TIDMKBT
RNS Number : 2729T
K3 Business Technology Group PLC
19 March 2019
AIM: KBT
19 March 2019
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014.
K3 BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY GROUP PLC
("K3" or "the Group" or "the Company")
Provider of mission-critical software (owned and third party),
cloud solutions and managed services to the supply chain sector
Final results for the 12 months to 30 November 2018
Key Points
Summary
-- Benefits of transformation strategy initiated two years ago now beginning to come through
-- Balance sheet strengthened with net debt reduced to GBP0.6m
at year end, helped by stronger cash generation
-- Prospects for continuing progress, especially own IP sales
strategy, remain very encouraging
Financial
The comparatives for 2017 are for a 17-month period to
30 November 2017
12 months 17 months
to 30 November to 30 November
2018 2017
Revenue GBP83.3m GBP118.2m
* recurring revenue as a % of total 48.3% 48.7%
* own IP revenue as a % of total 21.0% 19.8%
Gross margin 52.7% 51.6%
Adj. profit from operations(*1) GBP4.6m Loss of GBP1.6m
Reported profit from operations GBP0.7m Loss of GBP14.8m
Adj. profit before tax(*1) GBP4.0m Loss of GBP3.0m
Reported profit/(loss) before GBP0.02m Loss of GBP16.1m
tax
Adj. earnings per share(*2) 6.8p Loss per share
(2017 restated) 3.0p
Reported earnings per share (1.1)p (35.3)p
Net cash generated from operating GBP7.8m GBP5.1m
activities
Net debt(*3) GBP0.6m GBP4.3m
Dividend per share (final
and total) 1.54p 1.40p
-- Own IP gross margin increased to 73.6% (17 months to 30 November 2017: 64.1%)
-- Recurring revenue gross margin on Own IP increased to 79.8%
(17 months to 30 November 2017: 76.0%)
Operational
-- 'K3 I Imagine' platform formally launched - a cornerstone
product in Group's own IP strategy
o offers an easy-to-implement solution that provides latest
functionality
o post year end sales are encouraging
-- Enterprise-focused product, 'K3 I fashion', delivered a very
strong performance, with channel partner strategy working very
well
o 11 major deals won compared to 7 over the 17 months period in
2017
-- Global Accounts unit grew strongly. Office opened in Malaysia
to support demand in the Far East
-- Microsoft Dynamics businesses combined into a single practice
- enhances customer service capability
-- A firm platform for ongoing growth is now in place, following
reorganisation and strategic refocusing
-- Trading since the year end has been encouraging and the Board
is confident of continuing progress
Adalsteinn Valdimarsson, Chief Executive Officer of K3,
commented:
"I am pleased to report that K3 has moved from losses into
profit at the operating level, with the transformation strategy
initiated two years ago now bearing fruit. Its positive effects are
also evident in improved cash generation and significantly reduced
net debt at the year end.
"A key part of our growth strategy is increasing sales of
products that contain our own IP, and the formal launch of the 'K3
I Imagine' platform was a significant milestone in this plan. It
has the potential to be a major driver of profits and recurring
revenues for the Group.
"K3 now has a firm platform for ongoing growth and we remain
positive about future prospects across the Group. Trading since the
end of the financial year has been encouraging, and we expect to
see continued momentum over the new financial year."
Enquiries:
K3 Business Technology Adalsteinn Valdimarsson T: 020 3178 6378 (today)
Group plc (CEO)
www.k3btg.com Robert Price (CFO) Thereafter 0161 876
4498
finnCap Limited Julian Blunt/ James Thompson T: 020 7220 0500
(NOMAD & Broker) (Corporate Finance)
Camille Gochez
(Corporate Broking)
KTZ Communications Katie Tzouliadis/ Dan T: 020 3178 6378
Mahoney
Notes:
Note Calculated before amortisation of acquired intangibles
1 of GBP2.51m (2017: GBP3.93m), exceptional reorganisation
costs of GBP1.36m (2017: GBP4.73m), exceptional impairment
of development costs of GBPnil (2017: GBP4.54m), acquisition
costs of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.31m), share-based payment
charge of GBP0.10m (2017: GBPnil) and release of contingent
consideration of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.39m).
Note Calculated before amortisation of acquired intangibles
2 (net of tax) of GBP1.95m (2017: GBP3.04m), exceptional
reorganisation costs (net of tax) of GBP1.36m (2017:
GBP4.73m), exceptional impairment of development costs
(net of tax) of GBPnil (2017: GBP4.54m), acquisition
costs (net of tax) of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.31m), share-based
payment charge (net of tax) of GBP0.10m (2017: GBPnil)
and release of contingent consideration (net of tax)
of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.39m). The adjusted EPS/(LPS) for
the 17 months ended 30 November 2017 has been amended
to reflect that there was no tax charge or credit recognised
in the period on either the exceptional reorganisation
costs or on the exceptional impairment charge. The calculation
has been amended to reflect the actual tax charge or
credit directly allocable rather than on an effective
tax rate as previously determined as the directors consider
this to be a fairer representation.
Note Net debt is gross debt net of cash and cash equivalents.
