Arcontech Share Discussion Threads

[baticle] 23/8/2018 10:46

Great Results and what a solid Foundation to build on. ARC are really set to go places :-)

[bones] 23/8/2018 10:41

Encouraged by this:

"The year under review saw two global clients that were trialling our desktop software solution signed up as paying users. Pleasingly, they have both rolled out our solution internationally. We also have six other clients running trials and secured an additional client for our cache product in Africa, our first client on that continent. The majority of our business during the year was a result of expanding our existing client relationships.

Significantly, we renewed a multi-year agreement with an existing global client who is moving from a traditional market data platform to an open-source solution. As an integral part of the overall solution we expect the relationship will grow as the new solution is rolled out globally across the business. Other installations and upgrades, such as Windows to Linux, continue without issue."

[gsbmba99] 23/8/2018 10:06

I was trying to solve for adj EPS without some of the distortion to compare to the finnCap estimates. I get adj diluted EPS of 5.4p using £626.8k of adj PBT (excl share based payments) as per the annc and £69.4k of tax credit but excluding £270k of deferred tax asset. That's rather a lot more than "comfortably ahead" since the previous finnCap estimate was 4.7p. The adj PBT margin on incremental revenue is a quite staggering 87.2% (delta adj PBT / delta revenue). New customers would be welcome as I calculate 91% of the revenue uplift came from customers 1, 2, and 3 which together accounted for 58.5% of revenue, up from 55.4% last year.

[xajorkith] 23/8/2018 09:08

Agree ramridge.

Operational gearing & excellent cost control is why I’m here.

Another strong set of results, albeit flattered by the tax credit.

[bones] 23/8/2018 09:02

I see profit taking being well absorbed this morning. A wholly positive set of results, increase in dividend, picture painted of many openings in commercial business on the horizon.The share price ought to be build over the next few weeks I think.

[multibagger] 23/8/2018 08:59

Welcome aboard ramridge :)

[ramridge] 23/8/2018 08:25

As the CEO said operational gearing is excellent. An increase of 9% in sales has given rise to an increase of 54% in operating profit. That's a gearing factor of 6.

I bought an initial position.

[multibagger] 23/8/2018 08:15

Turnover +9%
PBT +54%
Cash +21% to £3.2m (and no debt)
Dividend +30% to 1.3p
Fully DilEPS +92% to 7.09p

6 trials ongoing at Tier 1 banks
Maiden installation in Africa
Symphony development partner

I am delighted :)

[dixies] 23/8/2018 07:55

finnCap raises target to 145p.

[phar lap] 23/8/2018 07:50

eps flattered due to deferred tax credit of £270,000 or about 2.1p

[jimmygee2] 23/8/2018 07:29

EPS coming in at 7.09 against forecasts of 4.77. Peg of 0.3?

[multibagger] 23/8/2018 07:15

Cracking set of results with strong growth in profit after tax and EPS. Cash now at £3.2m :)

Should see us back to the mid to late 120s today I would imagine (for starters)

Good luck all :)

[multibagger] 23/8/2018 07:13

Arcontech Group PLC Final Results

23/08/2018 7:00am
UK Regulatory (RNS & others)

Arcontech (LSE:ARC)
Intraday Stock Chart
Today : Thursday 23 August 2018

Click Here for more Arcontech Charts.
TIDMARC

RNS Number : 6173Y

Arcontech Group PLC

23 August 2018

ARCONTECH GROUP PLC

("Arcontech", the "Company" or the "Group")

Final Results for the year ended 30 June 2018

Arcontech (AIM: ARC), the provider of products and services for real-time financial market data processing and trading, is pleased to announce its final audited results for the year ended 30 June 2018.

Financial Highlights:

-- Revenue of GBP2,519,699 (2017: GBP2,307,751)
-- Adjusted profit before tax* of GBP626,856 (2017: GBP441,996)
-- Profit before tax of GBP575,632 (2017: GBP373,263)
-- Cash balance of GBP3,210,058 (2017: GBP2,636,471)
-- Fully diluted earnings per share of 7.09p (2017: 3.68p)
-- Final dividend of 1.3 pence per share (2017: 1.0 pence per share)
*Adjusted for share-based payments

Operational Highlights:

-- Secured two clients for the new Desktop software solution, different uses and global deployment

-- Proof of concept trials at six more Tier 1 banks
-- Secured first client on the African continent
-- Continued investment in sales & marketing
-- Healthy injection of new contracts through expanding server-side infrastructure solutions and new Desktop software solution to existing customers

-- Strong cash generation and recurring revenue
Commenting on the results, Richard Last, Chairman of Arcontech said:

"Arcontech is a well-run business where costs, including continued product investment, are well controlled such that increases in revenue materially improve profitability. Our focus is, therefore, on winning new business. Whilst we believe the opportunities for increased sales exist, the sales cycle is unpredictable and remains longer than we would like. Our prospects are positive, albeit they need to be tempered against uncertainties in the investment banking and finance sectors, as a result of the low interest rate environment and issues following Brexit."

