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GBP69m
Carr’s Group has announced that the situation regarding demand for feed blocks in the US and utilisation in the Engineering division’s UK manufacturing operations continue to be problematic. Both were identified as potential issues in the January trading update. The overall improvement in the agricultural sector has continued, but an uplift in profitability in this activity is not expected to be sufficient to offset the shortfall elsewhere. We revise our estimates and reduce our indicative valuation, which is based on the medium- and long-term prospects for the group, from 161p/share to 158p/share.
Written by
Carr’s Group |
Short-term dip in profits expected |
Trading update |
General industrials |
4 April 2017 |
Share price performance
Business description
Next events
Analysts
Carr’s Group is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited |
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Carr’s Group has announced that the situation regarding demand for feed blocks in the US and utilisation in the Engineering division’s UK manufacturing operations continue to be problematic. Both were identified as potential issues in the January trading update. The overall improvement in the agricultural sector has continued, but an uplift in profitability in this activity is not expected to be sufficient to offset the shortfall elsewhere. We revise our estimates and reduce our indicative valuation, which is based on the medium- and long-term prospects for the group, from 161p/share to 158p/share.
Year |
Revenue (£m) |
PBT* |
EPS* |
DPS |
P/E |
Yield |
08/15 |
331.3 |
14.2 |
10.6 |
3.7 |
12.5 |
2.8 |
08/16 |
314.9 |
14.0 |
10.6 |
3.8** |
12.5 |
2.9 |
08/17e |
332.2 |
11.8 |
8.9 |
3.9 |
14.9 |
2.9 |
08/18e |
336.0 |
14.7 |
11.1 |
4.0 |
12.0 |
3.0 |
Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments. **Excluding 17.54p special dividend.
Engineering margins affected by contract delays
In January management noted a significant delay with a contract for the UK Manufacturing business from the nuclear sector that had previously been expected to utilise a significant proportion of FY17 production capacity but would not begin until towards the year end. Management has achieved its goal of replacing much of this work with other contracts, but these are from the oil and gas sector and are therefore at a lower margin than the work they replace. The Materials Handling activity is trading ahead of expectations, winning major contracts in China.
Weak demand for feed blocks in the US continues
In January management noted that demand for feed blocks in the US was flat because of lower beef cattle prices. While prices have begun to pick up, the recovery in demand is taking longer than management had expected. Although the UK agricultural activities are performing better than expected, supported by slightly stronger commodity prices, this is not sufficient to offset the shortfall in the US.
Valuation: Long-term view unaffected
Our DCF analysis, which is based on a long-term view of the group’s prospects, is relatively unaffected by the cut to our FY17 profit estimates, with the indicative value reducing from 161p/share to 158p/share. At this level, the stock’s FY18e EV/EBITDA and P/E multiples are in line with the average for peers engaged in agricultural supply, supporting our view of mid- and long-term indicative value. At current share price levels the stock’s EV/EBITDA and P/E multiples are in line with the peer averages for FY17e but trading on a substantial discount for FY18e. This indicates that, following the recent c 10% drop in the share price, the FY17e profit reduction is already priced in, with potential for share price appreciation towards our indicative valuation of 158p. This would be driven by evidence of an improvement in US feed block volumes supporting a recovery in Agriculture profits during FY18.
Changes to estimates
We revise our estimates as follows:
■
Revenues from the Agriculture division are left unchanged for FY17e and FY18e as the reduction in US feed block volumes is offset by an improvement in commodity prices. Profits from the Agriculture division are reduced in FY17e and FY18e, to reflect the reduction in US feed block volumes, which are a high-margin product.
■
Revenues from the Engineering division are unchanged for FY17e and FY18e as work on the delayed nuclear contract has been replaced by other business. However, as this replacement activity is related to the oil and gas sector, it generates a lower margin than projects in the nuclear sector, so we reduce our divisional EBIT.
■
The share of profits from JVs and associates, which are primarily engaged in agricultural supply activities in the UK, are raised slightly to reflect an improvement in the sector supported by modest improvements in commodity prices.
