Arden report20 Jun 2019 10:26
Hydrodec has released an encouraging AGM statement this morning with a number of positive developments which should start to crystallise the upside in the shares, notably the sale of the Australian operations and the potential addition of a complimentary product that could drive higher utilisation earlier than previously expected. The utility focus and market developments are also making progress, justifying the Group’s strategy and the Board remains confident in the outlook for 2019 and beyond. Reiterate buy.
The Group has announced that it has agreed in principle the sale of the Australian plant for A$2m (US$1.4m but excluding decommissioning and associated costs). The expected closing date for the transaction is 30 June. While the disposal proceeds are below our expectations of US$2m, we welcome the transaction and see a small incremental positive development in the licensing and royalty payments to Hydrodec which are not factored in to current forecasts.
New supplies of feedstock to the Canton plant are at record levels with a number of new suppliers now delivering to the facility. As such, refining volumes are ahead of 2018 levels of c. 50% utilisation and accelerating towards our current year forecast of 70% utilisation.
Hydrodec has identified a complimentary product line with a large existing market, using parrafinic feedstock (instead of napthenic). While the main focus remains on building up the napthenic feedstock supplies to drive SUPERFINE sales, the Group is currently negotiating to purchase parrafinic feedstock to market new products, raising nearterm utilisation which should ultimately be accretive to earnings.
We make no change to forecasts at this time. Hydrodec trades on 4.1x EV/EBITDA, 7.7x P/E, 6.9% dividend yield and a 16% FCF yield (all 2020E). We believe the existing assets and potential for high cash returns are extremely attractive to equity investors at current levels and reiterate our buy rating and 100p price target.