TIDMKAPE
RNS Number : 9633Y
Kape Technologies PLC
15 September 2020
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014
15 September 2020
Kape Technologies plc
("Kape," the "Company," or the "Group")
HALF YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2020
Kape Technologies plc (AIM: KAPE), the digital security and
privacy software business, announces its unaudited results for the
six months ended 30 June 2020.
Financial highlights
-- Increasing global demand for online security and privacy
solutions continues to underpin strong financial progress and user
growth:
o Revenues increased 97% to $59.0 million (H1 2019: $29.9
million), a 12% increase on a pro-forma basis
o Strong growth in recurring revenues to $50.8 million, an
increase of 140% (H1 2019: $21.2 million)
o Organic revenue growth in the Digital Privacy segment
excluding PIA was 47% in the period, $ 17.9 million (H1 2019: $12.2
million)
o Adjusted EBITDA[1] up 185% to $16.4 million (H1 2019: $5.8
million), an increase of 21.6% on a pro-forma basis. Adjusted
EBITDA margin increased to 27.8% (H1 2019: 19.2%)
o Operating Profit up 142% to $3.4 million (H1 2019: $1.4
million)
o Increase of 142 % in Adjusted Earnings Per Share2 to 6.3 cents
(H1 2019: 2. 6 cents)
o Strong cash generation; adjusted operating cashflow of $8.8
million (H1 2019: $0.2 million). Reported operating cash flow of
$5.9 million (H1 2019: ($0.3))
o Secured a new senior term loan and revolving credit facilities
of up to $70 million in March 2020, significantly strengthening the
Group's balance sheet
-- Trading towards the upper range of management's expectations
Operational highlights
-- Significant product launches across both the Digital Privacy
and Digital Security divisions in the period include:
o The beta CyberGhost 8 Privacy Suite and the introduction of
new product verticals including End Point Security, Privacy Guard
and Security Updater
o A new Endpoint Security for Windows integrated into Microsoft
Virus Initiative program and as well as a new privacy browser
extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
o The encrypted WireGuard protocol across the Digital Privacy
division - an 'industry first'
-- Visibility over revenues from existing users increased to $
106.6 million (31 December 2019: $98.8 million), with 86% of
revenues on a subscription basis
-- Maintained a consistently high level of user retention of 80% (31 December 2019: 81%)
-- Integration of PIA progressing rapidly and expected to complete in the second half of 2020.
-- On track to achieve a 40% reduction in PIA's monthly
operating costs in Q3 2020 as part of the integration
-- Enlarged group already benefiting from increased economies of
scale and expected to deliver synergies towards the upper end of
the previous $3.5-4.5 million guidance
Outlook
-- Kape continues to be very well-placed to benefit from the
growing online privacy and security markets, despite the ongoing
disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,
-- Since period end the Group has experienced strong growth in PIA subscribers, driven by Kape's user-acquisition initiatives
-- The board remains confident of the Group achieving revenues
of between $120-123 million and Adjusted EBITDA of between $35-38
million for the full year 2020, and in the growth prospects for the
Group in 2021 and beyond
Ido Erlichman, Chief Executive Officer of Kape, commented:
"The first six months of 2020 have been extremely productive for
Kape both in terms of operational progress and our financial
performance. With COVID-19 causing widespread uncertainty globally,
the need for high quality and secure internet software solutions
has been further reinforced. With this growing demand from our
users we feel more inspired than ever to develop, innovate and
expand our product offering, with our customers' digital privacy
and security our number one priority.
"As anticipated, the acquisition of PIA has accelerated our
progress and our teams have seamlessly brought our two
organisations together creating a truly global leader.
"We remain focused on delivering against our strategic growth
priorities in the second half and look to the future with
confidence."
An audio webcast of Kape's results presentation will be
available on the Company's website later today.
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a non GAAP measure and a company specific
measure which excludes other operating income and expenses which
are considered to be one off and non-recurring in nature.
(2) Adjusted EPS was calculated from the earnings per share
adding back, share-based payments and non-recurring costs
Enquiries:
Kape Technologies plc via Vigo Communications
Ido Erlichman, Chief Executive Officer
Moran Laufer, Chief Financial Officer
Shore Capital (Nominated Adviser & Broker) +44 (0)20 7408
Mark Percy / Toby Gibbs / James Thomas 4090
N+1 Singer (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 20 7496
Harry Gooden / George Tzimas 3000
Vigo Communications (Financial Public Relations)
Jeremy Garcia / Antonia Pollock +44 (0)20 7390
kape@vigocomms.com 0237
About Kape
Kape is a leading 'privacy-first' digital security software
provider to consumers. Through its range of privacy and security
products, Kape focusses on protecting consumers and their personal
data as they go about their daily digital lives.
To date, Kape has 2.4 million paying subscribers, supported by a
team of over 350 people across eight locations worldwide. Kape has
a proven track record of revenue and EBITDA growth, underpinned by
a strong business model which leverages our digital marketing
expertise.
Through our subscription based platform, Kape has fast
established a highly scalable SaaS-based operating model, geared
towards capitalising on the vast global consumer digital privacy
market.
www.kape.com
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Chief Executive Officer's review
Overview
We are pleased to report that in the first half of 2020 Kape
continued to successfully deliver against our strategy, achieving
record revenues and user numbers, despite the unprecedented impact
of COVID-19 across the global economy. In the current environment,
individuals are increasingly depending on Kape to enable them to
stay connected securely. This growing demand, which we believe is
set to continue, underpins our focus on innovation and product
development.
