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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blackbird Plc | LSE:BIRD | London | Ordinary Share | GB0004740477 | ORD 0.8P |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 | 0.00% | 5.00 | 4.50 | 5.50 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 711,898 | 00:00:00 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Programming Service | 1.94M | -2.49M | -0.0064 | -7.81 | 19.35M |
TIDMBIRD
RNS Number : 3357L
Blackbird PLC
05 September 2023
5 September 2023
Blackbird plc
(the "Company")
Interim results
Blackbird plc (AIM: BIRD; OTCQX: BBRDF), the technology licensor, developer and seller of the market-leading cloud video editing platform, Blackbird(R) , announces its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2023.
Ian McDonough, CEO of Blackbird plc, commented:
"I am delighted to report that there is continued momentum behind our strategic progression to scale the business and the Company is well placed to execute on this with a strong balance sheet. Since we raised funding in December 2021, we have significantly progressed our Creator SaaS strategy and we see this as an exciting route to expand our addressable market and accelerate growth for the Company.
"Although revenue for the period was down 36% on the prior period at GBP985k, the decrease can be predominantly explained by two non-recurring items earned in H1 2022, being the EVS development fees on our technology licensing deal and the revenues from the global winter games.
"The recent cyclical and structural changes in the Media and Entertainment industry (M&E) have been considerable and impacted the professional Media and Entertainment part of our business, most prominently our deal with A+E Networks, which, as previously announced, was terminated at the end of June 2023. In anticipation of market shifts, we successfully raised money in 2021 to build a product for the Creator space. Therefore, we have reduced headcount in our UK sales and marketing team in order to maximise return on resources by investing in software developers and product specialists.
"Through our core streamlined Blackbird team, now physically located closer to its target market, we are focusing on larger deals and OEM partnerships. Following the delivery of our technology licensing deal at the end of 2022, EVS announced strong interest, at NAB, in their product "IPD VIA Create" which is 'Powered by Blackbird'. Through our deal structure, if this product is successful, Blackbird will benefit from significantly increased royalty payments.
"The development of the Creator SaaS platform, led by Chief Product Officer, Sumit Rai, has made significant progress and will launch in early 2024. The platform will align us closely with the fast-growing Creator Economy via a self-service SaaS platform. We have attracted world class talent to deliver on this strategy which is underpinned by our proven core patented technology. We are well funded to launch this platform.
"We are very excited about this product and are looking forward to updating investors later this month at our Special Event for investors on 13 September 2023.
Operational highlights (post period)
-- Special Event for investors scheduled for 13 September 2023 to update on the progress of our Creator SaaS platform
-- New deal signed with a football confederation for use on a high profile regional tournament
-- Deal signed with Australian OTT provider for use at the US Open on the back of successful deployments at other tennis majors (see below)
Financial highlights (post period)
-- GBP1,813k* secured revenue for 2023 as at 31 August 2023, down 32% vs prior year (2022 comparative: GBP2,684k)
-- Contracted but unrecognised revenues of GBP1,997k* as at 31 August 2023 (2022 comparative: GBP4,047k). GBP568k relates to 2023 and GBP815k revenue relates to 2024 and the remainder to 2025 and beyond
* Subject to exchange rate fluctuations
Operational highlights (during the period)
-- Creator SaaS strategic validation through quantitative and qualitative research undertaken by the Company
-- Direct annual cost savings of GBP0.5m from reduction of UK based sales and marketing staff. Reinvestment of funds in software development team and product specialists
-- Contract terminated by A+E Networks at end of June 2023
-- Deal signed with Argentinian station Telefe, part of the Paramount Global group and introduced by the CBS sports team, for football highlights
-- One year deal signed with a large Mexican broadcaster via our partner Simplemente