3
The above comparatives for 2017 are for a 17-month period
to 30 November 2017
CHAIRMAN'S AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT
Overview
We are very pleased to report that K3 has returned to
profitability at the operating level, with an adjusted profit from
operations (*1) for the financial year of GBP4.6m, against an
adjusted loss from operations(*1) of GBP1.6m in the 17-month period
to 30 November 2017. Reported profit from operations was GBP0.7m
(17 months ended 30 November 2017: loss of GBP14.8m). As
importantly, cash generation was significantly stronger too and
helped to drive an 86% reduction in net debt at the year end to
GBP0.6m from GBP4.3m at 30 November 2017.
These results are very encouraging and better than original
market expectations. They reflect the initiatives we started some
two years ago to strengthen and reposition the Group.
The key elements of our transformation strategy have been
focused on increasing sales of our intellectual property ("IP"),
integrating our operations for greater synergies, and improving our
customer delivery capability and routes to market. The formal
launch of 'K3 I Imagine', our cutting-edge, cloud-native product,
in the final quarter of the financial year was an important step in
our growth strategy, and it has made good progress since then. We
see 'K3 I Imagine' as a cornerstone product for the Group as we
increase own IP sales within our overall offering.
Looking ahead, we remain very positive about K3's growth
prospects in the new financial year and will continue to focus on
growing own IP sales, operational efficiency, and cash
generation.
Business Model and Performance
K3 is a leading provider of mission-critical Enterprise Resource
Planning ("ERP") and other business solutions for customers who
make, move and sell products in the supply chain sector.
We install and support software solutions based on own IP and on
Microsoft, Sage and SYSPRO solutions. Our customer base is large,
comprising around 3,700 companies in the UK, Europe, the Far East
and USA. Once installed, our solutions typically generate high
levels of recurring revenues through annual software maintenance
renewals, support contracts and hosting, and customer relationships
are very long, something we promote through high service levels.
This also creates the opportunity for us to upgrade and offer
additional products and solutions.
A core element of our growth strategy is to increase revenues
from our own IP, which benefits margins and recurring revenues. Our
IP underpins our 'stand-alone' products and is also embedded within
specific third-party ERP solutions, including Microsoft's. As part
of a third-party product, our IP enriches the existing solution
with additional functionality and enables us to tailor it for
specific market sectors. In doing so, we are able to strongly
differentiate our offering from that of the competition, and it
also helps to underpin strong customer relationships. While the
majority of our sales are direct, through our sales teams, we also
sell through channel partners. These indirect sales have the
potential to be a major profit driver for the Group and remain a
key focus for future growth.
Over the year, our reinvigorated model has supported good sales
and margin growth. The change in our market approach for our
Enterprise-related product, 'K3 I fashion' (our own IP add-on to a
Microsoft ERP product that we previously sold as 'ax I is Fashion')
- shifting more towards channel partner sales - is working well,
and some major new wins were secured during the year through System
Integrators ("SI"). We have also established a new "sell with"
relationship with Microsoft, which has resulted in some good new
customer wins, helped by a more confident outlook in international
markets.
Our revenue percentage from non-UK markets is now 44.0% compared
to 32.5% in the 17 months to 30 November 2017. This has been
largely driven by the growth in sales from both our channel partner
network and from our Global Accounts unit.
During the year we completed and launched the 'K3 I Imagine'
platform, a class-leading, cloud native product, which offers
customers a scalable platform and easy-to-integrate point
solutions. These point solutions include simple apps such as our
mobilePOS solution, as well as more complex solutions such as
kiosks. We also intend to provide customers with access to the 'K3
I Imagine' platform itself for their own bespoke apps. All these
propositions are provided to customers on a Software-as-a-Service
("SaaS") basis i.e. on a consumption model.
An important selling point for the 'K3 I Imagine' platform and
our point solutions is that they can be easily and quickly
integrated into any existing IT infrastructure. Customers therefore
do not need to replace core systems, unlike traditional solutions.
As a result, the whole offering enables customers to adopt
innovative solutions and applications rapidly and flexibly. It also
provides them with a faster return-on-investment and extends the
life of their previous IT investments. We plan to develop new
applications for 'K3 I imagine', working in conjunction with
customers, and will be using proven routes to markets to develop
sales in new geographies.
As previously announced, we created a single, Group-level IP
unit that is responsible for software development and own IP
management. This measure has improved resource utilisation and
allows for a more commercially-focused approach, increasing the
linkage between our 'build' and 'sell' teams.
Following the completion of the review into the Group's
resources at the beginning of the financial year, we announced that
we would be combining our Microsoft Dynamics businesses (AX, NAV
and CRM) into a single practice to enhance our customer service
capability. We are pleased to report that this was successfully
concluded during the year. Together the restructuring and
efficiency programmes are enabling us to convert earnings more
efficiently into cash. At the same time, we are also investing in
growth areas notably in our own IP and internationally.
During the year, we also opened an office in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, to support our continuing growth in the Far East,
especially at our Global Accounts operation.
Financial Results
It should be noted that all comparative figures for 2017 refer
to the 17-month period to 30 November 2017.
K3 generated an adjusted profit from operations(*1) of GBP4.6m
(2017: adjusted loss from operations(*1) of GBP1.6m), a GBP6.2m
turnaround. We incurred charges relating to our Microsoft Dynamics
combination programme, including exceptional reorganisation costs
of GBP1.4m (2017: GBP4.7m). After adjusting for these exceptional
costs, and for amortisation of intangibles of GBP2.5m and
share-based payment charge of GBP0.1m, the profit from operations
was GBP0.7m (2017: loss from operations of GBP14.8m - with
exceptional costs at GBP4.7m, amortisation of intangibles at
GBP3.9m, and share-based payment charge at nil).The Board considers
it useful to include the share-based payment charge separately
because the amount can fluctuate significantly. The share-based
payment charge related to the share options granted during the year
to 30 November 2018.
