Interim / Quarterly Report • Oct 10, 2023
Interim / Quarterly Report
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer




| in millions of € | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&L highlights | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 | 2Q 2023 | 2Q 2022 | |
| Revenue | 159.6 | 116.8 | 76.8 | 64.2 | |
| Marketing spend | -64.7 | -52.1 | -31.8 | -29.6 | |
| EBITDA | 25.2 | 18.4 | 12.4 | 10.1 | |
| EBITDA margin | 16% | 16% | 16% | 16% | |
| EBIT | 23.5 | 17.7 | 11.6 | 9.7 | |
| EBIT margin | 15% | 15% | 15% | 15% | |
| Profit for the period | 16.2 | 12.8 | 8.0 | 7.0 | |
| Basic earnings per share (in €) | 2.49 | 1.97 | 1.23 | 1.07 |
| Cash flow | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 | 2Q 2023 | 2Q 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | 17.0 | 3.5 | 12.9 | 1.9 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | -6.5 | -4.4 | -3.7 | -2.9 |
| Operating free cash flow | 10.5 | -0.9 | 9.2 | -1.1 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -12.4 | -7.2 | -12.3 | -7.3 |
| Total cash flow | -1.8 | -8.1 | -3.2 | -8.4 |
| KPIs | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Members (in millions) | 1.1 | 1.3 | ||
| 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 | 2Q 2023 | 2Q 2022 | |
| Expected average lifetime value (LTV) | 82.69 | 71.90 | 87.53 | 72.41 |
| Balance sheet | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Equity | 86.4 | 81.3 |
| TotaI assets | 147.7 | 135.1 |
| Equity ratio | 58% | 60% |
| Net financial debt(-) / net liquidity(+) | 8.0 | 9.9 |
| Human resources | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time employees | 152 | 139 |
| Part-time employees | 25 | 25 |
| Total employees | 177 | 164 |
| Shares | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Share price (in €) | 24.90 | 25.20 |
| Number of shares | 6,508,714 | 6,508,714 |
| Market capitalisation | 162 | 164 |

Our first six months' results in 2023 have never been better and this recordbreaking strong Group performance together with our internal forecasts for the next half-year sets us very well on track to fulfil our 2023 guidance

In the second quarter of 2023 (01/04 – 30/06/2023), CLIQ Digital Group (hereafter referred to as "CLIQ" or "Group") grew its revenue year-on-year by 20% to €76.8 million (2Q 2022: €64.2 million). The main growth drivers in 2Q 2023 were North American bundled-content streaming services as well as the higher lifetime value for bundled-content streaming services.
In 2Q 2023, bundled-content streaming services constituted 94% of total Group revenue and the regions North America and Europe constituted 59% and 34% of total revenue respectively. In relative terms, Latin America was the fastest growing region in the second quarter 2023 with €3.0 million revenue.
| in millions of € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 | 2Q 2023 | 2Q 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 159.6 | 116.8 | 76.8 | 64.2 |
| of which generated by: | ||||
| Bundled-content streaming service | 148.9 | 99.1 | 71.9 | 56.2 |
| Single-content streaming services | 10.7 | 12.7 | 4.8 | 5.7 |
| Ad-funded digital marketing services1 | - | 5.0 | - | 2.3 |
| Regional split: | ||||
| North America | 89.9 | 66.2 | 45.6 | 37.9 |
| Europe | 59.4 | 44.6 | 26.0 | 23.4 |
| Latin America | 6.0 | 0.1 | 3.0 | 0.1 |
| ROW | 4.4 | 5.9 | 2.2 | 2.8 |
In the first six months of 2023, CLIQ's revenue grew year-on-year by 37% to €159.6 million (6M 2022: €116.8 million). Revenue growth was mainly driven by an increase in online marketing campaigns promoting bundled-content streaming services to €148.9m, which was a year-on-year increase of 50%. The share of North American and European revenue was 56% and 37% respectively (6M 2022: 57% and 38% respectively).
1 Following a strategic realignment, the business activities relating to the (ad-funded) digital marketing services were discontinued as of mid-August 2022. The strategic realignment prescribes greater focus on the subscription-based, bundled content streaming services and better linking the operations and processes to the Group's goals and overall business strategy.
One of the Group's most important drivers for revenue growth is customer acquisition costs (marketing spend). The customer acquisition costs reflect the advertising costs incurred in the reporting period for acquiring new members and subsequently future sales.
In accordance with IFRS 15, CLIQ capitalises its customer acquisitions costs that are directly allocable to new members subscribing to the recurring digital entertainment services in order to eliminate the timing difference between immediate cost impact and the deferred revenue recognition.
These capitalised customer acquisition costs, or so-called contract costs, are an investment in the Customer Base Value (LTVCB), which represents expected future sales.
The contract costs are released to the income statement over the member's revenue lifecycle with a maximum amortisation period of 18 months. When a member unsubscribes to the service, the corresponding capitalised contract costs are fully amortised in the same period.
