IQE — Six more VCSEL projects in mass production

IQE (LN: IQE)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

33.10

3.95 (13.55%)

Market capitalisation

266m

More on this equity

Research: TMT

IQE — Six more VCSEL projects in mass production

IQE’s post-H118 close trading update notes the group continues to trade in line with current market expectations. Importantly, it comments on a significant increase in photonics revenues from product qualifications, underpinning management’s expectation of a photonics ramp-up in H218 and FY19. We raise our revenue estimates slightly but otherwise leave our forecasts unchanged.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

TMT

IQE

Six more VCSEL projects in mass production

H118 trading update

Tech hardware & equipment

7 August 2018

Price

104.9p

Market cap

£798m

Net cash (£m) at end December 2017

45.6

Shares in issue

757.6m

Free float

95.2%

Code

IQE

Primary exchange

AIM

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

0.9

(6.3)

(2.7)

Rel (local)

0.4

(7.4)

(4.8)

52-week high/low

178.8p

96.0p

Business description

IQE is the leading supplier of epitaxial compound semiconductor wafers globally. The principal applications include radio frequency semiconductors, devices for optical networks, vertical cavity lasers, infrared semiconductors, power electronics and CPV solar cells.

Next events

Interims

29 August 2018

Analysts

Anne Margaret Crow

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Dan Ridsdale

+44 (0)20 3077 5729

IQE is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

IQE’s post-H118 close trading update notes the group continues to trade in line with current market expectations. Importantly, it comments on a significant increase in photonics revenues from product qualifications, underpinning management’s expectation of a photonics ramp-up in H218 and FY19. We raise our revenue estimates slightly but otherwise leave our forecasts unchanged.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/16**

132.7

20.6

2.89

0.0

36.3

N/A

12/17

154.5

24.3

3.36

0.0

31.2

N/A

12/18e

178.1

32.8

3.62

0.0

29.0

N/A

12/19e

207.1

42.3

4.60

0.0

22.8

N/A

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

Revenue growth held back by currency headwinds

IQE expects H118 revenues to be c £73m compared with £70m H117, as double-digit sales growth on a constant currency basis in each of the three primary markets was offset by a 9.5% currency headwind. The segmental split was distorted by inventory management factors. During both H117 and H217, significant production capacity was allocated to the VSCEL ramp-up for a 3D sensing application. During H118, sales to the chip manufacturer servicing this application were similar to H117, as the supply chain absorbed inventory, enabling the group to replenish wireless inventory channels and start work on a significant number of VCSEL production qualifications. On a constant currency basis, wireless revenues grew by almost 11% year-on-year, photonics by 30% and infra-red by c 11%.

H218 photonics ramp-up already underway

The recent work on VCSEL product qualifications has resulted in IQE being in mass production with six VCSEL chip manufacturers and in final qualification stages with another six, with volumes already ramping up in H218. These are for mobile, sensing, automotive and datacom applications. We leave our estimates broadly unchanged, raising our FY18 revenue estimate from £174.9m to £178.1m and our FY19 revenue estimate from £203.8m to £207.1m.

Valuation: Discount to other VCSEL epitaxy providers

The share price has declined from the peak of 178.75p in November 2017. A comparison of IQE’s FY18 P/E multiple against those of listed peers shows it trading at a premium (29.0x vs 23.2x). However, if we restrict the comparison to the three listed companies offering epitaxy for VCSELs (IntelliEPI, LandMark Optoelectronics and Visual Photonics), then IQE is trading close to the mean (27.8x vs 26.8x) and below Landmark (28.2x) and Visual Photonics (33.3x) despite being in a stronger market position than both. Taking this approach, the shares look fairly priced at current levels despite modelling fairly unambitious photonics revenue growth (40%) in our estimates.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

£'000s

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

restated

Revenue

 

 

132,707

154,480

178,078

207,095

Cost of Sales (Inc D&A + SBP)

(98,538)

(115,857)

(126,611)

(145,297)

Gross Profit

34,169

38,623

51,467

61,798

EBITDA

 

 

33,057

38,384

47,910

58,959

Depreciation and Amortisation

(10,938)

(12,025)

(15,166)

(16,699)

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

 

22,119

26,359

32,745

42,260

Acquired Intangible Amortisation

(1,374)

(1,429)

(1,429)

(1,429)

Exceptionals

1,962

(385)

0

0

Share based payments

(2,881)

(7,526)

(7,526)

(7,526)

Operating Profit

19,826

17,019

23,790

33,305

Underlying interest

(1,463)

(2,099)

100

0

Exceptionals

(26)

80

0

0

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

20,630

24,340

32,845

42,260

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

18,363

14,920

23,890

33,305

Tax

(340)

(435)

(3,583)

(4,996)

Profit After Tax (norm)

20,692

24,823

29,261

37,265

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

18,023

14,485

20,306

28,310

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

671.5

689.5

758.7

760.8

EPS - normalised (p)

 

 

2.89

3.36

3.62

4.60

EPS - (IFRS) (p)

 

 

2.66

2.09

2.66

3.71

Dividend per share (p)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

214,043

224,836

243,241

253,114

Intangible Assets

103,972

108,513

108,418

106,791

Tangible Assets

85,001

90,875

109,375

120,875

Other

25,070

25,448

25,448

25,448

Current Assets

 

 

64,323

111,559

127,100

164,512

Stocks

28,498

33,707

40,267

46,865

Debtors

30,868

32,240

39,297

50,253

Cash

4,957

45,612

47,536

67,394

Other

0

0

0

0

Current Liabilities

 

 

(51,522)

(44,916)

(48,447)

(56,100)

Creditors

(43,870)

(44,916)

(48,447)

(56,100)

Short term borrowings

(7,652)

0

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(39,021)

(666)

(666)

(666)

Long term borrowings

(36,854)

0

0

0

Other long term liabilities

(2,167)

(666)

(666)

(666)

Net Assets

 

 

187,823

290,813

321,229

360,860

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

22,463

29,717

37,824

49,057

Net Interest

(1,489)

(2,125)

100

0

Tax

(839)

(5,844)

(1,000)

(1,200)

Capex

(19,060)

(28,190)

(35,000)

(28,000)

Acquisitions/disposals

(11,250)

0

0

0

Financing

578

94,912

0

0

Dividends

0

0

0

0

Net Cash Flow

(9,597)

88,470

1,924

19,857

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

23,223

39,549

(45,612)

(47,536)

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

Other

(6,729)

(3,309)

0

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

39,549

(45,612)

(47,536)

(67,394)

Source: Company data, 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 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 IQE 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

[Grab your reader’s attention with a great quote from the document or use this space to emphasize a key point. To place this text box anywhere on the page, just drag it.]

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 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 IQE 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

[Grab your reader’s attention with a great quote from the document or use this space to emphasize a key point. To place this text box anywhere on the page, just drag it.]

More on IQE

View All

Latest from the TMT sector

View All TMT content

Research: TMT

Keywords Studios — Currency headwinds, outlook maintained

Keywords’s trading update indicated continued robust performance with y-o-y revenue and PBT growth of 72% and 66% respectively, despite the currency headwind from a weaker dollar. With the integration of acquisitions going well, a robust demand environment and a stronger dollar, the company looks set for a strong H2 and is well placed to meet our (unchanged) FY estimates.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free