Avon Rubber — Maintaining full-year consensus expectations

Avon Protection (AVON)

Last close As at 18/03/2024

1,137.00

22.00 (1.97%)

Market capitalisation

344m

More on this equity

Avon Rubber — Maintaining full-year consensus expectations

This morning Avon released its post-close trading statement for H121, which shows strong top-line growth and order intake. Trading continued to show progress, in line with management expectations for Q221, continuing the Q121 performance noted at the AGM. Management expects to meet FY21 consensus expectations, with growing momentum during H221 as new contract volumes build. We trim our above-consensus FY21 EPS estimate by 4% and maintain FY22, which are reported in US$ from the current year. Avon’s shares trade at a healthy premium to UK defence peers, warranted by top-line growth, high returns and strong cash flows.

Andy Chambers

Written by

Andy Chambers

Director, Industrials

Avon Rubber

Maintaining full-year consensus expectations

H121 trading update

Aerospace & defence

9 April 2021

Price

3,432p

Market cap

£1,064m

US$1.37/£1

Net debt excluding lease liabilities ($m) at 31 March 2021

13

Shares in issue

31.0m

Free float

98.8%

Code

AVON

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

23.5

(2.2)

25.3

Rel (local)

19.1

(4.2)

(0.7)

52-week high/low

4,625p

2,465p

Business description

Avon Rubber designs, develops and manufactures personal protection products for Military and First Responder markets including respiratory mask systems, helmets and body armour. Its main customers are national security agencies such as the US Department of Defense and c 90% of sales are from the US.

Next events

H121 results

25 May 2021

Analyst

Andy Chambers

+44 (0)20 3681 2525

Avon Rubber is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

This morning Avon released its post-close trading statement for H121, which shows strong top-line growth and order intake. Trading continued to show progress, in line with management expectations for Q221, continuing the Q121 performance noted at the AGM. Management expects to meet FY21 consensus expectations, with growing momentum during H221 as new contract volumes build. We trim our above-consensus FY21 EPS estimate by 4% and maintain FY22, which are reported in US$ from the current year. Avon’s shares trade at a healthy premium to UK defence peers, warranted by top-line growth, high returns and strong cash flows.

Year end

Revenue ($m)

PBT*
($m)

EPS*
(c)

DPS
(c)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

09/19

162.0

28.3

84.9

26.6

55.4

0.6

09/20

213.6

36.0

96.2

34.5

48.9

0.7

09/21e

284.9

48.1

125.6

44.9

37.4

1.0

09/22e

362.0

69.4

181.1

53.9

26.0

1.2

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

H121 expected to deliver strong growth

H121 revenue is expected to be $122m (H120: $87m). Team Wendy made an initial contribution of $20m and Ceradyne Helmets and Armor assets delivered a full contribution (consolidated from 2 January 2020), with good progress in respiratory products. Overall Military revenues were up 16% while First Responder revenues increased 19%. The H121 order book for the group was $155m compared to an opening order book of $102m, including Team Wendy, and reflected strong order intake across the portfolio of critical personal protection systems for the Military and First Responders. Period-end net debt (excluding leases) was $13m as the weighting of revenues to H221 and increased inventories to manage longer material lead times reduced H121 cash conversion. Management still expects FY21 cash conversion to be in line with guidance for over 90%.

Stronger second-half momentum into FY22

Military orders received were up a strong 30% on H120 and included $38m from NATO, $17m under the M69 contract and $19m under the extended sole source low-rate initial production for the first-generation Integrated Head Protection System helmet. First Responders’ order intake also grew strongly at 29%. Management remains positive about the order pipeline and market conditions as well as wider market opportunities. All this helps underpin H221 revenue expectations. The group also continues to progress the deferred body armour contract and appears confident that shipments should commence in H122.

Valuation: High returns and growth warrant premium

Following the derating after the December trading update, Avon trades on a healthy P/E premium to its UK defence peers warranted by strong sales with improving returns delivering strong cash flow growth. As management restores organic growth the rating may expand, especially if the enhancing acquisitions deliver to plan.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

$m

2019

2020

2021e

2022e

Year end 30 September

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

162.0

213.6

284.9

362.0

Cost of Sales

(100.3)

(127.8)

(174.4)

(221.6)

Gross Profit

61.7

85.8

110.5

140.4

EBITDA

 

 

36.2

49.0

66.3

88.2

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

 

 

33.0

42.5

58.4

79.2

Intangible Amortisation

(4.2)

(4.0)

(7.5)

(5.6)

Operating profit (company definition)

