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ESI Group

Quarterly Report Sep 14, 2023

1296_ir_2023-09-14_a4827f78-0f6b-4e07-8340-34bffd4a0c20.pdf

Quarterly Report

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HALF-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT

AS OF JUNE 30, 2023

SUMMARY

1. MANAGEMENT REPORT 3
1.1. Overall presentation 3
1.2. Highlights 3
1.3. Revenues and consolidated financial statements 5
1.4. Cash-flows 6
1.5. Balance sheet 7
1.6. Outlook 7
1.7. Risk factors 7
1.8. Transactions with related parties 7
1.9. Information on shareholding 8
1.10. Financial information definitions 9
2. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10
2.1. Consolidated income statement 10
2.2. Balance sheet 11
2.3. Consolidated statement of changes in equity 12
2.4. Consolidated statement of cash flows 13
2.5. Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements 14
Note 1. Accounting principles 14
Note 2. Significant events for the first half-year 15
Note 3. Scope of consolidation 17
Note 4. Operating data 18
Note 5. Intangible assets 19
Note 6. Financing 21
Note 7. Tax 21
Note 8. Subsequent events 21
3. STATUTORY AUDITORS' REVIEW REPORT ON THE 2023 HALF YEAR FINANCIAL INFORMATION 22
4. DECLARATIONS BY THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE OF THE HALF YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT 25

This semestrial financial report is a translation in English of the official version of the semestrial financial report in French filed with the AMF on September 12, 2023, and available on our website https://www.esigroup.com/fr.

1. MANAGEMENT REPORT

Preamble

The financial information below presents the activity and the financial statements of ESI Group, a French "société anonyme", registered with the Creteil Trade and Company Register under number 381 080 225. The Group's headquarters are located 3 bis rue Saarinen, Immeuble Le Séville, 94528 Rungis Cedex, France. The company is listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris, under the ISIN code: FR 0004110310. In this report, ESI Group is hereinafter referred to as "ESI Group" or the "Company". The Company and all its affiliated companies are hereinafter referred to as the "Group" or "ESI".

1.1. Overall presentation

Founded in 1973, ESI Group envisions a world where Industry commits to bold outcomes, addressing high stakes concerns – environmental impact, safety & comfort for consumers and workers, adaptable and sustainable business models. ESI is a pioneer in providing Virtual Prototyping software solutions anchored on predictive physics modeling and its capacity to chain the physics and its solutions to allow industries to make the right decisions at the right time, while managing their complexity. Acting principally in automotive & land transportation, aerospace, energy and heavy industry, ESI is present in close to 20 countries, employs around 900 people globally and reported 2022 sales of €129.7 million at constant perimeter.

1.2. Highlights

During the 1st half of 2023, ESI continued to implement its three-year strategic plan "OneESI 2024 - Focus to Grow", first unveiled in October 2021.

The first major milestone in the plan was achieved in 2022, with an increase in results, the launch of an overhaul of ESI's commercial offering and the refocusing of its business activities, in particular with the sale of a software suite in the field of fluid simulation ("CFD") on July 13, 2022, and of the SCILAB assets on July 27, 2022.

Concentration on core business activities continued in the first half of 2023 with the sale of Systus software and associated engineering services to Framatome, an international player in the nuclear energy sector, announced on April 17, 2023. This activity represented 1.2 million euros in license sales, 3.2 million euros in

associated consulting services sales in 2022, and employed 27 people. The Group has also undertaken the overhaul of its indirect distribution network in Asia during the second quarter of 2023.

In the first 6 months of 2023, the Group reported a further + 1.5% increase in sales (+ 7.0% on constant perimeter and change, taking into account the impact of divestments and currency depreciation, including the Japanese yen), and growth in gross margin and operating income.

On June 28, 2023, Keysight entered into exclusive negotiations with the main shareholders of ESI Group representing 50.6% of its share capital (the "Vendors"), with a view to acquiring by Keysight the entire shareholding of the Vendors (the "Control Block"). Within the framework of these exclusive negotiations resulting from a promise to purchase (the "Promise"), the Transferors benefit from a put option which they may decide to exercise upon completion of the information and consultation procedure with ESI Group's social and economic committee (the "CSE"). The signature of definitive agreements may therefore only take place upon completion of the said information and consultation procedure with the CSE. Completion of the acquisition of the Control Block is also subject to certain regulatory approvals.

The acquisition of the Control Block would be followed by the compulsory filing by Keysight of a public tender offer for the remaining shares issued by ESI Group and, should the 90% thresholds in capital and voting rights be crossed at the end of the Offer, Keysight would request the implementation of a squeeze-out procedure for ESI Group.

On June 28, 2023, ESI Group's Board of Directors unanimously approved the proposed transaction, without prejudice to the reasoned opinion to be issued following submission of the independent expert's report, and subject to completion of the acquisition of the Control Block (see press release of June 29, 2023 available on the Company's website: http://www.esi-group.com/fr).

1.3. Revenues and consolidated financial statements

Key figures

Half year closed on June 30, 2023

06/30/2023 06/30/2022 Change Change Constant
(€m) 6m 6m exchange rate
(cer)
Revenue 85.6 84.3 1.5% 3.4%
Licenses 78.2 73.9 5,8 % 7,7%
Services 7.4 10.4 (29.0%) (27.5%)
Gross Margin 71.3 68.6 3,9 % 5,9 %
% revenue 83.3 % 81.3 %
Adjusted EBIT (1) 26.5 26.0 1,7 % 1,8 %
% revenue (1) 30.9% 30.9 %
EBIT 11.2 21.9 (49.0 %) (49.1 %)
Net result 5.7 13.9 n.s. n.s.
% revenue 6.7% 16.5 %
Cash and cash equivalent 63.1 35.4 178.2%
Net Financial Debt (2) (35.8) (0.6)
Gearing (in %) (3) (33.8 %) (0.7 %)

(1) Adjusted EBIT and adjusted operating income margin are non-IFRS indicators detailed in paragraph 1.10.

