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Could they just skate through?


 ASX Announcement

17 July 2023

Whispir Limited

(ASX : WSP)

Appendix 4C and Activities Update – Q4FY23

Cash flow break-even clearly in sight as free cash flow up 73% on Q3

Whispir Limited (ASX:WSP, Whispir or the Company) provides its Appendix 4C cash flow and activity report for the quarter ended 30 June 2023 (Q4 FY23, the Quarter). The prior corresponding period is Q4 FY22 (PCP), and the prior quarter is Q4 FY23 (PQ).

Quarterly Summary

● Free cash outflow for the Quarter of $1.33 million is a 72.7% ($3.54 million) improvement on the PQ of $4.87 million

● Expenditure from operating and investing activities has reduced by 21% ($3.89 million) on the PQ evidencing successfully completed cost reduction programs

● Receipts are down slightly by 2.6% ($0.35 million) on the PQ to $13.36 million (PQ $13.71 million)

● Funds received (net of costs) of $0.94 million from RiverFort Capital for working capital following execution of $7.50 million debt facility during the Quarter

● Cash at bank $4.32 million, providing cover for seven quarters (1.75 years) of free cash outflows based on the Quarter

● Positive cash flows expected to be generated during FY24 - supported by current revenue trajectory and sales pipeline, improving gross margins, and current cost base.

Quarterly performance

Free cash flow1

This Quarter is the first quarter to show the full impact of earlier restructures, with free cash outflow improving 72.7% ($3.54 million) over the PQ to $1.33 million. The significant reduction in outflows during the year, as illustrated in the chart, has improved the Company’s financial resilience, positioning it well to achieve positive free cash flow during FY24 as revenue growth and margins continue to improve.

1 Cash flow from operating and investing activities, excluding transfers from restricted cash

  

 Cash receipts

Receipts from customers for the Quarter were $13.36 million, a 2.6% decrease on the PQ. This small decline reflects timing of collections only as underlying revenue was up 1% for the Quarter compared to the PQ. Whilst Q4 FY23 revenue was not as strong a quarter as expected, recent contract wins suggest both revenue and receipts will improve next quarter.

Cash payments

Cash payments from operating and investing activities have reduced by 21% ($3.89 million) on the PQ following the successful execution of cost reduction programs, and continued improvement in margins. More specifically:

• Staffing costs (including capitalised development labour) were down 23% on the PQ, at $6.90 million reflecting the down-sizing of the US operations;

• Corporate administration costs were down 28% on the PQ to $1.14 million;

• Sales & marketing payments saw a similar sized reduction of 21% on the PQ to $1.01

million for the Quarter; and

• Product-related cash payments were $4.89 million, down 16% on the PQ, in part due to timing, but more importantly continued improvement in gross margins.

The Quarter includes payments to related parties of $271k for directors’ fees and CEO remuneration. Following the recent rightsizing of Whispir’s board, non-executive Director remuneration will be significantly lower going forward.

Cash reserves and financing

During the quarter, the Company entered into a funding agreement with RiverFort Capital, which provided the Company with an immediate cash injection (loan) of $0.94 million (net of costs) and access to a further $6.50 million upon approval by RiverFort. Further information on this facility is contained in the ASX announcement dated 23 June 2023.

At the end of the Quarter the Company had $4.32 million cash at bank, $1.01 million of restricted cash, and a further $6.51 million in unused credit facilities (which includes the RiverFort facility), providing cover for seven quarters of free cash flows (based on Q4 FY23).

Business news

Australia/New Zealand (ANZ)

The ANZ region has experienced positive momentum during the Quarter, including further gains in the health sector. Namely, the Company has signed a new contract via its Channel Partner to deliver electronic prescription messaging, an initiative which forms part of Australia’s National Digital Health Strategy. E-prescription messaging is where a unique electronic token (in the form of a QR code) is created and sent to the patient as an SMS or email. The token is a key that unlocks the electronic prescription. Patients can provide the token to the pharmacist to enable dispense and supply of the medicines. E-prescriptions are likely to become an increasingly popular way for patients to access medications, and this contract is expected to deliver at least $1 million revenue in FY24, starting in August.

Whispir continues to have a positive impact in the community. Since the Victorian Police launched its text-notification service “STOPIT” to help combat sexual offending on public

   

 ASX Announcement

transport – more than 1500 notifications have been received by the police leading to 13 arrests. This initiative is the first of its kind in Australia and is powered by the Whispir platform.

