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Novabase SGPS

Earnings Release Jul 29, 2021

1943_iss_2021-07-29_219baa8d-5328-442c-926a-98cc44a02178.pdf

Earnings Release

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Relevant information

Results 6M21

Lisboa, 29 July 2021

Novabase – Sociedade Gestora de Participações Sociais, S.A., under the terms and for the purposes of article 17 of Regulation (EU) no. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and article 248-A of the Portuguese Securities Code, discloses today to the market the results regarding the first six months 2021, whose essential features are included in the presentation attached.

In addition, it is further informed that a webcast on these results will be held today, at 5 pm Lisbon time (GMT+1). More information about registration can be found at www.novabase.com.

Privileged Information

NEXT-GEN IT SERVICES COMPANY

Disclaimer

  • This presentation includes sector and forward-looking statements involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual data to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. The risks and uncertainties, which have increased as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, relate to factors that are beyond Novabase' ability to control or estimate precisely, and include but are not limited to, general economic conditions, actions taken by governmental authorities to address Covid-19 effects and their impacts over the economy, credit markets, among others.
  • Statements in this release relate only to this presentation date. Except when required by law or specific regulation, Novabase assumes no obligation to update the information or to notify in the event that any matter stated herein changes or becomes inaccurate. Thus, neither Novabase, nor any of its subsidiaries, its administrators, members of the other corporate bodies or employees, make any declaration or commitment on the accuracy or completeness of the information and do not assume, therefore, any type of obligation or responsibility.
  • Financial reporting terms used in this Report are mostly in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) but will include certain non-IFRS financial measures of our performance (APMs). APMs used by Novabase are intended to provide additional information, more comprehensive and relevant to users, and are applied consistently in all periods reflected in this release. Reconciliation of each of these APMs to its most directly comparable IFRS financial measure can be found in the end of this Report. All amounts in this presentation are expressed in million Euros, except otherwise stated.

This presentation is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a document for the offer of securities, and its distribution or use by any person or entity is forbidden without prior authorization from Novabase.

6M21 Outlook

Chairman and CEO

Message from Luís Paulo Salvado

"Novabase's businesses had a strong performance in the semester, confirming the trends of the last quarter.

Next-Gen grew 11% overall and a remarkable 16% in our target geographies - Europe and Middle East - rising the nondomestic business to almost 2/3 of its Turnover. These results show that our competencies and offerings in the Digital and Cognitive areas have an excellent acceptance in the most competitive markets.

Value Portfolio continued its recovery trend, growing for the 2nd consecutive quarter, but not yet reaching the 1H2020 figures.

Consolidated profitability also improved: EBITDA rose 15% and Net Profit from continuing operations soared 75%.

We also face numerous challenges. The pandemic situation, which continues to drag on and cause great uncertainty, has slowed down our M&A initiative and the acquisition of new leading international clients. The increasingly fierce competition for talent is also very challenging, even though we managed to increase Next-Gen's headcount by 14% YoY.

Although cautious about the uncertain context, we trust the strategic direction we have set and our teams to execute it successfully."

6M21 in Review

Next-Gen started the year with great momentum…

… and is on a strong operational course. Current portfolio is performing well, benefitting from a focus on resilient sectors and larger-sized customers.

While M&A initiatives are delayed, Next-Gen is making good progress with the Transformation and continues to thrive in its organic growth strategy.

Value Portfolio's improved its performance for the 2nd consecutive quarter…

… as a promising sign that indicates 2021 can be a year of recovery after the pandemic impacts (mainly in the Spanish market).

As global economies continue to open, Value Portfolio is well positioned for continued growth and to generate further value to fund Next-Gen strategy.

