K3 Business Technology Group PLC Trading update (6236Q)

TIDMKBT

RNS Number : 6236Q

K3 Business Technology Group PLC

22 October 2019

22 October 2019

AIM: KBT

K3 BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY GROUP PLC

("K3" or "the Group" or "the Company")

Trading update

K3, which provides mission--critical business software, cloud solutions and managed services, announces the following update on current trading for the financial year ending 30 November 2019.

The second half of the financial year started confidently, with an encouraging pipeline of both major new deals and high-margin 'follow--on' software licence orders. However a major new contract in the final process of agreement has now been put on hold by the counterparty and a large customer has entered into administration. In addition, certain customers are choosing to purchase additional software licence tranches at a slower pace than anticipated. As a result of these factors, management now expects that results for the year will be significantly below current market expectations. While there are important trading weeks remaining during the current financial year, in light of these softer trading conditions, management has taken a cautious view of the outcome for the financial year, and currently estimates that the Group's adjusted operating profit for the year will be approximately GBP1.5m. The Company's net debt position at the year end is anticipated to be GBP2.2m. A final (and total) dividend for the year, in line with existing guidance, is expected to be proposed with the publication of final results.

Notwithstanding the reduced financial performance expected this year, the Company has continued to make encouraging strategic and operational progress. In the second half, K3 was included in Microsoft's top 20 Independent Software Vendors ("ISV") globally, with 'K3 I fashion' selected as Microsoft's recommended solution for the fashion vertical. This strong validation stands K3 in very good stead in its markets and the pipeline for this product remains strong and high quality.

Management also remains very encouraged by the potential of 'K3 I imagine', the Group's new, cutting--edge solution launched a year ago. It has made good progress to date, especially in the new self--serve vertical, and is expected to make a meaningful contribution to revenue in the current financial year. It also has good momentum for next year across both the Group's existing customer base and with new customers.

In other strategic areas, Global Accounts continued to deliver good growth and K3 joined the Sage UK Developer Partner Programme as a Platinum Partner, the highest level available. In addition, K3 has developed the first Sage--specific hosted platform that has been endorsed by Sage, which provides the Group with a new route to market for its own hosted technologies.

Looking into the next financial year and beyond therefore, the Board is optimistic of the Company generating much improved levels of profitability and cash generation.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014.

Enquiries:

 
 K3 Business Technology   Adalsteinn Valdimarsson,     T: 020 3178 6378 
  Group plc                CEO                          (today) 
  www.k3btg.com            Robert Price, CFO            Thereafter 0161 
                                                        876 4498 
 
 finnCap Limited          Julian Blunt/ James          T: 020 7220 0500 
  (Nominated adviser       Thompson (Corporate 
  and Broker)              Finance) 
                           Camille Gochez (Corporate 
                           Broking) 
 
 KTZ Communications       Katie Tzouliadis/ Dan        T: 020 3178 6378 
                           Mahoney 
 

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October 22, 2019 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)