Forum Topics ACE ACE FY26 Results

Pinned straw:

Added 3 months ago

Quick update.

Revenue of $59.4m was mid of range ($58-61m), a smidge under me and consensus in line. EBITDA of $5.7m was above top of range a bit but likely a timing around NZ ramp up.

Guidance for FY26 is key. $79-$84m is an upgrade to consensus which is about $79m. Strong growth. Key will be ongoing wins to supper sustained growth in FY27.

Interesting is this report is the first time they disclosed Oz bis unit EBITA, which is $19.5m This is a EV/EBTDA multiple of ~5.8x at $0.91/sh. This is ex several things like road worker and R&D. Adding that back then underlying is more like $15m for a multiple of 7.3x. Still cheap if oz biz can growth low 10% without any significant new contract wins/expansions.

A lot to like here but key risks are sustaining larger contract wins to maintain higher growth rates beyond FY26 and litgiation from Redflex for which I have no idea about given what little is disclosed.

Magneto
Added 3 months ago

@Strawman Any chance of getting CEO Alexander Jannink for a meeting!

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Strawman
Added 3 months ago

I can definitely try @Magneto

Leave it with me.

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SudMav
Added 3 months ago

I didnt get a chance to attend the meeting for this one due to a conflicting work discussion, however will have a look later when I get a chance.

Things I like about their current update

  • Revenue up 20% from the previous year
  • Net cash from operating activities up 231% YoY
  • ACT deploying Seatbelts from 3 November which will further increase revenue from the same assets
  • Expansion into US and UK starting to go well with revenue starting to come in
  • NZ rollout is going well, with rollout commencing in May and full capacity expected to be rolled out by FY 26
  • Trialling of the railway safety cameras (which are very popular from a political perspective) which could lead to further revenue streams in the future
  • ISO27001 Certification for the UK entity should provide them with future tenders


Things not to like:

  • Like @BkrDzn said, the litigation from Redflex is still a big unknown from a price impact perspective.
  • Statutory NPAT and FCF significantly down from the previous year, albeit from amortisation of assets, with $9.5m spent on trailers for future rollouts
  • Staffing costs up 30% and cost of services up 20%, some of which will increase further once full year of NZ cameras is realised
  • Significant expansion in USA and UK underway which could divert their attention away from core revenue in Aus/NZ.


The annual report does not also mention the additional camera locations for SA which could come live later this FY. Given the track record to date, it is very likely that new contractual announcements will also occur over the coming year.

While there's some big expenditure being outlaid in the short term the thesis for this one is well in tact and still expecting NPAT for 2027 to be in the $15-20m range (pending future contracts).

My calculations are still showing that 2026-27 will be the best year for revenue, before some of the bigger contracts will need to be renegotiated. Still very bullish of the opportunity here, especially if the legal proceedings with Redflex are not to materialise.

I would be keen to hear from Alex about their experience with tenders and how the value proposition is being received in the market amongst existing/new customers.

Disc: Held IRL and SM.

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Stevie_B
Added 3 months ago

@Strawman any luck with organising a time to meet with Alexander? Keen to hear more about the $ACE biz.

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Strawman
Added 3 months ago

No reply as yet, but I can be rather pesky..

Let me give em a nudge @Stevie_B

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