Teleradiology firm Medica (MGP) is expected to enjoy rapid growth thanks to a surge in demand and a lack of radiologists in the UK.

Medica helps to provide early diagnosis of various diseases through its consultant radiologists who interpret computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. If these scans identify diseases earlier, it can improve treatment options and outcomes.

Strong performance since IPO

Berenberg says earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and earnings per share are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16% and 20% respectively between 2017 and 2020.

Medica has enjoyed a strong share price performance since its IPO on 21 March 2017 when it raised £121m to pay down borrowings. Since 22 March, the stock has rallied 16.9% to 219.2p.

The company currently trades on a forecast 29.8 times earnings per share in the year to 31 December 2018, but Berenberg analyst Charles Weston thinks this premium valuation is ‘justified’ in light of rapid growth.

The analyst projects 8% growth per annum in the volume of CT and MRI scans handled by the company, which will be supported by a deficit of radiologists in the UK.

There are 4.7 radiologists per 100,000 of the UK general population. This is materially below the Royal College of Radiologists’ target of 8 per 100,000, and is pushing up waiting lists.

Outsourcing trends and pricing power

One of the ways to tackle this issue is by outsourcing services. Weston says approximately 7% of CT/MRI scans are outsourced. Medica has a dominant position in the UK teleradiology market (50%) and this allows it to charge 5% to 10% more than its rivals.

The analyst also highlights that 80% of all clinical decisions are underpinned by imaging and new clinical guidelines for quicker diagnosis of diseases such as cancer and dementia call for scans.

Medica provides services to over 100 NHS trusts, as well as private hospitals and diagnostics imaging firms, and intends to expand its services to tackles conditions such as strokes.

There are risks associated with the business. Medica needs to ensure it continues to recruit radiologists to meet demand as otherwise growth could be constrained.

We were initially cautious on Medica’s dependence on the NHS and Weston also highlights the NHS exposure as a reason for some caution as 99% of sales are derived from NHS Trusts.

Despite this nagging concern we are convinced high demand and low supply will drive Medica forward.

‹ Previous2017-09-07Next ›