In the six months ended 30 June 2020, trading was towards the
upper range of management's expectations. Group revenues increased
97% in the period to $59.0 million (H1 2019: $29.9 million), as we
benefitted from a full six months of contribution from Private
Internet Access ("PIA"), with strong underlying organic revenue
growth of 12% delivered on a proforma basis. Adjusted EBITDA
increased 185% to $16.4 million (H1 2019: $5.8 million), an
increase of 21.6% on a pro-forma basis. Adjusted EBITDA margin
increased to 27.8% (H1 2019: 19.2%), alongside improved cash
conversion.
With COVID-19 severely impacting the macroeconomic environment
and driving an increased requirement for workforces to shift to
home working, heightened concerns relating to digital security and
privacy have resulted in Kape benefitting from favorable market
tailwinds. The global shift to remote working has provided further
impetus to our existing growth trajectory through increased demand
for Kape's digital privacy solutions, with the size of the global
VPN market alone expected to reach $70 billion in 2026(1) . In
addition to a continued focus on cost control, travel restrictions
have curtailed the costs associated with the Group's global
marketing activities and other operational expenses, resulting in
an improvement in the Group's operating margin.
In March 2020, Kape secured a new senior term loan and revolving
credit facilities of up to $70 million with Citi, Barclays and the
Bank of Ireland, which significantly strengthened the Group's
balance sheet. This provides Kape with a low-cost capital structure
to fund growth and ongoing strategic investments, reinforcing
management's confidence in the long-term outlook for the Group.
As we continue to strengthen and expand the Group's privacy and
security product ecosystem alongside growing our customer base, we
believe Kape is in a prime position to reap the benefits of the
fast-growth digital privacy and security markets.
Operational review
Key Performance Indicators
Kape performed very strongly across its KPIs during the period,
which the Group reports against to track the ongoing progress of
its SaaS business model, which in-turn underpins the profitability,
earnings predictability and growth potential of the Group.
30 June 31 Dec
2020 2019
'000 '000
Subscribers (thousands) 2,380 2,308
Retention rate 80% 81%
Deferred income ($'000) 36,909 35,312
Six months Six months
ended 30 ended 30
June 2020 June 2019
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Adjusted EBITDA 16,422 5,756
Adjusted operating cash flow(3) :
Attributable to current year ($'000) 19, 232 7,297
Investment in growth (10,478) (7,094)
-------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Adjusted operating cash flow ($'000) 8, 754 203
The Group's total number of subscribers increased to 2,380,000
as at 30 June 2020, from 2,308,000 at 31 December 2019. In the
first quarter of 2020 we focused on PIA's integration into the
Group, preparing the infrastructure for our user growth
initiatives. Following a flat first quarter in terms of PIA user
growth, the successful implementation of Kape's specialist user
acquisition strategy and technology in March, has seen growth in
PIA's subscriber base resume, with a steady growth in monthly PIA
sign-ups in Q2 2020. Kape's user acquisition initiatives alone,
drove c. 8,000 new PIA sign ups in August, in addition to the new
users which have been generated from organic traffic. This upward
trend is expected to continue throughout the second half.
The number of CyberGhost and Intego subscribers increased 20%
and 22% respectively on an annualised basis during the period and
we expect PIA to achieve these double digit growth rates, as all
solutions continue to benefit from Kape's ongoing customer
acquisition technologies.
The PC performance products saw a 2.4% annualised decrease in
users during the period, as we continue to shift our customer
acquisition focus to the high growth privacy and security
verticals.
Overall, the Group's retention rate remained very high at 80%
(31 December 2019: 81%) and deferred income was $36.9 million as at
30 June 2020 (31 December 2019: $35.3 million). The Group has
continued to significantly invest in growth initiatives throughout
the first half of 2020, with adjusted operating cashflow stronger
than expected at $8.8 million (H1 2019: $0.2 million).
Integration and cross-promotion
The integration of PIA has progressed extremely well and more
rapidly than originally anticipated, with the associated cost
synergies now expected at the upper end of the $3.5-4.5 million
previously guided. The enlarged group has begun to benefit from
increased economies of scale, and it is anticipated that the
integration will be completed in the second half of 2020.
As outlined at the Company's capital markets event in June, the
key elements of the integration have comprised user acquisition and
marketing, customer service, infrastructure, R&D and culture,
with significant benefits realised as the integration advances.
In terms of infrastructure, we have implemented new technology
protocols whilst reducing expenditure. We expect to achieve an
impressive 40% (2) reduction in PIA's monthly operating costs in Q3
2020, mainly derived from achieving economies of scale with vendors
and high-level synergies. We have enhanced our combined customer
support function providing a better-quality service to our
customers across the board while reducing costs. We have reduced
wait times, achieving an 800% increase in chat support and adding
24/7 service, whilst achieving a 45% reduction in costs.
Culturally, the acquisition has exceeded our expectations. Kape
has been able to adopt PIA's remote working culture to our existing
way of working, with the combined teams working seamlessly
throughout lockdown across R&D, Marketing and Finance to
achieve our unified growth targets. Management also believes there
is significant potential to amplify the brand and pedigree of PIA
to capture a larger proportion of an expanded target market.
The combination of the Kape and PIA user bases has created a
likeminded community, united by a common theme and interest in
privacy and security. This provides a strong foundation and
opportunity for the Group to deepen cross-promotional offerings
that serve customer needs, thereby increasing user retention and
average order value. During the period, we began implementing
Intego's end point security solution into CyberGhost's product
suite and offering PIA's VPN solution to Intego's customers.
As a result of cross promotion initiatives, we have seen a 15%
take-up rate of Kape's premium VPN from Intego antivirus new users
during the second quarter of the year. Kape now serves an aggregate
user base of 2.4 million, and there is substantial opportunity to
increase cross-selling throughout the Group in the coming
years.
