IC article 25.01.2126 Feb 2021 21:45
Kape Technologies (KAPE:198p), a provider of cyber security software, has released a bullish pre-close update ahead of annual results on Wednesday, 17 March 2020.
It’s hardly surprising given that home working and remote working restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic has led to increased adoption of Kape’s cyber security software (which protects data security and privacy against piracy and phishing attacks). Demand for virtual private network (VPN) solutions that encrypt and secure internet connections has been rising notably in both North America and Europe, regions that account for almost three-quarters of Kape’s annual revenue. Kape is also benefiting from the transformational acquisition of Colorado-based Private Internet Access (PIA) at the end of 2019.
These strong drivers have delivered full-year cash profit of $39m, well ahead of previous guidance ($35m-$38m), on 85 per cent higher revenue of $122m. Margins shot up from 22 to 32 per cent, helped in part by a 31 per cent reduction in PIA’s operating expenses. On this basis, analysts at Progressive Equity Research forecast a trebling of full-year pre-tax profit to $34.4m, EPS of 15.8¢ (11.6p), up from 6.4¢ in 2019, and closing net cash of $25.7m.
Furthermore, higher marketing activity in the final quarter of 2020 has laid the platform for accelerated organic growth in 2021. In addition, Kape has completed a cutting-edge infrastructure upgrade that has significantly cut costs as well as enhancing the customer experience for its 2.5m paying subscribers.
Analysts forecast a further increase in cash profits to $41.5m in the current year, but I expect this to be easily beaten. However, even on this basis, the shares are not highly priced on an enterprise value to cash profit multiple of 13 times, one reason why they have made decent headway since I last suggested buying at 170p (‘Four tech companies with high growth potential’, 18 November 2020). I expect the positive share price momentum to be maintained. A chart breakout above last summer’s highs around 225p would signal that a share price move towards my 275p target price is under way. Buy.