Novabase in the News (1)

  • Novabase has a new brand architecture || www.novabase.com.
  • Celfocus with eyes set on talent || Celfocus engaged in multiple initiatives, e.g. SINFO tech conference and SET - Business and Technology Week, with one goal: having the best by its side.
  • Neotalent's New Digital Talent Ecosystem || A R&D project using AI and blockchain, in partnership with ISCTE and Instituto Pedro Nunes, that is intended to transform the talent market.
  • Trust – before and after Covid (2) || Novabase Chairman Luís Paulo Salvado's opinion article on the findings of the Edelman Trust Barometer, one of the world's most important reports.
  • Novabase once again at PWIT || Novabase is one of the sponsors of Portuguese Women in Tech and has two of its coworkers among the finalists.
  • Innovative talent || The Human Resources Portugal magazine distinguished Novabase as the most innovative company in managing people for the 3rd year in a row.
  • Bankinter's Digital Home Loans by Celfocus || Celfocus was chosen to deploy a pioneer digital home loan solution.
  • Santander Portugal chooses Celfocus eSign solution || The solution will be used in all processes of collecting digital signatures from the bank's applications.
  • New governing bodies for the 2021/2023 triennium || Luís Paulo Salvado and Álvaro Ferreira were nominated as directors with delegated powers, and María Gil Marín, as director with special responsibilities.
  • 6 ▪ PWN Lisbon partnered with Novabase || With the aim at promoting female talent and increase its representation in the areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

(1) Until this presentation date.

(2) Executive Digest magazine no. 178 of January 2021.

Covid-19

In compliance with ESMA guidelines

Update on impacts

2021 began under a wave of new infections by Covid-19. Portugal witnessed the worsening of the pandemic crisis at the beginning of the year, with a new general confinement imposed and intermittent lockdowns in Europe, but from the middle of the 2nd quarter, the pandemic situation started to improve.

The Group's Pandemic Task Force continued to support the operations, while taking all necessary health measures to protect the entire community. The analysis of the evolution of the outbreak is constant and implementation of new measures is / will be carried out whenever necessary.

There was no material impact on the direct operating conditions during 6M21, since our teams have been working remotely since the beginning of the pandemic. Our Nearshore Agile Delivery Model enabled customer operations to continue seamlessly and smoothly.

In terms of financial impacts, no relevant negative Covid-19 effects were observed. On the contrary, Next-Gen started the year with

great momentum and the IT Staffing Business abroad, on the Value Portfolio segment, which had experienced some Covid-effects especially over 2H20, was able to clock improvements in both quarters of 2021.

Other impacts include delays in the M&A initiatives and in winning new clients of size, above all in Europe, due to travel restrictions, although advances in global vaccination and the recently approved EU Digital COVID Certificate bring positive perspectives.

The 6M21 figures, the robust liquidity position, and our well-defined objectives are reassuring, reinforcing Novabase's confidence in its strategic roadmap. Nevertheless, Covid-19 pandemic is still spreading globally, with Delta variant becoming dominant and Europe experiencing the 4th wave of the pandemic, so the international landscape remains complex and with a highlevel of uncertainty.

Financial Highlights

6M21 performance: Strong first-half 2021

  • Turnover grew 6% YoY, with Next-Gen representing ¾ of Total
  • 58% of Turnover is generated outside Portugal, with Next-Gen growing at double-digits, +13% YoY
  • Europe & ME accounts for 90% of Next-Gen's International Turnover
  • 86% of Next-Gen Revenues captured from Top Tier clients
  • EBITDA of 6.3 M€, leveraged by Next-Gen
  • Net Profit from continuing operations increased 75% YoY, to 3.3 M€
  • Solid Net Cash position of 51.9 M€
  • Next-Gen Talent Pool increased 14% YoY
  • NBA price gained 30% during 6M21, outperforming the reference indexes
  • No relevant impacts booked in 6M21 due to Covid-19 pandemic

Turnover

Turnover grew by 6% YoY, with Next-Gen representing ¾ of Total

Turnover

No relevant impacts were observed in 6M21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, both in Next-Gen and in Value Portfolio segments, despite nationwide lockdowns in Portugal and all over Europe for a good part of this semester.

Breakdown by Geography (%) (1)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

57.9% Vs. 56.3%

Breakdown by Segment (%)

(1) Turnover by Geography is computed based on the location of the client where the project is delivered.