The information communicated in this announcement is inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014.

Enquiries:


Arcontech Group plc 020 7256 2300
Richard Last, Chairman and Non-Executive
Director
Matthew Jeffs, Chief Executive

finnCap Ltd (Nomad & Broker) 020 7220 0500
Carl Holmes/Simon Hicks


To access more information on the Group please visit: www.arcontech.com

Chairman's Statement

Arcontech Group plc ("Arcontech" or the "Company") is pleased to report another year of good growth, with profit before taxation for the year ended 30 June 2018 of GBP575,632 (2017: GBP373,263), a year-on-year increase of 54% and ahead of expectations. Arcontech achieved a profit after tax of GBP915,084 (2017: GBP470,251) for the year, this included a deferred tax credit of GBP270,000 arising from recognising previous tax losses due to the improving profitability of the Group.

Turnover for the year increased by 9% to GBP2,519,699 (2017: GBP2,307,751). This was achieved mainly through additional annual licence sales to existing customers. During the year we redeployed our Hong Kong based salesman to the UK to focus on our Desktop software solution which was launched in late 2017. Since the year-end we have taken on additional sales resource to drive new sales activity whilst continuing to provide excellent account management to existing customers.

Fully diluted earnings per share for the year ended 30 June 2018 increased by 92% to 7.09 pence (2017: 3.68 pence).

Although we have invested in additional sales resource we have maintained tight cost control throughout the year. Investment in product development and enhancement continued at similar levels to the previous year, which we expect to sustain going forward. We also expect to invest in additional marketing of our MVCS and desktop software solution in the coming year.

Financing

As at 30 June 2018 Arcontech had no debt and cash balances of GBP3,210,058 (2017: GBP2,636,471) after paying a maiden dividend, an increase of 21% reflecting increased profitability. The business continues to be well financed and has a robust balance sheet.

Dividend

I am pleased to announce that subsequent to the year-end we agreed to propose, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting, to pay a dividend of 1.30 pence per share for the year ended 30 June 2018 (1.0 pence per share for the year ended 30 June 2017), an increase of 30%, to those shareholders on the register as at the close of business on 7 September 2018, with an ex-dividend date of 6 September 2018.

Employees

I would like to thank our employees and my colleagues on the Board for their hard work, continued support and dedication, which is greatly appreciated.

Outlook

Arcontech is a well-run Company where operational gearing is such that increased sales will have a material positive impact on our profitability. We have added additional sales resource to increase our focus on new business growth and while this will add to our cost base we believe it will generate positive results in the near future. Our pipeline of prospects remains positive, albeit they need to be tempered by the traditionally long and complex sales cycles that are an enduring facet of our business.

Richard Last

Chairman and Non-Executive Director

Chief Executive's Review

I am pleased to report that during the year we maintained our focus on expanding and delivering on the sales pipeline, whilst continuing to control costs, which resulted in a profit before tax of GBP575,632 (2017: GBP373,263), an increase of 54% compared to the previous year and a creditable performance by the Group.

The year under review saw two global clients that were trialling our desktop software solution signed up as paying users. Pleasingly, they have both rolled out our solution internationally. We also have six other clients running trials and secured an additional client for our cache product in Africa, our first client on that continent. The majority of our business during the year was a result of expanding our existing client relationships.

Significantly, we renewed a multi-year agreement with an existing global client who is moving from a traditional market data platform to an open-source solution. As an integral part of the overall solution we expect the relationship will grow as the new solution is rolled out globally across the business. Other installations and upgrades, such as Windows to Linux, continue without issue.

We relocated our Hong Kong based salesperson to London, where we believe greater opportunities exist both within the UK and also by using it as a base from where we can target other regions. We have also recruited another salesperson to help accelerate sales growth further. Learning new products and building new relationships in our domain takes time and we expect to see an increasingly positive impact towards the latter part of the current year.

Our participation in the FinTech community, where we both add and receive value, continues to be beneficial for all parties. We have retained our membership of the OpenMAMA steering committee and changed our membership of the Symphony Foundation to now become a development partner with Symphony LLC. As these organisations evolve we will benefit through exposure of our solutions and the ways in which we can meet market data needs to the broader financial community.

