Empired (EPD)
Transcription
Empired (EPD)
BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH 6 October 2015 Empired (EPD) RECOMMENDATIONS Rating BUY ▲ Risk High Price Target $1.20 Share Price $0.85 COMPANY REPORT – INITIATION OF COVERAGE Rise of the Empired Overall: We initiate coverage of Empired (EPD) with a BUY rating and $1.20 price target. About: EPD is an IT services provider with a diverse range of capabilities aimed at delivering complete (end-to-end) IT solutions for clients in order for them to reach their business objectives. High growth stock: We expect EPD to continue its growth momentum with FY15A to FY18F sales, EBITDA and NPAT CAGRs of 18%, 29% and 37% respectively. Growth will be underpinned by consolidating and extracting value from its recent acquisitions as well as capitalising on positive industry trends which are strongly aligned to EPD’s offering. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION EPD is an IT services provider with a diverse range of capabilities aimed at delivering complete (end-to-end) IT solutions for clients in order for them to reach their business objectives. High proportion of contracted revenue: EPD has guided to FY16F revenue in the range of $155m to $175m, up 21% to 36% on the pcp. (Our estimate is $165m). Approximately 67% of this estimate is already covered by contracted infrastructure and application managed services, contracted project work and other work in hand. 50% of EPD’s FY16F revenue is on multi-year managed service or project contracts. These contracts have an average weighted contract length of four years. 12-MONTH PRICE & VOLUME Positive industry trends: We observe positive industry tail-winds and data supporting the IT services market. This is driven by companies modernizing or replacing older business systems with cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS). We expect this trend to support growth across EPD’s core capabilities in cloud services, application development and integration (incl. ERP, CRM and ECM), data analytics, internet of things and mobility solutions for enterprise. We also observe indications of a cyclical upswing, including growth in IT Professional vacancies (a proxy for labour demand) and material earnings revisions from listed peers. Valuation and price target: Our blended valuation and price target is $1.20 ($1.19 DCF, $1.22 EV/EBITDA), using a blended EV/EBITDA (10% discount to market and comparable peers) and DCF methodology. Investment risks: The key risks to our investment thesis and price target include: 1) contract execution with regard to delivery and quality of work and contract renewal risks from counterparties; 2) loss of key personnel within particular business segments; 3) acquisitions not delivering expected returns; and 4) downturn in economic conditions restricting capital allocated to IT spend. SNAPSHOT Monthly Turnover Market Cap Shares Issued 52-Week High 52-Week Low Sector $6.2mn $95mn 115.7mn $0.89 $0.58 Information Technology RESEARCH ANALYST Josh Kannourakis + 613 9602 9265 jkannourakis@baillieuholst.com.au Nick Caley + 613 9602 9283 ncaley@baillieuholst.com.au Nicolas Burgess, CFA + 613 9602 9379 nburgess@baillieuholst.com.au Disclosure The author owns no shares in EPD. INVESTMENT SUMMARY Year End: 30 June Revenue $mn EBITDA $mn EBIT $mn Reported Profit $mn Adjusted Profit $mn EPS (Reported) ¢ EPS (Adjusted) ¢ EPS Growth % PER (Reported) x PER (Adjusted) x Dividend ¢ Yield % Franking % 2014 (A) 2015 (A) 2016 (E) 2017 (E) 2018 (E) 68.8 128.3 165.0 190.0 210.0 7.0 11.2 18.1 21.4 24.0 5.0 7.3 13.7 16.3 18.7 3.8 5.3 9.4 11.5 13.7 3.8 5.2 9.4 11.5 13.7 4.3 4.8 8.1 9.9 11.7 4.3 4.8 8.1 9.9 11.7 92.9 12.7 67.9 22.9 18.5 19.4 17.2 10.6 8.6 7.2 19.4 17.2 10.6 8.6 7.2 1.0 0.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 1.2 0.0 2.4 3.5 4.7 100 100 100 100 100 Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 1 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Financial summary Empired Code: EPD Rating: BUY Analyst: Josh Kannourakis Price Target: $1.20 Date: 6/10/2015 Upside/downside: 41.7% Share Price: $0.85 Valuation: $1.20 Market Capitalisation: $99m Valuation method: DCF / EV/EBITDA Year End: 30-June Risk: High PROFIT & LOSS (A$m) FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E FY18E EARNINGS Revenue 68.8 128.3 165.0 190.0 210.0 EPS - Underling cash (diluted) Operating costs 45.8 84.1 108.1 124.2 136.9 EPS Growth - underlying FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E 4.3 4.8 8.1 9.9 FY18E 11.7 92.9% 12.7% 67.9% 22.9% 18.5% Gross profit 21.0 44.2 56.9 65.8 73.1 EPS - Reported (diluted) 4.3 4.8 8.1 9.9 11.7 Other income 2.0 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 Diluted shares (m) 89.1 109.9 116.6 116.6 116.6 Corporate costs 16.0 34.8 38.8 44.4 49.1 DPS (cps) 1 0.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 EBITDA 7.0 11.2 18.1 21.4 24.0 Payout Ratio 23.5% 0.0% 24.8% 30.3% 34.1% Depreciation & Amortisation -2.0 -3.9 -4.4 -5.1 -5.3 Franking 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Impairment 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 FY18E EBIT 5.0 7.3 13.7 16.3 18.7 VALUATION FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E Net interest -0.7 -1.3 -1.2 -0.9 -0.4 Underlying cash P/E (x) 20.0 17.7 10.6 8.6 7.2 NPBT 4.3 6.0 12.5 15.4 18.2 PEG 0.21 1.40 0.16 0.37 0.39 Tax -0.5 -0.7 -3.1 -3.8 -4.6 Price/FCF -77.0 -14.5 11.5 11.8 7.5 Minorities 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 EV/EBITDA (x) 15.0 10.0 6.1 5.2 4.3 Reported NPAT 3.8 5.3 9.4 11.5 13.7 EV/EBIT (x) 21.0 15.3 8.1 6.8 5.5 Dividend Yield (%) 1.2% 0.0% 2.4% 3.5% 4.7% Non-recurring items (net tax) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Price/Book (x) 2.2 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.3 Underlying cash profit 3.8 5.2 9.4 11.5 13.7 Price/NTA (x) 11.4 22.8 8.6 5.0 3.4 FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E FY18E FY18E BALANCE SHEET (A$m) Assets GROWTH FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E Revenue growth 48.0% 86.5% 28.6% 15.2% 10.5% 36.5% 83.6% 28.5% 14.9% 10.2% Cash 8.1 9.6 6.4 4.8 9.4 Operating cost growth Receivables 11.1 26.8 32.2 39.9 44.1 EBITDA growth 94.5% 59.5% 62.4% 17.8% 12.3% PPE 12.8 22.3 25.1 25.7 26.1 PBT growth 118.6% 39.0% 108.3% 22.9% 18.5% 18.5% Intangibles 27.8 48.6 48.3 48.0 47.7 Underlying NPAT growth 144.8% 37.9% 79.5% 22.9% Other assets 6.3 14.1 14.1 14.1 14.1 Reported NPAT growth 144.8% 39.0% 78.1% 22.9% 18.5% Total Assets 66.0 121.4 126.0 132.5 141.4 MARGINS & RETURNS FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E FY18E Gross profit margin 30.5% 34.5% 34.5% 34.6% 34.8% Payables 12.4 24.9 32.0 36.9 40.8 EBITDA Margin 10.2% 8.7% 11.0% 11.3% 11.4% Finanical liabilities 14.0 22.3 18.3 17.3 13.3 EBIT Margin 7.3% 5.7% 8.3% 8.6% 8.9% Provisions 2.4 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 NPBT Margin 6.3% 4.7% 7.6% 8.1% 8.7% Tax liabilities 2.8 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 ROIC 14.8% 12.1% 15.0% 16.1% 17.4% Other liabilities 0.0 12.0 6.4 0.9 0.9 ROE 15.3% 12.0% 16.7% 18.1% 18.9% Total Liabilities 31.6 68.7 66.2 64.6 64.5 ROA 10.3% 7.8% 11.1% 12.6% 13.6% Effective Tax Rate 12.3% 12.3% 25.0% 25.0% 25.0% FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E FY18E 6.0 12.7 11.9 12.5 3.9 Liabilities Equity Share capital 24.4 37.8 37.8 37.8 37.8 GEARING Retained earnings 