XP Power — Strong Q1 drives forecast upgrades

XP Power (LSE: XPP)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

GBP10.60

−24.00 (−2.21%)

Market capitalisation

GBP257m

More on this equity

Research: TMT

XP Power — Strong Q1 drives forecast upgrades

XP Power’s Q1 trading update confirmed continuing positive momentum in order intake. Orders received were 9% higher on a year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter basis. With Q1 revenue growth of 18% y-o-y, book-to-bill remained strong at 1.1x. We have revised our revenue forecasts to take account of the higher than expected performance in Q1, resulting in an upgrade to forecast normalised EPS of 7.7% in FY18 and 7.6% in FY19.

Katherine Thompson

Written by

Katherine Thompson

Director

TMT

XP Power

Strong Q1 drives forecast upgrades

Q1 trading update

Tech hardware & equipment

13 April 2018

Price

3520p

Market cap

£673m

$1.41:£1

Net debt (£m) at end Q118

6.8

Shares in issue

19.1m

Free float

90%

Code

XPP

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

2.0

(4.9)

40.8

Rel (local)

1.9

1.6

41.6

52-week high/low

3740.0p

2390.0p

Business description

XP Power is a developer and designer of power control solutions with production facilities in China, Vietnam and the US, and design, service and sales teams across Europe, the US and Asia.

Next events

H118 results

30 July 2018

Analysts

Katherine Thompson

+44 (0)20 3077 5730

Dan Ridsdale

+44 (0)20 3077 5729

XP Power is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

XP Power’s Q1 trading update confirmed continuing positive momentum in order intake. Orders received were 9% higher on a year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter basis. With Q1 revenue growth of 18% y-o-y, book-to-bill remained strong at 1.1x. We have revised our revenue forecasts to take account of the higher than expected performance in Q1, resulting in an upgrade to forecast normalised EPS of 7.7% in FY18 and 7.6% in FY19.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

Dil. EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/16

129.8

28.6

115.3

71.0

30.5

2.0

12/17

166.8

36.1

147.0

78.0

23.9

2.2

12/18e

186.0

40.3

171.1

82.0

20.6

2.3

12/19e

195.1

42.9

182.5

85.0

19.3

2.4

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

Q118 trading: Revenues and bookings up strongly

XP Power reported revenues of £46.6m in Q118, up 18% y-o-y, up 28% on a constant currency basis and up 17% on a like-for-like basis. Order intake of £51.2m was 9% higher y-o-y (+19% constant currency, +12% like-for-like) and 9% higher q-o-q. Book-to-bill remained strong at 1.1x. Net debt at quarter-end was £6.8m, down from £9.0m at end FY17. The company announced a 16p per share dividend for Q118, in line with our forecast.

Upgrading forecasts

Management’s expectations for full year performance remain unchanged. We have raised our forecasts to reflect the stronger than expected trading in Q1. We lift revenue forecasts by 5.8% for FY18 and FY19, based on constant currency revenue growth of 22% in FY18 (which includes the full year effect of Comdel) and 5% in FY19. This results in an increase in operating profit of 7.5% in FY18 and 7.4% in FY19 and normalised EPS of 7.7% in FY18 and 7.6% in FY19. We forecast that XP will move into a net cash position by the end of FY19, increasing our forecast from £4.1m to £6.2m.

Valuation: Reflects consistently profitable growth

On a P/E basis, XP is trading at a premium to global power converter companies and at a small discount to UK electronics companies, with a dividend yield at the top end of the range. XP generates EBITDA and EBIT margins at the top end of its peer group. We see scope for upgrades to earnings estimates from cross-selling and further market share gains in healthcare. The company is well funded to make further acquisitions, while maintaining its strong operating profitability.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

£m

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

31-December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

INCOME STATEMENT

Revenue

 

 

93.9

101.1

101.1

109.7

129.8

166.8

186.0

195.1

Cost of Sales

(49.0)

(51.5)

(51.0)

(55.1)

(67.8)

(89.2)

(100.0)

(104.9)

Gross Profit

44.9

49.6

50.1

54.6

62.0

77.6

86.0

90.2

EBITDA

 

 

23.3

26.0

27.6

29.7

33.0

41.7

46.6

49.5

Normalised operating profit

 

 

21.0

23.3

24.5

25.9

28.8

36.4

40.9

43.5

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

(0.4)

(0.6)

(1.4)

(1.2)

Exceptionals

0.0

0.0

0.0

(0.3)

(0.4)

(3.3)

0.0

0.0

Share-based payments

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Reported operating profit

21.0

23.3

24.5

25.6

28.0

32.5

39.5

42.3

Net Interest

(0.8)

(0.4)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.6)

(0.6)

Joint ventures & associates (post tax)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Exceptional & other financial

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

20.2

22.9

24.3

25.7

28.6

36.1

40.3

42.9

Profit Before Tax (reported)

 

 

20.2

22.9

24.3

25.4

27.8

32.2

38.9

41.7

Reported tax

(4.5)

(4.5)

(4.8)

(5.5)

(6.3)

(3.6)

(6.6)

(7.1)

Profit After Tax (norm)

15.7

18.4

19.5

20.2

22.3

28.8

33.4

35.6

Profit After Tax (reported)

15.7

18.4

19.5

19.9

21.5

28.6

32.2

34.6

Minority interests

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.3)

(0.3)

Discontinued operations

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Net income (normalised)

15.5

18.2

19.4

20.0

22.1

28.5

33.2

35.4

Net income (reported)

15.5

18.2

19.4

19.7

21.3

28.3

32.0

34.4

Basic average number of shares outstanding (m)

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

19

EPS - basic normalised (p)

