24.04.18 | Q1 2018 revenue: €4.6m; +19% Robust performance in line with expectations Continued strong international growth

Thorigné-Fouillard, France – Kerlink (ALKLK – FR0013156007), specialising in network and IoT solutions, published its third-quarter 2018 revenue today.

Group revenue grew 19% in the first quarter 2018. This expansion represents an excellent performance compared to an exceptionally strong Q1 2017 with growth of 144%. Revenue in the period was also helped by robust expansion in Asia-Pacific and growing sales of value-added applications services by the Kerlink Advanced Services BU.

Success of Group’s offering with telecom operators

                       IFRS –  Unaudited figures

Growth in public operators remains healthy at 36% against the comparable prior year period underlining the success of the Group’s value offer in this target market. Revenue in Q1 2017 was chiefly driven by the roll-out of network infrastructure by a leading European operator.

Revenue generated with private operators grew by 6% over the period. This was in line with Group projections, given that resources have been largely allocated to gaining sales and accelerating the deployment of major projects with international telecoms operators. Potential in this market remains high, with plentiful opportunities to roll out IoT networks in multiple geographical zones. The Group is to step up its sales drive to this customer segment in coming months, combining a direct sales approach and the ramp-up of its network of integrators and value-added service reseller partners.

Growth in value-added application services for connected objects

                                     IFRS –  Unaudited figures

At end-2017 the Group restructured its organisation around two strategic Business Units, focused on the areas of business expected to drive the Group’s growth in coming years.

 The first Business Unit, Kerlink Infrastructure Solutions, focuses on the sale of turnkey solutions for the Group’s IoT networks, including operator quality infrastructures and services for managing and maintaining the operating conditions of the networks it deploys.

The Kerlink Advanced Services Business Unit was set up to ensure the Group’s solutions rank among the leading value-added application services for connected objects, either in complement to the Group’s network solutions, or to round out other providers’ solutions used by prospective clients. Sales of application services by this Business Unit grew 66% in the quarter to €1.5 million. Growth came mainly from orders taken in late 2017.

 Robust growth in Asia Pacific

                                     IFRS –  Unaudited figures

The Group continued its international expansion. International revenue made up 44% of the total compared to 26% in Q1 2017. Its development in regions that are investing heavily in IoT tracks the sequential roll-out of network infrastructure projects.

In France, where strong sales with a leading operator in Q1 2017 created a challenging comparison base, like-for-like revenue fell back slightly (-11%).

In the EMEA region, strong order book growth in the second half of the year helped the group post sustained growth of 32% in the region, thanks notably to the delivery of agreements with top players such as Digimondo (Germany), Netemera (Poland) and Proximus (Belgium). Revenue in the region was over €1 million in Q1 2018.

In Asia-Pacific, subsidiaries KERLINK SINGAPORE PTE. LTD. and KERLINK IOT SOLUTIONS INDIA PRIVATE LTD were created to serve this fast-growing market. Revenue in this region is also nearing the €1 million mark for the quarter and includes operational roll-out of the Tata Communications contract.

In the Americas, a market where the Group has only been active since September 2017, revenue remains marginal but should benefit from the Group’s strong reputation among major players as they continue to deploy their technology.

Outlook: 2018, primed for sustained growth

As regards the top line, the Group is enjoying healthy sales momentum, ensuring clear visibility on infrastructure equipment revenues. Management and maintenance services should also continue to penetrate the market, based on a number of pilot operations under way.

The Reference Design service targets connected-equipment makers with a differentiated value proposition, allowing them to streamline their product design and significantly speed up time to market. Geolocation services are attracting a lot of interest from prospects in several vertical segments – industry, distribution, local authorities and operators.

In light of these favourable factors, Kerlink is confident in its ability to continue delivering strong growth this year.

Download the release