Lesaka(LSAK) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Results

Preliminary FY2025 Results and FY2026 Outlook Lesaka reports strong FY2025 profitability, despite net loss from non-cash charges, and provides optimistic FY2026 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA and EPS FY2025 Performance Summary Lesaka delivered on its FY2025 profitability guidance, with significant year-on-year growth in key adjusted metrics, despite a substantial net loss primarily due to non-operating, non-cash charges FY2025 Financial Performance (YoY Growth in ZAR) | Metric | Value (USD) | Value (ZAR) | YoY Growth (ZAR) | | :--------------------------- | :---------- | :---------- | :--------------- | | Net Revenue (non-GAAP) | $328.7 million | ZAR 5.3 billion | 38% | | Net Loss | $87.5 million | ZAR 1.6 billion | 386% | | Group Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $50.7 million | ZAR 922.2 million | 33% | | Basic loss per share | $1.14 | ZAR 19.49 | 284% | | Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) | $10.4 million | ZAR 186.2 million | 263% | | Adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) | $0.13 | ZAR 2.29 | 187% | - Net Loss was largely due to a tax-adjusted $49.3 million (ZAR 897.6 million) non-operating, non-cash charge from a change in fair value and sale of MobiKwik, $18.4 million (ZAR 326.2 million) impairment losses, and $17.8 million (ZAR 321.9 million) once-off transaction costs[7] Q4 2025 Performance Summary Lesaka reported strong year-on-year growth in Q4 2025 for Net Revenue and Group Adjusted EBITDA, with adjusted earnings per share also showing significant improvement, while net loss increased due to specific non-cash charges Q4 2025 Financial Performance (YoY Growth in ZAR) | Metric | Value (USD) | Value (ZAR) | YoY Growth (ZAR) | | :--------------------------- | :---------- | :---------- | :--------------- | | Net Revenue (non-GAAP) | $82.0 million | ZAR 1.5 billion | 47% | | Net Loss | $28.8 million | ZAR 515 million | 452% | | Group Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) | $16.7 million | ZAR 305.6 million | 61% | | Basic loss per share | $0.35 | ZAR 6.33 | 338% | | Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) | $4.4 million | ZAR 80.4 million | 292% | | Adjusted earnings per share (non-GAAP) | $0.05 | ZAR 0.99 | 211% | - Net Loss was largely due to a tax-adjusted $5.7 million (ZAR 101.4 million) non-operating, non-cash charge relating to a change in fair value and sale of MobiKwik, $18.4 million (ZAR 326.2 million) impairment losses, and $13.2 million (ZAR 237.5 million) once-off transaction costs[7] FY2026 Guidance Lesaka reaffirms its FY2026 profitability outlook, guiding for substantial growth in Adjusted EBITDA and more than doubling Adjusted EPS, while withdrawing previous revenue guidance due to a restatement FY2026 Guidance (Year ending June 30, 2026) | Metric | Guidance Range (ZAR) | Implied Growth | | :--------------------------- | :------------------- | :-------------- | | Net Revenue | ZAR 6.4 billion - ZAR 6.9 billion | (Previous guidance withdrawn) | | Group Adjusted EBITDA | ZAR 1.25 billion - ZAR 1.45 billion | At least 35% growth | | Net Income Attributable to Lesaka | To be positive | N/A | | Adjusted earnings per share | At least ZAR 4.60 | >100% YoY growth | - The previously provided FY2026 revenue guidance has been withdrawn in light of the restatement[12] Q1 2026 Guidance For Q1 FY2026, Lesaka expects Net Revenue between ZAR 1.50 billion and ZAR 1.65 billion and Group Adjusted EBITDA between ZAR 260 million and ZAR 300 million Q1 FY2026 Guidance (Quarter ending September 30, 2025) | Metric | Guidance Range (ZAR) | | :------------------- | :------------------- | | Net Revenue | ZAR 1.50 billion - ZAR 1.65 billion | | Group Adjusted EBITDA | ZAR 260 million - ZAR 300 million | Chairman's Commentary Chairman Ali Mazanderani highlighted FY2025 as a strong year, meeting profitability guidance and advancing strategic priorities. He expressed confidence in maintaining momentum into FY2026, projecting significant growth in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS - FY2025 was a strong year for the Group, delivering on profitability guidance and advancing key strategic priorities[4] - Expects to maintain momentum into FY2026, guiding for adjusted EBITDA growth of at least 35%[4] - Introduced an adjusted earnings per share guidance, expecting this to more than double in FY2026 to at least ZAR 4.60, from ZAR 2.29 per share this year[4] Key Financial and Operational Updates Lesaka provides crucial updates on the restatement of interim FY2025 financial results, the preliminary nature of current figures, and exclusions from its FY2026 guidance Restatement of Interim