The customer acquisition costs, capitalised contract costs and amortised contract costs together represent the marketing costs related to the revenue recognised in the period. The marketing costs related to the revenue for the period are recognised in line with the duration of the expected membership and thus shows an accurate and fair view of the Group's earnings.
| in millions of € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 | Y/Y ∆ | 2Q 2023 | 2Q 2022 | Y/Y ∆ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer acquisition costs (marketing spend) |
-64.7 | -52.1 | 24% | -31.8 | -29.6 | 7% |
| of which capitalised and amortised in the period: |
||||||
| Capitalisation of customer acquisition costs (contract costs) |
63.1 | 48.4 | 30% | 30.7 | 27.7 | 11% |
| Amortisation of contract costs | -56.6 | -33.2 | 70% | -27.7 | -18.0 | 54% |
| Total marketing costs | -58.3 | -36.9 | 58% | -28.9 | -19.9 | 45% |
| in % of revenue | 37% | 32% | 38% | 31% |
CLIQ's customer acquisition costs in 2Q 2023 amounted to €31.8 million (2Q 2022: €29.6 million). The total marketing costs in 2Q 2023 amounted to €28.9 million (2Q 2022: €19.9 million), which as a percentage of revenue was 38% (2Q 2022: 31%).
In 6M 2023, the Group's customer acquisition costs grew by 24% to €64.7 million (6M 2022: €52.1 million) and the total marketing costs amounted to €58.3 million (6M 2022: €36.9 million).
The higher marketing costs reflected the more competitive pricing environment, where bidding prices to acquire new members were elevated, especially in Europe. In response to the elevated customer acquisition costs, the Group has strategically focused on acquiring new members with a projected higher average lifetime value, which is instrumental in maintaining healthy profit margins.
The brand marketing spend share remained immaterial due to a recalibration of the promotional activities following data analyses of the TV campaigns aired in April in order to further improve the number of Cliq (cliq.de) membership conversions going forward.
In the second quarter of 2023, CLIQ's EBITDA grew in line with sales by 23% to €12.4 million (2Q 2022: €10.1 million) and resulted in an expanded EBITDA margin of 16.2% (2Q 2022: 15.7%) also due to an improved cost-of-sales management.
In the first half of 2023, the Group's EBITDA grew by 37% to €25.2 million (6M 2022: €18.4 million). The EBITDA margin remained stable at 15.8% (6M 2022: 15.7%), despite the higher marketing costs and was compensated by lower Other Cost of Sales.
Profit for the second quarter 2023 was 15% higher than in prior year's second quarter and totalled €8.0 million (2Q 2022: €7.0 million). Basic EPS for the second quarter grew by 15% year-on-year and was €1.23 in comparison to €1.07 in 2Q 2022.
In 6M 2023, profit for the half-year came in at €16.2 million and was 27% higher than prior year (6M 2022: €12.8 million). Basic EPS for the first six months was €2.49 in comparison to €1.97 in 6M 2022.
The number of unique paying members for bundled and single-content streaming services was to 1.1 million (30/06/2022: 1.2 million). In response to the challenges posed by elevated customer acquisition costs, the company has strategically focused on acquiring new members with a projected higher average lifetime value (+15% year-on-year), which is instrumental in maintaining healthy profit margins. While this approach has resulted in a slightly lower number of new and reported members compared to the previous year's period, the emphasis on attracting those with greater potential for long-term value has proven to be effective.
Moreover, the ongoing ability to secure higher average membership fees from these newly acquired members throughout the current and previous periods has contributed to the growth of the customer base value and, subsequently, the company's revenues for the period.
The expected average lifetime value of a customer (LTV) for bundled and single-content services was €87.53 in 2Q 2023 (2Q 2022: €72.41). The year-on-year increase was due to the Group's focus on selling bundled content services and the subsequent growing share of bundled content service memberships. In 6M 2023, the corresponding value was €82.69 (6M 2022: €71.90).
As at 30/06/2023, the Group's customer base value (LTVCB) was €150 million (30/06/2022: €121 million). The customer base value is calculated by multiplying the number of members by their individual remaining lifetime value and represents total revenue that is expected to be generated by existing members.
CLIQ Digital no longer discloses the six months' Profitability Index. The metric remains deployed internally for measuring the profitability of newly acquired members and navigating the marketing measures.
In the second quarter 2023, the Group significantly increased its operating free cash flow to €9.2 million (2Q 2022: €1.1 million outflow). The operating free cash flow is defined as the sum of net cash generated by operating and investing activities, i.e. before cash flow from financing activities.
The cash inflow from operating activities during the second quarter of 2023 amounted to €12.9 million (cf. €1.9 million in 2Q 2022). This increase in cash flow from operating activities was due mainly to the higher revenues.