Exhibit 1: Estimate revisions
2016 |
2017e |
2018e |
2019e |
|||||||||
Actual |
Old |
New |
% change |
Old |
New |
% change |
Old |
New |
% change |
|||
Agriculture revenues (£m) |
284.8 |
294.7 |
294.7 |
0.0 |
297.6 |
297.6 |
0.0 |
300.6 |
300.6 |
0.0 |
||
Agriculture EBIT (£m) |
10.3 |
9.8 |
8.3 |
-15.3 |
10.0 |
9.6 |
-4.0 |
10.2 |
10.0 |
-2.0 |
||
Engineering revenues (£m) |
30.1 |
37.5 |
37.5 |
0.0 |
38.4 |
38.4 |
0.0 |
39.4 |
39.4 |
0.0 |
||
Engineering EBIT (£m) |
2.5 |
2.9 |
1.4 |
-51.7 |
3.6 |
3.2 |
-11.1 |
4.0 |
4.0 |
0.0 |
||
Share of profits of JVs and associates (£m) |
2.1 |
2.0 |
2.2 |
+10.0 |
2.0 |
2.2 |
+10.0 |
2.1 |
2.3 |
+9.5 |
||
Group revenues (£m) |
314.9 |
332.2 |
332.2 |
0.0 |
336.0 |
336.0 |
0.0 |
340.0 |
340.0 |
0.0 |
||
Group adjusted PBT (£m) |
14.0 |
14.6 |
11.8 |
-19.2 |
15.3 |
14.7 |
-3.9 |
16.0 |
16.0 |
0.0 |
||
Group adjusted EPS (p) |
10.6 |
10.7 |
8.9 |
-16.8 |
11.2 |
11.1 |
-0.9 |
11.8 |
11.8 |
0.0 |
||
Source: Carr’s Group accounts, Edison Investment Research
Valuation
Since the substantial year-on-year reduction in estimated profits for FY17 is related to one-off factors, it is reasonable to expect a partial recovery in FY18 (ie only a modest downwards revision to estimates) and a complete recovery in FY19 (ie no change to estimated profits). We therefore modify our valuation methodology to emphasise techniques that look at the medium- and long-term prospects for the group. In our December note, we used a DCF analysis to back up a calculation based on peer multiples. This time we use a DCF analysis as the primary technique, comparing the result from that with peer multiples. We continue to use a conservative 10.0% WACC and a 1.0% terminal growth rate for our DCF calculation, as in our December note. This gives a fair value of 158p (previously160p/share from the DCF analysis and 161p/share from the comparison of peer multiples).
Exhibit 2: DCF calculation (p/share)
Discount rate (post-tax, nominal) |
|||||||
9.0% |
9.5% |
10.0% |
10.5% |
11.0% |
|||
Terminal growth |
0.0% |
163 |
154 |
147 |
139 |
133 |
|
1.0% |
178 |
167 |
158 |
150 |
142 |
||
1.5% |
187 |
175 |
165 |
155 |
147 |
||
2.0% |
197 |
184 |
172 |
162 |
153 |
||
3.0% |
222 |
205 |
191 |
178 |
167 |
||
Source: Edison Investment Research
A comparison of Carr’s EV/EBITDA and P/E multiples for the years ended August 2017 and August 2018 with calendarised multiples for listed peers in the agricultural sector is shown in Exhibit 3. At the current share price, Carr’s is trading in line with peers with regards to mean EV/EBITDA (9.3x vs 9.5x) and mean P/E (15.2x vs 15.8x) for the year ending August 2017, but at a substantial discount to both the EV/EBITDA and P/E averages for the year ending August 2018. Assuming that the recovery modelled in our estimates is reasonable, then the discount to the average peer multiples is temporary and the gap should close as feed block demand recovers in the US. There is already sufficient visibility of the 2018 Engineering order book, which is based on long-term contracts in the nuclear industry, to give confidence in a recovery in this division. At the indicative value of 158p/share derived from our DCF calculation, Carr’s implied EV/EBITDA multiple for the year ending August 2018 is broadly in line with the peer average (8.8x vs 9.0x), as is the P/E multiple (14.2x vs 14.4x). This supports our view that the 158p indicative valuation from the DCF calculation is reasonable, provided that there is a recovery in US feed block volumes during FY18. The valuation gap should begin to close on news of positive developments in this area. An early signal of this recovery would be continued improvement in US beef cattle prices.
