• EVS reports 2021 results

    Source: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 24 Feb 2022 00:30:00   America/New_York

    Publication on February 24th, 2022, before market opening
    Regulated and inside information – Press release annual results
    EVS Broadcast Equipment S.A.: Euronext Brussels (EVS.BR), Bloomberg (EVS BB), Reuters (EVSB.BR)

    EVS reports 2021 results

    Revenue and order book at record high

    • FY21 performance
      • Strong revenue result of EUR 137,6 million (+56% YoY or +53% YoY at constant currency).
      • Gross margin performance is solid at 69,6% (+3,1Pts) despite the challenging conditions of the components market
      • Operating expense, at EUR 58,7 million: a growth of 11% compared to 2020
      • Net profit of EUR 34,9 million, growing 386% YoY, mainly boosted by higher revenue levels
      • On top of the above, we registered a record-high order intake 2021 results in an order book on hand at end of 2021 of EUR 63,9 million (+19% YoY), positioning a promising 2022.
    • Dividend
      • EVS proposes a base gross dividend for the year 2021 at EUR 1,00 per share**
      • Next to that, EVS would like to honor its past dividend intentions (an intent to distribute EUR 1,00 per share per annum for the period 2018-2021). Therefore, after difficult market conditions in 2020, linked to the pandemic, EVS proposes an additional exceptional gross dividend:
        • A first additional exceptional gross dividend of EUR 0,50 per share in May 2022**
        • A second additional exceptional gross dividend of EUR 0,50 per share in May 2023*, **
      • For the next 3 years, EVS proposes to renew the dividend policy. A proposal will be presented to the Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders. Our ambition is to deliver a total gross dividend of EUR 1,10 for the period 2022-2024*, **
    In € per fiscal per shareFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024
    Base dividend1,001,101,101,10
    Exceptional additional dividend0,500,500,000,00
    Total dividend1,501,601,101,10


    * subject to market conditions
    ** subject to the approval of the Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders

    • H2 performance
      • Revenue performance at EUR 75,8 million (+56% YoY)
      • A strong gross margin performance at 70,3% (+5,3Pts in comparison to 65,0% in 2H20)
      • Operating expenses at EUR 31,6 million increase with 8% in comparison to 2H20: a controlled investment in future growth
      • EBIT of EUR 21,7 million (margin of 28,6%) and a net profit of EUR 19,3 million
    • Outlook

    All company indicators are green to deliver success in 2022

    • 2022 financial outlook
      • We start the year 2022 with the highest order book in the history of EVS at EUR 63,9 million (+19% YoY), of which:
        • EUR 41,8 million to be recognized in revenue in 2022 (+34% YoY and excl Big Event Rentals)
        • EUR 9,2 million to be recognized in revenue in 2022 for Big Events Rental (compared to EUR 12,9 million at the end of 2020)
        • EUR 12,9 million to be recognized in revenue in 2023 and beyond (+32% YoY)
    • We expect revenue for 2022 to be in a range of EUR 125 million and EUR 140 million, based on the current indicators. EVS does see an increasing impact of the worldwide shortages in the supply chain of electronic components, which may impact our revenue generation.
    • Operating expenses will continue to grow mid to high single digits because of inflation and additional hirings to continue and fuel our growth. Further evolution of inflation can potentially impact this assessment.

    KEY FIGURES

    UnauditedEUR millions, except earnings per share expressed in EUR

    		Audited
    2H212H202H21/2H20FY21FY20FY21/FY20
    75,848,527.3Revenue137,688,149,5
    53,231,621.6Gross profit95,858,637,2
    70,3%65,0%+5,3PtsGross margin %69,6%66,5%+3,1Pts
    21,72,419,3Operating profit – EBIT37,15,731,4
    28,6%4,9%+23,7PtsOperating margin – EBIT % 27,0%6,4%+20,6Pts
    19,33,915,4Net profit (Group share)34,97,227,7
    1,440,291,15Basic earnings per share (Group share)2,600,532,07

    COMMENTS

    Serge Van Heck, CEO said: “I am very thankful to all EVS team members, our customers and channel partners around the world who helped us realizing such strong financial results in 2021.

    Part of our progress is linked to a business catch-up effect after a weak 2020 Covid year, as both the Olympic Games and the Euro were delayed from 2020 to 2021. The largest part of our progress comes from the accelerated revenue growth of our 3 solution pillars: LiveCeption, MediaCeption and Media Infrastructure.

    I am happy to see that our PLAY Forward strategy that we defined early 2020 is generating the expected growth in our both customer segments.

    After a year of major Covid slowdown in 2020, our LSP (Live Service Providers) customers have increased their investments in 2021; many of them are now accelerating the upgrading of their existing EVS LiveCeption infrastructure, taking benefit of our latest generation of XT-VIA servers and our new LSM VIA remote.

    The revenues generated by our LAB (Live Audience Business) customers continue to rise year after year. Our MediaCeption solution that provides a state-of-the-art Production Asset Management solution, is increasingly winning market share in large studio environments.

    On the acquisition side, we have further strengthened our integration experience by realizing a full and successful integration of the largest acquisition we ever made in May 2020 (Axon). Our Media Infrastructure solution pillar is the result of this acquisition. With an increasing solutions portfolio, increasing opportunity pipeline and increasing order size, we are confident that our Media Infrastructure pillar will continue to be a source of revenue growth in the future as well.

    The extensive list of technology awards that we have received in 2021 (as for our LiveCeption cloud based XtraMotion service and new IP/SDI routing solution MediaInfra Strada) demonstrates the level of innovation we continue to bring to our customers around the world.

