Esker — FY18 revenue growth of 14% confirmed

Esker (PAR: ALESK)

Last close As at 27/03/2024

EUR184.00

2.50 (1.38%)

Market capitalisation

EUR1,097m

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Research: TMT

Esker — FY18 revenue growth of 14% confirmed

Esker saw another strong quarter in Q418, with underlying revenue growth of 15% resulting in FY18 revenue growth of 14% (or 16% in constant currency). A strong uplift in the value of contracts signed in FY18 provides good visibility for FY19 and support for the company’s target of generating another year of double-digit revenue growth. We have revised our forecasts to reflect FY18 revenues and the company’s strategy of reinvesting any profits above the 15% target operating margin level.

Katherine Thompson

Written by

Katherine Thompson

Director

TMT

Esker

FY18 revenue growth of 14% confirmed

Q4 revenue update

Software & comp services

22 January 2019

Price

€70.7

Market cap

€385m

$1.14/€

Net cash (€m) at end FY18

17.0

Shares in issue

5.4m

Free float

81%

Code

ALESK

Primary exchange

Euronext Growth Paris

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

23.6

11.3

36.0

Rel (local)

18.4

16.9

54.8

52-week high/low

€70.7

€50.8

Business description

Esker provides end-to-end document automation solutions, offering on-demand and on-premise delivery models. The business generates c 55% of revenues from Europe, c 40% from the US and the remainder from Asia and Australia.

Next event

FY18 results

21 March 2019

Analysts

Katherine Thompson

+44 (0)20 3077 5730

Dan Ridsdale

+44 (0)20 3077 5729

Esker is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Esker saw another strong quarter in Q418, with underlying revenue growth of 15% resulting in FY18 revenue growth of 14% (or 16% in constant currency). A strong uplift in the value of contracts signed in FY18 provides good visibility for FY19 and support for the company’s target of generating another year of double-digit revenue growth. We have revised our forecasts to reflect FY18 revenues and the company’s strategy of reinvesting any profits above the 15% target operating margin level.

Year end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*
(€m)

EPS*
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/16

66.0

9.9

1.22

0.30

57.9

0.4

12/17

76.1

10.7

1.32

0.32

53.7

0.5

12/18e

86.9

13.7

1.70

0.36

41.6

0.5

12/19e

99.0

15.5

1.89

0.39

37.3

0.6

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Q4/FY18 revenues ahead of our expectations

Esker reported Q418 revenues of €23.5m (+16% y-o-y reported, +15% constant currency (cc)), resulting in FY18 revenues of €86.9m, up 14% y-o-y (+16% cc) and 1.8% ahead of our forecast. Q4 SaaS-based revenues increased 19% y-o-y and made up 88% of revenues. The cumulative value of contracts signed in FY18 was 65% higher than in FY17. Cash at the end of FY18 stood at €25.3m and net cash was €17m. With recurring revenue amounting to 77% of Q4 revenues, the company expects to achieve another year of double-digit organic revenue growth in FY19.

Revising estimates to reflect stronger revenues

We have increased our revenue forecasts to reflect FY18 actuals. We assume that the company invests incremental revenues in headcount for sales, consulting and R&D, to maintain reported operating margins at 15%. This results in a 1.0% upgrade to our FY18 normalised EPS forecast and a 2.9% cut to our FY19 forecast. This is in line with the company’s stated strategy of generating double-digit revenue growth by channelling profits in excess of the 15% reported operating margin back into the business.

Valuation: Reflects high level of recurring revenues

On a P/E basis, Esker continues to trade at a premium to global DPA software peers and French small-cap software peers. As SaaS-related revenues make up 87% of group revenues, we believe it is more relevant to consider US SaaS software companies: Esker trades at a discount on all valuation metrics. We view Esker’s operating model as sitting somewhere between low-growth, high-profitability on-premise software businesses and US SaaS companies’ high-growth, high-investment operating model, aiming for a happy medium of double-digit revenue growth while achieving mid-teen operating margins. In our view, high levels of recurring revenue, a strong balance sheet and a focus on investing to maintain growth warrant a premium valuation.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

