Focusrite — Trading ahead of expectations

Focusrite — Trading ahead of expectations

Despite macroeconomic headwinds, in its closing update Focusrite has confirmed consensus beating FY19 revenue (c £84m vs our forecast £79.8m) and EBITDA, reflecting the success of its global growth strategy and strength of the brands. The launch of the third-generation Scarlett product ranges in July has been well received, with further significant releases anticipated in H1 FY20. After including the recent £16.2m acquisition of ADAM Audio, net cash stood at £14.9m (FY18: £22.8m). We raise our FY19 and FY20 PBT forecasts by 4% and 3% respectively.

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Focusrite

Trading ahead of expectations

Closing update

Consumer electricals

13 September 2019

Price

529p

Market cap

£307m

Net cash (£m) at 31 August 2019

14.9

Shares in issue

58.1m

Free float

60%

Code

TUNE

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

11.6

(2.0)

18.7

Rel (local)

9.2

(2.3)

18.9

52-week high/low

560p

364p

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

Final results

November 2019

Analysts

Kate Heseltine

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Russell Pointon

+44 (0)20 3077 5757

Focusrite is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Despite macroeconomic headwinds, in its closing update Focusrite has confirmed consensus beating FY19 revenue (c £84m vs our forecast £79.8m) and EBITDA, reflecting the success of its global growth strategy and strength of the brands. The launch of the third-generation Scarlett product ranges in July has been well received, with further significant releases anticipated in H1 FY20. After including the recent £16.2m acquisition of ADAM Audio, net cash stood at £14.9m (FY18: £22.8m). We raise our FY19 and FY20 PBT forecasts by 4% and 3% respectively.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

08/17

66.1

9.5

14.8

2.7

35.7

0.5

08/18

75.1

11.3

17.5

3.3

30.2

0.6

08/19e

83.8

13.0

19.8

3.6

26.8

0.7

08/20e

94.4

13.7

20.4

3.7

25.9

0.7

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

A strong finish to the year

Focusrite has released an upbeat closing update for FY19 confirming revenue of c £84m, ahead of market expectations (Edison FY19e: £79.8m). This includes growth of c 10% (6% CCY) in the existing business plus six weeks of revenue for the recently acquired ADAM Audio studio monitor business. EBITDA is also expected to be ahead of market expectations (Edison FY19E: £16.3m) with margins having remained broadly consistent with the prior year. Robust cash generation resulted in net cash of £14.9m at 21 August, after taking into account the £16.2m acquisition of ADAM in July (FY18: £22.8m).

A healthy pipeline of significant new product releases

The results are testament to the success of Focusrite’s global growth strategy, despite macroeconomic headwinds, and the strength of the core brands. The third-generation Scarlett range of products was released in July and has been well received. Scarlett accounts for c 75% of Focusrite’s divisional revenue and is particularly popular in the US. Product development and innovation remain at the heart of the business, with further significant releases anticipated in H1 FY20.

Forecasts upgraded for FY19 and FY20

We raise our FY19e PBT by 4% to £13.0m to reflect company guidance for sales and margins. Our FY20e PBT increases by 3% to £13.7m, after factoring in conservative sales growth assumptions across Focusrite’s markets and broadly stable margins for the core business. As before, we also include a full year of revenue and earnings for ADAM Audio, but cautiously assume that Focusrite’s current distribution of third-party studio monitors ceases (c £3m of revenue).

Valuation: Slightly ahead of the current share price

Our DCF-based valuation increases to 544p per share (previously 530p) to reflect the conservative uplift to our forecasts.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

£000s

2017

2018

2019e

2020e

31-August

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

INCOME STATEMENT

Revenue

 

 

66,055

75,121

83,844

94,407

Cost of Sales

(39,704)

(43,447)

(48,599)

(55,182)

Gross Profit

26,351

31,674

35,245

39,225

EBITDA

 

 

13,109

15,485

16,787

18,113

Operating profit (before amort. and except).