The 2Q 2023 cash outflow from investing activities amounted to €3.7 million compared to €2.9 million in 2Q 2022 and was largely due to investments relating to Cliq (www.cliq.de) as well as to payments for licensed content.
| in millions of € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 | 2Q 2023 | 2Q 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | 17.0 | 3.5 | 12.9 | 1.9 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | -6.5 | -4.4 | -3.7 | -2.9 |
| Operating free cash flow | 10.5 | -0.9 | 9.2 | -1.1 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -12.4 | -7.2 | -12.3 | -7.3 |
| Cash flow for the period | -1.8 | -8.1 | -3.2 | -8.4 |
The cash flow from financing activities during 2Q 2023 was an outflow of €12.3 million (2Q 2022: €7.3 million outflow) and included €11.6 million dividend distribution (2Q 2023: 7.2 million).
The Group's business development in the first half of the year resulted in an operating free cash inflow of €10.5 million (6M 2022: €0.9 million outflow).
A €17.0 million cash inflow from operating activities resulted during the first six months of 2023 (cf. €3.5 million in 6M 2022). This increase in operating cash flow was due to the increase in revenue in the first six months from the numerous streaming services.
The cash outflow from financing activities during 6M 2023 was €12.4 million (6M 2022: €7.2 million) and largely related to the dividend distribution.
As at 30 June 2023, the net cash / debt position of the Group was:
| in millions of € | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 | ∆ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash & cash equivalents | 15.5 | 16.8 | -1.3 |
| Bank borrowings | -7.5 | -6.9 | -0.6 |
| Net cash position | 8.0 | 9.9 | -1.9 |
After netting cash and cash equivalents with bank borrowings per 30 June 2022, the net cash position was €8.0 million and included €11.6 million dividend paid.
Taking into account the respective probability of occurrence and the potential impact of the risks described in the annual report 2022, no risks were identified that could threaten CLIQ Digital AG as a going concern.
In 2023, the CLIQ Digital Group expects strong organic growth in revenue, EBITDA and marketing spend due to increased demand for streaming services.
Based on stable exchange rates, no adjustments to the Group's portfolio and despite tough comparables, the Management Board is confident that in 2023, CLIQ will be able to generate more than €345 million in revenue and realise an EBITDA of at least €50 million with a total marketing spend exceeding €120 million.
The Group expects to grow revenue every year and reach €500 million by the end of 2025.
for the six months ended 30 June
| in '000 € | Note | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 5 | 159,642 | 116,801 |
| Cost of sales | 6 | -117,549 | -83,585 |
| Gross profit | 42,093 | 33,216 | |
| Personnel expenses | 7 | -12,636 | -10,220 |
| Other operating expenses | -4,255 | -3,658 | |
| Impairment losses and gains on trade receivables and contract costs |
19 | -974 | |
| Total operating expenses | -16,872 | -14,852 | |
| EBITDA | 25,221 | 18,364 | |
| Depreciation, amortisation and impairment charges applied to intangible, tangible and other current assets |
8 | -1,738 | -639 |
| EBIT | 23,483 | 17,724 | |
| Financial income and financial expenses | 9 | -908 | -141 |
| Profit before tax | 22,575 | 17,583 | |
| Income taxes | 10 | -6,354 | -4,772 |
| Profit for the period | 16,221 | 12,811 | |
| Attributable to: | |||
| Owners of the Company | 16,222 | 12,813 | |
| Non-controlling interest | -1 | -2 | |
| Profit for the period | 16,221 | 12,811 | |
| Earnings per share | |||
| Basic earnings per share (in €) | 2.49 | 1.97 | |
| Diluted earnings per share (in €) | 2.47 | 1.96 |
for the six months ended 30 June
| in '000 € | Note | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
|||
| Exchange dierences on translating foreign operations |
109 | -46 | |
| Total other comprehensive income for the year | 109 | -46 | |
| Total profit for the period | 16,221 | 12,811 | |
| Total comprehensive income for the year | 16,330 | 12,765 | |
| Attributable to: | |||
| Shareholders of the company | 16,331 | 12,766 | |
| Non-controlling interest | -1 | -2 | |
| Total comprehensive income for the year | 16,330 | 12,765 |
| in '000 € | Note | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | |||
| Goodwill | 11 | 47,567 | 47,435 |
| Other intangible assets | 12 | 11,160 | 8,401 |
| Property, operating and oice equipment | 13 | 4,346 | 4,957 |
| Contract costs | 1,821 | 707 | |
| Other non-current assets | 14 | 1,972 | 1,972 |
| Deferred tax assets | 1,663 | 1,583 | |
| Total non-current assets | 68,529 | 65,055 | |
| Trade receivables | 17,743 | 13,618 | |
| Contract costs | 44,201 | 38,857 | |
| Other current assets | 1,652 | 769 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 15,538 | 16,804 | |
| Total current assets | 79,134 | 70,046 | |
| Total assets | 147,663 | 135,101 | |
| Equity & Liabilities | |||
| Issued capital | 6,509 | 6,509 | |
| Share premium | 58,053 | 58,053 | |
| Retained earnings | 20,954 | 16,375 | |
| Other reserves | 985 | 435 | |
| Equity attributable to the shareholders | 86,501 | 81,372 | |
| Non-controlling interest | -66 | -65 | |
| Total equity | 86,436 | 81,307 | |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 13,263 | 10,503 | |
| Borrowings | 16 | - | 6,562 |
| Other financial liabilities | 15 | 3,436 | 4,137 |
| Other liabilities | 1,704 | 1,376 | |