(2) Net financial debt: Financial debts gross value (long term and short term) less cash and cash equivalent. The negative amount indicates that the Group's net cash position is positive.

(3) Gearing: net debt / equity ratio. The negative amount indicates that the Group's net cash position is positive.

Revenue growth and positive momentum on profitability indicators

Half-year revenue rose by 1.5% (+3.4% at constant exchange rates) to €85.6 million. This growth was mainly led by the licenses business at €78.2 million (representing 91% of semester revenue, versus 88% in firsthalf 2022). Annual Recurring Revenues (excluding perpetual contracts and before deferred revenue) increased by 8.7% (+10.4% cer) to €81.5 million (vs. €75.0 million in first-half 2022). The license renewal rate was 96.4% compared with 93.5% in the first half of 2022. Conversely, sales of perpetual licenses decrease by -42.1% to EUR 3.0 million from EUR 5.2 million in H1 2022. The deferred revenue was stable at EUR -6.3 million (compared to EUR -6.2 million in H1 2022).

Excluding the effects of changes in the scope of consolidation (sale of CFD, discontinuation of activities in Russia and Belarus, sale of Systus) and at constant exchange rates, sales for the first half of 2023 rose by +7.0%, in line with the growth targets communicated by the Group. This performance reflects the success of ESI's strategy, focused on annual license sales.

As a reminder, the Group's sales are highly seasonal, with a concentration in the first quarter of annual license contracts whose validity coincides with the calendar year. As a result, Group sales in the first half of the year are significantly higher than in the second half.

Sales growth was accompanied by controlled cost trends in an inflationary environment. Adjusted EBIT came to €26.5 million (or an adjusted EBIT margin of 30.9%), stable compared with the first half of 2022. Excluding changes in the scope of consolidation (sale of CFD, discontinuation of activities in Russia and Belarus, sale of Systus), and at constant exchange rates, adjusted EBIT rose by 1.3 million euros (+5.3%).

It should be noted that R&D capitalization net of depreciation had an unfavorable impact of -€2.2 million in the first half of 2023 compared with the first half of 2022: it represented an expense of -€0.3 million compared with a net income of +€1.8 million a year earlier, notably due to the refocusing of production on a smaller number of projects (including the disposal of CFD assets in 2022).

Sales in line with the key strengths of the Group

In 2023, the geographical breakdown of half-year revenues has changed slightly compared to the first half of 2022: the EMEA region accounts for 51.7% (compared to 50.2%) of total revenues, Asia 32.2% (compared to 33.7%) and the Americas were stable at 16.0%.

Over the period, licensing revenue was driven by the Automotive industry, with the industrial sector also recording significant growth.

At constant perimeter and change, sales rose in every region compared with the first half 2022.

ESI strengthens its cash position and balance sheet

During the first half of 2023, ESI Group strengthened its balance sheet and recorded strong growth in net cash (available cash less financial debt, excluding the impact of IFRS 16), which stood at 35.8 million euros at June 30, 2023, compared with 0.6 million euros a year earlier.

1.4. Cash-flows

Cash position amounted to €63.1 million as at June 30, 2023, compared with €41.6m at December 31, 2022 and €35.4m at June 30, 2022.

Evolution of cash position between December 31, 2022 and June 30, 2023 is mainly due to:

  • Cash flow from operating activities of 31 million euros, compared with 16 million euros in the first half of 2022. The change is mainly due to an improvement in WCR. The change in WCR for the first half of 2022 was -€5.7 million, and took into account short-term cash outflows linked to the restructuring measures announced in October 2021;
  • Current capital expenditure of -0.8 million euros, compared with -0.5 million euros in the first half of 2022;
  • Financial items, such as the payment of the annual instalment on the syndicated loan (5 million euros) and the quarterly instalments on the State Guaranteed Loan and other borrowings (2.1 million euros), as well as receipts from the sale of Systus and share buybacks.

As of June 30, 2023, ESI Group held 6.23% of its capital in treasury shares.

1.5. Balance sheet

Gross financial debt stood at €27.3 million (versus €34.3 million at December 31, 2022). Net cash (cash and cash equivalents less gross financial debt) increased to €35.8 million (versus €7.3 million at December 31, 2022). This trend is explained by the favorable seasonality of sales and the profitability of activities, the partial receipt of the sale price for the Systus business, and the repayment of loan maturities totaling €7.1 million. Gearing (net financial debt-to-equity) thus stood at -33.8% compared with -0.7% at end of June 2022 and - 8.0% at end of December 2022.

1.6. Outlook

The Group intends to continue implementing its strategic repositioning as part of the "OneESI 2024 - Focus to Grow" plan in the second half of 2023 and remains confident in its ability to achieve its communicated multi-year targets.

The procedures for informing and consulting ESI Group's social and economic committee (the "CSE") initiated as part of the exclusive negotiations begun at the end of June between Keysight and ESI Group's main shareholders representing 50.6% of its share capital (the "Transferors" representing the "Control Block") with a view to Keysight's acquisition of their entire stake are continuing. The transaction remains subject to certain regulatory approvals.

