Datatec — Underlying earnings more than tripled in FY24

Datatec (JSE: DTCJ)

Last close As at 21/12/2024

ZAR43.77

−1.03 (−2.30%)

Market capitalisation

ZAR10,338m

More on this equity

Research: TMT

Datatec — Underlying earnings more than tripled in FY24

Datatec reported FY24 revenue growth of 6%, with a strong performance from Westcon, a good performance in Logicalis International masked by a higher level of net revenue software sales and a mixed performance in Logicalis Latin America. Group gross profit grew 16% y-o-y and adjusted EBITDA grew 7%, resulting in a flat adjusted EBITDA margin of 3.5%. Underlying EPS of 20.2c more than tripled versus the prior year and good control of working capital resulted in year-end net debt of $123m. The company announced a dividend of ZAR1.3/US$0.07. Despite the difficult political and economic environment, management expects to see improved performances in each business in FY25 and continues to focus on unlocking shareholder value as part of its ongoing strategic review.

Katherine Thompson

Written by

Katherine Thompson

Director

TMT

Datatec

Underlying earnings more than tripled in FY24

FY24 results

Software and comp services

28 May 2024

Price

ZAR37.90

Market cap

ZAR8.68bn

ZAR18.45/$

Net debt at end FY24

$123.1m

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

Datatec reported FY24 revenue growth of 6%, with a strong performance from Westcon, a good performance in Logicalis International masked by a higher level of net revenue software sales and a mixed performance in Logicalis Latin America. Group gross profit grew 16% y-o-y and adjusted EBITDA grew 7%, resulting in a flat adjusted EBITDA margin of 3.5%. Underlying EPS of 20.2c more than tripled versus the prior year and good control of working capital resulted in year-end net debt of $123m. The company announced a dividend of ZAR1.3/US$0.07. Despite the difficult political and economic environment, management expects to see improved performances in each business in FY25 and continues to focus on unlocking shareholder value as part of its ongoing strategic review.

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

14.5

19.1

02/23

5,143

86.7

24.1

77.7

8.5

37.8

02/24

5,458

76.5

19.7

7.0

10.5

3.4

02/25e

5,833

112.1

27.6

8.7

7.4

4.2

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

As supply chain constraints eased through the course of FY24, Datatec was able to work through the backlog that had built up in each business over the two previous years, and now estimates that the ordering situation has normalised.

In FY24, Westcon International saw revenue growth of 7.7% to $3.69bn (vs our $3.73bn forecast), gross profit growth of 23% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 26%, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 3.3% (vs our 3.1% forecast), up 0.5pp yoy. Logicalis International saw revenue growth of 1.5% to $1.25bn (vs our $1.30bn forecast), with a higher level of net revenue software sales, mainly in North America, suppressing growth. Gross profit grew 11% and adjusted EBITDA grew 12%, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.9% (vs our 5.5% forecast), up 0.5pp y-o-y. Logicalis Latin America saw revenue growth of 4.5% to $513m (vs our $540m forecast), with demand in Brazil and Mexico below expectations. Gross profit grew 8% while adjusted EBITDA declined 49%, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 2.5% (vs our 5.1% forecast), down 2.6pp y-o-y. Adjusted EBITDA included unrealised losses linked to the devaluation of the Argentine peso versus the US dollar. Management noted that Brazilian interest rates are declining and the new government in Argentina could potentially stabilise the economic situation, providing a better trading environment in FY25.

At a group level, adjusted EBITDA included FX losses of $21.7m ($5.7m realised, $15.9m unrealised) versus FX gains of $15.3m in FY23 (realised gains $24.1m, unrealised losses $8.8m). Basic underlying EPS from continuing operations increased from 6.1c in FY23 to 20.2c in FY24, benefiting from a better trading performance and substantially lower share-based payment charges. Basic headline EPS from continuing operations improved from -10.8c in FY23 to 14.2c in FY24, reflecting a significantly lower level of restructuring and other one-off charges. We are currently reviewing our forecasts.

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.

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United Kingdom

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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.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

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London │ New York │ Frankfurt

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United Kingdom

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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