WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) delivered its 2019 half-year report this morning, showing huge growth for the period ending 31st December 2018, but was it enough for investors?
WiseTech Global was founded in 1994 by Richard White to provide software to the logistics sector. Since then it has grown to become a global provider of logistics software, claiming to service 19 of the top 20 logistics companies globally. WiseTech makes money by charging its customers on a ‘per use’ basis rather than as a standard subscription model. Meaning, WiseTech directly benefits as its customers grow their businesses.
Here Are the 5 Key Points
- Total revenue up by 68% to $156.7 million
- EBITDA up 52% to $48.5 million
- Net profit attributable to shareholders was $23.1 million, up 48%
- Earnings per share up 43% to 7.6 cents per share
- Dividends up 43% to 1.5 cents per share
Analyst Targets
According to Bloomberg, net profit estimates were $25.7 million for the half. Despite large growth, it seems WiseTech did come up short on NPAT targets. Expectations were very high for this company and investors were wanting more.
Management Commentary
Commenting on the half year results, Chief Executive Officer Richard White said, “We continued to deliver high quality growth in 1H19 with revenues up 68% to $156.7 million and EBITDA up 52% to $48.5 million, a reflection of our strategy to accelerate WiseTech’s global growth and industry penetration, driven by geographic expansion, relentless innovation and deepening product capability”.
Mr White also commented on the strength of the CargoWise One global platform, saying, “The strength of our CargoWise One global platform is reflected in its 100% recurring revenue and annual customer attrition rate of <1%”.
Growth Drivers
A total of 84% of 1H19 organic revenue growth was derived from continuing existing customers. WiseTech charges on a “per-use” basis so the increased usage of their platform by existing customers is a significant driver for their business.
WiseTech announced that during the half, they acquired 11 new leading markets positions in, “key geographic markets for the world’s manufactured trade flows”.
During the half, $51.2 million and 47% of staff were committed to product development, delivering over 240 product upgrades across the CargoWise One global platform.
Outlook
Mr White stated, “Our strategy, which we have been executing on consistently, has set us on a strong trajectory of growth.”
WiseTech’s 2019 financial year guidance for revenue is set to be between $322 million and $335 million. This would represent growth of 45-51% year over year.
Guidance for EBITDA is a range of $102 million to $107 million, representing growth of 31%-37%
My Take
Despite a seemingly strong 1H19 performance from WiseTech, the share price is tanking today. Expectations and targets were very high for revenue and NPAT growth, and this pullback in the share price may just represent a return to a more reasonable valuation for the company that has soared over the last three years. For more insight into the valuation of WiseTech shares, check out this Rask Media article.
[ls_content_block id=”14947″ para=”paragraphs”]
Disclaimer: At the time of writing, Max does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.