(2) Value Portfolio includes holding / shared services.

EBITDA

EBITDA increased 15% YoY, leveraged by Next-Gen

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

Next-Gen Segment

Next-Gen logs doubledigit Topline growth, +11% YoY

Fully organic growth and mainly driven by international operations.

EBITDA margin increased 160 bps

Working on strategic initiatives for 2023 goals.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

-90.0%

30.0%

Next-Gen Segment

Half-year record high in international Revenues

Next-Gen focused on Telco in 6M21 and working on its Multi Industry approach, delayed due to the pandemic.

Next-Gen international Turnover grew 13% YoY standing for 64% of the total Next-Gen Turnover in 6M21.

Operations in Europe & ME – which account for 90% of this segment's international business (88% in 6M20) – increased 16% YoY. Exposure to Africa declined by 10% YoY.

% of Revenue by Industry Revenue by Geography

Next-Gen Segment

Top Tier clients Revenues grew by 11% YoY

As a result of Next-Gen's focus on building long-term relationships.

Total number of clients in 6M21 increased to 114 (107 in 6M20).

(1) Top Tier clients (>1 M€) considers the Trailing 12 months.

Value Portfolio Segment

Value Portfolio's Topline increased for the 2nd consecutive quarter…

... +4% QoQ since Q4 2020, confirming the positive signs of recovery observed in Q1, but 6M21 still below YoY (-6%).

Turnover EBITDA

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

Sound EBITDA margin despite YoY decline

6M21 of pandemic context, in contrast with 2020, which was mainly affected during the second half of the year.

-200.0%

-80.0%

40.0%

160.0%

Net Profit from continuing operations increased 75% YoY

Financial results improved 1.0 M€ YoY, fundamentally due to the exchange differences recorded in foreign operations. Discontinued operations decreased 3.2 M€ YoY, owing to the capital gains recorded in 6M20 on the GTE Business and Collab disposals. In 6M21, this heading reflects the capital gain adjustment related to the First Additional Purchase Price on the sale of Collab, as set out in the agreement.

Evolution of NCI, of +0.2 M€ YoY, essentially explained by the full ownership of Celfocus since April 2020.

Total EPS reached 0.11 € (0.16 € in 6M20).

EBITDA to Net Profit

Net Cash

Solid Net Cash position of 51.9 M€

Comfortable liquidity situation to support investments in 2019+ Strategy and face the Covid-19 pandemic context.

Primarily driven by solid net cash provided by operating activities and effective working capital management.

Cash generation of 0.4 M€ in 6M21 also includes a 1.0 M€ payment to NCI, as a result of amounts released following the share capital reduction of Novabase Capital I&I venture capital Fund.

Thus, 2.9 M€ of Net Cash refers to Noncontrolling Interests (Vs. 4.3 M€ in FY20).

Net Cash increased YoY impacted by the M&A cash flows, totalling +0.8 M€ (proceeds from the Collab disposal: holdback amount in Q4 2020 and firstyear earn-out in Q2 2021).

Talent

Talent Pool of 1806 employees in 6M21

Average Number of Employees

Next-Gen Value Portfolio (1) Value Portfolio (1)

  • employees in 6M21 (84 in 6M20).
  • (2) Is determined by the formula: number of leaves at the employee's initiative ÷ average number of employees.

Talent pool increased 4% YoY (1742 in 6M20). The breakdown by segment shows a 14% growth in Next-Gen, which already represents 60% of Total, in line with the strategic objectives.

Next-Gen Turnover per employee slightly below 6M20 level, reflecting a shift in mix from subcontracting to talent acquisition.

Annualised attrition rate (2) of Next-Gen is 20.8% in 6M21 (13.2% in 6M20), which we believe to be a correction towards the unusually low figures recorded in 2020, also reflecting the new labour dynamics. (1) Including holding / shared services representing 78

Stock Market

NBA price increased 30% in 6M21, and 34% over the last twelve months

The annual review of the PSI20, in March 2021, determined no changes in the composition of the index, meaning Novabase stays in the main index of the Lisbon stock exchange for the 2nd consecutive year.