    I am proud to say that we continue as never before, to create return on emotion for our customers. We help our customers to create emotion, for billions of people, every day, anywhere in the world. And I’m happy to say that we just did it again successfully, by enabling the live production of the Super Bowl in the USA and supporting our clients, acting as right holders, to cover the Winter Olympics in China!

    Commenting on the results and prospects, Veerle De Wit, CFO, said: “Our second half performance continued as strong as the 1st half of 2021. From an order intake point of view as well as from a revenue point of view, our business continued to demonstrate excellent numbers. The order book has never been more promising, and it positions us well for the year 2022. Yet we remain prudent, as the impact of the shortage of electronic components is growing across the world. Operating expenses are expected to increase further, on the one hand because of the rising inflation (we remain vigilant as per further evolutions), on the other hand we will further increase our team member base. It is important for us to continue and fuel the future growth. The shortage of the components market is not only impacting delivery times, but also our cost of sales. Keeping control over our production cost will remain an attention point for the year 2022.”

    Revenue numbers in 2H21 and FY21

    2H212H20%2H21
    /2H20    		Revenue – EUR millionsFY21FY20% FY21/
    FY20
    75.848.556,2%Total reported137.688.156,2%
    75.548.555,7%Total at constant currency134.888.153,0%
    66.448.437,2%Total at constant currency and excluding Big Event Rentals121.286.839,6%

    Overall second half 2021 results
    Revenue performance continued strong in line with the trend of 1H21. In total 2H21 demonstrates a EUR 27.3 million growth in revenue, closing in at EUR 75.8 million (+56% growth year-over-year and +37% at constant currency and excluding Big Event Rentals).

    Next to a strong revenue performance, 2H21 was also marked by a strong profit performance. The consolidated gross margin was 70,3% versus 65,0% in 2H20 (considering a Big Event Rental year). We have been able to limit the cost impacts of the shortage in the components market in 2H21.

    Operating expenses increased by 8% vs 2H20, mainly because of a higher remuneration cost (boosted by higher variable remuneration linked to the good results) and some expenses in relation to our business transformation strategy. A benefit of EUR 1,0 million was booked in other income as earn out on the Axon acquisition.

    The 2H21 EBIT margin was 28,6% versus 4,9% in 2H20. Group net profit amounted to EUR 19,3 million in 2H21, compared to EUR 3,9 million in 2H20. Basic net profit per share amounted to EUR 1,44 in 2H21 (compared to EUR 0,29 in 2H20).

    Overall 2021 results

    For FY21, EVS revenue reached EUR 137,6 million, an increase by 56% (40% at constant currency and excluding the Big Event Rentals) compared to FY20.

    All our market pillars performed well in 2021. Revenue of solutions in LSP (Live Service Providers) represented 37.7% of the total group revenue. LAB (Live Audience Business) revenue represented 52.5% of total revenue in 2H21, and Big Event Rentals represented 9.8% of total revenue.

    Geographically, revenues (excl. Big Event Rentals) are distributed in FY21 as follows:

    • Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”): EUR 63,5 million (+55% YoY)
    • Americas: EUR 37,5 million (+42% YoY)
    • Asia & Pacific (“APAC”): EUR 23,1 million (+20% YoY)

    Each region contributed to the good results.

    Gross profit margin improved in 2021 by 3,1Pts up to 69,6% (compared to 66,5% for FY20). This margin performance is a result of a favorable product mix.

    Operating expenses increased with 11% to EUR 58,7 million. The year-over-year comparison is impacted by the Axon acquisition and some COVID measures. Once normalized, the increase is primarily linked to the overall performance (variable renumeration, logistics fees, …) as well as some expenses to build the future, translated by new hires as well as support in business transformation. In other income a benefit of EUR 1,0 million was booked following the close out of the earn out clause in the Axon acquisition contract.

    Income taxes in FY21 amounts to EUR 2,8 million. Tax latencies regarding reductions for innovation and investments have been applied in 2021. In addition, a tax benefit was booked worth EUR 0,5 million for restitutions in the Hong Kong office.

    Group net profit amounted to EUR 34,9 million in FY21, compared to EUR 7,2 million in FY20. Basic net profit per share amounted to EUR 2,60 in FY21, compared to EUR 0,53 in FY20.

    2021 Market perspective: all positive signs for future growth

    From a market pillar perspective, we observed different dynamics.

    2021 has been a very successful year for our LSP (Live Service Providers) market pillar despite the continuation of pandemic conditions. Not only did most of events happen and were successfully broadcasted - supported by the creativity of our LSP customers – but the new conditions projected our customers in the future with the adoption of new practices. Some of our customers did recover their initial plans paused in 2020, resulting in a catch-up of the revenues that would normally have been recognized in 2020. Other customers realized the benefits of the new EVS solutions to face the challenges of the new world and did sign long term partnership with EVS through confirmed upgrade of their whole fleet of replay servers, resulting in multi-year orders.

    In the LAB (Live Audience Business) market pillar, the impacts of Covid have been lower with no real catchup effect. The first modernization contracts have been delivered and the systems are now operational. The orders for new modernization projects continue to flow, and they support growth of this market pillar (+28% vs 2020, +38% vs 2019). EVS did also sign a key contract with RTBF for the co-design of a new solution – based on Cerebrum – leveraging new technologies as IP, AI and SW to re-invent production methods, bringing more flexibility to improve the productivity of live content creation.

