Entertainment One — On course to double EBITDA by 2020

Entertainment One — On course to double EBITDA by 2020

An excellent performance from Family & Brands and strong growth in Television offset declines in Film to deliver EBITDA growth of 11%, which is in line with forecasts. The group is in good shape entering FY19 and is on track to deliver to its five-year plan to double EBITDA by 2020. The shares are on a c 40% P/E and c 20% EV/EBITDA discount to global peers and we believe they offer good value.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

Entertainment One

On course to double EBITDA by 2020

FY18 results

Media

22 May 2018

Price

289p

Market cap

£1,332m

Net debt (£m) March 2018

314.5

Shares in issue

461m

Free float

90%

Code

ETO

Primary exchange

LSE (FTSE 250)

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

4.2

(0.2)

21.4

Rel (local)

(1.7)

(6.3)

15.6

52-week high/low

329.4p

216p

Business description

Entertainment One is a leading international entertainment company that sources, selects and sells films and television content. Its library contains over 40,000 film and TV titles, 4,500 half-hours of TV programming and 45,000 music tracks.

Next events

Interim 2019 results

September 2018

Analysts

Bridie Barrett

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Fiona Orford-Williams

+44 (0)20 3077 5739

Entertainment One is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

An excellent performance from Family & Brands and strong growth in Television offset declines in Film to deliver EBITDA growth of 11%, which is in line with forecasts. The group is in good shape entering FY19 and is on track to deliver to its five-year plan to double EBITDA by 2020. The shares are on a c 40% P/E and c 20% EV/EBITDA discount to global peers and we believe they offer good value.

Year end

Revenue (£m)

EBITDA (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

03/17

1082.7

160.2

129.9

20.0

1.3

14.5

0.4

03/18

1044.5

177.3

144.4

21.9

1.4

13.2

0.5

03/19e

1208.6

193.4

154.9

23.6

1.5

12.2

0.5

03/20e

1353.3

215.0

177.0

26.8

1.6

10.8

0.6

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Family & Television growth outweighs Film declines

Revenues declined 4% in FY18, although with the mix of growth continuing to come from the higher-margin Family & Brands and Television divisions, overall EBITDA growth of 11% was in line with forecasts, as was adjusted EPS of 21.9p. A near tripling of revenues from PJ Masks and strong growth from Peppa Pig underpinned a 56% increase in Family revenues. A solid slate of drama, increased deliveries for Designated Survivor and the full-year impact of the Renegade acquisition supported 19% growth from Television. This was offset by a 32% decline in Film, which delivered the targeted £10m of costs savings but released fewer titles.

Outlook: Family roll-out continues, solid FTD pipeline

In FY19 we forecast another strong year from Peppa Pig, which continues to expand in newer markets, and from PJ Masks, which we believe could overtake Peppa Pig in terms of revenues by 2021. We expect a more stable performance from Film, although with only 25% of budgeted investment targeted at film content, it is the smaller part of the newly merged Film, Television and Digital (FTD) division. The production pipeline looks solid with a healthy mix of new and renewed content, although with only 40% of Television content committed due to variations in the commissioning cycles, visibility is lower than typical. We trim our FY19 EBITDA forecast by 2%, taking account of the impact of IFRS15, and introduce an EBITDA forecast of £215m for 2020; in line with management’s five-year plan to double EBITDA.

Valuation: Discount to peers no longer justified

The shares trade at a c 20% EBITDA discount and c 40% P/E discount to global peers on FY19 multiples. While an element of discount may be warranted given the weak cash conversion in recent years, the risk profile of the group has considerably improved and this discount seems exaggerated. More than two-thirds of film and television content is now generated from own productions, where eOne has a greater degree of control and more limited financial exposure, key subsidiaries are under full ownership and Family has an expanding portfolio of global properties.

FY18 results update

Results highlights: EBITDA growth driven by Family and Television

Revenue of £1,045m fell 4% year-on-year (y-o-y) (2% constant ccy) with a very strong performance from Family & Brands (+56%) and Television (+19%) mitigating declines in Film (-32%). While revenues were 3pp short of our forecasts due to a much weaker performance in Film, EBITDA of £177.3m was slightly ahead, increasing 11% y-o-y given the growth from higher-margin divisions. After absorbing a 15% increase in finance costs related to the 2016 refinancing (£29.3m), this growth flowed through to adjusted PBT at £144.4m and EPS of 21.9p, in line with forecasts.