Adjusted earnings per share(*3) was 6.8p (2017: adjusted loss
per share(*3) of 3.0p as restated), and the basic loss per share
reduced to 1.1p (2017: loss per share of 35.3p).
The Group's gross margin percentage increased, reflecting the
increased focus of selling our IP, which carries a higher gross
margin, as well as better resource utilisation and chargeability in
Services. This will remain a focus for the Group over the new
financial year.
The major factors influencing the outcome for the period are
discussed in the Operational Review.
Balance Sheet and Cash Generation
The Group's working capital continues to improve and has helped
to drive strong cash generation together with the improvement in
adjusted profit from operations(*1) . At the financial year end,
net debt stood at GBP0.6m, which is a GBP3.7m improvement from the
same point in 2017 (30 November 2017: net debt of GBP4.3m).
The Group is currently close to finalising an expected extension
of its current banking facilities, which expire in October 2019, to
March 2021.
Dividend
The Board is pleased to propose an increased final (and total)
dividend for the financial year of 1.54p per share (2017: 1.4p),
which will become payable, subject to shareholder approval, on the
14 June 2019 to all shareholders on the register on 17 May
2019.
K3's Annual General Meeting will be held on 22 May 2019 at
10.30am at the offices of finnCap Limited, 60 New Broad Street,
London, EC2M 1JJ.
Staff
We would like to thank our employees for their dedication and
efforts over the financial year. The Company's move into
profitability has been supported by their ability and talent, and
we look forward to building on the momentum that is now back in the
business.
Brexit
The Board has assessed the risk from Brexit and currently does
not believe that Brexit, including a 'no-deal' Brexit, will have a
material impact on the Group. This view reflects the 'in-country'
nature of software implementations and the fact that software
deployment does not have physical logistics challenges. However, we
are mindful of the potential impact it may have on economic
activity in general and on our UK based customers, in particular
potentially lengthening decision-making processes. However much of
the Group's growth is focused on international markets. The Group's
consolidated reported earnings, which are denominated in sterling,
would be impacted by any changes in revaluation of non-sterling
earnings caused by currency movements.
Outlook
The benefits of the extensive changes we have made to the
business over the past two years are now increasingly showing
through in our results.
Looking forward over the next financial year, the Group is in a
significantly better position to increase profitability and to
grow. Sales of products based on our own IP, particularly 'K3 I
Imagine', have the potential to be a material driver of margins and
recurring income. Since the year end, we have launched a number of
'K3 I Imagine' modules, including a warehouse management product,
and early sales of these new applications have been encouraging,
with uptake in Asia, Scandinavia and the UK. We have also
consolidated sales and marketing into a global team and are in the
process of strengthening our sales capability. We will continue to
look for internal efficiencies and to realign resource to focus on
growth opportunities. The pipeline of deals for 'K3 | fashion' is
promising, with some large deals expected.
In addition, the Group is now generating stronger cash flows and
its recurring income, which accounts for nearly half total
revenues, provides a solid financial underpinning.
As we have highlighted before, K3's revenue profile is changing,
reflecting the shift towards 'consumption-based' models, away from
'on-premise' solutions. The effect of this shift is a flattening of
the Group's growth profile since revenues are spread over a longer
term, rather than paid upfront under the traditional model, and we
expect this trend to accelerate.
Trading since end of the financial year has been encouraging and
we continue to view prospects positively notwithstanding any
further Brexit-related uncertainties. We expect to see the
traditional seasonality between the two halves of the financial
year, with earnings and cash flows being stronger in the second
half than the first half. The difference is principally being due
to the timing of a large proportion of software licence and
maintenance contract renewals.
S Darling
Chairman
Notes:
(*1) Group adjusted profit from operations is calculated before
amortisation of acquired intangibles of GBP2.51m (2017: GBP3.93m),
exceptional reorganisation costs of GBP1.36m (2017: GBP4.73m),
exceptional impairment of development costs of GBPnil (2017:
GBP4.54m), acquisition costs of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.31m),
share-based payment charge of GBP0.10m (2017: GBPnil) and
release of contingent consideration of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.39m).
(*2) Group adjusted profit before tax is calculated before amortisation
of acquired intangibles of GBP2.51m (2017: GBP3.93m), exceptional
reorganisation costs of GBP1.36m (2017: GBP4.73m), exceptional
impairment of development costs of GBPnil (2017: GBP4.54m),
acquisition costs of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.31m), share-based
payment charge of GBP0.10m (2017: GBPnil) and release of
contingent consideration of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.39m).