The outlook for the business remains positive and unaffected by the wider uncertainties surrounding Brexit.

The length of the sales cycle has been longer that we would like, however, we believe the expanded product offering and sales capability should improve the frequency of sales. Coupled with the excellent work of our development and support teams, we continue to build on our strengths whilst working with our clients to help meet their ever-changing needs.

Our overriding focus remains on sales growth and continuing to build our pipeline. We are also exploring opportunities with other organisations that will complement our offerings, whilst continuing to look for strategic acquisition opportunities that will benefit the Group.

We look forward to continued growth in the year ahead.

Matthew Jeffs

Chief Executive

Strategic Report

The Directors present the group strategic report for Arcontech Group plc and its subsidiaries for the year ended 30 June 2018.

Principal activities

The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries during the year were the development and sale of proprietary software and provision of computer consultancy services.

Review of the business and prospects

A full review of the operations, financial position and prospects of the Group is given in the Chairman's Statement and Chief Executive's Review on pages 2 to 3.

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

The Directors monitor the business using management reports and information, reviewed and discussed at monthly Board meetings. Financial and non-financial KPIs used in this report include:

Financial KPIs:


Revenue GBP2,519,699 (2017: GBP2,307,751; Measurement:
2016: GBP2,141,630) Revenue from sales made to all
customers (excluding intra-group
sales which eliminate on consolidation)

Performance:
Continued growth driven by increased
sales of our product offering
Adjusted profit GBP626,856 (2017: Measurement:
GBP441,996; 2016: GBP329,260) Profit before share based payments
and tax

Performance:
Continued growth reflects increase
in revenues whilst continuing
to maintain tight cost control
-----------------------------------------
Cash GBP3,210,058 (2017: GBP2,636,471; Measurement:
2016: GBP1,633,159) Cash and cash equivalents held
at the end of the year

Performance:
The Group intends to maintain
cash balances at this level subject
to any exceptional items or acquisition
opportunities that may arise
-----------------------------------------

Non-financial KPIs:


Staff retention rate (net) 92% Measurement:
(2017: 100%; 2016: 93%) Net movement in joiners and leavers
as a percentage of the number
of staff at the beginning of
the year

Performance:
Staff morale from our dedicated
employees remains strong, reflected
in the small net decrease

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Group's performance is affected by a number of risks and uncertainties, which the Board monitor on an ongoing basis in order to identify, manage and minimise their possible impact. General risks and uncertainties include changes in economic conditions, interest rate fluctuations and the impact of competition. The Group's principal risk areas and the action taken to mitigate their outcome are shown below:


Risk area Mitigation

Competition Ongoing investment in research and development
Responding to the changing needs of clients to remain competitive

Loss of key personnel Employee share option scheme in place


Approved on behalf of the board on 22 August 2018 by:


Matthew Jeffs Michael Levy
Chief Executive Group Finance Director

Group Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended 30 June 2018




2018 2017
GBP GBP

Revenue 2,519,699 2,307,751

Administrative costs (1,958,176) (1,942,430)


Operating profit 561,523 365,321

Finance income 14,109 7,942


Profit before taxation 575,632 373,263


Taxation 339,452 96,988

Profit for the year after tax 915,084 470,251
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------

Total comprehensive income for the year 915,084 470,251
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------


Earnings per share (basic) 7.14p 3.79p
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------

Earnings per share (diluted) 7.09p 3.68p
--------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------

All of the results relate to continuing operations.

Statement of Changes in Equity

For the year ended 30 June 2018

Group:


Share Share Retained Total
capital premium Share option reserve earnings equity
GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP
Balance at 30 June 2016 1,541,732 2,024 119,692 568,831 2,232,279

Profit for the year - - - 470,251 470,251

Total comprehensive income for the year 1,541,732 2,024 119,692 1,039,082 2,702,530

Issue of shares 20,944 7,778 - - 28,722

Share-based payments - - 68,733 - 68,733

Balance at 30 June 2017 1,562,676 9,802 188,425 1,039,082 2,799,985

Dividend paid - - - (125,760) (125,760)

Profit for the year - - - 915,084 915,084

Total comprehensive income for the year 1,562,676 9,802 188,425 1,828,406 3,589,309

Issue of shares 88,638 46,579 - - 135,217

Share-based payments - - 51,224 - 51,224

Realisation of share option reserve - - (183,283) 183,283 -

Balance at 30 June 2018 1,651,314 56,381 56,366 2,011,689 3,775,750
-------------------------------------------- ---------- --------- --------------------- ---------- ----------

