RNS Number : 1467Q
Seeing Machines Limited
16 October 2023

Seeing Machines Limited ("Seeing Machines" or the "Company")

16 October 2023

Year End Results - FY2023

Increasing global regulatory momentum targeting key transport sectors underpins significant growth

Seeing Machines Limited (AIM: SEE, "Seeing Machines" or the "Company"), the advanced computer vision technology company that designs AI-powered operator monitoring systems to improve transport safety, has published its audited financial results for the year ended 30 June 2023 ("FY2023" or "the period").

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:

- Revenue increased by 48% to US$57.8m (2022: US$38.7m), ahead of market expectations[1]

- Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) increased 53% to US$9.7m (2022: US$6.4m) - a lead indicator for future royalty revenue

- Annual Recurring Revenue as at 30 June 2023 increased by 27% to US$13.6m (2022: US$10.7m)

- Total OEM revenue, including both Automotive and Aviation, increased by 153% to US$26.6m (2022: US$10.5m)

- Automotive royalty revenues increased by 91% to US$7.6m (2022: US$3.9m)

- Aftermarket revenue increased by 10% to US$31.2m (2022: US$28.4m)

- Royalties from Guardian hardware sales of US$2.4m (2022: US$3.6m)

- Gross Profit of US$28.9m represents increase of 65% (2022: US$17.5m)

- EBITDA improved to a loss of US$9.3m (2022: loss of US$16.3m)

- Strong balance sheet, with cash[2] at 30 June 2023 of US$36.1m (2022: US$40.5m)

Paul McGlone, CEO of Seeing Machines, commented: "The global demand for our technology has delivered strong growth in FY2023, despite some challenges and delays. Our three business units are now well established, and we are expecting to see continued growth from each of them as we move closer to compliance deadlines in Europe, where every vehicle on European roads will require technology to mitigate risks associated with fatigue and distraction. Seeing Machines is working directly with commercial vehicle OEMs to increase the installation of Guardian technology as factory-fit (After Manufacture) and with transport and logistics operators as retrofit, our more traditional application. In Automotive, while programs are taking longer to be awarded, we expect there to be fewer, larger awards given the Euro NCAP and GSR dates looming. And finally, in the growing Aviation business, we are working with world-leading Collins Aerospace following the announcement of our exclusive collaboration. The combination of these factors lead to revenue expectations in FY26 of not less than US$125m.

At end September, we can report a cash balance of US$30.8m and expect to achieve a cash break-even run rate during FY25 from our increasing focus on revenue growth and cost management."

OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS:

- Martin Ive appointed as CFO bringing significant public company experience

- Regulatory momentum continues to accelerate as compliance dates for Europe's General Safety Regulation to enhance road safety approach; and the US ramps up activity to incorporate safety legislation requiring technology to reduce risks associated with distracted and impaired driving

- The Company launched publication of quarterly Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) to report on growth across Automotive as cars start production and momentum in Aftermarket with Guardian connections and hardware sales

AUTOMOTIVE:

- Seeing Machines and Magna International entered into an exclusive, world-first collaboration to develop Driver and Occupant Monitoring System (DMS / OMS) technology integrated into the rear-view mirror, which included a US$65m investment in the Company via an exclusivity arrangement payment of US$17.5m and a convertible note of US$47.5m

- An additional program to deliver DMS / OMS for an existing European based global OEM brings total won awards to 15 across 10 individual OEMs, carrying an initial, cumulative lifetime value of US$321m with the majority of that revenue to be recognised over the period to 2028

- A total of 6 OEM programs have now started production, and at 30 June 2023, Seeing Machines' technology is installed in over 1 million vehicles globally

- Over the 12-month period to 30 June 2023, cars on road increased by 143% to 1,086,176 units (Q4 FY22: 447,225)

- Annual production volume increased 101% to 638,951 vehicles (FY2022: 317,491)

- Omnivision, a leading global developer of semiconductor solutions launched its OAX4600 system-on-chip (SOC) platform with interior sensing technology optimised with the Company's Occula® Neural Processing Unit

AVIATION:

- Seeing Machines signed an exclusive licence Agreement with Collins Aerospace generating licence revenue over three years of US$10m, to jointly develop pioneering eye-tracking solutions for the Aviation industry

