2024 Annual Report
Summary
- WhiteHawk Limited's annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024, highlights a year of strategic positioning for future growth.
- The company recorded US$2.08M in revenue, maintaining steady sales margins of 40-60% on WhiteHawk solutions and services, and 20-45% on WhiteHawk Marketplace transactions.
- Two new AI/ML-based product lines were added: the Cyber Risk Analyst Platform-as-a-Service (APaaS) and an AI/ML-Based Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT-PAI) solution.
- The company secured several contracts, including a US$50K Cyber Risk Radar contract with the U.S. National Cyber Center and a US$14K Cyber APaaS pilot contract with the University of South Florida.
- Contract renewals included a US$2.4M Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) services contract for a Global Social Media company and a US$705K Cyber Risk Radar contract with a U.S. Federal Government CISO Department.
- The net loss after tax for the year was US$1,780,630, an improvement from the US$2,844,279 loss in 2023.
- Operating expenses were reduced to US$3.0M from US$3.6M in the previous year, with cost savings in payroll, travel, interest, and administration.
- The company aims to maintain an 80% or above contract renewal rate and increase new contracts through strategic partnerships in 2025.
- The AGM is scheduled for May 20, and Town Hall sessions will be held in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth in May 2025.
Sentiment
Score: 6
Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly positive. While the company reported a loss, there are positive indicators such as steady revenue, improved cost management, and strategic advancements in product lines and partnerships. The future outlook is cautiously optimistic.
Highlights
- WhiteHawk Limited's revenue reached US$2.08M in 2024.
- Sales margins remained steady, with 40-60% on WhiteHawk solutions and services and 20-45% on Marketplace transactions.
- Two new AI/ML-based product lines were introduced: Cyber Risk Analyst APaaS and OSINT-PAI.
- The company secured a US$50K Cyber Risk Radar contract with the U.S. National Cyber Center.
- A Global Social Media company renewed its TPRM services contract for US$2.4M over two years.
- The net loss after tax improved to US$1,780,630 from US$2,844,279 in 2023.
- Operating expenses decreased to US$3.0M from US$3.6M.
- The company aims for an 80% or higher contract renewal rate in 2025.
- The AGM is scheduled for May 20, 2025.
Positives
- Steady revenue of US$2.08M indicates a stable demand for WhiteHawk's services.
- High sales margins (40-60% for solutions/services, 20-45% for Marketplace) suggest efficient operations and pricing strategies.
- Introduction of two new AI/ML-based product lines demonstrates innovation and adaptability to market needs.
- Contract renewals, such as the US$2.4M TPRM deal, provide recurring revenue and stability.
- Reduced operating expenses (US$3.0M vs US$3.6M) indicate improved cost management.
- The company is actively pursuing partnerships and U.S. Government funding to expand its reach.
- The value proposition remains strong with gross margins of 40% to 80% maintained through continued automation and solution delivery optimization.
Negatives
- The company still reported a net loss after tax of US$1,780,630, although it is an improvement from the previous year.
- Revenue of US$2.08M is below the revenue targets required to vest Terry Roberts' SARs.
- The company is reliant on raising additional funds on a timely basis pursuant to the Corporations Act 2001.
Risks
- Macroeconomic conditions, such as interest rate increases and inflation, could impact discretionary spending and affect the company's financial performance.
- Reliance on information technology and third-party software poses a risk of service disruptions.
- Data breaches and security incidents could compromise sensitive customer information.
- Competition in the cybersecurity market could lead to pricing pressures and unfavorable product positioning.
- Loss of key personnel could disrupt operations and growth initiatives.
- Changes in laws and regulations, including tax laws, could impact the company's operations and shareholder returns.
- The company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on achieving its revenue targets, obtaining additional funding, or a combination of the two.
Future Outlook
WhiteHawk aims to maintain an 80% or above contract renewal rate for annual recurring revenue, increase new contracts through partnerships, drive new Cyber Risk Analyst PaaS annual subscriptions, and continue applying for U.S. Government funding for its OSINT-PAI solutions.
