REG - Aferian PLC - Full Year Results
10/04/2025 07:00
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RNS Number : 4119E Aferian PLC 10 April 2025
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF
THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (596/2014/EU) AS THE SAME HAS BEEN RETAINED
IN UK LAW AS AMENDED BY THE MARKET ABUSE (AMENDMENT) (EU EXIT) REGULATIONS
(SI 2019/310) ("UK MAR").
AFERIAN PLC
("Aferian", the "Company" or the "Group")
FULL YEAR RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2024
Aferian plc (LSE AIM: AFRN), a B2B video streaming solutions company,
announces its full-year audited results for the year ended 30 November 2024
("FY2024").
Financial Highlights
· Group revenues were $26.3m, down from $47.8m in FY2023.
· H2 revenue improved by 16% from H1 to $14.1m.
· Exit run rate Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) increased slightly
to $14.8m (FY2023: $14.6m).
· Adjusted EBITDA** loss was $0.7m (FY2023: profit of $1.6m), with
H2 delivering an Adjusted EBITDA profit of $1.6m, up $3.9m from a $2.3m loss
in H1.
· Both divisions were Adjusted EBITDA profitable and cash
generative in H2 FY2024.
· Statutory operating loss was $12.5m (FY2023: $63.9m).
· Net debt*** at year end was $12.7m (FY2023: $6.3m).
· Extension of $16.5m senior lending facilities to September 2025
and $1.3m term loan arranged by its largest shareholder Kestrel Partners LLP
to January 2026 completed in April 2024.
· Discussions with lenders to further extend the debt facilities
beyond September 2025 are in progress.
*Exit annualised recurring revenue ("ARR") is annual run-rate recurring
revenue as at 30 November
**Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated as operating loss
before depreciation, interest, tax, amortisation, impairment of goodwill,
exceptional items and employee share-based payment charges
***Net debt is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated as total bank debt less
cash and cash equivalents
Divisional Highlights
24i
· Stable revenues in FY2024 with four major customer wins in Q4.
· Launch of 24i Video Cloud, a comprehensive next generation
streaming platform.
· Leadership transition with Sebastian Braun appointed as CEO.
· Adjusted EBITDA positive and cash generative in H2 FY2024.
Amino
· Strong H2 FY2024 sales performance supported by Enterprise and
Digital Signage sales growth.
· Material reduction in cost base drove strong H2 FY2024 Adjusted
EBITDA and cash generation.
· FY2025 off to a strong start, with confirmed sales orders already
exceeding FY2024 revenues.
· Stock levels significantly reduced with further reductions
continuing in H1 FY2025.
Current Trading and Outlook
Revenue in H2 FY2024 grew 16% over H1 FY2024. Coupled with mid-year cost
reductions, this led to a return to positive Adjusted EBITDA and cash
generation in H2 FY2024 which has continued into H1 FY2025. New customer wins
and sales orders already received are expected to support growth in revenue,
ARR, and Adjusted EBITDA in FY2025. The Group is in discussions to extend its
debt facilities further.
Mark Carlisle, Chief Executive of Aferian, commented:
"Aferian is now a turnaround story. We have started FY2025 strongly and are
significantly ahead of the same period last year. Given the increased level of
sales orders already received, we expect a greater than 10% revenue growth in
FY2025, positive Adjusted EBITDA for the year, and positive free cash flow.
Once new financing terms are secured, the company will be well positioned for
the future."
For further information please contact:
Aferian plc +44 (0)1954 234100
Mark Wells, Chairman
Mark Carlisle, Chief Executive Officer
Zeus (Nominated Adviser and Broker) +44 (0)20 3829 5000
Katy Mitchell, Alexandra Campbell-Harris (Investment Banking)
Benjamin Robertson (ECM)
About Aferian plc
Aferian plc (AIM: AFRN) is a B2B video streaming solutions company. Our
end-to-end solutions bring live and on-demand video to every kind of screen.
We create the forward-thinking solutions that our customers need to drive
subscriber engagement, audience satisfaction, and revenue growth.
It is our belief that successful media companies and services will be those
that are most consumer-centric, data driven and flexible to change. We focus
on innovating technologies that enable our customers stay ahead of evolving
viewer demand by providing smarter, more cost-effective ways of delivering
end-to-end modern TV and video experiences to consumers. By anticipating
technological and behavioural audience trends, our software solutions empower
our customers to heighten viewer enjoyment, drive growth in audience share and
ultimately their profitability.
Aferian plc has two operating companies: 24i, which focusses on streaming
video experiences, and Amino, which connects Pay TV to streaming services. Our
two complementary companies combine their products and services to create
solutions which ensure that people can consume TV and video how and when they
want it. Our solutions deliver modern TV and video experiences every day to
millions of viewers globally, via our growing global customer base of over 500
service providers.
Aferian plc is traded on the London Stock Exchange's AIM stock market (AIM:
symbol AFRN). Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, the Company has over 350 staff
located in offices in San Francisco, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Madrid,
Porto, Brno, Buenos Aires, and Hong Kong. For more information, please
visit www.aferian.com (http://www.aferian.com/) .
