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SRV - Profitability remains under pressure

SRV’s profitability in Q2 was clearly weaker than we had expected following margin reductions in certain construction projects. We adjust our 2019E operative operating profit estimate downward to EUR 14.7m (prev. 21.1m). We retain our HOLD rating with a TP of EUR 1.8 (1.9)

Weaker margin projects pushed profits back in to the red

SRV’s Q2 earnings were weak, with the operative operating profit at EUR -3.1m compared to our estimate of EUR 2.9m. Q2 saw the completion of a low number of developer-contracted housing units and as such a y/y revenue decline to EUR 207.4m, in line with our estimate of EUR 209.8m, which had an impact on profitability. Earnings were further affected by construction margin reductions in three projects, expected to be completed by the end of this year, totaling EUR 6.8m, along with other minor non-recurring items.

2019 earnings to be dictated by Q4 housing completions

Our estimates remain intact apart from minor H2/19 adjustments and a revision for 2019 profitability due to the weaker than expected Q2. For 2019E we estimate revenue of EUR 1,026m (prev. 1,029m) and an operative operating profit of EUR 14.7m (prev. 21.1m). Earnings in 2019 are heavily skewed towards Q4 due to developer-contracting housing unit completion timing, with REDI Majakka accounting for some half of the expected completions. We continue to expect a divestment of Pearl Plaza in 2019, although not included in our earnings estimates as the possible transaction would according to SRV have no significant impact on group profits.

HOLD with a target price of EUR 1.80 (1.90)

Valuation based on peer multiples appears more than challenging, in particular on EV metrics due to the high leverage, while our SOTP offers some leeway due to the shopping centres not reflected through earnings comparison. Caution due to weak near-term earnings visibility following a sequence of negative surprises is also warranted and we retain our HOLD rating, adjusting our TP to 1.80 (1.90) following our estimates revision.

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