Scott Technology Limited Analysis

Overview

The shares were listed in July 1997 following an "in specie" share distribution to shareholders of formerly listed Donaghys. It is a high technology engineering company, which specialises in the design and build of automated lines for the international appliance industry.

Virtually all sales are from exports, with principal markets in the USA, Central and South America, Europe, and Australia, with recent successes also in China, Mexico and Canada. Recent developments have been an alliance with high technology engineering group Modular Automation of the UK (1999), which strengthens the company's marketing and after sales services in Europe, formation of Dunedin-based Scott Automation (2001) to focus on local non-appliance industries, a partnership with KUKU Robotics of Germany (2001), which was designed to assist with developing applications of automation for industry outside of appliances, and acquisition of CBS Engineering Ltd, an Auckland based automation and materials handling company (2002).

In 2003 the company established a representative office in Shanghai. In 2006 it sold its Auckland division, Package Handling Systems.

SCT announced on 26 May 2008 that it had completed the acquisition of Auckland based manufacturer, Rocklabs Ltd. The remaining conditions of sale are expected to be satisfied in June. Rocklabs makes mechanised and automated sample preparation equipment and supplies gold reference materials to the mining industry.

Performance

The following information was extracted from Scott Technology Limited's half year results, released on 16 April 2024:

• Dedication to Scott 2025 strategy enabled delivery of sustainable growth, and achievements across the business see strategy extended out to 2027.
• Group revenue is up 11% to $141m, margins maintained at 26% with a focus on both core and service, supported by improved delivery of rest of business.
• Sales and service in Scott’s three core sectors delivered 85% (+8ps) of group revenue.
• Operating EBITDA increased 14% to $17m, outpacing revenue growth.
• Net profit after tax was down 42% to $4.5m due to one-off strategic review costs, higher lease and financing costs.
• Forward work of $161m remains positive, comprising of MHL, minerals, protein orders and service agreements.
• An interim dividend of 5 cents per share was declared, up from 4 cents in H1 F23.

Automation and robotic solutions provider, Scott Technology Limited (NZX: SCT), has today released its results for the six months to 29 February 2024 (H1 F24).

Dedication to the Engineering Scott to High Performance (Scott 2027) strategy, which emphasises core sectors and productisation, has enabled Scott to deliver sustainable growth and continued leadership across protein, materials handling (MHL) and minerals sectors.

The Scott 2027 strategy has continued to underpin the business’ focus and investment in the growth of its three core sectors with revenue up 11% to $141m and operating EBITDA up 14% to $17m.

The business’ sales pipeline remains positive and on strategy, with $161m in forward work comprising of MHL projects, continued strong minerals and protein product orders, as well as significant progress in secured service contracts.

Scott Technology CEO, John Kippenberger, says he’s pleased with the business’ solid H1 performance.

“With our emphasis on building a more sales-oriented organisation, and growing and investing in our teams, we are well positioned for continued success in the dynamic global markets.

“Our unwavering commitment to operational excellence is bolstered by investing in productisation and leading innovation. This ensures we harness the current momentum for continued success as we lean into 2025 and beyond,” says Kippenberger.