Bekaert FIRST LOOK: Weak 3Q sales, lower FY guidance but resuming SBB
Bekaert lowered its FY guidance to an uEBIT range of 340-350m, which at midpoint is c. 9% below our forecast (378m) and 8% below consensus (373m), reflecting weaker end markets. Importantly and taking into account the solid balance sheet (net debt/EBITDA below 1x) and limited recent M&A activity, Bekaert announced to immediately resume share buybacks and launched a € 200m (>10% of current market cap) SBB program, to be executed over the next 24 months. Despite the reduced FY guidance which will prompt a revision of our forecasts, we welcome the SBB program as we believe Bekaert's valuation is very compelling and we clearly see the value of restarting the share buybacks. We also support the strategic orientation whereby Bekaert's management strives to grow faster in specialties where it has the technological expertise to make a difference. In the coming years, we expect further earnings support from portfolio pruning and a gradually improving mix. BUY & € 58 TP maintained.Bekaert is a global technological and market company engaged in advanced solutions based in steel wire transformation and coatings as well as an independent manufacturer of drawn steel wire products. In addition, Co. teams up with customers and suppliers globally to develop, implement, upgrade, and protect both current and future technologies. Co.'s business activities are put in practice along two main axes: Product Innovation and Process Innovation. Product Innovation helps Co. better serve its customers, while Process innovation enables Co. to increase operational effectiveness, minimizing its impact on the environment.
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