Chairman's statement:
In the first half of 2024, the Group took decisive action to address declining
revenues, implementing significant cost reductions. I have been deeply
impressed by the resilience and dedication of our management team and
employees throughout this period. These measures have led to a marked
improvement in business performance in the second half of the year,
positioning the Group on a more stable financial footing.
Our strategic focus remains on capitalizing on the ongoing transition in the
media and entertainment sector, as the industry continues its shift from
traditional broadcast distribution models-such as cable and satellite-to
streaming as the preferred mode of video delivery. This transformation is
reshaping multiple segments, including Streaming Video, Traditional Pay TV,
Enterprise Video, and Digital Signage. Aferian is committed to leveraging its
expertise and technology to serve these evolving markets effectively.
Despite several changes at the Board level, the senior management team has
ensured strong continuity. Following the departure of Donald McGarva, Mark
Carlisle transitioned from Group CFO/COO to Group CEO, providing experienced
leadership at a critical juncture. At 24i, Sebastian Braun, previously SVP
Product, was appointed CEO in a senior leadership role outside of the Board,
with strong support from Steve Oetegenn, who continues to contribute as a
Non-Executive Director. After year-end Steve has stepped back from his
executive role and is now an independent NED only. The Board deem Steve to be
independent given that he does not receive additional remuneration besides NED
fees, and he was only an executive director for 17 months.
In July 2024, Sebastian White, an Investment Director at Kestrel Partners LLP
("Kestrel"), was appointed as a Non-Executive Director, succeeding Max Royde,
Managing Partner at Kestrel. Additionally, Allen Broome and Bruce Powell
stepped down as Non-Executive Directors in August and November 2024,
respectively.
The Board now comprises:
Mark Wells - Independent Non-Executive Chairman;
Mark Carlisle - Group CEO and Executive Director;
Sebastian White - Non-Executive Director, representing Kestrel; and
Steve Oetegenn -Independent Non-Executive Director, bringing significant
industry experience.
The Board believes that its current composition is well-suited to the Group's
operational and strategic requirements. However, we will continue to review
its structure as the business evolves.
Mark Wells
Chairman
09 April 2025
Chief Executive Officer's Review
Group revenue for the year was $26.3m, a decrease of 45% versus prior year. To
position the Group for profitability in the second half of 2024, we completed
cost reduction programmes in early December 2023 and April 2024 which
generated c$6m of annualised cost savings. As a result of these programmes
and increased second half revenues, the Group returned to positive Adjusted
EBITDA and cash generation in the second half of the year. This, coupled with
an increase in the receipt of advance sales orders in both 24i and Amino means
that the Group has continued to be cash generative into FY2025.
In April 2024, we secured an extension to the Group's $16.5m senior lending facilities to September 2025 as well as an extension to the Group's $1.3m term loan arranged by its largest shareholder Kestrel Partners LLP to January 2026. The group is in negotiations with lenders to further extend its facility which it expects to conclude in the near future.
FY2024 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
US $m unless otherwise stated 2024 2023 Change %
Total revenue 26.3 47.8 (45%)
Software & services revenue 19.1 26.5 (28%)
Exit run rate Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) 14.8 14.7 1%
Adjusted operating cash flow before tax* (0.2) 3.2 (106%)
*Adjusted operating cash flow before tax* is a non-GAAP measure and excludes cash paid/received in respect of exceptional items.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW
The Group has two operating divisions: 24i and Amino.
24i
24i's robust, end-to-end SaaS video streaming platform enables video content owners and distributors globally to monetise their content investments by quickly launching and efficiently managing attractive streaming services on all consumer devices. These include mobile phones and tablets to Smart TVs and the managed devices provided by pay TV operators. Offered on a rental basis, 24i's business model is characterised by high fixed costs and a relatively low cost of sales, ensuring that revenue growth translates efficiently into Adjusted EBITDA.
24i revenue analysis
US $m unless otherwise stated 2024 2023 Change %
Software and services 14.2 21.0 (32%)
Devices - 0.4
Total revenue 14.2 21.4 (34%)
Exit ARR at 30 November 10.5 9.9 6.1%
Two significant 24i customer contracts ended at the end of FY2023 which resulted in revenues declining by 34% year on year. We took proactive action to reduce the cost base of 24i in the first half of FY2024, further streamlining operations, and as a result, the 24i division was Adjusted EBITDA positive in H2. The investments we have made to transform 24i from an applications development company into a product driven software and services company have yielded exciting new customer wins in the second half of FY2024.
Under the leadership of Sebastian Braun, who was appointed as CEO of 24i in July 2024, 24i has been further streamlined into a unified team with a clear vision and mission to improve the video entertainment experience for consumers by delivering its next generation 24i Video Cloud. We believe this innovative platform, combined with our commitment to personalization and operational efficiency, positions 24i well for sustainable growth in the rapidly evolving media and entertainment market.
Increasingly strong demand for 24i's products during the second half of the year enabled us to secure four new customer contracts for the 24i Video Cloud. This demand is being driven by the need for companies to both upgrade the user experience and drive operational efficiencies across the Broadcast, PayTV and Direct to Consumer streaming segments by moving content management, AI powered personalization and application user experience management into the 24i Video cloud these companies benefit from 24i's scalable and configurable next generation platform.
