Esker — Order intake drives upgrades

Esker (PAR: ALESK)

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1.20 (0.66%)

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Research: TMT

Esker — Order intake drives upgrades

Esker’s Q2 revenue update confirmed that trading accelerated over the quarter, with revenue 28% higher against a weak comparative, but also 8% higher sequentially. Order intake has been strong so far this year, providing the basis for continued growth, and management has raised revenue guidance for FY21. We have upgraded our FY21 EPS forecast by 3.6%.

Katherine Thompson

Written by

Katherine Thompson

Director

TMT

Esker

Order intake drives upgrades

Q221 revenue update

Software & comp services

16 July 2021

Price

€266.5

Market cap

€1,534m

$1.19/€

Net cash (€m) at end H121

33.6

Shares in issue

5.8m

Free float

78%

Code

ALESK

Primary exchange

Euronext Growth Paris

Secondary exchange

OTCQX

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

15.4

18.7

97.4

Rel (local)

18.1

14.7

56.2

52-week high/low

€270.00

€135.00

Business description

Esker provides end-to-end SaaS-based document automation solutions supporting order-to-cash and procure-to-pay processes. In FY20, the business generated 56% of revenues from Europe, 38% from the US and the remainder from Asia and Australia.

Next events

H121 results

14 September 2021

Analyst

Katherine Thompson

+44 (0)20 3077 5730

Esker is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Esker’s Q2 revenue update confirmed that trading accelerated over the quarter, with revenue 28% higher against a weak comparative, but also 8% higher sequentially. Order intake has been strong so far this year, providing the basis for continued growth, and management has raised revenue guidance for FY21. We have upgraded our FY21 EPS forecast by 3.6%.

Year end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*
(€m)

Diluted EPS*
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/19

104.2

13.6

1.79

0.33

149.0

0.1

12/20

112.3

14.5

1.95

0.50

136.8

0.2

12/21e

131.6

18.3

2.40

0.55

111.0

0.2

12/22e

154.5

25.5

3.29

0.60

81.0

0.2

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

Strong growth in Q2, both y-o-y and q-o-q

Esker reported Q221 revenue of €33.4m, up 28% y-o-y (32% constant currency (cc)) and 8% q-o-q. H121 revenue was 19% higher y-o-y (22% cc). As a reminder, Q220 was Esker’s weakest quarter last year as transaction-based revenue was hit by the pandemic. Cloud solutions grew 37% y-o-y in Q221 compared to 16% growth in Q121, making up 93% of group revenue. Implementation services increased 13% y-o-y, reflecting bookings received earlier this year. The annual recurring revenue (ARR) of contracts signed in Q2 was €.3.3m, +92% y-o-y and flat q-o-q. The lifetime value of the subscription element of these bookings was €10.6m.

Guidance raised again

The strength of SaaS revenue and bookings in Q2 has prompted management to raise revenue growth guidance for FY21 from 16% to 17%; if €/$ rates remain at current levels, this equates to revenue of c €131m. Operating margin guidance is unchanged at 12–15%. We have revised our forecasts to reflect the stronger revenue guidance partially offset by higher sales commission, resulting in a normalised EPS upgrade of 3.6% in FY21. Net cash of €33.6m at the end of H121 provides the resources for investment in organic and inorganic growth.

Valuation: Reflects growth in recurring revenues

The stock trades at a premium to document processing automation software and French software peers but at a discount to US SaaS peers. Esker has re-rated over the past year (the stock is up 97% over the past 12 months), with its P/E multiple moving more towards the US SaaS software peer group. We believe this is due to the value placed on businesses with high levels of recurring revenue, providing visibility through a period of economic uncertainty. Esker has the added advantage of a strong balance sheet to fund growth. Successful execution of Esker’s partner strategy could be a trigger for earnings and share price upside.

Changes to forecasts

We have updated our forecasts to reflect Q221 revenues. The company noted that legacy revenues (€2.3m in Q221) benefited from an unexpected licence sale in the US, resulting in legacy revenue constant currency growth of 21% y-o-y when we would have expected a decline. In June, the company announced that it would pay a dividend of €0.50 for FY20, ahead of our €0.33 forecast. As has been the case for several years, Esker pays an additional 10% to shareholders who have held the stock for more than two years. We have raised our dividend forecasts for FY21 and FY22.

Exhibit 1: Changes to estimates

€m

FY21e old

FY21e new

change

y-o-y

FY22e old

FY22e new

change

y-o-y

Revenues

128.6

131.6

2.3%

17.2%

151.8

154.5

1.7%

17.4%

EBITDA

25.8

26.5

2.5%

20.7%

34.2

34.2

0.0%

29.1%

EBITDA margin

20.1%

20.1%

0.0%

0.6%

22.5%

22.1%

(0.4%)

2.0%

Normalised EBIT

17.0

17.6

3.8%

25.4%

24.7

24.7

0.0%

40.3%

Normalised EBIT margin

13.2%

13.4%

0.2%

0.9%

16.3%

16.0%

(0.3%)

2.6%

Reported EBIT

16.5

17.2

3.9%

26.2%

24.3

24.3

0.0%

41.3%

Reported EBIT margin

12.9%

13.1%

0.2%

0.9%

16.0%

15.7%

(0.3%)

