Q2: Sales of EUR 45m (36m), adj. EBIT of -EUR 1.1m (-0.7m)* P&M drives book-to-bill of 1.2x (R12m)
* Upbeat outlook commentary
Growth delivers, mix weighs
Cavotec reported sales above expectations at EUR 45m, +25% y-o-y (20% vs ABGSCe). P&M: 34% y-o-y, Industry: 12% y-o-y. Similar to in Q1, there was a strong order intake of EUR 49m (11% y-o-y), which was broadly as we expected following the pre-announcement, but it had not been incorporated into our estimates (ABGSCe 36m), as it was announced after our preview was published. With the R12m book-to-bill standing at ~1.2x, we see a healthy demand outlook for P&M. Adj. EBIT was softer than expected at EUR -1.1m vs ABGSCe of EUR 3.5m, with management attributing the adverse mix effects to deliveries of low-margin P&M orders dating back to 2024. NRIs of EUR -1.1m (ABGSCe -2.0m) were incurred in the quarter, relating to restructuring costs under the ongoing cost-savings programme.
'26e adj. EBIT lowered on earnings miss
We raise sales by 5%/4%/4% for '26e/'27e/'28e due to the revenue beat in the quarter. The strong order momentum for its shore power solutions de-risks our sales growth in '27-'28e. However, '26e adj. EBIT is lowered ~EUR 4.6m on the miss in the quarter, while we lower by another EUR 3.8m for the remaining two quarters of the year. We expect a sequential return to earnings growth in Q3, as the delivery of motorised cables and hose reels will be delivered to a ship unloader. Importantly, the outlook commentary marks a step-change, with management noting that customers are placing orders again after a long period of hesitancy.
15-10x '27e-'28e EV/EBIT
While profitability continued to trail revenue growth in the quarter, we see potential in an increasing backlog with a higher margin profile. However, we believe that some patience is required, as we expect earnings growth to return in '27e. The share is currently trading at 15-10x EV/EBIT on '27e-'28e, vs the peer median of 14-13x.