^Original-Research: INDUS Holding AG - from NuWays AG19.11.2024 / 09:00 CET/CESTDissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQSGroup AG.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. Theresult of this research does not constitute investment advice or aninvitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions.---------------------------------------------------------------------------Classification of NuWays AG to INDUS Holding AG Company Name: INDUS Holding AG ISIN: DE0006200108 Reason for the research: Update Recommendation: Buy from: 19.11.2024 Target price: EUR 34.00 Target price on sight of: 12 months Last rating change: Analyst: Christian SandherrRT feedback: Strong FCF and well filled M&A pipelineTopic: On Monday we hosted a digital roundtable with INDUS, here are our keytakeaways.M&A pipeline well filled: INDUS expects to see another deal to sign withinthe Infrastructure segment this year. However, the purchase price is likelynot to be paid until FY25e. Further, INDUS has in prospect to spend around EUR50-70m on M&A next year. Considering the recent decline in acquisitionmultiples for German SME's, it is now a good time for INDUS to expand itsportfolio in our view.Infrastructure shows a solid development in FY24 (10.2% EBIT margin in 9M,+1.9ppts yoy), which is expected to continue for FY25e. In addition, theEngineering segment should improve at least slightly next year. Ascommunicated by management in the Q2 CC, product mix in H2'24e is much morefavorable than in H1. Consequently, the operating margin in Q3 alreadyimproved considerably compared to H1'24 (9.0% vs. 5.2% in H1). In our viewH2'24e should be a better reference point for FY25e than the muted H1.On the other hand, Materials should be more challenging next year. While themedical companies show resilience, companies in the metal production andprocessing sectors are more affected by the current difficult macroenvironment. In addition, order backlog in Materials decreased over the lastyear, which puts further pressure on the top-line (EUR 120m backlog in 9M'24vs. EUR 153m end of FY23).Strong Free Cashflows: INDUS continues to expect above EUR 110m in FCF thisyear (eNuW: EUR 115m), delivering a strong FCFY'24e of c. 10% (eNuW). Beyondthat, a further reduction in working capital for FY25e looks plausible,which is however dependent on the sales development next year. This shouldsupport free cashflows in FY25e. Already in 9M, working capital decreased c.EUR 33m yoy to EUR 506m (vs. EUR 538m end of 9M'23; EUR 618m end of 9M'22), thanksto an ease of supply chains, muted sales growth and an active workingcapital management.We continue to like the stock and confirm INDUS as one of NuWays' AlphaPicks. Reiterate BUY with an unchanged PT of EUR 34, based in FCFY'24e.You can download the research here: http://www.more-ir.de/d/31361.pdfFor additional information visit our website: www.nuways-ag.com/researchContact for questions:NuWays AG - Equity ResearchWeb: www.nuways-ag.comEmail: research@nuways-ag.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nuwaysagAdresse: Mittelweg 16-17, 20148 Hamburg, Germany++++++++++Diese Meldung ist keine Anlageberatung oder Aufforderung zum Abschlussbestimmter Börsengeschäfte.Offenlegung möglicher Interessenskonflikte nach § 85 WpHG beim obenanalysierten Unternehmen befinden sich in der vollständigen Analyse.++++++++++---------------------------------------------------------------------------The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements,Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.Archive at www.eqs-news.com---------------------------------------------------------------------------2032767 19.11.2024 CET/CEST°