    2021 and 2022 is a special sequence for major events and the BER (Big Events Rental) market pillar. 2021 major summer events have been a success with the first adoption of the new generation of products as LSM-VIA or MediaHub deployed in a hybrid mode with some parts in the cloud and some other parts deployed on premise of the host broadcaster. Host broadcasters of major events of 2022 did also confirm their trust in EVS, resulting in a significant BER component in the booked revenues for 2022.

    From a regional perspective all our geographies performed well: all regions demonstrated growth, not only compared to FY20, but also in comparison to FY19.

    The acquisition of Axon is bearing its fruits. With the design of new Strada evolutive video routing solution and the early successes in the NALA region, EVS strengthens its position in the Media Infrastructure market and proves the success of the acquisition of Axon with a successful lever on both strong products and EVS customer intimacy.

    EVS did also continue the deployment of hybrid workflows. Thanks to the launch of XtraMotion sold through “EVS Credits”, our customers can create emotion with super slow-motion replays and highlights produced in the cloud in a much more affordable way than with all dedicated cameras as it has been proven through a partnership with Fox Sports US. The “Big Events proven” MediaHub solution is also becoming available in SAAS to expose the host broadcaster’s content worldwide and support higher monetization of live and near-live content. “On-demand” and SAAS business model start to gain more traction in the industry.

    The scarcity of electronic components could have an impact on 2022 revenues. In this very volatile market, the only secured components are the ones laying in EVS warehouse. Even if EVS manages to secure components for a part of the planned orders,

    we expect we will face challenges and possible delays for some components. Our HW and purchasing teams are currently doing magic by analyzing alternative designs and considering other sourcing alternatives.

    2021 Staff update

    At the end of 2021, EVS employed 551 team members (FTE). This is an increase by 1 team member compared to the end of 2020. Average FTE in 2021 was 547 vs 514 in 2020 (following Axon’s acquisition the 1st of May 2020).

    2021 Balance sheet and cash flow statement

    EVS continues to have a strong balance sheet with net cash position of EUR 54.9 million with low debt level (of which EUR 13.4 million related to Lease contracts) resulting in a total equity representing 73.3% of the total balance sheet as of the end of December 2021.

    Lands and buildings mainly include the new headquarters in Liège as well as the right of use for the offices abroad. Twelve months depreciations on intangible assets, lands and buildings (including the right of use assets) and other tangible assets reached EUR 7 million. Liabilities include EUR 17.3 million of financial debt (including long term and short-term portion of it), mainly related to lease liabilities for EUR 13.4 million and borrowings for EUR 3.9 million.

    The net cash from operating activities amounts to EUR 38.7 million in December 2021 compared to EUR 19.2 million in December 2020. On December 31, 2021, cash and cash equivalents total EUR 72.1 million. This is an increase compared to the end of 2020 mainly explained by the growth of the net cash from operating activities together with the overall decrease of the net cash used in investing activities. The increase of net cash used in financing activities is mainly explained by the payment of an interim and final dividend in 2021 (this was not the case for 2020).

    At the end of December 2021, there were 14,327,024 EVS shares outstanding, of which 925,140 were owned by the company. In 2021, 158,600 new warrants were granted to various staff members, there were no exercises meaning that no shares were used to satisfy the exercise of warrants by employees and 28,000 warrants were cancelled. At the end of 2021, 456,432 warrants were outstanding with an average exercise price of EUR 19.89 and an average maturity of November 2025. Additional information is available in the note 5.4.

    The Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders of May 18, 2021, approved the allocation of 3,016 shares to EVS employees (grant of 10 shares to each staff member in proportion to their effective or assimilated time of occupation in 2020) as a reward for their contribution to the group successes.        

    2022 financial outlook and beyond

    Predictions for 2022 remain challenging: on the one hand we feel like the world is starting to get a better grip on the pandemic, but on the other hand, we see important issues arising as the consequence of the pandemic. The biggest uncertainty is without a doubt the shortage in the components market that is potentially impacting our revenue streams (in case of further delays in delivery) but also likely to impact the gross margins. Also, inflation is to be monitored carefully.

    EVS however has a lot of signs to remain positive. All our indicators demonstrate that we can grow our business in 2022 as well.

    In BER market pillar, EVS 2022 revenues will benefit from a second consecutive year with Big Events. We expect this market pillar to reach approximately EUR 9,0 million of revenue in 2022.

    We also continue our focus to increase our “long term order book” (beyond 2022) with service-type like offerings and SLA orders covering longer periods of time and multi-year revenue recognition linked to large modernization contracts.

    2022 OPEX is set to continue increase with mid to high single digits. This growth is nourished by increasing inflation, but also additional hirings to continue and fuel our growth.

    Glossary

    TermDefinition
    Order book <date>Revenues planned to be recognized after the <date> based on current orders.
    The sum of “booked revenues”, “short term order book” and “long term order book”.
    Operating ExpensesOperating expenses are all expenses including other income, other expenses and Stock based compensation and ESOP plan
    LAB market pillarLAB – Live Audience Business
    Revenue from customers leveraging EVS products and solutions to create content for their own purpose
    This market pillar covers the following types of customers: Broadcasters, Stadium, House of Worship, Corporate Media Centers, Sports organizations, Government & institutions, University & Colleges
    LSP market pillarLSP – Live Service Providers
    Revenue from customers leveraging EVS products and solutions to serve “LAB customers”
    This market pillar covers the following types of customers: Rental & facilities companies, Production companies, Freelance operators, Technology partners & system integrators buying for their own purpose
    BER market pillarBER – Big Events Rental
    Revenue from major non-yearly big events rental.
    This market pillar covers the following types of customers: host broadcasters for major events.

