Photocure delivered a solid rebound in 1Q, as guided and even better than we estimated. We were happy about the development and see the report as supportive of our recent upgrade of the share to Buy. Our TP is upped from NOK 85/sh to NOK 90/sh.
Better than expected 1Q figures
Photocure released its 1Q23 report on May 10th. The key for us in the report was to see the guided and expected rebound from the terrible end of 2022. The figures were even better than expected with revenues of NOK 106m vs NOK 103m estimated and EBITDA came in close to break-even at NOK -1.2m vs NOK -8.7m in our estimates. EPS was also negative at NOK -0.43, but still better than NOK -0.57 loss in our model.
Good volume growth and new BLC installations according to plan
In-market volume sales were better than anticipated both in North America (+16% YoY vs +14% est.) and Europe (+6% YoY vs -2% est.). 18 new Saphira Blue Light Cystoscopes (BLCs) were installed in the US (vs 20 in our model). Moreover, 12 units of older equipment were replaced. The guidance for 65-75 new Saphira BLC towers to be installed this year was reiterated and we remain at the midpoint of this guidance in our model.
Financial guidance maintained; improvement seen on key challenges
Photocure reiterated its financial guidance of 20% product revenue growth and positive EBITDA (ex. business development expenses). We believe the guidance will be reached and more likely exceeded and estimate revenues to grow by 27% this year and EBITDA to land at NOK +14m incl. business development expenses. Staffing shortages and hospital budget cuts are still hurdles, but it is important that situation is improving.
Rebound has started and we stay positive expecting more
All in all, a solid rebound in the companyâs revenues and improved profitability was delivered in 1Q. The rebound was expected and guided, but results were even better than we estimated. Therefore, we see the report as supportive to our Buy recommendation. We have adjusted our estimates and following the report increase our TP to NOK 90/sh (85). The stock has been punished harshly, but we believe the rebound is sustainable and stay positive. A major positive would be the down-classification of blue light in the US. There is a risk the data from China where Asieris is carrying out Cysview trial could be not as good as hoped, but upside in case success is significant. Overall, we find the risk/reward attractive.
Analyst
Tomas Skeivys, CFA
+370 676 35 144
tomas.skeivys@norne.no