9.4 13.6 20.7 28.7 37.8 Net Debt / (cash) (A$m) Other equity 0.7 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 Enterprise value 105.1 111.8 111.1 111.6 103.0 Total shareholders equity 34.5 52.7 59.8 67.9 77.0 Net Debt/Equity (%) 17.4% 24.1% 20.0% 18.4% 5.0% EBITDA/Net interest 10.3 8.5 15.2 23.0 54.6 Net Debt/EBITDA 0.85 1.14 0.66 0.58 0.16 Operational Data FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E FY18E Group Revenue 68.8 128.3 165.0 190.0 210.0 BV per share (cps) 38.7 47.9 51.3 58.2 66.0 NTA per share (cps) 7.5 3.7 9.9 17.1 25.1 CASH FLOW (A$M) FY14A FY15A FY16E FY17E FY18E Cash at Start 2.1 8.1 9.6 6.4 4.8 Application Services 35.4 93.7 123.8 146.3 168.0 Cash from from ops 5.3 5.0 15.5 13.7 18.7 Infrastructure Services 31.4 34.6 41.3 43.7 42.0 Capex -6.3 -11.5 -6.9 -5.3 -5.5 Group Gross Profit 21.0 44.2 56.9 65.8 73.1 Free cash flow -1.0 -6.5 8.6 8.4 13.2 Application Services na 33.7 44.6 52.7 60.5 -1.1 -5.9 7.4 7.2 11.4 Infrastructure Services na 10.5 12.4 13.1 12.6 Cash flow from investing -22.6 -23.1 -12.5 -10.8 -5.5 Group Gross Profit margin 31.4% 34.5% 34.5% 34.6% 34.8% Cash flow from financing 23.3 19.8 -6.3 -4.5 -8.6 Application Services na 36.0% 36.0% 36.0% 36.0% Cash at end 8.1 9.6 6.4 4.8 9.4 Infrastructure Services na 30.3% 30.0% 30.0% 30.0% Free cash flow per share (cps) Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 2 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Investment Overview We initiate coverage of Empired with a BUY rating and $1.20 price target. We believe EPD is undervalued in light of its strong growth outlook, high proportion of contracted revenue, positive industry tail-winds driven by market trends and track record of execution. On a relative basis, EPD is trading at substantial discounts to listed peers and we expect this valuation gap to narrow over time. Initiate with BUY recommendation and $1.20 price target High proportion of contracted revenue and robust pipeline Strong revenue guidance: EPD has guided to FY16 revenue in the range of $155m to $175m, up 21% to 36% on the pcp. We have adopted the mid-point of guidance, $165m. Around 67% of this estimate is already covered from contracted infrastructure and application managed services, project work related to managed contracts and other work in hand. Therefore, we are comfortable with this estimate despite it being declared at an early stage in the year. FIG.1: EBITDA GROWTH: ACQUISITION VERSUS ORGANIC ESTIMATES 250 We assume a revenue pipeline conversion rate of ~22% Mid-point of guidance 200 Weighted average contract length of ~4 years $55M $165M Work to be won FY16 Revenue 150 $M $30M 100 $20M $60M 50 0 Base contracted revenue Contracted project work Work in hand Source: Company Reports, Baillieu Holst forecasts Managed services and work in hand: EPD has ~50% of our FY16F revenue estimate contracted on multi-year managed service and application contracts. We estimate 70-75% of the contracted revenue base (or 35-37.5% of total revenue) is base contracted infrastructure and application managed services, with the remaining 25-30% being from contracted project specific work, generally for managed service clients. Additional work in hand for the beginning of FY16 was ~$30m, with almost all of this from existing clients. Project pipeline: The Company expects the tangible FY16 revenue pipeline to be ~$250m in FY16. We see this growing over coming years as EPD leverages its strength in Microsoft business solutions and its own “Cohesion” records management software. We currently forecast a 22% conversion rate on the FY16 pipeline ($55m). However, we note historical conversion rates have been between 30% to 50%, albeit on a smaller pipeline of work. EPD has seen strong momentum in conversion rates on contested multi-year contracts. In 2H15, EPD won $65m of the $100m it contested in multi-year managed infrastructure and application services contracts. Weighted average contract length: Currently the aforementioned contracted revenue has an approximate four year average weighted contract length with the company noting no major contracts are coming up for renewal in the next two years. The average total contract length is generally around five years including optional renewal years. We understand ~$50m in long-term contracted revenue was renewed in FY15, hence why the average weighted contract length is the longest it has ever been. Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 3 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) FIG.2: MAJOR MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT ANNOUNCEMENTS Date announced Original contract Description value Contract term Teaming with Oakton, contract to supply cloud‐based Oracle Managed Services to Barrick Gold Corporation 1/08/2013 2 years + options 23/09/2013 $50m Techincal system transformation program for a major resources company 3 years 31/10/2013 $46m Contract with Main Roads WA providing IT infrastructure managed services and IT infrastructure project services 5 years 3/03/2015 NZ$12m Contract with Ministry for Primary Industries NZ to provide cloud‐based and proprietary Enterprise Content Management service 'Cohesion' 6 years Contract with Toyota Motor Corporation Australia Limited (TMCA) to provide Managed Services across the Microsoft Stack 24/03/2015 28/05/2015 $20m Contract to provide Application Managed Services to global mining leader Rio Tinto. 3 years + 2 option years 16/06/2015 $15m Contract to provide Managed Services to InterOil 3 years + 2 option years 18/06/2015 $10m Contract to provide Infrastructure Managed services and Professional services to a global oil and gas company 30/09/2015 $12m Contract to provide Managed Services to Electricity Networks Corporation (Western Power) for their IT networks across Western Australia. Plus project services for enhancement and development for network infrastructure. 3 years 3 years + 4 (2+2) option years Source: Company reports Compares favourably to peers: We provide a snapshot of EPD’s comparable companies and their respective revenue analyses looking into contracted and managed services. ASG Group (ASZ) is more or less a pure managed services business and ranks highest in terms of managed services. EPD is clear second, with UXC and SMS Management and Technology (SMX) following in third and fourth respectively. Whilst EPD does deserve to trade at a discount due to its size; ASZ, SMX and UXC are trading on 36%, 57% and 73% EV/EBITDA premiums respectively. Different companies refer to these revenue streams with different wording so the analysis below may not be a completely accurate on a like for like basis. However, it does demonstrate the strength of EPD’s contracted revenue relative to its peers and its attractive valuation differential. We note larger players such as UXC and SMX have managed and contracted services (annuities) as a core strategic growth focus. FIG.3: COMPARISION OF CONTRACTED AND MANAGED SERVICES EPD ASZ UXC SMX 356 FY16 Revenue ($m) 165 180 722.6 Contracted Revenue 48% 89% Increasing - Managed Services 36% 89% - Increasing FY16 Revenue Growth 29% 10% 5.3% 4% FY15 Revenue ($m) 128.3 163 686.4 314.4 Contracted Revenue 50% 85% 29% - Managed Services 35% 85% - 10% FY15 Revenue Growth 29% 3% 7.0% 13% Mkt Cap ($m) 95.4 210.9 445.3 359.5 FY16 PE 10.6 14.6 17.1 16.6 FY16 EV/EBITDA 6.1 8.3 9.6 10.6 FY15 Net debt 12.7 11.4 -2.9 -7.5 