- Collins will also pay the Company Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) payments to develop specific solutions, which will evolve into potential future royalty payments as shipsets are released to customers

- With no competition in this space, today, this world-first collaboration brings together the companies' collective expertise in navigation, communication, sensor technology, flight controls and aviation system design to accelerate innovation and safety across the industry

AFTERMARKET:

- Monitored Guardian connections increased 30% during the last 12 months to 51,975 units (Q4 FY2022: 39,892)

- Total Guardian hardware sales for FY2023 of 14,779 units, with Q4 achieving record sales of over 10,000 units as backlog demand met following easing of earlier supply chain constraints

- After Manufacture Segment (factory-fit) developing into a key market for Guardian Gen 3, as European General Safety Regulation requires all new commercial vehicles to be fitted with technology to reduce risks of driver drowsiness in 2024, with requirements set to expand to distraction from 2026

- Seeing Machines is working with Mobileye to jointly target Aftermarket business globally, enhancing the Company's Guardian solution by incorporating the Mobileye suite of external facing Aftermarket products to alert drivers of potentially dangerous situations


RESULTS PRESENTATIONS

Sell-side Analyst Briefing - The Company will host an in-person briefing for analysts hosted by Paul McGlone, Chief Executive Officer and Martin Ive, Chief Financial Officer. This will take place at 9:00am BST on 16th October at the offices of Dentons Global Advisors.

Private Investor Presentation - Paul McGlone, Chief Executive Officer and Martin Ive, Chief Financial Officer, will provide a live presentation and Q&A via the Investor Meet Company platform on 16th October 2023 at 10:15am BST.

Enquiries:

Seeing Machines Limited

+61 2 6103 4700

Paul McGlone - CEO

Sophie Nicoll - Corporate Communications

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker)

+44 20 7710 7600

Alex Price

Fred Walsh

Nick Adams

Ben Burnett

Dentons Global Advisors (Media Enquiries)

James Styles
Jonathon Brill

seeingmachines@dentonsglobaladvisors.com

+44 20 7664 5095

About Seeing Machines (AIM: SEE), a global company founded in 2000 and headquartered in Australia, is an industry leader in vision-based monitoring technology that enable machines to see, understand and assist people. Seeing Machines is revolutionizing global transport safety. Its technology portfolio of AI algorithms, embedded processing and optics, power products that need to deliver reliable real-time understanding of vehicle operators. The technology spans the critical measurement of where a driver is looking, through to classification of their cognitive state as it applies to accident risk. Reliable "driver state" measurement is the end-goal of Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) technology. Seeing Machines develops DMS technology to drive safety for Automotive, Commercial Fleet, Off-road and Aviation. The company has offices in Australia, USA, Europe and Asia, and supplies technology solutions and services to industry leaders in each market vertical.

www.seeingmachines.com

Review of Operations

The Company's total revenue for the financial year (excluding foreign exchange gains and finance income) was US$57,771,000 compared to the 2022 revenue of US$39,000,000, representing a 48% increase on prior year results.

Product

2023
US$'000

2022
US$'000

Variance
%

OEM

26,707

10,518

154

Aftermarket

31,064

28,482

9

OEM revenue more than doubled compared to the previous corresponding period in line with the early stage ramp up of vehicle production for a number of Automotive OEM programs. Royalty revenues, derived from installation of Seeing Machines' Driver Monitoring System (DMS) technology, increased by 91% to US$7,580,000 from US$3,960,000 in FY22. The growth in royalty revenues in the OEM business has resulted in the revenue mix moving to a greater proportion of higher margin revenue streams, which is expected to continue as Automotive programs become the dominant source of revenue for this business unit. In FY23, the OEM operating segment entered into two key exclusive collaboration arrangements which earned licensing revenue of US$11,332,000 (2022: nil). The remainder of the revenue in the OEM segment primarily represents NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) revenue which is software development activities undertaken to embed DMS technologies into the specific OEM configuration prior to the commencement of production. NRE revenue increased by 16% to US$6,766,000 (2022: US$5,850,000), and is a lead indicator of future royalty revenue.

