In a recent interview with Equity Guru’s Chris Parry, Plurilock CEO Ian Patterson provided valuable insights into the company’s strategic direction, financial health, and future prospects. The conversation highlighted the challenges Plurilock has faced, the strategic actions taken to overcome them, and the promising future ahead for the cybersecurity firm.
Undervaluation and Recent Progress
Chris Parry kicked off the interview by addressing the undervaluation of Plurilock, noting that the company has been on a strong upward trajectory recently. Ian Patterson echoed this sentiment, referencing a Globe and Mail article from March that listed Plurilock as one of the top 10 most undervalued companies. He attributed the undervaluation to the tough environment for publicly traded small-cap tech companies over the past few years.
Strategic Actions to Overcome Challenges
Patterson elaborated on the strategic actions Plurilock has taken to navigate these challenges. The company accumulated debt and raised smaller amounts of financing frequently to sustain operations. However, this spring marked a significant turnaround. Plurilock raised $3 million to convert debt, which eventually grew to $5.5 million due to strong market interest. This influx of capital allowed Plurilock to clean up its balance sheet and cap table, positioning the company for future growth.
Growth in Services Revenue
A key highlight of the interview was Plurilock’s focus on increasing its services revenue. Patterson noted that the company’s critical services team has been instrumental in driving this growth. In 2022, services revenue was approximately $600,000, which grew to around $2.6 million in 2023. The company has continued to secure significant contracts, including a $6 million order with the US Department of Treasury and a $290,000 high-end security consulting project with an S&P 500 semiconductor client.
Focus on Gross Profit
Patterson emphasized the importance of gross profit over top-line revenue. While Plurilock has seen impressive top-line revenue growth, the focus has shifted to improving gross profit margins. This strategic focus is expected to drive the company towards its goal of breaking even and further strengthening its financial position.
Use of Recent Funds
The funds raised this spring were allocated to scaling up critical services, adding dedicated salespeople, and converting debt into equity. Patterson expressed surprise at the strong market response and the upsizing of the raise from $3 million to $5.5 million. He sees this as a positive sign of market support and confidence in Plurilock’s future.
Valuation Comparisons and Strategic Opportunities
Chris Parry pointed out the discrepancy between Plurilock’s market cap and its annual revenue, suggesting that the company’s current valuation does not reflect its true potential. Patterson agreed, noting that Plurilock is still trading at a deep discount compared to its peers in the solutions and VAR space. He also mentioned the addition of Ali Hakemsida as executive chair, whose previous company was acquired at a significant premium, highlighting the potential for similar opportunities for Plurilock.
Cybersecurity Trends and Zero Trust Architecture
Patterson discussed the paradigm shift towards zero trust architecture in cybersecurity. He explained that traditional perimeter-based security is no longer sufficient, and there is a growing need for zero trust strategies. The US government has mandated zero trust strategies for all its agencies, creating a significant market opportunity for companies like Plurilock that offer the necessary expertise and services.
Plurilock’s Unique Approach to Cybersecurity
Plurilock’s approach combines technology, people, and processes to provide comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. Patterson emphasized that security cannot be achieved with technology alone; it requires skilled personnel and well-defined processes. This holistic approach differentiates Plurilock from many other companies in the cybersecurity space.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Patterson is optimistic about Plurilock’s prospects. He highlighted the company’s track record of growth, its strategic focus on high-margin services, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity in the current landscape. While the future is always uncertain, Patterson believes that Plurilock is well-positioned to create significant shareholder value, whether through public markets, privatization, or strategic acquisitions.
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