The name is different but Optiva keeps “Hold” rating at Canaccord Genuity

Billing and subscriber management software company Optiva (Optiva Stock Quote, Chart, News: TSX:OPT) may have hit the right note with its name change (formerly Redknee Solutions) but the stock is still a “Hold,” according to analyst Robert Young with Canaccord Genuity, who last Thursday reiterated his “Hold” and price target, updated to C$50.00.

Optiva is currently in the midst of a substantial restructuring period, one which will see its workforce go from 1,200 to 600 employees and the closing of 18 offices worldwide. Part of the company’s stated aim is to redirect its focus towards customer return on investment.

“More than a new name and logo, the Optiva brand captures our vision and energy to deliver powerful insights and innovations and drive our Customer Success program,” said Danielle Royston, CEO of Optiva Inc., in a press release last Thursday. ”With the program, we partner one-on-one with customers and create a plan that aligns our people, products and projects for 100 per cent achievement of every customer’s strategic business goals. I could not be more excited — our future is bright, and it’s only the beginning,” said Royston.

Along with the name change, the company has consolidated its share count by a ratio of 50:1, reducing its basic share count from 261.7 million to 5.2 million and its partially-diluted share count from 310.9 million to 6.2 million.

Young has maintained his price target, formerly C$1.05 and now C$50.00.

“Optiva currently trades at 2.0x C2018E EV/Sales compared to business support systems (BSS) peers at 3.3x,” said the analyst in an update to clients. “This follows several quarters of volatility and considers a near-term outlook with a higher level of forecast risk. We believe that 2x NTM EV/Sales or 3x EV/NTM recurring sales is an appropriate multiple for a software company going through a transition period.”

The analyst predicts 2018 sales and EBITDA of US$108.8 million and negative US$17.7 million, respectively, and 2019 sales and EBITDA of US$114.8 million and negative US$2.8 million, respectively.

The $50.00 target price represents a negative two per cent return on investment as of publication date.