Source: Company Reports, Baillieu Holst forecasts for EPD, Bloomberg consensus for other companies Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 4 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Strong track record of earnings growth to continue EPD has delivered strong historical growth via acquisitions and organic business expansion. Over the past five years to FY15, it has delivered sales and EBITDA Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGRs) of 26% and 59% per annum respectively. We expect EPD to continue its growth momentum with FY15A to FY18F sales, EBITDA and NPAT CAGRs of 18%, 29% and 37% respectively. Growth will be underpinned by consolidating and extracting value from its recent acquisitions as well as capitalising on positive industry trends (in IT spend) which are strongly aligned to EPD’s service offering. FIG.4: REVENUE AND EBITDA MARGIN HISTORY 250 11.3% 11.0% 11.4% 11.0% 10.2% 200 12.0% 10.0% 8.7% 150 9.0% 7.7% 8.0% 100 7.0% 5.7% 6.0% 50 5.0% 0 4.0% FY12A FY13A FY14A FY15A Revenue FY16E EBITDA FY17E FY18E EBITDA Margin Source: Company Reports, Baillieu Holst estimates Margin improvement: We expect EBITDA margin expansion of 230bps to drive an FY16F margin of 11.0% (8.7% pcp) and EBITDA growth of 62%. See FIG.6 for more detail. In FY14 EPD’s margins were 10.2%, however they declined in FY15 as the company digested the significant New Zealand based acquisition, Intergen (370 people, $60m revenue), and wore start-up costs for long-term managed contracts. We have only modelled in a modest increase in margins medium-term (FY15-FY18F) to reflect the acknowledgement that EPD has grown exceptionally fast. As with many service based businesses, it may see challenges in continuing to execute at the same level with a substantially higher headcount. Having said that, tailwinds are supportive of margin expansion with scale benefits post acquisitions as well as a higher proportion of application and consulting revenue (which the company expects to contribute 36% GMs versus 30% for infrastructure services). Thus margin risks are weighted to the upside, in our view. FIG.5: NPAT AND EPS GROWTH 16 160% 14 140% 12 120% 10 100% 92.9% 80% 8 67.9% 6 60% 4 18.5% 2 0 40% 22.9% 12.7% 0% FY13A 20% 0% FY14A FY15A NPAT FY16E NPAT Growth FY17E FY18E EPS Growth Source: Company Reports, Baillieu Holst forecasts Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 5 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Acquisitions driving strong EPS growth: EPD has made four major acquisitions since listing and acquisitions are likely to remain a source of inorganic growth for the business. EPD’s acquisitions are strategic in nature and generally provide EPD with additional capabilities to offer and cross-sell new offerings to existing clients or provide entry into new geographies (i.e. NZ or East Coast). Importantly, EPS growth remains strong in light of the new scrip issued for some of these acquisitions. EPS CAGR over the five years to FY15 was an impressive 69%, whilst NPAT CAGR over that period was 92%. FY15-FY16 EBITDA bridge: We provide a bridge explaining the 62.4% EBITDA growth in FY16F. We expect a gross profit margin contribution of $12.7m, which represents GM of 34.5% (FY15: 34.5%). EPD noted it has extracted $3m of annualised cost synergies from the business that will benefit FY16. We understand ~$2.1m in direct cost synergies from the Intergen acquisition have been extracted and had a ~3mth contribution in FY15. We therefore expect a further $1.6m EBITDA impact into FY16F from integration cost synergies and business restructuring. We also expect another $1m EBITDA benefit from existing office consolidation and lease renegotiations in Melbourne and Perth (~$0.25m impact), and ~$0.75m from a reversion in abnormally high contract ramp-up costs in 2H15. FIG.6: FY15 TO FY16F EBITDA BRIDGE 30 $12.7M 25 $-6.6M $M 20 $1.6M $1.0M -$1.7M Operating cost reductions Other income $18.1M 15 $11.2M 10 5 0 FY15 EBITDA Gross profit Corporate costs Intergen cost synergies FY16F EBITDA Source: Company Reports, Baillieu Holst forecasts Hunter or the hunted? Hunter: Acquisitions have been central to EPD’s growth strategy and we expect this to continue. EPD has historically acquired businesses that offer entry into new geographic markets or serve to strengthen its existing capabilities. Post analysing EPDs offerings across different market segments we see strong rationale for strengthening its East Coast Microsoft ERP and business intelligence (big data, data insights) offerings given the strong growth in demand and strength of Microsoft’s offering in these segments. Acquisition discipline: Acquisitions are generally structured on multiples of 3x to 4x EBITDA, with minimum EBITDA hurdles over two years and management lock in periods of minimum three years. Successful acquisition track record: EPD’s acquisitions have, on balance, been successful and created value for shareholders. This is evident in EPD’s strong EPS growth over this period (69% p.a. over five years). However, we have also analysed EPD’s headline acquisition prices and EBITDA multiples versus total EBITDA growth forecast into FY16F. As a result, we estimate ~$10.5m in EBITDA has been added from stand-alone acquisition earnings, whilst another $5.1m has been generated organically or from extracting revenue and cost synergies from acquisitions. This in our view validates EPD’s acquisition strategy. Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 6 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) FIG.7: EBITDA GROWTH: ACQUISITION VERSUS ORGANIC ESTIMATES 25 20 $M 15 $5.1M $18.1M Organic growth FY16F EBITDA $10.5M 10 5 $2.6M 0 FY12A EBITDA Acquisition growth Source: Company Reports, Baillieu Holst forecasts Hunted: EPD has a high proportion of contracted and specifically managed services revenue. It has a large presence in New Zealand and post recent acquisitions is becoming one of the larger local Microsoft partners. In addition, Microsoft has strengthening enterprise software offerings across both large and mid-size enterprise. We believe these attributes, in addition to EPD’s depressed valuation relative to peers could make it an acquisition target of a larger local IT services provider or an international player looking for a foothold into the Australian market. We note that global player Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC, Mkt Cap US$8.7bn) has today (6/10/15) proposed to acquire ASX listed peer UXC for ~$428m or ~10x FY16F EBITDA. In November 2014, another one of EPD’s competitors Oakton (OKN) was acquired by Dimension Data (a global IT services company) for 11.7x forward EBITDA. EPD is currently trading on 5.6X FY16F EBITDA. FIG.8: EMPIRED ACQUISITION HISTORY Year Acquired Price Paid Acquisition Revenue People Geographic Company Multiple Added Added Presence 2012 (Aug) Conducive $7.95m ($1.15m from 5m 4x FY13F EBIT shares at $0.23 and remainder in cash ) $9.5m 54 2013 (Sep) OBS $15m ($13.9m excluding 4.1x FY14F assets converted to EBITDA cash). Debt and equity funded. 