Fiscal 2025 Financial Results Lesaka's Audit Committee concluded that interim FY2025 financial statements need restatement due to re-evaluation of revenue classification (agent vs. principal). This restatement is expected to increase revenue and cost of goods sold but have no impact on operating income, net loss, or cash flows - Unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarters ended September 30, 2024, December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025, should be restated[11] - Restatement is due to re-evaluation of the classification of certain revenue that has been reported as an agent rather than as principal, and related cost of goods sold[11] - The restatement is expected to have no impact on reported operating income (loss), net loss or loss per share or net cash flows or liquidity, but will result in an increase in revenue offset by a corresponding increase in cost of goods sold, IT processing, servicing and support[11] Important Note Regarding Preliminary, Unaudited Financial Results The financial results presented are preliminary and unaudited, subject to finalization and audit. Actual reported results may differ based on year-end closing procedures, adjustments, and audit findings - The financial results in this press release are preliminary estimates and unaudited[13] - Actual results remain subject to completion of financial statements and their audit by the independent registered public accounting firm[13] - Audited results will be included in the filing on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2025[14] FY2026 Guidance Exclusions The FY2026 guidance provided by Lesaka explicitly excludes the impact of the announced Bank Zero acquisition and any other unannounced mergers and acquisitions - FY2026 guidance excludes the impact of the Bank Zero acquisition (subject to regulatory approval)[9] - Guidance also excludes any unannounced mergers and acquisitions that may be concluded[9] Non-GAAP Financial Measures This section defines key non-GAAP financial metrics used by Lesaka, including Group Adjusted EBITDA, Net Revenue, Adjusted Earnings, and Headline (Loss) Earnings Per Share Group Adjusted EBITDA Definition Group Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure calculated as net loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, further adjusted for non-operational transactions, impairment loss, equity-accounted investments, stock-based compensation, and once-off items - Group Adjusted EBITDA is net loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization[19] - It is adjusted for non-operational transactions (including loss on disposal of equity-accounted investments), impairment loss, loss from equity-accounted investments, stock-based compensation charges and once-off items[19] - Once-off items represent non-recurring expense items, including costs related to acquisitions and transactions consummated or ultimately not pursued[19] Net Revenue Definition Net Revenue is a non-GAAP measure derived from GAAP revenue by subtracting the cost of Pinned Airtime sold and commissions paid to third parties for agency-based prepaid solutions. This measure aims to neutralize the impact of revenue mix changes between principal and agent transactions - Net Revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure; GAAP revenue is the most directly comparable measure[20] - Calculated as GAAP revenue less (i) the cost of Pinned Airtime sold and (ii) commissions paid to third parties selling all other agency-based pre-paid solutions[21] - The use of Net Revenue is meaningful to users of financial information because it seeks to eliminate the impact of the change in the revenue mix from the revenue categories over the periods presented[21] Adjusted Earnings and Adjusted Earnings Per Share Definition Adjusted earnings and Adjusted earnings per share are non-GAAP measures that modify GAAP net loss and loss per share by excluding amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, stock-based compensation, and unusual non-recurring items, with specific additional adjustments for fiscal years 2025 and 2024 - Adjusted earnings and Adjusted earnings per share are GAAP net loss and loss per share adjusted for the amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets (net of deferred taxes), stock-based compensation charges, and unusual non-recurring items[22] - For fiscal 2025, adjustments also include changes in fair value of equity securities, impairment loss, deferred tax adjustments, loss on disposal of equity-accounted investments, and intangible asset amortization related to non-controlling interests[23] - For fiscal 2024, adjustments also include an impairment loss related to an equity-accounted