Whispir has recently renegotiated a 13% discount to its SMS delivery rates with one of its largest messaging carriers effective from 1 July 2023 which will serve to improve gross margins even further in this region.

Asia

During the Quarter the region signed several new blue-chip customers, all contributing valuable entry point sales which are expected to grow significantly over time.

Recently, a large insurance company has signed a 3-year renewal and will be integrating Whispir with another large software provider to further digitize their customer engagement. Another new customer win in the region will see Whispir powering their big data marketing campaign, uplifting capability from plain SMS to rich message content. In addition, a large bank in the region will be using Whispir to automate workflow with SMS and voice.

The chart below demonstrates the growth trajectory occurring in the region via Channel Partners over the last five months (up more than 7x), showing a noticeable acceleration in the last month of the Quarter.

FY24 outlook

Whispir CEO and founder Jeromy Wells said: “Recent contract wins, improving gross margins, and a reducing cost-base provide us with a clear line of sight to delivering a cash flow positive FY24. Whilst the initial $1 million drawdown from our debt facility provided us with greater flexibility to manage intra-month working capital requirements, we do not intend to make any further drawdowns as the business verges on being self-sustainable.”

“We continue to see demand for digital communications from existing and new customers in ANZ, while the significant growth we are seeing in our Asian business shows no sign of slowing. We have a solid sales pipeline for the year ahead and will continue to innovate our platform to create and seize additional opportunities in our key markets. The e-Prescription support is an example of the crucial role digital communications can play in everyday life, and this is true across all the sectors we work in. With our costs now reined in, and our sales efforts focused on markets offering immediate growth, we are confident about Whispir’s prospects in FY24.”

The Company expects to release its results for the financial year ended 30 June 2023 on 24 August 2023.

   

 ASX Announcement

 -ENDS-

Authorised by the Disclosure Committee.

Corporate

jenni@whispir.com

Jenni Pilcher, CFO & Company Secretary

+61 424 750737

About Whispir

Investors

Andrew.keys@keysthomas.com

Andrew Keys +61 400 400380

 Whispir supplies a no code, Communications-as-a-Service (“CaaS”) platform enabling seamless omnichannel interactions between organisations, their systems, and their people to solve common challenges in terms of compliance, deliverability, and engagement.

Whispir operates across three key regions of ANZ, Asia and North America and its platform is used across more than 60 countries. More information www.whispir.com.

  

Appendix 4C

Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B

Name of entity

WHISPIR LIMITED

ABN

89 097 654 656

1. Cash flows from operating activities

1.1 Receipts from customers

1.2 Payments for

(a) research and development

(b) product manufacturing and operating costs

(c) advertising and marketing

(d) leased assets

(e) staff costs

(f) administration and corporate costs

1.3 Dividends received (see note 3)

1.4 Interest received

1.5 Interest and other costs of finance paid

1.6 Income taxes paid

1.7 Government grants and tax incentives

1.8 Other (GST payment to the ATO)

1.9 Net cash from / (used in) operating activities

2. Cash flows from investing activities

2.1 Payments to acquire or for:

(a) entities

(b) businesses

(c) property, plant and equipment

(d) investments

(e) intellectual property

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20)

+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

Quarter ended (“current quarter”)

30 June 2023

Rule 4.7B

     Consolidated statement of cash flows

  Current quarter $A’000

  Year to date (12 months) $A’000

 13,355

(4,885) (1,014)

(5,982) (1,136)

1 (105)

-

(593)

(88) (915)

56,327

(23,716) (4,725)

(34,326) (7,768)

79 (227)

22 (2,029)

(228) (5,376)

Page 1

    (359)

  (16,363)

    

(f) other non-current assets

2.2 Proceeds from disposal of:

(a) entities

(b) businesses

(c) property, plant and equipment

(d) investments

(e) intellectual property

(f) other non-current assets

2.3 Cash flows from loans to other entities

2.4 Dividends received (see note 3)

2.5 Other (term deposits)

2.6 Net cash from / (used in) investing activities

3. Cash flows from financing activities

3.1 Proceeds from issues of equity securities (excluding convertible debt securities)

3.2 Proceeds from issue of convertible debt securities

3.3 Proceeds from exercise of options

3.4 Transaction costs related to issues of equity securities or convertible debt securities

3.5 Proceeds from borrowings

3.6 Repayment of borrowings

3.7 Transaction costs related to loans and borrowings

3.8 Dividends paid

3.9 Other (payment of finance lease liabilities)

3.10 Net cash from / (used in) financing activities

4. Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents for the period

4.1 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

4.2 Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9 above)

