Growth slowed in Q1, as the group focused its attention on delivering its strong backlog. Nevertheless, business remains healthy and management affirmed its guidance. Activity remained busy in Q1, including the issuing of €40m of loan notes, repayment of a corporate bond, a reshaping of the group structure and the creation of a third training academy in Berlin. Separately, SNP said it is close to acquiring a European SAP consulting and IT company. Given SNP’s strong market position in software-based transformation projects and assuming a sustained high level of activity, we believe the shares remain attractive on c 21x our FY19 earnings.
SNP Schneider-Neureither & Partner |
Q1 organic growth was 9% |
Q1 results |
Software & comp services |
2 May 2017 |
Share price performance
Business description
Next events
Analysts
SNP Schneider-Neureither & Partner is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited |
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Growth slowed in Q1, as the group focused its attention on delivering its strong backlog. Nevertheless, business remains healthy and management affirmed its guidance. Activity remained busy in Q1, including the issuing of €40m of loan notes, repayment of a corporate bond, a reshaping of the group structure and the creation of a third training academy in Berlin. Separately, SNP said it is close to acquiring a European SAP consulting and IT company. Given SNP’s strong market position in software-based transformation projects and assuming a sustained high level of activity, we believe the shares remain attractive on c 21x our FY19 earnings.
Year end |
Revenue |
PBT* |
EPS* |
DPS |
P/E |
Yield |
12/15 |
56.2 |
3.4 |
58.8 |
34.0 |
67.9 |
0.9 |
12/16 |
80.7 |
5.7 |
94.4 |
39.0 |
42.3 |
1.0 |
12/17e |
97.5 |
9.0 |
121.3 |
45.0 |
32.9 |
1.1 |
12/18e |
110.5 |
11.5 |
155.8 |
52.0 |
25.6 |
1.3 |
Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.
Q1 results: Book-to-bill ratio remained healthy at 1.13
Group revenue grew by 17% to €21.6m, representing 9% organic growth and c €1.5m from Harlex, which was acquired in late 2016. Professional services revenues rose 23%, including 13% organic growth. This figure is probably a better guide to the group’s underlying growth, as lumpier, higher-margin, licence revenue fell by 22%. While incoming orders dipped 7% to €24.4m, the book-to-bill ratio remained healthy at 1.13. The EBITDA loss was €1.8m and the EBIT loss was €2.4m. After taking into account one-off costs the EBITDA margin was c 4% and the EBIT margin was c 1%. The group ended the period with €53.9m in cash and €41.7m debt, of which €39.6m is long-term, for net cash of €12.2m. Outstanding acquisition liabilities and a pension deficit take adjusted net cash to €2.3m.
Possible acquisition
SNP said that it is pursuing the acquisition of a European SAP consulting and IT company. SNP said the target operates globally, specialising in the areas of SAP services, software development and cloud provisioning. SNP says the discussions are ongoing between the two parties and are very close to being concluded.
Guidance and forecasts: Maintained all round
Management maintained its guidance for FY17 revenue of €96-100m, organic growth of 10-15% and EBIT margins of 9-11%. After including acquisitions, the EBIT margin could range from 7-12%. We have maintained all of our forecasts.
Valuation: Strong growth play in the ERP space
The stock trades on c 33x our FY17 earnings, which falls to c 26x in FY18 and to c 21x in FY19. Our discounted cash-flow (DCF) model values the shares at €46, c 15% above the current share price. However, our model is based on conservative assumptions and takes no account of any acquisitions.
Q1 results: Book-to-bill ratio remains healthy at 1.13
Group revenue grew by 17% to €21.6m, representing 9% organic growth and c €1.5m from Harlex Consulting, which was acquired in late 2016. Incoming orders dipped 7% to €24.4m, partly reflecting the focus on delivering the strong backlog. Nevertheless, the book-to-bill ratio remained healthy at 1.13. Professional services revenues grew by 23% to €19.1m, including organic growth of 13%. However, licence revenue fell by 22% to €1.7m, as a result of orders that had been expected to be booked in Q1 having been brought forward into Q4 due to incentives for sales people. Maintenance revenue strengthened by 5% to €0.8m, reflecting the addition from perpetual licence sales made last year. Employee numbers grew by 10 over the quarter (134 or 23% over 12 months) to 722. Operating costs grew by 42% to €23.4m, or by c 26% to €20.8m when excluding one-off costs. Within that figure, personnel costs rose by 38% to €14.7m. The EBITDA loss was €1.8m (negative 8.4% margin), while the EBIT loss was €2.4m (negative 11.1% margin). After taking into account various one-off costs, outlined below, the EBITDA margin was c 4% and the EBIT margin was c 1%. This implies that the one-off costs were c €2.65m. Utilisation rates remain strong, particularly in the DACH countries and in the UK (the acquired Harlex). However, utilisation rates are lower in Asia and management is taking action to resolve this. While Q1 interest looks high at €0.6m, it includes a €0.4m premium paid on the corporate bond that was redeemed.