25m share placement at $0.62 per share $32m 148 2014 eSavvy (May) $2.2m 3x FY14F EBIT $3.4m 18 2014 (Aug) $17.4m (subject to FY15+16 EBITDA performance consistent with recent transactions) $60m Consistent with recent transcations. We estimate 4x EBITDA. Intergen 370 Added Capabilites and Rationale West Coast focus, Application and consulting services to large headquartered in corporates with speciaist skills in the energy and Perth natural resources sectors. Allowed EPD to expand the breadth of Managed Services offering to existing and new clients. East Coast focus, One of Australia's largest Microsoft Enterprise headquartered in Content Management (ECM) service providers. Melbourne with Also provides a range of Microsoft application offices in Brisbane, consulting servies. Materially increased EPD's Sydney, Adelaide Microsoft capabilties and ability to provide and Perth. Application Managed Services to contest multiyear contracts. Headquartered in Leading Microsoft Dynamics Customer Sydney but Relationship Management (CRM) partner, national presence Austalian CRM partner of the year 2012,13 and Microsoft Dynamcis Cloud partner of the year in 2013. Positioned EPD as the largest Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner in Australia. Extends EPD's Microsoft application servies New Zealand headquartered with portfolio. Namely expands EPD's Microsoft offices in Sydney Dynamics business, notably in Enterprise (Aus) and Seattle Resource Planning (ERP) and CRM. Added proprietary technology "Cohesion", an enterprise (USA). contend and records management software. Furthering of Microsoft relationship given Intergen provides Microsoft with leading edge solutions via its Seattle office, which benefits other Intergen clients. Introduces NZ as a major operating region, significant governemnt opportunity and lower cost labour. Intergen received Microsoft Partner awards in 2007 to 2014 and won Partner of the Year in 2008, 2010 and 2012. Source: EPD Company Reports, Baillieu Holst Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 7 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Supportive market trends Market size: The Australian IT services market is expected to reach $78.1bn across 2015, up 2.1% on the pcp, whilst New Zealand is forecast to spend NZ$11.4bn, down 0.8% on the pcp. This compares to worldwide IT spending, which is expected to decline 5.5% on 2014. The company estimates EPD’s accessible portion of this market is ~$17bn. Enterprise market trends: Gartner, the world’s leading technology research firm, estimates the global enterprise application software market will grow 7.5% in CY15 to US$150bn and will continue at this growth rate to reach US$201bn by CY19. This is driven by companies modernizing, functionally expanding or replacing older business systems with cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS). Gartner estimates 15% of businesses are currently provisioned from the cloud and expected to grow to 60% by 2020. We expect this trend to support growth across EPD’s core capabilities in cloud services, application development and integration (incl. ERP, CRM and ECM), data analytics, internet of things and mobility solutions for enterprise. Microsoft: EPD is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest Microsoft Partners delivering business solutions utilising the Microsoft Dynamics group of products and other Microsoft software offerings. Microsoft Business Solutions accounts for ~75% of EPD’s Applications and consulting revenue or 56% of group revenue. EPD has won myriad Microsoft Partner awards in recognition of its service. See FIG.36. - CRM Example: Microsoft has been investing heavily in its Dynamics enterprise offering which includes CRM and ERP (AX, NAV) software. Anecdotally, EPD has noted growth in market share domestically as clients seek out cheaper and faster-toimplement alternatives to incumbents such as Oracle and SAP. Our research supports this view and recent awards judged by industry analysts have favoured Microsoft peers in Enterprise, Mid-size, small and sales force automation categories. See FIG.35. FIG.9: CIO INVESTMENT PRIORITY SURVEY FIG.10: PREFERRED VENDOR FOR NEXT ERP INVESTMENT Source: Gartner – CIO trends in IT investment Source: ICT Enterprise Insights by Ovum Research, 2013 IT services cycle: IT Professional vacancies, as a proxy for labour demand, support our belief that the IT services sector is currently within a cyclical upswing. FIG.11 below shows online job vacancies for Australian IT professionals versus the total professional market. Whilst growth has moderated, job vacancies within the IT sector remains positive as it begins to cycle tougher comps from the inflection point during April 2014. In our view, this is a robust indicator of broad based sector health. Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 8 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) FIG.11: ONLINE VACANCIES FOR IT PROFESSIONS (YOY GROWTH %) 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% -10% -20% -30% Aug-10 Jan-11 Jun-11 Nov-11 Apr-12 Sep-12 Feb-13 Professional Jul-13 Dec-13 May-14 Oct-14 Mar-15 Aug-15 IT Professional Source: Company Reports, Baillieu Holst forecasts Improving outlook from listed peers: Many of EPD’s listed IT services peers witnessed major revisions to forward earnings post FY15 results, which we outline below (FIG.12 to FIG.15). In our view, whilst not all are direct comparables, this is another positive indication that sector conditions are improving and supportive of our positive investment view. FIG.12: SMS EPS REVISIONS FIG.13: UXC EPS REVISIONS 7 6.5 0.85 1.3 0.75 1.2 6 0.65 5.5 0.11 0.11 0.10 1.1 0.10 0.09 1 5 0.55 0.08 0.45 0.08 0.8 4 0.35 3.5 3 0.25 SMX share price 2016 revised EPS forecast 0.07 0.7 0.07 0.6 0.06 UXC share price 2017 revised EPS forecast Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates 2016 revised EPS forecast 2017 revised EPS forecast Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates FIG.14: DWS EPS REVISIONS FIG.15: DTL EPS REVISIONS 1.9 1.7 1.5 0.18 1.5 0.17 1.4 0.16 1.3 0.15 0.14 1.3 0.13 0.17 0.15 1.2 0.13 1.1 1 0.11 0.9 1.1 0.12 0.11 0.9 0.1 0.7 0.5 Nov‐12 0.09 0.9 4.5 0.09 0.09 0.8 0.7 0.07 0.6 0.05 0.5 0.08 Feb‐13 May‐13 Aug‐13 Nov‐13 DWS share price Feb‐14 May‐14 Aug‐14 Nov‐14 2016 revised EPS forecast Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates Feb‐15 May‐15 Aug‐15 2017 revised EPS forecast DTL share price 2016 revised EPS forecast 2017 revised EPS forecast Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 9 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Improving balance sheet and free cash flow, dividends to follow Balance sheet improving: At 30 June EPD had net debt of $12.7m (FY14: $6.0m), consisting of gross debt (including hire purchase liabilities) of $22.3m and cash of $9.6m. We expect materially improved operating and free cash flow to drive debt lower and support a return to paying dividends in FY16 and beyond. The balance sheet is also supportive of further acquisitive activity. FIG.16: IMPROVING DEBT POSITION FIG.17: GROWING FREE CASH FLOW 25.0 2.5 20.0 2.0 15.0 1.5 10.0 1.0 5.0 0.5 15.0 10.