investment, unrealized currency loss related to non-core business, and a reversal of allowance for a doubtful loan receivable[24] Headline (Loss) Earnings Per Share (H(L)EPS) Definition H(L)EPS is a JSE listing requirement, calculated using GAAP net (loss) income adjusted for impairment losses related to equity-accounted investments, impairment losses, and profit/loss on sale of property, plant, and equipment - The inclusion of H(L)EPS in this press release is a requirement of Lesaka's listing on the JSE[26] - H(L)EPS basic and diluted is calculated using net (loss) income which has been determined based on GAAP[26] - Adjusted for impairment losses related to equity-accounted investments, impairment losses and (profit) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment[27] Company Information This section provides an overview of Lesaka Technologies Inc., clarifies the nature of forward-looking statements, and lists investor and media relations contacts About Lesaka Technologies Inc. Lesaka Technologies Inc. is a South African fintech company providing financial services, software, and business services to underserviced consumers and merchants in Southern Africa. It offers an integrated multi-product platform and is listed on NASDAQ and JSE - Lesaka operates a South African fintech company driven by a purpose to provide financial services, software and other business services to Southern Africa's underserviced consumers and merchants[28] - Offers an integrated and holistic multiproduct platform that provides transactional accounts, lending, insurance, merchant acquiring, cash management, software and Alternative Digital Products ("ADP")[28] - Lesaka has a primary listing on NASDAQ (NASDAQ:LSAK) and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE: LSK)[29] Forward-Looking Statements The press release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, including potential differences between preliminary and actual results, restatement impacts, and regulatory actions. Lesaka assumes no obligation to update these statements - This press release contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934[30] - Forward-looking statements are based upon current beliefs and expectations of management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified[30] - Risks include, without limitation, the risk that unaudited preliminary results may differ from actual results, the timely completion of the restatement, and potential legal or regulatory action related to the restatement[30] Investor and Media Relations Contact information for investor and media relations is provided for Phillipe Welthagen and Idris Dungarwalla - Investor Relations and Media Relations Contacts: Phillipe Welthagen (phillipe.welthagen@lesakatech.com, +27 84 512 5393) and Idris Dungarwalla (idris.dungarwalla@lesakatech.com, +44 786 225 4852)[31] Attachments: Preliminary Unaudited Financials & Reconciliations This section provides detailed preliminary unaudited financial statements and reconciliations for key non-GAAP measures, including Group Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Earnings, and Headline Loss Per Share Reconciliation of GAAP Loss to Group Adjusted EBITDA Attachment A provides a detailed reconciliation of GAAP net loss attributable to Lesaka to Group Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025, Q4 2024, Q3 2025, FY2025, and FY2024, outlining specific adjustments including once-off items Group Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation (USD '000) | Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :------------------------------------------------ | :------ | :------ | :----- | :----- | | Net loss attributable to Lesaka | (28,770) | (5,035) | (87,504) | (17,440) | | Loss attributable to Lesaka - GAAP | (28,948) | (5,035) | (87,634) | (17,440) | | Income tax (benefit) expense | (8,930) | 1,482 | (18,198) | 3,363 | | Change in fair value of equity securities | 5,676 | - | 59,828 | - | | Impairment loss | 18,863 | - | 18,863 | - | | PPA amortization | 7,796 | 3,657 | 21,384 | 14,419 | | Interest expense | 4,470 | 4,620 | 21,453 | 18,932 | | Interest income | (644) | (732) | (2,596) | (2,294) | | Depreciation | 2,997 | 2,548 | 12,337 | 9,246 | | Stock-based compensation charges | 2,032 | 2,258 | 9,550 | 7,911 | | Once-off items | 13,227 | 1,684 | 17,826 | 1,853 | | Group Adjusted EBITDA - Non-GAAP | 16,718 | 10,258 | 50,688 | 36,936 | - Once-off items for FY2025 include $16.16 million in transaction costs related to Adumo, Recharger and Bank Zero acquisitions, and $1.79 million in other transaction costs[33] - Once-off items are non-recurring in nature, however, certain items may be reported in multiple quarters, such as transaction costs related to