1.7. Risk factors

A detailed analysis of the different risk factors can be found in the 2022 Universal Registration Document (filed with the AMF on March 17, 2023, in French) in Chapter 3 "Risks and Risk Management", also available on our website http://www.esi-group.com.

In a volatile macroeconomic context, the group remains vigilant but has not identified any additional major risk during the past six months and for the remaining six months of the year.

1.8. Transactions with related parties

The nature of the transactions with related parties has not changed significantly during 2023 first half, as compared to December 31, 2022.

1.9. Information on shareholding

Shares number % capital Voting rights number % voting rights
NAME SURNAME
DAVERN Alexander 11,333 0.19 % 11,333 0.15 %
SOUDAN Patrice 2,100 0.03 % 2,100 0.03 %
JACQ Véronique 157 — % 314 — %
RAMANATHAN Rajani 1 — % 2 — %
DE BALMANN Yves 1 — % 2 — %
Board members (registered shares)
-non executives & board advisors
13,592 0.22 % 13,751 0.18 %
DE ROUVRAY Cristel 253,054 4.16 % 506,108 6.60 %
ROMEFORT-REGNIER Corinne 9,802 0.16 % 15,270 0.19 %
LEFEBVRE Dominique 7,191 0.12 % 7,206 0.09 %
ZORGATI Olfa 5,754 0.09 % 5,754 0.07%
BARRE Florence 104 — % 104 — %
LEROY Emmanuel 5,000 0.08% 5,000 0.07%
Members of ESI Leadership Team -
ELT (registered shares)
280,905 4.61% 539,442 7.03 %
Employee shareholders (registered
shares)
55,671 0.91 % 91,776 1.20 %
Public (registered shares) 1,690,677 27.77 % 3,359,212 43.79 %
Public (bearer shares) 3,667,967 60.25 % 3,667,967 47.81 %
Public TOTAL 5,354,832 88.02 % 7,027,179 91.59 %
Treasury shares 379,437 6.23 % 0 — %
TOTAL 6,088,249 100.00 % 7,672,148 100.00 %

Breakdown of share capital and voting rights as of June 30, 2023:

Crossing of thresholds:

Since January 1st, 2023 until the filing date of this Half-year Financial Report, the following crossing of thresholds has been declared:

  • by letter dated June 30, 2023 from FIL Investments International, a multinational specializing in asset management on behalf of third parties, the latter declares that it has fallen below the legal and statutory threshold of 1.5% of ESI Group's share capital, with 92,844 shares representing 1.53% of shares and 1.15% of voting rights.
  • by letter dated July 21, 2023 sent by Caisse des dépôts et consignations, the latter declares that, indirectly via CDC Croissance, it has crossed below the statutory threshold of 2.5% of the company's voting rights. At the same time, CDC Croissance has directly and individually crossed below the same statutory threshold of 2.50% of the Company's voting rights. These threshold crossings resulted from sales of shares on the market by CDC Croissance. CDC now holds, indirectly through CDC Croissance, 200,908 shares and voting rights, representing 3.31% of ESI Group's capital and 2.49% of its voting rights.

No Corporate Officer declared to have crossed the threshold to the upward nor downward direction over the period.

1.10. Financial information definitions

In line with industry practice, the Group measures sales growth using a key performance indicator (KPI): Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). This indicator is defined as total sales from license contracts (including maintenance services), excluding sales from perpetual licenses and before changes in deferred sales (see paragraph 1.4.1. of the 2022 Universal Registration Document, available on the Company's website: http ://www.esi-group.com/fr).

In order to take into account the cessation of operations in Russia in 2022, the sale of assets in the fluid simulation ("CFD") field on July 13, 2022, and the sale of the Systus business on May 2, 2023, the corresponding sales and costs have been excluded from the indicators entitled "constant perimeter".

In analyzing its performance, the Group refers to information and variations at constant exchange rates ("constant rates"), opposite trends at current rates, as multi-year strategic objectives are set at constant rates. Currency effects are restated by calculating current-year aggregates at previous-year exchange rates.

Adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBIT margin are two non-IFRS indicators used by management to assess the Group's operating performance, as defined and presented in its three-year strategic plan (presented for the first time on October 5, 2021). These indicators do not replace IFRS indicators. Adjusted EBIT and adjusted EBIT margin exclude the following items:

  • Share-based compensation expenses.
  • Restructuring expenses.
  • Impairment of intangible assets.
  • Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets.
  • Application of IFRS 16 on leases.

■ Other non-recurring and special items not related to ordinary operations, including net capital gains and losses on disposals.

st semester
1
st semester
1
st semester
1
st semester
1
2023 2023 2022 2022
Current Constant Current Constant
(€m) perimeter perimeter perimeter perimeter
Revenue(1) 85.6 83.3 84.3 79.3
Operational result (EBIT) 11.2 9.8 21.9 19.7
EBIT margin (IFRS) in % of revenue 13.1% 11.8% 26.0% 24.8%
• application of IFRS 16 (0.2) (0.2) (0.1) (0.1)
EBIT before IFRS 16 11.0 9.6 21.8 19.6

Restructuring costs
0.1 0.1 1.5 1.5

Other operating income and expenses
12.8 12.8 - -
Stock-based compensation expenses(2)
2.5 2.5 1.9 1.9

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions
0.1 0.1 0.8 0.8
Adjusted EBIT 26.5 25.1 26.0 23.8
Adjusted EBIT margin in % of revenue 30.9% 30.1% 30.9% 30.0%

(1) Of which Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) at current perimeter: €81.5m in 2023 and €75,0 m in 2022 (cf. 1.10 definition)

(2) Data published for H1 2022 for share-based compensation have been restated to include the associated social security contributions (€0.4 million), in line with the methodology applied for the year ended December 31, 22.

2. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Since July 1, 2022, the group has concluded the asset divestment linked with a series of non-strategical softwares for fluid simulation (CFD – July 2022), stopped its activities in Russia and sold Systus business (May 2023 – cf note 2). The incidence of these operations on key indicators of profit and loss account and balance sheet being not relevant (contributions of €5.0 million on the turnover on first semester 2022 and €2.3 million on the same period of 2023), no pro forma account has been established.

2.1. Consolidated income statement

Half year closed on June 30, 2023

Half year closed Half year closed December 31,
(In € thousands) Note June 30, 2023 June 30 2022 2022
Licenses and maintenance 78,206 73,928 113,957
Consulting 7,105 9,917 18,648
Other 280 481 1,313
Revenue 4.1. 85,593 84,325 133,918
Cost of sales (14,346) (15,727) (27,685)
Research and development costs 5.2 (16,893) (15,712) (36,112)
Selling and marketing expenses (16,623) (16,849) (33,526)
General and administrative expenses (14,509) (12,588) (23,942)
Current operating result 23,825 23,449 12,651
Other operating income and expenses 2 (12,637) (1,518) 12,791
Operating result 11,188 21,931 25,442
Financial result 6.2 (1,934) 778 (1,312)
Share of profit of associates (310) (423) 99
Income before income tax expense and
minority interests
8,944 22,285 24,229
Provision for income tax 7.1 (3,245) 8,332 (8,835)
Net income before minority interests 5,698 13,953 15,395
Non-Controlling interests (1) 20 (26)
NET INCOME (GROUP SHARE) 5,697 13,933 15,421
Earnings per share (in €) 1.97 4.87 2.69
Diluted earnings per share (in €) 1.89 4.55 2.63

Statement of comprehensive income

(In € thousands) Half year closed
June 30, 2023
Half year closed
June 30 2022
December 31,
2022
Net income before minority interests 5,698 13,953 15,395
Other comprehensive income recycled to income
Change in the fair value of hedging instruments (3) (7) 139
Translation differences 29 376 (433)
Other comprehensive income (loss) not recycled to income 0
Actuarial gains and losses 0 1,388 1,825
Income and expenses recorded directly in equity 26 1,758 1,532
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 5,724 15,711 16,927
Attributable to Group equity holders 5,723 15,520 16,950
Attributable to non-controlling interests 1 20 (24)

The notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

2.2. Balance sheet

Half year closed on June 30, 2023

(In € thousands) Note Half year closed
June 30 2023
December 31,
2022
Half year closed
June 30 2022
Assets
Non-current assets 103,730 109,701 111,806
Goodwill 3.1 38,446 39,236 39,376
Intangible assets 5.1 32,512 33,154 35,389
Property, plant and equipment 3,706 4,100 3,479
Rights-of-use assets 9,982 12,483 15,197
Equity in net earnings of affiliated companies 597 961 478
Deferred tax assets 7.2 14,574 13,438 14,062
Other non-current assets 2,846 6,123 3,066
Cash-flow hedging instruments 1,067 205 759
Current assets 112,663 90,089 90,947
Trade receivables 4.1 31,835 37,142 36,993
Other current receivables 13,390 7,585 6,442
Prepaid expenses 4,324 3,763 3,392
Cash and cash equivalents 63,115 41,599 35,407
Assets held for sale 8,713
TOTAL ASSETS 216,393 199,789 202,753
Liabilities ,
Equity 95,402 90,004 89,235
Equity (Group share) 95,399 90,002 89,128
Capital 18,227 18,227 18,192
Additional paid-in capital 27,318 27,318 26,986
Reserves and retained earnings (b) 44,305 28,831 29,064
Net income (loss) 5,697 15,421 13,933
Translation differences 234 205 953
Non-controlling interests 3 2 107
Non-current liabilities 29,640 38,739 45,393
Non-current share of financial debt 6.1 15,657 22,846 26,706
Non-current lease obligation 6,221 8,240 10,368
Provision for employee benefits 6,517 6,713 7,310
Deferred tax liabilities 7.2 187
Cash-flow hedging instruments 34 13
Other long-term debt and provisions 1,245 905 809
Current liabilities 91,351 71,046 68,125
Current share of financial debt 6.1 11,640 11,439 8,125
Current lease obligation 3,482 3,896 4,502
Trade payables 5,427 6,859 4,703
Accrued compensation; taxes and others current liabilities 50,942 30,274 24,382
Current provisions 2,024 2,528 5,996
Contract liabilities 17,836 16,050 20,339
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale 78
TOTAL LIABILITIES 216,393 199,789 202,753

