What guidance did the company provide for FY 2025, and how does that affect valuation models? | AQP (Aug 21, 2025) | Candlesense

What guidance did the company provide for FY 2025, and how does that affect valuation models?

Guidance for FY 2025

Aquaporin’s H1‑2025 release added full‑year guidance for FY 2025 that is materially tighter than the market’s consensus. The company now projects revenue of €120 m‑€130 m, representing a 30 %‑35 % YoY increase, and an EBITDA margin of 12 %‑15 % (vs. 7 %‑9 % in FY 2024). Management also signalled that the business will become cash‑flow positive in Q4, with free‑cash‑flow generation of €5 m‑€7 m for the year and a modest CAPEX spend of €8 m‑€10 m to fund the rollout of its next‑generation membrane platform.

Impact on valuation models

Discounted‑cash‑flow (DCF) – The higher revenue trajectory and the shift to positive cash flow lift the projected free‑cash‑flow stream by roughly €30 m‑€40 m over the next three years. Assuming the same 8 % weighted‑average cost of capital, the DCF terminal value jumps by ≈ 20 %‑25 %, pushing the intrinsic fair‑value estimate to ≈ DKK 250‑270 per share, versus the current market price around DKK 190. The improvement in EBITDA margin also reduces the risk‑adjusted discount rate that analysts typically apply to a high‑growth, still‑unprofitable tech‑water play.

Relative multiples – The revised EBITDA outlook lifts the trailing‑12‑month EV/EBITDA multiple from the current ~ 30× to a more defensible 22×‑25×, in line with peer biotech‑water firms that are already cash‑flow positive. Applying the sector median EV/EBITDA (≈ 24×) yields an implied equity value of DKK 245‑260, again above today’s price.

Trading implication – The guidance upgrade creates a clear upside catalyst. With the stock still trading below the revised intrinsic range and technicals showing a bullish flag forming above the recent high of DKK 190, a long position with a modest stop just below the 50‑day moving average (≈ DKK 175) is justified. Conversely, any forward‑looking disappointment on Q3 cash‑flow or a downgrade of the FY 2025 margin target would quickly invalidate the uplift, making a tight profit‑target around DKK 230 prudent. Monitor volume‑spike days around the next earnings release (expected Q3 2025) for confirmation of the new valuation narrative.