Here's why the Nitro (ASX:NTO) share price is backtracking 6% today

The company's shares have been heavily sold off this week.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

A man sits in front of his laptop computer with his head on his hand and a sad, dejected look on his face after seeing how far Whitehaven shares have fallen today

Image source: Getty Images

Key Points

  • Nitro shares retrace despite robust Q4 FY21 performance
  • Key financial metrics increased by double-digits
  • FY21 EBITDA expected to be at a loss, but an improvement from earlier guidance

The Nitro Software Ltd (ASX: NTO) share price is on course to end the week deep in the red.

In mid-afternoon trade, the document productivity and eSigning company's shares are down 4.34% to $1.765.

When factoring in the past week, Nitro shares have shed more than 20% in value.

What's dragging the Nitro share price down today?

Investors have been selling down the Nitro share price following the release of the company's cash flow report for Q4 FY21.

For the three months ending 31 December, Nitro reported revenue of US$50.7 million (A$72.01 million) excluding Connective, up 26% compared to FY20. This was at the top end of the upgraded guidance range provided in October of US$49 million to US$51 million.

FY21 revenue including Connective came to approximately US$50.9 million ($A72.29 million).

Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) at the year's end was at US$40.1 million (A$56.96 million) excluding Connective. This reflected a 41% increase from 31 December 2020 and is in line with the guidance range of US$39 million to US$42 million.

ARR at 31 December 2021 including Connective was US$46.2 million (A$65.65 million). Key customer wins and expansions in the quarter included Deutsche Bank, ICON, Eversheds Sutherland, Swiss Re and Ausenco.

Nitro's transition to a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model is continuing along, with subscription revenue in Q4 2021 representing 71% of total revenue. When measured against Q4 2020, this represents a 58% increase.

The company noted it maintains a strong financial position to pursue growth opportunities. At the end of the calendar year, cash and equivalents stood at US$48.2 million with no debt.

FY21 Outlook

Although the company signalled the last quarter of FY21 as a positive performance, it appears investors were expecting better results. This has led the Nitro share price to fall to July 2020 levels.

Nitro stated that operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is expected to result in a loss of between US$7.5 million to US$8 million. The operating EBITDA guidance was upgraded given the strong numbers on revenue.

In late October, the company forecasted EBITDA to be at a loss of US$8 million to US$10 million.

Nitro is scheduled to release its FY21 audited results along with ARR, revenue and operating EBITDA guidance for FY22 on 24 February.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nitro Software Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Technology Shares

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
Technology Shares

DroneShield posts record revenue and unveils leadership changes

DroneShield posts record revenue and announces CEO and Chairman changes in its latest update.

Read more »

Drone flying in the air.
Technology Shares

Up 1,800% in a year, this ASX stock just hit another record high

Elsight shares climb again as defence drone momentum keeps building.

Read more »

A group of six work colleagues gather around a computer in an office situation and discuss something on the screen as one man points and others look on with interest
Technology Shares

2 ASX 200 tech shares this fund manager backs to survive the AI threat

ASX 200 tech shares have fallen 44% over 6 months on fears that AI will disrupt many businesses.

Read more »

A tech worker wearing a mask holds a computer chip.
Technology Shares

This ASX tech stock is up 150% in a year. Here's why it's climbing again today

Weebit Nano extends its strong rally after the latest capital raising.

Read more »

Two IT professionals walk along a wall of mainframes in a data centre discussing various things
Technology Shares

Why are NextDC shares surging higher?

There's been a big vote of confidence in the company.

Read more »

Young happy athletic woman listening to music on earphones while jogging in the park, symbolising passive income.
Technology Shares

Are ASX tech stocks setting up for their next big run?

Tech stocks rarely move in straight lines. But after this reset, I think the setup is becoming more compelling.

Read more »

woman working on tablet
Technology Shares

NEXTDC announces $1 billion hybrid securities offer and La Caisse backing

NEXTDC launches $1 billion hybrid securities offer with La Caisse commitment to drive data centre expansion.

Read more »

A picture of a satellite orbiting the earth.
Technology Shares

Why this ASX defence stock could be one to watch on Tuesday morning

Why EOS shares could react to this space update...

Read more »