Opera Limited announces first quarter 2019 financial results
- Revenue grew 30% to
$51.3 million year-over-year, above the top end of Opera’s guidance range, and representing the 8th consecutive quarter of sequential revenue growth - Strong user growth, with monthly active users averaging 222 million for smartphone (up 20% YoY and 7% QoQ) and 65 million for PC (up 14% YoY and 7% QoQ); and total monthly active users now at 350 million
Opera News surpassed 150 million monthly active users, with the dedicatedOpera News app reaching 32 million monthly active users, up 62% versus last quarter- New fintech business, OKash, exceeded expectations, already at an annualized revenue run-rate of over
$25 million - Adjusted EBITDA of
$11.0 million , above the top-end of guidance and including significant investment in user growth - Strong focus on ad monetization with the recent launch of Opera Ads - a new platform to facilitate both traditional and programmatic access to Opera’s inventory
- Raises 2019 revenue guidance range to
$230 - $240 million , representing 36% growth at the midpoint versus 2018 (compared to prior guidance of 31%)
First quarter 2019 financial highlights | ||||||
First quarter | Year-over- | |||||
[US$ thousands, except for margins and per ADS amounts] | 2018 | 2019 | year % change |
|||
Revenue | 39,446 | 51,275 | 30.0 | % | ||
Net income (loss) | 6,619 | 5,384 | -18.7 | % | ||
Margin | 16.8 | % | 10.5 | % | ||
Adjusted EBITDA (1) | 15,613 | 11,038 | -29.3 | % | ||
Margin | 39.6 | % | 21.5 | % | ||
Adjusted net income (1) | 9,870 | 7,753 | -21.5 | % | ||
Margin | 25.0 | % | 15.1 | % | ||
Diluted net income per ADS, US$ | 0.068 | 0.048 | -29.1 | % | ||
Diluted adjusted net income per ADS, US$ (1) | 0.101 | 0.069 | -31.7 | % | ||
Mr.
“Our efforts to build on our strong position in
(1) Please see the separate section “About non-IFRS financial measures” for the definitions of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income.
First quarter 2019 user base and product highlights
(All comparisons are relative to the first quarter of 2018 unless otherwise stated)
Opera News average Monthly Active Users (“MAUs”) grew 66% to 149.9 millionThe Opera News app, launched inJanuary 2018 , reached approximately 32 million average MAUs, up 62% from the prior quarter- Total smartphone average MAUs grew 20% to 221.6 million
- PC average MAUs grew 13% to 65 million
Mr.
“We continue to prioritize growing our
“When it comes to monetization, a top priority is to build our monetization capabilities in order to achieve stronger ARPUs in emerging markets. Just last week, we launched Opera Ads. Based on user intent and contextual relevance, Opera Ads offers an intelligent advertising solution to digital agencies, advertisers and brands to connect and engage directly with the Opera audiences. Opera Ads is available in both traditional and programmatic buying models, and would be a strong alternative to advertisers in key regions where we are big, e.g. sub-Saharan Africa. We have had early pilot programs on Opera Ads already with our key partners, where we are able to see significant growth potentials. While we still focus on product improvement and user growth, getting monetization right in our dedicated
“We are also pleased with the strong results obtained within OKash, the fintech business that was acquired by Opera at the end of 2018. We have made tremendous progress scaling the business, taking it to nearly four times the size it was in the fourth quarter of 2018. As a result, we exceeded our expectations both in terms of revenue and profit contribution. We believe there is tremendous potential to scale the platform further and we are planning to expand our offering beyond
“On the browser side, we continue to focus on product differentiation, including privacy and security. Opera for Android, which is a high-end alternative to default browsers, is now launched with a free and easy to use VPN, seeing a year-to-year growth of 38% and quarter-to-quarter growth of 15%. We have also published a redesigned PC browser codenamed R3, becoming the first PC browser with Web 3 support, powering a year-to-year PC browser MAU growth of 14% in a mature market. Opera has always led the way with innovation - and we are always working on the next improvement we can bring to our current and new users.”
Business outlook
Mr.
As a result, Opera expects full year and second quarter 2019 revenue and adjusted EBITDA to be in the following ranges:
Full Year:
- Revenue of
$230 - $240 million , or 34% - 39% year-over-year, an increase from our previous guidance of$220 - $230 million . - Adjusted EBITDA of
$30 - $45 million , which includes approximately$35 - $40 million of incremental marketing investments over the remainder of 2019.
