Earnings Release • May 8, 2024
Earnings Release
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1Q/2024 Financial report






| Sales & earnings | 1Q 2024 | 4Q 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 73.0 | 84.1 |
| Customer acquisition costs for the period | -31.3 | -34.2 |
| EBITDA | 1.9 | 11.8 |
| EBITDA margin (in %) | 3% | 14% |
| EBIT | 0.6 | 10.3 |
| EBIT margin (in %) | 1% | 12% |
| Basic earnings per share | 0.02 | 1.07 |
| Diluted earnings per share | 0.02 | 1.06 |
| Cash flow | 1Q 2024 | 4Q 2023 |
| Cash flow from operating activities | -1.4 | 6.5 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | -2.3 | -2.6 |
| Operating free cash flow | -3.7 | 3.9 |
| Cash flow from fi nancing activities | -1.5 | -0.4 |
| Total cash flow | -5.2 | 3.5 |
| KPIs | 1Q 2024 | 4Q 2023 |
| Unique paid memberships (in millions) | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Exp, avg, lifetime value of a customer (in €) | 81 | 87 |
| Lifetime Value of Customer Base | 136 | 164 |
| Total customer acquisition costs | 29.3 | 35.4 |
| Balance sheet | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
| Equity | 102.3 | 103.1 |
| TotaI assets | 152.5 | 154.7 |
| Equity ratio (in %) | 67% | 67% |
| Net financial debt (-)/ net liquidity (+) | 10.5 | 15.7 |
| Human resources | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
| Full-time employees | 141 | 147 |
| Part-time employees | 21 | 23 |
| Total employees | 162 | 170 |
| Shares | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
| Share price (in €) | 15.94 | 19.88 |
| Numbers of shares | 6,443,914 | 6,508,714 |
| Market capitalisation | 102.7m | 122.1m |

"The Group's performance in the first quarter was more disappointing than originally expected. Tougher market conditions, weaker sales and special items for the Group-wide transformation programme led primarily to the poor results."
The Group has initiated a Group-wide transformation programme ("Fit for Future") to improve both its cost eciencies and productivity gains. The main objective of the programme is to fundamentally transform the Group to become more focused, streamlined, and goal-driven. As an initial cost-savings measure and to improve the strategic alignment of the business operations towards bundled-content streaming services, the U.K. oce was closed during the first quarter 2024. Productivity gains will be generated by fully focussing on operational improvements required across the Group. The Group will focus on new marketing channels (the "Magnificent Seven") to adopt new and innovative marketing approaches to generate sales and earnings.
Revenue in the first quarter 2024 (01/01 – 31/03/2024) of the CLIQ Digital Group (hereaer referred to as the "Group") decreased quarter-on-quarter by 13% to €73.0 million (4Q 2023: €84.1 million) mainly due to a higher-than-expected churn rate of members as the result of a more widespread refund programme of the credit card companies. Furthermore, a lower lifetime value of new members led to less sales.
Revenue in North America and Europe declined quarter-on-quarter. However, sales growth in Asia was very strong since the market entry last year.
| In millions of € | 1Q 2024 | 4Q 2023 | Q/Q ∆ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 73.0 | 84.1 | -13% |
| of which generated by: | |||
| Bundled-content streaming services | 70.3 | 80.2 | -12% |
| Single-content streaming services | 2.7 | 3.9 | -30% |
| Regional split: | |||
| North America | 48.5 | 54.1 | -10% |
| Europe | 17.6 | 25.0 | -30% |
| Latin America | 3.5 | 3.3 | 8% |
| ROW | 3.4 | 1.7 | 103% |
In 1Q 2024, bundled-content streaming services constituted 96% of total Group revenue (4Q 2023: 95%), which reflected the Group's focus on selling bundled-content streaming services. The regions North America and Europe constituted 66% and 24% of total revenue respectively.