Among our recent customer wins, we are proud to welcome leading state-owned public media company in Spain and a well-known global entertainment platform.
Looking ahead, we remain confident that 24i's product innovation and customer-centricity continue to strengthen 24i's competitive position in the video streaming industry. Our customer wins in the second half of 2024 will also drive growth in recurring revenue in 2025.
Amino
Amino's managed video streaming devices and SaaS management platform enable Pay TV and Enterprise Video and Digital Signage operators to deliver their live, scheduled and on-demand content with the quality of service and level of support that consumers demand for their big-screen viewing experience.
Amino revenue analysis
US $m unless otherwise stated 2024 2023 Change %
Software and services 4.9 5.6 (12.5%)
Devices 7.2 20.9 (65.6%)
Total revenue 12.1 26.5 (54.3%)
Exit ARR at 30 November 4.3 4.7 (8.5%)
Amino revenues fell sharply in the first half of FY2024 to $4.8m due to falling PayTV device revenue but recovered strongly in the second half to $7.3m driven by Enterprise video and Digital Signage growth giving full year revenues of $12.1m. The significant decrease in Pay TV device revenues over the past three years has been driven by heightened competition from commoditised, low-margin Pay TV streaming devices. To address these trends, we proactively reduced Amino's cost base in the first half of the year, aligning with this anticipated revenue decline. This lower cost base, combined with Amino's strong product reputation in the market and recurring support revenues, mean we expect Amino to be Adjusted EBITDA positive and cash generative in FY25.
Amino remains focused on two key strategic priorities:
· Delivering higher-quality, higher-margin Pay TV streaming devices, and
· Driving growth in the enterprise video and digital signage business, targeting large integrators and distributors.
All Amino devices are typically bundled with the Group's Software-as-a-Service ("SaaS") device management platform, which is also sold independently and integrated with third-party devices.
Following a focused period of investment in sales and marketing, Amino received increased sales orders in FY2024 for Enterprise and Digital Signage devices. Additionally, we secured first orders for our next-generation Pay TV devices in the North American market, which were delivered in Q3 2024. As a result, gross margin and revenue improved significantly in the second half of the year.
Encouragingly, advance sales orders also increased in the latter half of FY2024, providing a solid foundation heading into FY2025. In November 2024, Amino secured a material order from a second major betting shop operator in the UK. This operator is migrating from legacy satellite delivery to next-generation, low-latency IP video delivery using Amino's enterprise video and digital signage devices across its retail locations. The order includes a five-year contract for our remote device management platform, underscoring Amino's value proposition in long-term partnerships.
Amino's growing sales pipeline is bolstered by its strong brand recognition, built on over 25 years of expertise in delivering video over broadband networks. As the broadcast video market accelerates its transition to IP, fuelled by demand for low-latency IP video solutions, Amino is well-positioned to capitalize on growth areas, particularly in experiential AV industries (i.e. the use of audio and visual technology to create immersive and engaging experiences), where its expertise is indispensable.
Amino stock levels were increased during Covid to mitigate supply chain risks. In FY2024 we successfully reduced Amino's inventory to $2.4m - comparable to pre-pandemic levels. This inventory reduction significantly bolstered the Group's operating cash generation in the second half of FY2024.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FY2024 remained a challenging year for the Group, primarily due to declining revenues in the Amino PayTV segment. However, the second half of the year saw a marked recovery, driven by improved revenues and the successful execution of a mid-year cost restructuring programme. This resulted in a return to positive Adjusted EBITDA of $1.6m in H2, representing a $3.9m improvement compared to H1, along with positive cash generation in the half. Notably, both the Amino and 24i divisions achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA in the second half, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Group's strategic initiatives.
Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA analysis by half 2024 2024 2024
US $m unless otherwise stated H1 H2 Total
Amino 4.8 7.3 12.1
24i 7.4 6.8 14.2
Total revenue 12.2 14.1 26.3
Exit ARR at 30 November 14.8
Adjusted EBITDA** (2.3) 1.6 (0.7)
Revenue
Group revenue for FY2024 was $26.3m, a 45% decline from the prior year
(FY2023: $47.8m), primarily driven by a reduction in PayTV device revenues.
However, the second half of the year saw a strong recovery, with Amino
delivering strong H2 growth over H1. H2 revenue increased by 16% to $14.1m,
compared to $12.2m in H1.
Gross Margin
The Group's gross margin improved to 62% in FY2024 (FY2023: 52%), despite
lower overall revenues and due to a $1.4m royalty accrual. In absolute terms,
gross profit was $16.3m (FY2023: $25.1m).
Adjusted Operating Expenses*
Adjusted operating expenses reduced significantly to $15.6m (FY2023: $23.4m),
reflecting the impact of cost-cutting measures implemented in April and May
2024, primarily related to headcount reductions. These actions resulted in a
substantially lower cost base in H2.
*Adjusted operating expense is calculated as operating expenses excluding
depreciation, interest, tax, amortisation, impairment of goodwill, exceptional
items and employee share-based payment charges.
Adjusted EBITDA**
The Group reported an Adjusted EBITDA loss of $0.7m for FY2024. However, there
was a significant turnaround in the second half, with Adjusted EBITDA
improving to a positive $1.6m, compared to an H1 loss of $2.3m-representing a
$3.9m improvement.