(*3) Group adjusted earnings/(loss) per share is calculated before
amortisation of acquired intangibles (net of tax) of GBP1.95m
(2017: GBP3.04m), exceptional reorganisation costs (net of
tax) of GBP1.36m (2017: GBP4.73m), exceptional impairment
of development costs (net of tax) GBPnil (2017: GBP4.54m),
acquisition costs (net of tax) of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.31m),
share-based payment charge (net of tax) of GBP0.10m (2017:
GBPnil) and release of contingent consideration (net of tax)
of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.39m). The adjusted EPS/(LPS) for the
17 months ended 30 November 2017 has been amended to reflect
that there was no tax charge or credit recognised in the
period on either the exceptional reorganisation costs or
on the exceptional impairment charge. The calculation has
been amended to reflect the actual tax charge or credit directly
allocable rather than on an effective tax rate as previously
determined as the directors consider this to be a fairer
representation.
Note: The comparatives for 2017 are for a 17-month period
to 30 November 2017
Operational Review
Our segmental reporting reflects our objective to focus on
driving own IP sales.
It should be noted that the comparative figures for 2017 cover a
17-month period to 30 November 2017
Revenue Gross profit Adjusted Profit
2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
17 months 17 months 17 months
------------------------- ------- ----------- ----- ----------- ------ -----------
GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm GBPm
Own IP*(*4) 17.5 23.4 12.9 15.0 4.2 0.9
Supply Chain Solutions
& Managed Services(*5) 65.8 94.8 31.0 46.0 6.5 4.7
Support costs(*6) (6.1) (7.2)
------------------------- ------- ----------- ----- ----------- ------ -----------
Total 83.3 118.2 43.9 61.0 4.6 (1.6)
------------------------- ------- ----------- ----- ----------- ------ -----------
2018 2017
17 months
------- -----------
Gross margin 52.7% 51.6%
------------------------- ------- -----------
Recurring revenue:
as a percentage
of total revenue 48.3% 48.7%
------------------------- ------- -----------
Own IP revenues:
as a percentage
of total revenue 21.0% 19.8%
------------------------- ------- -----------
Own IP gross profit:
as a percentage
of total gross
profit 29.3% 24.6%
------------------------- ------- -----------
Definitions:
*Own IP revenues includes initial and annual software licences
and those additional revenues which flow directly
from K3 IP.
Recurring comprises software maintenance renewals, support
revenue contracts, and hosting & managed services.
The Group generated revenue of GBP83.3m for the year. This can
be compared to unaudited revenue of GBP82.7m for the 12-month
period to 30 November 2017, and shows an 0.8% increase.
Recurring revenue accounted for 48.3% of the Group's total
revenue for the year (17 months to 30 November 2017: 48.7% - which
benefited from two cycles of SYSPRO licence and support
renewals).
Own IP revenue of GBP17.5m made up 21.0% of total revenues (17
months to 30 November 2017: 19.8%), which is very encouraging.
Gross profit for the year was GBP43.9m and an unaudited
equivalent comparison would show a 5.5% increase year-on-year. The
impact of own IP sales on gross profit is very pronounced, with own
IP gross profit making up 29.3% of the Group's gross profit (17
months to 30 November 2017: 24.6%).
In addition, the Group has a very high proportion of 'low risk'
gross profit, which is derives from recurring revenue, long-term
contracted services and account management revenue. Circa 80% of
gross profit is generated from these sources.
The Group has moved from an adjusted loss from operations(*2) of
GBP1.6m for the 17 months to 30 November 2017 to an adjusted profit
from operations(*2) of GBP4.6m for the 12 months to 30 November
2018. This excellent result was driven by the increase in sales of
own IP, especially 'K3|fashion', together with services growth and
margin expansion in Supply Chain Solutions.
Supply Chain Solutions and Managed Services
K3's business solutions and managed services are tailored to the
requirement of the supply chain industry, including retailers,
manufacturers and distributors. The Group's core offering is based
on Microsoft, SYSPRO and Sage solutions.
Revenue (GBPm) Gross profit Gross margin
(GBPm)
2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
17 month 17 month 17 month
period
period period
--------------------- ------ ----------- --- ----- ---------- --- ------------- ----------
Software licences 5.3 10.4 2.7 5.6 50.7% 54.0%
Services * 27.4 34.7 7.3 8.8 26.8% 25.3%
Recurring ** 31.4 45.4 20.5 30.5 65.0% 67.0%
Hardware and
other 1.7 4.3 0.5 1.1 31.1% 26.7%
--------------------- ------ ----------- --- ----- ---------- --- ------------- ----------
Total 65.8 94.8 31.0 46.0 47.1% 48.4%
--------------------- ------ ----------- --- ----- ---------- --- ------------- ----------
* Services revenue comprises installation, integration and
software development services.
** Recurring revenue comprises software maintenance renewals,
support contracts, and hosting & managed services.
2018 2017
Adjusted profit from operations(*4)
(GBPm) 6.5 4.7
Recurring revenue as % of total
revenues 47.8% 47.9%
Customer adds (like-for-like) 82 87
Supply Chain Solutions & Managed Services' revenue for the
year was GBP65.8m (17 months to 30 November 2017: GBP94.8m), with
gross margin at 47.1% (17 months to 30 November 2017: 48.4 %).
Recurring revenues made up 47.8% of total revenues. Gross margin
was 47.1% and shows a decrease on the 17-month period to 30
November 2017, because 2017 benefited from two cycles of SYSPRO
renewals, which has higher associated margin. Services gross
margins benefited from better utilisation following the integration
of the Dynamics practices and Global Accounts growth. The Microsoft
Dynamics integration resulted in the operational and legal merger
of our three Dynamics practices and resulted in some exceptional
costs. Software margins reduced due to a higher proportion of
resale software being from lower margin vendors.