-- Deals signed with Australian OTT provider and subsequently used at Roland Garros and then again at Wimbledon
-- Further successful renewals with Sky News Arabia, BT and Arsenal -- Increased IP portfolio to 17 patents, with a further 12 pending -- Guest exhibitor on Microsoft's stand at the NAB show in April 2023
Financial highlights (during the period)
-- Revenues of GBP985k for the 6 months to 30 June 2023, down 36% year on year (6 months to 30 June 2022: GBP1,547k). The majority of the decrease arose from H1 2022 containing non-recurring revenues, being: i) GBP426k from development services for our first 'Powered by Blackbird' licensing deal; and ii) on the global winter games
-- Contracted but unrecognised revenues down 36% year on year to GBP2,120k as at 30 June 2023 (GBP3,331k as at 30
June 2022) due to the loss of A+E Networks contract and a year less in the order book on the Company's larger deals
-- Increased operating costs, excluding LTIP charge, of GBP2,422k (6 months to 30 June 2021: GBP2,113k), driven predominantly by an increase in the team to work on our Creator SaaS product, GBP142k non-recurring restructuring costs partially offset by higher capitalised development costs
-- EBITDA loss of GBP1,523k (6 months to 30 June 2022: GBP385k) due to lower revenues and higher operating costs, as described above, and a GBP353k LTIP credit to the income statement in H1 2022 (2023: GBPnil) on finalisation of the last LTIP scheme partially offset by a lower share option expense as a result of leavers in the restructuring
-- Net loss before tax of GBP1,617k (6 months to 30 June 2021: GBP604k) due to lower EBITDA partially offset by higher net financial income
-- Cash burn, excluding proceeds from share issues and transfers from short term investments, increased to GBP1,921k (6 months to 30 June 2022: GBP1,253k) due to lower revenues and higher staff costs to work on our Creator SaaS product
-- Cash and short-term investments of GBP8,177k (30 June 2022: GBP11,586k) and no debt
Enquiries:
Blackbird plc Tel: +44 (0)20 8879 7245 Ian McDonough, Chief Executive Officer Stephen White, Chief Operating and Financial Officer Allenby Capital Limited (Nominated Adviser Tel: +44 (0)20 3328 and Broker) 5656 Nick Naylor/ Piers Shimwell (Corporate Finance) Amrit Nahal (Sales and Corporate Broking)
About Blackbird plc
Blackbird plc operates in the fast-growing SaaS and cloud video market. It has created Blackbird(R) , the world's most advanced suite of cloud-native computing applications for video, all underpinned by its lightning-fast codec. Blackbird plc's patented technology allows for frame accurate navigation, playback, viewing and editing in the cloud. Blackbird(R) underpins multiple applications, which are used by rights holders, broadcasters, sports and news video specialists, esports, live events and content owners, post-production houses, other mass market digital video channels and corporations.
Since it is cloud-native, Blackbird(R) removes the need for costly, high-end workstations and can be used from almost anywhere on almost any device. It also allows full visibility on multi-location digital content, improves time to market for live content such as video clips and highlights for digital distribution, and ultimately results in much more effective monetisation.
Blackbird plc is a licensor of its core video technology under its "Powered by Blackbird" licensing model, enabling video companies to accelerate their path to true cloud business models. Licensees benefit from power and carbon reductions, cost and time savings, lower hardware and bandwidth requirements and easy scalability.
Blackbird(R) is a registered trademark of Blackbird plc.
Websites
www.blackbird.video
Social media
www.linkedin.com/company/blackbird-cloud
www.twitter.com/blackbirdcloud
www.facebook.com/blackbirdplc
Operational review
The Company started 2023 with momentum, specifically:
-- 2022 saw record revenues for the 5th consecutive year, up 38% on the previous year;
-- a strong balance sheet as a result of a successful fundraising in December 2021, resulting in a 2023 opening cash position of GBP10.1million;
-- successfully execution of the EVS contract with the jointly created product, "IPD VIA Create", being rolled out to a US broadcaster and used at a global sporting event at the end of 2022;
-- expansion of our addressable market to prosumers and professional teams with a significant refocussing of the team and key hires in Product, Engineering and Product Marketing to build our Creator SaaS platform; and
-- being crowned 'IABM Broadcast / Media Company of the Year' for 2022.
