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Through its own operations and through those of its alliance partners, Renault has a solid presence in Eastern Europe, South America, and South Korea

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Business Strategy and Outlook

Renault owns 43.7% of Nissan, while Nissan owns roughly 15% of Renault and 34% of Mitsubishi. The alliance is structured as a partnership, with each company operating as an individual entity. Combined, the alliance stands as one of the largest global automakers. The companies benefit from increased scale, purchasing power, and the ability to share vehicle technology and platforms. The group is governed by the alliance board of Renault-Nissan BV, which is 50% jointly owned by Renault and Nissan. Boardroom and management upheaval from the Carlos Ghosn scandal was a huge distraction for the alliance. Renault installed Jean-Dominique Senard (formerly in charge of Michelin) as chairman. The company hired Luca de Meo as CEO (former head of SEAT), who started on July 1, 2020. 

Renault also owns 67.7% of the parent of Russian automaker AvtoVAZ, which makes Lada, the country’s best-selling brand. However, on March 23, 2022, the company said it may write down its Russian assets, another turnaround setback. In addition, Renault owns 99.4% of Romanian automaker Dacia, and 80.0% of Samsung Motors. Nissan holds a 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors. Renault has organized these companies into an integrated global alliance, sharing purchasing, information services, research and development, production facilities, vehicle platforms, and powertrains. Through its turnaround plan, dubbed “Renaulution” and initiated in 2020, Renault will focus on its geographic market strength and better utilization of alliance cost efficiencies. 

In the Western European new-car market, Renault has the third-largest share, trailing Volkswagen and Stellantis. To its detriment, Renault has only had limited exposure to China, the world’s largest auto market, but upon the formation of a joint venture with Chinese automaker Dongfeng, local production began in 2017. Nissan has successfully penetrated the Chinese market, annually selling more than 1.0 million units. Renault also has production facilities in Brazil, India, Russia, and Turkey. Through its own operations and through those of its alliance partners, Renault has a solid presence in Eastern Europe, South America, and South Korea.

Financial Strength

Renault’s automotive business has significant financial leverage, but in experts’ opinion, this is not overly burdensome relative to the company’s substantial cash position. With financial services on an equity basis, total debt/EBITDA has averaged 1.0 times during the period from 2011 to 2021 but was negative 9.7 times at the end of 2020 due to operating losses from COVID-19. The ratio was 3.4 times at the end of 2021. Adding in the impact of operating leases and netting cash against debt, net adjusted debt/EBITDAR during the same period averaged negative 0.2 times, with 2020 coming in at negative 4.2 times, and year-end 2021 at 0.9 times.Before 2008, with financial services on an equity basis, total debt/EBITDA was around 1.5 times. On lower EBITDA and higher outstanding debt in 2008 and 2009, the leverage ratio jumped to 3.6 and 20.6 times, respectively. In early 2009, the company received a EUR 3 billion loan from the French government to reduce refinancing risks associated with accessing credit markets at extremely high interest rates. In 2012, Renault also sold its entire stake in AB Volvo to reduce indebtedness. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the company announced that it would not pay a dividend in 2020 on 2019’s financial results. Also, the company arranged a EUR 5 billion credit line guaranteed by the French government, on which, it drew down EUR 4 billion. At the end of 2020, the undrawn EUR 1 billion was no longer available. Management targets full reimbursement of the French guaranteed loan by the end of 2023. Total liquidity of the automotive group was EUR 17.3 billion at the end of 2021, including a EUR 3.4 billion undrawn credit line and EUR 13.9 billion in cash.

Bulls Say’s

  • Renault’s alliance with Nissan provides scale and purchasing power that the company would otherwise struggle to achieve on its own. 
  • Renault is the largest manufacturer of light commercial vehicles in Europe, excluding pick-ups, with around a 16% share of the market and a 25% share of the electric LCV market. 
  • The company’s low-cost products, like the Dacia Logan, have benefited from increased demand for value-priced vehicles by cost-conscious consumers.

Company Profile 

Renault possesses a global alliance of automotive manufacturing, financing, and sales operations. The company’s alliance partners consist of AvtoVAZ (67.7%), Dacia (99.4%), Nissan (43.7%), Renault Samsung Motors (80.0%), and Mitsubishi (Nissan owns 34%). Total 2021 Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance sales volume of 7.9 million vehicles makes the alliance the third largest vehicle group in the world, behind Toyota at 10.5 million and Volkswagen at 8.6 million vehicles sold. 