Our Global Accounts business, which includes our relationship
with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. (the owner and franchisor of the IKEA
concept) and the Inter IKEA Concept franchisees, performed very
strongly. Growth is coming from the expansion of franchisee stores,
new franchisees being appointed, as well as penetration of own IP
into franchisees. Over the last two years, we have doubled the
headcount within Global Accounts, and in Spring 2018, we opened an
office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to better service growth from the
Far Eastern franchisee. We will continue to add resource as
required. During the year, we delivered the first franchisee roll
out of the IKEA CRM platform. We have also started to sell our
Dataswitch product to the Global Accounts customer base and, after
the year end, we delivered the first 'K3 I Imagine' warehouse
solution, Mobile Goods Flow in Asia.
The SYSPRO business continues to generate strong cash flows and
delivered good results. Customer renewals of software licences
remained high at 98% (2017: 98%). Both the Sage and Managed Service
& Hosting practices continued to improve and generated good
profits. As mentioned above, we combined the Microsoft Dynamics
units (AX, NAV, CRM) into one practice, benefiting Services gross
margins.
Within the Microsoft Dynamics space, we are experiencing a
gear-shift in how technology is being delivered, with the model
changing from 'on-premise' technology to cloud-based delivery and
the associated move to the consumption/subscription pricing model,
away from large up-front software licence payments. However, we
believe the benefit for K3 will be cloud-based solutions becoming
more standardised and thus creating additional opportunities for
our products, including 'K3 I fashion' and 'K3 I Pebblestone'.
There is also less complexity to implementations, so reducing risk.
The move towards cloud-based consumption licensing has positive
long-term implications for the Group. The lifetime value of
customer relationships under this new model has the potential to be
significantly higher compared to the traditional model of perpetual
software licences (which are typically paid upfront at the start of
a relationship). The shift will affect the Group's rate of reported
revenue growth though, since income from cloud/consumption-based
contracts is recognised over longer periods. We also report
consumption-based income as recurring revenue (as opposed to
software revenue under the perpetual software licence model).
Own IP
K3's IP is used in two ways:
-- it is embedded into third party solutions to add extra functionality
and produce a richer overall solution for K3's target markets;
and
-- sold in solely-authored stand-alone solutions.
For instance, 'K3 I fashion' and 'K3 I Pebblestone' are two
products that are based on Microsoft Dynamics, while 'Dataswitch',
'DdD' and 'K3 I Imagine' have been solely authored by K3 and are
sold as discrete solutions. K3's strategy is to increase the
proportion of own IP sales.
Revenue (GBPm) Gross profit Gross margin
(GBPm)
2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
17 months 17 months 17 months
------------------- --------------- ----------- --- ----- ----------- --- ------ -----------
Software licences 4.3 2.9 4.0 2.6 94.4% 88.4%
Services* 1.6 3.4 0.7 1.3 44.9% 38.2%
Recurring ** 8.8 12.1 7.1 9.2 79.8% 76.0%
Hardware and
other 2.8 5.0 1.1 1.9 38.2% 38.4%
------------------- --------------- ----------- --- ----- ----------- --- ------ -----------
Total 17.5 23.4 12.9 15.0 73.6% 64.1%
------------------- --------------- ----------- --- ----- ----------- --- ------ -----------
* Services revenue comprises installation, integration and
software development services.
** Recurring revenue comprises software maintenance renewals,
support contracts, and hosting & managed services.
2018 2017
17 months
Adjusted profit from operations(*5)
(GBPm) 4.2 0.9
Recurring revenue as % of total
revenues 50.6% 52.0%
Customer adds (like-for-like) 280 340
Total revenue from own IP over the year amounted to GBP17.5m (17
months to 30 November 2017: GBP23.4m), with gross margins at 73.6%
(17 months to 30 November 2017: 64.1%). Recurring revenues gross
margin was 79.8% in 2018, up from 76.0% in 2017. Gross profit was
GBP12.9m (17 months to 30 November 2017: GBP15.0m) up 22% on a
pro-rata basis.
As a share of gross profit, software licences accounted for
31.0% (17 months to 30 November 2017: 17.3%), driven by the strong
sales of 'K3 I fashion' through channel partners and SI's, where K3
does not take on the implementation process.
Sales of 'K3 I fashion' recovered markedly in the year. We
closed 11 deals in 2018 compared to 7 deals in the 17-month period
to November 2017, a pro-rata increase of 220%. Average deal size
also increased. In addition, existing customers of 'K3 I fashion'
also increased the number of their licences of the product. Channel
partner sales were especially strong and we were pleased to see
four deals won in the North American market. Major new customer
wins included SanMar, a leading US-based supplier of apparel and
accessories, Columbia Sportswear, the US-based manufacturer and
distributor of outdoor apparel and products, and Oberalp, the
European sports clothing and equipment manufacturer and retailer.
The strong upturn in deals reflects a number of factors including
increasing acceptance of the cloud-based Dynamics 365, our "sell
with" relationship with Microsoft, a reinvigorated K3 sales force
and IP team. The standardised evergreen nature of Dynamics 365 with
continuous updates also means that customers are seeking IP
solutions such as 'K3 I fashion' instead of updating bespoke
work.