€000s

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

Year end 31 December

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

46,061

58,457

65,990

76,064

86,927

98,957

EBITDA

 

 

8,979

13,405

14,871

16,399

19,752

22,170

Operating Profit (before amort and except) 

 

5,700

9,257

9,934

10,547

13,352

15,170

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

0

(302)

(200)

(300)

(300)

(300)

Exceptionals and other income

53

(245)

(474)

(456)

0

0

Other income

0

0

0

0

0

0

Operating Profit

5,753

8,710

9,260

9,791

13,052

14,870

Net Interest

220

(6)

(108)

(110)

100

100

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

5,920

9,312

9,949

10,669

13,684

15,502

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

5,973

8,765

9,275

9,913

13,384

15,202

Tax

(1,323)

(2,292)

(2,950)

(3,148)

(3,747)

(4,257)

Profit After Tax (norm)

4,609

6,877

6,785

7,281

9,852

11,162

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

4,650

6,473

6,325

6,765

9,636

10,946

Ave. Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

4.8

5.0

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.5

EPS - normalised (c)

 

 

97

138

128

138

183

203

EPS - normalised fully diluted (c)

 

 

90

131

122

132

170

189

EPS - (GAAP) (c)

 

 

97

130

120

128

179

199

Dividend per share (c)

24.00

30.00

30.00

32.00

36.00

39.00

Gross margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

EBITDA Margin (%)

19.5

22.9

22.5

21.6

22.7

22.4

Operating Margin (before GW and except) (%)

12.4

15.8

15.1

13.9

15.4

15.3

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

12,552

25,184

28,324

37,912

39,140

39,886

Intangible Assets

7,709

19,603

22,381

26,673

28,201

29,447

Tangible Assets

4,470

4,985

5,158

7,115

6,815

6,315

Other

373

596

785

4,124

4,124

4,124

Current Assets

 

 

33,894

36,110

42,024

42,823

51,901

59,642

Stocks

93

161

101

176

176

176

Debtors

15,110

18,073

19,523

21,253

24,292

27,654

Cash

17,559

16,295

21,338

20,632

26,671

31,050

Other

1,132

1,581

1,062

762

762

762

Current Liabilities

 

 

(19,827)

(24,789)

(28,299)

(27,399)

(29,504)

(31,835)

Creditors

(19,827)

(24,789)

(28,299)

(27,399)

(29,504)

(31,835)

Short term borrowings

0

0

0

0

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(5,113)

(7,317)

(7,657)

(13,716)

(11,216)

(8,716)

Long term borrowings

(5,113)

(7,317)

(7,657)

(13,716)

(11,216)

(8,716)

Other long term liabilities

0

0

0

0

0

0

Net Assets

 

 

21,506

29,188

34,392

39,620

50,322

58,977

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

9,245

14,307

15,331

17,311

18,818

21,140

Net Interest

310

(27)

(127)

(75)

100

100

Tax

(1,075)

(1,165)

(1,456)

(2,053)

(3,747)

(4,257)

Capex

(4,028)

(3,909)

(7,021)

(9,304)

(7,928)

(8,045)

Acquisitions/disposals

22

(11,700)

(335)

(7,551)

0

0

Financing

(694)

1,324

480

(345)

0

0

Dividends

(877)

(1,208)

(1,550)

(1,633)

(1,798)

(2,059)

Net Cash Flow

2,903

(2,378)

5,322

(3,650)

5,444

6,879

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(11,961)

(12,446)

(8,978)

(13,681)

(10,011)

(15,455)

HP finance leases initiated

(2,293)

(1,090)

(645)

0

0

0

Other

(125)

0

26

(20)

(0)

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(12,446)

(8,978)

(13,681)

(10,011)

(15,455)

(22,334)

Source: Esker, Edison Investment Research

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This report has been commissioned by Esker and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Esker. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

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US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Esker and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Esker. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the Edison analyst at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 427484). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

Neither this document and associated email (together, the "Communication") constitutes or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any decision to purchase shares in the Company in the proposed placing should be made solely on the basis of the information to be contained in the admission document to be published in connection therewith.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a) (11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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