(**) Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as operating loss before depreciation,
interest, tax, amortisation, impairment of goodwill, exceptional items and
employee share-based payment charges ( )
Exceptional Items
Exceptional items in the year were $3.6m (FY2023: $4.3m). This was made up of
$1.4m related to further redundancies in April/May 2024 across both Amino and
24i businesses to reduce the cost bases. $2.0m related to refinancing legal
costs primarily related to the extension of the bank debt and the Kestrel loan
in May 2024 along with $1.6m relating to a significant bad debt and inventory
write offs mainly taken in the first half. The latter has been recognised as
an exceptional item due to the large size and exceptional occurrence of such
transactions.
A summary of exceptional items in the year is provided as follows:
US $m unless otherwise stated 2024 2023
Credit arising from the reassessment and release of a prior-period provision (1.4) -
Subtotal cost of sales (1.4) -
Restructuring and associated costs 1.4 3.9
Refinancing and other costs 2.0 0.3
Impairment of trade receivables and loss on inventories 1.6 -
Acquisition and one-off legal costs - 0.1
Subtotal operating expenses 5.0 4.3
Total exceptional items 3.6 4.3
Other exceptional items
Impairment charge (further details in note 14) - 48.9
Exceptional items included in total net finance expense comprise the following
charges/(credits):
Fair value adjustment of contingent consideration (0.1) (1.5)
Unwinding discount on contingent consideration regarding 24iQ - 0.3
Fair value adjustment of other loan 0.3 -
Total other exceptional items 3.8 52.0
Operating Loss
The Group reported a statutory operating loss of $12.5m (2023: $63.9m loss),
after $0.1m share based payment charge (2023: $0.1m), $nil impairment of
goodwill (2023: $48.9m), $3.6m exceptional items (2023: $4.3m) and $1.9m
amortisation of acquired intangibles (2023: $4.4m).
Net finance expense was $2.0m (2023: $0.8m), a tax credit of $0.5m (2023:
$1.2m tax credit) leading to a loss after tax of $13.8m (2023: $63.5m).
Research and Development Costs
The Group reduced its research and development costs to $5.9m in the year
(2023: $13.0m) of which $1.9m was capitalised (2023: $5.4m). The Group
continues to invest in the end-to-end video streaming platform and associated
services at 24i and Amino video streaming devices and associated operating and
device management software to further enhance its capabilities. In the opinion
of the directors, these investments will maintain and generate significant
revenues in future years.
Net Finance Expense
Net finance expense was $2.0m in the year (2023: $0.8m), which represented the
interest charge of $2.0m (2023: $1.9m), on our borrowing facilities, $0.0m
interest charged on lease agreements (2023: $0.0m) in accordance with IFRS 16
(leases) and a $0.1m debit (2023: $1.2m debit) relating to the unwinding of
the discount on contingent consideration.
Taxation
The Group recognised a total tax credit of $0.5m (2023: $1.2m tax credit). The
effective tax rate of 3%, was lower than the statutory corporation tax rate of
25% primarily due to operating losses and amortisation of acquisition
intangible assets. The Group's net cash tax refund for the year was $1.5m
(2023: $0.4m payment). The deferred tax liability as at 30 November 2024 was
$0.6m (2023: $0.5m) mainly reflects the unwinding of deferred tax on the
acquisitions in prior years. The deferred tax asset recognised in the year was
$nil (2023: $0.3m).
Cash Flow
A reconciliation of adjusted operating cash flow before tax to cash generated
from operations before tax is provided as follows:
US $m unless otherwise stated 2024 2023
Adjusted operating cash flow before tax (0.2) 3.2
Restructuring and associated other costs (1.4) (3.8)
Refinancing and other costs (2.0) (0.4)
Aborted acquisition costs - (3.9)
Cash generated from operations before tax (3.6) (4.9)
Adjusted operating cash flow(*1) from operations was $0.2m outflow (2023:
$3.2m inflow). The improved cash generated from operations was due in large
part to a cash inflow from working capital of $2.2m (2023: $2.4m cash
outflow). Effective management of working capital remains a pivotal focus area
for the Group.
(*1) Adjusted operated cash flow is calculated as cash flows from operations
less cash paid/received from exceptional items
Net Debt*
At 30 November 2024, the Group's net debt was $12.7m (2023: $6.3m). The Group
has a banking facility with Barclays Bank plc, HSBC plc and Bank of Ireland of
which the Group had drawn $13.1m at 30 November 2024 (2023: $10.6m). On 22
April 2024 Aferian plc secured an extension to its $16.5m multicurrency
working capital facility, previously due to mature on 23 December 2024, to 30
September 2025.In addition, at the same time, the Group extended its loan of
$1.3m originally arranged by its largest shareholder on 31 May 2023, Kestrel
Partners LLP. This loan is now repayable on 31 January 2026.
At 30 November 2024, the Group had equity of $7.5m (2023: $22.3m) and net
current liabilities of $13.8m (2023: $6.3m). Net current liabilities excluding
cash drawn under the banking facility is $0.8m (2023 net current assets:
$4.3m). Goodwill has reduced by $0.3m to $11.0m (2023: $11.3m), due to foreign
exchange translation movements. There was no impairment charge in the year
(FY2023: $48.9m).