Second Quarter:
- Revenue of
$53 - $57 million, or 33% - 43% growth versus the second quarter of 2018, representing an acceleration in revenue growth compared to the first quarter. Advertising and fintech revenues are expected to be the most important growth drivers. - Adjusted EBITDA of
$2 - $5 million. This includes a further increase of marketing investments inOpera News and browsers compared to the recent quarter.
First quarter 2019 consolidated financial results
All comparisons in this section are relative to the first quarter of 2018 unless otherwise stated.
Revenue increased 30.0% to
- Search revenue increased 1.8% to
$20.6 million , or increased by an estimated 5.3% on a constant currency basis. Growth was stronger on the PC platform, while we have focused on growingOpera News adoption on mobile. - Advertising revenue increased 9.5% to
$14.1 million , or increased by an estimated 12.0% on a constant currency basis. Advertising revenue growth was driven by both smartphone and PC products, however, we expect an acceleration of this revenue stream through 2019 as our new product monetization efforts pick up scale. - Fintech revenue was
$6.5 million . This business has performed ahead of our expectations as we were able to nearly quadruple its scale from the prior quarter when Opera acquired it. - Retail revenue was
$6.8 million . We continue to expect retail revenue to stabilize around this level in the near-term prior to potentially exploring a wider retail opportunity. - Technology licensing and other revenue decreased 48% to
$3.3 million , in line with expectations as we prioritized other scalable revenue types.
Operating expenses increased 54.4% to
- Cost of revenue was
$7.8 million , compared to$0.7 million in the first quarter of 2018. Within the total,$6.8 million related to retail revenue,$0.5 million related to microlending and$0.6 million related to the browser and news business area. - Personnel expenses, including share-based remuneration, were
$11.1 million , a 0.1% decline. This expense consists of cash-based compensation expense of$9.7 million , an 11.6% increase, largely explained by increased headcount, and share-based remuneration expense of$1.4 million , a 41.3% decrease from$2.4 million . The reduction in share-based remuneration was primarily related to a decrease in related social security costs. - Marketing and distribution expenses were
$14.7 million , an increase of 100.1% following our decision to further invest in accelerating our growth in 2019. - Credit loss expense was
$1.9 million , of which$1.7 million related to our fintech microlending business, compared to a gain of$0.2 million from accrual reversals in the first quarter of 2018. - Depreciation and amortization expenses were
$4.1 million , a 22.3% increase. The increase is largely the result of the adoption of IFRS 16 Leases onJanuary 1, 2019 . - Other expenses were
$6.2 million , a 15.5% decrease.
Operating profit was
Income tax expense was
Net income was
Net income per ADS was
Adjusted EBITDA was
Adjusted Net Income was
Conference call
Opera’s management team will host a conference call at
The dial-in details for the live conference call are:
International: +1 (786) 815-8450
Confirmation Code: 3690717
A live webcast of the conference call will be posted at https://investor.opera.com.
About non-IFRS financial measures
To supplement our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented based on IFRS, we use adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income, both non-IFRS financial measures, to understand and evaluate our core operating performance. These non-IFRS financial measures, which may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies, are presented to enhance investors’ overall understanding of our financial performance and should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS.
We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding income tax expense (benefit), net finance expense (income), share of net loss (income) of associates and joint ventures, restructuring costs, depreciation and amortization, share-based remuneration and expensed costs related to our recent initial public offering, less other income.
We define adjusted net income as net income excluding share-based remuneration, amortization of acquired intangible assets, and expensed costs related to our recent initial public offering.
We believe that adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results. These non-IFRS financial measures adjust for the impact of items that we do not consider indicative of the operational performance of our business. While we believe that these non-IFRS financial measures are useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared and presented in accordance with IFRS. Please refer to our financial statements at the end of this announcement for a table reconciling our non-IFRS financial measures to net income (loss), the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure.
