Focusrite — Marching on

Focusrite — Marching on

Focusrite has issued a reassuring trading update for H120. Sales growth is in line with expectations, against a tough comparative. With the majority of sourcing from Asia, there had been fears about its ability to continue sourcing product to satisfy consumer demand, which still looks ‘buoyant’, but deliveries have resumed quickly. Our underlying forecasts are unchanged, but we incorporate the acquisition of Martin Audio, leading to EPS upgrades of 1% for FY20 and 7% for FY21. The recent de-rating has brought multiples back towards historic averages: EV/EBITDA for FY20e of 12.2x (average of 11.1x) and P/E for FY20e of 19.5x (average of 17.8x).

Russell Pointon

Written by

Russell Pointon

Director of Content, Consumer and Media

Focusrite

Marching on

H120 trading update

Consumer electricals

26 March 2020

Price

428p

Market cap

£249m

Net debt (£m) at February 2020

20.0

Shares in issue

58.1m

Free float

60%

Code

TUNE

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(34.4)

(30.5)

-9.8

Rel (local)

(17.1)

(5.1)

14

52-week high/low

740.0p

422.5p

Business description

Focusrite is a global music and audio products group supplying hardware and software used by professional and amateur musicians, which enables the high-quality production of music.

Next events

H120 results

April 2020

Analyst

Russell Pointon

+44 (0)20 3077 5757

Neil Shah

+44 (0)20 3077 5715

Focusrite is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Focusrite has issued a reassuring trading update for H120. Sales growth is in line with expectations, against a tough comparative. With the majority of sourcing from Asia, there had been fears about its ability to continue sourcing product to satisfy consumer demand, which still looks ‘buoyant’, but deliveries have resumed quickly. Our underlying forecasts are unchanged, but we incorporate the acquisition of Martin Audio, leading to EPS upgrades of 1% for FY20 and 7% for FY21. The recent de-rating has brought multiples back towards historic averages: EV/EBITDA for FY20e of 12.2x (average of 11.1x) and P/E for FY20e of 19.5x (average of 17.8x).

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

08/18

75.1

11.3

17.8

3.3

24.0

0.8

08/19

84.7

13.8

21.4

3.8

20.0

0.9

08/20e

111.6

14.4

21.9

3.9

19.5

0.9

08/21e

123.7

15.6

23.5

4.0

18.2

0.9

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

H120 trading: Encouraging

The trading update for H120 indicates that revenue has grown by c 24% to c £50m. The acquisitions of ADAM Audio and Martin Audio contributed c £12m, and therefore underlying revenue for the core Focusrite business reduced by 6%, to £38m. This is against a tough comparative when it benefited from tariff-related price increases in the US. In addition, orders for £2m, which could not be fulfilled during H120 due the impact of COVID-19, will fall into H220. Cash generation has been positive: net debt of c £20m compares with c £25m post the acquisition of Martin Audio at the end of December 2019. The announcement that Jeremy Wilson, CFO since the IPO in 2014, will leave by the end of CY20, should ensure a smooth handover.

No change to underlying forecasts for FY20

We leave our underlying forecasts for FY20 unchanged. At present, demand continues to look encouraging; management points to ‘buoyant’ demand but the outbreak of COVID-19 could have both a positive and negative influence on supply and demand. On the positive side, enforced isolation could increase demand as musicians and hobbyists have more time to devote to music. On the negative side, fulfilment of orders from online retailers etc could be more challenging, halting the live performance market could negatively affect demand and there could be further supply disruptions from sourcing. Shipping from Asia to Europe and the US takes c four weeks. We now incorporate the acquisition of Martin Audio into our forecasts for FY20 and FY21. Our FY20 EPS forecast increases by 1% to 21.9p from 21.7p, and our FY21 EPS forecast increases by 7% to 23.5p from 21.9p.

Valuation: Recent de-rating

On our new forecasts, the EV/EBITDA multiples for FY20e and FY21e are 12.2x and 11.7x respectively versus an average since IPO of 11.1x. The P/E multiples for FY20e and FY21e are 19.5x and 18.2x versus the average since the IPO of 17.8x.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

£'k

2017

2018

2019

2020e

2021e

31-August

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

INCOME STATEMENT

Revenue

 

 

66,055

75,121

84,665

111,594

123,714

Cost of Sales

(39,704)

(43,447)

(48,899)

(64,278)

(71,012)

Gross Profit

26,351

31,674

35,766

47,316

52,702

EBITDA

 

 

13,109

15,485

17,197

20,432

22,219

Operating profit (before amort. and except).