Novabase outperformed the reference indexes, PSI20 and EuroStoxx Technology, which increased 3% and 20%, respectively.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and high level of uncertainty affecting the business environment, the Board of Directors decided not to propose any shareholder remuneration on the ordinary 2021 GMS, held on May 25. The commitment to distribute 1.5 €/share in 2019-2023 (1) was reaffirmed.

The average price target disclosed by Novabase's analysts is 5.50 €, with unanimous recommendation to buy. The average upside is 32%.

Market Capitalization at the end of 6M21 is 130.6 M€, implying a ttm Price to Sales of 1.04x.

Free Float Velocity (2) represented 33% (39% in 6M20).

  • (1) According to Strategic Update 2019+, from which 0.65 €/share were already paid.
  • (2) Considering a free float of 40% for both periods, calculated according to Euronext criteria.

APMs

Alternative Performance Measures

Net Cash

Net Cash provides information on the level of cash and other bank deposits and marketable securities, after discounting the debts to financial institutions, assisting in the analysis of the company's liquidity and its ability to meet non-bank commitments.

The caption "Cash and cash equivalents" is simultaneously the item of the consolidated statement of financial position more directly reconcilable and more relevant to this APM.

The detail and breakdown of Net Cash, as well as the reconciliation in 6M21 and prior period, is analysed in the table on the right.

This APM and all its components contain no estimates or judgments made by Management.

FY20 6M21
Cash
and
cash
equivalents
71
929
,
68
510
,
(1)
Company
Treasury
shares
held
by
the
2
172
,
2
815
,
Bank
borrowings
- Non-Current
(16
200)
,
(13
500)
,
borrowings
- Current
Bank
(6
400)
,
(5
900)
,
Cash
(Euro
thousands)
Net
51
501
,
51
925
,
FY20 6M21
Company
Treasury
shares
held
by
the
676
611
,
676
611
,
Closing
price
@
last
tradable
day
(€)
3
210
4
160
Treasury
shares
held
by
the
Company
(Euro
thousands)
2
172
,
2
815
,

(1) Is determined by multiplying the number of treasury shares held by the Company at the end of the period by the share price on the last tradable day.

About NOVABASE

NEXT-GEN IT SERVICES COMPANY

Company Information Investors Relations Next Events

Novabase SGPS, S.A. Public Company Euronext code: PTNBA0AM0006 Registered in TRO of Lisbon and Corporate Tax Payer no. 502.280.182 Share Capital: 54,638,425.56 € Head Office: Av. D. João II, 34, 1998-031 Lisbon - PORTUGAL

María Gil Marín Chief Investors Officer Tel. +351 213 836 300 Fax: +351 213 836 301 [email protected]

Report available on website: www.novabase.com

Roadshows: Kepler Cheuvreux Autumn Conference: September 13-15 ODDO BHF – IBERIAN FORUM: October 6-7 JB Capital Iberian Conference: November 9-10

Trading Update 9M21 November 4 (after market closure)

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Consolidated Income Statement as at 30 June 2021 for the period of 6 months ended 30 June 2021