Product development
The first half of the year has been one of most significant in
Kape's history in terms of product development, with a number of
launches across both the Digital Privacy and Digital Security
divisions. Following the acquisition of PIA, the Group's R&D
function has expanded with a broader spectrum of expertise and,
pleasingly, more collaboration and innovation across product teams
has been evident than ever before.
Our product development efforts have been focused on two main
strategic objectives: expanding our privacy and security ecosystem
offering; and providing superior infrastructure to our
customers.
Substantial progress has been made in the expansion of our
software suite. Kape recently launched the beta version of the
CyberGhost 8 Privacy Suite, a comprehensive one-stop shop for our
users' privacy and security needs. Within the suite, we have
incorporated our end point security solution and introduced new
product verticals including End Point Security, Privacy Guard and
Security Updater. In addition, we introduced Kape's end-point
security solution for Windows, integrated into the Microsoft Virus
Initiative programme, and launched the Company's new privacy
browser extension for Chrome, Firefox and Edge.
On the infrastructure front, we deployed a new 'industry-first'
encrypted WireGuard protocol across the Digital Privacy division -
providing a state-of-the-art cryptography to our users. In
addition, we begun to co-locate a Kape owned and controlled server
network which facilitates a custom technology deployment giving our
users better security, speed and overall service quality.
At Kape, we made a commitment to our users to stay ahead of the
curve. To fulfil that, we have created a unique beta programme
which allows us to accelerate the development cycle. Through our
pilot programme we can align our product pipeline with our
customers' needs by receiving constant feedback. Amongst our
current initiatives are private browsing and digital identity
protection solutions, which are expected to be formally launched in
due course, as we continue to evolve our end-to-end technology
stack.
Outlook
Whilst we continue to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and
the wider macro-economic situation closely, Kape remains well
placed to continue on its exciting growth trajectory as market
fundamentals remain strong and we expand our user base and broaden
our software suite to capture this.
Our focus in the near-term remains on generating organic growth
through a number of priorities, including completing the
integration of PIA, further augmenting the Group's Digital Privacy
suite, leveraging Kape's proprietary user acquisition platform to
deliver strong organic growth. Management continues to evaluate
select M&A opportunities as appropriate, which has always been
central to Kape's growth strategy.
The board remains confident in the Group achieving revenues of
between $120-123 million and Adjusted EBITDA of between $35-38
million in the full year 2020, and in the growth prospects for the
Group in 2021 and beyond.
Ido Erlichman
Chief Executive Officer
14 September 2020
(1) Source: Global Market Insight - April 2020
(2) PC performance users comprise of 15.8% of Kape's current
subscriber base
Chief Financial Officer's review
Overview
Revenues in the first half of 2020 increased by 97% to $59.0
million (H1 2019: $29.9 million from continued activities).
Segmental results increased by 149% to $31.6 million (H1 2019:
$14.7 million from continued activities). The increase in revenues
was driven through a combination of a full six months' contribution
from Private Internet Access, as well as an increase in revenue
from renewals from the existing user base at the beginning of the
period, and an increase in revenue from new users as a result of an
increase in marketing activities, with direct marketing expenses of
$18.8 million in the period (H1 2019: $11.1 million). Adjusted
EBITDA increased by 185% to $16.4 million (H1 2019: $5.8
million).
Adjusted cash flow from operations attributable to the current
financial period was $19.2 million (H1 2019: $7.3 million), which
represents a cash conversion of 117%. During the period, $10.5
million was reinvested in user acquisition costs that will be
expensed in future periods (H1 2019: $7.1 million). When including
this investment, adjusted cash flow from operations was $8.8
million (H1 2019: $0.2 million). This represents a significant
improvement in cash generation compared to the comparable period, a
trend we expect to continue in the second half of the year.
On 6 December 2019, Kape entered into a $40.0 million short-term
debt loan from Unikmind Holdings Limited, Kape's largest
shareholder, with a fixed interest rate of 5% above 6 months USD
Libor. On 28 April 2020, Kape agreed with Bank of Ireland, Barclays
Bank, and Citi Commercial Bank, to refinance the shareholder loan
with a senior secured term and revolving credit facilities of up to
$70 million. The New Debt Facilities comprise a $40 million term
facility, a $10 million revolving credit facility, and a $20
million uncommitted acquisition facility. The new Debt Facilities
carry an interest rate of 3 months LIBOR (as of the beginning of
the relevant period) plus an opening margin of 2% per annum.
The applicable Margin is linked to the Adjusted Leverage, tested
at the end of each quarter. In the instance that the Adjusted
Leverage is greater than 2 or less than 1 the applicable margin
will change to 2.25% or 1.85% respectively. The effective interest
rate after considering debt issuance costs is 4.1%. The Company's
balance sheet remains strong with a cash balance of $17.0 million
on 30 June 2020 (31 December 2019: $8.2 million) and net debt of
$25.6 million representing an adjusted leverage of 0.7.
Segment Result
Revenue Segment result
H1 2020 H1 2019 H1 2020 H1 2019
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Digital Privacy 42,237 12,228 24,560 6,521
Digital Security 16,749 17,705 7,041 8,178
Revenue 58,986 29,933 31,601 14,699
======== ======== ======== ========
The segment result has been calculated using revenue less costs
directly attributable to that segment. Cost of sales comprises
payment processing fees and infrastructure costs for the Group's
privacy products. Direct sales and marketing costs are user
acquisition costs.