2.7%

Normalised PBT

17.7

18.3

3.6%

26.6%

25.5

25.5

0.0%

39.4%

Normalised net income

13.8

14.3

3.6%

24.0%

19.9

19.9

0.0%

39.4%

Reported net income

13.4

13.9

3.7%

20.6%

19.6

19.6

0.0%

40.3%

Normalised dil. EPS (€)

2.32

2.40

3.6%

23.3%

3.29

3.29

0.0%

37.0%

Reported basic EPS (€)

2.34

2.43

3.7%

18.8%

3.35

3.35

0.0%

37.9%

Reported diluted EPS (€)

2.26

2.35

3.7%

19.9%

3.23

3.24

0.0%

38.0%

Net cash

37.2

36.5

(1.9%)

21.0%

48.9

47.3

(3.2%)

29.5%

DPS (€)

0.40

0.55

37.5%

10.0%

0.45

0.60

33.3%

9.1%

Source: <Insert Source or Notes>

Source: Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 2: Financial summary

€'000s

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021e

2022e

Year end 31 December

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

65,990

76,064

86,871

104,188

112,274

131,614

154,498

EBITDA

 

 

14,871

16,399

18,279

20,054

21,927

26,477

34,179

Operating Profit (before amort and except)

 

 

9,934

10,547

11,955

12,843

14,037

17,602

24,704

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

(200)

(300)

(344)

(425)

(425)

(425)

(425)

Exceptionals and other income

(474)

(456)

(88)

(62)

0

0

0

Other income

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Operating Profit

9,260

9,791

11,523

12,356

13,612

17,177

24,279

Net Interest

(108)

(110)

(57)

268

(67)

100

100

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

9,949

10,669

12,215

13,634

14,462

18,302

25,504

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

9,275

9,913

11,783

13,147

14,528

17,877

25,079

Tax

(2,950)

(3,148)

(2,940)

(3,402)

(2,966)

(3,933)

(5,517)

Profit After Tax (norm)

6,785

7,281

9,168

10,106

11,509

14,275

19,893

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

6,325

6,765

8,843

9,745

11,562

13,944

19,562

Ave. Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.4

5.7

5.7

5.8

EPS - normalised (c)

 

 

128

138

170

186

203

248

340

EPS - normalised fully diluted (c)

 

 

122

132

165

179

195

240

329

EPS - (GAAP) (c)

 

 

120

128

164

180

204

243

335

Dividend per share (c)

30

32

41

33

50

55

60

Gross margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

EBITDA Margin (%)

22.5

21.6

21.0

19.2

19.5

20.1

22.1

Operating Margin (before GW and except) (%)

15.1

13.9

13.8

12.3

12.5

13.4

16.0

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

28,324

37,912

39,635

47,201

48,987

51,587

54,587

Intangible Assets

22,381

26,673

28,096

29,323

30,787

33,287

35,787

Tangible Assets

5,158

7,115

7,050

10,434

10,036

9,536

9,336

Other

785

4,124

4,489

7,444

8,164

8,764

9,464

Current Assets

 

 

42,024

42,823

49,016

52,022

72,918

69,327

85,343

Stocks

101

176

147

185

257

257

257

Debtors

19,523

21,253

25,551

30,015

31,440

36,780

43,175

Cash

21,338

20,632

22,794

21,357

40,421

31,491

41,111

Other

1,062

762

524

465

800

800

800

Current Liabilities

 

 

(28,299)

(26,206)

(30,072)

(34,300)

(50,150)

(41,983)

(45,928)

Creditors

(28,299)

(26,206)

(30,072)

(34,300)

(38,650)

(41,983)

(45,928)

Short term borrowings

0

0

0

0

(11,500)

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(7,657)

(14,909)

(10,810)

(8,276)

(6,342)

(3,842)

(2,698)

Long term borrowings

(7,657)

(13,716)

(9,318)

(6,516)

(3,644)

(1,144)

0

Other long term liabilities

0

(1,193)

(1,492)

(1,760)

(2,698)

(2,698)

(2,698)

Net Assets

 

 

34,392

39,620

47,769

56,647

65,413

75,089

91,305

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

15,944

17,311

18,366

20,290

24,389

24,470

31,728

Net Interest

(127)

(75)

63

352

(30)

100

100

Tax

(1,456)

(2,053)

(2,795)

(3,329)

(884)

(3,933)

(5,517)

Capex

(7,021)

(9,304)

(7,789)

(10,995)

(10,223)

(11,300)

(12,200)

Acquisitions/disposals

(935)

(7,551)

(225)

(486)

(492)

0

0

Financing

467

(345)

785

1,449

48

0

0

Dividends

(1,550)

(1,633)

(1,756)

(2,237)

(1,896)

(2,990)

(3,346)

Net Cash Flow

5,322

(3,650)

6,649

5,044

10,912

6,347

10,765

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(8,978)

(13,681)

(10,016)

(16,576)

(21,018)

(30,177)

(36,524)

HP finance leases initiated

(645)

0

0

0

0

0

0

Other

26

(15)

(90)

(602)

(1,753)

0

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(13,681)

(10,016)

(16,576)

(21,018)

(30,177)

(36,524)

(47,288)

Source: Esker, Edison Investment Research


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 research department of Edison 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.

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Copyright: Copyright 2021 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

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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

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

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.

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

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

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

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

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

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 research department of Edison 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 2021 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). 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

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

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.

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

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

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

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

1185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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