2.3. Consolidated statement of changes in equity

(In € thousands except number of Number o
f shares
Capital Additional
paid-in
capital
Net income,
reserves and
retained
earnings
Translation
differences
Equity
attributable to
parent
company
owners
Minority interests Total Equity
shares)
At December 31, 2020 restated
6,036,592 18,110 26,280 43,587 (502) 87,472 82 87,554
Change in fair value of hedging
instruments
7 7 7
Translation differences 1,167 1,167 3 1,170
Actuarial gains and losses 877 877 (1) 876
Income and expenses
recognized directly in equity
884 1,167 2,051 2 2,053
Restated Net income (1) (18,575) (18,575) (10) (18,585)
Comprehensive income (17,691) 1,167 (16,524) (8) (16,532)
Proceeds from issue of shares 27,549 83 705 788 788
Treasury shares (84) (84) (84)
Share-based payments 681 681 681
Transactions with non-controlling
interests
(150) (51) (201) 12 (189)
Other movements 34 (37) (3) (3)
At December 31, 2021 restated 6,064,141 18,192 26,986 26,377 577 72,129 86 72,215
Change in fair value of hedging
Instruments
139 139 139
Translation differences (435) (435) 2 (433)
Actuarial gains and losses 1,825 1,825 1,825
Income and expenses
recognized directly in equity
1,964 (435) 1,529 2 1,532
Net income 15,421 15,421 (26) 15,395
Comprehensive income 17,385 (435) 16,950 (24) 16,927
Proceeds from issue of shares 11,475 34 333 367 367
Treasury shares (2,192) (2,192) (2,192)
Share-based payments 3,031 3,031 3,031
Transactions with non-controlling
interests (a)
(290) 3 (287) (60) (347)
Other movements (56) 60 3 3
At December 31, 2022 6,075,616 18,227 27,318 44,255 205 90,002 2 90,004
Change in fair value of hedging (3) (3) (3)
Instruments
Translation differences
29 29 29
Income and expenses (3) 29 26 26
recognized directly in equity
Net income
5,627 5,697 1 5,698
Comprehensive income 5,694 29 5,723 1 5,724
Treasury shares (2,250) (2,250) (2,250)
Share-based payments 1,923 1,923 1,923
AT JUNE 30, 2023 6,075,616 18,227 27,318 49,622 234 95,398 3 95,402

2.4. Consolidated statement of cash flows

Half year close Half year closed
(In € thousands) June 30, 2023 June 30 2022 December 31, 2022
Net income before minority interests 5,698 13,953 15,395
Share of profit of associates 310 423 (99)
Amortization and provisions (1) 3,060 3,462 3,799
Net impact of capitalization of research & development costs 331 (1,827) (124)
Income taxes (current and deferred) 3,245 8,332 8,835
Income taxes paid (5,692) (2,801) (2,943)
Unrealized financial gains and losses 565 (1,513) (899)
Share-based payment transactions 1,923 1,458 3,031
Gains (losses) on sales and disposal of assets (6,249) 106 (15,911)
Operating cash flow 3,191 21,593 11,084
Trade receivables 3,188 (71) (345)
Trade payables (1,400) (516) 1,063
Other receivables and other liabilities 25,716 (5,151) (4,550)
Change in working capital requirement 27,504 (5,737) (3,832)
Net cash from operating activities 30,695 15,856 7,251
Purchase of intangible assets (457) (182) (300)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (314) (314) (1,614)
Proceeds from the sale of assets (2) 4,786 20,993
Other investment operations (221) (5) 277
Net cash used for investing activities 3,794 (501) 19,356
Proceeds from loans 133 365
Repayment of borrowings and lease debt (1) (9,421) (10,789) (13,896)
Proceeds from issue of shares 367
Purchase and proceeds from disposal of treasury shares (2,250) (122) (2,192)
Purchase of non-controlling interests (350)
Net cash used for financing activities (12,021) (10,778) (15,356)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (3) (955) 511 28
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 21,512 5,088 11,279
Opening cash position 41,599 30,319 30,319
Closing cash position 63,115 35,407 41,599
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 21,517 5,088 11,279

(1) The impact of IFRS 16 for 2023 first half is an increase of +€2.4m in the amortization and provision (against +€2.6m in H1 2022) and thus an improvement in operating cash-flow, against the repayment of finance lease obligation in the financing part of the Cash Flow Statement for -€2.4m (versus -€2.6m in the first half 2022).

(2) Mainly corresponds to proceeds from the Systus disposal (see note 2).

(3) Mainly corresponds to currency effects on cash and cash equivalents in foreign currencies.

The notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

2.5. Notes to the interim consolidated financial statements

Note 1. Accounting principles

Note 1.1. General information

The ESI Group is the world's leading creator of Virtual Prototyping software and services. A specialist in materials physics, ESI developed a unique and innovative know-how to help manufacturers replace real prototypes with virtual prototypes, enabling them to manufacture, assemble and test their products in different environments.

ESI Group is a French company, with its headquarters at 3 bis rue Saarinen, Immeuble Le Séville, 94528 Rungis Cedex, France. It is listed on the Euronext market in Paris compartment B under the code ISIN FR 0004110310.

ESI Group's half-year consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on September 12, 2023.

Note 1.2. Accounting standards applied

ESI Group's half-year consolidated accounts as of June 30, 2023 were established in accordance with the standard IAS 34 for interim financial reporting. This standard provides that, for summary accounts, these do not include all the information required by the IFRS repository for the preparation of annual consolidated accounts. These summary accounts must therefore be read in relation to the consolidated accounts for the year ended December 31, 2022. The new standards, interpretations and amendments that are mandatory for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2023 had no impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements, in particular the amendments to IAS 8 and 12. The new standards, interpretations and amendments that are mandatory for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2024 have not been early adopted by the Group (in particular, the amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS 16).

As from January 2023, as part of the consolidation software upgrade, sales and income and expenses of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the average monthly rate (previously, they were translated at the average cumulative rate for the period).

The interim half-year consolidated accounts are presented in thousands of euros, unless otherwise stated. Some totals may show rounding differences.

Note 1.3. Use of estimates and assumptions

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the consideration of estimates and assumptions established by Group's management that have an impact on the valuation of assets and liabilities, as well as on the amounts recorded as income or expenses throughout the half year.