Management Comments
- 2024 was the year that has positioned 2025 to be a growth year for WhiteHawk.
- Our value proposition remains strong with gross margins of 40% to 80% maintained through continued automation and solution delivery optimization.
Industry Context
WhiteHawk operates in the cybersecurity industry, providing cyber risk to resilience focused Cybersecurity Exchange platform of end-to-end Cyber Risk Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) products and services. The company's focus on automation, AI/ML, and scalable solutions aligns with the industry's trend towards more efficient and proactive cybersecurity measures.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- WhiteHawk's gross margins of 40-80% are competitive with other cybersecurity firms offering SaaS and PaaS solutions.
- Companies like Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike often report gross margins in the 70-80% range, indicating WhiteHawk has room for improvement in operational efficiency.
- The focus on AI/ML-based solutions aligns with industry trends, as companies like Darktrace and Cylance leverage AI for threat detection and response.
- WhiteHawk's contract values, such as the US$2.4M TPRM deal, are smaller compared to larger cybersecurity contracts, suggesting a focus on smaller to medium-sized enterprises or specific government projects.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders: The improved financial performance and strategic initiatives could lead to increased shareholder value in the long term, but the current loss and need for potential capital raises may cause concern.
- Employees: The company's focus on growth and innovation could create opportunities for career advancement and development.
- Customers: The new AI/ML-based product lines and continued service delivery optimization could lead to improved cybersecurity solutions and services.
- Suppliers: The company's financial stability and growth prospects could strengthen its relationships with suppliers.
- Creditors: The company's ability to meet its financial obligations depends on achieving its revenue targets and securing additional funding.
Next Steps
- Maintain 80% or above contract renewal rates for annual recurring revenue.
- Increase new contracts through partnerships with organizations.
- Drive new Cyber Risk Analyst PaaS annual subscriptions in support of University/College revenue.
- Continue to apply for U.S. Government funding for WhiteHawk's new OSINT-PAI Entity Illumination AI/ML Based big data solutions.
- Broaden WhiteHawk's reach with coordinated LinkedIn marketing and lead generation by on sector-focused marketing and communications campaigns.
Key Dates
- January 19, 2018: Terry Roberts appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chair
- July 14, 2017: Philip George appointed as Non-Executive Director
- November 13, 2020: Melissa King appointed as Non-Executive Director
- August 31, 2021: Brian Hibbeln appointed as Non-Executive Director
- October 2022: Company executed a share subscription agreement with Lind Global Fund II, LP
- May 10, 2023: Shareholders approved the issue of Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR) units to Terry Roberts
- August 7, 2024: Company executed a second share subscription agreement with Lind Global Fund II, LP
- August 30, 2024: Mindy Ku appointed as Company Secretary; Kevin Kye resigned as Company Secretary
- December 13, 2024: Cyber Risk Contract renewed with a Top 5 Global Social Media Company
- January 8, 2025: 50,000 fully paid ordinary shares were issued on conversion of Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) by employee
- January 22, 2025: Company received a subscription notice from Lind and repaid $74,000 to Lind
- February 3, 2025: 1,200,000 fully paid ordinary shares were issued on conversion of performance rights by the Directors
- February 11, 2025: Company held its General Meeting for the issue of shares, options and SARs; all resolutions passed
- February 25, 2025: Company received a subscription notice from Lind and issued 6,666,667 fully paid ordinary shares to Lind
- March 7, 2025: 45,000,000 SARs were issued to Terry Roberts, approved by shareholders on February 11, 2025
- March 11, 2025: Giuseppe Porcelli appointed as a new non-executive director
- March 17, 2025: Company received a subscription notice from Lind and repaid $68,571 to Lind
- March 28, 2025: Corporate Governance Statement for the financial year ending 31 December 2024 was approved by the Board
- May 20, 2025: Scheduled date for the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Keywords
Filings with Classifications
Notice of Annual General Meeting
- The company is seeking approval to issue future shares to Lind Partners under the 2024 Agreement.
- The company is seeking approval of a 7.1A mandate to issue up to 10% of the company's issued capital.
