Media and Games Invest — Q321 results, 41% y-o-y organic growth

MGI – Media and Games Invest (OMX: M8G)

Last close As at 28/03/2024

EUR1.50

0.35 (30.21%)

Market capitalisation

EUR152m

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Research: TMT

Media and Games Invest — Q321 results, 41% y-o-y organic growth

Media and Games Invest (MGI) showed continued strong growth in Q321, with improving margins as the business scaled. Q321 net revenues rose by 80% to €62.9m, with 41% year-on-year organic revenue growth. Benefiting from operating leverage, adjusted EBITDA tripled to €19.0m as margins rose to 30% (Q320: 18%). In Q321, MGI placed a further €80m bond and, at 30 September 2021, had net interest-bearing debt of €172.8m, with leverage of 3.0x (2.5x on a pro forma basis). Management guidance is for FY21 revenues of €234–254m and adjusted EBITDA of €65–70m, which looks very achievable ahead of the seasonally strong Q4. Driven by sustained growth (guidance implies 70%+ growth for FY21), MGI trades at a justified premium to its European games peer group but at a material discount to its US adtech peers.

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Written by

TMT

Media and Games Invest

Q321 results, 41% y-o-y organic growth

Software & computer services

Scale research report - Flash

18 November 2021

Price

€5.69

Market cap

€852m

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Share details

Code

M8G

Listing

Deutsche Börse Scale/
Nasdaq First North Premier

Shares in issue

149.7m

Net interest-bearing debt at 30 September 2021

€172.8m

Business description

Media and Games Invest is a fast-growing and profitable integrated digital games and media company, targeting Europe and North America. It combines organic growth with value-accretive acquisitions to deliver strong and sustainable earnings growth.

Bull

Management with proven M&A track record.

Business underpinned by long-term games growth trends, with a synergistic media platform.

45% five-year revenue CAGR in FY15–20.

Bear

Undergoing a period of rapid transformation and with €199m of cash at Q321, this will continue.

MGI’s games portfolio remains PC focused, with mobile still substantially under-represented.

Although margins are picking up, the media segment still lags the games business.

Analysts

Richard Williamson

+44 (0) 20 3077 5700

Dan Ridsdale

+44 (0) 20 3077 5700

Media and Games Invest (MGI) showed continued strong growth in Q321, with improving margins as the business scaled. Q321 net revenues rose by 80% to €62.9m, with 41% year-on-year organic revenue growth. Benefiting from operating leverage, adjusted EBITDA tripled to €19.0m as margins rose to 30% (Q320: 18%). In Q321, MGI placed a further €80m bond and, at 30 September 2021, had net interest-bearing debt of €172.8m, with leverage of 3.0x (2.5x on a pro forma basis). Management guidance is for FY21 revenues of €234–254m and adjusted EBITDA of €65–70m, which looks very achievable ahead of the seasonally strong Q4. Driven by sustained growth (guidance implies 70%+ growth for FY21), MGI trades at a justified premium to its European games peer group but at a material discount to its US adtech peers.

Media – starting to deliver on its platform promise

Q321 was the first quarter where media represented the majority (55%) of group revenues, following the acquisition of Smaato, completed on 1 September 2021. Benefiting from investment and increasing scale, despite the closure of the low-margin influencer platform, Q321 revenues grew 105% y-o-y to €34.8m. Adjusted EBITDA rose sixfold to €8.3m, a margin of 24% (Q320: 8%). As well as starting to integrate the acquisitions of Beemray and Smaato, Verve formed partnerships with LiveRamp (a bidding platform for addressable inventory) and Pixalate (a global ad fraud intelligence and marketing compliance platform). Management also enhanced Verve’s senior management team, with new co-CEOs and multiple senior hires.

Gaming – continuing with its proven formula

Gamigo recorded Q321 revenues of €28.1m, y-o-y growth of 56%. Adjusted EBITDA margins rose to 38% (Q320: 28%), partly reflecting the high-margin contribution from KingsIsle’s Wizard101, with Q321 adjusted EBITDA of €10.7m. Gamigo’s strategy remains to avoid high-risk development, preferring to acquire established games and licences. Having licensed Heroes of Twilight and Golf Champions in H121, gamigo licensed two more properties in Q321: Fantasy Town (an Asian mobile game signed for western audiences) and an as yet unnamed open world MMORPG. Existing title, ArcheAge, was sold back to the developer, with Atlas Rogues and Skydome discontinued following audience testing.

Valuation: Underpinned by market-leading growth

At the midpoint of management guidance (revenues of €244m and adjusted EBITDA of €67.5m), MGI is trading on c 15.2x EV/adjusted EBITDA and 4.2x EV/revenue in FY21e. This is at a premium to MGI’s European games peers, despite its superior growth rate, but at a material discount to its US adtech peers.

Consensus estimates

Year
end

Revenue
(€m)

Adj. EBITDA*
(€m)

PBT
(€m)

EPS
(€)

EV/adjusted EBITDA* (x)

P/E
(x)

12/19

83.9

18.1

(0.8)

(0.01)

56.5

N/A

12/20

140.2

26.5

3.9

0.03

38.6

189.7

12/21e

237.5

63.6

20.8

0.14

16.1

40.6

12/22e

302.5

88.6

38.9

0.21

11.6

27.1

Source: MGI accounts (historical figures), Refinitiv consensus (forecasts). Note: *EBITDA adjusted for one-off M&A and financing costs.

Edison Investment Research provides qualitative research coverage on companies in the Deutsche Börse Scale segment in accordance with section 36 subsection 3 of the General Terms and Conditions of Deutsche Börse AG for the Regulated Unofficial Market (Freiverkehr) on Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse (as of 1 March 2017). Two to three research reports will be produced per year. Research reports do not contain Edison analyst financial forecasts.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Media and Games Invest and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Media and Games Invest. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 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 research department of Edison 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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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 2021 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). 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

This document is prepared and provided by Edison 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.

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.

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

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

1185 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

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Media and Games Invest and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Media and Games Invest. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 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 research department of Edison 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 2021 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). 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

This document is prepared and provided by Edison 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.

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.

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

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

1185 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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