 

 

9,470

11,613

13,549

14,815

15,663

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

0

0

0

(3,075)

(3,690)

Exceptionals

0

329

(737)

(2,600)

0

Share-based payments

0

0

0

0

0

Reported operating profit

9,470

11,942

12,812

9,140

11,973

Net Interest

42

(270)

201

(390)

(100)

Joint ventures & associates (post tax)

0

0

0

0

0

Exceptionals

0

0

0

0

0

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

9,512

11,343

13,750

14,425

15,563

Profit Before Tax (reported)

 

 

9,512

11,672

13,013

8,750

11,873

Reported tax

(959)

(1,199)

(1,349)

(1,659)

(1,790)

Profit After Tax (norm)

8,553

10,144

12,401

12,766

13,773

Profit After Tax (reported)

8,553

10,473

11,664

7,091

10,083

Minority interests

0

0

0

0

0

Discontinued operations

0

0

0

0

0

Net income (normalised)

8,553

10,207

12,401

12,766

13,773

Net income (reported)

8,553

10,473

11,664

7,091

10,083

Average number of Shares Outstanding (m)

54.6

56.2

57.2

57.5

57.8

EPS - normalised (p)

 

 

15.7

18.1

21.7

22.2

23.8

EPS - normalised fully diluted (p)

 

 

14.7

17.8

21.4

21.9

23.5

EPS - basic reported (p)

 

 

15.7

18.6

20.4

12.3

17.5

Dividend per share (p)

2.7

3.3

3.8

3.9

4.0

Revenue growth (%)

21.6

13.7

12.7

31.8

10.9

Gross Margin (%)

39.9

42.2

42.2

42.4

42.6

EBITDA Margin (%)

19.8

20.6

20.3

18.3

18.0

Normalised Operating Margin

14.3

15.5

16.0

13.3

12.7

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

6,332

7,314

25,705

58,831

55,922

Intangible Assets

4,963

6,039

24,103

56,872

53,660

Tangible Assets

1,369

1,275

1,602

1,959

2,262

Investments & other

0

0

0

0

0

Current Assets

 

 

36,126

47,612

48,875

37,716

42,371

Stocks

9,000

11,391

15,182

19,372

22,374

Debtors

12,952

13,310

18,188

18,344

19,998

Cash & cash equivalents

14,174

22,811

15,505

0

0

Other

0

100

0

0

0

Current Liabilities

 

 

(8,663)

(11,136)

(16,909)

(15,729)

(16,384)

Creditors

(8,204)

(10,709)

(15,664)

(14,969)

(15,564)

Tax and social security

(459)

(427)

(618)

(760)

(820)

Short term borrowings

0

0

(627)

0

0

Other

0

0

0

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(245)

(300)

(4,284)

(24,619)

(13,499)

Long term borrowings

0

0

0

(15,292)

(4,903)

Other long term liabilities

(245)

(300)

(4,284)

(9,327)

(8,596)

Net Assets

 

 

33,550

43,490

53,387

56,199

68,410

Minority interests

0

0

0

0

0

Shareholders' equity

 

 

33,550

43,490

53,387

56,199

68,410

CASH FLOW

Op Cash Flow before WC and tax

13,109

15,485

17,197

20,432

22,219

Working capital

407

(426)

(2,218)

(5,041)

(4,060)

Exceptional & other

137

203

(386)

475

3,690

Tax

(633)

(478)

(825)

(1,659)

(1,790)

Net operating cash flow

 

 

13,020

14,784

13,768

14,207

20,059

Capex

(3,614)

(4,512)

(4,943)

(6,548)

(7,259)

Acquisitions (net of acquired working capital)

0

0

(14,996)

(35,200)

0

Net interest

(42)

(36)

58

(390)

(100)

Equity financing

258

306

0

0

0

Dividends

(1,138)

(1,679)

(2,005)

(2,239)

(2,311)

Other

84

(226)

185

0

0

Net Cash Flow

8,568

8,637

(7,933)

(30,170)

10,389

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(5,606)

(14,174)

(22,811)

(14,878)

15,292

FX

0

0

0

0

0

Other non-cash movements

0

0

0

0

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(14,174)

(22,811)

(14,878)

15,292

4,903

Source: Company accounts, Edison Investment Research

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Focusrite and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Focusrite. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2020 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Focusrite and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Focusrite. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2020 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Sunesis Pharmaceuticals — 400mg data similar to previous cohort

On 18 March, Sunesis released the first assessments of the 400mg cohort in its ongoing dosing study of vecabrutinib for B-cell malignancies. Two (of three) patients in this cohort showed stable disease (SD), with one showing a 48% response. These results are largely similar to those seen with the 300mg cohort (one near-responder SD, two stabilized SD, and one progressor). We would like to have seen more definitive activity in this cohort, but there is still the possibility that Sunesis will cross the line of generating partial responses (PRs) in the upcoming 500mg cohort.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free