Sales of 'K3 I Pebblestone', our leading business software for
the mid-market fashion industry, which we also sell through channel
partners, continued to be strong, as in the prior year.
Dataswitch, which is K3's integration suite saw its first full
year of trading as a stand-alone product and it generated good
sales in line with our expectations. Dataswitch technology also
forms the integration layer of our 'K3 I Imagine' suite, linking it
to any IT infrastructure.
DdD, which was acquired in 2016, performed well. The DdD product
offering has been migrated to our 'K3 I Imagine' mPOS point
solution and we are excited about new geographic opportunities for
sales expansion.
The development and formal launch this year of the 'K3 I
Imagine' platform and modules have been an important step for us.
The platform enables us to integrate leading-edge 'module'
solutions into any existing IT infrastructure swiftly and
cost-effectively. It therefore enables us to bring product
innovation and the full power of the cloud to customers in a
commercially and operationally attractive way. Our first suite of
modules for Imagine are based around our retail offerings, and
Imagine mPOS is currently being rolled out in mainland Europe. We
plan to expand our portfolio of Imagine solutions so that they are
relevant across the supply chain sector. Our offering will range
from simple apps to more complex solutions, such as kiosks, and in
a further innovation will enable customers to access the Imagine
platform for their own bespoke apps. We are working on a number of
exciting 'K3 I Imagine' projects and implementations with new and
existing customers, and view prospects for the platform and modules
very positively.
Support Costs
Support costs include PLC-related costs, director costs, human
resources, internal IT, accounting and legal personnel, as well as
Group marketing costs. Costs are stated net of recovery of elements
recharged to operating units. Support costs(*6) for the 12-month
period amounted to GBP6.0m (17 months to 30 November 2017:
GBP7.3m).
Outlook
We are encouraged by the progress the Group has made, in
particular by own IP business units and by the volume and quality
of recent new deals for 'K3 I fashion'. We believe that 'K3 I
Imagine' has very strong growth potential and have a clear strategy
to expand and drive its growth, both with new and existing
customers.
We remain focused on improving the Group's performance and in
particular driving own IP revenues, and are confident of continuing
progress.
Adalsteinn Valdimarsson
Chief Executive Officer
Notes
(*4) Supply Chain Solutions & Managed Services adjusted profit
from operations is calculated before amortisation of acquired
intangibles of GBP1.53m (2017: GBP2.10m), exceptional reorganisation
costs of GBP1.06m (2017: GBP2.93m), and exceptional impairment
of development costs of GBPnil (2017: GBP2.95m).
(*5) Own IP adjusted profit from operations is calculated before
amortisation of acquired intangibles of GBP0.98m (2017:
GBP1.83m), exceptional reorganisation costs of GBP0.25m
(2017: GBP0.25m), exceptional impairment of development
costs of GBPnil (2017: GBP1.59m), and release of contingent
consideration of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.39m).
(*6) Support costs are calculated before exceptional reorganisation
costs of GBP0.09m (2017: GBP1.56m), acquisition costs of
GBPnil (2017: GBP0.31m) and share-based payment charge of
GBP0.10m (2017: GBPnil).
Note: The comparatives for 2017 are for the 17 months ended
30 November 2017.
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
For the year ended 30 November 2018
Notes Year 17 months
ended 30 November ended 30
2018 November
2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Revenue 83,335 118,176
Cost of sales (39,446) (57,197)
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------------- ----------
Gross profit 43,889 60,979
Administrative expenses (43,205) (75,762)
Adjusted profit/(loss) from operations 4,649 (1,666)
Amortisation of acquired intangibles (2,507) (3,930)
Acquisition costs 1 - (308)
Exceptional reorganisation costs 1 (1,355) (4,731)
Exceptional impairment charge 1 - (4,541)
Share-based payment charge 1 (103) -
Release of contingent consideration 1 - 393
Profit/(loss) from operations 684 (14,783)
Finance expense (667) (1,360)
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------------- ----------
Profit/(loss) before taxation 17 (16,143)
Tax (expense)/credit 2 (505) 2,773
Loss for the year/period (488) (13,370)
---------------------------------------- ------ ------------------- ----------
All of the profit for the period is attributable to equity shareholders
of the parent.