(Source: MorningStar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Global stocks Shares

Narrow-Moat Nordstrom Poised for a Turnaround as Its Strategic Plans Take Hold

Business Strategy & Outlook:

Nordstrom continues to be a top operator in the competitive U.S. apparel market. The firm has, cultivated a loyal customer base on its reputation for differentiated products and service and has built a narrow moat based on an intangible brand asset. While the company was unprofitable in 2020 because of the COVID-19 crisis, its profitability returned in 2021, and its brand intangible asset is intact. Despite a rocky couple of years, the Nordstrom’s full-price and Rack off-price stores have competitive advantages over other apparel retailers.

Nordstrom is responding well to changes in its market. The company has about 100 full-price stores, with nearly all of them in desirable Class A malls (sales per square foot above $500) or major urban centers. This is viewed as an advantage, as some lower-tier malls are unlikely to survive. Moreover, Nordstrom has a presence in discount retail with Rack (about 250 stores) and significant e-commerce (42% of its sales in 2021). Still, the firm’s full-price business is vulnerable to weakening physical retail, and Rack competes with firms like no-moat Poshmark and narrow-moats TJX and Ross.

Nordstrom unveiled a new strategic plan, Closer to You, in early 2021 that emphasizes e-commerce, growth in key cities (through Local and other initiatives), and a broader off-price offering. Among

the merchandising changes, Nordstrom intends to increase its private-label sales (to 20% of sales from 10% now) and greatly expand the number of items offered through partnerships (to 30% from 5% now). The firm set medium-term targets of annual revenue of $16 billion-$18 billion, operating margins above 6%, annual operating cash flow of more than $1 billion, and returns on invested capital in the low teens. Nordstrom will consistently generate more than $1 billion in operating cash flow, achieve ROICs in the teens, and reach $16 billion in annual revenue in 2024. However, they will trend higher, the operating margins will be slightly below 6% in the long run due to intense competition, but this could change if some of the new initiatives are more successful than expected.

Financial Strengths:

The Nordstrom is in good financial shape and will overcome the virus-related downturn in its business. The firm closed 2021 with more than $300 million in cash and $800 million available on its revolving credit facility. Although it also had $2.9 billion in long-term debt, most of this debt does not mature until after 2025. Nordstrom had net debt/EBITDA of a reasonable 2.5 times at the end of 2021. Nordstrom generated $200 million in free cash flow to equity in 2021, but this amount to rise through reductions in operating expenses, working capital management, and moderate capital expenditures. As per forecast an annual average of about $840 million in free cash flow to equity over the next decade. As Nordstrom’s results have improved, it has resumed cash returns to shareholders. In 2021, about $250 million in share repurchases and dividends totaling $0.76/share (23% payout ratio). Also, to conserve cash, Nordstrom has suspended its dividends and share repurchases (used more than $400 million combined in cash in 2019), but to anticipate both will resume in 2022. Over the next decade, the buybacks of about $340 million per year and an average dividend payout ratio of about 23%. Nordstrom’s capital expenditures were quite elevated prior to 2020. Its store count has increased from 292 at the end of 2014 to about 360 today as more than 60 Rack stores have opened

since 2014 and the company has expanded into Canada and New York City. Nordstrom has estimated its total investment in Canada and New York at $1.1 billion for 2014-19. The estimated Nordstrom’s yearly capital expenditures will average about $650 million over the next decade, well below 2019’s $935 million. 

Bulls Say:

  • ONordstrom’s online sales exceeded $6 billion in 2021, making it one of the largest e-commerce firms in the U.S.
  • ONordstrom suspended dividends and share repurchases   when the pandemic hit but has resumed cash returns to shareholders. The projected annual combined dividends and share purchase above $400 million over the next five years.
  • ONordstrom serves an affluent customer base in its full line stores, which separates it from the many midlevel retailers in malls. Most of its stores are in productive malls that are not expected to close.

Company Description:

Nordstrom is a fashion retailer that operates approximately 100 department stores in the U.S. and Canada and approximately 250 off-price Nordstrom Rack stores. The company also operates both full- and off-price e-commerce sites. Nordstrom’s largest merchandise categories are women’s apparel (28% of 2021 sales), shoes (25% of 2021 sales), men’s apparel (14% of 2021 sales) and women’s accessories (14% of 2021 sales). Nordstrom, which traces its history to a shoe store opened in Seattle in 1901, continues to be partially owned and managed by members of the Nordstrom family.

(Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

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Dividend Stocks

More Questions Than Answers in Perpetual’s Offer for Pendal

Business Strategy and Outlook

Perpetual has three business offerings: as an asset manager, a private wealth advisor, and a corporate trust service provider. Acquisitions form part of the group’s strategy to build scale and expand its products and services.  Product, channel, and geographic diversification is a key focus for the investments business. It is executing this by mainly acquiring fund managers. This follows a history of subpar performance in its Australian investments business and its inability to grow organically. Recent acquisitions of Barrow Hanley and Trillium expand its addressable market and add to its asset class offerings. Priorities include growing its distribution offshore, expanding its clientele, and broadening its product suite. 

