The outlook for the media and entertainment industry is positive. The industry can be consider cyclical, which will benefit from overall economic growth. As companies expand operations and try to improve their client relationships, an effective media and events partner is valuable in maintaining overall brand reputation, consumer awareness and loyalty.
The industry is poised for growth as new marketing and entertainment trends emerge focusing on “experiential marketing” rather than traditional methods. In addition Jamaica is well poised to become the commercial capital of the Caribbean and this would lead to more corporate events, conferences, concerts and more, which is a direct benefit to the media and entertainment industry.
Products|The Company provides a diverse range of marketing, events and entertainment related services including equipment rental, graphic design, online marketing, project marketing and sound and video production.
The group is well established as a leader in their industry, with only 3 major competitors and a larger number of smaller players. They list their competitive advantage as being a full service company providing turnkey solutions. MEEG is involved in a number of signature events which occur annually. This provides a good source or repeat business from existing clients and a basis for new business for some of these clients.
MEEG has built up a good reputation in the industry, and brings a wealth of knowledge to clients. They appear well rounded and versatile in their offerings. They also own a fairly large stock of equipment which positions them to react quickly to customer demands. The company operates in a number of Caribbean territories which could present further growth opportunities regionally.
Risks/Concerns|Some risks to MEEG include:
1. Equipment becoming rapidly outdated with the emergence of new technology.
2. It is expected that this could be a very capital intensive business. Their decision to own equipment rather than lease could also be one that hurts them in the long run.
3. A lot of their revenues appear to be derived from a few major clients. This could prove detrimental should they lose one or more of these customers or their profits could be eroded due to increased competition.
4. Intercompany contracts surrounding sourcing of equipment etcetera, is of concern but this may have been done for greater tax efficiency purposes.
Financial Highlights|The company appears to be running short on cash with the proceeds of IPO helping to alleviate the pressure. Net earnings should increase once finance costs are reduced.
At current valuation, the company is trading at just over 2 times book value (inclusive of the cash raised from the IPO)
At the offer price, the company is trading at 10 times last year’s earnings, based on the new number of shares assuming no new income from the capital to be raised. The estimated 2016 earnings is put at $0.23 and estimated 2017 earnings at $0.33 (earnings could be closer to $0.40 per share if debt is reduced and gross profits improved.)
Based on these projections, the stock price using a market PE of 15 could reach a price of about $5 in the next 12 months.
David Stephens is an individual investor in local and international stocks.