Dandy was sold to CAC 40 listed Saint Gobain, a process in which Ami took a leading role. At Saint Gobain, Ami was appointed a divisional finance director. In 2014 he became group financial controller at Senior, a FTSE 250 aerospace group before moving to take up a finance director role at a start-up venture. Ami re-joined Ultra in January 2016, became group finance director and was appointed to the board in May 2016.

Principal shareholders

(%)

FMR LLC

10.1

FIL

9.8

Standard Life

8.2

Legal & General

5.8

Invesco

5.3

Heronbridge IM

4.9

Pendal Group Ltd

4.8

Artemis IM

4.5

Companies named in this report

Sparton Corporation

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. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2018 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Ultra Electronics 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 Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. 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.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

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 4, 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 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

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. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2018 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Ultra Electronics 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 Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. 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.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

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 4, 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 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Centrale del Latte d’Italia — Steady progress

Despite the continued challenging consumer environment in Italy and across Western Europe during H118, Centrale del Latte d’Italia’s (CLI’s) business continued to perform well, in part due to the price increases implemented during Q217. Vegetable-based drinks and the export business remained stand-out performers, albeit from a low base, and fresh milk also performed well. We leave our FY18 revenue forecasts unchanged, but we adjust our estimates for the sale of the prepared salads plant. Our EBITDA forecast increases as labour costs are reduced thanks to the new agreement and our fair value nudges up to €3.35 per share (from €3.30).

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