The customer acquisition costs for the period consist of the total customer acquisition costs, capitalised customer acquisition costs (contract costs) and amortised contract costs related to the revenue recognised in the period.
| In millions of € | 1Q 2024 | 4Q 2023 | Q/Q ∆ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total customer acquisition costs | -29.3 | -35.4 | -17% |
| Capitalised customer acquisition costs (contract costs) | 29.1 | 35.2 | -18% |
| Amortised contract costs | -31.1 | -34.1 | -9% |
| Customer acquisition costs for the period | -31.3 | -34.2 | -9% |
| in % of revenue | 43% | 41% |
The customer acquisition costs for the period amounted to €31.3 million (4Q 2023: €34.2 million), which as a percentage of revenue was 43% (4Q 2023: 41%). The higher customer acquisition costs for the period in per cent of revenue reflected tougher market conditions, which led to a higher churn rate than anticipated that resulted in higher reported amortisation of contract costs in the period.
In the first three months of 2024, EBITDA before special items amounted to €5.3 million, resulting in a margin of 7.3% compared to 14.0% in 4Q 2023. The lower EBITDA quarter-on-quarter was mainly due to the decrease in sales. The higher churn rate of members also resulted in an increase in the Other Cost of Sales from increased refund-related costs. Reported EBITDA decreased to €1.9 million. Included therein are €3.5 million special items relating to the Group's transformation programme, including the closure of the U.K. oce and the hiring of additional contract workers for technology integration and optimisation as well as for a Group tax optimisation programme.
Adjusted for special items, profit for the first quarter was 63% lower than in prior year's last quarter and totalled €2.6 million (4Q 2023: €7.0 million). Adjusted basic EPS for the first three months decreased by 62% quarter-on-quarter and was €0.40 in comparison to €1.07 in 4Q 2023. Reported profit for the period was €0.1 million with €0.02 basic EPS.
During the reporting period the company repurchased 64,800 treasury shares at an average share price of €17.50, which equalled 10.0% of the maximum buyback volume and 1.0% of the total share capital.
From 16 April until 3 May 2024 (included), CLIQ repurchased further 46,578 treasury shares at an average share price of €15.21.
Please note: Following common practice, the share buyback programme was suspended in the context of the Annual General Meeting between 2 April until the dividend payment date 15 April (included).
The number of unique paid memberships for bundled- and single-content streaming services decreased to 1.1 million (31/12/2023: 1.2 million).
The expected average lifetime value of a customer (LTV) for bundled and single-content services was €81 in 1Q 2024 (4Q 2023: €87). The quarter-on-quarter decrease was mainly due to the higher churn rate of members.
The Lifetime Value of Customer Base (LTVCB) totalled €136 million (31/12/2023: €164 million) at the end of March 2024. The LTVCB is calculated by multiplying the number of members by their individual remaining lifetime value and represents the total revenue that is expected to be generated by existing members. The drop was related to the higher-than-anticipated churn of the existing member base.
In the first quarter 2024, operating free cash flow was -€3.7 million (4Q 2023: €3.9 million generated). 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 outflow from operating activities during the first three months of 2024 amounted to €1.4 million (cf. €6.5 million inflow in 4Q 2023). This decrease in cash flow from operating activities was due mainly to the lower EBITDA for the period as well as a timing dierence in payments caused by bank holidays at the end of the period.
The 1Q 2024 cash outflow from investing activities amounted to €2.3 million compared to €2.6 million in 4Q 2023 and was largely related to payments for licensed content as well as to investments in platform and technical developments.
The cash flow from financing activities during 1Q 2024 was an outflow of €1.5 million (4Q 2023: €0.1 million outflow) and included €1.1 million cash outflow for the share buyback programme.
| in millions of € | 1Q 2024 | 4Q 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| EBITDA before special items | 5.3 | 11.8 |
| Special items | -3.5 | - |
| ∆ Contract costs | 2.0 | -1.2 |
| ∆ Other working capital | -5.8 | -4.8 |
| Taxes, financial result & others | 0.7 | 0.6 |
| Cash flow from operating activities | -1.4 | 6.5 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | -2.3 | -2.6 |
| Operating free cash flow | -3.7 | 3.9 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -1.5 | -0.4 |
| Cash flow for the period | -5.2 | 3.4 |
As at 31 March 2024, the net cash position of the Group was:
| Cash & cash equivalents | 10.5 | 15.7 | -5.2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank borrowings | - | - | - |
| Net cash position | 10.5 | 15.7 | -5.2 |
Aer neing cash and cash equivalents with bank borrowings, net cash decreased to €10.5 million compared with a net cash position of €15.7 million as at 31/12/2023.
