Solteq - Setting up future profitability

Weak figures in Q2
Solteq reported Q2 results that were weaker than we had anticipated. Net sales in Q2 were EUR 14.3m (Evli EUR 16.0m), declining 20.4% y/y and 8.2% in comparable terms. The operating profit and adj. operating profit in Q2 amounted to EUR 6.3m and -1.9m respectively (Evli EUR 7.8m/-0.3m). According to Solteq the quarter was affected by weaker demand in the Retail & Commerce segment results and a heavy cost structure in Utilities but in line with the company’s own expectations. 

Cost savings support turnaround in 2024
Solteq announced the initiation of change negotiations in the Utilities segment, seeking annual savings of approx. EUR 3m. Measures are also being taken to improve the company’s overhead cost situation after the divestment of the Group’s ERP business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail Solutions. Solteq expects its operating result (excl. profit recognition from the divestment) in 2023 to be slightly negative. Assuming the completion of the change negotiations as planned and during Q4/2023, due to related one-off items, we find the guidance to be challenging. This despite an anticipated pick-up in growth in Utilities due to starting customer deliveries and in Retail & Commerce due to previous project postponements and slight demand recovery. Our 2023e EBIT estimate is at EUR -1.6m. With the savings in Utilities, the segment is on track to push EBITDA-margins into the double digits next year supported by continued good demand, and we anticipate significant profitability improvements for Solteq in 2024e. 

HOLD with a target price of EUR 1.1 (1.3)
Valuation remains on the higher side in the near-term despite anticipated improvements. Long-term upside drivers from the Utilities segment, however, still remains in place. We retain our HOLD-rating but with continued uncertainty regarding the turnaround speed we lower out TP to EUR 1.1 (1.3).