Solteq - Sizeable spring cleaning
Solteq intends to divest its ERP business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail solutions. The valuation of the deal is quite attractive and would ease the company’s balance sheet situation, while near-term profitability is under further pressure.
Intention to divest a quite considerable part of its business
Solteq signed a business transfer agreement regarding the divestment of its ERP business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail solutions to Azets. The revenue of the transferring business in 2022 was EUR 11.2 m and the operating profit was EUR 1.5m and as such represents a quite considerable part Solteq’s total business. The net debt-free purchase price of the business is a maximum of EUR 20m and the fixed purchase price is EUR 15m deducted by the net working capital of the business. Solteq will recognize an estimated one-time profit of EUR 8m (pre-tax) on the fixed purchase price in Q2. The transaction is estimated to be completed on May 2, subject to customary preconditions. Solteq withdrew its guidance due to the on-going transaction.
Attractive valuation and easing of balance sheet pressure
In light of the updated strategy, divestments were to be expected. Although the to be transferred business per se is in not fully non-core and has a healthy profitability, the deal makes sense given the attractive valuation. In terms of size the announced transaction in our view represents the bulk of possibly planned divestments, a further smaller transaction is still in our view somewhat likely. The main benefit of the transaction is in our view the valuation and easing of the balance sheet burden, as Solteq through its issued bond has been relatively indebted. In the short-term, the transaction will if completed add pressure on overhead expenses in relations to the business size and will likely induce actions to remedy the situation.
HOLD with a target price of EUR 1.3
Ultimately, our view of the transaction is quite neutral. The balance sheet improvement will provide financial leeway, but near-term profitability will be further constrained. We retain our target price of EUR 1.3 and HOLD-rating.
Solteq signed a business transfer agreement regarding the divestment of its ERP business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail solutions to Azets. The revenue of the transferring business in 2022 was EUR 11.2 m and the operating profit was EUR 1.5m and as such represents a quite considerable part Solteq’s total business. The net debt-free purchase price of the business is a maximum of EUR 20m and the fixed purchase price is EUR 15m deducted by the net working capital of the business. Solteq will recognize an estimated one-time profit of EUR 8m (pre-tax) on the fixed purchase price in Q2. The transaction is estimated to be completed on May 2, subject to customary preconditions. Solteq withdrew its guidance due to the on-going transaction.
Attractive valuation and easing of balance sheet pressure
In light of the updated strategy, divestments were to be expected. Although the to be transferred business per se is in not fully non-core and has a healthy profitability, the deal makes sense given the attractive valuation. In terms of size the announced transaction in our view represents the bulk of possibly planned divestments, a further smaller transaction is still in our view somewhat likely. The main benefit of the transaction is in our view the valuation and easing of the balance sheet burden, as Solteq through its issued bond has been relatively indebted. In the short-term, the transaction will if completed add pressure on overhead expenses in relations to the business size and will likely induce actions to remedy the situation.
HOLD with a target price of EUR 1.3
Ultimately, our view of the transaction is quite neutral. The balance sheet improvement will provide financial leeway, but near-term profitability will be further constrained. We retain our target price of EUR 1.3 and HOLD-rating.