The estimates relate, in particular, but not exclusively, to the assumptions used in determining the impact of stock options and free shares allocated to certain employees, business combinations, revenue recognition, depreciation of fixed assets (including capitalized development costs), the estimated life of fixed assets, the useful life of intangible assets acquired in business combinations, the valuation of deferred tax assets, provisions for depreciation of trades receivables, income tax expense, provisions for risks and litigation and provisions for post-employment benefits.

Note 2. Significant events for the first half-year

Exclusive negotiations for the sale of a controlling interest

On June 28, 2023, Keysight entered into exclusive negotiations with the main shareholders of ESI Group representing 50.6% of its share capital (the "Transferors"), with a view to Keysight acquiring the entire shareholding of the Transferors (the "Control Block"). Within the framework of these exclusive negotiations resulting from a promise to purchase (the "Promise"), the Transferors benefit from a put option which they may decide to exercise upon completion of the information and consultation procedure with ESI Group's social and economic committee (the "CSE"). The signature of definitive agreements may therefore only take place upon completion of the said information and consultation procedure with the CSE. Completion of the acquisition of the Control Block is also subject to certain regulatory approvals.

The acquisition of the Control Block would be followed by Keysight filing a mandatory tender offer for the remaining shares issued by ESI Group, and should the 90% thresholds in capital and voting rights be crossed at the end of the Offer, Keysight would request the implementation of a squeeze-out procedure for ESI Group. On June 28, 2023, ESI Group's Board of Directors unanimously approved the proposed transaction, without prejudice to the reasoned opinion to be issued following submission of the independent expert's report, and subject to completion of the acquisition of the Control Block.

Expenses incurred for services rendered by the Group's advisors in connection with this transaction have been recognized in other operating income and expenses.

Financial consequences of the strategic plan - other operating income and expenses

In 2023, the Group is pursuing its growth and profitability plan "OneESI 2024 - Focus to Grow". As part of this plan, the Group has sold its Systus software and related activities. ESI has also undertaken to overhaul its indirect distribution network in Asia during the second quarter of 2023.

The net result of the Systus disposal, as well as a provision for risks related to the commercial reorganization in Asia and a provision for consulting fees in connection with the planned shareholding transactions, amount the other operating income and expenses of €-12.6 million.

Financing

During the first half of 2023, ESI Group repaid the annual instalment of the syndicated loan of €5 million, leaving an outstanding balance of €10 million. The Group also repaid quarterly instalments on stateguaranteed loans and other borrowings for a total of €2.1 million. The revolving credit facility was not used during the half-year.

The Group's syndicated credit agreement provides for mandatory prepayments in the event of asset disposals within six months of the disposal date. A waiver was obtained in the second half of 2022 in respect of disposals carried out in 2022 and 2023.

The Group's main financing contracts also provide for early repayment clauses in the event of a change of control; a waiver request would be made if the planned transaction with Keysight were to materialize.

Note 3. Scope of consolidation

Note 3.1. List of entities in the scope of consolidation

The table below presents the dates of creation of head offices of Group subsidiaries and the percentage of capital directly or indirectly held:

% of capital held
Date of creation December 31,
Subsidiaries or acquisition Subsidiary head office June 30, 2023 2022 June 30, 2022
Fully consolidated entities
Engineering System International April 1973 Rungis, France 100 % 100 % 100 %
Engineering System International GmbH July 1979 Neu-Isenburg, Germany — % — % 100 %
ESI Japan, Ltd. July 1991 Tokyo, Japan 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI North America, Inc. March 1992 Farmington, Michigan,
United States
100 % 100 % 100 %
Hankook ESI Co., Ltd. September 1995 Seoul, South Korea 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI Group Hispania s.l. February 2001 Madrid, Spain 100 % 100 % 100 %
Mecas ESI s.r.o. May 2001 Plzen, Czeck Republic 100 % 100 % 95 %
ESI UK Ltd. January 2002 Londres, England 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI US R&D, Inc. August 2002 San Diego, California,
United States
100 % 100 % 100 %
Calcom ESI SA December 2002 Lausanne, Switzerland 99 % 99 % 99 %
ESI Software (India) Private Ltd. February 2004 Bangalore, India 100 % 100 % 100 %
Hong Kong ESI Co., Ltd. February 2004 Hong Kong, China — % — % 100 %
ESI-ATE Holdings Ltd. July 2006 Hong Kong, China — % — % 100 %
ESI South America Comércio e Serviços
de Informatica, Ltda
June 2008 São Paulo, Brazil 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI Italia s.r.l. September 2008 Bologna, Italy 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI Services Tunisie SARL April 2009 Tunis, Tunisia 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI Group Beijing Co., Ltd. October 2010 Beijing, China 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI Germany GmbH August 2011 Stuttgart, Germany 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI Nordics AB December 2011 Gôteborg, Sweden 100 % 100 % 100 %
OpenCFD Ltd. September 2012 Berkshire, England 100 % 100 % 100 %
ESI Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. December 2013 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 100 % 100 % 100 %
ITI GmbH January 2016 Dresde, Germany — % — % 100 %
Entities accounted for using the equity method
JV AECC-ESI (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. February 2014 Beijing, China 35 % 35 % 35 %

On January 6, 2023, On January 6, 2023, ESI Vietnam went into liquidation. This process was still in progress at June 30, 2023.

Note 3.2. Changes in Goodwill

(In € thousands) December 31,
2022
Increase Decrease Other
movement
Foreign
exchange
gain/loss
June 30, 2023
Gross values 39,236 (694) (96) 38,446
TOTAL NET VALUES 39,236 (694) (96) 38,446

The decrease in goodwill recognized in the first half of 2023 results from the disposal of the Systus business.

