Proactive Investors - Spectris PLC (LON:SXS) shares shot higher after it struck a deal to buy US-based SciAps, which provides what it calls "laser based guns" for materials analysis.
The FTSE 250 group has agreed to pay US$260 million, of which US$200 million is upfront.
Selling handheld instruments use x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for materials analysis, Boston-based SciAps has grown sales at a compound annual rate of 30% over the past five years.
Its instruments identify compounds, minerals and elements in materials for major industries and end markets such as energy transition, with customers in mining, metal recycling, battery materials, manufacturing, food and agriculture.
It is projected to generate US$70 million in sales in 2024 and underlying profit (EBITDA) of US$12.1 million, with Spectris saying it expects the merger to "conservatively generate synergies" of US$6 million over time.
The shares spiked 3.5% in early trades to above 2,950p, before easing back to a 1.5% gain.
After a profit warning last month the shares hit an 18-month low.
Broker Peel Hunt (LON:PEEL) said it believes the acquisition "aligns well with Spectris’s product portfolio and supports its profile as a compounded" but said there are questions about whether the multiple paid was justified.
The group had net cash at the end of May of £398 million, with the ongoing buyback yet to be completed, which the broker projects will leave net cash at £289 million at the end of the year.
"The stock has faced challenges in recent months with downgrades at the finals and 1Q update. We believe this underscores the M&A opportunity within the stock, which is a key potential catalyst," the analysts wrote, reiterating their 'buy' rating and 3,800p price target.
"The stock is currently at a 5-year relative low in terms of valuation, which we believe makes it an interesting prospect. A key debate for us focuses on the need to improve the margin profile with a transition in the software mix, but this comes with the necessity to pay higher multiples.
"There is a question of whether paying 14x EBITDA (with synergies assumed) for a business with a 17% EBITDA margin is justified - does the growth profile offset this?"
Analysts at Shore Capital noted that the shares trade at a trough EV/EBITDA multiple of 9.1 times. ]
"Order intake has been relatively weak over the past 18 months and concerns have been flagged over the dependence on H2 for downgraded FY24F forecasts but we note the valuation now appears more attractive with scope for further M&A and/or further buybacks given the net cash position," they added, but reiterated a 'hold' rating.