Safe harbor statement
This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements, including statements relating to the Company’s future financial and operating results, are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, management’s quotations and the Business outlook section contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about Opera and the industry. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those relating to its goals and strategies; its expected development and launch, and market acceptance, of its products and services; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our brand, platforms and services; our expectations regarding growth in our user base and level of engagement; its ability to attract, retain and monetize users; its ability to continue to develop new technologies and/or upgrade our existing technologies and quarterly variations in its operating results caused by factors beyond its control and global macroeconomic conditions and its potential impact in the markets it has businesses. All information provided in this press release is as of the date hereof, and Opera undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although Opera believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that its expectations will turn out to be correct, and investors are cautioned that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Further information regarding risks and uncertainties faced by Opera is included in Opera’s filings with the
About Opera
Founded in 1995 in
Investor Relations Contact:
investor-relations@opera.com or (408) 596-3055
For media enquiries, please contact: press-team@opera.com
OPERA LIMITED | ||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS | ||||
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||
[US$ thousands, except per share and ADS amounts] | 2018 | 2019 | ||
Revenue | 39,446 | 51,275 | ||
Operating expenses | ||||
Cost of revenue | (678 | ) | (7,796 | ) |
Personnel expenses including share-based remuneration | (11,110 | ) | (11,104 | ) |
Marketing and distribution expenses | (7,338 | ) | (14,686 | ) |
Credit loss expense | 215 | (1,856 | ) | |
Depreciation and amortization | (3,388 | ) | (4,142 | ) |
Other expenses | (7,370 | ) | (6,232 | ) |
Total operating expenses | (29,669 | ) | (45,815 | ) |
Operating profit (loss) | 9,776 | 5,460 | ||
Share of net income (loss) of associates and joint ventures | (1,009 | ) | (1,024 | ) |
Net finance income (expense) | ||||
Finance income | 95 | 1,692 | ||
Finance expense | (34 | ) | (154 | ) |
Net foreign exchange gain (loss) | 81 | 153 | ||
Net finance income (expense) | 142 | 1,691 | ||
Net income (loss) before income taxes | 8,909 | 6,126 | ||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (2,289 | ) | (742 | ) |
Net income (loss) | 6,619 | 5,384 | ||
Net income (loss) attributable to: | ||||
Equity holders of the parent | 6,619 | 5,384 | ||
Non-controlling interests | - | - | ||
Total net income (loss) attributed | 6,619 | 5,384 | ||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding | ||||
Basic, millions(1) | 190.25 | 218.78 | ||
Diluted, millions(2) | 195.33 | 223.96 | ||
Net income (loss) per ordinary share | ||||
Basic, US$ | 0.035 | 0.025 | ||
Diluted, US$ | 0.034 | 0.024 | ||
Net income (loss) per ADS | ||||
Basic, US$ | 0.070 | 0.049 | ||
Diluted, US$ | 0.068 | 0.048 | ||
(1) Assuming 200 million shares in Opera Limited were outstanding for all periods presented prior to the Initial Public Offering (IPO), less 9.75 million shares that were surrendered by two shareholders upon completion of the IPO. As of March 31, 2019, the total number of shares outstanding for Opera Limited was 220,576,326, equivalent to 110,288,163 ADSs. | ||||
(2) Includes the net dilutive impact of employee equity awards. | ||||
OPERA LIMITED | ||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | ||||
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||
[US$ thousands] | 2018 | 2019 | ||
Net income (loss) | 6,619 | 5,384 | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss) that may be reclassified to the Statement of Operations in subsequent periods (net of tax) | ||||
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations | 404 | (345 | ) | |
Share of other comprehensive income (loss) of associates and joint ventures | - | (34 | ) | |
Net other comprehensive income (loss) that may be reclassified to the Statement of Operations in subsequent periods | 404 | (379 | ) | |
Total comprehensive income (loss) | 7,024 | 5,005 | ||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: | ||||
