Annual Report to shareholders
Summary
- WhiteHawk Limited's 2023 annual report indicates a year of steady revenue and strategic positioning for future growth.
- The company recognized US$1.8 million in revenue, including the first month's revenue from a US$1.2 million contract signed in December 2023.
- Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) has been consistent at $1.4 million per year over the past three years.
- Margins for contracts over $100,000 have reached 80% due to in-house development and AI/ML-based automation.
- The company experienced a net loss after tax of US$2,844,279 for the year.
- WhiteHawk ended 2023 with a cash balance of US$103,000.
- A US$1.2M contract order with a Global Social Media Company started in December 2023.
- The company is awaiting the final award of Peraton's bid for Veterans Affairs Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), where WhiteHawk is a sub-contractor.
- 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.
Sentiment
Score: 5
Explanation: The report presents a mixed sentiment. While there's revenue growth and strategic positioning for 2024, the significant net loss and low cash balance raise concerns. The company's reliance on a few key contracts also adds risk.
Highlights
- WhiteHawk recognized US$1.8 million in revenue during 2023, including initial revenue from a US$1.2 million contract signed in December.
- The company maintains a consistent Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $1.4 million over the last three years.
- Margins on contracts exceeding $100,000 have reached 80% due to internal development and AI/ML automation.
- The company is registered as a Cyber Risk Assessment Partner with a global consulting firm, leading to weekly client engagements.
- WhiteHawk is part of a joint go-to-market campaign with Hyprfire, targeting colleges and universities in Australia and Asia.
- The company is awaiting the final award of a U.S. Veterans Affairs Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) bid, projecting US$1 million in revenue for May/June 2024.
- The net loss after tax for the year was US$2,844,279.
- WhiteHawk ended 2023 with a cash balance of US$103,000.
- A US$1.2M contract order with a Global Social Media Company started in December 2023.
Positives
- Steady revenue generation from contract renewals and new, smaller contracts.
- High margins of 80% on contracts over $100,000 due to in-house development and AI/ML automation.
- Consistent Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $1.4 million over the past three years.
- Registration as a Cyber Risk Assessment Partner with a global consulting firm, leading to client engagement.
- Execution of a joint go-to-market campaign with Hyprfire to expand business in Australia and Asia.
- New SaaS Solution sales and distribution channel being put in place for Cyber Risk Programs and Radars at the U.S. State and Local level nation-wide.
Negatives
- The company experienced a net loss after tax of US$2,844,279 for the year.
- WhiteHawk ended 2023 with a low cash balance of US$103,000.
- Revenue reported does not include US$421K unearned revenue already invoiced in 2023.
- 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.
Risks
- Reliance on a limited number of large contracts, as highlighted by the dependence on the US$1.2 million contract signed in December 2023.
- Potential delays in procurement processes, as evidenced by the 5-month delay in the final award of the Peraton bid and the delay in the Critical Infrastructure Cyber Risk Assessment (CIRA) Program contract.
- The company's low cash balance of US$103,000 at the end of 2023 raises concerns about short-term liquidity.
- The loss of the Agency (CISA) ACTS 5YR Contract which Peraton responded to as Prime with WHK as sub-contractor.
Future Outlook
WhiteHawk aims to optimize its financial position with recurring revenue from SaaS annual subscriptions of WHK and Partner Solutions, focusing on executing near-term wins with Peraton and Carahsoft, and growing consulting firm partnerships.
Management Comments
- 2023 was another solid foundation year that has positioned 2024 to be a growth year for WhiteHawk.
- FBI Director Wray issued a stark warning on the growing threat posed by Chinese cyberattacks targeting U.S. Critical Infrastructure.
Industry Context
The company operates in the cybersecurity sector, focusing on cyber risk management and supply chain risk management, leveraging AI/ML technologies to provide scalable and automated solutions.
Comparison to Industry Standards
- WhiteHawk's focus on AI/ML-driven cyber risk assessment aligns with industry trends towards automation and proactive threat detection, similar to companies like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks.
- The company's partnership with Carahsoft mirrors the strategies of other cybersecurity firms seeking to expand their reach within the U.S. government sector, akin to how companies like FireEye (now Trellix) have leveraged government contracts.
- The emphasis on supply chain risk management reflects a growing concern in the industry, with companies like SecurityScorecard and BitSight offering similar services, though WhiteHawk differentiates itself with its SaaS and PaaS models.
Stakeholder Impact
- Shareholders may be concerned about the increased net loss and low cash balance, but encouraged by the potential for future growth.
- Employees may experience job security given the low cash balance.
- Customers could benefit from the company's focus on AI/ML-based automation and scalable solutions.
- Suppliers and creditors may be concerned about the company's ability to meet its financial obligations given the low cash balance.
Next Steps
- Execute on near-term US Federal, State and Local wins with Peraton and Carahsoft.
- Grow current Consulting Firm formal and informal business partnerships.
- Continue to advance AI/ML automated SaaS/PaaS Product lines.
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 A Hibbeln appointed as Non-Executive Director
- October 2022: WhiteHawk executed a share subscription agreement with Lind Global Fund II, LP.
- May 10, 2023: Shareholders approved the issue of 25,029,711 Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR) units to Terry Roberts.
- December 2023: Start of US$1.2M contract order with Global Social Media Company.
- March 7, 2024: WhiteHawk received the full agreed proceeds, net of costs, from an oversubscribed A$2m placement.
- March 28, 2024: Date of the Directors' Declaration and Corporate Governance Statement approval.
- April 2024: Expected final award of Peraton's bid for Veterans Affairs Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM).
- May/June 2024: US$1M projected revenue from Peraton's bid for U.S. Veterans Affairs Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM).
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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