Aftermarket hardware and installation revenue decreased by 2% over the prior year to US$14,495,000 (2022: US$14,722,000) which was due to limited hardware supply in the first half of the financial year. Connected Guardian units increased to 51,975 units in June 2023 representing 30% growth from 39,832 in June 2022. As a result of this growth, monitoring services revenue increased by 17% to US$11,117,000 (2022: US$9,512,000), continuing the accumulation of recurring revenue from the Guardian connections.

Gross profit increased from US$17,508,000 in FY22 to US$28,898,000 in FY23. Operational gross profit margin improved 5% year on year from 45% in FY22 to 50% in FY23 primarily reflecting increased high-margin OEM royalty and exclusivity licence revenues.

The Company continued to invest in its core technology development to further strengthen its competitive moat, rapidly expand features and leverage its unique systems approach across global OEM and Aftermarket industries. As a result, Seeing Machines has reflected a portion of development expenditure which meets recognition criteria as an intangible asset. During FY23, such development expenditure amounting to US$23,685,000 (2022: US$18,611,000) was capitalised and US$2,444,000 (2022: US$829,000) was amortised. The remaining research and development costs have been expensed and amount to US$11,264,000 (2022: US$11,251,000). The total investment in research and development for the current year amounting to US$34,949,000 (2022: US$29,862,000).

The resultant loss for the period represented a decrease of US$3,019,000 at US$15,548,000 (2022 loss: US$18,567,000).

Net cash and cash equivalents at 30 June 2023 totalled US$36,139,000 (2022: US$40,470,000).

On 4 October 2022, Seeing Machines received funding of US$47,500,000 from Magna International in the form of a non-transferable 4-year convertible note maturing in October 2026 (the "Convertible Note"). Details of the Convertible Note can be found in Note 21 to the Financial Statements. The proceeds of the Convertible Note are being used to meet technology demands, for general working capital and corporate purposes, as well as to strengthen the Company's balance sheet so that it is fully funded to deliver on its current business plan.

Operational Highlights

Seeing Machines continues to grow across all segments, now a well-recognised leader in the delivery of proven driver and occupant monitoring system technology with accelerated momentum achieved throughout FY23.

Martin Ive, CFO, was appointed to the Company in November 2022. Martin is a highly experienced finance professional and chartered accountant. He was previously the CFO for leading ASX-listed Altium Limited and is responsible for overseeing the global finance function and providing financial insights and information to guide strategic and operational decisions.


Regulatory tailwinds have increased demand across all road transport segments as Europe's General Safety Regulation (GSR2) is now in effect, and Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) five-star system imminent for all cars sold across Europe, delivering a positive global impact on DMS fitment. The USA is ramping up its path towards a regulated requirement for driver assistance features, including DMS, to address distraction and impairment, in particular. Seeing Machines is working closely with rule-makers and other bodies in the USA to inform the protocols that underpin robust safety outcomes.

The introduction of quarterly Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) during the period has enabled the Company to demonstrate ongoing momentum as well as year on year growth for the Automotive and Aftermarket businesses. In Automotive, revenue has transitioned from low margin NRE to high margin royalty revenue as cars start production across a range of programs. Seeing Machines now has more than 1 million cars on the road (1,086,176) installed with DMS technology. This number is projected to grow substantially for the foreseeable future based on current programs and will further expand as more programs are awarded, currently under Request for Quote (RFQ). The value of current won business, based on initial minimum volumes stands at US$321m with the majority of that revenue to be recognised over the period to 2028.

A highlight during the period was the agreement between Seeing Machines Limited and Magna to exclusively co-market DMS/OMS integrated into the rear-view mirror. This location is predicted to experience the biggest growth across all markets and represents a big step-change for the Company. Working with one of the world's largest automotive tier-one suppliers, with a focus on mirrors, will enable Seeing Machines to increase market share as OEMs work hard to meet regulatory requirements, deliver a reliable driver and occupant monitoring solution and respond to the integration challenge inside the cabin.