    Status of the control by the Statutory Auditors

    The Statutory Auditor EY Réviseurs d’Entreprises SRL confirmed that their audit work on the annual consolidated financial statements, which is substantially complete, did not reveal significant matters requiring adjustments to be brought to the accounting information presented in the press release.

    Conference call – Registration required

    EVS will hold a conference call in English today at 3.30 pm CET for financial analysts and institutional investors. Other interested parties may join the call in a listen-only mode. The presentation used during the conference call will be available shortly before the call on the EVS website and in the webcast.

    Participants must register for the conference using the link provided below. Upon registering, each participant will be provided with Participant Dial In Numbers, Direct Event Passcode and unique Registrant ID.

    1. Online registration: http://emea.directeventreg.com/registration/1673798
    2. Webcast Player URL: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/sq49hgfd

    Corporate Calendar:

    May 17th, 2022: Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders
    May 19th, 2022: Q1 2022 results
    August 25th, 2022: H1 2022 results
    November 17th, 2022: Q3 2022 results

    For more information, please contact:



    Veerle De Wit, CFO*
    EVS Broadcast Equipment S.A., Liege Science Park, 13 rue du Bois Saint-Jean, B-4102 Seraing, Belgium
    Tel: +32 4 361 70 00. E-Mail:corpcom@evs.com; www.evs.com
    * representing a SRL


    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to the business, financial condition, and results of operations of EVS and its affiliates. These statements are based on the current expectations or beliefs ’f EVS's management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or performance of the Company to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties relate to changes in technology and market requirements, the company’s concentration on one industry, decline in demand for the company’s products and those of its affiliates, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, and loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition which could cause the actual results or performance of the company to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. EVS undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    About EVS

    EVS is globally recognized as the leader in live video technology for broadcast and new media productions. Our passion and purpose are to help our clients craft immersive stories that trigger the best return on emotion. Through a wide range of products and solutions, we deliver the most gripping live sports images, buzzing entertainment shows and breaking news content to billions of viewers every day – and in real-time.
    The company is headquartered in Belgium with offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America, and provides sales and technical support to more than 100 countries. EVS is a public company traded on Euronext Brussels: EVS, ISIN: BE0003820371.
    For more information, please visit www.evs.com.

    Condensed Interim Consolidated financial statements

    ANNEX 1: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

    (EUR thousands)AnnexFY21
    Audited    		FY20
    Audited    		2H21
    Unaudited    		2H20
    Unaudited
    Revenue5.3137,57888,11175,79948,538
    Cost of sales -41,764-29,554-22,543-16,985
          
    Gross profit 95,81458,55753,25631,553
    Gross margin % 69.6%66.5%70.3%65.0%
    Selling and administrative expenses -32,392-27,486-17,555-14,920
    Research and development expenses -27,088-24,004-14,867-13,130
    Other income5.61,1081521,05787
    Other expenses -114-1,217-71-1,175
    Profit-sharing plan and warrants -232-352-107-54
    Operating profit (EBIT) 37,0965,65021,7132,361
    Operating margin (EBIT) % 27.0%6.4%28.6%4.9%
          
    Interest revenue on loans and deposits5.75157-1749
    Interest charges5.7-893-833-446-450
    Other net financial income / (expenses)5.71,254-860932-868
    Share in the result of the enterprise accounted for using the equity method 193339-20302
    Profit before taxes (PBT) 37,7014,35322,1621,393
    Income taxes5.8-2,7972,833-2,8532,535
    Net profit from continuing operations 34,9047,18619,3093,928
    Net profit  34,9047,18619,3093,928
    Attributable to :     
       Non controlling interest     
    Equity holders of the parent company 34,9047,18619.3093,928
          
    EARNINGS PER SHARE (in number of shares and in EUR) FY21
    Audited    		FY20
    Audited    		2H21
    Unaudited    		2H20
    Unaudited
    Weighted average number of subscribed shares 13,400,62413,668,61213,401,88413,520,352
    Weighted average fully diluted number of shares 13,587,62413,674,23213,588,88413,531,531
    Basic earnings – share of the group  2.600.531.440.29
    Fully diluted earnings – share of the group (1) 2.570.531.420.29
          
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME     
    (EUR thousands) FY21
    Audited    		FY20
    Audited    		2H21
    Unaudited    		2H20
    Unaudited
    Net profit  34,9047,18619,3093,928
    Other comprehensive income of the period     
    Currency translation differences 475-491276-498
    Total of recyclable elements 475-491276-498
    Gains / (losses) on remeasurement of defined benefit obligations, net of tax -412-78-412-75
    Total of non-recyclable elements, net of tax -412-78-412-75
    Total other comprehensive income of the period, net of tax 63-569

    -136    		-573
    Total comprehensive income for the period 34,9676,61719,1733,355
    Attributable to :     
       Non controlling interest ----
    Group share 34,9676,61719,1733,355

            (1)   The diluted earnings per share does include:

    1. 187,000 warrants attributed in December 2020 of which, 159,000 warrants are outstanding at the end of the year with an exercise price below the share price. These 159,000 warrants have maturity of October 2026; and
    2. 158,600 warrants attributed in June 2021 and outstanding at the end of the year with an exercise price below the share price. These 158,600 warrants have maturity of June 2027.

    The diluted earnings per share does not include 138,832 warrants outstanding at the end of 2021 as these are not exercisable given the exercise prices were above the share price.

