Boule Diagnostics AB (STU:8BD) Q3 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with ...

In This Article:

  • Q3 Sales: 130.4 million Swedish crowns, down 6.6% (4.6% currency impact, 2% organic decline).

  • Adjusted Gross Profit: Improved by 6.1% to 61.3 million Swedish crowns.

  • Adjusted Gross Margin: Increased to 47% from 41.4%.

  • Adjusted EBIT: Improved by 93.7% to 15.3 million Swedish crowns.

  • Adjusted Operating Margin: Reached 11.8%, up from 5.7%.

  • Cash Flow from Operating Activities: 5.2 million Swedish crowns.

  • Available Liquidity: 48 million Swedish crowns.

  • Year-to-Date Organic Growth: Flat, with a slight positive growth of approximately 1% when adjusted for the license model impact in India.

  • Instrument Unit Sales: 716 units in Q3, down 29% from last year.

  • Reagents and Controls Business: Down 8% for the quarter and 5% year-to-date.

  • OEM Sales Growth: 51% in Q3, 17% year-to-date.

  • Restructuring Savings Potential: 16 million Swedish crowns annually.

  • Impairment and One-off Noncash Cost: 265 million Swedish crowns for BM 900 project.

  • Write Down of Assets in Russia: 27 million Swedish crowns.

Release Date: October 25, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Boule Diagnostics AB (STU:8BD) reported significant improvements in operating profit and margin, with adjusted EBIT improving by 93.7% to reach 15.3 million Swedish crowns.

  • The company achieved an adjusted gross margin improvement to 47%, up from 41.4%, due to favorable mix and efficiency gains.

  • Boule Diagnostics AB (STU:8BD) recognized 16 million in annual savings potential through extensive reorganization efforts.

  • OEM sales showed strong performance, growing 51% in Q3 and 17% year-to-date, indicating a promising growth area.

  • The company is on track to ramp up manufacturing in India, which is expected to positively impact margins despite a negative impact on top-line sales.

Negative Points

  • Sales were negatively impacted by lower instrument and consumable sales, with a 6.6% decline in Q3 sales.

  • The transition to a license manufacturing model in India is expected to negatively impact top-line sales by an estimated 30 million annually.

  • Boule Diagnostics AB (STU:8BD) reported two significant one-time costs, including a non-cash cost of 265 million Swedish crowns due to project impairment.

  • The company is facing challenges in Asia and South America due to competition from low-cost Chinese manufacturers and a market shift towards five-part technology.

  • Cash flow from operating activities was weaker in the quarter, mainly due to higher restructuring costs and tax penalties.