During the period, we reduced headcount in the UK sales and marketing areas in order to focus our resources on product development and maximise the return on investment from our technology. This was also partly driven by the continuing cyclical and structural changes in the M&E industries. These led to major media corporations seeking cost savings which has impacted this part of our business, most prominently our deal with A+E Networks, which, as we announced on 12 May 2023, terminated at the end of June 2023. Through our streamlined team, now located closer to this market, we are focusing on larger deals and OEM partnerships.
The development of the Creator SaaS platform, led by our Chief Product Officer, Sumit Rai, is progressing well. Early access is scheduled for Q4 2023.
Commercial activity during the 6 months under review included:
In OEM:
-- EVS announced strong interest in "IPD VIA Create", which is 'Powered by Blackbird', at NAB. As previously explained, our commercial relationship lasts for five years where the Company will financially benefit on the back of the success of the deployment of the product, with the financials underpinned by minimum guarantees; and
-- Blackbird was present on Microsoft's stand at NAB, which highlights the pedigree and perception of the Company's brand and product.
In direct deals:
-- deal signed with Argentinian station Telefe, part of the Paramount Global group and introduced by the CBS sports team, for football highlights;
-- one year deal signed with a large Mexican broadcaster via our partner Simplemente;
-- deal signed with Australian OTT platform for use on Roland Garros. They also used us again at Wimbledon and the US Open (post period); and
-- successful renewals with Sky News Arabia, BT and Arsenal.
Financial review
Revenue decreased by 36% to GBP985k for the six-month period compared to the corresponding period last year (six months to 30 June 2022 GBP1,547k). The majority of the decrease can be explained by two non-recurring items earned in H1 2022 - firstly GBP426k from development services for our technology licensing deal with EVS, and secondly the licence fees earned from the global winter games. As described above, t he cyclical and structural changes within the M&E industries have impacted growth in this area of the business.
Contracted but unrecognised revenue was GBP2,130k at 30 June 2023, a decrease of 36% compared to 30 June 2022 due to the A+E Networks termination and one year less in the order book on our larger deals.
Operating costs, excluding LTIP charges, for the period grew to GBP2,424k versus GBP2,113k in the corresponding period last year reflecting an increase in: i) GBP965k costs associated with our Creator SaaS platform (2021: GBP183k); and ii) non-recurring restructuring costs of GBP142k offset by higher development costs being capitalised during the period (GBP734 vs GBP176k in the prior period) with the increase being predominantly driven by the additional work on Creator SaaS compared to prior period. As previously announced, the restructuring of the business that occurred in the period will lead to annual savings of c.GBP500k.
Adjusted EBITDA loss, excluding share option costs and LTIP provision movement, of GBP1,513k (6 months to 30 June 2022: GBP637k) from lower revenues and higher operating costs.
EBITDA loss of GBP1,523k (6 months to 30 June 2022: GBP385k) due to the movement in Adjusted EBITDA loss, excluding share option costs and no LTIP movement in the period (6 months to 30 June 2022: LTIP credit of GBP353k on closure of the last LTIP period) and GBP88k lower share option expense in the period compared to prior year driven by the restructuring of the business.
The net loss for the period was GBP1,617k (2022: GBP603k). Lower EBITDA was partially offset by increased net financial income from higher interest rates compared to the prior period.
Cash burn in the period, excluding proceeds from share issues and transfers from short-term investments, was GBP1,921k versus GBP1,253k in the same period in 2022 driven by lower revenues and higher staff costs including for Creator SaaS, as explained above.
Outlook
There is continued momentum behind our strategic progression to scale the business and the Company's balance sheet is strong with GBP8,177k of cash and short-term investments and no debt at the end of June 2023.
The Company continues to focus on large scale deals for the Blackbird platform and 'Powered by Blackbird' with the aim of producing a positive net contribution from this division. Additionally, the demands of our existing and new customers will continue to drive innovations in our technology.