Digital Privacy
H1 2020 H1 2019
$'000 $'000
Revenue 42,237 12,228
Cost of sales (7,526) (2,338)
Direct sales and marketing
costs (10,151) (3,369)
-------- -------
Segment result 24,560 6 ,521
-------- -------
Segment margin (%) 58.1 53.3
During the period, the Digital Privacy segment has seen
continued growth with a 245% increase in revenue to $42.2 million
(H1 2019: $12.2 million) and a 277% increase in the segment result
to $24.6 million (H1 2019: $6.5 million). Following the completion
of its acquisition in December 2019, Private Internet Access
contributed $24.3 million of revenue in the period (H1 2019: Nil).
Organic revenue growth excluding Private Internet Access was 47% in
the period and was driven by a 181% increase in revenue from
existing customers and a 7% increase in revenue from new sign-ups.
Following the increase in recurring revenue from existing
customers, Segment Margin has increased to 58.1% (H1 2019:
53.3%).
Digital Security
H1 2020 H1 2019
$'000 $'000
Revenue 16,749 17,705
Cost of sales (1,087) (1,825)
Direct sales and marketing
costs (8,621) (7,702)
------- -------
Segment result 7,041 8,178
------- -------
Segment margin (%) 42.0 46.2
During the period, revenue from the Digital Security segment
slightly decreased, by 5% to $16.7 million (H1 2019: $17.7
million). This decrease was driven by reduced investment in direct
marketing of the PC performance products following a management
decision to shift budgets to Intego's Endpoint security products
and Digital Privacy solutions where on average users generate a
higher lifetime value. An increase of 6% in revenue from Intego's
endpoint security products has partially mitigated the decrease in
the segment.
Adjusted EBITDA from continued operations
Adjusted EBITDA for the six months to 30 June 2020 was $16.4
million (H1 2019: $5.8 million). Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP
company specific measure which is considered to be a key
performance indicator for the Group. It excludes share-based
payment charges and expenses, which are considered to be one-off
and non-recurring in nature and are excluded from the following
analysis:
H1 2020 H1 2019
$'000 $'000
Revenue 58,986 29,933
Cost of sales (8,613) (4,163)
Direct sales and marketing
costs (18,772) (11,071)
-------- --------
Segment result 31,601 14,699
-------- --------
Indirect sales and marketing
costs (4,644) (3,687)
Research and development
costs (2,963) (1,384)
Management, general and administrative
cost (7,572) (3,872)
-------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA 16,422 5,756
-------- --------
EBITDA margin % 27.8 19.2
-------- --------
The increase in adjusted operating expenses is mainly due to a
$4.6 million contribution from Private Internet Access in the
period. In addition, there is a $0.6 million increase in payroll
and staff costs driven by higher headcount mainly in the Research
and development department.
Operating profit
A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to operating profit is
provided as follows:
H1 2020 H1 2019
$'000 $'000
Adjusted EBITDA 16,422 5,756
Employee share-based payment
charge (542) (989)
Exceptional and non-recurring
costs (2,683) (519)
Depreciation and amortisation (9,790) (2,840)
Operating profit 3,407 1,408
------- -------
Exceptional and non-recurring costs in H1 2020 comprised
non-recurring staff costs of $2.5 million (H1 2019: $0.4 million)
related to employee bonuses for the acquisition and the integration
of Private Internet Access, and $0.2 million (H1 2019: $0.1
million) for professional services related to acquisitions. The
increase in depreciation and amortisation derives from $6.3 million
amortisation charges of acquired intangible assets that were added
through the acquisitions of Private Internet Access in December
2019.
Profit before tax
Profit before tax was $1.4 million (H1 2019: $1.3 million).
Finance costs of $2.0 million comprised mainly of $1.2 million of
interest on debt facilities, $0.5 million non-cash interest on
deferred consideration related to the Private Internet Access
acquisition, and foreign exchange differences of $0.3 million.
Profit after tax
Profit after tax was $0.2 million (H1 2019: $0.9 million). The
tax charge derives mainly from group subsidiaries' residual
profits. Since the amortisation of acquired intangibles and
share-based payment charges are not tax-deductible in the main
jurisdictions in which the Company operates, management believes it
is appropriate to examine the effective tax rate out of Adjusted
EBITDA rather than Profit Before Tax. The effective tax rate out of
Adjusted EBITDA remained broadly stable at 7.1% (H1: 2019
6.4%).
Cash flow
H1 2020 H1 2019
$'000 $'000
Cash flow/(outflow) from
operations 5,890 (350)
Exceptional and non-recurring
cash outflow 2,864 553
Adjusted cash flow from operations 8,754 203
------- -------
% of Adjusted EBITDA 53% 4%
======= =======
Excluding increase of deferred
contract costs 10,478 7,094
Adjusted Cash flow from operations
attributable to the current
year 19,232 7,297
------- -------
% of Adjusted EBITDA 117% 127%
======= =======
Cash flow from operations was $5.9 million (H1 2019: $0.3
million cash outflow). Adjusted cash flow from operations after
adding back one-off payments was $8.8 million (H1 2019: $0.2
million). The significant increase in operating cash flow is due to
an increase in collections from existing users' renewals. Adjusted
operating cash flow attributable to the current financial period
increased to $19.2 million (H1 2019: $7.3 million), which
represents a cash conversion of 117%. This excludes investment in
user acquisition that will drive future revenue and therefore will
be recognised in future periods.
Net tax payments in the period were $0.3 million (H1 2019: $0.8
million). The decrease is due to refunds from tax authorities of
payments that were paid in previous periods.
Cash spent in the period on capital expenditure of $1.4 million
(H1 2019: $1.4 million), comprises capitalised development costs
and fixed asset purchases.