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 FY13A FY14A Gross debt FY15A FY16E Net debt Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates FY17E FY18E Debt to EBITDA -5.0 -10.0 -15.0 FY13A FY14A Free cash flow FY15A FY16E FY17E FY18E Free cash flow (less deferred consideration) Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 10 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Valuation We believe EPD is undervalued in light of its strong growth outlook, high proportion of contracted revenue, positive tail-winds from market trends and track record of execution. On a relative basis, EPD is trading at substantial discounts to listed peers and we expect this valuation gap to narrow over time. EPD’s PEG ratio using 2 year EPS CAGR estimates is 0.24, compared to 0.90 for the sector, indicating a compelling valuation for the expected growth outlook. We value EPD using a blended EV/EBITDA and DCF methodology and our price target is a 50:50 weighting between these methodologies. A valuation summary is provided below. FIG.18: VALUATION SUMMARY Market Multiple Prem. / Disc. Applied Weight FY16F EBITDA EV Net Debt Equity Value DCF Valuation Valuation $1.19 EV / EBITDA 9.5 -10% 8.6 100% 18.1 155.2 12.7 142.5 $1.22 $1.20 Average valuation Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates, Baillieu Holst estimates for EPD DCF Methodology Our DCF valuation for EPD is $1.19 per share. Assumptions: The assumptions underlying our DCF include a WACC of 11.1%, a risk free rate of 5.0%, an expected return on the market of 6.0%, a terminal growth rate of 3.0% and a beta of 1.2. EV/EBITDA Methodology Our EV/EBITDA valuation for EPD is $1.22 per share. Justification: We believe EBITDA is generally a good indication of cash flow for information technology companies and excludes the impact of varying depreciation and technology amortisation schedules. FIG.19: HISTORICAL VALUATION MUTLIPLES 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 Nov-05 Nov-06 Nov-07 Nov-08 Current EV/EBITDA Nov-09 Nov-10 EV/EBITDA +1 forecast Nov-11 Nov-12 Nov-13 Nov-14 Nov-15 Current Market EV/EBITDA Source: Baillieu Holst estimates Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 11 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Comparable listed companies: The IT services sector is the comparable listed company universe for EPD. - The broader market is trading on an FY16 EV/EBITDA of 9.6x with average two year EPS growth of 9.8%. The IT services sector is trading on an FY16 EV/EBITDA multiple of 8.3x with a 23% two year EPS CAGR. - The IT services sector has on average traded on a 20% discount over the past 10 years and the current average FY16 EV/EBITDA multiple across all IT Services sector peers was 8.3x. However, the average EV/EBITDA across the most direct comparable companies based on services offered (SMX, UXC, ASZ, DTL) was 9.6x, which is in line with the broader market, and a 36% discount to EPD’s current EV/EBITDA valuation of 6.1x. Whilst EPD may deserve to trade at a discount to this multiple due to its smaller scale, it also has a higher proportion of managed services and contracted revenue relative to all other peers except ASZ. - Therefore, we adopt an EV/EBITDA multiple of 8.6x for EPD, which represents a 10% discount to the broader market multiple. We justify this based on EPD’s strong EPS growth relative to the market and favourable industry trends. FIG.20: IT SERVICES SECTOR Company Mkt Cap Net Debt ($) ($m) ($m) FY16F Code Price P/E (x) EV/EBITDA (x) EBITDA Margin FY17F FY16F FY17F FY16F FY17F Growth (FY16F) Sales EBITDA Growth (FY17F) PEG EPS Sales EBITDA EPS 2 yr EPS CAGR CSG LTD CSV 1.67 523 126.6 20.4 18.2 13.1 11.1 15% 16% 36% 247% 61% 14% 17% 12% 0.59 UXC LTD UXC 1.28 429 -2.9 17.1 15.2 9.6 8.7 6% 7% 6% 54% 7% 5% 10% 12% 1.79 SMS MANAGEMENT & TECH SMX 5.22 361 -7.5 16.6 15.4 10.6 9.9 9% 9% 5% 16% 28% 5% 7% 8% 0.94 ASG GROUP LTD ASZ 1.03 212 11.4 14.6 12.5 8.3 7.6 14% 14% 18% 32% 52% 9% 10% 17% 0.44 DATA#3 LTD DTL 1.24 191 -102.3 15.5 15.5 10.0 9.1 2% 2% 7% 48% 16% 5% 10% 0% 2.02 DWS LTD DWS 1.03 136 -5.4 9.0 9.1 5.2 5.5 17% 15% 45% 25% 44% 3% -5% -2% 0.48 EMPIRED LTD EPD 0.85 99 12.7 10.6 8.6 6.1 5.2 11% 11% 29% 62% 68% 15% 18% 23% 0.24 RXP SERVICES LTD RXP 0.49 68 -12.1 6.9 6.9 3.9 3.2 13% 17% 34% 35% 31% -3% 24% 0% 0.47 1.1 13.8 12.6 8.3 7.5 11% 12% 23% 65% 40% 7% 12% 9% 0.9 Average Source: Bloomberg consensus, Baillieu Holst estimates for EPD Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 12 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Key risks to the valuation range Contract risks: Whilst EPD has a diverse range of customers, loss of large contracts due to poor performance or counterparty risks would result in negative impacts to revenue and earnings. We estimate EPD’s largest contract to contribute ~9% of total revenue and the second largest to contribute ~5%. Timing risks may also negatively impact revenue and earnings if contract commencement is delayed by the client for unforeseeable reasons. People risk: IT services companies are labour intensive businesses and talent management is central to operational performance. Loss of key personnel within particular business segments or loss of groups of people within product segments would result in economic and reputational damage to the firm. Acquisition risks: One of EPD’s core growth strategies is acquisitions. Acquisitions may not continue to deliver the level of earnings or generate the expected earnings growth at the time of acquisition. EPD attempts to mitigate this risk via structuring acquisitions to include EBITDA hurdles (usually over two years) tied to achieving the full acquisition price. Management lock-in contracts (minimum three years) to mitigate the risk of losing key acquired business personnel to some extent, however key business relationships may exist with personnel that leave the firm after their lock-in period. EPD also tries to diversify account managers on acquired business relationships to mitigate this risk. Economic risk: The broader IT services is highly leveraged to general economic activity as it is reflective of companies’ abilities to allocate operational or investment capital to information technology spend. Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 13 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Company overview Overview: Empired (EPD) is an IT services provider with a diverse range of capabilities aimed at delivering complete (end-to-end) IT solutions for clients in order for them to reach their business objectives. The delivery of client objectives is achieved across three core business segments. Namely, Infrastructure Services, Applications and Consulting (nonMicrosoft) and Microsoft Business Solutions (included in Application and Consulting for segmental revenue). FIG.21: SHAREPRICE PERFORMANCE AND MONTHLY TRADED VALUE ($’000) SINCE LISTING $0.90 6000 $0.80 5000 $0.70 $0.60 4000 $0.50 3000 $0.40 $0.30 2000 $0.20 1000 $0.10 $0.00 1-Oct-07 1-Jun-08 1-Feb-09 1-Oct-09 1-Jun-10 1-Feb-11 1-Oct-11 1-Jun-12 1-Feb-13 1-Oct-13 1-Jun-14 1-Feb-15 0 1-Oct-15 Source: IRESS History: Empired (EPD) was established in 1999 and listed on the ASX on 19 October 2007 at $0.30 per share with a market capitalisation of $13.9m and FY07 revenue of $7.1m. The company started with the development of its own talent management software, BigRedSky. However, it soon morphed into an IT services player with the acquisition of Tusk Technologies in March 2002; and subsequently divested BigRedSky. CEO, Russell Baskerville was a founder of Tusk Technologies, which was an IT services company specialising in planning, design, implementation and ongoing management of IT infrastructure. EPD subsequently acquired West Coast IT service providers, Quadrant Group (10/07), Commander Enterprise ICT (2/08) and, the most material acquisition, Conducive (8/12). It grew its East Coast presence through the