| Total non-current liabilities | 18,403 | 22,578 | |
| Borrowings | 16 | 7,378 | - |
| Other financial liabilities | 15 | 1,281 | 2,178 |
| Provisions | 376 | 375 | |
| Trade payables | 16,796 | 9,531 | |
| Income tax liabilities | 2,716 | 2,613 | |
| Other liabilities | 14,278 | 16,519 | |
| Total current liabilities | 42,825 | 31,216 | |
| Total liabilities | 61,228 | 53,794 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 147,663 | 135,101 |

for the six months ended 30 June
| in '000 € | Issued capital |
Share premium |
Retained earnings |
Other reserves |
Equity attributa ble to the share holders |
Non controlling interest |
Total equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of 1 January 2023 |
6,509 | 58,053 | 16,375 | 435 | 81,372 | -65 | 81,307 |
| Net profit / loss for the period |
- | - | 16,222 | - | 16,222 | -1 | 16,221 |
| Other comprehen sive income |
- | - | - | 294 | 294 | - | 294 |
| Dividend Distributions |
- | - | -11,643 | - | -11,643 | - | -11,643 |
| Equity-settled share-based payments |
- | - | - | 256 | 256 | - | 256 |
| Balance as of 30 June 2023 |
6,509 | 58,053 | 20,954 | 985 | 86,501 | -66 | 86,436 |
for the six months ended 30 June
| in '000 € | Note | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | |||
| Profit before tax | 22,575 | 17,583 | |
| Net (gain)/loss arising on financial liabilities desig nated as at fair value through profit and loss |
- | 59 | |
| Financial income and expenses recognized in profit or loss |
9 | 908 | 82 |
| Equity-settled share based payment transactions | 256 | 157 | |
| Depreciation and amortization of non-current assets | 12, 13 | 3,391 | 1,652 |
| 27,131 | 19,534 | ||
| Changes in working capital | -6,355 | -13,482 | |
| (Increase)/decrease in contract costs | -6,413 | -15,228 | |
| (Increase)/decrease in trade receivables and other current assets |
-4,642 | -3,294 | |
| Increase/(decrease) in current liabilities | 4,700 | 5,040 | |
| Cash generated from operations | 20,776 | 6,052 | |
| Income taxes (paid)/received | -3,596 | -2,252 | |
| Interest (paid)/received | -154 | -294 | |
| Net cash generated from operating activities | 17,026 | 3,505 | |
| Cash flow from investing activities | |||
| Payments for property, plant and equipment | 16 | -87 | -425 |
| Payments for intangible fixed assets | 15 | -5,411 | -3,711 |
| Acquisition of other investments | -199 | -272 | |
| Net cash (outflow)/inflow on acquisition of subsidiaries |
-800 | - | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | -6,497 | -4,408 |
| in '000 € | Note | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from financing activities | |||
| Transaction costs related to loans and borrowings | - | -120 | |
| Lease instalments paid | -723 | 46 | |
| Acquisition of non-controlling interest | 1 | 1 | |
| Dividends paid | -11,643 | -7,155 | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | -12,366 | -7,229 | |
| Total cash flow | -1,836 | -8,132 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year |
9,900 | 2,301 | |
| Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
-1,836 | -8,132 | |
| Eects of exchange rate changes on the balance of cash held in foreign currencies |
-17 | -1 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | 8,046 | -5,832 | |
| Cash and bank balances | 15,538 | 6,168 | |
| Bank borrowing overdra facility |
7,493 | -12,000 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents in cash flow statement | 8,046 | -5,832 |
The CLIQ Digital Group sells subscription-based streaming services that bundle movies & series, music, audiobooks, sports and games to consumers globally. The Group licences streaming content from partners, bundles it and sells the content through its numerous streaming services. Over the years, CLIQ has become a specialist in online advertising and creating streaming services that are advertised towards specific consumer groups. CLIQ operates in over 40 countries and employed 177 staff from 40 different nationalities as at 30 June 2023. The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf and has offices in Amsterdam, London, Paris and Toronto.
The holding company of the Group is CLIQ Digital AG, located in Grünstraße 8, 40212 Düsseldorf, Germany and registered in the commercial register of the Amtsgericht Düsseldorf (commercial register number 69068). The shares of CLIQ Digital AG are listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the Scale segment for small and medium-sized companies, which is part of the Open Market segment (ISIN: DE000A0HHJR3, WKN: A0HHJR) and is a constituent of the MSCI World Micro Cap Index. Pursuant to Section 2 (5) of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), the Open Market does not constitute an organised or regulated market. The basis for the inclusion of securities in the Open Market are the guidelines for the Regulated Unofficial Market of Deutsche Börse AG. As a result, CLIQ Digital AG is not a capital market-orientated company pursuant to Section 264d of the German Commercial Code (HGB) and is also not obligated pursuant to Section 315e of the German Commercial Code (HGB) to prepare consolidated financial statements on the basis of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as applicable in the EU. CLIQ Digital AG is obligated to prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance with German accounting standards. However, an exemption is possible if the company prepares consolidated financial statements according to IFRS.