The private wealth business caters to the established wealthy, medical professionals, business owners, family offices, and aged care providers. It increases the value added to clients by providing a variety of services beyond financial planning. These capabilities are propped up by acquisitions. The Fordham acquisition is one example, where it allows Perpetual to extend accounting services to its clients. In return, its acquirers also act as referrers of new business.  The corporate trust business provides outsourced responsible entity, custodial, and trustee services to debt capital markets as well as to managed funds. Ongoing agendas include acquisitions to add scale–in the process allowing it to further lower its pricing–as well as the provision of value-added services such as data and analytic solutions to help increase the stickiness of its client base. 

The management’s initiatives are projected to revive growth in earnings and economic returns in the medium term. With increased investment, both Barrow Hanley and Trillium should offset outflows from Perpetual’s Australian equity funds and help grow fee revenue. The moatworthy private wealth and corporate trust businesses are also strong drivers of earnings growth: The former is positioned to gain market share in the domestic financial advice industry, while the latter benefits from growing securitisation volume and increasing demand for outsourced responsible entity services.

Financial Strength

Perpetual is currently in reasonable financial health with a modestly geared balance sheet. Perpetual has about AUD 248 million of debt as at Dec. 31, 2021. It has a gearing ratio (debt/[debt plus equity]) of 21.5% at the end of the period, below its stated target gearing of 30%. A gross debt/EBITDA ratio of 0.8 times is forecasted in fiscal 2022. Perpetual has stated it expects to reduce the gross debt/EBITDA to zero within five years following the acquisition of Barrow Hanley, which was completed in November 2020. Perpetual has revised its dividend payout ratio to 60%-90% of underlying profit after tax, in line with its focus on acquisitive growth. Although it is preferred that the firm maintains a balanced payout ratio, free cash flow is estimated to be sufficient to cover dividends even at a 90% payout ratio, in the absence of sizable acquisitions.

Bulls Say’s

  • New acquisitions, such as Trillium and Barrow Hanley, materially improve Perpetual’s growth prospects. There is potential for upside from increased reinvestment, which should help revive net inflows. 
  • The private wealth and trust segments benefit from tailwinds such as growth in the high-net-worth client space, as well as progressive increases in securitisation volume following the 2008 financial crisis. 
  • Large scale of FUMA and relatively low capital requirements provide recurring revenue streams and support strong returns on capital and positive free cash flows.

Company Profile 

Perpetual is one of Australia’s oldest financial services firms, founded in 1886. It has three operating segments, with the investments business being the main earnings generator. It mainly employs an active value style in managing listed assets. Perpetual also provides financial planning services to high-net-worth clients via its private segment. In its trust segment, it provides outsourced responsible entity services to funds, as well as custodial and trustee services in the debt capital markets, particularly in securitisation issuances.

(Source: MorningStar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Dividend Stocks

Medibank Expected To Protect High Returns on Equity Rather Than Chase Growth

Business Strategy and Outlook

Medibank is Australia’s largest private health insurer operating under the Medibank and ahm brands. The dual brand strategy has successfully allowed the group to offer differentiated pricing and messaging to grow members and profits. Despite the “free” universal public system in Australia, around 45% of Australia’s population have private hospital cover due to taxation benefits and penalties, shorter wait times, and a choice of doctor and hospital. Government policy settings are expected, which promote the take up and retention of private health insurance products, to remain in place. With an ageing population, higher demand for more intense healthcare will further pressure the public health system.

It is believed that Medibank’s current strategy, which has seen growth in policyholder numbers and margins, should see the positive trends continue. Initiatives included increasing the number of service providers where individuals pay no-gap, introducing reward programs (such as discounts) for members, investing in the digital offering to make claim lodgment easier, adding tools and resources such as 24/7 nurse teleservice, and a new focus on in-home care. To help support margins there has also been a renewed focus on claim costs. Medibank secured audit rights with hospitals which allows the insurer to investigate where rehabilitation referrals of a hospital exceed industry averages and expanded efforts to identify errors in claims made by hospitals.

Despite larger players generating respectable return on equity on mid-single-digit profit margins, smaller providers have less capacity to absorb the expected claims inflation. This could eventually lead to industry consolidation, or at the least a pull-back in marketing expenses and policyholder acquisition costs. Medibank’s Other Health Services division provides in-home healthcare services such as nursing, rehabilitation, and health coaching for corporates. Medibank health also includes the sales of travel, life, and pet insurance, where Medibank is not the underwriter but is paid a commission.