Equity holders of the parent | 7,024 | 5,005 | ||
Non-controlling interests | - | - | ||
Total comprehensive income (loss) attributed | 7,024 | 5,005 | ||
OPERA LIMITED | ||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION | ||||
As of December 31, | As of March 31, | |||
[US$ thousands] | 2018 | 2019 | ||
ASSETS | ||||
Non-current assets | ||||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | 12,162 | 26,293 | ||
Intangible assets | 115,444 | 114,506 | ||
Goodwill | 421,578 | 421,578 | ||
Investments in associates and joint ventures | 35,060 | 36,402 | ||
Other financial assets | 2,025 | 2,531 | ||
Deferred tax assets | 944 | 585 | ||
Total non-current assets | 587,213 | 601,896 | ||
Current assets | ||||
Trade receivables | 37,468 | 38,959 | ||
Loans to customers | 3,092 | 10,269 | ||
Other receivables | 4,031 | 3,146 | ||
Prepayments | 14,372 | 11,330 | ||
Other financial assets | 1,254 | 7,398 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 177,873 | 169,846 | ||
Total current assets | 238,090 | 240,946 | ||
TOTAL ASSETS | 825,303 | 842,842 | ||
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||||
Equity | ||||
Share capital | 22 | 22 | ||
Other paid in capital | 738,690 | 732,910 | ||
Retained earnings | 36,432 | 43,014 | ||
Foreign currency translation reserve | 316 | (63 | ) | |
Equity attributed to equity holders of the parent | 775,460 | 775,884 | ||
Non-controlling interests | - | - | ||
Total equity | 775,460 | 775,884 | ||
Non-current liabilities | ||||
Lease liabilities and other loans | 2,271 | 11,981 | ||
Deferred tax liabilities | 13,358 | 14,088 | ||
Other non-current liabilities | 212 | 368 | ||
Total non-current liabilities | 15,841 | 26,437 | ||
Current liabilities | ||||
Trade and other payables | 17,957 | 23,824 | ||
Lease liabilities and other loans | 2,490 | 6,356 | ||
Income tax payable | 1,920 | 1,904 | ||
Deferred revenue | 1,932 | 1,455 | ||
Other current liabilities | 9,701 | 6,983 | ||
Total current liabilities | 34,002 | 40,521 | ||
Total liabilities | 49,843 | 66,958 | ||
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 825,303 | 842,842 | ||
OPERA LIMITED | ||||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | ||||||||||
[US$ thousands] | Share capital (1) | Other paid in capital (1) |
Retained earnings |
Foreign currency translation reserve |
Total equity | |||||
As of December 31, 2017, as previously reported | 19 | 576,512 | 5,366 | 1,605 | 583,503 | |||||
Impact of new accounting standards | - | - | (629 | ) | - | (629 | ) | |||
As of January 1, 2018, restated | 19 | 576,512 | 4,737 | 1,605 | 582,874 | |||||
Net income (loss) | - | - | 6,619 | - | 6,619 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | - | - | - | 404 | 404 | |||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | - | - | 6,619 | 404 | 7,023 | |||||
Share-based remuneration expense | - | - | 1,369 | - | 1,369 | |||||
As of March 31, 2018 | 19 | 576,512 | 12,726 | 2,009 | 591,266 |
[US$ thousands] | Share capital (1) | Other paid in capital (1) |
Retained earnings |
Foreign currency translation reserve |
Total equity | |||||
As of December 31, 2018 | 22 | 738,690 | 36,432 | 316 | 775,460 | |||||
Impact of implementing IFRS 16 Leases | - | - | 64 | - | 64 | |||||
As of January 1, 2019, restated | 22 | 738,690 | 36,496 | 316 | 775,524 | |||||
Net income (loss) | - | - | 5,384 | - | 5,384 | |||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | - | - | - | (379 | ) | (379 | ) | |||
Total comprehensive income (loss) | - | - | 5,384 | (379 | ) | 5,005 | ||||
Acquisition of treasury shares | - | (5,780 | ) | - | - | (5,780 | ) | |||
Share-based remuneration expense | - | - | 1,134 | - | 1,134 | |||||
As of March 31, 2019 | 22 | 732,910 | 43,014 | (63 | ) | 775,884 | ||||
(1) The amounts of share capital and other paid in capital have been amended by reclassifying amounts between the two equity components. | ||||||||||
OPERA LIMITED | ||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS | ||||
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||
[US$ thousands] | 2018 | 2019 | ||
Net cash flow from (used in) operating activities | 4,137 | 9,106 | ||
Net cash flow from (used in) investing activities | 2,451 | (9,694 | ) | |
Net cash flow from (used in) financing activities | (1,050 | ) | (7,495 | ) |
Net change in cash and cash equivalents | 5,538 | (8,083 | ) | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 33,207 | 177,873 | ||
Net foreign exchange difference | 555 | 56 | ||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 39,300 | 169,846 | ||
Financial details by business area