(Loss)/earnings per share
Basic 3 (1.1)p (35.3)p
Diluted 3 (1.1)p (35.3)p
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the year ended 30 November 2018
Year 17 months
ended 30 November ended 30
2018 November
2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Loss for the year (488) (13,370)
-------------------------------------- ------------------- ----------
Other comprehensive income
Exchange differences on translation
of foreign operations 300 1,110
-------------------------------------- ------------------- ----------
Other comprehensive income 300 1,110
-------------------------------------- ------------------- ----------
Total comprehensive expense for the
year/period (188) (12,260)
-------------------------------------- ------------------- ----------
All of the total comprehensive expense is attributable to equity
holders of the parent. All of the other comprehensive income will
be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss when specific conditions
are met. None of the items within other comprehensive (expense)/income
had a tax impact.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 30 November 2018
Notes 2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 2,326 2,479
Goodwill 51,187 51,019
Other intangible assets 18,184 20,539
Deferred tax assets 1,307 1,281
Available-for-sale investments 98 98
Total non-current assets 73,102 75,416
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
Current assets
Trade and other receivables 27,006 30,429
Cash and cash equivalents 6,914 1,941
Total current assets 33,920 32,370
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
Total assets 107,022 107,786
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Long-term borrowings 4 15 6,170
Deferred tax liabilities 1,814 2,524
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
Total non-current liabilities 1,829 8,694
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 5 28,428 29,249
Current tax liabilities 279 127
Short-term borrowings 4 7,517 59
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
Total current liabilities 36,224 29,435
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
Total liabilities 38,053 38,129
EQUITY
Share capital 10,737 10,737
Share premium account 28,897 28,897
Other reserves 10,448 10,448
Translation reserve 2,486 2,186
Retained earnings 16,401 17,389
Total equity attributable to equity
holders of the parent 68,969 69,657
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
Total equity and liabilities 107,022 107,786
------------------------------------- ------ -------- --------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS
For the year ended 30 November 2018
Notes Year ended 17 months
30 November ended 30
2018 November
2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Loss for the period (488) (13,370)
Adjustments for:
Share-based payments charge 103 67
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 885 1,373
Amortisation and impairment of intangible
assets and development expenditure 5,091 13,481
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 22 -
Finance expense 667 1,360
Tax expense/(credit) 505 (2,773)
Decrease in trade and other receivables 2,697 10,022
Decrease in trade and other payables (853) (4,206)
----------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- -----------
Cash from operations 6 8,629 5,954
Finance expense paid (662) (1,237)
Income taxes (paid)/received (151) 356
----------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- -----------
Net cash generated from operating activities 7,816 5,073
----------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash
acquired - (989)
Development expenditure capitalised (2,627) (6,158)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (748) (1,307)
Net cash used in investing activities (3,375) (8,454)
----------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issue of share capital - 8,408
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 1,204 5,715
Payment of long-term borrowings - (10,885)
Payment of finance lease liabilities (58) (77)
Dividends paid (601) (630)
----------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- -----------
Net cash from financing activities 545 2,531
----------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- -----------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 4,986 (850)
Cash and cash equivalents at start of
period 1,941 2,772
Exchange gains (losses) on cash and cash
equivalents (13) 19
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 6,914 1,941
----------------------------------------------- ------- ------------- -----------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
For the year ended 30 November 2018
Share Share Other Translation Retained Total
capital premium reserve reserve earnings equity
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
At 30 June
2016 9,000 21,586 10,448 (1,997) 27,633 53,495
--------------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
Changes in
equity
for period
ended
30 November
2017
Loss for the
period - - - - (13,370) (13,370)
Other
comprehensive
income for
the
year - - - 1,110 - 1,110
--------------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
Total
comprehensive
income - - - 1,110 (13,370) (12,260)
Share-based
payment
credit - - - - 67 67
Warrants
exercised 175 488 - - - 663
Conversion of
shareholder
loan to
equity 114 526 - - - 640
Issue of new
shares 1,448 6,297 - - - 7,745
Movement in
own shares
held - - - - 22 22
Dividends to
equity
holders - - - - (630) (630)
--------------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
At 30 November
2017 10,737 28,897 10,448 2,186 17,389 69,657
--------------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
Changes in
equity
for year ended
30 November
2018
Loss for the
period - - - - (488) (488)
Other
comprehensive
income for
the
period - - - 300 - 300
--------------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
Total
comprehensive
income - - - 300 (488) (188)
Share-based
payment
credit - - - - 103 103
Movement in
own shares
held - - - - (2) (2)
Dividends to
equity
holders - - - (601) (601)
--------------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
At 30 November
2018 10,737 28,897 10,448 2,486 16,401 68,969
--------------- --------- --------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------
NOTES
1. Profit/(loss) from operations and exceptional costs
During the year, the Group carried out a programme to combine its
UK Microsoft Dynamics businesses in addition to continuing the
programme commenced during the previous period, and incurred reorganisation
costs, predominantly redundancy costs, of GBP1.36m. During the
previous period, the Group implemented a programme to simplify
and more closely integrate the Group's operations. In order to
achieve this, significant changes were made which resulted in exceptional
reorganisation costs of GBP4.73m, of which the vast majority were
redundancy costs. Also during the prior period, following a review
of development costs, the costs relating to certain products that
are no longer core to the Group's strategy were written down to
GBPnil at a cost of GBP4.54m. This impairment charge had no cash
impact. Also during the prior period, the Group incurred costs
in relation to acquiring new businesses of GBP0.31m and contingent
consideration not required to be paid of GBP0.39m. During the year
the Group granted share options for which the charge for the year
was GBP0.10m.
2. Tax expense Year 17 months
ended 30 ended 30
November November
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Current tax expense/(credit)
UK corporation tax on profits/(losses)
for the period - (508)
Income tax of overseas operations for
the period 472 120
Adjustment in respect of prior periods 745 (176)
---------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Total current tax expense/(credit) 1,217 (564)
---------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Deferred tax income
Origination and reversal of temporary
differences (629) (2,046)
Effect of change in rate of deferred
tax (83) (163)
---------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Total deferred tax income (712) (2,209)
---------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Total tax expense/(credit) in current
period 505 (2,773)
---------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
3. (Loss)/earnings per share
The calculations of (loss)/earnings per share are based on the
profit/(loss) for the year and the following numbers of shares: 2018 2017
Number of Number
shares of shares
Denominator
Weighted average number of shares
used in basic EPS 42,871,000 37,893,951
Effects of:
Employee share options and warrants - -
Weighted average number of shares
used in diluted EPS 42,871,000 37,893,951
----------- -----------
Certain employee options and warrants have not been included in
the calculation of diluted EPS because their exercise is contingent
on the satisfaction of certain criteria that had not been met at
the end of the period.
