CentralNic Group — Growth at an attractive valuation

Team Internet Group (AIM: TIG)

Last close As at 28/03/2024

GBP1.43

−0.60 (−0.42%)

Market capitalisation

GBP375m

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Research: TMT

CentralNic Group — Growth at an attractive valuation

CentralNic provides domain name services and online marketing, focused on consolidating a highly fragmented global market. It offers a broad range of internet services, including reseller services, to corporates and SMEs (the online presence segment), as well as online marketing (the group’s second segment) to domain investors. Ahead of Q421, its seasonally strongest quarter, CentralNic reported 9M21 trading ahead of market expectations, with organic growth of 29%, driven by the group’s investment programme. Based on this strong trading, we raised our FY21 revenue estimate by 10% to US$384m, with adjusted EBITDA rising to US$43m, an 11.2% margin. CentralNic has recorded five-year revenue CAGR to FY20 of 78%. Further M&A should be expected.

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Written by

TMT

CentralNic Group

Growth at an attractive valuation

Software & comp services

Deutsches Eigenkapitalforum 2021

1 November 2021

Price

135p

Market cap

£309m

Share price graph

Share details

Code

CNIC

Shares in issue

228.8m

Net debt (US$m) at 30 Sept 2021

79

Business description

CentralNic is a leading global domain name services provider. The group supplies the tools needed for businesses to develop their online presence, providing domain names, hosting, websites, email, security certification and brand protection; as well as online marketing. The group delivers services to c 40m domains.

Bull

Sticky customer model, with 95%+ recurring revenues and high cash conversion.

Strong organic growth (9M21: 29%), driven by the group’s investment programme.

Five-year revenue CAGR of 78% to FY20, with 59% revenue growth forecast for FY21.

Bear

CentralNic remains a small player in large global markets for domain names and online marketing.

EBITDA margins have been falling as Online Marketing has outgrown Online Presence.

With few quoted peers, CentralNic’s business remains poorly understood by investors.

Analyst

Richard Williamson

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

CentralNic Group is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

CentralNic provides domain name services and online marketing, focused on consolidating a highly fragmented global market. It offers a broad range of internet services, including reseller services, to corporates and SMEs (the online presence segment), as well as online marketing (the group’s second segment) to domain investors. Ahead of Q421, its seasonally strongest quarter, CentralNic reported 9M21 trading ahead of market expectations, with organic growth of 29%, driven by the group’s investment programme. Based on this strong trading, we raised our FY21 revenue estimate by 10% to US$384m, with adjusted EBITDA rising to US$43m, an 11.2% margin. CentralNic has recorded five-year revenue CAGR to FY20 of 78%. Further M&A should be expected.

A business model with attractive dynamics

CentralNic’s Online Presence division operates in a growing low-value, high-volume, subscription-based technology-enabled global market (a US$30bn addressable market, 6% growth). Online Marketing operates in a US$400bn market, with 20%+ growth. Both divisions offer attractive cash flows, with operating cash conversion of c 100%. Customers tend to be sticky, and become stickier the longer they remain clients (95%+ recurring revenues). CentralNic operates a leveraged ‘buy and build’ model, with organic growth supplemented by M&A.

Resilient, M&A-driven business model

CentralNic completed one major acquisition in FY20, Codewise (Monetisation), which follows four acquisitions in FY19: TPP Wholesale, Hexonet and Ideegeo (Indirect), and Team Internet (Monetisation). In FY21, CentralNic has already completed the US$3.7m (plus a US$0.7m earn-out) acquisition of SafeBrands (Direct), a French-based brand protection software provider, and Wando Internet Solutions (Monetisation), for US$13.0m in cash (including a US$6.5m earn-out). With 9M21 net debt of US$79m, CentralNic retains capacity for further M&A.

Valuation: Discount despite market-leading growth

With 59% expected sales growth in FY21, CentralNic offers some of the strongest growth among its peers, yet trades on P/E multiples of 16.0x in FY21e and 15.1x in FY22e. Whether we compare it to web services or online marketing, CentralNic continues to trade at a material discount to its peers. The web services peer group trades at average P/Es of 25x for FY21 and 19x for FY22. CentralNic’s discount to its online marketing peers (FY21: 33x, FY22: 25x) is more marked.

Edison estimates

Year
end

Revenue (US$m)

Adjusted EBITDA* (US$m)

PBT*
(US$m)

EPS*
(c)

DPS
(c)

P/E
(x)

12/19

109.2

17.9

16.1

9.24

0.0

20.0

12/20

241.2

30.6

19.8

10.57

0.0

17.5

12/21e

384.1

43.0

29.7

11.57

0.0

16.0

12/22e

420.2

48.0

33.6

12.24

0.0

15.1

Note: *Excludes impact of share-based payments, share option expense, foreign exchange charges and non-core operating costs.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by CentralNic Group and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by CentralNic Group. 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.

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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.

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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

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by CentralNic Group and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by CentralNic Group. 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 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

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CentralNic Group — Organic growth continues to accelerate

Ahead of CentralNic’s seasonally strongest quarter, it has reported trading for the first nine months of FY21 (9M21) ahead of market expectations. Noting the acceleration of organic growth to 29% for 9M21, driven by the group’s investment programme, management expects to trade comfortably at or above the upper end of market expectations for the year for both revenue and adjusted EBITDA (expectations disclosed as US$355.3m and US$42.0m respectively). Accordingly, we have raised our FY21 revenue estimate by 10% to US$384m, with adjusted EBITDA rising to US$43m, an 11.2% margin, with these changes flowing through to our estimates for FY22/23. Adjusted operating cash conversion was in excess of 100%, meaning that net debt fell to US$79m as at 30 September 2021.

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