Annual Report
- The company has the ability to continue to raise additional funds on a timely basis pursuant to the Corporations Act 2001.
Annual Report
- The company reported a net loss after tax of US$1,780,630, indicating that the company is not yet profitable.
Preliminary Final Report
- The company's revenue increased by 15.6% compared to the previous year.
General Meeting Results
- The company received approval to issue Tranche 2 placement shares.
- The company received approval to issue placement options.
- The company received approval to issue broker options.
- The company received approval to issue securities to Peak in lieu of fees.
- The company received approval to issue securities to Viaticus Capital.
- The company received approval to issue incentive options to Viaticus Capital.
Quarterly Activities Report
- The company reported a net cash loss from operations of US$84,000 for the quarter, indicating worse than expected financial performance.
Quarterly Activities Report
- WhiteHawk will seek shareholder approval to raise up to $535,000 under Tranche 2 of the Placement at the General Meeting scheduled on 11 February 2025.
Notice of General Meeting
- The company is seeking approval to issue up to 53,500,000 shares at $0.01 each, potentially raising $535,000.
- The company is also issuing options to placement participants, brokers, and consultants, which could lead to further capital raises if exercised.
Contract Renewal Announcement
- The contract renewal represents increased revenue compared to the previous contract with the same client.
Capital Raise Announcement
- WhiteHawk Limited is raising capital through the issue of 120,000,000 ordinary shares at AUD 0.01000 each and 40,000,000 placement options.
- The capital raise is subject to shareholder approval by January 28, 2025.
Capital Raise Announcement
- The issue date for the shares and placement options has been delayed pending shareholder approval, which is expected by January 28, 2025.
Securities Quotation Application
- Further share issues are planned to complete the placement, subject to shareholder approval.
Capital Raise Proposal
- WhiteHawk Limited is proposing to issue 56,000,000 ordinary shares and 28,666,667 options.
- The funds raised will be used for business growth, further development of AI-based cybersecurity solutions, debt repayment, and working capital.
Capital Raise Announcement
- Further capital raising is planned, subject to shareholder approval, involving the issuance of additional shares and options.
Capital Raise Announcement
- The successful A$1.7 million capital raise exceeded expectations, providing WhiteHawk with the resources to pursue its growth strategy and repay debt.
Trading Halt Announcement
- WhiteHawk Limited is planning a capital raising.
Notice of General Meeting
- Resolution 1 seeks ratification of a prior share issue of 15,000,000 shares to Lind Partners.
- Resolution 2 proposes issuing 12,500,000 options to Lind Partners.
- Resolutions 3 and 4 seek approval for future share issuances to Lind Partners.
- Resolution 5 proposes issuing 200,000 shares to related party Phil George.
Capital Raise Announcement
- WhiteHawk has secured an initial A$500,000 investment from Lind Global Fund II, LP.
- The Investment may be increased up to A$1M at a later stage on the same terms subject to mutual agreement.
- The company will issue 12,500,000 unlisted 3-year options to Lind at a 2c exercise price, subject to shareholder approval.
Quarterly Activities Report
- The final award of Peraton's bid for the Veterans Affairs Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) contract is delayed.
- The contract competition with D&B on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) SCRIPTS BPA Contract Vehicle has been delayed.
Quarterly Activities Report
- The Company is currently exploring funding options in the market in the event of delay of pending new contracts.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
- The company is seeking approval to issue up to 44,444,445 Placement Options to placement participants.
- The company is seeking approval to issue up to 17,777,778 Lead Manager Options to Alpine Capital.
- The company is seeking approval to issue up to 12,500,000 Consultant Options to Viaticus Capital.
- The company is seeking approval for a 7.1A mandate, allowing the company to issue equity securities up to 10% of its issued capital.
Annual Report
- The final award of Peraton's bid for Veterans Affairs Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) was delayed by 5 months.
- A Critical Infrastructure Cyber Risk Assessment (CIRA) Program contract for USD $1.9M, for State and Local client via Peraton delayed in procurement and State Legislature.
Annual Report
- The company reported a net loss after tax of US$2,844,279, which is worse than the previous year's loss of US$1,537,740.
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