Financial Strength

In a debt-free position Medibank is in sound financial health. The insurer is projected to fund long-term organic growth from cash flows, while maintaining the current 75% to 85% target dividend payout range. As at Dec. 31, 2021, Medibank held AUD 1.95 billion in capital, equating to 13% of annual premiums, the top end of the firm’s 11%-13% target range.Given low claims volatility in health insurance the insurer could carry some debt, but given a large acquisition is not expected, the conservative balance sheet is likely to remain a feature of Medibank. Investment assets of AUD 2.8 billion were allocated 18% to cash, 61% to fixed income, and 21% to equities, property and other assets as at Dec. 31, 2021.

Bulls Say’s

  • Industry growth is tied to a steadily increasing population, ageing demographics and the rise in healthcare spending. Governments will continue to incentivise participation in private health insurance to share the burden of escalating healthcare costs. 
  • Premium growth is generally tied to the increasing cost of healthcare. 
  • The symbiotic relationship with the private hospital operators and buyer power over general practitioners is a key strength of Medibank’s business model. The majority of private hospital income is paid by the insurers.

Company Profile 

Previously owned by the Australian government, Medibank is the largest health insurer in Australia. Its two brands, Medibank Private and ahm, cover over 4.8 million people. Medibank and Australia’s fourth-largest health fund NIB Holdings are the only listed health insurers. In addition to private health insurance, the firm provides life, pet, and travel insurance, as well as health insurance for overseas students and temporary overseas workers. The Medibank Health division provides healthcare services to businesses, governments, and communities across Australia and New Zealand.

(Source: MorningStar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Technology Stocks

Initiating on Tencent Music Entertainment, USD 8.60 FVE; Cloud Music, HKD 130 FVE; TME Our Top Pick

Stock market digital graph chart on LED display concept. A large display of daily stock market price and quotation. Indicator financial forex trade education background.

Business Strategy & Outlook:

With over 600 million monthly active users, or MAU, Tencent Music Entertainment, or TME, is the largest music streaming platform in China. The firm monetizes through live streaming, a high margin business generating over 60% of revenue and over 100% of operating profit, while subscription-based music streaming remains loss-making. A low subscriber-to-user ratio in the mid-teen percentages offers a long runway for paying user growth in music streaming. With platforms putting more content, such as popular songs, behind the paywall, more users would subscribe, and fuel top-line growth. Potential revenue growth also comes from advertising, where the firm’s investments into long-form audio are likely to open up more ad inventory. Even though social entertainment (mainly video live streaming) contributes most of the firm’s revenue, it is believed that there will be minimal growth ahead given competition from Douyin and Kuaishou.

With China’s antitrust laws putting an end to TME’s exclusive music copyright agreements, it’s anticipated more competition for users. Its peer Cloud Music is aiming to bridge the content gap by signing with previously inaccessible labels. Despite competitive headwinds, the TME will remain the largest platform for music streaming, benefiting primarily from network effect and intangible assets that maintain user engagement and stickiness. The subscription prices are unlikely to go lower because: 1) competitors are making losses and have little incentive for price competition; and 

2) Chinese streaming platforms offer almost the lowest prices worldwide, so more discounts will be less effective in attracting users.

Unlike developed markets, the supply side of music in China is more fragmented, with just 30% of licensing from top five labels. As licensors sell their content on a mostly fixed cost basis, TME is well-positioned to see margin expansion as revenue grows.

Financial Strengths:

TME is financially sound. As of the end of 2021, the firm was sitting on a net cash position of CNY 22 billion, more than three times that of peer Cloud Music. Despite some near-term industry challenges, the firm to generate positive free cash flows over the next years. Taking advantage of the low interest environment, the company issued a total of USD 800 million (CNY 5 billion) senior unsecured notes at below 2% interest in 2020. 

The debt/equity ratio is running at a manageable 30%, and debt/EBITDA is maintained below 1.5 times as at the end of 2021. The firm is believed to maintain this capital structure. Given the positive free cash flow assumptions the firm can easily fulfill its debt obligations while simultaneously funding future investment initiatives. The business has been generating positive free cash flows since 2016. In 2021, it generated a free cash flow of CNY 3.5 billion. This is significantly better than peer Cloud Music, who will be burning through cash for the next couple of years.

Bulls Say:

  • Compared to Spotify, TME has plenty of room for subscriber growth that should come about as it moves more music content behind the paywall.
  • TME piggybacks off Tencent’s billion-plus user network. This relationship allows for better retention of users while attracting new ones.
  • By investing in independent artists and long-form audio, TME could better manage content cost over the long term.

Company Description:

TME is the largest online music service provider in China. It was founded in 2016 with the business combination of QQ Music (founded in 2005), Kuwo Music (founded in 2005) and Kugou Music (founded in 2004) streaming platforms. Tencent is the largest shareholder of TME with over 50% shares and over 90% voting rights held. TME also provides social entertainment services, including music live audio/video broadcasts and online concert services through the three platforms mentioned above, and online karaoke through an independent platform WeSing.

(Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Dividend Stocks

Self-help measures planned to optimize Kingfisher’s store footprint

Business Strategy and Outlook

Kingfisher is a leading home improvement retailer operating under the retail banners of B&Q and Screwfix in the U.K and Brico Depot and Castorama in France, while also expanding in other European markets. Kingfisher has attempted multiple strategies to optimize its product offering and leverage its leading position in the French and British home improvement market with little success delivering excess economic returns. While the coronavirus pandemic has provided unexpected tailwinds for Kingfisher, such as increases in do-it-yourself activity and online penetration rates, operating margins remain below U.S peers, who enjoy greater scale and are thus able to operate at a more efficient cost base. 

Prior to the pandemic, Kingfisher had not reported an increase in like-for-like sales since fiscal 2017. The COVID-19-driven home improvement trend is unlikely to be maintainable as customers shift expenditures toward services as governments no longer impose lockdown restrictions and rising interest rates lowers accessibility to homeownership, a major driver of home improvement activity. 

With consumer demand currently elevated, greater emphasis is placed on Kingfisher’s ability to grow market share through investments into its digital capabilities and own-exclusive brands, especially from trade customers who visit stores more frequently and have a larger basket size. Kingfisher’s retail banners in France are dilutive to the group and will benefit from the reorganization of its logistics operation in the region, which will reduce transportation costs and improve customer service. Self-help measures such as optimizing Kingfisher’s store footprint, lease renegotiations at lower rates and reversing stock inefficiencies will free up cash that will be returned to shareholders via a dividend payout ratio of approximately 40%.

Financial Strength

Kingfisher is in a sound financial position. The group ended fiscal 2022 with a net debt/EBITDA ratio (including lease liabilities) of 1.0 times, below its 2.0-2.5 target range, which provides a cushion for any potential slowdown in DIY activity in the future. The group is also one of the few around with a pension surplus.Kingfisher has very little funded debt, which is comfortably covered by the group’s cash balance. Kingfisher’s main source of debt are lease liabilities, consisting of GBP 2.4 billion within its net debt position of GBP 1.6 billion as at fiscal 2021-22. Approximately 40% of Kingfisher’s store space is owned (mostly in France and Poland), which provides financial flexibility, as these assets can be monetized through sale and leaseback transactions, a tool Kingfisher has begun to use. Better inventory management, which lags peers, would also improve Kingfisher’s cash generation.

Bulls Say’s

  • Demand for Kingfisher’s home improvement products stands to benefit from aging housing stock in the U. K. and France, as well as people spending more time indoors during the pandemic. 
  • Self-help opportunities at Kingfisher should help increase operating margins by optimizing its store space footprint and improving logistical inefficiencies across its French operations. 
  • As the second-largest home improvement retailer in Europe, Kingfisher has the opportunity to better leverage its size to drive costs down and use its customer knowledge to develop its own products.

Company Profile 

Kingfisher is a home improvement company with over 1,470 stores in eight countries across Europe. The company operates several retail banners that are focused on trade customers and general do-it-yourself needs. Kingfisher’s main retail brands include B&Q, Screwfix, and TradePoint in the United Kingdom and Castorama and Brico Depot in France. The U.K. and France are Kingfisher’s largest markets, accounting for 81% of sales. The company is the second-largest DIY retailer in Europe, with a leading position in the U.K. and a number-two position in France. 

(Source: MorningStar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Dividend Stocks

It is alleged the acquisition of Suez will be significantly value-accretive for Veolia

Business Strategy and Outlook

Veolia Environment is the world’s largest water company. Treatment and distribution of water accounts for 30% of the group’s revenue. In France, where Veolia is the historical leader, the business has been affected by a wave of contract renewals since 2010, which reduced profitability. Still, the indexation of those contracts to inflation should support earnings if high inflation persists. 

Veolia’s waste management accounts for 40% of turnover. This business is more cyclical and was hit by economic crises in Europe over 2009-13. Since 2015, the economic recovery in Europe has boosted waste volumes and enhanced margins. The group intends to increase the profitability and structural growth of this division by expanding exposure to hazardous waste treatment, which exhibits efficient scale. Veolia’s third main business is energy. This business makes up 20% of the turnover and encompasses energy services, heating and cooling networks, and electricity. This is more defensive than waste management. However, the weight of municipal clients limits pricing power.

