Deutsche Bank bestätigt Kaufempfehlung und hebt das Kursziel auf 8,50 Euro.
Investment case remains compelling - despite slow start Benjamin Kohnke Research Analyst ( 49) 69 910-31943 benjamin.kohnke@db.com Uwe Schupp, CFA Research Analyst ( 49) 69 910-31955 uwe.schupp@db.com On track to deliver profitable growth - new target price of Euro 8.5 (Euro 6.5) ADVA's EBIT margin target of 0-4% was disappointing. However, we believe the reasons were sensible and allow for a ramp-up in Q2-Q4. The top line should be supported by strong underlying demand for optical systems. This leads us to lift our revenue forecasts by 7% and 10% for FY11 and FY12, respectively, which nicely flows through to EPS. That the optical market seems to be at an inflection point is reflected in a strong peer group multiple expansion, which, in addition to our forecast upgrade, results in a new target price of Euro 8.5. Buy.
Q1 margins depressed by investments in the Juniper partnership ADVA is still in the process of integrating its product portfolio with Juniper Networks, which should allow it to leverage the partner’s strong sales channels. However, the efforts also result in a (temporary) step-up in R&D costs, which will depress Q1 operating profitability. The group’s gross margin guidance, however, remains unchanged at 40-45%. As a result, we believe that acceleration in revenue growth paired with rigid opex control will likely lead to a margin ramp-up from Q2. Our revised pro forma EBIT margin is 7.6% (vs. 7.7% before). Optical markets at an inflection point ADVA expects its markets to grow at a FY10-13E CAGR of c. 16%, which is in line with our view that optical systems spending is at an inflection point driven by (i) mobile backhauling; (ii) data center connectivity and (iii) operators’ pressure to invest in agile core transport technology. ADVA has invested heavily in its product offering and improved its distribution channels. Therefore, we see no reason at this stage why the company should not grow at least in line with market rates. ADVA trades on a discount of 30-60% to the peer group We value ADVA on a one-year forward EV/EBIT peer group multiple using a broad peer group of optical system vendors. As the constituents are larger and offer a higher trading liquidity, we apply a 20% discount to the implied equity value, which yields our new target price of Euro 8.5 (Euro 6.5) (See page 5 for details). The main risk to our investment case is fierce competition, which could lead to accelerating price pressure. Moreover, we note unforeseen technological changes and the loss of key customers and / or distribution partners as potential risks. |