Keywords Studios — Update 1 February 2016

Keywords Studios (LN: KWS)

Last close As at 26/04/2024

2,920.00

50.00 (1.74%)

Market capitalisation

2,207m

More on this equity

Research: TMT

Keywords Studios — Update 1 February 2016

Keywords Studios

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

TMT

Keywords Studios

Strong 2015 trading; expect further acquisitions

Trading update

Software & comp services

2 February 2016

Price

220p

Market cap

£118m

€1.32/£

Net cash (€m) at end June 2015

6.1

Shares in issue

53.8m

Free float

67.8%

Code

KWS

Primary exchange

AIM

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

7.8

3.0

50.7

Rel (local)

11.7

8.1

64.9

52-week high/low

220.0p

146.0p

Business description

Keywords Studios provides localisation, testing, artwork and community support services exclusively to the video games industry. It provides services to 21 of the top 25 games developers and is looking to consolidate the currently fragmented industry.

Next event

Full-year results

April 2016

Analysts

Eric Opara

+44 (0)20 3681 2524

Dan Ridsdale

+44 (0)20 3077 5729

Keywords Studios is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Keywords has stated that it expects its full-year revenue and adjusted PBT numbers to come in “comfortably ahead” of consensus estimates. Having raised funds in November, the company also re-iterated its commitment to a buy-and-build strategy to complement its already solid organic growth. It is in advanced discussions to complete one or more deals and we expect an announcement could be made before the company delivers its full-year financials in April.

Year end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*
(€m)

EPS*
(c)

DPS
(c)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/13

16.2

2.4

5.4

4,221**

53.7

N/A

12/14

37.3

5.5

9.5

1.5

30.5

0.5

12/15e

55.4

8.0

12.7

1.6

22.8

0.5

12/16e

72.8

10.1

15.0

1.8

19.3

0.6

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding acquired intangible amortisation, exceptional items and share-based payments but after exchange rate gains of €0.6m reported for H115. **Before IPO €0.6m total distribution.

Strong H2 trading – underpins existing forecasts

Keywords’ update indicates strong trading in H215, continuing the momentum that the company has built up over the last couple of years. The expected top line and PBT beat suggests it is successfully integrating the numerous acquisitions carried out in 2014/15 from both a cost-efficiency and a cross-sell driven revenue synergy perspective. We have updated our EPS and year-end net cash estimates to reflect November’s placing. We have left our revenue forecasts unchanged, but note the prevailing upside risks. We are planning to revisit our estimates when the company completes its next acquisition or on release of the company’s full year numbers in April, whichever is sooner.

Firepower to fund further M&A

Keywords’ issued 5.5 million new shares at 190p via a placing to new and existing shareholders in November 2015, raising £10.45m (gross). The funds were raised with the explicit intention of providing firepower for its stated buy-and-build strategy. While the company has yet to deploy the cash raised, it has stated that the M&A pipeline is strong with advanced discussions being held with more than one target company. Historically the company has funded its acquisitions with a mixture of cash and equity. We estimate that including November’s placing proceeds, Keywords ended 2015 with a net cash position of c €19m.

Valuation: Further M&A success is key

Keywords’ shares have performed strongly since its November placing, rising 17%, including yesterday’s positive reaction. The stock is trading on a 2016e P/E of 19.3x, broadly in line with localisation peers. However, given the company’s track record of attractively valued M&A and its changing business mix, we believe the valuation fails to recognise Keywords’ much stronger outlook. The stock should respond positively to the completion of further M&A deals at valuations comparable to historic deals.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

€'000s

2012

2013

2014

2015e

2016e

31-December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

14,343

16,185

37,293

55,443

72,759

Cost of Sales

(8,817)

(10,722)

(24,568)

(35,600)

(48,471)

Gross Profit

5,526

5,463

12,725

19,843

24,288

EBITDA

 

 

3,013

2,691

6,027

8,477

11,482

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

2,815

2,419

5,159

7,368

10,027

Intangible Amortisation

0

0

(468)