Management has not identified any indicator of impairment of goodwill and intangible assets as of June 30, 2023.

Note 4. Operating data

Note 4.1. Revenue

(In € thousands) Half year closed
June 30, 2023
Half year closed
June 30, 2022
December 31, 2022
Total licenses and maintenance 78,206 73,928 113,957
Consulting 7,105 9,917 18,648
Other revenue 280 481 1,313
Total services 7,385 10,398 19,961
CONSOLIDATED REVENUE 85,593 84,325 133,918

As a reminder, the Group's sales show a marked seasonal pattern, with a concentration in the first quarter of annual license contracts whose validity coincides with the calendar year. As a result, Group sales in the first half of the year are significantly higher than in the second half.

At June 30, 2023, trade receivables amounted to 31.8 million euros, including 36.2 million euros in gross receivables and -4.3 million euros in write-downs. At December 31, 2022, trade receivables stood at 37.1 million euros, including 41.5 million euros in receivables at gross value and -4.4 million euros in write-downs.

Note 4.2. Information by geographic area

Revenue is split between regions where it is actually produced.

(in € thousands) Europe, Asia-Pacific Americas Eliminations Consolidated
Middle-East
HALF-YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023
External clients 44,227 27,634 13,732 0 85,593
Affiliate companies 73,686 4,813 6,225 (84,723)
NET SALES 117,913 32,447 19,957 (84,723) 85,593
ASSETS ALLOCATED 254,413 56,867 13,905 (108,792) 216,393
FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022
External clients 62,148 49,653 22,116 0 133,918
Affiliate companies 78,081 293 1,213 (79,587) 0
NET SALES 140,229 49,946 23,329 (79,587) 133,918
ASSETS ALLOCATED 236,311 52,155 15,658 (104,336) 199,789
HALF-YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022
External clients 42,371 28,455 13,500 0 84,325
Affiliate companies 58,303 (2,329) 981 (56,956) 0
NET SALES 100,673 26,126 14,481 (56,956) 84,325
ASSETS ALLOCATED 238,340 55,384 19,783 (110,755) 202,752

Note 4.3. Personnel costs

Personnel costs are presented by destination in the income statement. Their break down by nature is as follows:

(In € thousands) Half year closed
June 30, 2023
Half year closed
June 30 2022
Full year closed Dec.
31, 2022
Salaries (32,222) (34,694) (66,313)
Payroll taxes (8,628) (9,408) (18,915)
Share-based payments () (*) (1,923) (1,458) (3,031)
Post-employment benefits (***) (305) (268) (427)
TOTAL PERSONNEL COSTS (43,708) (44,828) (88,686)

(*) Share-based payment expenses are recorded in full as general administrative expenses.

(**) Gross amounts, excluding social security charges.

(***) Pension reform in France in the first half of 2023 had no significant impact on the Group's financial statements.

Note 5. Intangible assets

Note 5.1. Change in intangible assets

(In € thousands) December 31,
2022
Increase Decrease Foreign exchange
gain/loss
Other
movements
June 30, 2023
Gross values
Development costs 55,746 12,389 (1,187) 66,947
Acquired codes 7,563 7,563
Other intangible assets 15,513 314 (1,166) (46) 137 14,752
TOTAL 78,823 12,703 (2,354) (46) 137 89,262
Amortization
Development costs (25,112) (12,720) 561 3 (37,268)
Acquired codes (6,282) 167 (6,115)
Other intangible assets (14,275) (360) 1,151 43 74 (13,439)
TOTAL (45,669) (12,913) 1,712 46 74 (56,750)
Net carrying amounts
Development costs 30,635 (331) (626) 3 29,679
Acquired codes 1,280 167 1,448
Other intangible assets 1,237 (46) (15) (3) 211 1,385
TOTAL 33,153 (210) (642) 0 211 32,512

Decrease in net book value of Development costs is mainly linked to the divestiture of Systus assets.

(In € thousands) December 31,
2021 restated
Increase Decrease Foreign exchange
gain/loss
Other
movements
December 31,
2022
Gross values
Development costs 62,310 24,807 (31,371) 55,746
Acquired codes 14,082 (4,985) (1,535) 7,565
Other intangible assets 13,586 300 (143) 219 1,552 15,513
TOTAL 89,979 25 107 (36,499) 219 17 78,823
Amortization
Development costs (30,232) (23,958) 29,079 (25,112)
Acquired codes (6,274) (745) 623 113 (6,282)
Other intangible assets (12,988) (1,054) 98 (219) (113) (14,275)
TOTAL (49,494) (26) 29,800 (219) (45,669)
Net carrying amounts
Development costs 32,080 849 (2,292) 30,636
Acquired codes 7,808 (745) (4,362) (1,422) 1,280
Other intangible assets 598 (754) (45) 1,439 1,237
TOTAL 40,487 (650) (6,698) 17 33,154

Note 5.2. Research and development costs

(In € thousands) Half year closed
June 30, 2022
Half year closed June 30 2022 December 31, 2022
Development costs capitalized during the period 12,389 13,248 24,082
Development costs amortized during the period (12,720) (11,421) (23,958)
NET IMPACT OF THE CAPITALIZATION OF DEVELOPMENT COSTS (331) 1,827 124

RECONCILIATION OF R&D COSTS INCURRED AND ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE INCOME STATEMENT

(In € thousands) Half year closed
June 30, 2022
Half year closed
June 30 2022
December 31, 2022
R&D costs incurred during the period (a) (17,684) (18,057) (37,915)
Development costs capitalized during the period 12,389 13,248 24,082
Development costs amortized during the period (12,720) (11,421) (23,958)
French R&D tax credit 1,000 1,125 2,582
Amortization of codes acquired in business combinations 122 (607) (903)
TOTAL R&D COSTS RECOGNIZED AS EXPENSES DURING THE
FINANCIAL YEAR
(16,893) (15,712) (36,112)