Reported PBT of £77.6m includes share-based payments of £12.5m, a significant increase to FY17 (£5.0m) principally due to a higher award to the CEO, Darren Throop and the increase in the share price over 2017. It also includes one-off charges of £7.1m (FY17: £40.8m) relating largely to the re-shaping of the Film distribution business and £7.5m owing to adjustments to the fair value of financial instruments (£6.3m).

eOne invested £448m in content and productions, a 10% increase on the £408m invested in FY17 with the majority of the increase directed towards own productions: 64% of total investment. Overall, 40% of this was financed through production financing (which decreased to £118.7m at the year end), with the balance financed by eOne. The expanding production slate (£74m investment in content to amortisation gap) £21m working capital and catch up tax payments (£32m) weighed on corporate cash conversion, which decreased to 38% (FY17: 52%). Year-end net debt of £314.5m (1.8x EBITDA) was in line with our forecast and includes the £52m equity issue in March and £118m of acquisition payments for the balance of Mark Gordon Company (MGC). The board is proposing a full-year dividend of 1.4p per share, up 8% on FY17.

IFRS15 will primarily affect reporting in the Family & Brands division where the recognition of minimum guarantees will be spread over the life of the contract, rather than up front. Given the strong growth in licencing, in 2018 management indicate that this would have reduced revenues and EBITDA by £15.5m (to £1,029.0m) and £13.6m (to £163.7m) respectively. In FY19 the impact on underlying EBITDA is estimated at less than £2m as much of this unwinds.

Exhibit 1: Summary FY18 results

£m

FY17

FY18e

FY18a

y-o-y change

difference to forecast

Television revenues

452.7

498.0

539.0

19%

8%

Family revenues

88.6

131.1

138.6

56%

6%

Film revenues

594.2

507.0

402.2

(32%)

(21%)

Eliminations

(52.8)

(60.0)

(35.3)

(33%)

(41%)

Total revenues

1,082.7

1,076.1

1,044.5

(4%)

(3%)

Television EBITDA

62.8

65.2

72.0

15%

10%

Family EBITDA

55.6

71.5

82.3

48%

15%

Film EBITDA

52.7

50.0

35.1

(33%)

(30%)

Eliminations

(10.9)

(11.5)

(12.1)

11%

5%

Total EBITDA

160.2

175.1

177.3

11%

1%

EBITDA margin

14.8%

16.3%

17.0%

15%

4%

PBT - adjusted

129.9

145.7

144.4

11%

(1%)

PBT - reported

35.9

85.6

77.6

116%

(9%)

EPS – adjusted (p)

20.0

22.1

21.9

10%

(1%)

EPS – reported (p)

2.7

11.6

14.4

433%

24%

Investment in content and productions

408.1

473.0

444.6

9%

(6%)

Net debt

187.5

300.2

314.5

68%

5%

IPF

152.3

183.8

118.7

(22%)

(35%)

IFRS consolidated net debt

339.8

484.0

429.8

26%

(11%)

Group gearing (x EBITDA)

1.2

1.7

1.8

Source: eOne, Edison Investment Research

Divisional performance

Family & Brands – excellent performance from PJ Masks and Peppa Pig: FY18 EBITDA increased 48%, with margins at 59.4% 3.4pp down on FY17 due to the very strong growth from PJ Masks, which has a higher royalty share included in gross margin, as well as infrastructure and brand management costs. Revenues from Peppa Pig (which accounts for c 65% of Family revenues) performed well across all categories, increasing by 21% overall. PJ Masks goes from strength to strength. Total retail sales were $1bn in 2017, not far short of the $1.3bn generated by Peppa Pig, and brand revenues increased 261% to £48.8m.

Television – strong year for drama: total investment in Television increased only modestly y-o-y and total half-hours of content delivered were down. However, the mix shifted towards higher-value scripted drama in the period and the delivery of some of the MGC projects in production last year, notably a higher volume of Designated Survivor and Youth & Consequences, resulted in a 15% increase in EBITDA to £72.0m.

