REG - Water Intelligence - Nine Months Trading & Capital Allocation Update

Water IntelligenceAnnouncement

05/12/2024 07:00

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RNS Number : 8826O  Water Intelligence PLC  05 December 2024

Nine Months Trading Update; Capital Allocation Update

Water Intelligence plc (AIM: WATR.L) (the "Group" or "Water Intelligence"), a
leading multinational provider of precision, minimally-invasive leak detection
and remediation solutions for both potable and non-potable water is pleased to
provide its Q3 Trading Update for the nine month period ended 30 September
which is in-line with market expectations. The Group is also pleased to
provide an execution update on its capital allocation plan and contribution to
growth in 2025 and beyond.

Financial Highlights

·    Revenue increased by 10% to $63.5 million (Q3 2023: $57.8 million)

o Franchise royalty decreased by 3% to $5.2 million (Q3 2023: $5.3 million)
reflecting franchise acquisitions removing available income from franchise
royalty streams

o Franchise-related activities (franchise sales, equipment sales,
business-to-business channels) decreased by 5% to $8.3 million (Q3 2023: $8.8
million)

§ Insurance business-to-business channel decreased by 6% to $7.8 million (Q3
2023: $8.2 million)

o US Corporate sales increased by 13% to $42.7 million (Q3 2023: $37.9
million)

o International Corporate sales rose by 26% to $7.3 million (Q3 2023: $5.8
million)

·    Statutory PBT grew by 7% to $6.1 million (Q3 2023: $5.7 million)

·    Adjusted PBT (before non-cash expenses of amortization and
share-based payments; and non-core costs) increased by 6% to $7.7 million (Q3
2023: $7.3 million)

·    Statutory EBITDA rose by 12% to $10.9 million (Q3 2023: $9.8 million)

·    Adjusted EBITDA (before non-cash share-based payments; and non-core
costs) rose by 11% to $11.9 million (Q3 2023: $10.7 million)

·    Adjusted PBT and Adjusted EBITDA Margins were steady

o Adjusted PBT margins remained at 12%

o Adjusted EBITDA margins remained at 19%

·    Balance sheet strong as at 30 September 2024

o Cash and equivalents at $12.7 million

o Total Debt of $23.6 million at fixed annual rate of 6.35%

o Net Debt to Statutory EBITDA TTM ratio: 0.84

Capital Allocation through November

In the 2023 Annual Report released in June, the Group communicated a Growth
Strategy and Capital Allocation Plan that had four prongs: (i) Organic growth
of current minimally invasive leak detection and repair solutions to capture
more market share;  (ii) Organic growth of new proprietary technology
offerings in which it previously invested; (iii) Acquisition-led growth
prioritizing its highly profitable American Leak Detection (ALD) franchise
locations and fast growing third-party companies complementary to the Group;
and (iv) share repurchases to provide liquidity for shareholders.

During Q3 and through November 2024, the Group executed on each prong of its
Capital Allocation plan and expects to achieve strong 2025 growth trajectory
as a result.

(i)  Increase in Free Cash Flow.  In August, the Group refinanced its Credit
Facilities with M&T Bank increasing free cash flow to invest in growth;
the Group remains under-levered as with a Net Debt to EBITDA TTM Ratio of
0.84, enabling room for further non-dilutive financing.

(ii)  Organic Growth for 2025. In July the Group launched its
state-of-the-art training center in Bridgeport, Connecticut in order to pursue
organic growth.  The Group is currently hiring and training technicians in
the Bridgeport facility to execute increasing backlog during 2025; in
particular, the Group is also planning the US rollout of Pulse - the Group's
patented sewer diagnostic device which has already contributed to the growth
of Water Intelligence International's UK municipal business.

(iii)  Acquisitions.  In August the Group acquired a fast-growing Irish
plumbing company and is currently adding for 2025 American Leak Detection
service offerings for the Irish market; in November, the Group reacquired its
ALD Dallas franchise and currently is linking Dallas operations with its
corporate location in Fort Worth for scale contributing in 2025 both added
revenue and efficiencies.  The Group plans to move the future national
headquarters of ALD to its Dallas-Fort Worth hub.

(iv)  Share Repurchases.  Pursuant to authorization by shareholders in
September 2024 to repurchase shares, the Group has now initiated repurchases
during October and November.

(v)  Next 50 Growth Plan; Leadership Change.  Launched five-year growth plan
at October's Franchise Convention marking the 50(th) Anniversary of the
founding of ALD.  Announced Will Knell, former Dallas franchise owner and
leading franchise operator as CEO of the Group's ALD core subsidiary to
execute its 2025 and beyond growth plan.

Commenting on the Group's performance, Executive Chairman, Dr. Patrick DeSouza
remarked:

 "We have a had a busy Q3 and start to Q4.  We continue to grow and our team
is executing along all facets of a capital allocation plan that is expected to
produce accelerated growth in 2025.  Our balance sheet remains strong,
enabling us to continue to drive growth from our capital allocation plan.  We
appreciate the continued support of our shareholders and will be calibrating
the delivery of our growth plan with better communication on the value of our
shares given the headwinds facing the AIM market."

The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute
inside information as stipulated under the retained EU law version of the
Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 (the "UK MAR") which is part of UK
law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. The information is
disclosed in accordance with the Company's obligations under Article 17 of the
UK MAR. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is
now considered to be in the public domain.

 

Enquiries:

Water Intelligence plc

Laura Bass, Director, Strategic
Finance
Tel: +1 203 584-8240

 

Grant Thornton UK LLP - Nominated Adviser
                    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7383 5100

Philip Secrett

Harrison Clarke

Ciara Donnelly

RBC Capital Markets - Joint Broker
                                Tel: +44 (0)20 7653 4000

Jill Li

Elizabeth Evans

Daniel Saveski

Dowgate Capital Ltd - Joint Broker
                                   Tel: +44 (0)20 3903 7715

Stephen Norcross

 

 

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