4.3 Net cash from / (used in) investing activities (item 2.6 above)

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20)

+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

31 31

- (342) - 617

- 13 1,000 1,000

(60) (60) (242) (1,091)

4,969 26,078 (359) (16,363) (972) (5,298)

Page 2

Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B

  Consolidated statement of cash flows

  Current quarter $A’000

  Year to date (12 months) $A’000

  (972)

  (5,298)

            698

  (138)

              

Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B

  Consolidated statement of cash flows

  Current quarter $A’000

  Year to date (12 months) $A’000

  4.4 4.5 4.6

  Net cash from / (used in) financing activities (item 3.10 above)

Effect of movement in exchange rates on cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  698 (16)

  (138) 41

  4,320

 4,320

 5. Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents

at the end of the quarter (as shown in the consolidated statement of cash flows) to the related items in the accounts

  Current quarter $A’000

  Previous quarter $A’000

 5.1 Bank balances

5.2 Call deposits

5.3 Bank overdrafts

5.4 Other (Term Deposits < 3 mth maturity)

5.5 Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter (should equal item 4.6 above)

2,809 4,455 1,511 514 - - - -

 4,320

 4,969

    6. Payments to related parties of the entity and their associates

Current quarter $A'000

   6.1 Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 1

6.2 Aggregate amount of payments to related parties and their associates included in item 2

The amount disclosed at item 6.1 is of comprised Directors’ fees and the CEO’s base remuneration for the current quarter.

Note: if any amounts are shown in items 6.1 or 6.2, your quarterly activity report must include a description of, and an explanation for, such payments.

271

  -

   ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20)

+ See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

Page 3


Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B

   Total facility amount at quarter end $A’000

  Amount drawn at quarter end $A’000

 7. Financing facilities

Note: the term “facility’ includes all forms of financing arrangements available to the entity.

Add notes as necessary for an understanding of the sources of finance available to the entity.

7.1 Loan facilities

7.2 Credit standby arrangements

7.3 Other (credit cards)

7.4 Total financing facilities

7.5 Unused financing facilities available at quarter end

7,500 1,000

123 104

7,623 1,104 6,519

     7.6 Include in the box below a description of each facility above, including the lender, interest rate, maturity date and whether it is secured or unsecured. If any additional financing facilities have been entered into or are proposed to be entered into after quarter end, include a note providing details of those facilities as well.

  Credit card facilities are utilised across two providers:

• NAB AUD 50k, secured at 12.65%.

• Silicon Valley Bank USD 25k (AUD 38k at closing rates), unsecured at 15.60%.

• Amex AUD 35k, unsecured, zero interest rate with 3% late payment fee and $1.2k annual membership fee.

• RiverFort convertible note facility of $7.5M, at a rate of 12% interest per annum plus 6% drawdown fee. Further drawdowns under this facility are subject to RiverFort’s approval. For a summary of the terms and conditions of this facility please refer to the ASX announcement made by the Company on 23 June 2023.

  8. Estimated cash available for future operating activities

8.1 Net cash from / (used in) operating activities (item 1.9)

8.2 Cash and cash equivalents at quarter end (item 4.6)

8.3 Unused finance facilities available at quarter end (item 7.5)

8.4 Total available funding (item 8.2 + item 8.3)

8.5 Estimated quarters of funding available (item 8.4 divided by item 8.1)

$A’000

(424) 4,320 6,519

10,415

    Note: if the entity has reported positive net operating cash flows in item 1.9, answer item 8.5 as “N/A”. Otherwise, a figure for the estimated quarters of funding available must be included in item 8.5.

8.6 If item 8.5 is less than 2 quarters, please provide answers to the following questions:

8.6.1 Does the entity expect that it will continue to have the current level of net operating cash flows for the time being and, if not, why not?

8.6.2 Has the entity taken any steps, or does it propose to take any steps, to raise further cash to fund its operations and, if so, what are those steps and how likely does it believe that they will be successful?

ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20) Page 4 + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.