The risks and opportunities as described in chapter 5 of the Group Management Report in the Annual Report 2023 are still applicable. Taking into account the respective probability of occurrence and the potential impact of the risks described in the annual report 2023, no risks were identified that could threaten CLIQ Digital AG as a going concern.
Based on the first quarter 2024 results, stable exchange rates and no adjustments to the Group's portfolio, the Management Board now expects organic Group sales in the full year 2024 to be between €300 and €330 million (previously: €360 and €380 million), total customer acquisition costs of between €120 and €140 million (previously: €150 and €170 million), and EBITDA is forecast to range between €26 and €30 million (previously: €52 and €58 million).
| in EUR thousand | Note | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 5 | 73,006 | 82,868 |
| Cost of Sales | 6 | -59,914 | -61,303 |
| Gross Profit | 13,092 | 21,565 | |
| Personnel expenses | 7 | -7,721 | -6,601 |
| Other operating expenses | -3,147 | -2,114 | |
| Impairment losses and gains on trade receivables and contract costs |
-368 | -63 | |
| Total operating expenses | -11,237 | -8,777 | |
| EBITDA | 1,855 | 12,788 | |
| Depreciation. amortisation and impairment charges applied to intangible, tangible and other current assets |
8 | -1,298 | -873 |
| EBIT | 557 | 11,915 | |
| Financial income and financial expenses | 9 | 70 | -451 |
| Profit before tax | 626 | 11,463 | |
| Income taxes | 10 | -513 | -3,248 |
| Profit for the year | 114 | 8,215 | |
| Aributable to: | |||
| Owners of the Company | 114 | 8,215 | |
| Non-controlling interest | - | - | |
| Profit for the year | 114 | 8,215 | |
| Earnings per share | |||
| Basic earnings per share (in EUR) | 0.02 | 1.26 | |
| Diluted earnings per share (in EUR) | 0.02 | 1.25 |
| in EUR thousand | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: |
||
| Exchange dierences on translating foreign operations |
- | 31 |
| TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR |
- | 31 |
| PROFIT FOR THE YEAR | 114 | 8,215 |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR |
114 | 8,246 |
| Aributable to: | ||
| Shareholders of the company | 114 | 8,246 |
| Non-controlling interest | - | - |
| TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR |
114 | 8,246 |
| in EUR thousand | Note | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| NON-CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Goodwill | 11 | 47,515 | 47,515 |
| Other intangible assets | 12 | 12,442 | 12,134 |
| Property, Operating and o ce equipment |
13 | 3,623 | 3,979 |
| Contract costs | 1,394 | 2,581 | |
| Other non-current assets | 14 | 1,935 | 1,971 |
| Deferred tax assets | 1,506 | 1,683 | |
| Total non-current assets | 68,416 | 69,864 | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Trade receivables | 26,284 | 20,546 | |
| Contract costs | 45,830 | 46,616 | |
| Other assets | 1,458 | 1,915 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 10,467 | 15,737 | |
| Total current assets | 84,038 | 84,812 |
| Total assets | 152,455 | 154,677 |
|---|---|---|
| in EUR thousand | Note | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Equity | |||
| Issued capital | 6,444 | 6,509 | |
| Share premium | 56,989 | 58,053 | |
| Retained earnings | 36,683 | 36,569 | |
| Other reserves | 2,274 | 2,046 | |
| Equity aributable to the Shareholders | 102,389 | 103,177 | |
| Non-controlling interest | -93 | -93 | |
| Total equity | 102,296 | 103,084 | |
| LIABILITIES | |||
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 13,808 | 14,309 | |
| Other Financial liabilities | 15 | 2,726 | 2,969 |
| Other liabilities | 407 | 423 | |
| Total non-current liabilities | 16,941 | 17,700 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Other Financial liabilities | 15 | 1,329 | 1,410 |
| Provisions | 375 | 375 | |
| Trade payables | 11,258 | 13,086 | |
| Income tax liabilities | 6,902 | 6,886 | |
| Other liabilities | 13,355 | 12,136 | |
| Total current liabilities | 33,219 | 33,892 | |
| Total liabilities | 50,159 | 51,593 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 152,455 | 154,677 |
| Non-con | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issued | Share | Retained | Other | trolling | Total | ||
| in EUR thousand | capital | premium | earnings | reserves | Total | interest | equity |
| Balance as of 31 December 2023 |
6,509 | 58,053 | 36,569 | 2,046 | 103,177 | -93 | 103,084 |