Exhibit 1: Quarterly analysis
€000s |
2016 |
2016 |
2016 |
2016 |
2016 |
2017 |
2017 |
2017 |
2018 |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
FY |
Q1 |
Q2-Q4e |
FYe |
FYe |
|
Professional services |
15,516 |
16,558 |
15,953 |
18,613 |
66,640 |
19,089 |
61,411 |
80,500 |
91,652 |
Licences |
2,216 |
2,425 |
3,258 |
4,101 |
12,000 |
1,733 |
12,267 |
14,000 |
15,000 |
Maintenance |
742 |
457 |
416 |
430 |
2,045 |
776 |
2,224 |
3,000 |
3,850 |
Total revenue |
18,474 |
19,440 |
19,627 |
23,144 |
80,685 |
21,598 |
75,902 |
97,500 |
110,502 |
Other operating income* |
200 |
148 |
150 |
730 |
1,228 |
235 |
|
|
|
Cost of materials |
(1,928) |
(2,037) |
(1,965) |
(2,346) |
(8,276) |
(2,260) |
|
|
|
Personnel costs |
(10,604) |
(11,382) |
(11,399) |
(13,822) |
(47,207) |
(14,657) |
|
|
|
Other operating expenses |
(4,174) |
(3,986) |
(4,209) |
(5,442) |
(17,811) |
(6,692) |
|
|
|
Other taxes |
(22) |
(27) |
(21) |
(25) |
(95) |
(28) |
|
|
|
Op costs (before depreciation) |
(16,528) |
(17,284) |
(17,444) |
(20,905) |
(72,161) |
(23,402) |
(62,242) |
(85,644) |
(95,899) |
Adjusted EBITDA |
1,946 |
2,156 |
2,183 |
2,239 |
8,524 |
(1,804) |
13,660 |
11,856 |
14,603 |
Depreciation |
(323) |
(372) |
(399) |
(573) |
(1,667) |
(594) |
(1,483) |
(2,077) |
(2,393) |
Adjusted operating profit (EBIT) |
1,623 |
1,784 |
1,784 |
1,666 |
6,857 |
(2,398) |
12,177 |
9,779 |
12,209 |
Operating Margin |
8.8% |
9.2% |
9.1% |
7.2% |
8.5% |
(11.1%) |
16.0% |
10.0% |
11.0% |
Net interest |
(191) |
(268) |
(141) |
(537) |
(1,137) |
(577) |
(223) |
(800) |
(750) |
Edison profit before tax (norm) |
1,432 |
1,516 |
1,643 |
1,129 |
5,720 |
(2,975) |
11,954 |
8,979 |
11,459 |
Associates |
0 |
(1) |
0 |
9 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Profit before tax (FRS 3) |
1,432 |
1,515 |
1,643 |
1,138 |
5,728 |
(2,975) |
11,954 |
8,979 |
11,459 |
New orders and backlog |
2016 |
2016 |
2016 |
2016 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
|
|
€000s |
Q1 |
Q2 |
Q3 |
Q4 |
FY |
Q1 |
|
|
|
Incoming orders |
26,200 |
19,900 |
26,200 |
23,300 |
95,600 |
24,400 |
|
|
|
Quarterly revenues |
18,474 |
19,440 |
19,627 |
23,144 |
80,685 |
21,598 |
|
|
|
Book-to-bill ratio |
1.42 |
1.02 |
1.33 |
1.01 |
1.18 |
1.13 |
|
|
|
Backlog |
28,700 |
29,300 |
36,200 |
39,300 |
|
40,800 |
|
|
|
Source: SNP (historicals), Edison Investment Research (forecasts)
SNP highlighted several Q1 one-off costs, which we estimate totalled c €2.65m:
1.
The adjustment of the group structure in the US and Germany.
2.
The development of a second training academy in Berlin, Germany.
3.
Preparations for the planned legal conversion of SNP AG into a European stock corporation (SE).
4.
Investment expenses and start-up losses resulting from the intensified international sales strategy with a twin emphasis on the US and SNP Applications.
5.
The ongoing integration of corporate acquisitions in the past two years and related expenses.
6.
Expenses related to the issuance of the borrower’s note loan.
7.
Legal and consulting expenses related to the group’s acquisition strategy.
8.
Expenses related to the recruitment of senior employees.
9.
Increased research and development expenses to increase the degree of automation, including through the use of artificial intelligence in transformation projects.