Balance Sheet

Registered number: 04062416

As at 30 June 2018


Group Group
2018 2017
GBP GBP

Non-current assets

Goodwill 1,715,153 1,715,153

Property, plant and
equipment 17,941 33,825

Deferred tax asset 270,000 -

Trade and other receivables 141,750 141,750
Total non-current assets 2,144,844 1,890,728
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------

Current assets

Trade and other receivables 310,123 175,496

Cash and cash equivalents 3,210,058 2,636,471
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total current assets 3,520,181 2,811,967
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables (1,889,275) (1,902,710)
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Total current liabilities (1,889,275) (1,902,710)
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------

Net current assets 1,630,906 909,257
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------

Net assets 3,775,750 2,799,985
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------

Equity

Called up share capital 1,651,314 1,562,676

Share premium account 56,381 9,802

Share option reserve 56,366 188,425

Retained earnings 2,011,689 1,039,082
---------------------------------- ------------- -------------
3,775,750 2,799,985
------------------------------- ------------- -------------

The profit dealt with in the financial statements of the Parent Company was GBP1,076,709 (2017: GBP1,418,859).

Approved on behalf of the board on 22 August 2018 by:




Matthew Jeffs Michael Levy
Chief Executive Group Finance Director

Group Cash Flow Statement

For the year ended 30 June 2018


2018 2017
GBP GBP

Net cash generated from operating activities 552,111 974,800
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------

Investing activities

Interest received 14,109 7,942

Purchases of plant and equipment (2,090) (8,152)


Net cash generated from/(invested in) investing activities 12,019 (210)
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------

Financing activities

Issue of shares 135,217 28,722

Dividend paid (125,760) -

Net cash generated from financing activities 9,457 28,722
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 573,587 1,003,312

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 2,636,471 1,633,159
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 3,210,058 2,636,471
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 30 June 2018

Status of financial information

Arcontech Group plc is a public limited company incorporated in England and Wales whose ordinary shares of GBP0.125 each are traded on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. The Company's registered office is 1st Floor, 11-21 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4JU.

The Board of Directors approved this preliminary announcement on 22 August 2018. Whilst the financial information included in this preliminary announcement has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as endorsed by the European Union, this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to comply with all the disclosure requirements of IFRS and does not constitute statutory accounts of the Company for the years ended 30 June 2018 or 30 June 2017.

The financial information set out in this announcement does not comprise the Group's statutory accounts for the years ended 30 June 2018 or 30 June 2017.

The financial information has been extracted from the statutory accounts of the Company for the years ended 30 June 2018 or 30 June 2017. The auditors reported on those accounts; their reports were unqualified and did not contain a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report and did not contain a statement under either Section 498 (2) or Section 498 (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 June 2017 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, whereas those for the year ended 30 June 2018 will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting.

Operating segments:

The Group reports internally to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), who is considered to be the Board. Intersegment license fees and management charges are not included in the reports reviewed by the CODM during the year but are calculated for statutory reporting purposes and therefore are excluded from the following revenue and operating profit disclosures.


2018 2017
GBP GBP
Revenue by segment

Software development and licence fees 2,519,699 2,307,751
-------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
External segment revenue 2,519,699 2,307,751
-------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------

Operating profit by segment

Software development and licence fees 1,126,932 854,981

Unallocated overheads (565,409) (489,660)
-------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------
Total operating profit 561,523 365,321

Finance income 14,109 7,942
Total profit before tax as reported in the Group income statement 575,632 373,263
-------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------


2018 2017
GBP GBP
Segment total of assets
Software development and licence fees 4,090,852 3,547,110

Unallocated assets 4,140,338 3,802,083
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
8,231,190 7,349,193

Less inter company debtors (2,566,166) (2,646,498)
Total assets 5,665,024 4,702,695
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------


2018 2017
GBP GBP
Segment total liabilities

Software development and licence fees 4,318,229 3,890,649

Unallocated liabilities 137,212 658,560
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
4,455,441 4,549,209

Less inter company creditors (2,566,166) (2,646,499)
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------
Total liabilities 1,889,275 1,902,710
---------------------------------------- ------------ ------------


2018 2017
GBP GBP
Additions of property, plant and equipment assets by segment

Software development and licence fees 2,090 8,152
----------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Total additions 2,090 8,152
----------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------

Disposals of property, plant and equipment assets by segment

Software development and licence fees - 2,699
----------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------
Total disposals - 2,699
----------------------------------------------------------------- ------ ------