Significant progress continues on our Creator SaaS platform, led by a world class team. This builds on our core technology and will expand our addressable market. This product represents an exciting future for the Company and our strong balance sheet will enable us to launch it. Regular updates will be provided to shareholders, including a special event on 13 September 2023, ahead of an expected launch in early 2024.
UNAUDITED AND CONDENSED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE SIX MONTHSED 30 JUNE 2023 Unaudited Unaudited Audited Half year Half year to Year to to 30 June 30 June 31 December 2023 2022 2022 GBP GBP GBP CONTINUING OPERATIONS Revenue 985,115 1,546,544 2,847,202 Cost of Sales (76,268) (70,886) (143,149) --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ GROSS PROFIT 908,847 1,475,658 2,704,053 Operating costs excluding LTIP provision (2,421,622) (2,112,728) (4,509,938) --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ ADJUSTED EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXATION, DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION, EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION COSTS AND LTIP PROVISION (Adjusted EBITDA pre LTIP) (1,512,775) (637,070) (1,805,885) Decrease in LTIP provision - 350,431 350,431 Employee share option costs(1) (10,028) (98,356) (168,981) --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXATION, DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION (EBITDA) (1,522,803) (384,995) (1,624,435) Depreciation (87,358) (68,169) (144,677) Amortisation (163,564) (192,542) (383,330) ------------- ------------- ------------ (250,922) (260,711) (528,007) -------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ OPERATING LOSS (1,773,725) (645,706) (2,152,442) Net Finance income 156,275 42,015 141,414 LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAX (1,617,450) (603,691) (2,011,028) Income Tax - - 94,178 --------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------ LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (1,617,450) (603,691) (1,916,850) TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE PERIOD (1,617,450) (603,691) (1,916,850) ================================= ============= ============= ============ Earnings per share expressed in pence per share: Basic and diluted - continuing and total operations (0.44p) (0.16p) (0.52p)
UNAUDITED AND CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 30 JUNE 2023
Unaudited Unaudited Audited 30 June 30 June 31 December 2023 2022 2022 ASSETS GBP GBP GBP NON-CURRENT ASSETS Other intangible assets 1,904,198 1,178,891 1,270,231 Property, plant and equipment 149,128 221,589 202,204 2,053,326 1,400,480 1,472,435 ---------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- CURRENT ASSETS Trade and other receivables 415,339 639,497 863,211 Current tax assets 0 32,167 94,178 Short-term investments 2,653,780 6,684,825 4,366,342 Cash and bank balances 5,523,638 4,901,435 5,732,350 8,592,757 12,257,924 11,056,081 ---------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- TOTAL ASSETS 10,646,083 13,658,404 12,528,516 ======================= ============= ============= ============= EQUITY Issued share capital 2,941,044 2,940,524 2,941,044 Share premium 34,038,746 34,034,228 34,038,746 Capital contribution reserve 125,000 125,000 125,000 Retained earnings (27,512,196) (24,662,240) (25,904,774) 9,592,594 12,437,512 11,200,016 ---------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Lease & License - 85,543 29,783 - 85,543 29,783 ---------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- CURRENT LIABILITIES Lease 77,100 91,572 106,162 Trade and other payables 976,389 1,043,777 1,192,555 1,053,489 1,135,349 1,298,717 ---------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- TOTAL LIABILITIES 1,053,489 1,220,892 1,328,500 ----------------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 10,646,083 13,658,404 12,528,516
======================= ============= ============= =============
UNAUDITED AND CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2023
Called Share premium Capital Retained earnings Total equity up share contribution capital reserve GBP GBP GBP GBP GBP Balance at 1 January 2022 2,940,524 34,034,228 125,000 (24,156,905) 12,942,847 Issue of - - share capital Share based payment - - - 98,356 98,356 Total comprehensive income - - - (603,691) (603,691) ---------------------- ---------- -------------- -------------- ================== ============= Balance at 30 June 2022 2,940,524 34,034,228 125,000 (24,662,240) 12,437,512 ---------------------- ---------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ ------------- Changes in equity Issue of share capital (net of expenses) 520 4,518 - - 5,038 Share based payment - - - 70,625 70,625 Total comprehensive income - - - (1,313,159) (1,313,159) ====================== ========== ============== ============== ================== ============= Balance at 31 December 2022 2,941,044 34,038,746 125,000 (25,904,774) 11,200,016 ====================== ========== ============== ============== ================== ============= Changes in equity Issue of - - - - - share capital Share based payment - - - 10,028 10,028 Total comprehensive income - - - (1,617,450) (1,617,450) ====================== ========== ============== ============== ================== ============= Balance at 30 June 2023 2,941,044 34,038,746 125,000 (27,512,196) 9,592,594 ====================== ========== ============== ============== ================== =============