Cash flow from financing activities of $4.8 million (H1 2019:
$1.4 million outflow) included $0.7 million (H1 2019: $0.6 million)
for leases, full repayment of $40 million principal, and $1.2
million interest related to the shareholder loan, which was funded
by a long term bank debt of $40.8 million, net of issuance costs.
In addition, $5.9 million (H1 2019: $0.1 million) related to the
exercise of employee share options in the period . Out of the $5.9
million, $4.3 million are payable to employees .
Financial position
At 30 June 2020, the Group had cash of $17.0 million (31
December 2019: $8.2 million), net assets of $157.3 million (31
December 2019: $155.0 million), and net debt of $25.6 (31 December
2019: $32 million).
Moran Laufer
Chief Financial Officer
14 September 2020
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the six months ended 30 June 2020
Six months Six months
ended 30 ended 30
June 2020 June 2019
(unaudited) (unaudited)
Note $'000 $'000
Revenue 3 58,986 29,933
Cost of sales (8,613) (4,163)
------------ ------------
Gross profit 50,373 25,770
Selling and marketing costs (23,457) (14,827)
Research and development
costs (3,054) (1,547)
Management, general and administrative
costs (10,665) (5,148)
Depreciation and amortisation (9,790) (2,840)
Total operating costs 5 (46,966) (24,362)
Operating profit 5 3,407 1,408
Adjusted EBITDA 5 16,422 5,756
------------ ------------
Employee share-based payment
charge (542) (989)
Exceptional and non-recurring
costs 5 (2,683) (519)
Depreciation and amortisation (9,790) (2,840)
Operating profit 5 3,407 1,408
--------------------------------------- ---- ------------
Finance income - 317
Finance costs (2,031) (420)
------------ ------------
Profit before taxation 1,376 1,305
Tax charge (1,167) (369)
------------ ------------
Profit for the period 209 936
Other comprehensive income:
Items that may be reclassified
to profit and loss :
Foreign exchange differences
on translation of foreign
operations 8 6
------------ ------------
Total comprehensive profit
for the period 217 942
============ ============
Earnings per share attributable
to the ordinary equity holders
of the company:
Basic earnings per share
(cents) 7 0.13 0.7
Diluted earnings per share
(cents) 7 0.11 0.6
------------ ------------
*Adjusted EBITDA is a non GAAP measure and a company specific
measure which is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation,
amortisation, share based payment charges and exceptional and
non-recurring costs.
Consolidated statement of financial position
As at 30 June 2020
30 June 31 December
2020 2019
(unaudited) (audited)
Note $'000 $'000
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 234,578 242,100
Property, plant and equipment 2,289 2,351
Right-of-use assets 2,485 2,985
Deferred consideration 446 446
Deferred contract costs 20,857 16,542
Deferred tax asset 2,125 2,180
262,780 266,604
------------ -----------
Current assets
Software license inventory 80 96
Deferred contract costs 18,961 12,798
Deferred consideration 346 346
Trade and other receivables 7,692 6,687
Cash and cash equivalents 17,012 8,211
44,091 28,138
Total assets 306,871 294,742
============ ===========
Equity
Share capital 6 16 16
Additional paid in capital 154,573 153,002
Shares to be issued 56,499 56,499
Foreign exchange differences
on translation of foreign
operations 786 778
Retained earnings (54,540) (55,291)
Equity attributable to equity
holders of the parent 157,334 155,004
------------ -----------
Non-current liabilities
Contract liabilities 5,501 6,013
Loans and Borrowings 8 33,065 -
Deferred tax liabilities 23,189 22,102
Long term lease liabilities 1,347 1,753
Deferred consideration 14,922 14,578
78,024 44,446
------------ -----------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 10 26,502 19,632
Loans and Borrowings 8 7,371 -
Shareholder loan 8,9 - 40,221
Contract liabilities 31,408 29,299
Short term lease liabilities 1,337 1,365
Deferred consideration 4,895 4,775
71,513 95,292
------------ -----------
Total equity and liabilities 306,871 294,742
============ ===========
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the six months ended 30 June 2020
Six months Six months
ended 30 June ended 30
2020 June 2019
(unaudited) (unaudited)
$'000 $'000
Cash flow from operating activities
Profit for the period after taxation 209 936
Adjustments for:
Amortisation of intangible assets 8,780 2,049
Profit on sale of intangible assets (27) -
Amortisation of Right-to-use assets 680 628
Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 330 163
(Profit)/Loss on sale of property,
plant and equipment (7) 37
Tax charge 1,167 369
Interest Income - (317)
Interest expenses 1,752 37
Share based payment charge 542 989
Interest received - 169
Unrealised foreign exchange differences (16) 39
-------------- ------------
Operating cash flow before movement
in working capital 13,410 5,099
(Increase)/Decrease in trade and
other receivables (1,265) 321
Decrease/(Increase) in software licences
inventory 16 (60)
Increase/(Decrease) in trade and
other payables 2,610 (33)
Increase in deferred contract costs (10,478) (7,094)
Increase in contract liabilities 1,597 1,417
-------------- ------------
Cash flow/(outflow) from operations 5,890 (350)
Tax paid net of refunds (294) (839)
-------------- ------------
Cash generated from/(used in) operations 5,596 (1,189)
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment (193) (302)
Sale of property, plant and equipment 7 6
Sales of intangible assets 130 -
Intangible assets acquired (148) (1)
Capitalisation of development costs (1,205) (1,084)
-------------- ------------
Net cash used in investing activities (1,409) (1,381)
Cash flow from financing activities
Repurchase of share-based consideration - (880)
Payment of leases (693) (591)
Proceeds from loan 40,000 -
Proceeds from RCF 1,654 -
Debt issuance costs (873) -
Repayment of interest on Shareholder
loan (1,155) -
Repayment of Shareholder loan (40,000) -
Exercise of options by employees 5,904 74
-------------- ------------
Net cash generated from/(used in)
financing activities 4,837 (1,397)
-------------- ------------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 9,024 (3,967)
Revaluation of cash due to changes
in foreign exchange rates (223) (5)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of year 8,211 40,405
-------------- ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of year 17,012 36,433
============== ============
Notes
1. General information
The financial information set out in this document is for Kape
Technologies plc (the "Company") and its subsidiary undertakings
(together the "Group") in respect of the six months ended 30 June
2020.