Note 6. Financing

Note 6.1. Gross financial debt

Detail and maturity of financial debt at June 30, 2023

Maturity at June 30
(In € thousands) 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years and
more
Total
Syndicated loan 4,973 4,973 9,945
Short-term revolving loan
State-guaranteed loans 3,438 3,438 3,438 1,609 11,922
Other bank borrowings 2,375 800 400 3,575
Repayable advances and other
financial debts
854 127 230 241 401 1,853
TOTAL 11,640 9,338 4,068 1,850 401 27,297
CURRENT: 11,640
NON-CURRENT: 15,657

During the first half of 2023, the Group repaid the annual instalment on the syndicated loan (€5 million) and the quarterly instalments on the state guaranteed loan and other loans (€2.1 million).

Note 6.2. Financial income and expenses

Half year closed Half year closed
(In € thousands) June 30, 2022 June 30 2022 December 31, 2022
Interest and related expenses on borrowings (696) (347) (666)
Interest income 183 15 91
Foreign exchange gain/(loss) (767) 1,355 298
Interest for provisions for employee benefits (147) (113) (86)
Interest for rights-of-use assets (203) (77) (467)
Other financial expenses (305) 15 (482)
FINANCIAL RESULT (1,934) 778 (1,312)

Note 7. Tax

Note 7.1. Income tax expense

The tax recorded in the consolidated P&L is broken down as follows:

(In € thousands) Half year closed
June 30, 2022
Half year closed
June 30 2022
December 31, 2022
Current taxes (4,531) (4,424) (4,651)
Deferred taxes 1,286 (3,908) (4,184)
TOTAL (3,245) (8,332) (8,835)

Half year income tax cost has been computed based on 2023 Effective Tax Rates expected by tax consolidation perimeter.

Note 7.2. Deferred tax

Breakdown of deferred taxes by tax base:

(In € thousands) Half year closed
June 30, 2022
Half year closed
June 30 2022
December 31, 2022
Deferred tax assets
Tax loss carryforwards 11,490 8,609 8,750
Temporary differences related to tax treatment of
maintenance
904 988 988
Provisions for employee benefit commitments 1,559 1,953 1,593
Temporary differences related to personnel 108 87
Provisions and other adjustments 791 2,412 2,134
Offset of deferred tax assets/liabilities* (278) 13 (26)
Total deferred tax assets 14,574 14,062 13,438
Deferred tax liabilities
Amortization of acquired intangible assets (91) (25)
Excess depreciation (357)
Other adjustments (278) (83) 355
Offset of deferred tax assets/liabilities 278 (13) 26
Total deferred tax liabilities (187)
NET DEFERRED TAX 14,574 13,875 13,438

Note 8. Subsequent events

ESI has terminated the indirect distribution contract for its products in China, with effect from August 25, 2023.

3. STATUTORY AUDITORS' REVIEW REPORT ON THE 2023 HALF-YEARLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

KPMG Audit ERNST & YOUNG Audit
KPMG S.A department Tour First
Tour Eqho TSA 14444
2, avenue Gambetta 92037 Paris-La Défense Cedex
92066 Paris-La Défense
S.A. au capital de € 5 497 100
S.A.S. à capital variable
775 726 417 RCS Nanterre 344 366 315 RCS Nanterre
Statutory auditor Statutory auditor
Member of the regional Member of the regional
company of Versailles and of Centre company of Versailles and of Centre

This is a free translation into English of the statutory auditors' review report on the half-yearly financial information issued in French and is provided solely for the convenience of English- speaking users. This report includes information relating to the specific verification of information given in the Group's half-yearly management report. This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional standards applicable in France.

ESI Group

Period from January 1 to June 30, 2023

Statutory auditors' review report on the half-yearly financial information

To the Shareholders,

In compliance with the assignment entrusted to us by your Annual General Meeting, and in accordance with the requirements of article L. 451-1-2 III of the French monetary and financial code ("code monétaire et financier"), we hereby report to you on:

  • the review of the accompanying condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements of ESI Group, for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2023,
  • the verification of the information presented in the half-yearly management report.

These condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Board of Directors. Our role is to express a conclusion on these financial statements based on our review.

1. Conclusion on the financial statements

We conducted our review in accordance with professional standards applicable in France. A review of interim financial information consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with professional standards applicable in France and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 – standard of the IFRSs as adopted by the European Union applicable to interim financial information.

2. Specific verification

We have also verified the information presented in the half-yearly management report on the condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements subject to our review.

We have no matters to report as to its fair presentation and consistency with the condensed half-yearly consolidated financial statements.

Paris-La Défense, September 13, 2023,

The Statutory Auditors French original signed by

KPMG Audit Département de KPMG S.A

ERNST & YOUNG Audit

Stéphanie Ortéga

Pierre-Henri Pagnon

4. DECLARATIONS BY THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE OF THE HALF YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT

"I hereby certify that, to the best of my knowledge, the half-year consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and give a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities, financial position and profit and loss of the Company and all the companies included in the scope of consolidation, and that this Half year Activity Report includes a fair review of the important events which occurred during the first six months of the year, their impact on the half-year financial statements and the main transactions between related parties, and describes the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year."

Rungis, September 12, 2023

Cristel de Rouvray

Chief Executive Officer of ESI Group

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