In Aftermarket, Guardian connections have increased by 30% over the year to almost 52,000 global installations, contributing to expanding Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) performance. With a historically low churn rate across this business, ARR is a very important contributor to overall Company revenue. Regulation, specifically in Europe with the GSR, is positively impacting the potential for increased Guardian connections and there has been good momentum in Europe with commercial vehicle manufacturers seeking to 'factory-fit' the technology in order to sell compliant vehicles across the continent, and globally. Seeing Machines is engaged with these customers and this additional segment ("After Manufacture") is now a key focus for the Company. The regulatory momentum has also seen increased interest in large multinational organisations and Seeing Machines will refocus on the USA as it launches its third generation Guardian technology early in 2024.

Seeing Machines signed an exclusive licence with Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, to jointly develop pioneering eye-tracking solutions for the global Aviation industry. Collins Aerospace is the world's largest Tier 1 Avionics company and has been working successfully with Seeing Machines for some years. Building on this history, the collaboration will enable the two companies to access the significant opportunity across aircraft and simulators of over US$700 million in the next 20 years, and to develop revolutionary fatigue management technology solutions to increase safety across this sector. The exclusivity will see Collins pay Seeing Machines US$10 million over three years as well as NRE payments that will cover development of solutions, evolving into potential future royalty payments as shipsets are released to customers.

Seeing Machines exists to get people home safely and now boasts three revenue generating business units that are contributing to that mission every day.

Significant changes in the state of affairs

During the financial year there was no significant change in the state of affairs of the Company other than those referred to elsewhere in this report and in the financial statements or notes thereto.


Seeing Machines Limited

Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 30 June 2023



Consolidated entity
At


Notes

30 June
2023
US$'000

30 June
2022
US$'000

1 July
2021
US$'000

Assets

Current assets





Cash and cash equivalents

10

36,139

40,470

35,541

Trade and other receivables

11

27,039

18,588

14,887

Contract assets

12

6,513

3,433

1,613

Inventories

13

11,191

933

1,970

Other financial assets

17

312

325

354

Other current assets

14

1,116

2,244

2,465

Total current assets


82,310

65,993

56,830

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

15

3,861

3,033

2,520

Right-of-use assets

26

1,853

2,376

7,154

Intangible assets

16

45,064

23,609

3,189

Total non-current assets


50,778

29,018

12,863

Total assets


133,088

95,011

69,693

Liabilities

Current liabilities





Trade and other payables

18

11,646

11,290

6,629

Contract liabilities

20

4,634

2,495

579

Lease liabilities

26

708

653

688

Provisions

19

4,414

3,512

3,669

Total current liabilities


21,402

17,950

11,565

Non-current liabilities





Borrowings

21

40,322

-

-

Lease liabilities

26

2,195

3,000

3,954

Deferred tax liabilities

7

2,464

-

-

Provisions

19

174

245

144

Total non-current liabilities


45,155

3,245

4,098

Total liabilities


66,557

21,195

15,663

Net assets


66,531

73,816

54,030


Seeing Machines Limited

Consolidated statement of financial position

As at 30 June 2023

(continued)



Consolidated entity
At


Notes

30 June
2023
US$'000

30 June
2022
US$'000

1 July
2021
US$'000

Equity

Contributed equity

22

240,948

240,948

201,093

Other equity

23

5,749

-

-

Accumulated losses

24

(185,520)

(169,972)

(151,405)

Other reserves

24

5,354

2,840

4,342

Total equity attributable to owners of Seeing Machines Limited


66,531

73,816

54,030


Seeing Machines Limited

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 June 2023



Consolidated entity
Year ended


Notes

30 June
2023
US$'000

30 June
2022
US$'000

Sale of goods


14,596

15,911

Services revenue


21,489

15,491

Royalty and licence fees


21,686

7,598

Revenue

4

57,771

39,000

Cost of sales


(28,873)

(21,492)

Gross profit


28,898

17,508

Net foreign exchange gains

5

916

1,022

Other income

5

31

77

Expenses

6



Research and development expenses


(11,264)

(11,251)

Customer suport and marketing expenses


(6,477)

(6,525)

Operations expenses


(12,865)

(8,161)

General and administration expenses


(12,938)

(11,167)

Operating loss


(13,699)

(18,497)

Finance income


691

282

Finance costs


(2,571)

(328)

Finance costs - net


(1,880)

