Decline in revenue as expected in Q3 18.
Decline in revenue as expected in Q3 18.EARNINGS/SALES RELEASES
The decrease in revenue by -1.2% on a constant perimeter was broadly in line with expectation; note last year’s high comparative (+3% on constant scope in Q3 17). Software editing and integration were satisfactory overall while SaaS revenue decelerated strongly in Q3 18 following two buoyant quarters. We see this as temporary and not calling into question SaaS future growth since the expansion of SaaS is structural in the software market.
FACT
In Q3 18, revenue stood at €33.1m (-1.7% and -1.2% on constant scope). During the quarter, the main change in perimeter related to the disposal of the non-core Sage businesses (Q4 17). The integration of the Microsoft Dynamics activities of Ctac (annual revenue of €2m) acquired in early October 18 was not mentioned.
9m18 revenue.
Revenue reached €123.2m (+1.9% and +1.6% on constant scope).
SaaS revenue was €20.7m (+19.4%) thanks to strong revenue growth in H1 18. The proportion of SaaS revenue, which is a source of recurring revenue, increased to 17% of Group revenue (vs 14% of the total in 9m17).
Revenue was relatively stable in software editing (€42.1m, 34% of Group revenue) and integration (€60.3m, 49% of the total).
International revenue was the group’s growth driver (+20.8% to €68.4m) and represented 56% of the total.
ANALYSIS
Slightly above expectation.
Prodware posted revenue of €33.1m in Q3 18 which was slightly above our estimate (€32.8m expected). On constant scope, revenue growth (-1.2%) was broadly in line with expectation (-1% estimated).
The decrease in revenue has to be seen within the context of a high comparative last year (+3% on a constant scope in Q3 17). In addition, the deceleration in Q3 18 revenue growth vs Q2 18 and Q1 18 is explained by the fact that there had been a positive impact from the postponement of some projects from Q4 17 to H1 18.
In the Q3 18 release, the growth rates on constant currency in Q1 18 and Q2 18 were adjusted downwards; we need to reconcile these figures with the company.
Temporary deceleration in SaaS.
SaaS revenue slowed significantly in Q3 18 (+2% vs +23% in Q3 17) following the strong growth in Q2 18 (+20%) and Q1 18 (+37%). We believe that it does not call into question SaaS future growth since the expansion of SaaS is structural in the software market.
Software editing revenue was pretty stable in Q3 18 (€11.2m vs €11.5m in Q3 17) which is a satisfactory performance and Integration revenue showed some resilience (€16.9m vs €17.3m in Q3 17).
International-driven growth.
In 9m18, revenue growth was fueled by International (+20.8%) o/w Germany and Spain. More specifically, International was buoyant in H1 18 (+30.1%) boosted by the large number of contracts based on the Microsoft Dynamics 365 online platform signed in early 2018, and slowed significantly in Q3 18 (c.+1%).
Conversely, we notice a slowing revenue decline in the French-speaking countries in Q3 18 (c.-5% vs -18% in H1 18). Regarding the recent contract wins in the French-speaking countries, Prodware has signed a contract with the French company Onatera (distribution of dietary supplements, essential oils, beauty/hygiene/health nutrition products) for the installment of Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP software with more comprehensive practical coverage than the other solutions existing in the market.
IMPACT
No change to our current 2018 estimates following the Q3 18 revenue report. At this stage, we still anticipate Group revenue in the range of €172-173m (o/w €49.6m estimated in Q4 18 vs €46.8m in Q4 17). Q4 is generally the strongest quarter in revenue terms. The comparative should be favourable as Q4 17 revenue dropped by 16.7% on a constant scope due to the postponement of some projects to H1 18.
We maintain our positive recommendation and valuation on the stock.
Prodware is engaged in the publishing and hosting of business computer solutions. Co. publishes and integrates management software for accounting management, human resources, customer relations, pay stubs, production, etc. In addition, Co. is involved in the design and implementation of network applications and securitization services. These applications and services include supply of network systems, server installation and hosting, and installation of security software such as antivirus and anti-intrusion. Co. markets its products and services through a network of agencies in France, as well as through partner distributors internationally.
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