Exel Composites - Weaker than expected
Exel’s Q1 results came in clearly below our and consensus estimates. At least Q2 is also to remain weak, however H2’23 should see some improvement. Exel nevertheless downgraded its guidance due to weaker-than-expected short-term development and EUR 1m in additional costs related to a Wind power development program.
- Exel Q1 revenue decreased by 15.7% y/y to EUR 28.8m, compared to the EUR 32.2m/33.6m Evli/consensus estimates. Europe grew by 3% y/y, but all the other geographic regions declined significantly.
- Wind power was EUR 1.5m vs our EUR 5.9m estimate, while Buildings and infrastructure amounted to EUR 7.8m, compared to our EUR 6.8m estimate. Equipment and other industries came in at EUR 5.6m, compared to our EUR 6.5m estimate. Small and mid-size customers reduced their inventories, while demand for Wind power equipment was lower than expected.
- Adjusted EBIT landed at EUR 0.0m vs the EUR 1.2m/1.4m Evli/consensus estimates. Costs remained generally in line with the company’s own expectations.
- Order intake amounted to EUR 26.3m in Q1, declining by 30.0% y/y.
- Exel guides FY ’23 revenue to decrease and adjusted EBIT to decrease significantly compared to previous year. Exel lowered guidance due to lower-than-expected revenue and adjusted EBIT in Q1, while demand outlook is weaker-than-expected in the short-term. The company has also started a major development program to capture opportunities within Wind power. Adjusted EBIT will therefore include more than EUR 1m in additional costs related to the program in FY ’23. Exel continues to expect demand to improve in H2’23, driven by Wind power.