| Net profit / loss for the period |
- | - | 114 | - | 114 | -1 | 113 |
| Other comprehensive income |
- | - | - | - | -103 | - | -103 |
| Equity-seled share-based payments |
- | - | - | 330 | 330 | - | 330 |
| Shares buyback | -65 | -1,064 | - | - | -1,129 | - | -1,129 |
| Balance as of 31 March 2024 |
6,444 | 56,989 | 36,683 | 2,274 | 102,389 | -94 | 102,296 |
| In EUR thousand | Note | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | |||
| Profit before tax | 626 | 11,462 | |
| Net (gain)/loss arising on financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit and loss |
9 | -8 | - |
| Financial income and expenses recognized in profit or loss |
9 | -62 | 451 |
| Equity-seled share based payment transactions | 330 | 122 | |
| Depreciation and amortization of non-current assets | 12. 13 | 2,383 | 1,654 |
| 3,270 | 13,690 | ||
| Changes in working capital | -3,883 | -8,812 | |
| (Increase)/decrease in contract costs | 1,973 | -3,449 | |
| (Increase)/decrease in trade receivables and other current assets |
-5,273 | -5,559 | |
| Increase/(decrease) in current liabilities | -583 | 196 | |
| Cash generated from operations | -613 | 4,877 | |
| Income taxes (paid)/received | -819 | -657 | |
| Interest (paid)/received | 72 | -67 | |
| Net cash generated from operating activities | -1,360 | 4,153 | |
| Payments for property, plant and equipment | 13 | -9 | -28 |
| Payments for intangible fixed assets | 12 | -2,326 | -2,531 |
| Sales/ (Acquisition) of other investments | - | -199 | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | -2,335 | -2,758 |
| In EUR thousand | Note | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from financing activities | |||
| Transaction costs related to loans and borrowings | 17 | - | |
| Lease instalments paid | -358 | -379 | |
| Share buyback | -1,129 | - | |
| Net cash used in financing activities | -1,470 | -378 | |
| Total cash flow | -5,165 | 1,017 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year |
15,737 | 9,900 | |
| Total cash flow | -5,165 | 1,017 | |
| Eects of exchange rate changes on the balance of cash held in foreign currencies |
-104 | -12 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year | 10,467 | 10,905 | |
| Cash and bank balances | 10,467 | 10,905 | |
| Bank borrowing overdra facility | - | - | |
| Cash and cash equivalents in cash flow statement | 10,467 | 10,905 |
The CLIQ Digital Group is a leading online performance marketing company selling subscription-based streaming services that bundle movies & series, music, audiobooks, sports and games to consumers worldwide. The Group licenses 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 170 sta from 40 dierent nationalities as at 31 December 2023. The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf and has oces in Amsterdam, Paris and Toronto.
CLIQ Digital is listed in the Scale segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ISIN: DE000A35JS40, GSIN/WKN: A35JS4) 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 Unocial 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 31 March 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 three months ended 31 March 2024 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 2023 ('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 |
31 Mar 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principal companies | |||
| Cliq B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| 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% |
| 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% |
| Cliq Games B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 60% | 60% |
| Cructiq AG | Baar, Switzerland | 100% | 100% |
| Luboka Media Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 100% | 100% |
| Memtiq B.V. | Amsterdam, The Netherlands | 100% | 100% |
| Red27 Mobile Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 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% |
| Universal Mobile Enterprises Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 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. | Aiki, Greece | 100% | 100% |
| Booster Media Limited | Witney, United Kingdom | 100% | 0% |
| Bunkr Technologies S.A.S. | Vincennes, France | 80% | 80% |
| Netacy Inc. (Liquidated as per 4 January, 2024) |
Dover, USA | 0% | 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 dier 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 aects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision aects both current and future periods.