    ANNEX 2: CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
    (BALANCE SHEET)

    ASSETS
    (EUR thousands)    		NotesDec. 31, 2021
    Audited    		Dec. 31, 2020
    Audited
        
    Non-current assets :   
    Goodwill 2,8322,832
    Other intangible assets 6,1137,041
    Lands and buildings5.1352,67351,662
    Other tangible assets5.134,3075,034
    Investment accounted for using equity method 1,9201,760
    Other amounts receivables 2,408543
    Deferred tax assets 5,9338,725
    Financial assets 404395
    Total non-current assets 76,59077,992
        
    Current assets :   
    Inventories 25,95122,579
    Trade receivables 38,92430,728
    Other amounts receivable, deferred charges and accrued income 6,4175,929
    Financial assets 201120
    Cash and cash equivalents 72,14452,668
    Total current assets 143,637112,024
    Total assets 220,227190,016

     

    EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
    (EUR thousands)    		NotesDec. 31, 2021
    Audited    		Dec. 31, 2020
    Audited
        
    Equity :   
    Capital 5.48,7728,772
    Reserves 170,570149,309
    Treasury shares -17,776-17,835
    Total consolidated reserves  152,794131,474
    Translation differences 751276
    Equity, attributable to the owners of the parent 162,317140,522
        
    Non-controlling interest  --
        
    Total equity5.4162,317140,522
        
    Provisions 1,5021,299
    Deferred taxes liabilities 111,389
    Financial debts5.1213,55412,251
    Other debts5.141,825993
    Non-current liabilities 16,89215,932
        
    Financial debts5.123,7284,713
    Trade payables 10,4975,775
    Amounts payable regarding remuneration and social security 10,6587,005
    Income tax payable 2,5862,258
    Other amounts payable, advances received, accrued charges and deferred income 13,54913,811
    Current liabilities 41,01833,562
    Total equity and liabilities 220,227190,016

    ANNEX 3: CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

     (EUR thousands)NotesFY21
    Audited    		FY20
    Audited
    Cash flows from operating activities   
    Net profit, group share 34,9047,186
        
    Adjustment for:   
    - Other income -18
    - Depreciation and write-offs on tangible and intangible assets 7,0156,658
    - Write-off on goodwill -1,125
    - Stock based compensation and ESOP5.4232352
    - Provisions 417-337
    - Income tax expense (+) / Gain (-) 2,797-2,833
    -Interests expense (+) / Income (-) -4121,636
    -Share of the result of entities accounted for under the equity method -193-339
        
    Adjustment for changes in working capital items:   
    -Inventories -3,372-3,648
    -Trade receivables -10,0618,204
    -Other amounts receivable, deferred charges and accrued income -430-1,206
    -Trade payables 4,722-1,446
    -Amounts payable regarding remuneration and social security 3,653-1,671
    -Other amounts payable, advances received, accrued charges and deferred income -2634,184
    -Conversion differences 813590
        
    Cash generated from operations 39,82218,473
    Income taxes received / (paid)5.8-1,112686
    Net cash from operating activities 38,71019,159
        
    Cash flows from investing activities   
    Purchase of intangible assets -234-53
    Purchase of tangible assets (lands and building and other tangible assets) -1,357-2,264
    Disposal of tangible assets -207
    Business acquisitions --10,255
    Other financial assets 3-35
    Net cash used in investing activities -1,588-12,400
        
    Cash flows from financing activities   
    Reimbursement of borrowings5.12-1,086-4,590
    Proceeds from new borrowings -5,500
    Payment of lease liabilities -3,417-3,224
    Interests paid -566-1,645
    Interests received 1357
    Dividend received from equity-accounted investee --
    Dividend–paid - interim dividend -6,701-
    Dividend–paid - final dividend -6,699-
    Other allocation --300
    Acquisition (-) / sale (+) of treasury shares4 & 5.4--7,908
    Increase in shareholders’ equity --
    Net cash used in financing activities -18,456-12,110
        
    Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 18,666-5,351
    Net foreign exchange difference 810-991
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 52,66859,010
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 72,14452,668

    ANNEX 4: CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGE IN EQUITY

    (EUR thousands)CapitalReserves Treasury sharesCurrency translation differencesEquity,
    group share     		Non-
    controlling
    interest    		Total
    equity
    Balance as at January 1, 2020 (reported)8,772142,149-9,927767141,761 141,761
    Change in accounting policies       
    Balance as at January 1, 2020 (restated)8,772142,149-9,927767141,761-141,761
    Total comprehensive income for the period 7,108 -4916,617 6,617
    Increase in shareholders’ equity       
    Share-based payments 352  352 352
    Operations with treasury shares  -7,908 -7,908 -7,908
    Final dividend      -
    Interim dividend      -
    Other allocation -300  -300 -300
    Balance as per December 31, 20208,772149,309-17,835276140,522-140,522

     

    (EUR thousands)CapitalReserves Treasury sharesCurrency translation differencesEquity, share of the groupNon-
    controlling
    interest    		Total
    Equity
    Balance as at January 1, 2021 (reported)8,772149,309-17,835276140,522 140,522
    Change in accounting policies       
    Balance as at January 1, 2021 (restated)8,772149,309-17,835276140,522 140,522
    Total comprehensive income for the period 34,492 47534,967 34,967
    Increase in shareholders’ equity       
    Share-based payments 232  232 232
    Operations with treasury shares  59 59 59
    Final dividend -6,699  -6,699 -6,699
    Interim dividend -6,701  -6,701 -6,701
    Other allocation -63  -63 -63
    Balance as per December 31, 20218,772170,570-17,776751162,317 162,317

    ANNEX 5: NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    NOTE 5.1: BASIS OF PREPARATION OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    The full year 2021 and 2020 information in this condensed financial statement on pages 6 to 9 is based on EVS Group’s consolidated financial statements for the 12 month-period ending December 31, 2021, which have not yet been published. This condensed interim financial statements of the Group were authorized for issuing by the Board of Directors on February 23rd, 2022.