*Net debt is a non-GAAP measure and is calculated as total bank debt less cash
and cash equivalents
Going Concern
Please see Going Concern statement in note 1 below.
Dividend
The Board is not proposing a final Dividend for this financial year (2023:
nil).
CURRENT TRADING AND OUTLOOK
The second half of FY2024 saw 16% revenue growth over H1 which, coupled with cost reduction actions taken mid-year, means the second half of the year has seen significant improvements in Adjusted EBITDA profitability and cash flow. Both businesses have also seen significant new customer wins and advance sales orders in the second half of the year which are expected to enable the Group to continue grow ARR, revenues and EBITDA in FY2025 to generate improved operating cash flows.
We are in discussions with lenders with a view to extending our facilities which we hope will conclude in the near future.
Mark Carlisle
Chief Executive Officer
09 April 2025
Aferian Plc
Consolidated income statement
For the year ended 30 November 2024
Year to 30 November 2024 Year to 30 November 2023
$000s
$000s
Revenue 26,309 47,821
Cost of sales
(10,030)
(22,758)
Gross profit 16,279 25,063
Operating expenses (28,781) (88,997)
Operating loss (12,502) (63,934)
Finance income 200 1,505
Finance expense (2,156) (2,269)
Net finance expense (1,956) (764)
Loss before tax (14,458) (64,698)
Tax credit 494 1,196
Loss after tax (13,964) (63,502)
Loss per share
Basic loss per 1p ordinary share (12.56c) (67.27c)
Diluted loss per 1p ordinary share (12.56c) (67.27c)
Reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA
Reconciliation to Adjusted EBITDA Year to 30 November 2024 Year to 30 November 2023
$000s $000s
Operating loss (12,502) (63,934)
Depreciation 840 1,309
Amortisation 7,238 10,989
EBITDA (4,424) (51,636)
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets - 48,905
Share option charge 45 67
Exceptional items in Operating Costs 3,637 4,282
Adjusted EBITDA (742) 1,618
All amounts relate to continuing activities.
Aferian plc
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 30 November 2024
Year to 30 November 2024 Year to 30 November 2023
$000s
$000s
Loss for the financial year (13,964) (63,502)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Net foreign exchange (loss)/gain arising on consolidation (834) 2,750
Other comprehensive (expense)/income (834) 2,750
Total comprehensive expense for the financial year attributable to equity (14,798) (60,752)
holders
Aferian plc
Consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 November 2024
Assets 2024 2023
$000s
$000s
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 128 239
Right of use assets
984
1,117
Intangible assets
23,274
29,273
Trade and other receivables Deferred tax 181 184
assets
- 348
24,567 31,161
Current assets 2,427 5,099
5,325
9,127
Inventories
255
858
Trade and other receivables 2,269 5,771
Corporation tax receivable
Cash and cash equivalents
10,276 20,855
Total assets 34,843 52,016
Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Group 1,822 1,822
43,425
43,425
Called-up share capital
(103) 12
(103) 12
Share
(6,805)
(5,971)
premium
42,750
42,750
Other equity (73,585) (59,638)
Capital redemption reserve
Foreign exchange reserve
Merger reserve
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 7,516 22,297
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 10,299 15,518
Lease liabilities
430
634
Corporation tax payable
274
364
Loans and borrowings
13,080
10,607
24,083 27,123
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables 54 26
Lease liabilities
616
497
Provisions
72
81
Deferred tax liabilities 593 496
Loans and borrowings
1,909
1,496
3,244 2,596
Total liabilities 27,327 29,719
Total equity and liabilities 34,843 52,016
Aferian plc
Consolidated statement of cash flows
For the year ended 30 November 2024
Notes Year to 30 November 2024 Year to 30 November 2023
$000s
$000s
Cash flows from operating activities 8 (3,562) (4,917)
Cash used in operations
1,483
(423)
Corporation tax refund/(paid)
Net cash used in operating activities (2,079) (5,340)
Cash flows from investing activities (1,936) (5,471)
(12) (56)
Purchases of intangible assets
9
-
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
8
-
Proceeds on disposal of property plant and equipment
-
(310)
Interest received
Payment of deferred consideration
Net cash used in investing activities (1,931) (5,837)
Cash flows from financing activities - 4,120
(715)
(940)
Proceeds from issue of new shares
(1,192)
(1,945)
Lease payments
-
(11,500)
Interest paid
2,500
15,615
Repayment of borrowings
Proceeds from borrowings
Net cash generated from financing activities 593 5,350
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3,417) (5,827)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
5,771
11,524
Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held
(85)
74
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 2,269 5,771
Aferian plc
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 30 November 2024
Notes Share Share premium $000s Other equity $000s Merger reserve $000s Foreign Capital redemption Profit Total
capital exchange reserve reserve and loss Equity
$000s $000s $000s $000s $000s
Shareholders' equity at 30 November 2022 1,488 39,768 - 42,750 (8,721) 12 3,587 78,884
(Loss) for the year - - - - - - (63,502) (63,502)
Other comprehensive expense
- - - - 2,750 - - 2,750
Total comprehensive (expenses) for the year attributable to equity holders 2,750 - (63,502) (60,752)
Share based payment charge 25 - - - - - - 277 277
Dividends paid 13
Issue of share capital, net of issue costs - - - - - - - -
Loan related convertible debt 334 3,657 - - - - - 3,991
- - (103) - - - - (103)
Total transactions with owners 334 3,657 (103) - - - 277 4,165
