Vipera (AIM:VIP), the specialist provider of mobile financial services, has given DirectorsTalk a trading update in respect of the year ended 31 December 2015.
Group revenues for the year were in line with market expectations at €6.8 million versus €5.9 million for the 12 months to 31 December 2014, following a strong second half performance.
There was a 42 per cent. increase in revenues arising from the Company’s Motif platform, mobile financial services and other digital projects. This includes Transactional Revenue and Per User fees which started in the year with some blue chip customers such as Deutsche Bank, Germany. The addition of new customers and projects has led to a requirement to expand our project teams but notwithstanding this expansion, constraints in available skilled resource has led to some revenue being deferred into 2016.
Trading in the consulting business was relatively stable although revenues derived from third parties in this division fell by 13 per cent. Part of this decline reflects an increased focus on projects related to the Motif and mobile financial services business segments.
In parallel, the Group has, using the Motif Platform, developed new customer services during 2015 in the retail segment, which are expected to contribute more significantly in the 2016 financial year.
Operating losses before provisions were in line with market expectations. In particular, a customer of the Group’s Codd & Date subsidiary had financial difficulties and was subsequently placed into administration during the year; the appropriate provision is still being evaluated and will be finalised soon. Meanwhile, that customer has been replaced with other opportunities.
Net cash as at 31 December 2015 was €3.2 million, which will allow for continued investment in product development and to support the working capital needs of the Company as it expands.
The Company continues to develop its customer proposition and remains confident that it is well placed to benefit from the evolving mobile financial services market.
The Directors intend to announce the financial results for the year ended 31 December 2015 in early May 2016.