28.8

38.5

51.0

73.6

Exceptionals

(17.2)

(35.3)

(16.6)

(8.9)

Other

(0.6)

(0.1)

(2.2)

(2.2)

Operating Profit

11.0

3.1

32.1

62.5

Net Interest

0.1

(2.4)

(0.6)

(2.0)

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

28.3

36.0

48.1

69.4

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

11.1

0.6

31.6

60.5

Tax

1.9

1.4

(6.0)

(11.5)

Profit After Tax (norm)

26.1

29.9

39.0

56.2

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

13.0

2.0

20.1

38.4

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

30.5

30.6

30.6

30.6

EPS - normalised (US cents)

 

 

85.6

97.6

127.4

183.6

EPS - normalised & fully diluted (US cents)

 

 

84.9

96.2

125.6

181.1

EPS - (IFRS) (US cents)

 

 

42.7

6.7

83.5

160.0

Dividend per share (US cents)

26.6

34.5

44.9

53.9

Gross Margin (%)

38.1

40.2

38.8

38.8

EBITDA Margin (%)

22.4

22.9

23.3

24.4

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

20.4

19.9

20.5

21.9

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

81.2

155.3

277.8

280.8

Intangible Assets

43.5

89.4

139.3

142.3

Tangible Assets

28.2

40.1

70.6

72.4

Right of Use Asset

9.5

25.8

29.6

27.0

Investments

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Current Assets

 

 

147.1

299.3

237.5

235.3

Stocks

25.5

36.3

51.3

56.5

Debtors

43.6

46.0

62.7

74.5

Cash

59.6

187.3

59.3

85.0

Other

18.4

29.7

29.7

29.7

Current Liabilities

 

 

(43.6)

(98.2)

(153.5)

(126.0)

Creditors

(43.5)

(58.7)

(71.2)

(89.9)

Short term borrowings

(0.1)

(39.5)

0.0

0.0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(92.0)

(126.9)

(130.5)

(127.6)

Long term borrowings

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Lease Liabilities

(15.9)

(29.0)

(32.9)

(30.3)

Other long term liabilities

(76.1)

(97.8)

(97.6)

(97.3)

Net Assets

 

 

92.6

229.5

231.3

262.5

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

8.8

(3.4)

36.1

83.0

Net Interest

0.0

(2.4)

(0.6)

(2.0)

Tax

1.9

1.4

(6.0)

(11.5)

Capex

(7.3)

(19.9)

(18.6)

(17.4)

Acquisitions/disposals

0.0

118.8

(134.4)

(9.2)

Financing

(1.7)

0.0

(1.3)

(1.3)

Dividends

(6.9)

(8.9)

(11.6)

(14.7)

Other

7.4

0.8

0.0

0.0

Net Cash Flow

2.3

86.3

(136.4)

27.1

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(57.3)

(61.5)

(147.8)

(11.4)

HP finance leases initiated

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other

1.9

0.0

0.0

0.0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(61.5)

(147.8)

(11.4)

(38.5)

Total net financial liabilities /(assets)

 

 

(45.6)

(118.7)

21.5

(8.1)

Source: Company reports, Edison Investment Research


General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Avon Rubber and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Avon Rubber. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: 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 and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. 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.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, 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 securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. 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, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2021 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

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. 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 (i.e. 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.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison 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.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison 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. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

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

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

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

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Avon Rubber and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Avon Rubber. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: 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 and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. 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.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, 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 securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. 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, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2021 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

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. 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 (i.e. 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.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison 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.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison 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. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

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

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

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

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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Secure Trust Bank — Solid FY20, ready for growth

Secure Trust Bank (STB) reported FY20 PBT of £20.1m versus our estimate of £13m. The beat was mostly driven by lower than expected impairments (2.3% vs 2.7%). PBT was about 50% down on FY19, but the ROE of 6.2% shows resilience given the pandemic. STB’s Q3 update and pre-close statement had already indicated that asset quality was better than expected and business volumes were holding up relatively well. The latest lockdown is affecting H121, but we estimate loan growth of 5% and 15% for FY21 and FY22. We see impairment dropping to 1.5% by 2022, which should help drive ROE to 11.1%. The share price has rebounded but STB still trades on an FY21 P/BV of 0.79x, despite a strong track record of value creating returns (ROE above COE). Its solid good capital base (CET1 14.2) supports management’s strategy of seeking growth opportunities both organically and through possible M&A. We have increased our fair value to 2,163p/share (from 1,756p) mainly due to rolling forward one year.

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