The Group derives revenue from services at a point in time for the following services:
| In EUR thousand | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Digital entertainment services | 73,006 | 82,868 |
| Total gross revenue | 73,006 | 82,868 |
In the following table revenue from contracts with customers is disaggregated by geographical market:
| Total gross revenue | 73,006 | 82,868 |
|---|---|---|
| ROW | 3,372 | 2,261 |
| Latin America | 3,543 | 2,960 |
| North America | 48,487 | 44,267 |
| Europe | 17,604 | 33,380 |
| In EUR thousand | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
| In EUR thousand | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Total customer acquisition costs | 29,339 | 32,910 |
| Capitalised customer acquisition costs (contract costs) |
-29,089 | -32,392 |
| Amortised contract costs | 31,053 | 28,943 |
| Customer acquisition costs for the period | 31,303 | 29,461 |
| Third party costs | 10,606 | 13,812 |
| Other COS | 18,005 | 18,031 |
| Total | 59,914 | 61,303 |
The personnel expenses are composed as follows:
| Total | 7,721 | 6,601 |
|---|---|---|
| Other | 113 | 135 |
| Hired sta and related costs | 877 | 255 |
| Share-based payment arrangements | 127 | 853 |
| Social security contributions | 694 | 494 |
| Pension contributions | 3 | 20 |
| Wages and salaries | 5,907 | 4,843 |
| In EUR thousand | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
The average number of employees during the financial period was as follows:
| 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Employees (average full-time equivalent) | 165.8 | 164.8 |
| Full-time employees (average headcount) | 147.3 | 143.0 |
| Part-time employees (average headcount) | 23.0 | 27.0 |
| Employees (average headcount) | 170.3 | 170.0 |
| In EUR thousand | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Other intangible assets | 933 | 499 |
| Right of Use Assets | 257 | 265 |
| Plant. operating and o ce equipment |
109 | 109 |
| Total | 1,298 | 873 |
| In EUR thousand | 3M 2024 | 3M 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Financial income | ||
| Interest income | 131 | - |
| Fair value movements on financial liabilities designated as FVTPL |
8 | - |
| 139 | - | |
| Financial expenses | ||
| Interest on bank overdras and loans | -24 | -40 |
| Amortization capitalized finance expenses | -10 | -53 |
| Interest expense on lease liabilities | -42 | -51 |
| Exchange results | 42 | -178 |
| Bank costs | -22 | -95 |
| Other financial expenses | -12 | -35 |
| Fair value movements on financial liabilities designated as FVTPL |
- | - |
| -69 | -451 | |
| Total financial income and financial expenses | 70 | -451 |

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 eect 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 eective tax rate in the interim financial statements may dier from management's estimate of the eective tax rate for the annual financial statements.
All deferred taxes on temporary dierences 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 and the applicable tax rate for other foreign jurisdictions.
| In EUR thousand | DE | NL | Other | 3M 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit before tax | -1,057 | 1,507 | 176 | 626 |
| Nominal tax rate | 31.2% | 25.8% | 25.1% | 31.2% |
| Income tax calculated at nominal rate | 330 | -389 | -45 | -196 |
| Eects of dierent tax rates of subsidiaries operating in other jurisdictions |
- | - | - | 2,766 |
| Expenses share option plan which are not tax deductible |
-117 | - | - | -117 |
| Recognition of previously unrecognized (derecognition of previously recognized) tax losses |
-295 | - | - | -295 |
| Tax results from previous years | 1 | - | - | 1 |
| Fair value movements related to contingent considerations arrangements from acquisitions |
3 | - | - | 3 |
| Income tax expense in profit or loss account (e ective) |
-78 | -389 | -46 | -513 |
| E ective tax rate |
-7.4% | 25.8% | 26.1% | 81.8% |
| In EUR thousand | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 47,621 | 47,621 |
| Accumulated impairment losses | -106 | -106 |
| Caarying amount goodwill | 47,515 | 47,515 |
| In EUR thousand | 31 Mar 2024 | 31 Dec 2023 |
| Cost | ||
| Opening balance at 1 January | 47,621 | 47,621 |
| Acquisition through business combination | - | - |
| Disposals | - | - |
| Eect of foreign currency exchange dierences | - | - |
| Closing balance at reporting date | 47,621 | 47,621 |
| Accumulated impairment losses | ||
| Opening balance at 1 January | -106 | -106 |
| Impairment | - | - |
| Eect of foreign currency exchange dierences | - | - |