25

   Answer: N/A

   Answer: N/A

  

Appendix 4C Quarterly cash flow report for entities subject to Listing Rule 4.7B

8.6.3 Does the entity expect to be able to continue its operations and to meet its business objectives and, if so, on what basis?

Note: where item 8.5 is less than 2 quarters, all of questions 8.6.1, 8.6.2 and 8.6.3 above must be answered.

Compliance statement

    Answer: N/A

  1

This statement has been prepared in accordance with accounting standards and policies which comply with Listing Rule 19.11A.

This statement gives a true and fair view of the matters disclosed. 17 July 2023

2

Date:

Authorised by: By the Disclosure Committee

(Name of body or officer authorising release – see note 4)

Notes

1. This quarterly cash flow report and the accompanying activity report provide a basis for informing the market about the entity’s activities for the past quarter, how they have been financed and the effect this has had on its cash position. An entity that wishes to disclose additional information over and above the minimum required under the Listing Rules is encouraged to do so.

2. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards, the definitions in, and provisions of, AASB 107: Statement of Cash Flows apply to this report. If this quarterly cash flow report has been prepared in accordance with other accounting standards agreed by ASX pursuant to Listing Rule 19.11A, the corresponding equivalent standard applies to this report.

3. Dividends received may be classified either as cash flows from operating activities or cash flows from investing activities, depending on the accounting policy of the entity.

4. If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the board”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a committee of your board of directors, you can insert here: “By the [name of board committee – eg Audit and Risk Committee]”. If it has been authorised for release to the market by a disclosure committee, you can insert here: “By the Disclosure Committee”.

5. If this report has been authorised for release to the market by your board of directors and you wish to hold yourself out as complying with recommendation 4.2 of the ASX Corporate Governance Council’s Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations, the board should have received a declaration from its CEO and CFO that, in their opinion, the financial records of the entity have been properly maintained, that this report complies with the appropriate accounting standards and gives a true and fair view of the cash flows of the entity, and that their opinion has been formed on the basis of a sound system of risk management and internal control which is operating effectively.

 ASX Listing Rules Appendix 4C (17/07/20) Page 5 + See chapter 19 of the ASX Listing Rules for defined terms.


#ASX Announcements
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Added 2 years ago

Bullish.


Appendix 4C and Activities Update – Q3 FY22

Whispir Limited (ASX:WSP, Whispir or Company) provides its Appendix 4C cash flow and activity report for the quarter ending 31 March 2022 (Q3 FY22, the Quarter). The prior corresponding period (PCP) is Q3 FY21.

Quarterly Highlights

● Cash receipts for the Quarter of $19.8 million; up 81.6% on PCP of $10.9 million

● Cash outflows reduced as cost efficiencies and savings are realised

● Free cash outflows for the Quarter of $5.6 million, in line with expectations

● Cash on hand is $31.2 million

● Annualised Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $62.4 million, up 24.1% on PCP of $50.3 million Quarterly cash flow performance

Whispir has recorded a free cash outflow1 for the Quarter of $5.6 million, which is broadly consistent with last quarter’s at $5.5 million, as the business focuses on the path to profitability.

Cash receipts – strong growth on PCP

Cash receipts for the Quarter were $19.8 million, a significant growth of 81.6% on PCP, demonstrating the strength of the business in FY2022. Cash receipts for the Quarter were in line with expectations, and down by 22% on last quarter (which included a larger portion of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out programs).

Cash outflows from operations falling as efficiencies are realised

The Company is recognising the positive effects of its recently implemented efficiencies and cost management program, outlined in the chart below:

  1 Cash flow from operating and investing activities, excluding transfers to/from restricted cash (e.g. term deposits, bank guarantees and security deposits) disclosed as “Other”.

 

 ASX Announcement Page 2

 Staff costs (including capitalised labour disclosed as intellectual property) decreased by 4%, or $0.5 million, to $12.2 million, from the last quarter. Included in staff costs are payments totalling $292k, to related parties for non-executive directors’ fees, managing director remuneration, and director expenses. The Company closed the Quarter with 263 employees and is now broadly right-sized.

Most notably, administration and corporate costs decreased by 47%, or $2.0 million, to $2.2 million. Whilst a portion of this decrease is due to timing (last quarter included annual insurance premiums by way of example), the Quarter is 19% below this year’s quarterly average of $2.8 million, and savings due to the efficiencies and cost management program. These savings are expected to continue.

The Company closed the Quarter with $31.2 million of cash on hand ($32.8 million including restricted cash balances of $1.6 million).

