Etteplan - Outlook still fairly favourable

Double-digit organic growth in Q1
Etteplan reported overall solid Q1 results and clearly better than we had anticipated. Although increased sick-leaves and lockdowns affected operations, revenue still grew 23% y/y and near 15% organically to EUR 89.6m (EUR 81.2m/87.7m Evli/cons.). Profitability was also at good levels, with EBIT of EUR 7.6m (EUR 6.5m/6.9m Evli/cons.), at a margin of 8.5%. On service area levels, compared with our estimates, revenue and profitability was better across the board. Profitability in Engineering Solutions in particular was solid following as a result of excellent operational efficiency levels.

Market outlook still appears to be fairly favourable
Comments regarding the demand situation and market uncertainties were all in all somewhat upbeat, and potential near-term demand declines in some sectors seem to be offset by increased demand in others. The direct impacts of the war in Ukraine have as expected so far been limited. COVID-19 still poses issues due to sick-leaves and lockdowns in China. Etteplan kept its guidance intact, expecting revenue of EUR 340-370m and EBIT of EUR 28-32m. Following the solid Q1 figures and some slight tweaks to the following quarters our estimates are now quite in line with the mid-range of the guidance. We take a rather neutral approach given the current uncertainties, still seeing good organic growth but at a slightly lower pace compared with Q1.

HOLD with a target price of EUR 17.0 (16.5)
Etteplan currently quite justifiably trades above peers given the good growth and profitability. More optimal market conditions could well justify >20x P/E levels but with the current uncertainties and ~20% y/y deterioration in peer median NTM P/E current levels appear quite fair. We adjust our TP to EUR 17.0 (16.5) due to estimates revisions, HOLD-rating intact.