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Suominen: Earnings multiples remain cautious - Evli Research

Another extension to a steep upward profitability trend

Suominen recorded EUR 115.4m in Q3 revenue, up by 12% y/y and down by 6% q/q, meeting our EUR 114.0m estimate. FX had a negative EUR 5.6m impact. Europe remained very strong (up by 17% y/y), and at EUR 43.5m topped our EUR 41.0m estimate. Americas grew by 9% y/y and at EUR 71.9m was close to our EUR 73.0m estimate. Suominen delivered high volumes and margins despite maintenance breaks, which will also take place in Q4. While the results were near our estimates in terms of top line, margins were again a positive surprise. Suominen achieved a 17.1% gross margin, gaining more on the 16.0% in Q2 and clearly higher than our 15% estimate. Low raw materials prices in general continue to exert pressure on nonwovens pricing, however the pricing clauses work with a lag and Suominen was also able to defend its pricing to some extent. Suominen has been very successfully achieving production cost efficiencies and says the variable cost optimization program continued to yield results on all sites. The company managed strong with SGA, R&D and other expenses as well since the total item was only EUR 6.8m, compared to our EUR 7.3m estimate. Suominen’s EUR 12.9m Q3 EBIT thus clearly beat our EUR 9.8m estimate.

We expect Q4 earnings to decline by some EUR 4m q/q

Although the company continues to perform strong not only due to a favorable environment but also thanks to in-house measures, we expect results to decline q/q in Q4. We now expect Q4 gross margin at 15% and continue to see some further pressure down next year. Raw materials prices have remained low for quite some time and hence are unlikely to support additional boost in profitability. On the positive side wipes demand should remain high for an extended time period.

Multiples attractive despite margin pressure going forward

Suominen is now valued ca. 5.5x EV/EBITDA on our estimates for this year. Going forward, we see additional earnings gain hard next year. In our opinion somewhat low earnings multiples are warranted given the extraordinary environment, but we nevertheless continue to view the overall valuation picture attractive. Our TP is now EUR 6.0 (5.5) and rating remains BUY.
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