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Volex – a recovery Buy? You Bet!

By HotStockRockets | Friday 26 May 2023


Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from ShareProphets). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.


Shares in power and data transmission products company Volex (VLX) have performed well over recent months, though are still up less than 13% this year and down from above 340p at the start of last year having been higher during that year. Considering the valuation and a recent positive trading update, we rate the shares a BUY and suggest a return to above a 350p share price is quite realistic.

A prior falling share price seemed to reflect investor nervousness on the company’s trading amidst an edgy stock market. However, a trading update last month noted;

“Volex has continued its positive momentum and demonstrated further progress during the year, reflecting its compelling positions in attractive markets with strong structural growth characteristics. Revenue is now expected to be at least $710 million, representing an increase of at least 15.5% compared with the prior year. Underlying operating profit is now expected to be at least $66 million, at least 17.4% higher than the prior year, with both revenue and underlying operating profit ahead of market expectations… the group is well positioned as we enter the new financial year.”

There is also pre-IFRS 16 net debt expected to be approximately $76 million, though “operating free cash flow in the second half of the year was substantially higher than the first half. After capital investment, dividend payments and acquisition consideration of approximately $46 million in the year, pre-IFRS 16 net debt is expected to be… reduction of $22 million since the half year”. This reassures and is also despite an adverse impact of post-pandemic demand normalisation in the consumer electricals sector. It is noted that this is being largely offset by market share gains and the overall outlook confidence seems well-placed with exposure to growth markets such as electric vehicles, complex industrial technology and medical.

There is also noted benefit from the continued expansion of the offering and a refocusing of supply chains on service and locality with the company having a global footprint. There are forecasts for year ended 2nd April 2023 earnings per share of below 27.5p to increase towards 29p this year, but the latest trading update suggests an ability to outperform.

It has already been followed by an annualised revenue expected to exceed $30 million electric vehicle power products contract at the company’s expanding Tijuana, Mexico, facility – with this a noted localisation of manufacturing footprint and also “significant new capacity in India, Poland and Indonesia, expanding production capabilities in order to support increased demand from customers looking for more localised supply chain partners”. As such, we believe a return to above a 350p share price - possibly still a below 12x price/earnings multiple - is quite realistic and at up to 290p targeting above 350p on further contracts and trading performance delivery, BUY.

This article first appeared on HotStockRockets - to catch the share tip of the month, our best idea right now, from the HotStockRockets team OUT THIS AFTERNOON for just £6.06 click HERE

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