CentralNic Group — FY23 outlook maintained after record Q1

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Research: TMT

CentralNic Group — FY23 outlook maintained after record Q1

CentralNic’s Q123 trading update confirms management is delivering on its strategy of robust organic growth, coupled with strong cash generation, which has improved shareholder returns and further deleveraged its balance sheet. The group is confident that it is trading at least in line with current market consensus for FY23 and we maintain our forecasts, which are slightly ahead of consensus. CentralNic’s latest agreement with Microsoft Bing in Online Marketing lowers the group’s execution risk by diversifying its advertiser demand pool and adds to its growth potential.

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TMT

CentralNic Group

FY23 outlook maintained after record Q1

Q123 trading update

Software and comp services

27 April 2023

Price

119.4p

Market cap

£342m

US$1.25/£

Net cash (US$m) at 31 March 2023

49.2

Shares in issue

286.1m

Free float

49.4%

Code

CNIC

Primary exchange

AIM

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(13.8)

(18.0)

(6.9)

Rel (local)

(18.4)

(18.3)

(10.4)

52-week high/low

159p

111p

Business description

CentralNic Group is a global internet company that derives recurring revenue from privacy-safe, AI-based customer journeys that help online consumers make informed choices, as well as from the distribution of domain names.

Next events

H123 trading update

18 July 2023

Analysts

Max Hayes

+44 (0)20 3077 5721

Katherine Thompson

+44 (0)20 3077 5730

CentralNic Group is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

CentralNic’s Q123 trading update confirms management is delivering on its strategy of robust organic growth, coupled with strong cash generation, which has improved shareholder returns and further deleveraged its balance sheet. The group is confident that it is trading at least in line with current market consensus for FY23 and we maintain our forecasts, which are slightly ahead of consensus. CentralNic’s latest agreement with Microsoft Bing in Online Marketing lowers the group’s execution risk by diversifying its advertiser demand pool and adds to its growth potential.

Year

end

Revenue (US$m)

Adjusted EBITDA*
(US$m)

PBT*
(US$m)

Diluted EPS*
(c)

EV/EBITDA
(x)

P/E
(x)

12/21

410.5

46.3

31.9

10.9

10.3

13.6

12/22

728.2

86.0

64.3

21.4

5.5

6.9

12/23e

833.7

94.4

80.7

20.0

5.0

7.4

12/24e

909.6

103.0

89.3

22.1

4.6

6.7

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

Q123 update: Delivering on updated strategy

CentralNic’s latest trading update shows that management expects to report gross revenue of US$194.9m, net revenue (gross profit) of US$45.8m and adjusted EBITDA of US$21.3m, year-on-year increases of 24%, 15% and 15% respectively. The company is delivering on its updated strategy, with organic pro-forma revenue for the trailing 12 months to 31 March up 45% and higher cash levels being used for improved shareholder returns and further deleveraging its balance sheet. In addition to its completed US$4.8m share buyback programme, shareholders voted in favour of its 1p inaugural dividend (c 1% yield) at its annual general meeting.

Microsoft contract bolsters robust outlook

Management is confident that the group is trading at least in line with market consensus for FY23, indicating gross revenue growth of 10% y-o-y to US$801m and adjusted EBITDA of US$93m. We leave our forecasts unchanged, which are slightly ahead of market consensus, suggesting top-line growth of 14% and adjusted EBITDA of US$94.4m. With CentralNic now at critical mass and with operating leverage, we are confident the group can deliver further margin expansion in the year, where we forecast a 110bp y-o-y increase in net revenue/EBITDA margin to 49.5%, 8.1% ahead of its online marketing peer group. Its recent agreement with Microsoft Bing should enhance its existing artificial intelligence capabilities by leveraging ChatGPT and expand its access to advertisers by adding to its demand pool, diversifying revenue streams and lowering risk. CentralNic also announced that Marie Holive has joined its board as a non-executive director. She has extensive experience in global media markets, including nine years as CFO at NBC Universal.

Valuation: Robust returns at an attractive valuation

CentralNic trades at an average 58% discount on EV/sales across FY23e and FY24e, falling to an average discount of 29% on an EV/EBITDA basis, indicating upside potential alongside higher shareholder returns than historical levels.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

$'k

2020

2021

2022

2023e

2024e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

INCOME STATEMENT

Revenue

 

 

240,012

410,540

728,237

833,705

909,572

Cost of Sales

(164,894)

(292,041)

(550,541)

(643,120)

(701,456)

Gross Profit

75,118

118,499

177,696

190,585

208,116

EBITDA

 

 

29,394

46,251

86,024

94,416

103,017

Normalised operating profit

 

 