| Closing balance at reporting date | -106 | -106 |
| Closing balance at reporting date | 47,515 | 47,515 |
The other intangible assets consist of the following assets as at 31 March 2024:
| Licenses and | Internally generated intangible |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| In EUR thousand | trademarks | assets | Total |
| Cost | |||
| 31 December 2023 | 5,339 | 12,594 | 17,932 |
| Additions | 1,470 | 856 | 2,326 |
| Disposals | -741 | -189 | -930 |
| 31 March 2024 | 6,067 | 13,262 | 19,329 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment losses | |||
| 31 December 2023 | 2,162 | 145 | 2,306 |
| Amortization in the financial year | 1,085 | 933 | 2,018 |
| Disposals | -741 | -189 | -930 |
| 31 March 2024 | 3,036 | 3,851 | 6,887 |
| Carrying amount 31 December 2023 | 2,646 | 9,488 | 12,134 |
| Carrying amount 31 March 2024 | 3,031 | 9,411 | 12,442 |
| Plant. operating and |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| o ce |
Right of Use | ||
| In EUR thousand | equipment | Assets | Total |
| Cost | |||
| 31 December 2023 | 1,793 | 4,914 | 6,707 |
| Additions | 9 | - | 9 |
| Disposals | -14 | - | -14 |
| 31 March 2024 | 1,788 | 4,914 | 6,702 |
| Amortization and impairment losses | |||
| 31 December 2023 | 884 | 1,844 | 2,728 |
| Amortization in the financial year | 109 | 257 | 365 |
| Disposals | -14 | - | -14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 March 2024 | 978 | 2,100 | 3,079 |
| Carrying amount 31 December 2023 | 909 | 3,070 | 3,979 |
| Carrying amount 31 March 2024 | 809 | 2,814 | 3,623 |
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 EUR thousand | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign currency forwards | -37 | - |
| Blacknut S.A.S | 1,572 | 1,572 |
| Dreamspark S.A.S | 400 | 400 |
| Total | 1,935 | 1,971 |
| In EUR thousand | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Non-current liabilities | ||
| Lease liabilities | 2,726 | 2,969 |
| Contingent considerations resulting from acquisitions |
- | - |
| 2,726 | 2,969 | |
| Current liabilities | ||
| Lease liabilities | 1,277 | 1,350 |
| Contingent considerations resulting from acquisitions |
- | 8 |
| Other | 52 | 52 |
| 1,329 | 1,410 | |
| Total financial liabilities | 4,054 | 4,379 |
A maturity analysis of the lease payments as of reporting date is presented below:
| In EUR thousand | 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 |
|---|---|---|
| No later than 1 year | 1,277 | 1,350 |
| Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years | 2,726 | 2,969 |
| Later than 5 years | - | - |
| Total | 4,003 | 4,319 |
| 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Credit facility | - | - |
| Borrowing base facility | - | - |
| Total secured bank loans | - | - |
| Capitalized finance expenses | - | - |
| Total bank borrowings | - | - |
The group holds an overdra facility with HSBC for an amount of €15.0 million at improved terms and conditions. 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%.
An amount of €84 thousand of capitalised finance expenses has been reclassified to other current assets as no amount was drawn down per 31 March 2024.
At 31 March 2024, the Group had the following share-based payment arrangements outstanding:
| 3/31/2024 | 12/31/2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of instruments | Number of instruments | |
| Share appreciation rights 2017 | - | 2 |
| Stock option plan 2017 | 23 | 23 |
| Share appreciation rights 2019 | 1 | 22 |
| Share appreciation rights 2020 | 25 | 53 |
| Share appreciation rights 2021 | 58 | 59 |
| Share appreciation rights 2022 | 44 | 44 |
| Share appreciation rights 2023 | 46 | 46 |
| Share appreciation rights 2024 | 59 | - |
| Subtotal cash-seled share option arrangements |
256 | 249 |
| Stock option plan 2017 | - | - |
| Stock option plan 2020 | 147 | 137 |
| Stock option plan 2022 | 158 | 152 |
| Subtotal equity-seled share option arrangements |
305 | 288 |
| Total | 561 | 537 |
During the period, the below share-based payment arrangements are new or changed compared to the last annual financial statements.
During 1Q 2024 the Group granted a total of 59,350 share appreciation rights (SAR) to employees that entitle them to a cash payment aer 4 years of service. The share appreciation rights expire at the end of a 7 year period aer 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 longterm increase in the shareholder value. During Q1 2024 10,500 stock option rights have been granted for the plan relating to 2020 and 6,316 stock option rights have been granted relating to 2022.
