John Laing Group — Underlying market strength

John Laing Group (LN: JLG)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

401.80

0.40 (0.10%)

Market capitalisation

1,985m

More on this equity

Research: Industrials

John Laing Group — Underlying market strength

John Laing Group (JLG) believes it remains on track to meet its targets for investment commitments and realisations for 2019–21, despite the run rate being below the level required to achieve this in 2019 to date. However, the adverse impact from exchange rates and reduced power price forecasts has led us to reduce our FY19e NAV per share from 353p to 343p. JLG’s share price now stands at c 9% premium to its last disclosed NAV per share, broadly in line with its peers. A continuation of the rapid growth achieved in recent years should help underpin further share price appreciation.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

Industrials

John Laing Group

Underlying market strength

Pre-close update

Investment companies

13 December 2019

Price

355.0p

Market cap

£1,750m

Available financial resource (£m) at 30 June 2019

458

Shares in issue

493.0m

Free float

99%

Code

JLG

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(1.9)

(0.5)

15.1

Rel (local)

(1.3)

(0.4)

7.3

52-week high/low

402.0p

313.4p

Business description

John Laing is an originator, active investor in, and manager of greenfield infrastructure projects. It operates internationally and its business is focused on the transport, energy, social and environmental sectors.

Next events

FY19 results

March 2020

Analyst

Graeme Moyse

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

John Laing Group is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

John Laing Group (JLG) believes it remains on track to meet its targets for investment commitments and realisations for 2019–21, despite the run rate being below the level required to achieve this in 2019 to date. However, the adverse impact from exchange rates and reduced power price forecasts has led us to reduce our FY19e NAV per share from 353p to 343p. JLG’s share price now stands at c 9% premium to its last disclosed NAV per share, broadly in line with its peers. A continuation of the rapid growth achieved in recent years should help underpin further share price appreciation.

Year end

NAV
(p)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/NAV
(x)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/17

281

31.9

8.9

1.3

11.1

2.5

12/18

323

63.1

9.5

1.1

5.6

2.7

12/19e

343

30.9

8.3

1.0

11.5

2.3

12/20e

383

49.5

11.2

0.9

7.2

3.2

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

Adverse FX and power price impact on NAV

JLG’s trading update stated the underlying health of the business remains strong, both in terms of PPP project delivery and ongoing value enhancements. However, JLG expects negative impacts from the strength in sterling in H2 (£50m – 10p share), a decline in power price forecasts (c £40m – 8p share) and changes in macroeconomic and tax assumptions (c £7m – 1p share) to lead to an FY19 NAV per share for the full year ‘before the impact of foreign exchange...to be marginally below market expectations’. Market consensus for NAV per share before the announcement was 355p (Edison: 353p/share). To reflect these trends, we have revised our NAV per share for FY19 to 343p.

JLG maintains investment and realisation targets

Investment commitments for 2019 (year to date) amount to £157m, while realisations have totalled £132m. Although investment commitments and realisations are below the rate implied by JLG's guidance, the company is confident it remains on track to meet its target for investment commitments of c £1.0bn over the three-year period 2019–21 and for realisations to be broadly in line with investment commitments. We have reduced our forecasts for cash investments and realisations for FY19 to £200m (but increased longer-term estimates) and, as a result, have reduced the special element of the DPS for FY19, reducing our overall DPS forecast to 8.3p, but increasing FY20e to 11.2p.

Valuation: c 10% premium to last reported NAV

At 355p (the closing price on 12 December), the share price is at a premium of c 9% to its last reported NAV per share (325p on 30 June 2019). The premium is now broadly in line peer group averages (c 12%). To achieve further share price appreciation, JLG will need to continue its strong record of NAV per share growth (CAGR of 15.8% 2014–18 including dividends paid) by exploiting the significant opportunities for infrastructure investment.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

Accounts: IFRS, Yr end: December, GBP: Millions

 

 

2017A

2018A

2019E

2020E

2021E

Total revenues

 

 

196.7

397.4

228.8

329.7

351.2

Cost of sales

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Gross profit

 

 

196.7

397.4

228.8

329.7

351.2

SG&A (expenses)

 

 

(58.6)

(65.6)

(64.9)

(66.2)

(67.5)

Other income/(expense)

 

 

0.0

(21.3)

0.0

0.0

0.0

Depreciation and amortisation

 

 

(0.3)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

Reported EBIT

 

 

137.8

310.5

163.9

263.5

283.7

Finance income/(expense)

 

 

(11.8)

(13.9)

(12.4)

(16.6)

(13.9)

Other income/(expense)

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Reported PBT

 

