MyBucks — Entering a restructuring phase

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Research: Financials

MyBucks — Entering a restructuring phase

On 26 March, MyBucks (MBC) announced a recapitalisation proposal aimed at strengthening its balance sheet, which is urgently required given the current high level of gearing and negative equity at the parent entity level. The recapitalisation will be entirely non-cash and MBC will require bridge financing until it issues new shares against cash. Simultaneously, Dave van Niekerk agreed to retire from the CEO position and was replaced by Timothy Nuy, MBC’s former CEO. In response to the release, MBC’s share price suffered considerable losses (currently at €1.22 vs €3.56 at close on 25 March).

Milosz Papst

Written by

Milosz Papst

Director, Financials

Financials

MyBucks

Entering a restructuring phase

Financials

Scale research report - Flash

2 April 2019

Price

€1.22

Market cap

€16m

Share price graph

Share details

Code

MBC

Listing

Deutsche Börse Scale

Shares in issue

12.7m

Last reported net debt at end Dec 2018

€164.7m

Business description

MyBucks is a Luxembourg fintech company listed in Frankfurt. It provides unsecured loans, banking solutions and insurance to customers and SMEs in 11 African countries, Europe and Australia. It uses AI technology to assess creditworthiness and is fully integrated with local banking systems.

Bull

Large target market, with mobile and internet penetration well ahead of traditional banking.

Expanding banking business.

Proprietary AI and integration with local government and banking systems.

Bear

Sub-Saharan Africa is arguably at higher risk from financial and political shocks than more developed markets.

Distressed financing situation.

Headwinds from currency devaluation in Zimbabwe and cyclone in Mozambique.

Analyst

Milosz Papst

+44 (0) 20 3077 5700

On 26 March, MyBucks (MBC) announced a recapitalisation proposal aimed at strengthening its balance sheet, which is urgently required given the current high level of gearing and negative equity at the parent entity level. The recapitalisation will be entirely non-cash and MBC will require bridge financing until it issues new shares against cash. Simultaneously, Dave van Niekerk agreed to retire from the CEO position and was replaced by Timothy Nuy, MBC’s former CEO. In response to the release, MBC’s share price suffered considerable losses (currently at €1.22 vs €3.56 at close on 25 March).

MBC intends to undertake a c €45m recapitalisation, which will include: 1) conversion of c €27.8m loans from Ecsponent (one of its main shareholders) to equity at a price of €1.00; 2) contribution of a €6m loan book in Botswana by MHMK Group (a sub-Saharan private equity firm) against the issue of 6m of MBC’s shares; and 3) contribution of €11m outstanding promissory notes issued by MBC to an undisclosed family office against the issue of 11m shares. Our previous update note discussed MBC’s funding situation and the need for balance sheet restructuring in detail. However, we believe the low conversion/issue price of €1.00, as well as the resulting strong dilutive impact (share count potentially increasing from 12.7m to c 57.6m) were major negative stock catalysts. Furthermore, the fact that MBC was not able to obtain the requisite approvals for the private placement announced in December 2018 constitutes another negative factor. The failure to secure additional equity funding in recent months forced MBC to pursue this recapitalisation programme.

According to our estimates, the above measures will result in Ecsponent becoming a majority shareholder (ie holding a >50% stake in MBC). Having said that, the company is in discussions with additional shareholders to conduct further debt conversions and capital increases. Moreover, the recapitalisation should be followed by a capital increase structured as a rights offering, with five shares offered for every share held by current shareholders. Given that Ecsponent has agreed to waive its subscription rights for the purpose of this offering, this could allow minority shareholders to partially mitigate the dilutive impact of the recapitalisation (and bring Ecsponent’s stake below 50% again). Successful related party debt to equity conversions should reduce MBC’s interest expense, which is particularly important given the high cost of this mezzanine-like source of funding.

Consensus estimates

Year
end

Revenue
(€m)

PBT
(€m)

EPS
(c)

DPS
(€)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

06/15

31.3

5.7

33.42

0.0

3.7

N/A

06/16

38.9

0.9

(6.45)

0.0

N/A

N/A

06/17

55.8

(7.2)

(1.10)*

0.0

N/A

N/A

06/18

61.3

(4.6)

(0.83)*

0.0

N/A

N/A

Source: MyBucks accounts. Note: *From continuing operations.

Edison Investment Research provides qualitative research coverage on companies in the Deutsche Börse Scale segment in accordance with section 36 subsection 3 of the General Terms and Conditions of Deutsche Börse AG for the Regulated Unofficial Market (Freiverkehr) on Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse (as of 1 March 2017). Two to three research reports will be produced per year. Research reports do not contain Edison analyst financial forecasts.

Recapitalisation in detail

It is worth highlighting that part of the recapitalisation initiative is subject to regulatory approvals in South Africa, as well as shareholder approval at the EGM, which will take place in the second quarter of 2019.

The c €45m recapitalisation is likely to cure MBC’s covenant breaches by reducing the gearing ratio and allowing its equity at parent level to return to positive territory. MBC’s equity attributable to shareholders of the parent stood at a negative €2.6m at end-December 2018 and should decline further due to the recent devaluation of Zimbabwean currency, which will affect the exchange rate conversion on consolidation of MBC’s subsidiary (we estimate that the negative impact might have been in the mid- to upper single-digit millions). Additional headwinds are expected from the recent cyclone in Mozambique, which has affected MBC’s agricultural loan book.

However, it is important to note that the recapitalisation is entirely non-cash and thus does not resolve MBC’s future funding needs given that the company still generates negative operating cash flow (at €10.6m in H119 and €25.1m in FY18, compared with cash and cash equivalents at end-December 2018 of €18.1m). Moreover, based on our discussion with the new CEO, we understand that the subsequent capital increase with rights issue may be conducted late in the second half of 2019. Consequently, we believe MBC is likely to seek some form of bridge financing to secure its liquidity position in the short term.

In our opinion, the return of Timothy Nuy and the departure of founder Dave van Niekerk (who also resigned from the executive chairman position) may be accompanied by a shift in MBC’s strategy away from further extensive investments in its technological platform aimed at the development of the product and technology outsourcing business. The focus going forward should be on strengthening MBC’s position as a digital bank, right-sizing the business and improving the cash flow. Consequently, MBC should now be considered a company in a transitional/restructuring phase.


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New Zealand

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. 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 (i.e. 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.

United Kingdom

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This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

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United Kingdom

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General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been prepared and issued by Edison. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: 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 and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the Edison analyst at the time of publication. 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.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, 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 securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. 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, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “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.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 427484). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

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. 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 (i.e. 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.

United Kingdom

Neither this document and associated email (together, the "Communication") constitutes or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any decision to purchase shares in the Company in the proposed placing should be made solely on the basis of the information to be contained in the admission document to be published in connection therewith.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison 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. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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