Exhibit 3: Peer multiple analysis
Company |
Market cap |
EV/EBITDA (x) |
EV/EBITDA (x) |
P/E (x) |
P/E (x) |
BayWa AG |
£885m |
11.0x |
10.3x |
16.9x |
13.5x |
NWF Group PLC |
£69m |
6.0x |
5.9x |
10.3x |
10.0x |
Origin Enterprises PLC |
£709m |
10.8x |
10.4x |
14.7x |
13.9x |
Ridley Corp Ltd |
£249m |
8.2x |
7.3x |
16.7x |
14.8x |
Wynnstay Group PLC |
£125m |
11.6x |
11.2x |
20.4x |
19.6x |
Mean |
|
9.5x |
9.0x |
15.8x |
14.4x |
Carr's Group at 136p/share |
£124m |
9.3x |
7.6x |
15.2x |
12.2x |
Carr's Group at 158p/share |
£144m |
10.8x |
8.8x |
17.7x |
14.2x |
Source: Bloomberg, Edison Investment Research. Note: Prices at 31 March 2017.
Exhibit 4: Financial summary
£m |
2015 |
2016 |
2017e |
2018e |
2019e |
|
Year-end 31 August |
||||||
PROFIT & LOSS |
||||||
Revenue |
|
331.3 |
314.9 |
332.2 |
336.0 |
340.0 |
EBITDA |
|
16.0 |
16.5 |
14.1 |
17.4 |
18.6 |
Operating Profit (pre amort. of acq intangibles & SBP) |
12.6 |
12.7 |
10.2 |
13.3 |
14.5 |
|
Amortisation of acquired intangibles |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Share-based payments |
(0.5) |
0.1 |
(0.5) |
(0.5) |
(0.5) |
|
Exceptionals |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Operating Profit |
12.1 |
12.8 |
9.7 |
12.8 |
14.0 |
|
Net Interest |
(0.7) |
(0.8) |
(0.6) |
(0.8) |
(0.8) |
|
Share of post-tax profits in JVs and associates |
2.3 |
2.1 |
2.2 |
2.2 |
2.3 |
|
Profit Before Tax (norm) |
|
14.2 |
14.0 |
11.8 |
14.7 |
16.0 |
Profit Before Tax (FRS 3) |
|
13.7 |
14.1 |
11.3 |
14.2 |
15.5 |
Tax |
(3.0) |
(2.9) |
(2.1) |
(3.0) |
(3.7) |
|
Profit After Tax (norm) |
11.2 |
11.1 |
9.7 |
11.7 |
12.3 |
|
Profit After Tax (FRS 3) |
10.7 |
11.2 |
9.2 |
11.2 |
11.8 |
|
Post tax profit (loss) relating to discontinued operations |
3.0 |
2.8 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Minority interest |
(1.7) |
(1.5) |
(1.5) |
(1.5) |
(1.5) |
|
Net income (norm) |
9.5 |
9.5 |
8.2 |
10.2 |
10.8 |
|
Net income (FRS 3) |
12.0 |
12.5 |
7.7 |
9.7 |
10.3 |
|
Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m) |
89.6 |
90.1 |
91.3 |
91.4 |
91.4 |
|
EPS - normalised (p) |
|
10.6 |
10.6 |
8.9 |
11.1 |
11.8 |
EPS - normalised fully diluted (p) |
|
10.2 |
10.2 |
8.6 |
10.8 |
11.4 |
EPS - FRS 3 (p) |
|
13.4 |
13.8 |
8.4 |
10.6 |
11.2 |
Dividend per share (p) |
3.7 |
3.8* |
3.9 |
4.0 |
4.2 |
|
EBITDA Margin (%) |
4.8 |
5.2 |
4.2 |
5.2 |
5.5 |
|
Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%) |
3.8 |
4.0 |
3.1 |
4.0 |
4.3 |
|
BALANCE SHEET |
||||||
Fixed Assets |
|
86.5 |
63.1 |
73.0 |
72.4 |
71.8 |
Intangible Assets |
11.3 |
11.7 |