Film – lower release volumes and restructuring: against a relatively strong comparison, which included the BFG and The Girl on the Train, Film division revenues decreased 32% and EBITDA 33%. Release volumes were down across all categories. Theatrical revenues decreased 41% with the number of titles released down to 85 (FY17: 102 individual releases). Lower volumes similarly affected sales within the home entertainment (-47%) and broadcast and digital categories (-25%) and production and international sales saw no production deliveries from Sierra in the period accounting for much of its 28% decline in revenues.

New segmental reporting: the acquisition in January of the final 49% of the MGC has enabled eOne to fully merge its film, television and digital businesses, mirroring the evolution of the industry, which increasingly shares talent and distribution partners across these once distinct segments. From H119, the group will have two divisions: FTD and Family & Brands (Exhibit 2). By merging the sales teams, integrating the support structures and finally streamlining the management structure, eOne expects to make annualised cost savings of approximately £13-15m by 2020 (equivalent to c 1pp of revenues).

Exhibit 2: New FTD division

Source: eOne

Outlook: Strong family, FTD integration

Management expects another strong year of revenue and EBITDA group from Family, with some reduction in overall margin due to mix effects generated by the rapid growth of PJ Masks. The integration benefits are expected to become more evident across FTD in the current year; budgeting 50% of the targeted £13-£15m 2020 cost savings, and with Film on a more stable footing, the increased investment in content over FY18 should also be evident in divisional growth.

Family: Management expects to have sold c 2,000 live licensing and merchandising contracts by the end of FY19 (1,500 in FY18) and we expect growth to remain strong in 2019 and 2020.

Peppa Pig: in more mature markets, the brand is being refreshed with an additional 117 shows in production, with delivery beginning this financial year through to 2021, which should stimulate ongoing interest. There remains considerable scope for growth in China where it launched on CCTV in 2016 and where the brand continues to generate significant levels of exposure across VOD platforms, helping it to double its licencing deals. Furthermore, the brand remains relatively under developed in the US, Germany and Japan. The global partnership with Merlin Entertainments is a strong vindication of the brand’s evergreen status, two in-park attractions were opened in Germany and Italy and the first stand-alone attraction is expected to open in China during 2018.

PJ Masks: the US is the main market but with the recent premiere on key VOD platforms in China (including Tencent, iQiYi and Youku), and other key markets yet to commence, there remains considerable growth potential for PJ Masks, which has already generated strong licencing interest and we believe could overtake Peppa Pig in terms of revenue contribution within three years. Season two started to air in the US in January 2018, and season three has been green lit for production.

FTD: eOne continues to scale its production activities, both organically and via acquisition (eg, the recent acquisition of Whizz Kid). Across the merged division, investment in content is expected to increase by c 21% to £529m with the increases largely directed towards television and own produced content, in line with the group’s strategy. We expect continued double-digit revenue growth from Television and, with an easier basis of comparison, a more stable performance from Film overall. The restructuring of the US distribution business delivered £10m of savings in 2018 and targeted £13-£15m of merger savings, of which c 50% are expected to be delivered in the current year, should also support the margins.

Television: eOne is budgeting for over 1,000 half-hours of content to be acquired or produced, (FY18: 887) with a considerably raised FY19 budget for own production of £305m (FY18: £237m) against £45m acquired. The Rookie, a straight-to-series order by ABC and sold internationally by eOne, looks set to be a key new format for the group, and we are encouraged by the renewals of some of eOne’s newer formats (Burden of Truth S2, Private Eyes S3, Mary Kills People S3) along with the MGC Heritage series. ABC’s recent announcement that it would not commission a third season of Designated Survivor could leave a c £8-9m revenue gap (c 2% to EPS). It is possible that the format will be picked up by another broadcaster, or made up with other commissions; for now we make no change to our estimates. But with only 40% of the FY19 budget green lit or committed, there is less visibility to revenues this year (FY18: 60%).

Film: management expects c 140 releases in FY19 (80 unique titles), broadly similar to 2018, with a release pipeline weighted towards its strategic production partners including Amblin and Makeready. In total, £100m is budgeted for acquired content including The House with a Clock on its Walls (Amblin), On the Basis of Sex (Participant), Backseat (Annapurna). The production budget is £70m across approximately 10 titles that are at various stages of production and development of which A Million Little Pieces, Official Secrets, Stan and Ollie and Nekromancer are likely to be released in the current financial year.


