NCC Group PLC (NCCGF) (Q4 2024) Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Growth in Cyber Security and ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue Growth: 6.6% growth on a constant currency basis for the stub period.

  • Gross Margin: Improved by 6.5 percentage points during the stub period.

  • EBITDA: Increased fivefold to GBP9.5 million for the stub period.

  • Adjusted EBIT: Shifted from a loss of GBP5.2 million to a profit of GBP2.3 million.

  • Cyber Security Revenue: Increased by 7.6% at constant currency, driven by UK and Asia Pac growth.

  • Escode Revenue Growth: 2.9% constant currency growth in the stub period.

  • Adjusted EBITDA for Cyber: From a loss of GBP5.5 million to a profit of GBP3 million.

  • Adjusted EBITDA for Escode: Grew to GBP8.1 million.

  • 12-Month Revenue Growth: 1.7% increase, 3.5% on a constant currency basis.

  • 12-Month Adjusted EBITDA: Increased from GBP9.1 million to GBP27.5 million.

  • Net Debt: Reduced from GBP57.5 million to GBP45.3 million.

  • Cash Conversion: Just under 97%.

  • Basic Earnings Per Share: Increased from 0.6p to 5.2p.

Release Date: December 10, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • NCC Group PLC (NCCGF) reported strong recurring revenues and improvements in EBITDA, highlighting its cash-generative nature.

  • The company has made significant progress in its cyber security and Escode businesses, driven by increasing cyber threats and digitalization.

  • NCC Group PLC (NCCGF) has improved gross margins through better pricing, global delivery models, and a more commercial mindset.

  • The company has successfully executed on two disposals, strengthening its balance sheet and providing future optionality.

  • NCC Group PLC (NCCGF) has launched new services around AI, addressing critical client needs and expanding its capabilities.

Negative Points

  • The company faces challenges with lengthening sales cycles, particularly in government and public sector contracts.

  • There is a noted decline in the North American Technical Assurance Services (TAS) business, requiring strategic adjustments.

  • NCC Group PLC (NCCGF) is experiencing foreign exchange headwinds, impacting revenue translation.

  • The company acknowledges the need for further operational efficiencies and cost management to maintain profitability.

  • Despite strong performance, the macroeconomic environment and government budget changes pose potential risks to future growth.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Within the consulting business, should we expect a margin pickup as the pipeline converts over the next 12 months? A: Mike Maddison, CEO, explained that the consulting business is shifting from compliance-driven services to transformation projects and technology implementations. They are building the pipeline first before hiring more resources, leveraging their Manila delivery model for flexibility.