Kape is a leading 'privacy-first' digital security software
provider to consumers. Through its range of privacy and security
products, Kape focusses on protecting consumers and their personal
data as they go about their daily digital lives. To date, Kape has
2.4 million paying subscribers, supported by a team of over 350
people across eight locations worldwide. Through its subscription
based platform, Kape has established a highly scalable SaaS-based
operating model, geared towards capitalising on the vast global
consumer digital privacy market.
The Board of Directors approved this interim financial
information on 14 September 2020.
2. Basis of preparation
This interim consolidated financial information has been
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting
Standards, International Accounting Standards and interpretations
(collectively IFRS) issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board (IASB) as adopted for use in the EU. They do not
include all disclosures that would otherwise be required in a
complete set of financial statements and should be read in
conjunction with the 31 December 2019 Annual Report. The financial
information for the half years ended 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019
does not constitute statutory accounts.
The annual financial statements of Kape Technologies Plc ('the
group') are prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the
European Union. The comparative financial information for the year
ended 31 December 2019 included within this report does not
constitute the full statutory Annual Report for that period. The
statutory Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2019 have been
filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Independent Auditors'
Report on the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year
ended 31 December 2019 was unqualified and did not draw attention
to any matters by way of emphasis.
The Group has applied the same accounting policies and methods
of computation in its interim consolidated financial statements as
in its 2019 annual financial statements, except for those that
relate to new standards and interpretations effective for the first
time for periods beginning on (or after) 1 January 2020, and are
adopted in the 2020 financial statements.
There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and
interpretations which have been issued by the IASB that are
effective in future accounting periods that the Group has decided
not to adopt early. The following amendments are effective for the
period beginning 1 January 2020:
-- IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8
Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
(Amendment - Definition of Material)
-- IFRS 3 Business Combinations (Amendment - Definition of
Business)
-- Revised Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting
In January 2020, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1, which
clarify the criteria used to determine whether liabilities are
classified as current or non-current. These amendments clarify that
current or non-current classification is based on whether an entity
has a right at the end of the reporting period to defer settlement
of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period.
The amendments also clarify that 'settlement' includes the transfer
of cash, goods, services, or equity instruments unless the
obligation to transfer equity instruments arises from a conversion
feature classified as an equity
instrument separately from the liability component of a compound
financial instrument. The amendments are effective for annual
reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2022.
The Group is currently assessing the impact of these new
accounting standards and amendments. The Group does not expect any
other standards issued by the IASB, but not yet effective, to have
a material impact on the Group.
After making enquiries, the directors have concluded that the
Group has adequate resources to continue operational existence for
the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the
going concern basis in preparing the half-yearly consolidated
unaudited financial statements.
3. Disaggregation of revenue
Six months Six months
ended 30 ended 30
June 2020 June 2019
(unaudited) (unaudited)
$'000 $'000
Sale of Digital Security, endpoint protection,
and PC performance products 16,749 17,705
Sale of Digital Privacy software solutions 42,237 12,228
58,986 29,933
=========== ===========
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by the
timing of revenue recognition in accordance with our reporting
segments:
Six months ended 30 June Six months ended 30 June
2020 (unaudited) 2019 (unaudited)
(USD, in thousands) (USD, in thousands)
Digital Digital Total Digital Digital Total
Security Privacy Security Privacy
---------- --------- ------- ---------- --------- -------
Revenue recognised
over a period 2,158 35,884 38,042 2,196 7,862 10,058
---------- --------- ------- ---------- --------- -------
Revenue recognised
at a point in
time 14,591 6,353 20,944 15,509 4,366 19,875
---------- --------- ------- ---------- --------- -------
Total 16,749 42,237 58,986 17,705 12,228 29,933
---------- --------- ------- ---------- --------- -------
4. Segmental information
Segment revenues and results
Based on the management reporting system, the Group operates two
reportable segments:
-- Digital Security - comprising software and SaaS products
offering security, endpoint protection and PC performance.
-- Digital Privacy - comprising virtual private network ("VPN")
solutions and other privacy SaaS products.