    This interim report only provides an explanation of events and transactions that are significant to the understanding of the changes in financial position and reporting since the last annual reporting period and should therefore be read in conjunction with the full 2021 consolidated financial statements from which these condensed financial statements have been derived and which are planned to be published on EVS Group’s website by April 15th, 2022.

    These condensed interim financial statements have been prepared and presented in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted for use in the European Union. The accounting framework and standards adopted by the European Commission can be accessed through the following link on the website: http://ec.europa.eu/finance/company-reporting/index_en.htm.

    NOTE 5.2: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND METHODS
    These condensed interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as issued by the IASB, and as adopted by the EU. The accounting policies and methods adopted for the preparation of the company’s IFRS consolidated financial statements are consistent with those applied in the 2020 consolidated financial statements. The Company’s IFRS accounting policies and methods are available in the 2020 annual report on www.evs.com, except for the new, amended or revised IFRS standards and IFRIC Interpretations that have been adopted as of January 1st, 2021, which are listed hereunder:

    • Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39, IFRS 7, IFRS 4 and IFRS 16 Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Phase 2
    • Amendment to IFRS 16 Leases: COVID-19-Related Rent Concessions (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 June 2020)
    • Amendments to IFRS 4 Insurance Contracts – Extension of the Temporary Exemption from Applying IFRS 9 to 1 January 2023 (applicable for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2021)

    The adoption of these new, amended, or revised pronouncements did not have significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

    NOTE 5.3: SEGMENT REPORTING

    From an operational point of view, the company is vertically integrated with the majority of its staff located in the headquarters in Belgium, including the R&D, production, marketing and administration departments. Following the Axon acquisition in May 2020, EVS now also has a portion of its staff located in Netherlands and UK, mainly R&D and production teams. The Axon products, forming the Media Infrastructure part of the solution blueprint are integrated into the EVS solution portfolio. The majority of the investments and costs are still located at the level of the Belgian parent company. The other foreign subsidiaries are primarily sales and representative offices. The Chief Operating Decision Maker, being the Leadership Team, reviews the operating results, operating plans, and makes resource allocation decisions on a company-wide basis. Revenue related to products of the same nature (digital broadcast production equipment) are realized by commercial polyvalent teams. The company’s internal reporting is the reflection of the above-mentioned operational organization and is characterized by the strong integration of the activities of the company.

    By consequence, the company is composed of one segment according to the IFRS 8 definition, and the consolidated income statement of the group reflects this unique segment. All long-term assets are located in the parent company EVS Broadcast Equipment SA in Belgium.

    The company provides only one type of solution: live video technology for broadcast and new media productions with a consistent modular architecture. This is the product of EVS. There are no other significant classes of business, either singularly or in aggregate. Indeed, identical modules can meet the needs of different markets. Our customers themselves are often multi-markets. Providing information for each module is therefore not relevant for EVS.

    At the geographical level, our activities are divided into the following regions: Asia-Pacific (“APAC”), Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), and America (“NALA”). This division follows the organization of the commercial and support services within the group, which operate worldwide. A fourth region is dedicated to the worldwide events (“Big Event Rentals”).

    The company provides additional information with a presentation of the revenue by market pillar: “Live Service provider” (LSP), “Live Audience Business” (LAB) and “Big Event Rentals” (BER) for rental contracts relating to the big sporting events.

    Finally, sales are presented by nature: systems and services.

    5.3.1. Information on revenue by destination

    Revenue can be presented by Market Pillar: “Live Service provider”, “Live Audience Business” and “Big Event Rentals”. Maintenance and after sale service are included in the complete solution proposed to the clients.

    2H212H20% 2H21/
    2H20    		        Revenue (EUR thousands)FY21FY20% FY21/
    FY20
    42,98634,689+23.9%        Live Audience Business72,25956,685+27.5%
    23,81813,722+73.6%        Live Service Provider51,78530,158+71.7%
    9,021127+7003.1%        Big Event Rentals13,5341,268+967.4%
    75,82448,538+56.2%        Total Revenue137,57888,111+56.2%

    5.3.2. Information on revenue by geographical information

    Activities are divided by three regions: Asia-Pacific (“APAC”), Europe, Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”), and “Americas”. Aside of them, we also identify a fourth category “Big Event Rentals”.

    Revenue for the second half-year (EUR thousands)APAC
    excl. events    		EMEA
    excl. events    		Americas
    excl. events    		Big event
    rentals    		TOTAL
    2H21 revenue13,40131,69621,7069,02175,824
    Evolution versus 2H20 (%)+11.8%+38.9%+59.6%+7003.1%+56.2%
    Variation versus 2H20 (%) at constant currency+11.8%+38.9%+57.0%+7003.1%+55.7%
    2H20 revenue11,99122,82413,59612748,538

     

    Revenue for the YTD period (EUR thousands)APAC
    excl. events    		EMEA
    excl. events    		Americas
    excl. events    		Big event
    Rentals    		TOTAL
    FY21 revenue23,07763,46837,49913,534137.578
    Evolution versus FY20 (%)+19.6%+54.9%+41.4%+967.4%+56.2%
    Variation versus FY20 (%) at constant currency+19.6%+54.9%+30.5%+967.4%+53.0%
    FY20 revenue19,31541,00226,5261,26888,111

    Revenue realized in Belgium (the country of origin of the company) with external clients represent less than 5% of the total revenue for the period. In the last 12 months, the group realized significant revenue with external clients (according to the definition of IFRS 8) in three countries: The United States, Spain and Switzerland (respectively, EUR 32,8 million, EUR 10,9 million & 9,1 million in the last 12 months).