10.
Additional extraordinary restructuring expenses.
There was a Q1 operating cash out flow of €6.3m. This reflected the €2.3m after-tax loss, with €0.6m depreciation added back, less €1.3m from other non-cash items and a €3.2m outflow from working capital. After net investment of €0.8m, the free cash outflow was €7.1m. As with many software and IT services businesses, Q1 is typically SNP’s weakest quarter. During Q1, SNP issued a €40m multi-tranche loan note with investors, with a blended average initial yield of 1.41% pa. Due to the strong investor demand, the amount was increased by €10m to €40m. Additionally, SNP redeemed its outstanding 6.25% €10m bearer bond at 103% plus accrued interest.
Exhibit 2: Balance sheet financial development
€m |
31-Dec-15 |
31-Mar-16 |
30-Jun-16 |
30-Sep-16 |
31-Dec-16 |
31-Mar-17 |
Cash |
(13.8) |
(9.2) |
(7.1) |
(36.0) |
(31.9) |
(53.9) |
Short-term debt |
2.6 |
2.1 |
2.3 |
2.4 |
12.8 |
2.1 |
Long-term debt |
12.3 |
11.8 |
11.3 |
10.8 |
0.4 |
39.6 |
Net debt/(cash) |
1.2 |
4.8 |
6.4 |
(22.8) |
(18.7) |
(12.2) |
RSP acquisition liabilities |
2.5 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
2.5 |
Astrums/Hartungs acquisition liabilities |
1.9 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
1.9 |
|
Harlex acquisition liabilities |
4.0 |
4.0 |
||||
Corporate bond fair value premium |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.5 |
0.6 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
Pension deficit |
1.2 |
1.3 |
1.4 |
1.4 |
1.5 |
1.5 |
Adjusted net debt/(cash) |
5.4 |
11.0 |
12.7 |
(16.4) |
(8.7) |
(2.3) |
Source: SNP accounts
Conversion to a stock corporation under EU Law (Societas Europaea/SE)
In order to further promote the internationalisation of the SNP group, the company will propose the legal conversion of SNP Schneider-Neureither & Partner AG into a stock corporation under EU law (Societas Europaea/SE) as its annual general meeting on 31 May 2017. The corporate structure, corporate governance of the company and the listing of the share on the stock exchange remains unchanged.
Possible acquisition
SNP said that it is pursuing the acquisition of a European SAP consulting and IT company. The target is a global business, specialising in the areas of SAP services, software development and cloud provisioning. It generated revenue in the lower end of the double-digit million range in the past fiscal year and has more than 200 employees.
SNP says the discussions between the two parties are ongoing and are very close to being concluded. The acquisition is subject to the completion of a final purchase agreement and approval from the relevant bodies. The transaction will be financed from the group’s existing cash resources and management’ goal is to conclude the transaction shortly.
Exhibit 3: Financial summary
€000s |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017e |
2018e |
2019e |
||
Year end 31 December |
IFRS |
IFRS |
IFRS |
IFRS |
IFRS |
IFRS |
||
PROFIT & LOSS |
||||||||
Revenue |
|
|
30,480 |
56,236 |
80,685 |
97,500 |
110,502 |
120,745 |
Cost of sales |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Gross Profit |
30,480 |
56,236 |
80,685 |
97,500 |
110,502 |
120,745 |
||
EBITDA |
|
|
862 |
5,484 |
8,524 |
11,856 |
14,603 |
17,066 |
Adjusted Operating Profit |
|
|
(66) |
4,222 |
6,857 |
9,779 |
12,209 |
14,529 |
Amortisation of acquired intangibles |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Exceptionals |
1,505 |
356 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Associates |
0 |
(3) |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Operating Profit |
1,439 |
4,575 |
6,865 |
9,779 |
12,209 |
14,529 |
||
Net Interest |
(66) |
(828) |
(1,137) |
(800) |
(750) |
(700) |
||
Profit Before Tax (norm) |
|
|
(132) |
3,394 |
5,720 |
8,979 |
11,459 |
13,829 |
Profit Before Tax (FRS 3) |
|
|
1,373 |
3,747 |
5,728 |
8,979 |
11,459 |
13,829 |
Tax |
(344) |