Total movement in shareholders' equity 334 3,657 (103) - 2,750 - (63,225) (56,587)
Shareholders' equity at 30 November 2023 1,822 43,425 (103) 42,750 (5,971) 12 (59,638) 22,297
(Loss) for the year - - - - - - (13,964) (13,964)
Other comprehensive expense
- - - - (834) - - (834)
Total comprehensive (expenses) for the year attributable to equity holders - - - - (834) - (13,964) (14,798)
Share based payment charge 25 - - - - - - 17 17
Dividends paid 13
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total transactions with owners - - - - - - 17 17
Total movement in shareholders' equity - - - - (834) - (13,947) (14,781)
Shareholders' equity at 30 November 2024 1,822 43,425 (103) 42,750 (6,805) 12 (73,585) 7,516
Aferian plc
Notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2024
1 General information and basis of preparation
The financial information set out in this document does not constitute the
Group's Annual Report (which includes the statutory financial statements) for
the years ended 30 November 2024 or 2023. The Annual Report (which includes
the statutory financial statements) for the years ended 30 November 2024
('2024') and 30 November 2023 ('2023'), which were approved by the directors
on 8 April 2025, have been reported on by the Independent Auditors. The
Independent Auditors' Reports on the statutory financial statements for each
of 2023 and 2024 were unqualified, in both periods drew attention to a
matter by way of emphasis, being going concern, and did not contain a
statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
The Group's Annual Report (which includes the statutory financial statements)
for the year ended 30 November 2023 have been filed with the Registrar of
Companies. The Annual Report (which includes the statutory financial
statements) for the year ended 30 November 2024 will be delivered to the
Registrar in due course, and will be available from the Parent Company's
registered office at Botanic House, 100 Hills Road, Cambridge, England, CB2
1PH and on the Group's website https://aferian.com/investors/
(https://eu-west-1.protection.sophos.com/?d=aferian.com&u=aHR0cHM6Ly9hZmVyaWFuLmNvbS9pbnZlc3RvcnMv&p=m&i=NjU2MGNlOTEzMzJjYzcyNzZkNmZkYmM1&t=Z0ZsWnlScVpnWnV4L2lsSloyUVZnWm9zRWMrTFRzaHYySWhzb1Z6Q25CMD0=&h=89aea8892eb547fa9e33614728ce7886&s=AVNPUEhUT0NFTkNSWVBUSVbVjHG5AgtFeb0l_wbw5eLykmLH9wjiUjw3QDlgQ7mFdQ)
.
The financial information set out in these results has been prepared using the
recognition and measurement principles of and in accordance with UK adopted
International Accounting Standards ('IFRS'). The accounting policies adopted
in these results have been consistently applied to all the years presented and
are consistent with the policies used in the preparation of the financial
statements for the year ended 30 November 2023, except for those that relate
to new standards and interpretations effective for the first time for periods
beginning on (or after) 1 January 2023. There are deemed to be no new
standards, amendments, and interpretations to existing standards, which have
been adopted by the Group that have had a material impact on the financial
statements.
2 Going concern
Notwithstanding net current liabilities of $13.8m as at 30 November 2024 and a
loss of £14.0m for the year then ended, these financial statements have been
prepared on the going concern basis, which the Directors believe to be
appropriate for the following reasons.
The Parent Company is a holding entity and as such its going concern is
inter-dependent on the Group, therefore its going concern assessment was
performed as part of the Group's assessment.
The Directors have reviewed the Group's going concern position taking account
of its current business activities and their future forecast performance. The
factors likely to affect its expected future financial performance are set out
in this Annual Report and include the Group's objectives, policies and
processes for managing its capital, its financial risk management objectives
and its exposure to credit and liquidity risks.
The Directors have prepared cashflow forecasts for the Group, covering a
period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of these financial
statements, which show that the Group is expected to operate within its
current and expected funding, and meet its liabilities as they fall due. These
forecasts include and are dependent upon the refinancing noted below.
The Directors note that the second half performance in FY2024 showed both
revenue growth compared to the first half and also significant improvement in
Adjusted EBITDA as a result of the cost cutting measures taken mid year plus
the impact of the second half revenue growth. The Directors also note that
since the refinancing in May 2024 the Group has met all of its liquidity
covenants.
The Group is in the process of renegotiating a refinancing of its existing
bank loans, which are due for repayment in September 2025. A refinancing is
required to support the Group's and the Parent Company's ongoing operations
and future growth.
As at the reporting date, whilst discussions with potential finance providers
are ongoing, as no agreements to effect a refinancing have yet been signed,
there is no certainty that a refinancing will be successfully completed.
The ability of the Group and the Parent Company to continue as a going concern
is dependent on agreeing a refinancing of the existing loan facilities. Should
the Group be unable to successfully refinance its existing loan facilities, it
and the Parent Company may become unable to meet their financial commitments
as they fall due, which would cast significant doubt on their ability to
continue as a going concern. In such a scenario, the Group may be required to
realise assets and settle liabilities other than in the normal course of
business.
