Vaisala - Well positioned for uncertain future
The strong demand for Vaisala’s solutions continued with the order received increasing by 25% in Q3. Net sales saw double-digit growth and EBIT was on a solid level. We believe Vaisala to enjoy solid growth during H2’22-H1’23 but H2’23 being somewhat gloomy.
Orderbook was yet again on a record level
Vaisala has increased its orders received for four consecutive quarters and the Q3 orderbook was on a record level. Q3 IM net sales grew by 22% y/y while the growth was stronger than expected in W&E which recorded y/y growth of 18%. In total, Q3 net sales amounted to EUR 133.3m (+20% y/y). Gross margin was hit by continued spot-component purchases which eventually amounted to 54.7%. With fixed costs elevated and gross margin weaker, relative profitability saw also a slight decline. Q3 EBIT amounted to EUR 22.0m, representing a 16.5% EBIT margin. The outlook for the near future remains bright despite the weakening economic indicators.
2023 uncertain, but megatrends support the demand
Guidance implies growth to continue in Q4. The record orderbook provides a foundation for H1’23 growth but the visibility to H2’23 is somewhat gloomy. Vaisala’s resilience to possible economic slowdown is hard to estimate but the company is exposed both for industrial investments and public spending. However, the company operates within fields in which growth is boosted by several megatrends. We consider these trends supporting the demand during uncertain times. In addition, the energy crisis in Europe will likely increase investments in renewable energy, power, and gas industries in which the company already operates.
Valuation remains elevated
We made no significant changes to our estimates. We see Vaisala developing favorably in Q4’22 and H1’23 but expect W&E to experience headwinds in H2’23. In total, we expect 23E group net sales to grow only by 2.5% but EBIT margin to further improve due to the margin impact of improved component availability. Vaisala’s 23E valuation remains somewhat elevated. We don’t see significant room for an upside in the share price, but we enjoy the ride with the high-class business of Vaisala. We retain our HOLD-rating and TP of EUR 40.0.
Vaisala has increased its orders received for four consecutive quarters and the Q3 orderbook was on a record level. Q3 IM net sales grew by 22% y/y while the growth was stronger than expected in W&E which recorded y/y growth of 18%. In total, Q3 net sales amounted to EUR 133.3m (+20% y/y). Gross margin was hit by continued spot-component purchases which eventually amounted to 54.7%. With fixed costs elevated and gross margin weaker, relative profitability saw also a slight decline. Q3 EBIT amounted to EUR 22.0m, representing a 16.5% EBIT margin. The outlook for the near future remains bright despite the weakening economic indicators.
2023 uncertain, but megatrends support the demand
Guidance implies growth to continue in Q4. The record orderbook provides a foundation for H1’23 growth but the visibility to H2’23 is somewhat gloomy. Vaisala’s resilience to possible economic slowdown is hard to estimate but the company is exposed both for industrial investments and public spending. However, the company operates within fields in which growth is boosted by several megatrends. We consider these trends supporting the demand during uncertain times. In addition, the energy crisis in Europe will likely increase investments in renewable energy, power, and gas industries in which the company already operates.
Valuation remains elevated
We made no significant changes to our estimates. We see Vaisala developing favorably in Q4’22 and H1’23 but expect W&E to experience headwinds in H2’23. In total, we expect 23E group net sales to grow only by 2.5% but EBIT margin to further improve due to the margin impact of improved component availability. Vaisala’s 23E valuation remains somewhat elevated. We don’t see significant room for an upside in the share price, but we enjoy the ride with the high-class business of Vaisala. We retain our HOLD-rating and TP of EUR 40.0.