acquisition of OBS (9/13) and eSavvy (5/14). Most recently, it acquired New Zealand business, Intergen (8/14) which also had operations in East Coast Australia and the USA (Seattle). EPD has transformed itself from a West Coast business with the majority of revenue coming from the Energy and Natural Resources sector to a geographically diversified IT services player across all major industry sectors. FIG.22: FY13 IT WAS A WEST COAST FOCUSED BUSINESS TO…. FIG.23: FY15…A GEOGRAPHICALLY DIVERSIFIED BUSINESS 6% 31% East Coast New Zealand East Coast 33% West Coast USA USA 30% 100% Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates New Zealand West Coast Source: Bloomberg consensus estimates Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 14 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) FIG.24: SECTOR EXPOSURE Health & Education Wholesale & Retail Trade Manufacturing & Transport ICT Finance & Insurance Other Government Energy and Natural Resources 0% 10% 20% FY13 30% 40% 50% 60% FY15 Source: EPD Company Reports Infrastructure services (~25% of revenue): EPD manages core IT infrastructure and applications on behalf of clients, otherwise referred to as managed services. More specifically, EPD is responsible for managing core information management systems covering service management, security, servers, communications and networking, 24/7 call centres and a managed application portfolio across on-premise, public and private cloud solutions. Management notes typical gross margins are ~30%. Applications and consulting (non-Microsoft) (~19% of revenue): Application and consulting services account for ~75% of group revenue with Microsoft Business Solutions accounting for ~75% of Applications and consulting revenue or 56% of group revenue and non-Microsoft solutions accounting for 25% of the segment or 19% of group revenue. Management notes typical gross margins are ~36%. Key offerings include: - Cloud services: Empired has developed its own cloud platform called flexScale, which allows Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-aService (IaaS), Disaster Recovery-as-a-Service (DRaaS) and Backup-as-aService (BaaS). These services can be managed by client organisations or EPD and provides a highly flexible user or consumption based fee structure. They can be hosted in a public (e.g. Amazon Web Services (AWS)) or private cloud if a higher level of security is required. EPD utilises two data centres in Australia for private cloud and backup services. - Identity and access management: Includes the processes and technologies that allow access to applications or information scattered across both internal and external systems. - Application development and integration services: This includes system integration, custom web solutions, customer application solutions, legacy system modernisation, cloud-based modern application development and packaged solutions. - Internet of things (IoT): EPD has a specialty in developing real-time, integrated and connected systems. IoT solutions include improved efficiencies, preventative maintenance, safety and regulatory compliance, remote monitoring and asset tracking. - Mobile solutions: Design and delivery of complex mobile applications to support enterprise business applications through use of EPD’s custom development capability as well as use of Microsoft SharePoint, Yammer and Lync to help organisations work together outside the office. Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 15 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) FIG.25: SEGMENT REVENUE SPLIT 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 73% 75% FY15 FY16F 53% 40% 30% 20% 24% 10% 0% FY13 FY14 Application and consulting services Infrastructure services Source: Company Reports, Baillieu Holst forecasts Microsoft Business Solutions (~56% of revenue): EPD is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest Microsoft Partners delivering business solutions utilising the Microsoft Dynamics group of products and other Microsoft software offerings. In FIG.26 and FIG.27 we detail Microsoft’s strong market positioning within core enterprise offerings (CRM, ERP) relative to peers. Key offerings include: - Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Includes Microsoft Dynamics AX (Enterprise) and Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Small and Medium business) products. ERP is business process management software that helps organisations manage financials, supply chains, manufacturing, operations, reporting and human resources. The platform integrates various applications that collect, store, manage and interpret data from aforementioned business units. FIG.26: GARTNER MAGIC QUADRANT FOR CRM FIG.27: GARTNER MAGIC QUADRANT FOR ERP Source: Gartner CRM Market overview, Apr. 2015 Source: Gartner ERP Market overview, November 2014 Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 16 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) - Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The key product is Microsoft Dynamics CRM, which enables organisations to manage sales, marketing and service functions. It records and shares all information related to customer interaction with the goal being to increase sales, improve customer retention and optimise resources allocated to this function. - Enterprise Content Management (ECM): The key product is Microsoft SharePoint, which is a collaboration and document management platform. - Mobile solutions: Design and delivery of complex mobile applications to support enterprise business applications through use of EPD’s custom development capability as well as use of Microsoft SharePoint, Yammer and Lync to help organisations work together outside the office. - Cloud services: Cloud computing essentially refers to the outsourcing of computing functions, which include storage, Central Processing Unit (CPU) functions or applications (including the Microsoft applications referenced above and other important enterprise products like Microsoft Office 365). Azure is Microsoft’s platform for building and deploying cloud-based applications, delivering organisations ondemand computing and storage capabilities. All of these capabilities are hosted in Microsoft’s data centres here in Australia, which is a key point of difference relative to enterprise software competitors such as SAP and Oracle. FIG.28: GARTNER MAGIC QUADRANT FOR ECM FIG.29: GARTNER MAGIC QUADRANT FOR BUSINESS ANALYSTICS Source: Gartner ECM Market overview, Sep. 2014 Source: Gartner Business Analytics Market overview, Feb. 2015 - Business intelligence and data insights: Key product is the Microsoft SQL Server Database Management System (DBMS) which work in conjunction with specific business intelligence applications such as Microsoft Power BI to mine the data from enterprise applications (e.g. ERP) to generate insights to influence business decisions. EPD has a particular strength in real time data collection and analytics. - Internet of things (IoT): EPD utilises Microsoft’s Azure IoT Suite to harness data across things, people, processes, assets within organisations. Typical benefits include improved efficiencies, preventative maintenance, safety and regulatory compliance, remote monitoring and asset tracking. - Application development and integration services: This includes system integration, custom web solutions, customer