In April 2021, Veolia and historical rival Suez reached a merger agreement after seven months of fierce battles for the former to acquire the 71.1% it did not hold in the latter at EUR 19.85 per share in January 2022. Veolia agreed to relinquish activities representing EUR 7 billion or 40% of Suez turnover and EUR 1.2 billion of EBITDA comprising French waste and water businesses and some international water activities like in Italy or Morocco. Importantly, Veolia managed to seize all the assets it’s deemed strategic: water activities in Spain and Chile (Agbar), the U.S. regulated water business and waste activities in the U.K. and Australia. Despite the high price paid, it is alleged the acquisition of Suez will be significantly value-accretive for Veolia thanks to the high amount of synergies. The European Commission cleared the deal on Dec. 14, 2021, conditional on remedies representing around EUR 0.3 billion of turnover. The last antitrust issue is the U.K. where the CMA is conducting an investigation that might lead to a disposal of some of the local waste assets acquired from Suez.

Financial Strength

Veolia’s standalone net debt decreased from EUR 13.2 billion in 2020 to EUR 9.5 billion at the end of 2021. This drop was notably driven by a EUR 2.5 billion rights issue in October 2021 and the issuance of EUR 0.5 billion of hybrid bonds accounted as equity to fund the acquisition of Suez which was completed in January 2022. On a proforma basis, net debt amounted to EUR 18.2 billion at year-end 2021. In 2022, projections are done on pro forma net debt to decrease to EUR 17.14 billion as the EUR 9 billion cash outflows dedicated to the tender offer for 71% of Suez shares not held by Veolia in January are more than offset by the EUR 10.4 billion disposals of Suez assets that Veolia agreed to relinquish to a consortium formed by GIP, Merdiam, Caisse des Depots and CNP Assurances. Experts’ 2022 net debt estimate implies a net debt/EBITDA ratio of 2.7, below the group’s guidance of around 3 times. Beyond 2022, it is foreseen the leverage ratio to decrease to 1.7 in 2026 on EBITDA growth notably fuelled by the achievement of the EUR 0.5 billion synergies. Analysts forecast dividend to grow by 14.9% per year on average between 2021 and 2026, in line with the current income growth, as targeted by the group. This points to a 2026 dividend of EUR 2, twice as higher as the EUR 1 paid on 2021 results.

Bulls Say’s

  • The acquisition of Suez will be significantly value accretive for Veolia thanks to high synergies despite the high price paid. To get the comparable international assets through bolt-on acquisitions would have been much more costly. 
  • Inflation is positive for Veolia thanks to the indexation of 70% of its contracts, the ability to pass through cost increases in other contracts and the long position in electricity and recycled materials. 
  • Increasing exposure to hazardous waste will structurally increase the group’s margins and returns on invested capital.

Company Profile 

Veolia is the largest water company globally and a leading player in France. It is also involved in waste management with a significant exposure to France, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and Australia. The third pillar of the group is energy services, giving the group significant exposure to Central Europe. Veolia started to refocus its activities in 2011, leading to the exit of almost half of its countries and of its transport activity, which should be completed within the next few years. 

(Source: MorningStar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Technology Stocks

SAP SE: Cloud Continues to Deliver Strong Growth

Investment Thesis:

  • Leading market share positions in on-premise enterprise resources planning (ERP) and on-premise customer relationship management (CRM) markets with customers in over 180 countries and strong brand awareness. 
  • The market is undervaluing SAP’s CRM business (relative to its peer group such as Salesforce.com).
  • Support revenues and Cloud subscriptions provide recurring revenue, which gives SAP a defensive profile. 
  • Competent management team.
  • Strong operating and free cash flow generation with attractive dividend policy (payout ratio of at least 40%).

Key Risks:

  • Slower take-up for HANA and S/4HANA. 
  • Deteriorating sentiment if the economy and IT spending weakens. 
  • Market share loss in software revenue driven by cloud migration.
  • Aggressive M&A with risk of overpaying.
  • Additional opex spending dampening margin expansion. 
  • Key-man risk due to management changes.
  • Competition from other established players like Microsoft, Salesforce.com and Oracle.
  • The CFO Luka Mucic departure in March 2023 is a negative.