(700)

(700)

Exceptionals

0

(1,124)

(994)

(1,200)

0

Other

0

(71)

(156)

0

0

Operating Profit

2,815

1,224

3,541

5,468

9,327

Net Interest

(76)

(66)

361

645

184

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

2,739

2,352

5,520

8,013

10,211

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

2,739

1,158

3,902

6,113

9,511

Tax

(411)

(394)

(1,215)

(1,843)

(2,042)

Profit After Tax (norm)

2,328

1,959

4,305

6,170

8,169

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

2,328

764

2,687

4,270

7,469

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

31.9

36.1

45.1

48.2

53.8

EPS - normalised (c)

 

 

7.3

5.4

9.6

12.8

15.2

EPS - normalised and fully diluted (c)

 

7.3

5.4

9.5

12.7

15.1

EPS - (IFRS) (c)

 

 

7.3

2.1

6.0

8.9

13.9

Dividend per share (c)

2,538.0

4,221.4

1.5

1.6

1.8

Gross Margin (%)

38.5

33.8

34.1

35.8

33.4

EBITDA Margin (%)

21.0

16.6

16.2

15.3

15.8

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

19.6

14.9

13.8

13.3

13.8

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

490

600

21,251

47,537

45,708

Intangible Assets

0

0

17,677

40,577

39,877

Tangible Assets

490

600

2,761

4,147

5,020

Investments

0

0

813

2,813

810

Current Assets

 

 

6,702

18,218

23,120

31,865

42,184

Stocks

0

0

0

0

0

Debtors

1,397

1,303

6,203

6,835

8,970

Cash

3,892

15,271

11,014

19,127

27,311

Other

1,413

1,644

5,903

5,903

5,903

Current Liabilities

 

 

(1,182)

(1,025)

(9,746)

(10,240)

(11,280)

Creditors

(1,182)

(1,025)

(9,746)

(10,240)

(11,280)

Short term borrowings

0

0

0

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

0

(300)

(2,607)

(2,607)

(2,607)

Long term borrowings

0

0

0

0

0

Other long term liabilities

0

(300)

(2,607)

(2,607)

(2,607)

Net Assets

 

 

6,011

17,494

32,019

66,556

74,005

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

2,650

2,705

2,411

6,538

13,088

Net Interest

(50)

(59)

11

645

184

Tax

(749)

(359)

(522)

(1,843)

(2,042)

Capex

(391)

(394)

(1,252)

(2,495)

(2,328)

Acquisitions/disposals

(506)

(13)

(8,889)

(7,278)

0

Financing

50

10,280

4,594

13,196

0

Dividends

(375)

(781)

(609)

(651)

(717)

Net Cash Flow

629

11,378

(4,257)

8,113

8,184

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(3,263)

(3,892)

(15,271)

(11,014)

(19,127)

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

0

Other

(0)

0

(0)

(0)

(0)

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(3,892)

(15,271)

(11,014)

(19,127)

(27,311)

Source: Keywords Studios, Edison Investment Research

Edison, the investment intelligence firm, is the future of investor interaction with corporates. Our team of over 100 analysts and investment professionals work with leading companies, fund managers and investment banks worldwide to support their capital markets activity. We provide services to more than 400 retained corporate and investor clients from our offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Sydney and Wellington. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmBasicDetails.do?sid=181584). Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2016 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Keywords Studios and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2016. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 9258 1161

Level 25, Aurora Place

88 Phillip St, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Wellington +64 (0)48 948 555

Level 15, 171 Featherston St

Wellington 6011

New Zealand

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 9258 1161

Level 25, Aurora Place

88 Phillip St, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Wellington +64 (0)48 948 555

Level 15, 171 Featherston St

Wellington 6011

New Zealand

More on Keywords Studios

View All

Latest from the TMT sector

View All TMT content

Research: Metals & Mining

Alkane Resources — Update 31 January 2016

Alkane Resources

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free