Lanxess, Smartbroker, Helma Eigenheimbau - Great opportunities in uncertain times

Smartbroker Holding AG - The countdown is on

The launch of what CEO André Kolbinger calls the "most attractive broker in Germany" continues to progress according to plan. In July, selected customers will receive their first glimpses of a beta version. The official opening of Smartbroker 2.0. is planned for August. A notable feature for a neobroker is the availability of trading through an iPhone and Android app. In addition, the trading interface is set to shine with a new, modern look.

The unique selling proposition offered by the Company, namely the features and prices of a neobroker combined with the broad product range and the large selection of different trading venues, was expanded through further cooperations. Thus, in addition to the existing derivatives partners HSBC, Morgan Stanley, UBS and Vontobel, the Berliners gained two more well-known issuers with BNP Paribas and Citi. For clients, this means an even greater choice at attractive conditions.

In its current study, Montega confirmed its "buy" rating and assigned a 12-month price target of EUR 14.00. Smartbroker recently gave an update on the operational developments in the media and transaction segment, according to which the development work is almost complete, and the launch of Smartbroker 2.0 is scheduled to take place in the next few months. For the current year, the Hamburg-based company still considers it realistic to achieve the guidance with a turnover of between EUR 51 and 56 million and an EBITDA of between EUR 1 and 4 million. A sustained, strong media business should contribute to this. In addition, Montega assumes that Smartbroker will be able to migrate the majority of active clients and assets under management.

Helma Eigenheimbau - Bottomless pit

At the beginning of January last year, the share of the solid house provider based in Lehrte near Hanover, which specialises in the development, planning, sale and construction supervision of turnkey and partly-finished individual single-family, two-family and semi-detached houses in solid construction, marked an all-time high of EUR 69.80. The construction boom due to low-interest rates seemed endless. Since then, the stock has lost over 94% to a low of EUR 4.33. The share thus briefly broke through the annual high from 2008 but was able to defend the support, at least for the time being and turned above the EUR 5 mark in the course of trading. However, it would be absurd to speak of a trend reversal, as the financing problems of the former stock market star are too great.

The construction boom of the past years has virtually come to a standstill due to the sharp rise in interest rates, forcing the highly indebted company to issue several sales and profit warnings. In addition, the distribution to shareholders has been cancelled until further notice. A refinancing strategy is needed as soon as possible. If this is to be done through equity financing, this should happen but far below the current share price level.

Due to the problems, Montega AG suspended its rating and price target for Helma Eigenheimbau AG in an analysis update.

Lanxess - Heading south with a profit warning

The specialty chemicals group Lanxess also suffered a real sell-off. Following the publication of a profit warning, the MDAX company plummeted by more than 20%, almost equalling the Corona low of March 2020 at EUR 25.75. A break of the EUR 25.68 mark will likely bring a further sell-off to the next support level in the zone around EUR 21.

The somewhat surprising profit warning was justified by weak demand due to a slowdown in the construction, electronics and consumer sectors and destocking by customers. In their current study, the analysts at Alster Research assume that the reduction in inventories is likely to continue. The price target was lowered from EUR 47 to now EUR 40, but the rating is still "buy". Thus, the experts say the current price level could be a good buying opportunity for investors looking beyond 2023.

Smartbroker Holding AG remains on target with the launch date of Smartbroker 2.0. Helma Eigenheimbau slumps drastically due to the standstill in the construction sector. Specialty chemicals group Lanxess warns of lower revenues due to weak demand.