application solutions, legacy system modernisation, cloud-based modern application development and packaged Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 17 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) solutions. EPD customises business solutions for clients using the full range of Microsoft enterprise software. It utilises Microsoft software in conjunction with its own customised applications (IP), such as Cohesion, which is a templated, standardised document and record management service based on Microsoft SharePoint technology that has a range of service packages and is offered on a pay per user, per month basis. Gross margins on annuity streams from the Cohesion product are estimated at ~50%. Landscape of service providers: Below we provide an overview of some of the key competitors across EPD’s revenue segments. FIG.30: AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND IT SERVICES COMPETITORS Infrastructure Application and Consulting Servcies Global players: CSC, Dimension Data, IBM, Fujitsu, Wipro, HCL, Infosys, NEC, Accenture/Avanade, Deloitte, HP Global players: CSC, Dimension Data, IBM, Fujitsu, Wipro, HCL, Infosys, NEC, Accenture/Avanade, Deloitte, HP Local players: ASG, Kinetic IT, UXC, Data #3 Local players: UXC, SMX, Readify, Insync, Kloud, Ignia, Frame Group Source: Baillieu Holst Supporting financial information Material 1H/2H EBITDA skew: EPD estimates its typical EBITDA 1H/2H skew would be approximately 33% to 40%. The natural skew is due to more workable hours available in the 2H and the June quarter typically being the largest quarter with year-end utilisation rates often running around ~95%. In addition, in previous years EPD has noted this has been exaggerated due to ramp up costs of highly material contracts in the 1H. FIG.31: AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND IT SERVICES COMPETITORS FY14 ($m) 1H14 2H14 FY14 1H Skew 2H Skew Operating Revenue 29.0 37.8 66.8 43% 57% Reported EBITDA 1.1 5.9 7.0 16% 84% Reported NPAT 0.0 3.8 3.8 -1% 101% FY15 ($m) 1H15 2H15 FY15 1H Skew 2H Skew Operating Revenue 50.5 77.9 128.3 39% 61% Reported EBITDA 3.8 7.3 11.2 34% 66% Reported NPAT 1.2 4.1 5.3 23% 77% Source: Baillieu Holst Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 18 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Appendix A Board of Directors FIG.32: BOARD OF DIRECTORS Name Position Biography Mel Ashton Non-Executive Chairman Chartered accountant with over 25 years’ experience in a wide range of industries, notably specialising in Corporate Reconstruction. Is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia. Regional councillor and former state chairman of the WA branch of Institute of Chartered Accountants. Director and Vice President of Fremantle Football Club. Chairman of Venture Minerals, Gryphon Minerals and Empire Beer Group. Joined the board in 2008, and currently MD of Cool Clear Water Group, an unlisted public company within the water services sector. Previously MD and CEO of Lifecare Health Limited, and has also been involved in a number of businesses in the healthcare, construction and engineering, mining technology and information services sectors. Roles include operational management, implementing organic growth strategies and acquisitions, and assisting with capital raisings. Non-executive director of eHealth Networks, a provider of services in the health care industry; member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Long career in financial services and IT sector. 4.1m ordinary Previously Head of IT Services at Bankwest; Managed Services Director at Unisys West and more recently, GM of Delivery Services at Empired. Also provides management consulting expertise to the financial services, IT and Utilities sectors via his own consulting practice. Director of Community West, a provider of professional services to the aged healthcare sector across Western Australia. Holds a Bachelor of Business and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment. Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company directors and a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia. Extensive executive and corporate advisory 17,000 ordinary experience in Human Resources across a broad range of industries. Led the Group HR function for Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) for 10 years, including the integration of the Coles Group acquisition. Currently runs advisory practice and advises boards and CEO’s on HR strategy, executive remuneration and executive talent management. Previously independent director of Development Group (ASX:RDG). Holds a Bachelor of Business, is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of management and a Fellow of the Australian Human Resources Institute. Richard Bevan John Bardwell Chris Ryan Non- Executive Director Non-Executive Director Non-Executive Director Shareholding Resources Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 19 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Is Adjunct Professor within Curtin University’s Business School. Russell Baskerville Managing Director See FIG.33 (Management) 8.25m ordinary Mark Waller Company Secretary and CFO See FIG.33 (Management) 1.7m ordinary Source: Company reports FIG.33: MANAGEMENT Name Position Biography Shareholding Russell Baskerville Managing Director Over 10 years of IT Industry experience. 8.25m Founding member of Tusk Technologies which was subsequently acquired by Empired in March 2002. Founder and MD of Procom Solutions and Procom Holdings. Procom Holdings provides technical service and support to merchant banking facilities on behalf of larger banks in Australia. Currently a non-executive director of Procom Holdings Pty Ltd and BigRedSky Limited. Joined Empired in 2005 and CFO since 2007. Previously worked for Ernst & Young and ran sole businesses in London, UK. Holds a degree in business from Curtin University majoring in Accounting and Business Law and is a CPA. Over 25 years’ experience in the ICT industry with a 325,000 ordinary broad background in IT service management, consulting practices and sales and delivery. Previous experience encompasses National Sales and Delivery Manager for ASG, senior leadership positions with CSC and partner with Unisys West in large fixed price projects. Appointed COO in 2011. Has over 25 years’ experience in the IT industry. Involved in operational delivery, consulting services, presales, account management and commercial management within organisations such as Computer Sciences Corporation and Unisys. Has been instrumental in the development of solution strategies and services with State and Federal Government and within the Energy and Natural Resources sector. Is currently focusing on refining and enhancing the company’s infrastructure services portfolio. Co-founded and was MD for technology and consulting firm, Conducive that was subsequently acquired by Empired in 2012. Prior to that was Chief Engineer at Ripple Systems and also provided leadership for complex road and rail monitoring and control systems projects within Australia and internationally. Mark Waller Rob McCready Brett Gresele Darren Christophersen Chief Financial Officer/Company Secretary Chief Operating Officer General Manager, Infrastructure Services General Manager, Operations, Applications & Consulting Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 