2018 2017
GBP GBP
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment assets recognised in the period by segment
Software development and licence fees 17,974 19,112
Total depreciation 17,974 19,112
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------


Non-current assets by country 2018 2017
GBP GBP
UK 2,144,844 1,890,728
Total non-current assets 2,144,844 1,890,728
-------------------------------- ---------- ----------


Geographical information - External revenue 2018 2017
GBP GBP
UK 1,669,949 1,600,027
Europe (excluding UK) 796,468 652,894
Africa 22,562 -
North America 28,488 27,830
Asia Pacific 2,232 27,000
2,519,699 2,307,751
--------------------------------------------- ---------- ----------

During the year there were 3 customers (2017: 3) who accounted for more than 10% of the Group's revenues as follows:


2018 2017
Value of % of Total Value of % of Total
sales sales
GBP GBP

Customer 1 620,630 25% 612,998 27%
Customer 2 477,258 19% 357,327 15%
Customer 3 375,219 15% 309,232 13%
------------ ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
1,473,107 59% 1,279,557 55%
------------ ---------- ----------- ---------- -----------

These revenues are attributable to the software development and licence fees segment.

Profit per share


2018 2017
GBP GBP
Earnings
Earnings for the purpose of basic and diluted earnings per share being net profit
attributable
to equity shareholders 915,084 470,251
915,084 470,251
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------


No. No.
Number of shares
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of basic earnings per
share 12,821,702 12,396,220

Number of dilutive shares under option 77,699 367,595
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purposes of dilutive earnings per
share 12,899,401 12,763,815
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- -----------

The calculation of diluted earnings per share assumes conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares, all of which arise from share options. A calculation is done to determine the number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value, based upon the monetary value of the subscription rights attached to outstanding share options.

Dividends

A final dividend of 1.3 pence will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting but has not been recognised as it requires approval (2017: 1.0 pence).

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of Arcontech Group PLC will be held at the Company's offices, 1st Floor, 11-21 Paul Street, London EC2A 4JU on 27 September 2018 at 10.00 a.m.

Annual report and accounts

Copies of the annual report and accounts will be sent to shareholders shortly and will be available from the Company Secretary at the Company's registered office at 1st Floor, 11-21 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4JU or from the Company's website at www.arcontech.com

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [e-mail] or visit www.rns.com.

END

[thetrophyman] 22/8/2018 23:12

I have a really really small position, was gonna add today but added SEE instead. I have time on my side. I reckon results will be good, share price up, will drift over time and I'll add on a dip

[thetrophyman] 22/8/2018 23:04

Agree... but long term the truth will out... hopefully :)

[red army] 22/8/2018 22:44

The problem is that belief in the company can be over shadowed by market manipulation ie market makers dropping prices to suck you in etc etc.

[thetrophyman] 22/8/2018 22:38

If you believe in the company 29, surely hope doesn't come into it. If you don't believe... why invest?

[29palms] 22/8/2018 22:30

Here's hoping it is not the classic - "Buy the rumour, Sell the News"
Seen it happen so many times and it is a fav quote from Bob Pisani

[red army] 22/8/2018 11:24

Tomorrow's the day then for results.

[multibagger] 17/8/2018 14:43

Hi Bones,

I have attended the last few AGMs...the impression I get is that ARC are very focused on what they do well and how that can be converted into recurrent revenue.

When I raised the issue of an acquisition before at one of the meetings (given the growing cash balance) the response I got was a pretty generic one, rather than giving the impression that it was being actively sought or pursued.

As cbootle says, there may not be many companies out there which would make a good fit for us and any acquisition carries a risk with it, on a number of fronts.

I could be wrong, of course.

[bones] 17/8/2018 13:07

MB/CB, the reason I referred to acquisitions was because of Matthew Jeffs' comment from last year's final results statement:

"In order to supplement the Company's growth strategy, we will continue to review prospective complementary acquisition opportunities."

This is probably a generic statement to make at a final results stage but it suggests to me that they must have mulled over some possibility.

[multibagger] 17/8/2018 09:21

Bones,
The impression I get is that the focus is on organic growth as there is a massive untapped/unserved market out there. On the contrary, our IP, revenue growth and recurrent custom could be attractive to a bigger player.

Cbootle may have a view on this having worked in the company/sector a long time....

[bones] 16/8/2018 16:37

cbootle, I really would like to see a small acquisition of the right kind to help grow the business, rather than all being paid out as dividend. Organic growth is also hopefully on the acceleration with the new products gaining traction.