Forecasts: On track for 2020 target to double EBITDA

We present our divisional KPI forecasts on the new basis in Exhibit 3 below and show our forecasts in full in Exhibit 7. We update our FY19 forecasts taking account of the better performance of Family & Brands and Television relative to Film and along with the move to IFRS 15 (in forecasts, not historic figures); overall, we trim our FY19e EBITDA forecast by 2% and EPS by 4%.

In November 2014 the group unveiled its new strategy, to ‘double the size of the group in the next five years’, which we interpret to mean to double EBITDA by 2020. We believe eOne is on track to achieve this target. We introduce forecasts for 2020, which assume a 7% increase in content and production investment and continued strong growth from Family, which with the full benefit of the targeted £13-£15m cost savings, underpins our forecast EBITDA of £215m in 2020.

Exhibit 3: KPI history and forecast

KPI summary

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019e

2020e

FTD - investment in acquired content (£m)

165.9

119.9

180.5

150.7

145.0

130.0

FTD - investment in productions (£m)

113.0

92.8

222.3

290.0

384.0

446.0

Family - investment in content & production (£m)

1.9

5.8

5.3

9.6

13.5

15.0

Total content and production investment (£m)

280.8

218.5

408.1

450.3

542.5

591.0

% budget invested in in own productions

40%

42%

54%

64%

71%

71%

Half hours produced/ acquired (Television)

752

998

1023

939

> 1000*

No. theatrical releases (Film)

227

210

172

144

140*

Box office ($m)

308

259

337

208

Family licences

600

847

1083

1500

2000*

Family retail sales ($bn)

1.0

1.1

1.5

2.4

% TV pipeline green lit at start of financial year

N/A

N/A

61%

60%

40%

Library valuation ($bn)

0.8

1.5

1.7

Revenues (£m)

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019e

2020e

FTD

729

741.2

996.8

911.9

1,060.0

1,190.0

Growth

2%

34%

-9%

16%

12%

Family

60.8

66.6

88.6

138.6

158.6

174.5

Growth

10%

33%

56%

14%

10%

Inter company

- 4

- 5

- 3

-6

-10

-11

Group revenues

785.8

802.7

1082.7

1044.5

1208.6

1353.3

Revenue growth

2%

35%

-4%

16%

12%

EBITDA (£m)

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019e

2020e

FTD EBITDA

90.9

92

115.5

107.1

115.5

133.9

FTD EBITDA margin

12.5%

12.4%

11.6%

11.7%

10.9%

11.3%

Family EBITDA

23.8

43.3

55.6

82.3

90.4

95.1

Family EBITDA margin

39.1%

65.0%

62.8%

59.4%

57.0%

54.5%

Intercompany eliminations

-7.4

-6.2

-10.9

-12.1

-12.5

-14.0

Group EBITDA

107.3

129.1

160.2

177.3

193.4

215.0

Group EBITDA margin

13.7%

16.1%

14.8%

17.0%

16.0%

15.9%

Source: eOne, Edison Investment Research. Note: *Company plan.

Over the last three years, despite 18% CAGR growth in EBITDA, earnings progress has been held back (2% CAGR, Exhibit 4) due mainly to the dilutive impact of the December 2015 four for nine rights issue and refinancing of the debt. The group has now absorbed this dilution and over the next two years we expect more of the improved operational performance to translate to earnings growth. With the group on a steadier financial footing, with full operational control over key subsidiaries, there may be scope to refinance the £355m of bonds (costing 6.875%) which have their first call date in December 2018; the most recent £70m tranche were issued at 105.75% in February 2018.

Management is targeting net debt to EBITDA ratio of 1.8x in FY19; based on our EBITDA forecast, this would imply some caution related to working capital requirements and the investment to amortisation gap.

Exhibit 4: EBITDA and EPS trends

Exhibit 5: Net debt trends (net debt / group EBITDA)

Source: eOne, Edison Investment Research

Source: eOne, Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 4: EBITDA and EPS trends

Source: eOne, Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 5: Net debt trends (net debt / group EBITDA)

Source: eOne, Edison Investment Research

Valuation

The group is in good shape entering FY19, with more than two-thirds of film and television content now generated from its own productions where it has a greater degree of control, a more streamlined FTD business, key subsidiaries under full control and an expanding Family portfolio.