16.0 |
16.0 |
16.0 |
|
Tangible Assets and Deferred tax assets |
75.2 |
51.4 |
57.0 |
56.4 |
55.7 |
|
Current Assets |
|
120.4 |
139.1 |
116.5 |
121.1 |
126.1 |
Stocks |
35.0 |
33.4 |
32.4 |
33.0 |
34.0 |
|
Debtors |
65.3 |
57.2 |
55.5 |
56.5 |
57.5 |
|
Cash |
20.1 |
48.4 |
28.7 |
31.6 |
34.6 |
|
Current Liabilities |
|
(73.8) |
(69.0) |
(66.3) |
(66.1) |
(64.1) |
Creditors including tax, social security and provisions |
(55.0) |
(47.3) |
(47.7) |
(50.5) |
(51.5) |
|
Short term borrowings |
(18.7) |
(21.6) |
(18.6) |
(15.6) |
(12.6) |
|
Long Term Liabilities |
|
(34.2) |
(23.1) |
(23.1) |
(23.1) |
(23.1) |
Long term borrowings |
(25.7) |
(18.6) |
(18.6) |
(18.6) |
(18.6) |
|
Retirement benefit obligation |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Other long term liabilities |
(8.5) |
(4.5) |
(4.5) |
(4.5) |
(4.5) |
|
Net Assets |
|
99.0 |
110.1 |
100.1 |
104.3 |
110.6 |
Minority interest |
(11.9) |
(13.4) |
(13.4) |
(13.4) |
(13.4) |
|
Shareholders’ equity |
|
87.1 |
96.7 |
86.8 |
90.9 |
97.3 |
CASH FLOW |
||||||
Operating Cash Flow |
|
14.3 |
11.7 |
17.3 |
18.5 |
17.6 |
Net Interest |
(0.5) |
(0.5) |
(0.6) |
(0.8) |
(0.8) |
|
Tax |
(3.9) |
(1.1) |
(2.1) |
(3.0) |
(3.7) |
|
Investment activities |
(4.0) |
(2.9) |
(7.9) |
(3.5) |
(3.5) |
|
Acquisitions/disposals |
(1.7) |
22.7 |
(4.2) |
(1.8) |
0.0 |
|
Equity financing and other financing activities |
(0.3) |
1.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Dividends |
(3.1) |
(3.3) |
(19.2) |
(3.6) |
(3.7) |
|
Net Cash Flow |
0.8 |
27.5 |
(16.7) |
5.9 |
6.0 |
|
Opening net debt/(cash) |
|
24.6 |
24.4 |
(8.1) |
8.6 |
2.7 |
HP finance leases initiated |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Other |
0.6 |
(5.1) |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
|
Closing net debt/(cash) |
|
24.4 |
(8.1) |
8.6 |
2.7 |
(3.4) |
Source: Carr’s Group accounts, Edison Investment Research. Note: *Excluding 17.54p special dividend.
|
|
Both FY16 revenue and adjusted operating profit were 4% ahead of our forecasts, while EPS beat by 8% on a favourable tax charge. The acquisition of ANNOVA Systems, a leading supplier of software-based editorial solutions to the television sector completed at the end of the period. ANNOVA underpins our financial forecasts and complements SCISYS’s dira! product offering for radio broadcasters, creating cross-selling opportunities. Management has reintroduced its goal to achieve £60m in revenues and double-digit operating margins within three to five years. Hence, we believe the stock looks attractive on c 9x our FY18e EPS.