Etteplan - Moving towards better conditions
Better than expected profitability in Q4
Etteplan reported solid profitability figures in Q4, with EBIT at EUR 7.1m (EUR 6.5m/6.6m Evli/cons.) and EBIT (excl. NRI’s) of EUR 7.4m. Revenue was slightly below expectations, at EUR 70.3m (EUR 71.8m Evli/cons.). Etteplan proposes a dividend distribution of EUR 0.34 per share (EUR 0.33 Evli/cons.). Positive news on the rollout of Coronavirus vaccines aided demand in Q4. In 2021 Etteplan expects revenue to amount to EUR 280-300m and EBIT to amount to EUR 23-26m.
Demand pick-up uncertainty but acquisitions boost growth
We have made only minor revisions post-Q4, with our estimates still near the mid-point of the guidance range (revenue EUR 288.9m and EBIT EUR 24.5m). Growth is aided by the Tegeman and TekPartner acquisitions and we expect double-digit growth. 2021 should start of somewhat sluggish but we expect demand to pick up going into mid-2021. Cost expansion after the strict cost discipline in 2020 and recruitments in 2021 should limit margin upside and we expect to see margins similar to 2020. The outlook for 2021 is looking brighter but we still see uncertainty in organic growth capabilities. Lockdowns and restrictions are continuing to impact the overall economy and the first half of the year in that regard appears challenging, but we are carefully optimistic going forward.
SELL with a target price of EUR 13.6
With no larger changes to our estimates we retain our target price of EUR 13.6 and SELL-rating. Our target price values Etteplan at 18x 2021 P/E, which we consider justified given the still present uncertainty.