27,310

42,737

83,045

90,839

99,115

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

(13,747)

(18,291)

(36,399)

(36,399)

(36,399)

Exceptionals

(10,529)

(7,087)

(7,395)

0

0

Share-based payments

(5,113)

(5,006)

(5,698)

(5,698)

(5,698)

Reported operating profit

(2,079)

12,353

33,553

48,742

57,018

Net Interest

(9,834)

(10,798)

(18,736)

(10,120)

(9,807)

Joint ventures & associates (post tax)

79

0

0

0

0

Exceptionals

0

0

0

(19,000)

(10,000)

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

17,555

31,939

64,309

80,720

89,308

Profit Before Tax (reported)

 

 

(11,834)

1,555

14,817

19,623

37,211

Reported tax

975

(5,097)

(16,895)

(25,023)

(27,686)

Profit After Tax (norm)

14,044

25,551

57,414

58,118

64,302

Profit After Tax (reported)

(10,859)

(3,542)

(2,078)

(5,401)

9,526

Minority interests

0

0

0

0

0

Net income (normalised)

14,044

25,551

57,414

58,118

64,302

Net income (reported)

(10,859)

(3,542)

(2,078)

(5,401)

9,526

Basic average number of shares outstanding (m)

197

227

266

289

289

EPS - basic normalised (c)

 

 

7.14

11.24

21.61

20.14

22.28

EPS - diluted normalised (c)

 

 

6.86

10.91

21.41

19.96

22.08

EPS - basic reported (c)

 

 

(5.52)

(1.56)

(0.78)

(1.87)

3.30

Dividend (c)

0.00

0.00

0.01

0.01

0.01

Revenue growth (%)

119.8

71.0

77.4

14.5

9.1

Gross Margin (%)

31.3

28.9

24.4

22.9

22.9

EBITDA Margin (%)

12.2

11.3

11.8

11.3

11.3

EBITDA/Net Revenue (%)

39.1

39.0

48.4

49.5

49.5

Normalised Operating Margin

11.4

10.4

11.4

10.9

10.9

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

270,578

271,830

365,062

351,663

329,264

Intangible Assets

255,716

254,169

347,938

334,539

312,140

Tangible Assets

8,677

8,601

7,358

7,358

7,358

Investments & other

6,185

9,060

9,766

9,766

9,766

Current Assets

 

 

77,606

128,391

193,650

242,281

297,768

Stocks

1,011

895

646

1,938

2,114

Debtors

47,941

71,363

98,231

107,354

112,139

Cash & cash equivalents

28,654

56,133

94,773

132,989

183,515

Other

0

0

0

0

0

Current Liabilities

 

 

96,421

137,129

197,712

222,866

241,570

Creditors

89,256

117,016

190,348

215,632

234,336

Tax and social security

0

0

0

0

0

Short term borrowings

5,819

18,276

5,456

5,326

5,326

Lease liabilities

1,346

1,837

1,908

1,908

1,908

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

137,867

149,110

193,667

211,822

214,501

Long term borrowings

107,820

119,251

145,872

145,872

145,872

Other long term liabilities

30,047

29,859

47,795

65,950

68,629

Net Assets

 

 

113,896

113,982

167,333

159,255

170,961

Minority interests

0

0

0

0

0

Shareholders' equity

 

 

113,896

113,982

167,333

159,255

170,961

CASH FLOW

Op Cash Flow before WC and tax

3,997

23,360

54,195

59,598

77,513

Working capital

4,129

4,091

7,245

14,869

13,742

Exceptional & other

14,526

15,804

24,434

15,818

15,505

Tax

(1,957)

(2,230)

(8,399)

(6,868)

(25,006)

Net operating cash flow

 

 

20,695

41,025

77,475

83,417

81,753

Capex

(4,259)

(4,810)

(6,543)

(5,667)

(5,819)

Acquisitions/disposals

(37,065)

(18,344)

(81,396)

(19,000)

(10,000)

Interest paid

(9,512)

(8,695)

(7,766)

(10,120)

(9,807)

Equity financing

34,667

0

58,187

(4,680)

0

Change in borrowing

1,563

24,721

34,691

0

0

Dividends

0

0

0

(3,494)

(3,518)

Other

(4,734)

(3,700)

(30,730)

(2,241)

(2,083)

Net Cash Flow

1,355

30,197

43,918

38,216

50,526

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

74,998

84,985

81,394

56,555

18,209

FX

1,117

(2,718)

(5,278)

0

0

Other non-cash movements

(12,459)

(23,888)

(13,801)

130

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

84,985

81,394

56,555

18,209

(32,317)

Source: Edison Investment Research, company accounts

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 2023 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

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 2023 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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