 

 

81.67

95.84

102.12

105.28

116.22

149.36

173.78

185.41

EPS - diluted normalised (p)

 

 

81.35

95.05

101.07

104.32

115.33

147.00

171.09

182.54

EPS - basic reported (p)

 

 

81.67

95.84

102.12

103.70

112.02

148.31

167.60

180.17

Dividend (p)

50

55

61

66

71

78

82

85

Revenue growth (%)

(9.4)

7.7

0.0

8.5

18.3

28.5

11.5

4.9

Gross Margin (%)

47.8

49.1

49.6

49.8

47.8

46.5

46.2

46.2

EBITDA Margin (%)

24.8

25.7

27.3

27.0

25.4

25.0

25.0

25.4

Normalised Operating Margin

22.4

23.0

24.2

23.6

22.2

21.8

22.0

22.3

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

52.8

53.3

56.1

65.4

73.2

88.1

96.5

100.5

Intangible Assets

38.1

39.1

40.5

48.2

53.0

63.9

65.2

66.7

Tangible Assets

13.2

12.7

14.4

16.1

19.1

22.5

29.6

32.1

Investments & other

1.5

1.5

1.2

1.1

1.1

1.7

1.7

1.7

Current Assets

 

 

39.3

42.2

47.0

53.5

65.7

83.5

89.2

99.6

Stocks

19.8

20.4

25.2

28.7

32.2

37.8

43.9

46.0

Debtors

14.2

15.4

16.0

17.5

21.5

23.8

28.0

29.4

Cash & cash equivalents

4.1

5.0

3.8

4.9

9.2

15.0

13.3

20.2

Other

1.2

1.4

2.0

2.4

2.8

6.9

4.0

4.0

Current Liabilities

 

 

(20.2)

(22.4)

(18.6)

(19.8)

(25.8)

(25.1)

(27.4)

(28.4)

Creditors

(11.1)

(12.7)

(14.4)

(14.6)

(16.1)

(21.4)

(23.7)

(24.7)

Tax and social security

(1.6)

(1.1)

(1.7)

(1.2)

(3.3)

(3.5)

(3.5)

(3.5)

Short term borrowings

(7.3)

(8.5)

(2.5)

(4.0)

(5.5)

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other

(0.2)

(0.1)

0.0

0.0

(0.9)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.2)

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(10.6)

(3.7)

(4.2)

(10.0)

(6.2)

(29.6)

(24.6)

(19.6)

Long term borrowings

(7.4)

0.0

0.0

(4.6)

0.0

(24.0)

(19.0)

(14.0)

Other long term liabilities

(3.2)

(3.7)

(4.2)

(5.4)

(6.2)

(5.6)

(5.6)

(5.6)

Net Assets

 

 

61.3

69.4

80.3

89.1

106.9

116.9

133.6

152.0

Minority interests

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.8)

(0.8)

(0.9)

(1.0)

(1.1)

Shareholders' equity

 

 

61.1

69.2

80.2

88.3

106.1

116.0

132.6

150.9

CASH FLOW

Op Cash Flow before WC and tax

23.3

26.0

27.6

29.7

33.0

41.7

46.6

49.5

Working capital

4.2

(0.3)

(4.1)

(4.6)

(6.1)

0.4

(8.0)

(2.5)

Exceptional & other

0.4

(0.5)

1.9

0.6

5.1

(6.3)

0.0

0.0

Tax

(4.3)

(5.0)

(3.6)

(4.7)

(4.1)

(6.1)

(3.7)

(7.1)

Net operating cash flow

 

 

23.6

20.2

21.8

21.0

27.9

29.7

34.9

40.0

Capex

(4.7)

(3.2)

(5.8)

(5.4)

(6.8)

(10.1)

(15.5)

(11.2)

Acquisitions/disposals

(1.6)

0.1

0.1

(8.3)

0.1

(18.3)

0.0

0.0

Net interest

(0.5)

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.6)

(0.6)

Equity financing

(0.5)

0.1

(0.2)

0.0

0.2

(0.2)

0.0

0.0

Dividends

(9.1)

(10.1)

(11.0)

(12.2)

(13.1)

(14.2)

(15.5)

(16.2)

Other

0.5

0.2

0.1

0.2

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Net Cash Flow

7.7

7.0

4.9

(4.8)

8.1

(13.3)

3.3

11.9

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

18.6

10.6

3.5

(1.3)

3.7

(3.7)

9.0

5.7

FX

0.3

0.1

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.5)

0.7

0.0

0.0

Other non-cash movements

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.1

(0.2)

(0.1)

0.0

0.0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

10.6

3.5

(1.3)

3.7

(3.7)

9.0

5.7

(6.2)

Source: XP Power, Edison Investment Research

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 Pty 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 XP Power 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 Pty 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 XP Power 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

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Research: Energy & Resources

SDX Energy — Ibn Yunus-1 de-risking Abu Madi Baltim trend

SDX Energy has announced results from the Ibn Yunus-1 well at South Disouq, Egypt (SDX 55%). Ibn Yunus-1 is the second consecutive gas discovery at South Disouq (after SD-1X) and encountered 100.8 net meters of conventional pay in the Abu Madi horizon, with average porosity of 28.5%. The well came in on prognosis but with a reservoir thickness and quality above pre-drill expectations. We expect to de-risk Ibn Yunus on flow testing; however, indicatively moving to an 80% chance of success (equivalent to our risking for SD-1X) from 32% would add 4.4p/share to our RENAV in our 90bcf recoverable case. We recently published a detailed update on our view of the group valuation, which stands at a core NAV of 58.3p/share and RENAV of 65.6p/share.

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