Key Highlights:

  • For FY22 management expects accelerating cloud revenue growth, supported by strong traction of SAP S/4HANA Cloud, leading to (in CC) Cloud revenue of €11.55–11.85bn (up +23-26%), Cloud and Software revenue of €25–25.5bn (up +4-6%) with share of more predictable revenue (total of cloud revenue and software support revenue) increasing +300bps to 78%, non-IFRS operating profit of €7.8–8.25bn (flat to down 5%), FCF of >€4.5bn (vs €5.01bn in pcp), effective tax rate (IFRS) of 25-28.0% (vs 21.4% in pcp) and an effective tax rate (non-IFRS) of 22-25.0% (vs 19.9% in pcp).
  • By 2025 management continues to expect total revenue of >€36bn with Cloud revenue of >€22bn, non-IFRS operating profit of >€11.5bn with non-IFRS cloud gross margin of ~80%, more predictable revenue share of 85%, and FCF of €8bn.
  • The Company announced a new share repurchase program with a volume of up to €1bn to service future share-based compensation awards, which is planned to be executed in CY22. 
  • Revenue growth of +19% in CC to $9.59bn with S/4HANA growing +47% in CC to $1.1bn.
  • Cloud backlog growing +32% (+26% in CC) to $9.45bn with S/4HANA cloud backlog up +84% (+76% in CC) to $1.71bn.
  • IFRS cloud gross margin improving +40bps to 67%. 
  • ‘RISE with SAP’ continued to gain traction, closing more than 650 customer deals in 4Q21, bringing total customer count to 1,300 since launch in 1Q21, and accelerated adoption momentum in cloud with SAP adding ~1,300 SAP S/4HANA customers (>2x the last four quarter average of 600) in the quarter (~50% customers were net new with win rate against competitors >70%), taking total adoption to more than 18,800 customers (out of which ~5,000 are S/4HANA cloud customers), up +18% over pcp, of which more than 13,100 (~70%) are live.

Company Description:

SAP SE (SAP) is a global software and service provider headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, operating through two segments: Applications, Technology & Services segment, and the SAP Business Network segment. The Applications, Technology & Services segment is engaged in the sale of software licenses, subscriptions to its cloud applications, and related services and the SAP Business Network segment includes its cloud-based collaborative business networks and services relating to the SAP Business Network (including cloud applications, professional services and education services). SAP is the market leader in enterprise application software and also the leading analytics and business intelligence company, with the Company reporting that more than 77% of all transaction revenue globally touches an SAP system.

(Source: Banyantree)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Technology Stocks

Reels is now FB’s fastest growing content format by far and the biggest contributor to engagement growth on Instagram

Investment Thesis:

  • Strong market position in online advertising.  
  • Value accretive acquisitions in existing and new growth areas.
  • Focus on innovation across advertising businesses, which should help to sustain growth. 
  • Strong and competent management team.   
  • Strong balance sheet (net cash position) giving flexibility to invest in growth options or undertake capital management initiatives. 
  • Social media dominance with brands like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.
  • Potential earnings upside from rolling out payment solutions and cryptocurrency.

Key Risks:

  • De-rating should growth rates miss expectations.
  • Growing competition from other platforms (e.g., TikTok).
  • Threat of increased regulatory scrutiny, including concerns around consumer privacy and personal data (e.g., AAPL’s new iOS allows users to stop companies from tracking their movements).
  • Deterioration in economic conditions, which would put pressure on the advertising revenue.
  • Competition from companies like Alphabet Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. could put pressure on margins. 
  • Potential return from investment on new, innovative technology fails to yield adequate results.
  • Key man risk if the founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg decides to depart.

Key Highlights:

  • Total revenue grew +20% (+21% in CC) to $33.7bn, with Family of Apps (Facebook + Instagram + Messenger + WhatsApp + other services) revenue up +20% to $32.8bn (ad revenue growth of +20%/21% in CC to $32.6bn with total number of ad impressions served across services increasing +13% and the average price per ad increasing +6% was partially offset by -8% decline in other revenue to $155m due to a decline in payment revenue earned from games) and Reality Labs (AR & VR related consumer hardware, software and content) revenue up +22% to $877m, driven by strong Quest 2 sales during the holiday season.
  • Cost of revenue increased +22%, driven primarily by Reality Labs hardware costs, core infrastructure investments, and payments to partners. Total expenses were up +38% to $21.1bn with Family of Apps expenses up +35% to $16.9bn and Reality Labs expenses up +48% to $4.2bn.
  • Operating income declined -1% to $12.6bn with margin declining -900bps to 37% as +6.8% increase in Family of Apps operating income to $15.9bn (margin down -589bps to 48.48%) was more than offset by Reality Labs operating loss widening by +57% to $3.3bn.
  • NPAT declined -8% to $10.3bn with EPS down -5% to $3.67, driven by decline in operating income and +32% higher tax.
  • Capex increased +15% to $5.5bn, driven by investments in data centers, servers, network infrastructure and office facilities.
  • FCF increased +36% to $12.6bn driven by +28.9% increase in operating cashflow to $18.1bn.
  • The Company repurchased $19.18bn of our Class A common stock and ended the year with Cash and cash equivalents of $48bn.
  • 1Q22 total revenue of $27-29bn, up +3-11% over pcp, negatively impacted by headwinds to both impression (increased competition + shift of engagement to Reels) and price growth (ad targeting and measurement given Apple’s iOS changes + macroeconomic challenges impacting ad budgets + FX headwind).
  • FY22 total expenses of $90-95bn (vs prior outlook of $91-97bn).
  • FY22 capex (including principal payments on finance leases) of $29-34bn driven by investments in data centres to support AI and Machine Learning.
  • FY22 tax rate to be similar to FY21. 
  • Holding a view that short-form video will be an increasing part of how people consume content moving forward, management continues to replace some time in News Feed and other higher monetizing surfaces to transition services towards short-form video like Reels. (Reels is now FB’s fastest growing content format by far and the biggest contributor to engagement growth on Instagram) and expects pressure on ad impression growth in the near term given Reels monetizes at a lower rate than Feed and Stories, and competition from dominant players like TikTok and YouTube.