Supplementary income and subsidies 52 572
External supplies and services (20,080) (20,519)
(Provisions) / Provisions reversal 77 1,733
Other operating expenses (215) (213)
(61,471) (59,258)
30.06.21 31.12.20 30.06.21 30.06.20 Var. %
(Thousands of Euros) (Thousands of Euros)
ASSETS CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Tangible assets 1,878 1,963 Sale of goods - -
Intangible assets 11,891 12,063 Cost of goods sold - -
Right-of-use assets 5,345 7,132
Financial investments 12,826 12,824 Gross margin - - -
Deferred income tax assets 7,829 7,947
Other non-current assets 2,025 2,025 Other income
Total Non-Current Assets 41,794 43,954 Services rendered 67,644 63,668
Supplementary income and subsidies 52 572
Inventories 10 10 Other operating income 53 479
Trade debtors and accrued income 44,590 38,880
Other debtors and prepaid expenses 13,735 14,614 67,749 64,719
Derivative financial instruments 20 64
Cash and cash equivalents 68,510 71,929 67,749 64,719
Total Current Assets 126,865 125,497 Other expenses
External supplies and services (20,080) (20,519)
Assets for continuing operations 168,659 169,451 Employee benefit expense (41,187) (40,277)
(Provisions) / Provisions reversal 77 1,733
Assets for discontinued operations 339 342 Net impairm. losses on financ. assets (66) 18
Other operating expenses (215) (213)
Total Assets 168,998 169,793
(61,471) (59,258)
EQUITY
Share capital 54,638 54,638 Gross Net Profit (EBITDA) 6,278 5,461 15.0 %
Treasury shares (1,177) (1,177) Depreciation and amortisation (1,798) (2,174)
Share premium 226 226
Reserves and retained earnings 3,383 (4,124) Operating Profit (EBIT) 4,480 3,287 36.3 %
Net profit 3,277 7,486 Financial results (223) (1,210)
Total Shareholders' Equity 60,347 57,049
Non-controlling interests 9,051 10,047 Net Profit before taxes (EBT) 4,257 2,077 105.0 %
Total Equity 69,398 67,096 Income tax expense (975) (206)
LIABILITIES Net Profit from continuing operations 3,282 1,871 75.4 %
Bank borrowings 13,500 16,200
Lease liabilities 3,742 5,293 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Provisions 5,156 5,233 Net Profit from discont. operations 46 3,202 -98.6 %
Other non-current liabilities 2,099 3,705
Total Non-Current Liabilities 24,497 30,431 Non-controlling interests (51) (254)
Bank borrowings 5,900 6,400 Attributable Net Profit 3,277 4,819 -32.0 %
Lease liabilities 2,794 3,032
Trade payables 3,952 5,621
Other creditors and accruals 37,147 34,745
Derivative financial instruments 73 9
Deferred income 19,634 16,148
Total Current Liabilities 69,500 65,955
Total Liabilities for cont. operations 93,997 96,386
Total Liabilities for discont. operations 5,603 6,311
Total Liabilities 99,600 102,697 Other information :
Turnover 67,644 63,668
Total Equity and Liabilities 168,998 169,793 EBITDA margin 9.3 % 8.6 %
EBT % on Turnover 6.3 % 3.3 %
Net Cash 51,925 51,501 Net profit % on Turnover 4.8 % 7.6 %
Turnover 67,644 63,668 6.2 %
EBT % on Turnover 6.3 % 3.3 %

Novabase S.G.P.S., S.A. Public Company - Euronext code: PTNBA0AM0006 Share Capital 54,638,425.56 Euros - Corporate Registration CRCL N.º 1495

Head-office: Av. D. João II, 34, Parque das Nações, 1998-031 Lisbon, Portugal Corporate Tax Payer N.º 502 280 182

Results Information by SEGMENTS for the period of 6 months ended 30 June 2021

(Thousands of Euros) Value
Portfolio
Next-Gen NOVABASE
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Turnover 17,093 50,551 67,644
Gross Net Profit (EBITDA) -
2,149
-
4,129
-
6,278
Depreciation and amortisation -
(1,065)
-
(733)
-
(1,798)
Operating Profit (EBIT) 1,084 3,396 4,480
Financial results -
(163)
-
(60)
-
(223)
Net Profit / (Loss) before Taxes (EBT) 921 3,336 4,257
Income tax expense -
(139)
-
(836)
-
(975)
Net Profit / (Loss) from cont. operations 782
-
2,500 3,282
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Net Profit from discontinued operations 46 - 46
Non-controlling interests (51) - (51)
Attributable Net Profit / (Loss) 777
-
2,500
-
3,277
-
Other information :
EBITDA % on Turnover 12.6% 8.2% 9.3%
EBT % on Turnover 5.4% 6.6% 6.3%
Net profit % on Turnover 4.5% 4.9% 4.8%

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