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Strong 1Q EBITDA, growth to accelerate
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Fast Comment
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Photocure delivered solid figures in a challenging quarter and guides for growth to accelerate as the COVID-19 restrictions are gradually lifted. This supports our positive stance towards the stock, and we are likely to raise our estimates and TP somewhat.
Solid quarterly figures in a pandemic quarter
Photocure delivered better-than-expected 1Q figures this morning. Sales of NOK 82m were almost spot on expectation, while EBITDA of NOK 18m was much better than our estimate of NOK 5m (both figures include the NOK 6m gain from Hexvix-related milestone from Asieris). We highlighted the uncertainty ahead of the quarterly numbers due to the pandemic and are positively surprised about how the company managed to control costs, while maintaining solid sales in a challenging environment.
BLC installations continue at high pace and further acceleration seen
There were 12 new Blue Light Cystoscopes installed during 1Q in the US, 3 flexible and 9 rigid. This was in line with our projections and is an impressive pace having in mind still rather heavy restrictions due to the pandemic with access to hospitals limited in the US. The company sees further acceleration of BLC installations in 2Q and throughout 2021. Interestingly, contracting led to first multi-hospital system agreement which included 5 rigid towers in 4 hospitals from a key health system in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Europe ahead of plan
There are encouraging signs in Europe as well. PHO indicates the business is exceeding expectations. Importantly, the large growth markets like the UK, Italy and France are showing first signals of turnaround in sales, which is encouraging, especially so having in mind the pandemic-related challenges in hospital access and traveling.
Growth to accelerate and estimates/TP are likely to be lifted
As the COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted in the US and Europe during 2Q and 3Q, the company expects growth to accelerate. This was already visible in stronger growth towards end of 1Q. It seems that PHO is well prepared for this development and demand seems to be solid even in the pandemic environment. We are not likely to change our growth estimates much, but costs are likely to be lowered after 1Q, thus likely having a positive impact on TP. Our Buy recommendation is likely to stay but will depend on the share price development.