Compared to peers across the media sector (Exhibit 6), eOne’s EBIT and P/E multiples are at a c 40% discount, although in terms of EBITDA the discount is c 20%. Applying FY1 EBITDA multiples of its more direct peers (DHX Media -10.7x for Family and Lionsgate 12.6x - for FTD), we derive a sum-of-the-parts valuation for the group of 377p (c 352p if production finance is also treated as debt); while UK shares tend to trade on a discount to North American peers, there remains considerable upside potential on this basis.

On the basis of the March 2017 library valuation by Salem Partners, the current EV is 76% covered by the value of its library. This valuation takes account of anticipated future revenues from the existing portfolio of brands and titles, but it does not capture the value of titles in development, or the value of future content creation or distribution from eOne’s production and sales network.

Exhibit 6: Peer comparison

EV/EBITDA (x)

EV/EBIT last (x)

P/E last (x)

last

FY1

FY2

last

FY1

FY2

last

FY1

FY2

eOne EV including PF

10.0

9.1

8.2

10.2

9.4

8.4

12.9

11.9

10.5

eOne EV excluding PF

9.3

8.5

7.7

9.5

8.7

7.9

12.9

11.9

10.5

Total peer average

19.4

9.5

8.9

21.8

17.5

13.3

19.2

18.5

16.7

Sub sector average:

Kids content

15.8

10.3

9.0

34.3

23.9

19.4

14.0

26.2

22.0

Production & distribution

82.7

12.9

11.4

40.8

27.7

14.8

31.6

16.4

82.7

Television

6.6

6.0

5.8

14.2

10.9

8.8

18.4

15.8

6.6

Exhibitors

12.6

9.1

8.1

18.0

20.4

15.3

21.5

19.7

17.3

Majors

10.7

10.6

11.1

12.8

11.9

11.2

16.3

14.9

13.9

Source: Bloomberg, Edison Investment Research (eOne forecasts). Note: Priced at 18 May. PF: production finance.

Exhibit 7: Financial summary

£m

2015

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

2020e

Year end 31 March

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

785.8

802.7

1,082.7

1,044.5

1,208.6

1,353.3

Cost of Sales

(578.0)

(610.1)

(822.9)

(793.8)

(918.5)

(1,028.5)

Gross Profit

207.8

192.6

259.8

250.7

290.1

324.8

EBITDA

107.3

129.1

160.2

177.3

193.4

215.0

Operating Profit

103.6

124.7

155.3

173.7

188.9

210.0

Amortisation of intangibles

(22.2)

(27.4)

(41.9)

(39.6)

(37.0)

(37.0)

Exceptional items

(17.9)

(16.6)

(40.8)

(7.1)

(7.0)

0.0

Share based payment charge

(3.4)

(5.7)

(5.0)

(12.6)

(13.5)

(14.0)

JV tax, finance costs, dep'n

0.1

(1.6)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Operating Profit

60.2

73.4

67.6

114.4

131.4

159.0

Net Interest

(14.8)

(20.6)

(25.4)

(29.3)

(34.0)

(32.9)

Exceptional finance items

(1.4)

(6.5)

(6.3)

(7.5)

0.0

0.0

Profit Before Tax (norm)

88.8

104.1

129.9

144.4

154.9

177.0

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

44.0

47.9

35.9

77.6

97.4

126.0

Tax (reported)

(2.7)

(7.7)

(12.3)

0.6

(22.4)

(29.0)

Tax (adjustment for normalised earnings)

(16.8)

(16.8)

(14.8)

(28.5)

(8.6)

(6.4)

Profit After Tax (before non-controlling interests) (norm)

69.3

79.6

102.8

116.5

123.9

141.6

Profit After Tax (before non-controlling interests) (FRS3)

41.2

40.2

23.6

78.2

75.0

97.1

Non-controlling interests

0.0

(3.7)

(11.9)

(13.7)

(10.5)

(11.5)

Average Number of Shares, Diluted (m)

332.9

379.8

432.7

447.6

480.9

486.3

EPS - normalised (p)