Six months ended 30 June Digital Digital
2020 Security Privacy Total
$'000 $'000 $'000
Revenue 16,749 42,237 58,986
Cost of sales (1,087) (7,526) (8,613)
Direct sales and marketing
costs (8,621) (10,151) (18,772)
--------- -------- --------
Segment result 7,041 24,560 31,601
Central operating costs (15,179)
--------
Adjusted EBITDA (note 5) 16,422
Depreciation and amortisation (9,790)
Employee share-based payment
charge (542)
Exceptional or non-recurring
costs (2,683)
--------
Operating profit 3,407
Finance income -
Finance costs (2,031)
--------
Profit before tax 1,376
Taxation (1,167)
--------
Profit from the period 209
Six months ended 30 June
2019
Digital Digital
Security Privacy Total
$'000 $'000 $'000
Revenue 17,705 12,228 29,933
Cost of sales (1,825) (2,338) (4,163)
Direct sales and marketing
costs (7,702) (3,369) (11,071)
--------- -------- --------
Segment result 8,178 6,521 14,699
Central operating costs (8,943)
--------
Adjusted EBITDA (note 5) 5,756
Depreciation and amortisation (2,840)
Employee share-based payment
charge (989)
Exceptional or non-recurring
costs (519)
--------
Operating profit 1,408
Finance income 317
Finance costs (420)
--------
Profit before tax 1,305
Taxation (369)
--------
Profit from the period 936
5. Operating Profit
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as follows:
Six months Six months
ended 30 ended 30
June 2020 June 2019
$'000 $'000
Operating profit 3,407 1,408
Depreciation and amortisation 9,790 2,840
Employee share-based payment
charge 542 989
Exceptional and non-recurring
costs:
Non-recurring staff and restructuring
costs 2,465 401
Exceptional professional services
costs 218 118
---------- ----------
Adjusted EBITDA 16,422 5,756
---------- ----------
Operating costs
Operating costs are further analysed as follows:
Six months Six months Six months Six months
ended 30 ended 30 ended 30 ended 30
June 2020 June 2020 June 2019 June 2019
Adjusted Total Adjusted Total
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Direct sales and marketing
costs 18,772 18,772 11,071 11,071
Indirect sales and marketing
costs 4,644 4,685 3,687 3,756
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Selling and marketing costs 23,416 23,457 14,758 14,827
--------------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Research and development
costs 2,963 3,054 1,384 1,547
Management, general and administrative
cost 7,572 10,665 3,872 5,148
Depreciation and amortisation 2,155 9,790 1,281 2,840
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating costs 36,106 46,966 21,295 24,362
========== ========== ========== ==========
Adjusted operating costs exclude share-based payment charges and
employer costs related to employee exercises, exceptional bonuses
for the acquisition and integration of PIA, professional services
related to business combinations, and amortisation of acquired
intangible assets.
6. Shareholder's equity
Ordinary share capital as at 30 June 2020 amounted to $16,014
(30 June 2019: $14,850; 31 December 2019: $16,014).
The number of shares in issue as at 30 June 2020 was 160,144,132
(30 June 2019: 148,496,073; 31 December 2019: 160,144,132).
As of 30 June 2020, the Company held in treasury a total of
436,884 ordinary shares of $0.0001 (30 June 2019: 4,390,442; 31
December 2019: 3,865,223). During the six months ended 30 June
2020, 3,428,339 ordinary shares of $0.0001 were transferred out of
treasury to satisfy the exercise of options by the Company
employees (30 June 2019: 85,111).
The Kape Technologic plc Employee Benefit Trust holds 1,200,000
Ordinary Shares (30 June 2019: 1,800,000; 31 December 2019:
1,800,000), the voting rights to which have been waived.
7. Earnings per share
Basic profit per share is calculated by dividing the profit
attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average
number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.
Six months Six months
ended 30 ended 30
June 2020 June 2019
cents cents
Basic earnings per share 0.13 0.7
Diluted earnings per share 0.11 0.6
Adjusted basic 6.3 2.6
Adjusted diluted 5.3 2.5
Adjusted earnings per share is a non-GAAP measure and therefore
the approach may differ between companies. Adjusted earnings have
been calculated as follows:
Six months Six months
ended 30 ended 30
June 2020 June 2019
$'000 $'000
Profit/(Loss) for the period 209 936
Post tax adjustments:
Employee share-based payment
charge 542 1,010
Exceptional and non-recurring
costs 2,213 416
Amortisation on acquired
intangible assets 6,785 1,244
Finance cost on deferred
consideration and leases 550 -
Adjusted profit for the year 10,299 3,606
Number Number
Denominator - basic:
Weighted average number of equity
shares for the purpose of earnings
per share 163,228,289 142,285,061
Adjustments for calculation of diluted
earnings per share:
Impact of potentially dilutive shares
related to employee options 7,658,686 3,227,811
Impact of potentially dilutive shares
related to deferred shares consideration
for business 23,146,630 -
Impact of potentially dilutive shares
related to deferred shares consideration
for business 194,033,605 145,512,872
The diluted denominator has not been used where this has
anti-dilutive effect.
The difference between weighted average number of Ordinary
shares used for basic earnings per share and the diluted earnings
per share is 30,805,316 (H1 2019: 3,227,811) being the effect of
all potentially dilutive Ordinary shares derived from the number of
share options granted to employees and deferred share consideration
relating to the acquisition of LTMI Holding ("PIA") that are to be
held in escrow against future claims.
8. Loans and Borrowings
Bank Loan Shareholder
loan
$'000 $'000
At 31 December 2019 - 40,221
Term Facility 40,000 -
Revolving credit facility 1,654 -
Debt issuance costs (1,486) -
Interest expenses 268 934
Interest paid - (1,155)
Repayment of loan - (40,000)
-----------
At 30 June 2020 40,436 -
--------- -----------
Shareholder loan
On 6 December 2019, Kape entered into a $40.0 million short-term
debt loan from Unikmind Holdings Limited ("Unikmind"), Kape's
largest shareholder, and was also provided with an additional debt
facility of $20.0 million, $5 million of it would have been
available on December 2020 and $15 million on December 2021 ("Term
Loan"). The Term Loan had a fixed interest rate of 5% above 6
months USD Libor. Each tranche of the Term Loan was repayable on
the earlier of a third-party refinancing of the Term Loan and 6
months after its utilisation unless such tranche's maturity is
extended until 31 March 2021. The Term Loan can be repaid early in
whole or part by the Borrower free of any penalty. The Term Loan
also includes a commitment fee on undrawn amounts only from the
moment they become available in accordance with the payment
schedule and certain other customary obligations on the Borrower in
relation to the lender's costs and expenses and in relation to
taxes. Term debt facilities have a fixed interest of 1.5% upon
availability.
