Align Research - EQTEC - Initiation of Coverage. Conviction Buy

EQTEC - Initiation of Coverage

Well positioned both financially and operationally to grow substantially in the waste-to-energy market

EQTEC provides engineering and design services and sells its EQTEC Gasifier Technology (EGT) to waste-to-energy operators and enterprise partners. The company works together with multiple parties involved in W2E projects including the developers, waste owners, building contractors and funders with a view to ultimately providing its gasification technology, associated engineering & design services and O&M services.

- Efficient and reliable technology with a strong track record

EQTEC has already proven the economic viability of its technology and seen many years of it operating in a commercial environment. Flagship project the Movialsa plant in Spain has seen over 90,000 hours of commercial operations since 2011.

- Large pipeline of opportunities provide near-term revenue potential

EQTEC currently has a large pipeline of projects across the UK, Europe and US, with total capex values ranging from €10 million to €100 million. An operations update in April confirmed that the company has recently seen a “significant increase” in the level of international interest in EGT. This follows the signing of an equipment purchase contract with US power company Phoenix Energy.

- Debt facilities provide funding for growth

EQTEC has two debt facilities in place. A Combined Secured Loan Facility with Altair Group has recently been increased by £0.879 million to £3.5 million. Additionally, the company has a $10 million secured facility with Cuart Investments Fund. 

- Poitive waste and energy market drivers

EQTEC’s technology and services lie in a sweet spot, providing a solution to dealing with problems associated with two of the world’s most pressing issues - rising levels of waste (and how to manage it) and growing demand for energy. Research Nester forecasts that the global waste-to-energy will grow at a CAGR of 5.7% to 2024 to reach a value of $42.52 billion.

- Valuation suggests 171% upside with further long-term potential

Based on our forecasts and using a peer derived EV/EBITDA multiple we set an end 2020 target price for the shares of 2.293p. With this implying 171% upside, we initiate coverage of EQTEC with a stance of Conviction Buy.

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