20.8

19.4

20.0

21.9

23.6

26.8

EPS - FRS 3 (p)

12.7

9.8

2.7

14.8

13.9

18.2

Dividend per share (p)

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

Gross Margin (%)

26.4

24.0

24.0

24.0

24.0

24.0

EBITDA Margin (%)

13.7

16.1

14.8

17.0

16.0

15.9

Operating Margin (before GW and except) (%)

13.2

15.5

14.3

16.6

15.6

15.5

BALANCE SHEET

10%

8%

13%

Non-current Assets

538.4

890.7

972.7

936.9

977.0

964.3

Intangible Assets (incl Investment in programmes)

473.9

808.2

870.6

805.4

855.5

854.3

Tangible Assets

6.1

60.1

72.8

104.3

104.8

104.8

Deferred tax/Investments

58.4

22.4

29.3

27.2

16.7

5.2

Current Assets

634.3

752.0

928.3

899.1

924.1

942.6

Stocks

52.0

51.1

48.6

39.6

39.6

39.6

Investment in content rights

221.1

241.3

269.8

253.4

262.6

266.1

Debtors

289.9

351.3

476.5

486.9

546.9

586.9

Cash

71.3

108.3

133.4

119.2

75.0

50.0

Current Liabilities

(488.3)

(568.7)

(679.4)

(691.5)

(697.0)

(707.0)

Creditors

(398.7)

(470.7)

(574.6)

(514.7)

(520.2)

(530.2)

Short term borrowings

(89.6)

(98.0)

(104.8)

(176.8)

(176.8)

(176.8)

Long Term Liabilities

(319.6)

(413.6)

(464.6)

(438.7)

(434.5)

(346.5)

Long term borrowings

(295.9)

(309.1)

(368.3)

(375.6)

(371.4)

(283.4)

Other long term liabilities

(23.7)

(104.5)

(96.3)

(63.1)

(63.1)

(63.1)

Net Assets

364.8

660.4

757.0

705.8

769.5

853.4

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

271.9

298.8

425.3

470.9

587.7

725.6

Net Interest

(13.4)

(10.3)

(24.3)

(26.2)

(34.0)

(32.9)

Tax

(10.8)

(17.7)

(18.4)

(32.5)

(26.9)

(29.0)

Capex

(4.8)

(8.6)

(3.5)

(3.2)

(5.0)

(5.0)

Acquisitions/disposals

(104.3)

(226.0)

(9.6)

(118.5)

(5.0)

0.0

Investment in content rights and TV programmes

(280.8)

(218.5)

(373.6)

(437.4)

(542.5)

(580.0)

Proceeds on issue of shares

0.0

194.5

(19.2)

52.0

0.0

0.0

Dividends

(2.9)

(4.0)

(8.3)

(13.0)

(14.3)

(15.7)

Net Cash Flow

(145.1)

8.2

(31.7)

(107.9)

(40.0)

63.0

Opening net debt/(cash)

165.1

314.2

299.7

339.7

433.2

473.2

Movements in exchangeable notes

0.0

0.0

0.0

14.5

0.0

0.0

Other including forex

(4.0)

6.3

(8.3)

(0.1)

0.0

0.0

Closing IFRS debt/(cash)

314.2

299.7

339.7

433.2

473.2

410.2

ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT

Production finance

89.3

118.0

152.3

118.7

148.8

136.6

Net debt

224.9

181.7

187.4

314.5

324.5

273.6

Gearing

2.1

1.4

1.2

1.8

1.7

1.3

Source: eOne, Edison Investment Research

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2018 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Entertainment One and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2018 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Entertainment One and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd (AFSL: 427484)) and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2018. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

295 Madison Avenue, 18th Floor

10017, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Research: Real Estate

Regional REIT — Q1 DPS growth confirmed

With FY17 results in March, Regional REIT (RGL) reiterated its commitment to a progressive dividend, and has now declared a Q118 DPS of 1.85p (Q117: 1.80p). Management reports a good pace of lettings year to date, which it says reinforces its confidence in the prospects for increasing occupancy and income. We make no change to our estimates for a continued good level of total return, substantially income based. The yield remains the highest in the sector, with a highly diversified portfolio mitigating economic and sector-specific risks.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free