The period for the Group's condensed consolidated interim financial statement starts on 1 January and ends on 30 June of each calendar year. This condensed consolidated interim financial statements are prepared in euros, which is the functional and reporting currency of CLIQ Digital Group. Reporting is in thousands of euros (in '000 €) unless otherwise stated.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2023 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and should be read in conjunction with the Group's last annual consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2022 ('last annual financial statements'). They do not include all of the information required for a complete set of IFRS financial statements. However, selected explanatory notes are included to explain events and transactions that are significant to an understanding of the changes in the Group's financial position and performance since the last annual financial statements. The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's last annual financial statements.
Set out below is a list of subsidiaries of CLIQ Digital Group which have been included in the condensed consolidated interim financial statements as per the reporting period and showing the proportion of ownership interest and voting power held by the Group.
| Name of subsidiary | Place of incorporation and operation | 30 Jun 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal companies | |||
| Netherlands | |||
| Cliq B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| Cliq Games B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 60% | 60% |
| CMind B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| CPay B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| iDNA B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| Germany | |||
| Cliq GmbH | Düsseldorf, Germany | 100% | 100% |
| United Kingdom | |||
| Universal Mobile Enterprises Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 100% | 100% |
| Red27 Mobile Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 100% | 100% |
| France | |||
| Tornika S.A.S. | Paris, France | 100% | 100% |
| Other companies | |||
| ADGOMO Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 100% | 100% |
| C Formats GmbH | Düsseldorf, Germany | 100% | 100% |
| Claus Mobi GmbH | Düsseldorf, Germany | 100% | 100% |
| Cructiq AG | Baar, Switzerland | 100% | 100% |
| Luboka Media Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 100% | 100% |
| Memtiq B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| Rheinkra Production GmbH | Düsseldorf, Germany | 100% | 100% |
| The Mobile Generation Americas Inc. | Toronto, Canada | 100% | 100% |
| Tornika Media B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| Zimiq GmbH | Düsseldorf, Germany | 100% | 100% |
| Holding, inactive and closed companies | |||
| Cliq Holding B.V. (formerly Cliq UK Holding B.V.) | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| Moonlight Mobile Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 100% | 100% |
| Bob Mobile Hellas S.A. | Attiki, Greece | 100% | 100% |
| Bunkr Technologies S.A.S. | Vincennes, France | 80% | 80% |
| Netacy Inc. | Dover, USA | 100% | 100% |
| Guerilla Mobile Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd | Singapore | 100% | 100% |
| TMG Singapore PTE Ltd. | Singapore | 100% | 100% |
| Hype Ventures B.V. (merged with CLIQ UK Holding B.V. in Jan 2023) |
Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| VIPMOB B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 80% | 100% |
In the application of the Group's accounting policies, which are described in Note 2, the Board Members of the Company are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant to the balance sheet date. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The Group derives revenue from services at a point in time for the following services:
| In '000 € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Digital entertainment services | 159,642 | 111,783 |
| Digital marketing services | - | 5,018 |
| Total | 159,642 | 116,801 |
| In '000 € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 89,889 | 66,194 |
| Europe | 59,360 | 44,584 |
| Latin America | 5,958 | 119 |
| ROW | 4,436 | 5,904 |
| Total | 159,642 | 116,801 |
The cost of sales are composed as follows:
| In '000 € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing spend | 64,730 | 52,110 |
| Capitalised marketing spend | -63,054 | -48,432 |
| Amortised contract costs | 56,641 | 33,204 |
| Marketing costs | 58,316 | 36,881 |
| Third party costs | 25,970 | 20,573 |
| Other COS | 33,262 | 26,131 |
| Total | 117,549 | 83,585 |
The personnel expenses are composed as follows:
| In '000 € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Wages and salaries | 9,766 | 7,643 |
| Pension contributions | 28 | 17 |
| Social security contributions | 1,100 | 821 |
| Share-based payment arrangements | 671 | 1,002 |
| Hired sta and related costs | 622 | 294 |
| Other | 451 | 444 |
| Total | 12,636 | 10,220 |
The average number of employees during the financial period was as follows:
| 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Employees (average full-time equivalent) | 169 | 135 |
| Full-time employees (average headcount) | 147 | 121 |
| Part-time employees (average headcount) | 27 | 19 |
| Employees (average headcount) | 174 | 140 |
| In '000 € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Licences and trademarks | - | 103 |
| Other intangible assets | 998 | 14 |
| Right of use assets | 518 | 386 |
| Plant, operating and oice equipment | 222 | 137 |
| Total | 1,738 | 639 |
| In '000 € | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial income | ||
| Exchange results | - | 365 |
| Total financial income | - | 365 |
| Financial expenses | ||
| Interest expenses on bank overdra s and loans |
-84 | -125 |
| Amortisation capitalised finance expenses | -63 | -57 |
| Interest expense on lease liabilities | -99 | -80 |
| Exchange results | -473 | - |
| Bank costs | -121 | -142 |
| Other financial expenses | -68 | -44 |
| Fair value movements on financial liabilities designated as FVTPL | - | -59 |
| Total financial expenses | -908 | -506 |
| Financial income and expenses | -908 | -141 |
Income tax expense is recognised at an amount determined by multiplying the profit (loss) before tax for the reporting period by management's best estimate of the weighted-average annual income tax rate expected for the full financial year, adjusted for the tax effect of certain items recognised in full in the period. To allocate profit and losses and determine in which countries it should be taxed, the Group applies a transfer pricing policy which is reviewed and when necessary revised on an annual basis. The income taxes recognised in the interim financial statements are based on the same transfer pricing policy as in the last annual financial statements. As such, the effective tax rate in the interim financial statements may differ from management's estimate of the effective tax rate for the annual financial statements.