20 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Co-founder of technology and consulting firm, Conducive. Previously run both large programs of work and held senior management roles within the mining, telecommunications, publishing and banking sectors. Has a strong background in Project and Program management and has worked in a number of countries within a wide range of world class firms. General Manager, Business & Productivity Solutions More than 25 years’ experience in the technology sector. Previously CEO of Intergen prior to it being acquired by Empired, and Executive General Manager of consulting technology firm, Oakton for seven years. Has held numerous leadership roles within the technology sector in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the US. Holds a Masters in (Macquarie University). Over 20 years’ experience in the IT industry notably in strategy development, business leadership, business consulting and a special technical skill set in the Enterprise Resource Management space. Has held senior positions in major New Zealand companies with a background in finance and accounting. Partner with Ernst & Young, and director of CGNZ Middle Market Solutions prior to it being acquired by Hewlett Packard. Stuart Strickland General Manager, PMO, Applications & Consulting Mike Morgan Simon Bright Chief Executive Officer, New Zealand Business Administration Source: Company reports FIG.34: SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS NAME Australian Ethical Investment POSITION % 13.65 11.9% Russell Baskerville 8.25 7.2% Thorney Investment Group 8.02 7.0% Contango Asset Management Ltd 5.86 5.1% Source: Iress Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 21 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) Appendix B TH FIG.35: CRM MAGAZINES 15 ANNUAL CRM AWARDS (JUDGED BY INDUSTRY ANALYSTS) Source: CRM Magazine sourced online Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 22 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH Empired Ltd (EPD) FIG.36: EMPIRED AWARDS 2015 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award - New Zealand 2015 Microsoft Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Partner of the Year - New Zealand 2015 Microsoft Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Partner of the Year - New Zealand 2015 Microsoft APAC Platinum Club 2014 iAwards (South Australia): Health category 2014 MAPA Finalist: Customer Relationship Management and Collaboration and Content 2014 Microsoft Inner Circle status for Microsoft Dynamics 2014 Microsoft Preferred Supplier Program (MPSP) Excellence Awards - Brand Value 2013 MAPA Microsoft Partner of the Year Award for Dynamics CRM 2013 Microsoft Dynamics Inner Circle 2013 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club 2013 Microsoft Dynamics Cloud Partner of the Year Worldwide 2013 Microsoft Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Partner of the Year - New Zealand 2013 Microsoft Asia Pacific Public Sector Partner of the Year - New Zealand 2012 MAPA Microsoft Dynamics CRM Partner of the Year 2012 BRW Best Places to Work Australia 2012 Microsoft Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Partner of the Year - New Zealand 2012 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award - New Zealand 2012 Microsoft APAC Platinum Club - Solution Partner Category - New Zealand 2012 Microsoft APAC Platinum Club - Subsidiary Partner of the Year - New Zealand 2011 Microsoft Windows Azure Platform Solution of the Year 2011 Microsoft Inner Circle status for Microsoft Dynamics 2011 Microsoft Presidents Club status for Microsoft Dynamics 2010 Microsoft Australian Education Partner of the Year 2010 EPiServer International (outside Europe) Partner of the Year 2010 Microsoft Inner Circle status for Microsoft Dynamics 2010 Microsoft Presidents Club status for Microsoft Dynamics 2010 Microsoft Citizenship Solution of the Year 2010 Microsoft Portals and Collaboration Solution of the Year 2010 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award - New Zealand 2009 JRA/Unlimited Best Places to Work - Top 5 2009 Microsoft Presidents Club status for Microsoft Dynamics 2009 Microsoft Business Productivity Enterprise Content Management Solution of the Year 2008 Microsoft Partner of the Year 2008 Microsoft Presidents Club status for Microsoft Dynamics 2008 Microsoft Software Plus Services Product of the Year 2008 JRA/Unlimited Best Places to Work – Top 5 (also in top 10 in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2007) 2008 EPiServer International Partner of the Year 2007 Microsoft Partnering Award Source: Company website Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Please read the disclaimer at the end of this report. Page 23 BAILLIEU HOLST RESEARCH This document has been prepared and issued by: Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 Australian Financial Service Licence No. 245421 Participant of ASX Group Participant of NSX Ltd Analysts’ stock ratings are defined as follows: Buy: The stock’s total return is expected to increase by at least 10-15 percent from the current share price over the next 12 months. Hold: The stock’s total return is expected to trade within a range of ±10-15 percent from the current share price over the next 12 months. Sell: The stock’s total return is expected to decrease by at least 10-15 percent from the current share price over the next 12 months. Disclosure of potential interest and disclaimer: Baillieu Holst Ltd (Baillieu Holst) and/or its associates may receive commissions, calculated at normal client rates, from transactions involving securities of the companies mentioned herein and may hold interests in securities of the companies mentioned herein from time to time. 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Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 Australian Financial Service Licence No. 245421 Participant of ASX Group Participant of NSX Ltd www.baillieuholst.com.au Melbourne (Head Office) Address Level 26, 360 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia Postal PO Box 48, Collins Street West Melbourne, VIC 8007 Australia Phone +61 3 9602 9222 Facsimile +61 3 9602 2350 Email melbourne@baillieuholst.com.au Bendigo Office Address Cnr Bridge & Baxter Streets Bendigo, VIC 3550 Australia Postal PO Box 40 North Bendigo, VIC 3550 Australia Phone +61 3 5443 7966 Facsimile +61 3 5442 4728 Email bendigo@baillieuholst.com.au Geelong Office Address 16 Aberdeen Street Geelong West Vic 3218 Postal PO Box 364 Geelong Vic 3220 Australia Phone +61 3 5229 4637 Facsimile +61 3 4229 4142 Email geelong@baillieuholst.com.au Newcastle Office Address Level 1, 120 Darby Street Cooks Hill, NSW 2300 Australia Postal PO Box 111 The Junction, NSW 2291 Australia Phone +61 2 4925 2330 Facsimile +61 2 4929 1954 Email newcastle@baillieuholst.com.au Perth Office Address Level 10, 191 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Australia Postal PO Box 7662, Cloisters Square Perth, WA 6850 Australia Phone +61 8 6141 9450 Facsimile +61 8 6141 9499 Email perth@baillieuholst.com.au Sydney Office Address Level 18, 1 Alfred Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia Postal PO Box R1797 Royal Exchange, NSW 1225 Australia Phone +61 2 9250 8900 Facsimile +61 2 9247 4092 Email sydney@baillieuholst.com.au Baillieu Holst Ltd ABN 74 006 519 393 www.baillieuholst.com.au Page 24