Datatec — FY24 underlying EPS more than doubles y-o-y

Datatec (JSE: DTCJ)

Last close As at 16/05/2024

ZAR37.44

−0.26 (−0.69%)

Market capitalisation

ZAR8,594m

More on this equity

Research: TMT

Datatec — FY24 underlying EPS more than doubles y-o-y

In a second more detailed trading update for FY24, Datatec confirmed revenue growth of 6% to $5.46bn, with Westcon International delivering excellent performance, Logicalis International having a strong H2 and Logicalis Latin America affected by difficult market conditions in Argentina and Brazil. The company also provided provisional EPS data, with reported EPS likely to come in ahead of our forecast and underlying EPS just below our forecast. We maintain our forecasts pending FY24 results on or around 27 May.

Katherine Thompson

Written by

Katherine Thompson

Director

TMT

Datatec

FY24 underlying EPS more than doubles y-o-y

FY24 trading update

Software and comp services

2 May 2024

Price

ZAR36.53

Market cap

ZAR8.36bn

ZAR18.53:$1

Net debt ($m) at end H124

174.8

Shares in issue

229.0m

Free float

84%

Code

DTCJ

Primary exchange

JSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

Business description

Datatec is a South Africa-listed multinational ICT business, serving clients globally, predominantly in the networking and telecoms sectors. The group operates through three main divisions: Westcon International (distribution); Logicalis International (IT services); and Logicalis LatAm (IT services in Latin America).

Analyst

Katherine Thompson

+44 (0)20 3077 5730

Datatec is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

In a second more detailed trading update for FY24, Datatec confirmed revenue growth of 6% to $5.46bn, with Westcon International delivering excellent performance, Logicalis International having a strong H2 and Logicalis Latin America affected by difficult market conditions in Argentina and Brazil. The company also provided provisional EPS data, with reported EPS likely to come in ahead of our forecast and underlying EPS just below our forecast. We maintain our forecasts pending FY24 results on or around 27 May.

Year
end

Revenue
($m)

PBT*
($m)

Diluted EPS*
(c)

DPS
(c)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

02/22

4,546

69.1

14.2

39.3

14.1

19.7

02/23

5,143

86.7

24.1

77.7

8.3

38.9

02/24e

5,568

86.7

20.8

7.1

9.6

3.5

02/25e

5,833

112.1

27.6

8.7

7.2

4.3

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

Datatec provided a further trading update for FY24 (year ended 29 February 2024), after its initial update on 27 March. Revenue for FY24 is expected to be $5.46bn (+6% y-o-y), compared to the provisional $5.44bn in the earlier update. The company has provided provisional EPS data, as it is likely to differ by at least 20% from FY23 results. We note that FY23 results included the results of discontinued operations, whereas FY24 results are for continuing operations only and all EPS measures in FY23 were affected by the share-based payments charge on settlement of the Westcon International Equity Appreciation Plan.

Underlying EPS (which adjusts out, among other things, acquisition-related items, profit/loss on disposal of fixed assets impairment of intangibles, restructuring charges and unrealised FX movements) is expected to be between 19.0c and 21.0c compared to 7.9c in FY23 (of which 6.1c was from continuing operations and 1.8c from discontinued operations). This compares to our 21.2c forecast.

Headline EPS is expected to be between 13.0c and 15.0c compared to a loss of 9.3c in FY23 (-10.8c from continuing operations, 1.5c from discontinued operations). This compares to our 17.4c forecast.

Reported EPS is expected to be between 19.0c and 21.0c compared to 36.9c in FY23 (-16.1c from continuing operations, 53.0c from discontinued operations, which included the $109.9m gain on sale of Analysys Mason). This is ahead of our 17.3c forecast.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Datatec and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Datatec. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 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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General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Datatec and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Datatec. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 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 2024 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.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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