All deferred taxes on temporary differences were calculated, as in the previous year, on the basis of a combined 31.2% tax rate for Germany, 25.8% tax rate for The Netherlands, 19.0% tax rate for the United Kingdom and the applicable tax rate for other foreign jurisdictions.
| In '000 € | DE | NL | UK | Other | 6M 2023 | 6M 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit before tax | -3,606 | 24,222 | 2,221 | -262 | 22,575 | 17,383 |
| Nominal tax rate | 31.2% | 25.8% | 19.0% | 19.2% | 31.2% | 31% |
| Income tax calculated at nominal rate | 1,126 | -6,249 | -422 | 50 | -7,049 | -5,490 |
| Eects of dierent tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions |
- | - | - | - | 1,554 | 1,054 |
| Expenses share option plan which are not tax-deductible |
-97 | - | - | - | -97 | -63 |
| Participation exemption | - | - | - | - | - | -39 |
| Tax results from previous years | -39 | -69 | 31 | - | -77 | 15 |
| Recognition of previously unrecognized (derecognition of previously recognized) tax losses |
-624 | - | - | - | -624 | -78 |
| Fair value movements related to contin gent considerations arrangements from acquisitions |
- | - | - | - | - | -19 |
| Non-deducitble amortisation and depreciation expenses |
- | - | - | - | - | -14 |
| Changes in tax rate | - | - | - | - | - | -104 |
| Other | 4 | -39 | -5.5 | -20 | -60 | -35 |
| Income tax expense in profit or loss account (eective) |
369 | -6,357 | -397 | 31 | -6,354 | -4,772 |
| Eective tax rate | 10.2% | 26.2% | 17.9% | 11.7% | 28.1% | 27,5% |
| In '000 € | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 47,673 | 47,541 |
| Accumulated impairment losses | -106 | -106 |
| Carrying amount goodwill | 47,567 | 47,435 |
| In '000 € | 30/06/2023 |
|---|---|
| Cost | |
| 31 December 2022 | 47,541 |
| Disposals | - |
| Eect of foreign currency exchange dierences | 132 |
| 30 June 2023 | 47,673 |
| Accumulated impairment losses | |
| 31 December 2022 | -106 |
| Eect of foreign currency exchange dierences | - |
| 30 June 2023 | -106 |
| Carrying amount at reporting date | 47,567 |
The other intangible assets consist of the following assets as at 30 June 2023:
| Internally | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| In '000 € | Licences and trademarks |
generated in tangible assets |
Total |
| Cost | |||
| 31 December 2022 | 4,624 | 6,083 | 10,707 |
| Additions | 1,519 | 3,892 | 5,411 |
| Disposals | -1,654 | - | -1,654 |
| Eect of foreign currency exchange dierences | - | 1 | 1 |
| 30 June 2023 | 4,490 | 9,976 | 14,466 |
| Amortisation and impairment losses | |||
| 31 December 2022 | 2,162 | 145 | 2,306 |
| Amortisation | 1,653 | 998 | 2,651 |
| Disposals | -1,654 | - | -1,654 |
| Eect of foreign currency exchange dierences | - | 1 | 1 |
| 30 June 2023 | 2,161 | 1,144 | 3,305 |
| Carrying amount 31 December 2022 | 2,462 | 5,938 | 8,401 |
| Carrying amount 30 June 2023 | 2,329 | 8,832 | 11,160 |
The property, plant and equipment consist of the following assets as at 30 June 2023:
| In '000 € | Plant, operating and office equipment |
Right of Use Assets |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||
| 31 December 2022 | 1,733 | 4,832 | 6,565 |
| Additions | 87 | 39 | 126 |
| Disposals | - | - | - |
| 30 June 2023 | 1,819 | 4,871 | 6,690 |
| Amortisation and impairment losses | |||
| 31 December 2022 | 512 | 1,096 | 1,608 |
| Amortisation in the financial year | 219 | 518 | 737 |
| Disposals | - | - | - |
| 30 June 2023 | 731 | 1,614 | 2,345 |
| Carrying amount 31 December 2022 | 1,221 | 3,736 | 4,957 |
| Carrying amount 30 June 2023 | 1,089 | 3,257 | 4,346 |
The right of use asset relates to the rental agreements signed by the Group. The right of use asset is depreciated using the straight-line method and based on the contractual term of the rental agreement.