acquisitions[34] Reconciliation of GAAP Net Loss to Adjusted Earnings and EPS Attachment B provides reconciliations of GAAP net loss and basic loss per share to Adjusted earnings and basic Adjusted EPS for Q4 2025, Q4 2024, FY2025, and FY2024, detailing various adjustments Adjusted Earnings Reconciliation (USD '000) | Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------ | :------ | :----- | :----- | | GAAP Net (loss) income | (28,770) | (5,035) | (87,504) | (17,440) | | Impairment loss | 18,371 | - | 18,371 | - | | Transaction costs | 13,158 | 1,684 | 17,953 | 2,805 | | Deferred tax asset valuation allowance released | (11,741) | (342) | (12,665) | (906) | | Change in fair value of equity securities, net | 5,676 | - | 49,294 | - | | Intangible asset amortization, net | 5,691 | 2,670 | 15,610 | 10,543 | | Stock-based compensation charge | 2,032 | 2,258 | 9,550 | 7,911 | | Adjusted Earnings | 4,369 | 1,235 | 10,361 | 2,878 | Adjusted EPS (USD) | Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :---------------- | :------ | :------ | :----- | :----- | | GAAP (L) EPS, basic | (0.35) | (0.08) | (1.14) | (0.28) | | Adjusted EPS, basic | 0.05 | 0.02 | 0.13 | 0.04 | Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Attachment B includes the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, presenting detailed revenue, expenses, and net loss figures for Q4 2025, Q4 2024, FY2025, and FY2024 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD '000) | Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------ | :------ | :----- | :----- | | Operating (loss) income | (28,401) | 295 | (27,100) | 3,590 | | Loss before income tax (benefit) expense | (37,903) | (3,593) | (105,946) | (12,798) | | Income tax (benefit) expense | (8,930) | 1,482 | (18,198) | 3,363 | | Net loss from continuing operations | (28,948) | (5,035) | (87,634) | (17,440) | | Net loss attributable to Lesaka | (28,770) | (5,035) | (87,504) | (17,440) | | Basic loss attributable to Lesaka shareholders | (0.35) | (0.08) | (1.14) | (0.27) | Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Attachment B provides the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, detailing cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for Q4 2025, Q4 2024, FY2025, and FY2024 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD '000) | Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------ | :------ | :----- | :----- | | Net cash (used in) provided by in operating activities | (6,482) | 5,652 | (9,121) | 28,789 | | Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 9,877 | 1,266 | (11,342) | (16,415) | | Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (161) | (2,972) | 29,732 | (7,113) | | Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 5,516 | 6,312 | 10,721 | 7,286 | | Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - end of period | 76,639 | 65,918 | 76,639 | 65,918 | Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Attachment B presents the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2024, showing assets, liabilities, and equity Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD '000) | Metric | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------------ | :------------ | | Total current assets | 243,923 | 187,696 | | Total assets | 657,688 | 558,450 | | Total current liabilities | 160,473 | 129,887 | | Total liabilities | 396,305 | 303,164 | | Total equity | 172,426 | 175,857 | - An amount of $11,841 was reclassified from long-term borrowings to current portion of long-term borrowings[44] Reconciliation of Net Loss to Headline Loss Per Share Attachment C provides the reconciliation of net loss to headline loss per share (basic and diluted) for Q4 2025, Q4 2024, FY2025, and FY2024, including adjustments for impairment losses and profit/loss on asset sales Headline Loss Per Share Reconciliation (USD '000) | Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :------------------------------------------ | :------ | :------ | :----- | :----- | | Net loss (USD'000) | (22,058) | (5,035) | (87,504) | (17,440) | | Adjustments: Impairment loss | 18,864 | - | 18,864 | - | | Adjustments: Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment | (12) | (17) | 13 | (305) | | Net loss used to calculate headline loss | (3,203) | (5,047) | (68,631) | (16,496) | Headline Loss Per Share (USD) | Metric | Q4 2025 | Q4 2024 | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :---------------- | :------ | :------ | :----- | :----- | | Basic | (0.04) | (0.08) | (0.90) | (0.26) | | Diluted | (0.04) | (0.08) | (0.90) | (0.26) | - Weighted average number of shares used to calculate net loss per share basic loss and headline loss per share basic loss for FY2025 was 76,466 thousand[46]