Is the Altium (ASX:ALU) share price in the buy zone following its results?

Is it time to buy Altium shares?

| More on:
Two university students in the library, one in a wheelchair, log in for the first time with the help of a lecturer.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Altium's shares have fallen heavily since the release of its half year results 
  • Although its sales and profits grew quickly, its guidance disappointed the market
  • Is this a buying opportunity for investors? One broker thinks it is...

The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price has continued its slide on Tuesday.

In afternoon trade, the electronic design software provider's shares are down over 3% to $31.35.

This means the Altium share price is now down approximately 10% since the release of its half year results.

Why is the Altium share price tumbling?

In case you missed it, on Monday Altium released its half year results. The company reported a 28% increase in half year revenue to US$102 million and a 38% lift in net profit after tax to US$23 million.

However, taking the shine off the result was management's guidance for the full year.

Although it now expects to hit the high end of its revenue guidance range, it only expects to achieve the low end of its margin guidance range. This implied a miss for its full year earnings based on consensus forecasts at the time.

Is this a buying opportunity?

The team at Bell Potter appear to believe the weakness in the Altium share price could be a buying opportunity.

According to a note, the broker has retained its buy rating, albeit with a slightly trimmed price target of $38.75.

Based on the current Altium share price, this implies potential upside of almost 24% for investors over the next 12 months.

What did the broker say?

The broker has made some revisions to its estimates, but remains positive on its future.

Bell Potter said: "Altium provided a soft upgrade of its FY22 revenue guidance from US$209-217m to US$213-217m. The company also, however, said the EBITDA margin would be at the low end of the 34-36% range and this was due to pursuing "new cloud and enterprise sales roles in an increasingly competitive talent market". Altium also reiterated its FY25/26 aspirational revenue target of US$500m and on the conference call CEO Aram Mirkazemi said this target was looking more achievable following the H1 result."

"We have downgraded our EPS forecasts by 4%, 2% and 1% in FY22, FY23 and FY24. The downgrades have been driven by decreases in our margin estimates while our revenue forecasts are close to unchanged. Note our revenue growth forecasts in FY23 and FY24 are in the high teens whereas to achieve the $500m target in FY25/26 the annual growth rate needs to be >20% (so we are being more conservative)," it concludes.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Altium. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Broker Notes

Smiling man sits in front of a graph on computer while using his mobile phone.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

White declining arrow on a blue graph with an animated man representing a falling share price.
Materials Shares

Experts call time on these rip-snorting ASX 200 mining shares

These 2 ASX 200 mining stocks have risen by 160% and 230%, respectively, over the past 12 months.

Read more »

Two people comparing and analysing material.
Broker Notes

Buy, hold, sell: Netwealth, Santos, and South32 shares

Morgans has given its verdict on these shares following updates.

Read more »

Business man at desk looking out window with his arms behind his head at a view of the city and stock trends overlay.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

Three smiling corporate people examine a model of a new building complex.
Broker Notes

Broker says this ASX All Ords stock could rise 15%

Bell Potter thinks investors should be buying this growing company's shares.

Read more »

A man slumps crankily over his morning coffee as it pours with rain outside.
Broker Notes

Why Lynas shares could crash 33%

Bell Potter believes this rare earths stock could lose a third of its value.

Read more »

Three girls compete in a race, running fast around an athletic track.
Broker Notes

Two ASX 200 stocks to buy after crashing 6-9% yesterday

Bell Potter is tipping an 18-40% resurgence for these stocks.

Read more »

A woman looks quizzical as she looks at a graph of the share market.
Broker Notes

Looking for double-digit returns? Check out RBC Capital Markets' picks ahead of reporting season

These shares could deliver strong upside.

Read more »