The tables below specify the contribution by each business area:
[US$ thousands] | Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 | ||||||||||
Business area | Browser and News | Fintech | Retail | Other | Total | ||||||
Revenue categories | |||||||||||
Search | 20,217 | - | - | - | 20,217 | ||||||
Advertising | 12,916 | - | - | - | 12,916 | ||||||
Airtime and handsets | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
Technology licensing and other revenue | - | - | - | 6,313 | 6,313 | ||||||
Origination fees and interest | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||
Total revenue | 33,133 | - | - | 6,313 | 39,446 | ||||||
Cost of revenue | (678 | ) | - | - | - | (678 | ) | ||||
Marketing and distribution expenses | (7,338 | ) | - | - | - | (7,338 | ) | ||||
Credit loss expense | 215 | - | - | - | 215 | ||||||
Direct expenses | (7,801 | ) | - | - | - | (7,801 | ) | ||||
Contribution by business area | 25,332 | - | - | 6,313 | 31,645 |
[US$ thousands] | Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 | ||||||||||
Business area | Browser and News | Fintech | Retail | Other | Total | ||||||
Revenue categories | |||||||||||
Search | 20,584 | - | - | - | 20,584 | ||||||
Advertising | 14,142 | - | - | - | 14,142 | ||||||
Airtime and handsets | - | - | 6,819 | - | 6,819 | ||||||
Technology licensing and other revenue | - | - | - | 3,266 | 3,266 | ||||||
Origination fees and interest | - | 6,464 | - | - | 6,464 | ||||||
Total revenue | 34,726 | 6,464 | 6,819 | 3,266 | 51,275 | ||||||
Cost of revenue | (565 | ) | (478 | ) | (6,753 | ) | - | (7,796 | ) | ||
Marketing and distribution expenses | (14,180 | ) | (506 | ) | - | - | (14,686 | ) | |||
Credit loss expense | (132 | ) | (1,724 | ) | - | - | (1,856 | ) | |||
Direct expenses | (14,876 | ) | (2,709 | ) | (6,753 | ) | - | (24,338 | ) | ||
Contribution by business area | 19,850 | 3,755 | 66 | 3,266 | 26,937 | ||||||
Personnel expenses including share-based remuneration
The table below specifies the amounts of personnel expenses including share-based remuneration:
[US$ thousands] | Three Months Ended March 31, |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||
Personnel expenses including share-based remuneration | 2018 | 2019 | |||
Personnel expenses excluding share-based remuneration | 8,661 | 9,667 | |||
Share-based remuneration, including related social security costs | 2,449 | 1,437 | |||
Total | 11,110 | 11,104 | |||
Other expenses
The table below specifies the nature of other expenses:
[US$ thousands] | Three Months Ended March 31, |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||
Other expenses | 2018 | 2019 | |||
Hosting | 2,618 | 1,527 | |||
Audit, legal and other advisory services | 2,248 | 1,634 | |||
Software license fees | 380 | 552 | |||
Rent and other office expenses | 1,122 | 1,124 | |||
Travel | 520 | 579 | |||
Other | 483 | 817 | |||
Total | 7,370 | 6,232 | |||
Non-IFRS financial measures
The following table presents reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted net income to net income (loss), the most directly comparable IFRS financial measure, for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended March 31, |
Three Months Ended March 31, |
|||
[US$ thousands, except per share and ADS amounts] | 2018 | 2019 | ||
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA | ||||
Net income (loss) | 6,619 | 5,384 | ||
Add: Income tax expense (benefit) | 2,289 | 742 | ||
Add: Net finance expense (income) | (142 | ) | (1,691 | ) |
Add: Share of net loss (income) of associates and joint ventures | 1,009 | 1,024 | ||
Add: Depreciation and amortization | 3,388 | 4,142 | ||
Add: Share-based remuneration | 2,449 | 1,437 | ||
Adjusted EBITDA | 15,613 | 11,038 | ||
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income | ||||
Net Income (loss) | 6,619 | 5,384 | ||
Add: Share-based remuneration | 2,449 | 1,437 | ||
Add: Amortization of acquired intangible assets | 1,280 | 1,280 | ||
Income tax adjustment (1) | (478 | ) | (348 | ) |
Adjusted net income | 9,870 | 7,753 | ||
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding | ||||
Basic, millions | 190.25 | 218.78 | ||
Diluted, millions | 195.33 | 223.96 | ||
Adjusted net income (loss) per ordinary share | ||||
Basic, US$ | 0.052 | 0.035 | ||
Diluted, US$ | 0.051 | 0.035 | ||
Adjusted net income (loss) per ADS | ||||
Basic, US$ | 0.104 | 0.071 | ||
Diluted, US$ | 0.101 | 0.069 | ||
(1) Reversal of tax benefit related to the social security cost component of share-based remuneration and deferred taxes on the amortization of acquired intangible assets. | ||||
Source: Opera Limited