| In '000 € | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Blacknut SAS | 1,572 | 1,572 |
| Dreamspark SAS | 400 | 400 |
| Total | 1,972 | 1,972 |
| In '000 € | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current liabilities | ||
| Lease liabilities | 3,436 | 4,137 |
| Subtotal | 3,436 | 4,137 |
| Current liabilities | ||
| Lease liabilities | 1,174 | 1,054 |
| Contingent considerations resulting from acquisitions | 57 | 857 |
| Forward exchange contracts | - | 17 |
| Other | 50 | 250 |
| Subtotal | 1,281 | 2,718 |
| Total financial liabilities | 4,717 | 6,315 |
A maturity analysis of the lease payments as of reporting date is presented below:
| In '000 € | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Not later than 1 year | 1,174 | 1,054 |
| Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years | 3,436 | 3,888 |
| Later than 5 years | - | 249 |
| Total | 4,610 | 5,191 |
| In '000 € | 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Overdra facility |
7,493 | 6,000 |
| Borrowing base facility | - | 904 |
| Total drawdowns on credit facility | 7,493 | 6,904 |
| Capitalised finance expenses | -114 | -342 |
| Total bank borrowings | 7,378 | 6,562 |
On 20 April 2023, the Group terminated the financing facility provided by the consortium of Commerzbank AG and Deutsche Bank AG and simultaneously entered into an overdraft facility with HSBC for an amount of €15.0 million at improved terms and conditions.
The new financing facility consists of an overdraft facility (€ 15 million). If the financing facilities are used, the interest rate is calculated as follows:
(i) for EUR: at the Main Refinancing Operations rate published by the European Central Bank (ECB) (provided that, if such interest rate is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero), increased with the applicable margin of 2.60%.
(ii) for USD: Midpoint of Federal Reserve (FED) Target Range (provided that, if such interest rate is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero), increased with the applicable margin of 2.85%.
(iii) for GBP: at the Bank Of England rate published by the Bank of England (BOE) (provided that, if such interest rate is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero), increased with the applicable margin of 2.85%.
At 30 June 2023, the Group had the following share-based payment arrangements outstanding:
| 30/06/2023 | 31/12/2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| In '000 € | Number of instruments | Number of instruments |
| Share appreciation rights 2017 | - | 2 |
| Stock option plan 2017 | 45.0 | 45.0 |
| Share appreciation rights 2019 | 23.0 | 34.6 |
| Share appreciation rights 2020 | 53.3 | 53.3 |
| Share appreciation rights 2021 | 59.3 | 59.3 |
| Share appreciation rights 2022 | 44.0 | 44.0 |
| Share appreciation rights 2023 | 46.4 | - |
| Subtotal cash-settled share option arrangements | 270.9 | 238.1 |
| Stock option plan 2020 | 115.5 | 94.5 |
| Subtotal equity-settled share option arrangements | 115.5 | 94.5 |
| Total | 386.4 | 332.6 |
During the period, the below share-based payment arrangements are new or changed compared to the last annual financial statements.
During 6M 2023 the Group granted a total of 46,350 share appreciation rights (SAR) to employees that entitle them to a cash payment after 4 years of service. The share appreciation rights expire at the end of a 7 year period after grant date. A precondition for the exercise of the share appreciation rights is that the respective year performance target has been achieved within the four-year waiting period. The year performance target is based on the Group EBITDA in comparison to the Group budgeted EBITDA. The amount of cash payment is determined based on the increase in the share price of the Company between grant date and the time of exercise.
The purpose of this plan is the persistent linking of the interests of the members of the Management Board and of employees of the company with the interests of the shareholders of the company in a long-term increase in the shareholder value. During 6M 2023 21,000 stock option rights have been granted.
The options issued within the framework of the plan entitle the holder thereof to subscribe shares in the
Company. One option entitles the holder thereof to subscribe one share in the company. Such right to subscribe shares may be satisfied either out of a contingent capital created for this purpose or out of the holdings of the Company's own shares. This will be decided by the Supervisory Board as far as the Management Board is concerned and by the Management Board for the other participants. The term of each option ends after expiration of seven years since grant date of the option to the respective participant. The holding period of the options amounts to four years.
Each stock option gives the right to a no-par value share in the company, against payment of the exercise price of €1. A prerequisite for the exercise of options is the achievement of the annual performance target within the waiting period. The main performance target for the exercise of options is achieved if the closing price of the share in the Company in Xetra trading at the Frankfurt stock exchange exceeds the target share price corresponding to the year and month of the grant date on a total of fifty stock exchange trading days within a period of twelve months following the granting of the relevant options.
The fair value of the options was calculated by an external valuation expert using the Black-Scholes-Merton formula. For all the programmes, plausible estimates were made of the expected volatility, including price increases that occurred in the relevant periods until balance sheet date.