(1,195) |
(1,517) |
(2,694) |
(3,438) |
(4,149) |
||
Profit After Tax (norm) |
(477) |
2,198 |
4,203 |
6,285 |
8,022 |
9,680 |
||
Profit After Tax (FRS 3) |
1,028 |
2,552 |
4,211 |
6,285 |
8,022 |
9,680 |
||
Minority interest |
(40) |
0 |
(147) |
(248) |
(267) |
(289) |
||
Adjustments for normalised earnings |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Net income (norm) |
(517) |
2,198 |
4,056 |
6,038 |
7,754 |
9,391 |
||
Net income (FRS 3) |
988 |
2,552 |
4,064 |
6,038 |
7,754 |
9,391 |
||
Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m) |
3.7 |
3.7 |
4.3 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
5.0 |
||
EPS - normalised (c) |
|
|
(13.9) |
58.8 |
94.4 |
121.3 |
155.8 |
188.7 |
EPS - normalised & fully diluted (c) |
|
|
(13.9) |
58.8 |
94.4 |
121.3 |
155.8 |
188.7 |
EPS - FRS 3 (c) |
|
|
26.6 |
68.3 |
94.6 |
121.3 |
155.8 |
188.7 |
Dividend per share (c) |
13.00 |
34.00 |
39.00 |
45.00 |
52.00 |
60.00 |
||
Gross Margin (%) |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
100.0 |
||
EBITDA Margin (%) |
2.8 |
9.8 |
10.6 |
12.2 |
13.2 |
14.1 |
||
Adjusted Operating Margin (%) |
-0.2 |
7.5 |
8.5 |
10.0 |
11.0 |
12.0 |
||
BALANCE SHEET |
||||||||
Fixed Assets |
|
|
8,291 |
15,243 |
29,054 |
28,927 |
28,744 |
28,622 |
Intangible Assets |
5,190 |
11,675 |
24,179 |
24,179 |
24,179 |
24,179 |
||
Tangible Assets |
1,231 |
1,999 |
3,161 |
3,034 |
2,851 |
2,728 |
||
Other |
1,871 |
1,570 |
1,714 |
1,714 |
1,714 |
1,714 |
||
Current Assets |
|
|
17,882 |
29,996 |
59,478 |
58,876 |
59,775 |
70,115 |
Stocks |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Debtors |
11,286 |
16,084 |
27,201 |
32,870 |
37,253 |
40,706 |
||
Cash |
5,681 |
13,769 |
31,914 |
25,644 |
22,158 |
29,045 |
||
Current Liabilities |
|
|
(9,782) |
(13,703) |
(34,382) |
(28,934) |
(32,819) |
(35,710) |
Creditors |
(9,182) |
(11,101) |
(21,583) |
(26,834) |
(30,719) |
(33,610) |
||
Short term borrowings |
(600) |
(2,602) |
(12,799) |
(2,100) |
(2,100) |
(2,100) |
||
Long Term Liabilities |
|
|
(2,501) |
(15,513) |
(5,576) |
(5,576) |
(1,076) |
3,424 |
Long term borrowings |
(1,650) |
(12,344) |
(434) |
(434) |
(434) |
(434) |
||
Other long term liabilities |
(851) |
(3,169) |
(5,141) |
(5,141) |
(641) |
3,859 |
||
Net Assets |
|
|
13,890 |
16,024 |
48,575 |
53,294 |
54,625 |
66,451 |
CASH FLOW |
||||||||
Operating Cash Flow |
|
|
2,579 |
1,879 |
1,005 |
11,369 |
14,050 |
16,462 |
Net Interest |
(66) |
(167) |
53 |
(800) |
(750) |
(700) |
||
Tax |
(1,102) |
(554) |
(412) |
(2,514) |
(3,209) |
(3,872) |
||
Capex |
(701) |
(1,779) |
(3,451) |
(1,950) |
(2,210) |
(2,415) |
||
Acquisitions/disposals |
(500) |
(3,228) |
(5,923) |
0 |
(9,127) |
0 |
||
Shares issued |
0 |
0 |
30,129 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Dividends |
(335) |
(483) |
(1,264) |
(1,676) |
(2,240) |
(2,588) |
||
Net Cash Flow |
(124) |
(4,332) |
20,137 |
4,428 |
(3,485) |
6,887 |
||
Opening net debt/(cash) |
|
|
(3,505) |
(3,431) |
1,176 |
(18,681) |
(23,109) |
(19,624) |
HP finance leases initiated |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Other |
51 |
(275) |
(281) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
||
Closing net debt/(cash) |
|
|
(3,431) |
1,176 |
(18,681) |
(23,109) |
(19,624) |
(26,511) |
Source: SNP Schneider-Neureither & Partner accounts, Edison Investment Research
|
|
Research: Real Estate
Palace Capital (Palace) has released a positive portfolio and trading update detailing disposals made in FY17, significant ongoing projects at ten properties and the possible acquisition of a fully let office building for c £20m, which would more than replace rents at properties sold in the year. These developments demonstrate Palace’s ability to add shareholder value through active management and to recycle capital efficiently. We have revised our estimates and note that management expects the March 2017 NAV to beat market expectations.