A New Year’s Mention.2 Jan 2023 21:02
Management process automation software provider ActiveOps
AOM
0.00%
is loss making, but revenues are growing, and it is moving towards profitability. ActiveOps provides software that helps to improve the efficiency of back office operations of organisations, particularly in the financial sector. This software is particularly attractive in tougher times when organisations are seeking to control costs.
In the year to March 2022, revenues improved from £20.4 million to £22.9 million, while the underlying loss increased from £400,000 to £900,000. Interim revenues grew by 10%. Annual recurring revenues (ARR) are £20.1 million. The top 40 accounts grew ARR by 19%. Net revenues retention was 104% as existing clients spend more. Net cash is £11 million.
This year, revenues are expected to improve to around £25 million, but there will still be a loss. That is due to investment in sales and product development. However, there should be a minimal cash outflow due to recognition policy of the SaaS-based revenues.
Finance director Paddy Deller is leaving the company, but this should not be a negative. He will leave after a successor is appointed.
This is the riskiest of the five companies I’m backing for 2023, but the cash pile, which is one-fifth of the market capitalisation, and the potential ending of the cash outflow from operations mean that the prospects are good. ActiveOps could breakeven in 2023-24 and, once it passes that point, the profit should start to rise steadily as revenues grow. The valuation is low for a software company with this level of ARR. Buy.