On 4 May 2020, Kape repaid the Term Loan and accumulated
interest following closing of a new bank debt facility.
Bank loan
(a) General
On 28 April 2020, Kape agreed with Bank of Ireland, Barclays
Bank, and Citi Commercial Bank (the "Banks"), to provide a senior
secured term and revolving credit facilities of up to $70 million
(the "New Debt Facilities"), the facility is a club of banks with
Bank of Ireland acting as the agent bank replacing a short-term
debt facility.
The New Debt Facilities comprise a $40 million term facility
(the "Term Facility"), a $10 million revolving credit facility (the
"RCF"), and a $20 million uncommitted acquisition facility (the
"Uncommitted Acquisition Facility"). The New Debt Facilities have a
three-year term with an option to extend by up to an additional two
years, 50% of the Term Facility will be repaid on a quarterly basis
across 36 months starting from 30 September 2020.
Term Facility
The net proceeds of the Term Facility after deducting
commissions and other direct costs of the Term Facility totalled
$38.514 million. Commissions and other direct costs of the Term
Facility have been offset against the principal balance and are
amortised throughout the loan.
The Term Facility carries an interest rate of 3 months LIBOR (as
of the beginning of the relevant period) plus an opening margin of
2% per annum.
The applicable Margin is linked to the Adjusted Leverage, tested
at the end of each quarter for the preceding 12 months (first test
will be a six-month test, second will be nine months and then 12
months at each quarterly test date thereafter). In case the
Adjusted Leverage will be greater than 2 or less than 1 the
applicable margin will change to 2.25% or 1.85% respectively. The
effective interest rate after considering debt issuance cost is
4.1%.
RCF
A $10 million revolving credit facility, that carries a
commitment fee for the unused facility of 35% of the applicable
margin and interest rate as of the Term Facility. As of the
reporting date the credit facility drawn amount is $1.65
million.
Uncommitted Acquisition Facility
Up to $20 million to be used for Acquisitions, including the
funding of deferred consideration due under the acquisition
agreement of Private Internet Access. The interest rate will be 3
months LIBOR plus a margin of no more than 1% above the original
Margin applicable to the Term Loan or Revolving Credit
Facility.
(b) Security
The New Debt Facilities is secured by first ranking security
over all assets (including material Intellectual Property) of Kape
Technologies Plc ("Parent") and her material subsidiaries
("Obligors") and over the shares in all Obligors (other than the
Parent).
(c) Loan Covenants
The Group is required to comply with the following financial
covenants:
-- The ratio of EBITDA to Net Finance Charges ("Interest Cover")
shall not be less than 4.0x in respect of any Relevant Period.
-- The ratio of Total Net Debt on the last day of the relevant
period to Adjusted EBITDA in respect of that Relevant period
("Adjusted Leverage"), shall not exceed 2.5x for the first 4
relevant periods and 2.0x thereafter.
As of 30 June 2020, the Group has met the financial covenants as
follows:
-- Interest Cover: 27
-- Adjusted Leverage: 0.71
30 June 2020 Carrying Contractual 3 months Between Between More
amount cash flow or less 3-12 months 1-5 years than
5 years
$'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000
Bank Loan 40,436 44,005 2,291 6,239 35,475 -
========= ============ ========= ============= =========== =========
9. Related party transactions
The Group is controlled by Unikmind Holdings Limited, registered
in Isle of Man, which owns 67.65% of the Company's shares. Mr.
Teddy Sagi is the sole ultimate beneficiary of Unikmind Holdings
Limited.
On 4 May 2020, the Company fully repaid the shareholder loan and
accumulated interest following the closing of a bank debt facility,
see Note 8.
During the period the following transactions were carried out
with related parties:
Six months Six months
ended 30 ended 30
June 2020 June 2019
$'000 $'000
Technical support services to end customers
and administration services provided by
common controlled companies (120) (128)
Office expenses to common controlled companies (89) (37)
Development services provided by common
controlled company - (30)
Payment processing services provided by
common controlled company - (170)
Amortisation of right-of-use assets with
common controlled companies related to
office leases (496) (414)
Interest expenses from lease liabilities
to common controlled companies related
to office leases (64) (35)
Interest expenses from shareholder short-term
loan and debt facility (Note 8) (934) -
(1,703) (814)
========== ==========
10. Government Grants
On 30 April 2020, Private Internet Access Inc received $0.7
million from the US Treasury as part of the Paycheck Protection
Program ("PPP"). Following the Covid-19 crisis, US Treasury
declared the PPP to provide relief to small businesses during the
Coronavirus pandemic as part of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid.
Each business can borrow up to 2.5 of monthly payrolls, rent, and
utilities expenses. The loan will bear interest of 0.5% and
potentially can be fully forgiven if the proceeds were used to fund
qualified payroll and non-payroll (rent and utilities) expenses in
the 24 weeks subsequent to disbursement while keeping a level
factor of the expenses.
As of 30 June 2020, the Group believes the PPP amount will be
fully forgiven and accounted as a Government grant. The PPP is
included in Trade and other payables as deferred income and
recognised in profit and loss over the period necessary to match
them with the costs that they are intended to compensate.
11. Cautionary statement
This document contains certain forward-looking statements
relating to Kape Technologies plc ('the Group'). The Group
considers any statements that are not historical facts as
"forward-looking statements". They relate to events and trends that
are subject to risk and uncertainty that may cause actual results
and the financial performance of the Group to differ materially
from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These
statements are made by the directors in good faith based on
information available to them and such statements should be treated
with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both
economic and business risk factors, underlying any such
forward-looking information.
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END
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