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Detection Technology - Underlying demand remains strong

Detection Technology came in strong with topline growth in all its BUs, but the growth pace was restricted by issues in the supply chain. The demand was strong in medical and industrial applications, while security saw the demand to pick up. We retain our HOLD-rating and adjust TP to EUR 26 (28).

Strong growth but some sales were postponed in H2’21
In Q4’21, underlying demand continued strong and DT saw a topline increase of 24.3% y/y, totaling EUR 24.7m. Driven by strong demand for high-end CT devices and investments in health care, the medical business grew by 24% y/y to EUR 13.6m. IBU continued strong performance in all its segments and with new customers, the segment grew by 21.7% y/y to EUR 3.4m. SBU faced strong growth figures and net sales increased by 26.5% y/y to EUR 7.8m, driven by all segments except aviation. DT’s management noted that over EUR 3m of sales were postponed due to the lack of components. EBIT improved by 26% y/y to EUR 3.0m (12% margin), falling short of the company’s and our expectations. The profitability was lower than expected due to increased fixed costs.

Demand for detectors continues strong
The underlying demand in all BUs continues strong, but component shortages seem to restrict and postpone some of the H1’22 deliveries. Risks regarding component availability have increased, which might in the worst case lead to customer outflow. We have adjusted our estimates, now expecting revenue growth of 13.3% y/y in 2022, driven by a strong performance of SBU (22.1%) and IBU (16.2%), while MBU’s growth pace (7.6%) sees a slight slowdown due to component shortage. We estimate EBIT to improve to EUR 15.0m (14.8%) but fall slightly short of the company’s medium-term target of 15% margin in 2022.

HOLD with a target price of EUR 26 (28)
With our revised estimates, DT is trading above its peer group and we don’t find the premium justified given the uncertainties regarding component availability. In our view, now it’s not the time to increase the position, rather wait for the supply chain issues to ease. We retain our HOLD-rating and adjust TP to EUR 26 (28).

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