The Directors consider that the Group and Parent Company will trade in line
with their three year forecast and will be able to refinance the existing loan
facilities and therefore deem it to be appropriate to prepare the financial
statements on a going concern basis. Accordingly, the financial statements do
not include the adjustments that would be required if the Group and Parent
Company were unable to continue as a going concern.
However, the Directors, having considered the above factors, acknowledge that
a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the ability
of the Group and the Parent Company to continue as a going concern.
3 Segmental analysis
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal
reporting provided to the Aferian plc Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM")
for the use in strategic decision making and monitoring of performance. The
CODM has been identified as the Group Chief Executive and the Chief Financial
Officer. The CODM reviews the Group's internal reporting in order to assess
performance and allocate resources. Performance of the operating segments is
based on Adjusted EBITDA. Information provided to the CODM is measured in a
manner consistent with that in the Financial Statements.
The Group reports three operating segments to the CODM:
· the development and sale of video streaming devices and
solutions, including licensing and support services ("Amino");
· development and sale of the 24i end-to-end video streaming
platform and associated services. This includes the results of 24iQ (formerly
called the Filter) and FokusOnTV (formerly Nordija) ("24i"); and
· central costs which comprise the costs of the Board,
including the executive directors as well as costs associated with the
Company's listing on the London Stock Exchange.
Revenues and costs by segment are shown below.
Aferian plc is domiciled in the United Kingdom.
2024 Amino 24i Total
$000s
$000s
$000s
Central costs
$000s
Revenue
Software & services 4,903 14,250 - 19,153
Devices * 7,153 3 - 7,156
Total 12,056 14,253 - 26,309
Cost of sales (5,875) (5,527) - (11,402)
Gross profit 6,181 8,726 - 14,907
Adjusted operating expenses (5,895) (8,021) (1,733) (15,649)
Adjusted EBITDA 286 705 (1,733) (742)
Exceptional items (3,637)
Share based payment charge (45)
Depreciation and amortisation (8,078)
Operating loss (12,502)
Net finance expense (1,956)
Loss before tax (14,458)
Additions to non-current assets: 609 1,296 - 1,905
Capitalised development costs
* incorporating integrated software and associated accessories
2023 Amino 24i Central costs Total
$000s
$000s
$000s
$000s
Revenue
Software & services 5,588 20,970 - 26,558
Devices * 20,880 383 - 21,263
Total 26,468 21,353 - 47,821
Adjusted cost of sales (16,433) (6,325) - (22,758)
Adjusted gross profit 10,035 15,028 - 25,063
Adjusted operating expenses (9,596) (12,114) (1,735) (23,445)
Adjusted EBITDA 439 2,914 (1,735) 1,618
Exceptional items (4,282)
Impairment of goodwill (48,905)
Share based payment charge (67)
Depreciation and amortisation (12,298)
Operating loss (63,934)
Net finance expense (764)
Loss before tax (64,698)
Additions to non-current assets: 1,060 4,313 5,373
Capitalised development costs
* incorporating integrated software and associated accessories
4 Exceptional items
Exceptional items included in operating loss comprise the following
charges/(credits):
Year to 30 November 2024 Year to 30 November 2023
$000s
$000s
Credit arising from the reassessment and release of a prior-period provision (1,372) -
Subtotal cost of sales (1,372) -
Redundancy and associated other costs 1,381 3,873
Refinancing costs
1,980
267
Acquisition and one-off legal costs
-
142
Impairment of trade receivable and loss on inventory
1,648
-
Subtotal operating expenses 5,009 4,282
Total exceptional items 3,637 4,282
Other exceptional items:
Impairment charge of goodwill and intangible assets - 48,905
Exceptional items included in total net finance income comprise the following
charges/(credits):
Fair value adjustment of contingent consideration (75) (1,505)
Subtotal finance income (75) (1,505)
Unwinding discount on contingent consideration regarding 24iQ - 278
Fair value adjustment of other loan (see note 20)
270
-
Subtotal finance expense 270 278
Total net finance expense/(income) - exceptional items 195 (1,227)
The exceptional items disclosed above are considered exceptional due to their
size, nature or exceptional occurrence, which are not reflective of the
Group's normal trading activities.
5 Earnings per share
Year to 30 November 2024 Year to 30
$000s
November 2023
$000s
Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders (13,964) (63,502)
Exceptional items (see note 3) 3,637 4,282
Impairment charge
-
48,905
Share-based payment charges
45
67
Finance expense/(income)
195
(1,227)
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
1,881
4,411
Deferred tax credit on acquired intangibles
(365)
(1,113)
Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders excluding adjusting items (8,571) (8,177)
Weighted average number of shares (Basic) 111,211,865 94,400,906
Dilutive share options outstanding 2,807,121 758,819
Weighted average number of shares (Diluted) 114,018,986 95,159,725
Basic loss per ordinary share of 1p (12.56)c (67.27)c
Diluted loss per ordinary share of 1p (12.56)c (67.27)c
Adjusted basic loss per ordinary share of 1p (7.71)c (8.66)c
Adjusted diluted loss per ordinary share of 1p (7.71)c (8.66)c
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on loss after taxation
and the weighted average of ordinary shares of 1p each in issue during the
year. The Company holds 1,482,502 (2023: 1,482,502) of its own shares in
treasury and these are excluded from the weighted average above. The basic
weighted average number of shares also excludes 242 (2023: 242) being the
weighted average shares held by the EBT in the year.