    5.3.3. Information on revenue by nature

    Revenue can be presented by nature: systems and services.

    2H212H20% 2H21/
    2H20    		        Revenue (EUR thousands)FY21FY20% FY21/
    FY20
    58,21441,722+39.5%        Systems106,41674,876+42.1%
    17,6106,816+158.4%        Services31,16213,236+135.4%
    75,82448,538+56.2%        Total Revenue137,57888,111+56.2%

    Services include advice, installations, project management, training, maintenance, and support.

    5.3.4. Information on important clients

    Over the last 12 months, no external client of the company represented more than 10% of the revenue.

    NOTE 5.4: EQUITY SECURITIES
    The number of treasury shares has changed as follows during the period, together with the outstanding warrants:

     20212020
    Number of own shares at January 1, 2021928,207400,180
    Acquisition of own shares on the market-544,307
    Sale of own shares on the market--
    Allocation to Employees Profit Sharing Plans-3,067-16,280
    Sale related to Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP) and other transactions--
    Number of own shares at December 31, 2021925,140928,207
       
    Outstanding warrants at December 31, 2021456,432325,832

    In 2021, the company did not repurchase own shares on the stock market (the share buyback program ended in 2020). No shares were used to satisfy the exercise of warrants by employees.

    The Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders of May 18, 2021, approved the allocation of 3,067 shares to EVS employees (grant of 10 shares to each staff member in proportion to their effective or assimilated time of occupation in 2020) as a reward for their contribution to the group successes. The expense related to this profit-sharing plan amounts to EUR 0.06 million and has been recorded under the caption “Profit-sharing plan and warrants”. As a consequence, at the end of 2021, the company owned 925,140 own shares at an average historical price of EUR 19.21.

    At the same date, 456,432 warrants were outstanding (158,600 new warrants granted, no exercise and 28,000 cancellations in 2021) with an average strike price of EUR 19.89 and an average maturity of November 2025.

    NOTE 5.5: DIVIDENDS
    The Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders of May 18th, 2021 approved the payment of a total gross dividend of EUR 0.50 per share for the year 2020.

    An interim dividend of EUR 0.50 was awarded in November 2021. For 2021 a full year dividend at EUR 1,00 will be proposed to the Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders.

    Next to this 2021 dividend, EVS would like to honor its past dividend promises intentions (an intent to distribute EUR 1,00 per share per annum for the period 2018-2021). After difficult market conditions in 2020, linked to the pandemic, EVS would like to grant an additional exceptional gross dividend of EUR 0,50 in May 2022. This will bring the total additional dividend to be paid in May 2022 to EUR 1,00. The proposal will be presented to the Ordinary General Meeting of shareholders as to ensure a full year 2021 dividend of EUR 1.50.

    (EUR thousands, gross amount)Coupon #Declaration date20212020
    Paid during the year :    
    - Final dividend for 2020 (EUR 0.50 per share excl. treasury shares)30Mai 20216,699-
    - Interim dividend for 2021 (EUR 0.50 per share excl. treasury shares)31Nov. 20216,701-
    Total paid dividends  13,400-

     

    (EUR thousands) 20212020
    Proposed for approval at the OGM :  
    - Total dividend for 2020 (EUR 0.50 per share incl. interim dividend)-6,699
    - Proposed dividend for 2021 (EUR 1,50) per share incl. interim dividend20,103-
     Total20,1036,699

    NOTE 5.6: OTHER INCOME
    In a transaction closed on 30 April 2020, the Company acquired 100% of the shares of Axon Investments B.V. (“Axon”). With development centers in the Netherlands and the UK, and more than 80 team members, Axon has an international presence in the live broadcast infrastructure market, including mobile trucks and data centers, and a product portfolio that complements EVS’s existing live production offering. At the acquisition date, the transaction qualified as a business acquisition treated in accordance with IFRS 3 Business acquisition (please refer to note 10.2 of the annual report of 2020).

    The contract contained a contingent consideration, ranging between EUR -0,5 million (reverse earn-out to be paid back by the sellers) and maximum EUR 2,5 million (earn-out to be paid by the Company), depending on the gross margin realized by Axon over the period 1 January 2020 to 31 January 2021. The fair value of the contingent consideration amounted to EUR 1 million at acquisition date and by the end of 2020. During 2021, no fair value change related to contingent consideration was recorded.

    Axon did not realize the target gross margin, as such, EVS reversed the contingent consideration initially recognized at acquisition date. The amount of EUR 1 million was recognized in other income.

    NOTE 5.7: FINANCIA        L REVENUES / (COSTS)

    (EUR thousands)FY21FY20
    Interest income on deposit5157
    Interest charges-893-833
    Exchange result1,117-957
    Other financial results13796
    Net Financial revenues / (costs)412-1,636

    The functional currency of EVS Broadcast Equipment S.A. as well as all of the subsidiaries is the euro, except for the American EVS Inc. subsidiary, whose functional currency is the US dollar and Axon Digital Design LTD subsidiary whose functional currency is the GBP. The presentation currency of the consolidated financial statements of EVS Group is the euro.

    The net exchange result is mainly explained by the appreciation of the USD and GBP exchange rates comparing EUR.
    For more information on exchange rates, see also the note 5.10.