 

 

9,470

11,613

12,987

13,664

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

0

0

0

0

Exceptionals

0

329

(648)

0

Share-based payments

0

0

0

0

Reported operating profit

9,470

11,942

12,339

13,664

Net Interest

42

(270)

20

60

Joint ventures & associates (post tax)

0

0

0

0

Exceptionals

0

0

0

0

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

9,512

11,343

13,007

13,724

Profit Before Tax (reported)

 

 

9,512

11,672

12,359

13,724

Reported tax

(959)

(1,199)

(1,444)

(1,647)

Profit After Tax (norm)

8,553

10,144

11,563

12,077

Profit After Tax (reported)

8,553

10,473

10,915

12,077

Minority interests

0

0

0

0

Discontinued operations

0

0

0

0

Net income (normalised)

8,553

10,144

11,563

12,077

Net income (reported)

8,553

10,473

10,915

12,077

Average number of Shares Outstanding (m)

55.4

56.8

57.7

58.1

EPS - normalised (p)

 

 

14.8

17.9

20.0

20.8

EPS - normalised fully diluted (p)

 

 

14.8

17.5

19.8

20.4

EPS - basic reported (p)

 

 

15.4

18.4

18.9

20.8

Dividend per share (p)

2.7

3.3

3.6

3.7

Revenue growth (%)

21.6

13.7

11.6

12.6

Gross Margin (%)

39.9

42.2

42.0

41.5

EBITDA Margin (%)

19.8

20.6

20.0

19.2

Normalised Operating Margin

14.3

15.5

15.5

14.5

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

6,332

7,314

10,750

13,725

Intangible Assets

4,963

6,039

9,158

11,963

Tangible Assets

1,369

1,275

1,592

1,762

Investments & other

0

0

0

0

Current Assets

 

 

36,126

47,612

43,115

50,904

Stocks

9,000

11,391

14,380

16,630

Debtors

12,952

13,310

13,783

15,519

Cash & cash equivalents

14,174

22,811

14,851

18,651

Other

0

100

102

104

Current Liabilities

 

 

(8,663)

(11,136)

(13,030)

(13,437)

Creditors

(8,204)

(10,709)

(12,516)

(12,851)

Tax and social security

(459)

(427)

(514)

(586)

Short term borrowings

0

0

0

0

Other

0

0

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(245)

(300)

(467)

(616)

Long term borrowings

0

0

0

0

Other long term liabilities

(245)

(300)

(467)

(616)

Net Assets

 

 

33,550

43,490

40,369

50,576

Minority interests

0

0

0

0

Shareholders' equity

 

 

33,550

43,490

40,369

50,576

CASH FLOW

Op Cash Flow before WC and tax

13,109

15,485

16,787

18,113

Working capital

407

(427)

(1,655)

(3,652)

Exceptional & other

137

203

(648)

(0)

Tax

(633)

(478)

(1,444)

(1,647)

Net operating cash flow

 

 

13,020

14,783

13,041

12,814

Capex

(3,614)

(4,507)

(6,150)

(6,924)

Acquisitions (net of acquired working capital)

0

0

(12,800)

0

Net interest

(42)

(36)

20

60

Equity financing

258

306

0

0

Dividends

(1,138)

(1,679)

(2,071)

(2,150)

Other

84

(230)

0

0

Net Cash Flow

8,568

8,637

(7,960)

3,800

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(5,606)

(14,174)

(22,811)

(14,851)

FX

0

0

0

0

Other non-cash movements

0

0

0

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(14,174)

(22,811)

(14,851)

(18,651)

Source: Company data, 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.

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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 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

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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.

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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 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

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

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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

Research: TMT

Vectron Systems — Evolving the business model

Vectron saw a continuation of the weak demand environment for its point-of-sale (POS) solutions in H119, although revenues have improved every quarter since the trough in Q318 and management expects regulatory tailwinds to boost demand from Q4. More digital services partnerships were signed in H1 and the company launched a bundled POS system/digital services offering in June as part of its plan to shift to a digital business model and build a base of recurring revenues.

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