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 aer 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 fiy 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.
| Stock option plan 2017 |
Share ap preciation rights 2019 |
Share ap preciation rights 2020 |
Share ap preciation rights 2021 |
Share ap preciation rights 2022 |
Share ap preciation rights 2023 |
Share ap preciation rights 2024 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of options issued | 67,500 | 34,600 | 63,250 | 59,250 | 44,000 | 46,350 | 59,350 |
| Fair value of the option on the grant date |
€ 1.00 | € 0.65 | € 2.61 | € 7.27 | € 7.43 | € 9.52 | € 9.52 |
| Fair value of the option on measurement date |
€ 14.61 | € 13.94 | € 7.71 | € 4.09 | € 3.97 | € 5.23 | € 5.12 |
| Exercise price of the op tion on the issue date |
€ 1.00 | € 2.00 | € 9.93 | € 21.06 | € 22.67 | € 26.39 | € 20.02 |
| Expected volatility | 65% | 65% | 65% | 60% | 60% | 60% | 60% |
| Duration of the option | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs | 7 yrs |
| Expected dividends | 7.1% | 7.1% | 7.1% | 7.1% | 7.1% | 7.1% | 7.1% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 2.5% | 2.6% | 2.6% | 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.
| Stock option plan 2020 | Stock option plan 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of options issued | 147,000 | 157,896 |
| Fair value of the option on the grant date | € 19.11 | € 17.17 |
| Share price at grant date | € 23.52 | € 26.51 |
| Exercise price of the option on grant date | € 1.00 | € 1.00 |
| Expected volatility | 60% | 60% |
| Duration of the option | 7 yrs | 7 yrs |
| Expected dividends | 7.1% | 7.1% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 2.5% | 2.5% |
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.
| 3M 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Average exercise price | |||
| Number | € | ||
| January 1 | 535,430 | 7.80 | |
| Granted during the period | 76,166 | 1.00 | |
| Exercised during the period | -49,250 | 18.21 | |
| Forfeited during the period | -1,000 | 28.55 | |
| March 31 | 561,346 | 7.98 | |
| Exercisable on March 31 | 1,000 | 2.00 |
The options outstanding at 31 March 2024 had an exercise price in the range of €1.00 to €32.32 (31 Dec 2023: €1.00 to €32.32) and a weighted-average contractual life of 4,27 years (31 Dec 2023: 5.2 years). The weighted-average share price at the date of exercise for share options exercised in Q1 2024 was €18,21 (3M 2023: €30.23).

As at balance sheet date, the Group had no significant commitments for expenditures which have not already been recognised.
No other significant events have occurred aer the reporting date, which are of significant importance to the Group.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements as at 31 March 2024 – 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 31 March 2024 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 2024.
8 May 2024
The Management Board
Investor Relations:
Sebastian McCoskrie [email protected] +49 151 52043659
Media Relations:
Daniela Münster [email protected] +49 174 3358111
The CLIQ Digital Group is a leading online performance marketing company that distributes subscriptionbased streaming services that bundle films & series, music, audio books, sports and games to consumers worldwide. The Group licences streaming content from partners, bundles it and sells the content via its numerous streaming services. Over the years, CLIQ has become a specialist in online advertising and the design of streaming services tailored to specific consumer groups. CLIQ Digital operates in over 40 countries and employed 170 people from 40 dierent countries as of 31 December 2023. The company is headquartered in Düsseldorf and has oces in Amsterdam, Paris and Toronto. CLIQ Digital is listed in the Scale segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (WKN: A35JS4, ISIN: DE000A35JS40) and is a member of the MSCI World Micro Cap Index.
Visit our website hps://cliqdigital.com/investors. Here you will find all publications and further information about CLIQ Digital. You can also follow us on LinkedIn.
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 dier 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 aer the date of this report.
Please note: rounding dierences can occur and In case of doubt, the English version shall prevail.
8 August 2Q/6M 2024 Financial Statement & Telephone Conference 7 November 3Q/9M 2024 Financial Statement & Telephone Conference

CLIQ Digital AG Grünstraße 8 40212 Düsseldorf Germany
T. +49 (0)211 9350 706 F. +49 (0)211 9350 150
[email protected] www.cliqdigital.com
Sebastian McCoskrie [email protected], +49 151 52043659
Daniela Münster [email protected], +49 174 3358111
Publication Date Wednesday, 8 May 2024
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