 

126.0

296.6

151.5

246.9

269.7

Income tax expense (includes exceptionals)

 

 

1.5

(0.3)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.3)

Reported net income

 

 

127.5

296.3

151.4

246.7

269.5

Basic average number of shares, m

 

 

367.0

466.9

491.9

493.5

494.4

Adjusted EPS (p/share)

 

 

31.9

63.1

30.9

49.5

54.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA

 

 

138.1

331.9

164.0

263.6

283.8

Adjusted NAV (p/share)

 

 

281

323

343

383

425

Adjusted Total DPS (p/share)

 

 

8.9

9.5

8.3

11.2

11.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

Goodwill

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Intangible assets

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other non-current assets

 

 

1,346.9

1,700.5

1,865.7

2,148.1

2,447.1

Total non-current assets

 

 

1,347.0

1,700.6

1,865.8

2,148.2

2,447.2

Cash and equivalents

 

 

2.5

5.7

2.0

2.0

2.0

Inventories

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Trade and other receivables

 

 

7.6

7.9

6.3

9.0

9.6

Other current assets

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Total current assets

 

 

10.1

13.6

8.3

11.0

11.6

Non-current loans and borrowings

 

 

0.0

0.0

79.0

129.0

179.0

Trade and other payables

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

41.3

41.6

9.0

9.0

9.0

Total non-current liabilities

 

 

41.3

41.6

88.0

138.0

188.0

Trade and other payables

 

 

17.3

20.0

17.3

17.3

17.3

Current loans and borrowings

 

 

173.2

65.7

77.2

109.7

148.4

Other current liabilities

 

 

1.4

0.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Total current liabilities

 

 

191.9

86.1

95.9

128.4

167.1

Equity attributable to company

 

 

1,123.9

1,586.5

1,690.2

1,892.9

2,103.7

Non-controlling interest

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cashflow statement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit before tax

 

 

126.0

296.6

151.5

246.9

269.7

Net finance expenses

 

 

11.8

13.9

12.4

16.6

13.9

Depreciation and amortisation

 

 

0.3

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.1

Share based payments

 

 

3.2

2.7

0.0

0.0

0.0

Fair value and other adjustments

 

 

(270.6)

(323.7)

(228.2)

(342.6)

(364.9)

Movements in working capital

 

 

2.9

2.5

(18.3)

(3.1)

(3.6)

Cash from operations (CFO)

 

 

(126.4)

(7.9)

(82.6)

(82.4)

(85.0)

Capex

 

 

(0.1)

0.0

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.1)

Cash transf. from inv. Held at FV

 

 

77.4

12.4

52.6

60.6

68.9

Portfolio Investments - Disposals

 

 

79.1

(46.0)

0.0

0.0

0.0

Cash used in investing activities (CFIA)

 

 

156.4

(33.6)

52.5

60.5

68.8

Net proceeds from issue of shares

 

 

0.0

210.5

0.0

0.0

0.0

Movements in debt

 

 

11.0

(106.5)

86.5

82.5

88.7

Other financing activities

 

 

(40.1)

(59.3)

(60.1)

(60.6)

(72.5)

Cash from financing activities (CFF)

 

 

(29.1)

44.7

26.4

21.9

16.2

Currency translation differences and other

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Increase/(decrease) in cash and equivalents

 

 

0.9

3.2

(3.7)

0.0

0.0

Currency translation differences and other

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Cash and equivalents at end of period

 

 

2.5

5.7

2.0

2.0

2.0

Net (debt) cash

 

 

(170.7)

(60.0)

(154.2)

(236.7)

(325.4)

Movement in net (debt) cash over period

 

 

(10.9)

110.7

(94.2)

(82.5)

(88.7)

Source: Company accounts, Edison Investment Research


General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by John Laing Group and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by John Laing Group. 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 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “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.

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

1,185 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

1,185 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 John Laing Group and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by John Laing Group. 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 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “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.

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

1,185 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

1,185 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

More on John Laing Group

View All

Latest from the Industrials sector

View All Industrials content

Industrials

ACWA Power — Record results for FY23

Industrials

Dowlais Group — Motoring forward

Australis Capital — Australis to reverse merge with Folium

Australis Capital announced on 11 December 2019 that it has entered into an agreement with Folium Biosciences to merge into a combined company focused on non-psychoactive cannabinoid products. Existing Australis shareholders will own approximately 11% of the resulting company, but the plan is for Australis management to be involved in running the combined entity. We expect the company to divest its assets based in THC, with the goal of making the company fully federally legal in the US, and to list on a US stock exchange.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

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

Sign up for free