Esker 1

Strong order intake supports growth outlook

Esker 13 January 2021 Update
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Esker

Strong order intake supports growth outlook

Q420 revenue update

Software & comp services

13 January 2021

Price

€193.60

Market cap

€1,104m

$1.216/€1

Net cash (€m) at end FY20

30.7

Shares in issue

5.7m

Free float

68%

Code

ALESK

Primary exchange

Euronext Growth Paris

Secondary exchange

OTCQX

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

14.2

30.8

104.2

Rel (local)

11.0

15.5

116.6

52-week high/low

€194.40

€82.00

Business description

Esker provides end-to-end document automation solutions, offering on-demand and on-premise delivery models. In FY19, the business generated 57% of revenues from Europe, 38% from the US and the remainder from Asia and Australia.

Next events

FY20 results

25 March

Analyst

Katherine Thompson

+44 (0)20 3077 5730

Esker is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Esker has confirmed it is still generating revenue growth, despite the continued COVID-19 restrictions around the world, with constant currency (cc) growth of 11% for Q420 and 9% for FY20. Order intake was 17% higher in FY20, accelerating to 30% growth in Q4, providing support for the company’s double-digit revenue growth expectations for FY21. We have trimmed our forecasts to reflect FY20 revenues and the stronger euro, reducing normalised diluted EPS by 3.4% in FY20e and 5.1% in FY21e. In our view, Esker is well positioned to benefit from the accelerating adoption of digital automation solutions within the corporate world.

Year end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*
(€m)

Diluted EPS*
(€)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/18

86.9

12.2

1.65

0.41

117.6

0.2

12/19

104.2

13.6

1.79

0.33

108.3

0.2

12/20e

112.3

13.1

1.63

0.35

118.4

0.2

12/21e

128.7

17.1

2.10

0.40

92.4

0.2

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

Strong performance despite COVID-19 impact

Esker reported Q420 revenue of €30.9m, 8% higher year-on-year on a reported basis and 11% higher on a cc basis. For FY20, this resulted in revenues of €112.3m (+8% reported, +9% cc), in line with guidance for 9% cc growth and 0.5% below our forecast. SaaS-based revenues grew 13% y-o-y versus 14% in Q3 and 2% in Q2. For FY20 on a cc basis, SaaS-based revenues grew 12%, licence and maintenance revenues declined 14% and legacy products declined 31%. Net cash at year-end of €30.7m was ahead of our €25.7m forecast.

Double-digit growth expected in FY21

Order intake of €34m for FY20 was 17% higher y-o-y and Q4 order intake grew by 30% y-o-y. Esker expects double-digit revenue growth for FY21 (revenue of c €128m at current exchange rates) with operating margins of 10–15%. We have revised our forecasts to reflect FY20 revenues and the stronger euro versus the dollar, with FY20 revenue trimmed by 0.5% and FY21 by 1.4%. Our FY21e operating margin is at the mid-point of guidance. We reduce normalised diluted EPS by 3.4% for FY20 and 5.1% for FY21.

Valuation: Reflects high level of recurring revenues

The stock trades at a premium to DPA software and French software peers but at a discount to US SaaS peers. Esker has re-rated over the last year (the stock is up 96% over the last 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.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

€'000s

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020e

2021e

Year end 31 December

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

French GAAP

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

65,990

76,064

86,871

104,188

112,340

128,736

EBITDA

 

 

14,871

16,399

18,279

20,054

21,253

25,295

Operating Profit (before amort and except)

 

 

9,934

10,547

11,955

12,843

12,978

16,420

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

(200)

(300)

(344)

(425)

(425)

(425)

Exceptionals and other income

(474)

(456)

(88)

(62)

0

0

Other income

0

0

0

0

0

0

Operating Profit

9,260

9,791

11,523

12,356

12,553

15,995

Net Interest

(108)

(110)

(57)

268

(200)

100

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

9,949

10,669

12,215

13,634

13,126

17,120

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

9,275

9,913

11,783

13,147

13,553

16,695

Tax

(2,950)

(3,148)

(2,940)

(3,402)

(3,659)

(4,508)

Profit After Tax (norm)

6,785

7,281

9,168

10,106

9,582

12,498

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

6,325

6,765

8,843

9,745

9,894

12,187

Ave. Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

5.3

5.3

5.4

5.4

5.7

5.8

EPS - normalised (c)

 

 

128

138

170

186

169

217

EPS - normalised fully diluted (c)

 

 

122

132

165

179

163

210

EPS - (GAAP) (c)

 

 

120

128

164

180

175

212

Dividend per share (c)

30

32

41

33

35

40

Gross margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

EBITDA Margin (%)

22.5

21.6

21.0

19.2

18.9

19.6

Operating Margin (before GW and except) (%)

15.1

13.9

13.8

12.3

11.6

12.8

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

28,324

37,912

39,635

47,201

49,849

52,649

Intangible Assets

22,381

26,673

28,096

29,323

31,723

34,223

Tangible Assets

5,158

7,115

7,050

10,434

10,334

10,034

Other

785

4,124

4,489

7,444

7,792

8,392

Current Assets

 

 

42,024

42,823

49,016

52,022

67,760

63,941

Stocks

101

176

147

185

185

185

Debtors

19,523

21,253

25,551

30,015

30,778

35,976

Cash

21,338

20,632

22,794

21,357

36,332

27,315

Other

1,062

762

524

465

465

465

Current Liabilities

 

 

(28,299)

(26,206)

(30,072)

(34,300)

(47,238)

(38,631)

Creditors

(28,299)

(26,206)

(30,072)

(34,300)

(35,738)

(38,631)

Short term borrowings

0

0

0

0

(11,500)

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(7,657)

(14,909)

(10,810)

(8,276)

(5,776)

(3,276)

Long term borrowings

(7,657)

(13,716)

(9,318)

(6,516)

(4,016)

(1,516)

Other long term liabilities

0

(1,193)

(1,492)

(1,760)

(1,760)

(1,760)

Net Assets

 

 

34,392

39,620

47,769

56,647

64,595

74,683

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

15,944

17,311

18,366

20,290

21,928

22,990

Net Interest

(127)

(75)

63

352

(200)

100

Tax

(1,456)

(2,053)

(2,795)

(3,329)

(2,807)

(4,508)

Capex

(7,021)

(9,304)

(7,789)

(10,995)

(11,000)

(11,500)

Acquisitions/disposals

(935)

(7,551)

(225)

(486)

0

0

Financing

467

(345)

785

1,449

0

0

Dividends

(1,550)

(1,633)

(1,756)

(2,237)

(1,946)

(2,099)

Net Cash Flow

5,322

(3,650)

6,649

5,044

5,975

4,983

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(8,978)

(13,681)

(10,016)

(16,576)

(21,018)

(26,993)

HP finance leases initiated

(645)

0

0

0

0

0

Other

26

(15)

(90)

(602)

0

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(13,681)

(10,016)

(16,576)

(21,018)

(26,993)

(31,976)

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.

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

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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