ARR continues to demonstrate consistent growth

ARR has increased 24.1% over PCP to $62.4 million, up 4.0% on the prior quarter. ARR continues to show steady and consistent growth, quarter on quarter, as demonstrated in the chart below:

  

 ASX Announcement Page 3

 Customer growth continues across all regions

Whispir signed 82 new customers during the Quarter (up 39% from 59 new customers PCP). Pleasingly, the North America continued its sales momentum, gaining a further 26 new customers in the Quarter (up 117% from 12 new customers PCP). Asia was also consistent with last quarter gaining 18 new customers (up 6% from 17 new customers PCP). ANZ region signed 38 new customers for another solid quarter of growth (up 27% from 30 new customers PCP), and customer churn remains within expected levels of less than 5%.

Jeromy Wells, Founder and CEO, commented, “We have had an exceptional three quarters, and I fully expect our sales momentum to continue into the last quarter, which is traditionally the strongest quarter of the year for Whispir. Our sales momentum, combined with savings delivered from operational efficiencies, provide line of sight to sustainable profitable operations.”

Enhanced leadership capability

During the Quarter, Whispir made three key senior management appointments. These appointments reflect Whispir's commitment to attracting the best talent to the leadership team as the Company increases momentum in the delivery of its innovative technology agenda and provides the world’s leading communications intelligence platform.

Annie Wissner joined Whispir as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), based in Colorado. With over 20 years of experience in the B2B technology space, award-winning brand building, and customer engagement expertise, Ms. Wissner was most recently Vice President of North American and UK marketing at MessageMedia. Prior to this, Ms. Wissner spent seven years at Oracle as a key contributor to its first marketing and channel programs. She followed this with eleven years at Microsoft, where she held several strategic global leadership positions to help establish Microsoft as a top mid-market SaaS solution.

Graham Link joined Whispir as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), based in Melbourne. Mr. Link has over 20 years of experience in leading technology, strategy and product development. Most recently, Mr. Link was Chief Information Officer for Moula, where he led the software and engineering delivery of the company's payments and lending products. Prior to Moula, Mr. Link spent 7 years with Property Exchange Australia (PEXA), where he redefined the global technology strategy to include the development of roadmaps that leveraged new technologies and opportunities in the market. Prior to PEXA, Link spent nine years with Accenture, working in Australia, the United Kingdom and North America on complex digital transformation projects.

Jonathan Wilkinson-Baldry was promoted to Chief Product Officer (CPO) and will be based in Melbourne from May 2022. Mr. Wilkinson-Baldry has over 20 years of experience across architecture, strategy, technology and product development. Joining Whispir in 2020, Mr. Wilkinson-Baldry led the implementation of Whispir's Enterprise Architecture practice, after providing independent advisory architecture and strategy services to several enterprise organisations across Australia. Mr. Wilkinson-Baldry was previously the Chief Technical Officer of e-nable Solutions and a Product Architect at Interactive, creating technology and software- based solutions in the mobile workforce, cloud-computing and enterprise data management domains. Prior to this, Mr. Wilkinson-Baldry spent thirteen years, including eleven years with IBM, working in Australia, UK, Europe, Middle East and North America in technology & software delivery of complex Enterprise Asset Management projects.

Jeromy Wells, Founder and CEO, further commented, “I am delighted to have Annie and Graham join our Company and congratulate Jonathan for his promotion to the role of CPO. Our strengthened executive team, our substantial sales pipeline which is building in all regions, combined with our current momentum, provides a great platform for growth to continue into the next financial year and beyond.”

  

 ASX Announcement Page 4

 Outlook

Whispir has delivered another strong quarterly result by maintaining strong cash receipts combined with disciplined cost control and is in line with the Company’s expectations. The Company continues to be on track to meet FY2022 guidance, with revenue trending towards the upper end of the guidance range of $68 million.

Authorised by the Disclosure Committee.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

Corporate

sk@whispir.com

Sophie Karzis, Company Secretary +61 409 540 827

About Whispir

Investors

ir@whispir.com

Jenni Pilcher, CFO +61 424 750 737

 Whispir is a global scale SaaS company, founded in 2001 to provide a communications workflow platform that automates interactions between organisations and people.

Our products enable organisations to improve their communications through automated workflows to ensure stakeholders receive accurate, timely, useful and actionable insights in a