Company Description:

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: FB) is the biggest social network worldwide focused on building products that enable people to connect and share through mobile devices, personal computers and other surfaces. The Company’s products include Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and Oculus. The Company also engages in selling advertising placements to marketers, to help them reach people based on a range of factors, including age, gender, location, interests and behaviours. 

(Source: Banyantree)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Dividend Stocks Global Markets

Inghams Group – The Board declared a fully franked Dividend of 6.5 cps, in line with the pcp, and Equates to Payout Ratio of 60.9%

Investment Thesis:

  • Trading on undemanding multiples and below our valuation. 
  • Potential for an improvement in the pricing environment. 
  • Quality management team who has managed disruptions for the Covid-19 pandemic well. 
  • Quality assets and operates as Australia and New Zealand’s largest integrated poultry producer.
  • Project Accelerate has proven successful in driving automation and labour productivity, which supports earnings uplift despite decrease in revenue.  
  • Procurement initiatives implemented with benefits in line with expectation.
  • Investing to increase capacity and capability across the business in Australia and New Zealand plants.
  • Capital management initiatives are possible with a strong balance sheet.

Key Risks:

  • Re-negotiation of key contracts with large customers on unfavourable terms. 
  • Increase in feed and electricity costs, which may be pushed to customers through market price increases, reducing competitiveness. 
  • No news on the appointment of a new CEO creates uncertainty. 
  • Customer concentration risk in QSR (Quick Service Restaurants) and Supermarkets. 
  • Susceptible to exotic disease breakouts, impacting ING’s ability to supply poultry products. 
  • Significant reduction in volume and quality from parent stock supplier.
  • Material interruptions to ING’s complex and interlinked supply chain.

Key Highlights:

  • Group core poultry sales volumes grew +5.6%, driven by strong volume growth of +6.5% in Australia.
  • Statutory EBITDA of $220.4m, and Underlying EBITDA of $222.4m, was up +2.2% and +1.7%, respectively.
  • Statutory NPAT of $38.4m, up +8.8% and Underlying NPAT of $39.7m, up +5.9%
  • Cash flow from operations of $186.6m, was up +4.7%. Cash conversion ratio of 83.5% reflects seasonal working capital cycle and in-line with the pcp.
  • ING retained a solid balance sheet with net debt of $264.6m and leverage of 1.3x, a significant reduction from 1.7x in the pcp.
  • Total capital expenditure of $24.0m was lower than the pcp, reflecting completion of hatchery projects, ongoing project disruptions caused by Covid-19 lockdowns and delays in equipment being shipped.
  • The Board declared a fully franked dividend of 6.5 cps, in line with the pcp, and equates to payout ratio of 60.9% of Underlying NPAT post AASB 16 adjustments, which is at the lower end of ING’s 60 – 80% target range.
  • In Australia segment, Core poultry volumes grew +6.5% to 203.4kt, despite Covid-19 lockdowns and challenging market conditions. Revenue grew +1.9% driven by core poultry revenue growth of +2.2%, which grew despite weak pricing across the Wholesale channel due to excess supply, partially offset by feed revenue, declining -2.0% as customers transition supply away in preparation for closure of the ING’s WA Feedmill. Underlying EBITDA declined -0.3% to $185.1m, reflecting a lower Intercompany royalty charge, reduced by $3.2m.
  • In New Zealand segment, Core poultry volumes were flat at 33.7kt, as Covid-19 lockdowns were reintroduced. Core poultry revenue increased +3.6%, due to price increases applied across all channels to help offset higher feed costs and inflationary pressures related to supply chain disruption. Underlying EBITDA of $19.1m increased $3.3m versus the pcp, with the change to intercompany royalty charge accounting for $3.2m.

Company Description:

Inghams Group Ltd (ING) is Australia and New Zealand’s largest integrated poultry producer. The Company produces and sells chicken, turkey and stock feed that is used by the poultry, pig, dairy and equine industries. 

(Source: Banyantree)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.