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CLIQ Digital AG

Interim / Quarterly Report Oct 10, 2023

4523_10-q_2023-10-10_e4ef8bd0-9337-47b9-9884-06ecf6511317.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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HALF-YEAR REPORT 2023

  • UNAUDITED -

6M 2023 key financials

Business development

Revenue breakdown

Operating free cash flow

KEY FIGURES

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

MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

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

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Revenue

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.

Customer acquisition costs (marketing spend)

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.

EBITDA

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.

Earnings per share

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.

Key performance indicators

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.

Cash flow

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.

Cash position

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.

OPPORTUNITIES AND RISKS

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.

OUTLOOK

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.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS

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

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT AND LOSS AND OCI

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

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF THE FINANCIAL POSITION

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

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

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

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

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

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

1 CORPORATE INFORMATION

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.

2 BASIS OF PREPARATION AND CHANGES TO THE GROUP'S ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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.

3 SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION

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%

4 USE OF JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES

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.

5 REVENUE

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 the following table revenue from contracts with customers is disaggregated by geographical market:

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

6 COST OF SALES

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

7 PERSONNEL EXPENSES

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

7.1 Employees

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

8 DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

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

9 FINANCIAL INCOME AND FINANCIAL EXPENSES

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

10 CORPORATE INCOME TAX

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.

10.1 Reconciliation of the effective tax rate

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%

11GOODWILL

11.1 Reconcilation of carrying amount of goodwill

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

12 OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

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

13 PLANT, OPERATING AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT

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

13.1 Right of use assets

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.

14 OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

In '000 € 30/06/2023 31/12/2022
Blacknut SAS 1,572 1,572
Dreamspark SAS 400 400
Total 1,972 1,972

15 OTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

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

15.1 Lease liabilities

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

16 BANK BORROWINGS

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%.

17 SHARE-BASED PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

17.1 Description of share-based payment arrangements

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.

17.1.1 Share appreciation rights 2023

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.

17.1.2 Stock option plan 2020

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.

17.2 Underlying the cash-settled stock option plans

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%

17.3 Assumptions underlying the equity-settled stock option plans

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.

17.4 Reconciliation of outstanding share options arrangements

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).

18 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As at balance sheet date, the Group had no significant commitments for expenditures which have not already been recognised.

19 EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

No significant events have occurred after the reporting date, which are of significant importance to the Group.

DISCLOSURE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 115 (5) SENTENCE 6 OF THE GERMAN SECURITIES TRADING ACT (WpHG)

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.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

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

FURTHER INFORMATION Contact

Investor Relations:

Sebastian McCoskrie [email protected] +49 151 52043659

www.cliqdigital.com/investors

Media Relations:

Daniela Münster [email protected] +49 174 3358111

Julián Palacios [email protected] +49 151 18476600

About CLIQ Digital

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.

Disclaimer

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

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