The inputs used in the measurement of the average weighted fair values on grant date and measurement date of the share appreciation rights (SAR) and stock option plans were as follows.
| SAR 2017 | Stock option plan 2017 |
SAR 2019 | SAR 2020 | SAR 2021 | SAR 2022 | SAR 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of options issued (in '000) |
74.0 | 67.5 | 34.6 | 63.3 | 59.3 | 44.0 | 46.4 |
| Fair value of the option on grant date |
€2.52 | €1.46 | €0.65 | €2.61 | €7.27 | €7.89 | €9.52 |
| Fair value of the option on measurement date |
€18.36 | €23.31 | €22.37 | €18.32 | € 8.25 | € 8.32 | € 8.08 |
| Exercise price of the option on the issue date |
€6.84 | €1.00 | €2.35 | €6.29 | €21.19 | €22.67 | €26.39 |
| Expected volatility | 65% | 65% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Duration of the option | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs |
| Expected dividends | 5.0% | 5.0% | 5.0% | 5.0% | 5.0% | 5.0% | 5.0% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 2.5% | 2.5% | 2.5% | 2.6% | 2.6% | 2.6% | 2.6% |
The fair value of the options was calculated by an external valuation expert using the Black-Scholes-Merton formula. For all the programmes, plausible estimates were made of the expected volatility, including price increases that occurred in the relevant periods until balance sheet date.
The inputs used in the measurement of the average weighted fair values on grant date and measurement date of the share appreciation rights and stock option plans were as follows.
| 201Stock option plan 2020 | |
|---|---|
| Number of options issued | 115,500 |
| Fair value of the option on grant date | € 17.80 |
| Share price on grant date | € 22.92 |
| Exercise price of the option on grant date | € 1.00 |
| Expected volatility | 61% |
| Duration of the option | 7 yrs |
| Expected dividends | 5.0% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 2.3% |
Expected volatility has been based on an evaluation of the historical volatility of the Company's share price, particularly over the historical period commensurate with the expected term. The expected term of the instruments has been based on historical experience and general option holder behavior.
The number and weighted-average exercise prices of share options under the share option programmes were as follows.
| 6M 2023 Average exercise price |
||
|---|---|---|
| Number | € | |
| 1 January | 332,600 | 4.57 |
| Granted during the period | 67,350 | 18.47 |
| Exercised during the period | -13,600 | 2.71 |
| 30 June | 386,350 | 10.43 |
| Exercisable on 30 June | 23,000 | 2.53 |
The options outstanding at 30 June 2023 had an exercise price in the range of €1.00 to €32.32 (31 Dec 2022: €1.00 to €32.32) and a weighted-average contractual life of 4.3 years (31 Dec 2022: 7.1 years). The weighted-average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised in 2023 was €30.28 (6M 2022: €25.93).
As at balance sheet date, the Group had no significant commitments for expenditures which have not already been recognised.
No significant events have occurred after the reporting date, which are of significant importance to the Group.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements as at 30 June 2023 – consisting of the consolidated income statement, consolidated balance sheet, cash flow statement, statement of changes in equity and notes – and the Group interim management report for the period 1 January until 30 June 2023 were not audited in accordance with Section 317 of the German Commercial Code (HGB) or subjected to a review by a person qualified to audit financial statements.
We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge and in accordance with applicable accounting principles for interim reporting, the condensed interim financial statements of CLIQ Digital AG present a true and fair view of the CLIQ Group's assets, financial situation and earnings, and that the condensed Group interim management report describes fairly, in all material respects, the Group's business trends and performance, The Group's position, and the significant risks and opportunities of the Group's expected future development in the remaining months of 2023.
2 August 2023
The Management Board
Sebastian McCoskrie [email protected] +49 151 52043659
Daniela Münster [email protected] +49 174 3358111
Julián Palacios [email protected] +49 151 18476600
The CLIQ Digital Group sells subscription-based streaming services that bundle movies & series, music, audiobooks, sports and games to consumers globally. The Group licences streaming content from partners, bundles it and sells the content through its numerous streaming services. Over the years, CLIQ Digital has become a specialist in online advertising and creating streaming services that are advertised towards specific consumer groups. CLIQ Digital operates in over 40 countries and employed 177 staff from 40 different nationalities as at 30 June 2023. The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf and has offices in Amsterdam, London, Paris and Toronto. CLIQ Digital is listed in the Scale segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000A0HHJR3, WKN: A0HHJR) and is a constituent of the MSCI World Micro Cap Index.
Visit our website at https://cliqdigital.com/investors, here you will find all publications as well as further information about CLIQ Digital. Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram.
This financial report contains unaudited figures. It also contains forward-looking statements which are based on certain expectations and assumptions at the time of publication of this report and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in this report. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond CLIQ Digital's ability to control or estimate precisely, such as future market and economic conditions, the behaviour of other market participants, the ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and achieve anticipated synergies and the actions of government regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this report. CLIQ Digital does not undertake any obligation to publicly release any update or revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report.
Please note: rounding differences can occur and In case of doubt, the English version shall prevail.

Publication Date: 3 August 2023
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.