Bigblu Broadband — Exponential increases in speeds widen market

Bigblu Broadband — Exponential increases in speeds widen market

In 2018, Bigblu Broadband (BBB) made substantial strategic progress, positioning itself at the forefront of the alternative high-speed broadband sector in Europe and Australia. With a completed European footprint, the group is now well-placed to profit from the abundance of faster, cheaper satellite capacity coming on stream in the coming years, which should enable it to take market share from ADSL and fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and reduce churn. BBB trades at an FY1 consensus EV/EBITDA of 7.7x, a 34% discount to the UK small-cap telco sector.

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Bigblu Broadband

Exponential increases in speeds widen market

Exponential increases in speeds widen market

Telecommunications

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4 April 2019

Price

116.0p

Market cap

£66m

Share price graph

Share details

Code

BBB

Listing

LSE

Shares in issue

56.7m

Business description

Bigblu Broadband is the largest satellite and fixed wireless broadband supplier in Europe, retailing solutions in Europe and Australia to households and businesses. The group has more than 110,000 customers, 80% of which subscribe to superfast satellite and 20% to fixed wireless broadband.

Bull

BBB to offer EU satellite speeds of 100Mbps in 2019 making it competitive with fibre packages.

Highly scalable business model with multi-language cloud CRM, billing and finance platform.

French subsidies for high-speed satellite are likely to be copied by other EU governments.

Bear

Services provided over third-party networks, albeit with the benefit of sourcing capacity competitively.

Acquisitions are a key growth driver, but reliance on them is falling with well-established networks.

Gearing risk: end FY18 £11.9m net debt versus net assets of £10.1m.

Analysts

Anna Bossong

+44 (0)20 3077 5737

Dan Gardiner

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Bigblu Broadband is a research client of Edison Investment Research

In 2018, Bigblu Broadband (BBB) made substantial strategic progress, positioning itself at the forefront of the alternative high-speed broadband sector in Europe and Australia. With a completed European footprint, the group is now well-placed to profit from the abundance of faster, cheaper satellite capacity coming on stream in the coming years, which should enable it to take market share from ADSL and fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and reduce churn. BBB trades at an FY1 consensus EV/EBITDA of 7.7x, a 34% discount to the UK small-cap telco sector.

European strategy coming to fruition

Bigblu made substantial progress in strengthening its market position, becoming Europe’s only pan-EU satellite broadband provider, following expansion into five markets and two acquisitions. This year the launch of Eutelsat’s next-generation Konnect satellite will enable BBB to move from the current 50Mb offering in its core markets to broadband speeds of 100Mbps. This performance is superior to that of wired broadband, typically FTTC, which offers 30–50 Mbps; data allowances remain unlimited. With demand for ever more bandwidth for video streaming on multiple devices, this should boost subscriber growth and cut churn.

EU satellite subsidies set to increase subscriber base

Over the next two years we expect more EU states to follow the recent French lead of introducing subsidies for satellite broadband installations in order to comply with the EU’s 2020 broadband directive. The realisation by many rural populations in the EU, 27 million of which have broadband speeds below 4Mbps, that these subsidies are a substitute for imminent fibre roll-out is likely to boost demand for high-speed satellite services. BBB is also making significant cutting-edge progress with fixed broadband services, which also provide fibre-competitive solutions for rural areas.

Valuation: Stock trading at a deep discount to sector

During FY18 BBB increased subscriber numbers by 13% to 113,500, helped by two acquisitions in Europe. Revenue grew 26.1%, with contract-based revenues up 19% to €49.5m, or 90% of revenues. BBB expanded gross and adjusted EBITDA margins by 5.1% to 40.6% and 1.7% to 12.3%, respectively, helped by disposal of the Australian fibre business, product improvements and higher grant income, boosting adjusted EBITDA 45%. Net debt fell 10% to £11.9m, helped by £1.1m free cash flow generation. At a 34% 2019e EV/EBITDA discount to its UK small-cap telco peers, we believe BBB’s strong growth potential is yet to be reflected in its share price.

Consensus estimates

Year
end

Revenue
(£m)

EBITDA*
(£m)

PBT
(£m)

EPS**
(p)

DPS
(p)

EV/EBITDA*
(x)

P/E**
(x)

11/17

43.9

3.3

(10.1)

6.1

0

23.5

19.0

11/18

55.4

6.8

(9.5)

(0.3)

0

11.4

N/A

11/19e

62.5

10.1

(1.3)

4.5

0

7.7

25.8

11/20e

67.3

11.1

2.5

5.2

0

7.0

22.3

Source: Refinitiv. Note: *Adjusted for share-based payments and exceptional. **Adjusted to exclude amortisation, exceptional depreciation and exceptionals.

Disclaimer

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Bigblu Broadband and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Bigblu Broadband. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: 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 and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the Edison analyst at the time of publication. 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.

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Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “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.

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New Zealand

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. 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 (i.e. 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.

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This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

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The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison 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. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Disclaimer

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Bigblu Broadband and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Bigblu Broadband. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: 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 and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the Edison analyst at the time of publication. 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.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, 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 securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. 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, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “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.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 427484). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

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. 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 (i.e. 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.

United Kingdom

Neither this document and associated email (together, the "Communication") constitutes or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any decision to purchase shares in the Company in the proposed placing should be made solely on the basis of the information to be contained in the admission document to be published in connection therewith.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison 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. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

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

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

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