UNAUDITED AND CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2023
Unaudited Unaudited Audited Half year Half year to to Year to 31 30 June 30 June December 2023 2022 2022 GBP GBP GBP EBITDA (1,522,803) (384,995) ( 1,624,435 ) Decrease in LTIP provision - (350,431) (350,431) Employee share option costs 10,028 98,356 168,981 (Increase) / Decrease in working capital 290,204 (360,824) (388,841) ------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------------- Cash used in operations (1,222,571) (997,894) (2,194,726) ------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------------- Interest paid on lease liabilities (2,158) (4,363) (7,692) Tax received 94,178 - 32,166 Net cash outflow from operating activities (1,130,551) (1,002,257) (2,170,252) ------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------------- Cash flows from investing activities Payments for intangible fixed assets (809,906) (183,947) (470,200) Payments for property, plant and equipment (34,280) (33,103) (90,226) Transfer from / (to) short-term investments 1,712,562 (2,515,639) (197,156) Interest received 102,089 14,651 82,041 Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing activities 970,465 (2,718,038) (675,541) ------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------------- Cash flows from financing activities Share issue (net of expenses) - - 5,038 Payment of lease liabilities (48,626) (48,544) (97,169) Net cash (outflow)/ inflow from financing activities (48,626) (48,544) (92,131) ------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ---------------- Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (208,712) (3,768,839) (2,937,924) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 5,732,350 8,670,274 8,670,274 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 5,523,638 4,901,435 5,732,350 ===================================== ============= ============ ================
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED AND CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM ACCOUNTS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2023
1. Basis of preparation and accounting policies
These interim statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). They do not contain all of the information required for full financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company as at and for the year ended 31 December 2022. These interim financial statements do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of the Companies Act.
The interim financial information has not been audited. The interim financial information was approved by the Board of Directors on 4 September 2023. The information for the year ended 31 December 2022 is extracted from the statutory financial statements for that year which have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The audit report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s498 (2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The accounting policies applied by the Company in these interim financial statements are the same as those applied by the Company in its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.
2. Divisional breakdown Enterprise Corporate Creator Total SaaS Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Unaudited Half year to Half year Half year Half year to to to 30 June 2023 30 June 30 June 30 June 2023 2023 2023 GBP GBP GBP GBP CONTINUING OPERATIONS Revenue 985,115 - - 985,115 Cost of Sales (76,268) - - (76,268) --------------------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- GROSS PROFIT 908,847 - - 908,847 Operating costs excluding LTIP provision (1,351,015) (566,219) (504,388) (2,421,622) --------------------------- ------------- ----------- ---------- ------------- Adjusted EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXATION, DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION, EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION COSTS AND LTIP PROVISION (Adjusted EBITDA before LTIP and share option costs) (442,168) (566,219) (504,388) (1,512,775) LTIP Provision - - - - Employee share option costs - (10,028) - (10,028) EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXATION, DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION (EBITDA) (442,168) (576,247) (504,388) (1,522,803)
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September 05, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)
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