Net 1 Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2020 Results
This is a paid press release. Contact the press release distributor directly with any inquiries.

Net 1 Reports Fourth Quarter and Year End 2020 Results

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Sept. 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: UEPS; JSE: NT1) today released results for the fourth fiscal quarter and year ended June 30, 2020.

Q4 2020 Highlights and Recent Developments :

  • At June 30, 2020, had unrestricted cash of $218 million and no debt

  • Revenue of $26.0 million, excluding the impact of the 2019 SASSA implementation fee refund, was down year-over-year reflecting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on fees and financial services;

  • GAAP EPS of $(0.68) and Fundamental EPS of $(0.22); and

  • Operating loss of $13.2 million and adjusted EBITDA loss of $12.2 million.

Strategic Review :

Following completion of the strategic review, our board has realigned Net1 to focus on, and invest in, its core competencies and portfolio of assets within the South African market. We aim to renew Net1 by building on the unique suite of financial technology products that is the profitable heart of our business in order, to provide an end-to-end value proposition for underserved participants in the economy. We believe that Net1 is extremely well-positioned to be a dynamic, catalyzing and positive force for our customers, empowering individuals and small businesses with credit, insurance and payment services.

South Africa is, and always has been, the engine room of Net1, said Alex Smith, Net1s chief financial officer. Following our strategic review, we intend to focus our incremental capital and management resources to scale up our South African businesses, and return Net1 to a sustainable, cash generative business. Efficient capital allocation will drive our strategy during fiscal 2021 and beyond in order to generate the best return for the business and for shareholders.

Economic activity levels in South Africa remain challenging due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19, particularly its wider impact on the macroeconomic environment. We have, however, begun reinvesting in our South African operations and are pleased with the demand for our transactional and financial services since the relaxation of lockdown restrictions in June, he added.

Investment Company
As previously communicated, we are in the process of more formally determining our status under the Investment Company Act. We currently have an authorisation in place to repurchase up to $100 million of shares, however we will not be able to use the authorisation unless and until we can reliably conclude that we will not be considered to be an investment company. We intend to return excess capital to shareholders once this matter is resolved.