The alternative earnings per share calculations have been computed
because the directors consider that they are useful to shareholders
and investors. These are based on the following profits/(losses)
and the above number of shares.
3. (Loss)/earnings per share (continued)
Year ended 17 months ended
30 November 2018 30 November 2017 (restated)
Earnings Per Per Earnings Per Per share
share share share amount
amount amount amount Diluted
Basic Diluted Basic
GBP000 p p GBP000 p p
Numerator
Loss per share (488) (1.1) (1.1) (13,370) (35.3) (35.3)
Add back:
Amortisation
of acquired intangibles
(net of tax recognised) 1,952 4.6 4.6 3,037 8.0 8.0
Acquisition costs
(net of tax recognised) - - - 308 0.8 0.8
Exceptional
reorganisation
costs (net of
tax recognised) 1,355 3.2 3.2 4,731 12.5 12.5
Exceptional impairment
charge (net of
tax recognised) - - - 4,541 12.0 12.0
Share-based payment
charge (net of
tax recognised) 103 0.1 0.1 - - -
Release of contingent
consideration
(net of tax recognised) - - - (393) (1.0) (1.0)
Adjusted EPS/(LPS) 2,922 6.8 6.8 (1,146) (3.0) (3.0)
--------- ------- --------- --------- ------- ----------
The adjusted EPS/(LPS) for the 17 months ended 30 November 2017
has been amended to reflect that there was no tax charge or credit
recognised in the period on either the exceptional reorganisation
costs or on the exceptional impairment charge. The calculation
has been amended to reflect the actual tax charge or credit directly
allocable rather than on an effective tax rate as previously determined
as the directors consider this to be a fairer representation.
4. Loans and borrowings 2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Non-current
Bank loans (secured) - 6,124
Finance lease creditors 15 46
15 6,170
-------- --------
Current
Bank loans (secured) 7,485 -
Finance lease creditors 32 59
7,517 59
-------- --------
Total borrowings 7,532 6,229
-------- --------
The Group is currently close to finalising an expected extension
of its current banking facilities, which expire in October 2019,
to March 2021.
5. Trade and other payables - current 2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Trade payables 5,163 4,739
Other payables 903 594
Accruals 6,945 8,818
-------- --------
Total financial liabilities, excluding
loans and borrowings, classified
as financial liabilities measured
at amortised cost 13,011 14,151
Other tax and social security taxes 4,897 3,961
Deferred revenue 10,520 11,137
28,428 29,249
-------- --------
6. Notes to the cash flow statement
Cash flows from operations include acquisition costs and exceptional
reorganisation costs arising as a result of acquisitions during
the period. The adjusted cash generated from operations has been
computed because the Directors consider it more useful to shareholders
and investors in assessing the underlying operating cash flow of
the Group. The adjusted cash generated from operations is calculated
as follows: Year 17 months
ended 30 ended 30
November November
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
Cash generated from operating activities 8,629 5,954
Add:
Exceptional reorganisation costs 1,355 4,731
Acquisition costs - 308
Release of contingent consideration - (393)
Adjusted cash generated from operations 9,984 10,600
---------- ----------
Acquisition of subsidiaries and other business units, net of cash
acquired comprises:
Year 17 months
ended 30 ended 30
November November
2018 2017
GBP000 GBP000
Initial consideration - (1,506)
Cash balances acquired - 324
Contingent consideration repaid
from/(paid into) escrow - 393
Contingent and deferred consideration - (200)
----------- ----------
- (989)
--------------------------------------------------- ----------
7. The Board recommends the payment of a dividend of 1.54p per
share (17 month period ended 30 November 2017: 1.4p) payable on
14 June 2019 to shareholders on the register on 17 May 2019.
8. The financial information set out above does not comprise the
Company's statutory accounts. The Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the 17-month period ended 30 November 2017 have been filed
with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditors' Report
on the Annual Report and Financial Statement for 17-month period
ended 30 November 2017 was unqualified, did not draw attention
to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement
under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
9. The Independent Auditors' Report on the Annual Report and Financial
Statement for the year ended 30 November 2018 was unqualified,
did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did
not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies
Act 2006. These will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies
following the annual general meeting.
10. The Group's full statutory financial statements for 30 November
2018 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRSs and IFRIC interpretations) as endorsed
by the European Union ("endorsed IFRS") and with those parts of
the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies preparing their
accounts under endorsed IFRS. Neither IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts
with Customers" nor IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" has been implemented
during the year as the mandatory implementation date for the Group
is 1 December 2018. The initial impact assessment on both accounting
standards is that they will not have a material impact on the financial
statements.
11. This preliminary announcement was approved by the Board of
Directors on 18 March 2019.
12. The full financial statements will be posted to shareholders
on or around 17 April 2019. Further copies will also be available
on its website (www.k3btg.com) and from the Company's registered
office at Baltimore House, 50 Kansas Avenue, Manchester, M50 2GL
from that date.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
FR CKCDBABKKNND
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