(46)

Loss before income tax


(15,579)

(18,543)

Income tax (expense)/benefit

7

31

(24)

Loss for the period


(15,548)

(18,567)

Loss is attributable to:

Equity holders of Seeing Machines Limited


(15,548)

(18,567)


Seeing Machines Limited

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the year ended 30 June 2023

(continued)



Consolidated entity
Year ended


Notes

30 June
2023
US$'000

30 June
2022
US$'000

Loss for the period


(15,548)

(18,567)

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss




Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

24

310

(5,137)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period, net of tax


310

(5,137)

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period


(15,238)

(23,704)

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period is attributable to:




Owners of Seeing Machines Limited


(15,238)

(23,704)



Cents

Cents

Loss per share for profit attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the Company:




Basic loss per share

9

(0.004)

(0.004)

Diluted loss per share

9

(0.004)

(0.004)


Seeing Machines Limited

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the year ended 30 June 2023

Consolidated entity

Notes

Contributed Equity
US$'000

Other equity
US$'000

Accumulated Losses
US$'000

Foreign Currency Translation Reserve
US$'000

Employee Equity Benefits & Other Reserve
US$'000

Total
equity
US$'000

Balance at 1 July 2021


201,093

-

(151,405)

(8,991)

13,333

54,030

Loss for the period


-

-

(18,567)

-

-

(18,567)

Other comprehensive loss


-

-

-

(5,137)

-

(5,137)

Total comprehensive loss


-

-

(18,567)

(5,137)

-

(23,704)

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:








Shares issued

22

40,864

-

-

-

-

40,864

Capital raising costs

22

(1,009)

-

-

-

-

(1,009)

Share-based payments

28

-

-

-

-

3,635

3,635

Balance at 30 June 2022


240,948

-

(169,972)

(14,128)

16,968

73,816

Balance at 1 July 2022


240,948

-

(169,972)

(14,128)

16,968

73,816

Loss for the year ended


-

-

(15,548)

-

-

(15,548)

Other comprehensive loss


-

-

-

310

-

310

Total comprehensive loss


-

-

(15,548)

310

-

(15,238)

Transactions with owners in their capacity as owners:








Share-based payments

28

-

-

-

-

2,204

2,204

Value of conversion rights on convertible notes

23

-

5,749

-

-

-

5,749

Balance at 30 June 2023


240,948

5,749

(185,520)

(13,818)

19,172

66,531


Seeing Machines Limited

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the year ended 30 June 2023



Consolidated entity
Year ended


Notes

30 June
2023
US$'000

30 June
2022
US$'000

Cash flows from operating activities




Receipts from customers (inclusive of GST)


52,183

37,961

Payments to suppliers and employees (inclusive of GST)


(77,412)

(49,543)

Interest received


691

284

Interest paid


(5)

-

Income taxes paid


(496)

(192)

Net cash (outflow) from operating activities

25

(25,039)

(11,490)

Cash flows from investing activities




Purchase for plant and equipment


(1,703)

(1,344)

Payments for intangible assets (patents, licences and trademarks)


(253)

(257)

Payment of intangible assets (capitalised development costs)


(23,685)

(18,611)

Interest received on financial assets held as investments


13

-

Net cash (outflow) from investing activities


(25,628)

(20,212)

Cash flows from financing activities




Proceeds from issues of new shares


-

40,864

Cost of capital raising


-

(1,009)

Proceeds from borrowings


47,500

-

Transaction costs in borrowings


(1,202)

-

Principal repayment of lease liabilities


(1,005)

(922)

Net cash inflow from financing activities


45,293

38,933

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents


(5,374)

7,231

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year


40,470

35,541

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents


1,043

(2,302)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of financial year

10

36,139

40,470

To read the FY2023 Annual Financial Report and access accompanying notes to the above tables, please visit https://www.seeingmachines.com/investors/announcements



[1] Consensus expectations for FY2023 are revenue of US$53.9m

[2] Working capital increased due to the timing of Guardian inventory deliveries, leading to an increased level of inventory and receivables at 30 June 2023. Inventory levels are sufficient to support demand for H1 FY2024 and will unwind along with receivables in the first half of FY24.



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