The number of dilutive share options above represents the share options where
the market price is greater than exercise price of the Company's ordinary
shares.
6 Intangible assets
Goodwill Customer relationships Trade names Intellectual Property Software licences Development costs Acquired platforms Total
$000s
$000s
$000s
$000s
$000s
$000s $000s $000s
Cost
At 30 November 2022 56,292 20,312 2,394 390 1,481 55,187 18,641 154,697
Additions - - - - 98 5,373 - 5,471
Impairment
(46,409)
(81)
-
-
-
(1,296)
(1,119)
(48,905)
Foreign exchange adjustment
1,455
579
58
-
98
1,070
684
3,944
At 30 November 2023 11,338 20,810 2,452 390 1,677 60,334 18,206 115,207
Additions - - - - 31 1,905 - 1,936
Foreign exchange adjustment
(307)
(351)
(36)
-
7
(744)
(344)
(1,775)
At 30 November 2024 11,031 20,459 2,416 390 1,715 61,495 17,862 115,368
Amortisation
At 30 November 2022 - 11,860 1,880 390 1,481 44,176 13,889 73,676
Charge for the year - 1,556 81 - 20 6,558 2,774 10,989
Foreign exchange adjustment
-
165
31
-
73
537
463
1,269
At 30 November 2023 - 13,581 1,992 390 1,574 51,271 17,126 85,934
Charge for the year - 732 81 - 63 5,294 1,068 7,238
Foreign exchange adjustment
(137)
(23)
-
8
(594)
(332)
(1,078)
At 30 November 2024 - 14,176 2,050 390 1,645 55,971 17,862 92,094
Net book amount 11,031 6,283 366 - 70 5,524 - 23,274
At 30 November 2024
At 30 November 2023 11,338 7,229 460 - 103 9,063 1,080 29,273
The amortisation charge of intangible assets is recognised in operating
expenses in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income.
Development costs relate to a number of projects with varying start dates. All
these projects are being amortised evenly over their estimated useful life,
usually two or three years for internally generated additions and five years
for platforms acquired, subject to impairment review.
The acquired intangibles are typically amortised over a range of three to
fifteen years.
7 Trade and other receivables
2024 2023
$000s $000s
Current assets:
Trade receivables 3,308 6,336
Contract assets (note 4)
1,067
1,006
Other receivables
689
792
Prepayments
261
993
Trade and other receivables 5,325 9,127
Corporation tax receivable 255 858
Current assets: due within one year 5,580 9,985
Non-current assets:
Other receivables 181 184
7 Trade and other payables
2024 2023
$000s $000s
Current liabilities
Trade payables 4,517 7,139
Other payables 25 71
Accruals 3,276 5,207
Total current financial liabilities, excluding loans and borrowings, 7,818 12,417
classified as financial liabilities measured at amortised cost
- 74
Contingent consideration
Total current financial liabilities measured at fair value - 74
Social security and other taxes 492 687
Contract liabilities (Note 4) 1,989 2,340
Total trade and other payables 10,299 15,518
Lease liabilities 430 634
Corporation tax payable 274 364
11,003 16,516
Non-current liabilities
Other payables 54 26
Lease liabilities 616 497
670 523
8 Cash generated from operations
Year to Year to
30 November 2024
30 November 2023
$000s $000s
Loss for the year (13,964) (63,502)
Tax credit
(494) (1,196)
Net finance costs 1,956 764
Amortisation charge 7,238 10,989
Depreciation charge 840 1,309
Impairment charge - 48,905
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 1 3
Share based payment charge 45 67
Exchange differences (76) 186
Decrease in inventories 2,672 4,123
Decrease in trade and other receivables 3,378 10,719
Decrease in provisions (10) (2)
Decrease in trade and other payables (5,148) (17,282)
Cash used in operations (3,562) (4,917)
Adjusted operating cash flow before exceptional cash outflows was $1.2m (2023:
$3.2m).
2024 2023
$m $m
Adjusted operating cash flow before tax (201) 3,191
Restructuring and associated other costs
(1,381)
(3,778)
Refinancing and other costs
(1,980)
(475)
Aborted acquisition costs
-
(3,855)
Cash used in operations before tax (3,562) (4,917)
9 Cautionary Statement
This document contains certain forward-looking statements relating to Aferian plc (the "Group"). The Group considers any statements that are not historical facts as "forward-looking statements". They relate to events and trends that are subject to risk and uncertainty that may cause actual results and the financial performance of the Group to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These statements are made by the Directors in good faith based on information available to them and such statements should be treated with caution due to the inherent uncertainties, including both economic and business risk factors, underlying any such forward-looking information.
10 Annual Report
Pursuant to AIM Rule 20, the Annual Report and Accounts for the financial year
ended 30 November 2024 ("Annual Report") is available to view on the Group's
website: www.aferian.com and will be posted to shareholders shortly.
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