    NOTE 5.8: INCOME TAX EXPENSE
    During 2021, income tax expense increased due to the increase of current income tax expense mainly explained by the raise of the profit before tax of the period for all components together with the decrease of deferred tax income essentially triggered by the consumption of reported tax losses.

    (EUR thousands)FY21FY20
    Current tax (expense) / income-1,2452,047
    Deferred tax (expense) / income-1,552786
    Total-2,7972,833

    NOTE 5.9: HEADCOUNT
    As of May 1st, 2020, EVS has integrated about 80 team members following the Axon acquisition explaining the delta between 2021 and 2020 in term of “twelve-month average”.

    (in full time equivalents)At December 31Twelve-months average
    2021551547
    2020550514
    Variation+0.2%+6.4%

    NOTE 5.10: EXCHANGE RATES
    The main exchange rate that influences the consolidated financial accounts is USD/EUR and GBP/EUR which have been taken into account as follows:

    Exchange rate USD / EURAverage FYAverage 2HAt December 31
    20211.18301.16141.1326
    20201.14221.18081.2271
    Variation3.57%-1.64%-7.70%

     

    Exchange rate GBP / EURAverage FYAverage 2HAt December 31
    20210.85990.85160.8403
    20200.88970.90420.8990
    Variation-3.35%-5.82%-6.53%

    NOTE 5.11: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
    The estimated fair values of the financial assets and liabilities are equal to their fair book values in the balance sheet.

    Periodically, EVS measures the group’s anticipated exposure to transactional exchange risk over one year, mainly relating to the EUR/USD risk. Given the group has a “long” position in USD and based on revenue forecasts, EVS hedges future USD net in-flows

    by forward foreign exchange contracts. The change in the fair value of the forward foreign exchange contracts goes directly through the income statement (other financial results) because the Group does not apply hedge accounting on these transactions. The valuation techniques used are mainly based on spot rates, forward rates and interest rate curves.

    On December 31, 2021, the Group has no hedging contract in place. The fair value variation of these financial instruments during 2021 amounted EUR 0.2 million recognized as a financial expense.

    NOTE 5.12: FINANCIAL DEBT
    On June 16th, 2020, a new loan of EUR 5.5 million has been negotiated with BNP Paribas Fortis in order to partially finance the acquisition of Axon. A first repayment of EUR 0.6 million has been done at the end of fiscal year 2020. The annual installments is EUR 1.1 million per year between 2021 and 2024 with a final repayment of EUR 0.6 million in 2025 when the loan will mature.

    On June 29th, 2020, a roll over credit line of EUR 5.0 million has been negotiated with Belfius bank in order to partially finance the acquisition of Axon. This amortizing credit line will end at the latest on 30/06/2025. As of this date, EVS has not used this credit facility.

    NOTE 5.13: Lands and buildings and other tangible assets
    The increase of lands and buildings during 2021 is mainly explained the investments of the year in office refurbishment work of EUR 0.3 million together with investment in progress of EUR 0.3 million and new lease contracts (and existing lease contracts reassessment) of EUR 4.2 million net of the depreciation of the year of EUR 3.8 million.

    The decrease of other tangible assets is mainly explained by the investments in office and IT equipment of the year of EUR 0.7 million and new lease contracts (and existing lease contracts reassessment) of EUR 0.7 million net of the depreciation of the year of EUR 2.2 million.

    Note 5.14: Pension plans
    Changes booked in 2021 in the Belgian defined obligation and fair value of plan assets were as follow:

     20212020
    In thousands of EURDefined benefit obligationFair value of plan assetsNet defined benefit liabilityDefined benefit obligationFair value of plan assetsNet defined benefit liability
    As of January 1, 20218,670 -7,686 984 7,218 -6,535 683
    Service cost1,39801,3981,07801,078
    Administrative costs 1818 2222
    Net interest expenses41-38375-732
    Other------
    Sub-total included in profit or loss1,439-201,4191,153 -52 1,102
    Benefits paid-1411410-1671670
           
    Return on plan assets--106-106--288-288
    Actuarial changes (assumptions) of which:      
    Arising from changes in demographic assumptions---
    0    		---
    0
    Arising from changes in financial assumptions-1,172 -1,172784-784
    Arising from experience adjustments1,791-691,722-318--318
    Sub-total included in OCI619-69550466 -288 178
           
    Contributions by employer--1,128-1,128--978-978
           
    As of December 31, 202110,587-8,7621,8258,670 -7,686 984

    The increase of the net defined benefit obligation is mainly explained by; the increase of the service cost triggered by the increase of the employer contributions (from 1.97% to 2.29% in 2021) for some plans, recognized in the income statement; together with the impact of the changes in financial assumptions (basically the increase of the discount rate) and the changes arising from experience (basically the increase of the salaries) both recognized in the comprehensive income statement.

    NOTE 5.16 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
    There were no other subsequent events that may have a material impact on the balance sheet or income statement of EVS.

    NOTE 5.17: RISK AND UNCERTAINTIES
    Investing in the stock of EVS involves risks and uncertainties. The risks and uncertainties relating to the current year 2022 are similar to the risks and uncertainties that have been identified by the management of the company and that are listed in the management report of the annual report (available at www.evs.com).

    Certification of responsible persons

    Serge Van Herck, representing a BV, CEO
    Veerle De Wit, representing a SRL, CFO

    Certify that, based on their knowledge,
    a)   the condensed financial statements, prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted by the European Union, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the issuer and the companies included in the consolidation,
    b)   the Directors’ report fairly presents the important events and related parties transactions of 2021 including their impact on the condensed financial statements, and a description of the existing risks and uncertainties for the remaining months of the fiscal year.

     

    Attachment


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