Uniti Wireless looks set to keep growing
Since listing on the ASX in January 2019, the share price of broadband provider, Uniti Wireless (ASX:UWL) has enjoyed spectacular growth. From an IPO price of 25 cents, shares have rocketed to $1.60, with the business growing via consolidation. The upcoming merger with OptiComm Limited (ASX:OPC) will make the business even stronger.
Following six acquisitions between April and December 2019, the team at Uniti spent the ensuing six months focused on two objectives. Firstly, they needed to consolidate these acquisitions, and second, they were running the ruler over the merger with OPC, which was announced in mid-June 2020 and expected to be consummated in September 2020.
Whilst the pro-forma revenue for Fiscal 2020 was below expectations at $70 million, its EBITDA surprised on the upside at $38 million, with an exit run-rate of $41 million. This was an extraordinary result given the underlying economic environment over recent months, as well as the net operating cash flow (pre- capital expenditure) of $10.1m in the June 2020 quarter.
The combined UWL/OPC organisation has the following organisational attributes:
- A national provider of fibre-to-the premises (FTTP) to new residential, commercial and retail developments. The company passes 188,000 lots and has contracted obligations to construct future network to a further 188,000 additional lots with a focus on Australia’s eastern states from Melbourne up to Gladstone;
- Growing demand for high-speed internet connectivity, ability to accommodate increased data demand, as well as legislative requirements for fixed-line fibre telecommunications infrastructure in new housing developments;
- Increased relevancy of the major retail service providers (RSPs); and
- Expanded offering of converged services in addition to standard connectivity.
On a pro-forma Fiscal 2020 basis, the fundamentals of the combined UWL/OPC, post the synergies, would look like this: revenue of $141 million; EBITDA of $87 million; shares on Issue of 602.4 million; market capitalisation at the current $1.55 of $934 million; net debt of $112 million; enterprise value of $1,046 million; and an enterprise value to EBITDA ratio of 12.0X. EPS of 7.5 cents and an historical PE of 20.7X.
The addition of OPC increases the share of revenue and EBITDA generated from infrastructure. In terms of the revenue split, we forecast recurring network revenue accounting for 50 per cent; high quality services revenue accounting for 33 per cent and construction revenues accounting for 17 per cent.
Fast forward to Fiscal 2022, the first full financial year of the combined business
Excluding any further acquisitions (unlikely), could UWL achieve revenue of $200 million and EBITDA margins of around 60 per cent? We think so.
Assuming the net operating cash flow comfortably exceeds capital expenditure, it seems likely net debt could decline to $50 million (or below) from the current theoretical $112 million. (Again, this assumes no acquisitions). If this scenario played out, the company (at $1.55 per share) could be selling on an enterprise value ($984 million) to EBITDA ($120 million) ratio for Fiscal 2022 of 8.2X.
In an environment of close to nil interest rates, this seems too cheap to me, and a target of closer to $2.00 per share appears achievable.
To read my previous article on Uniti Wireless, click here.
The Montgomery Small Companies Fund own shares in Uniti Wireless. This article was prepared 04 August with the information we have today, and our view may change. It does not constitute formal advice or professional investment advice. If you wish to trade Uniti Wireless you should seek financial advice.
Chief Executive Officer of Montgomery Investment Management, David Buckland has over 30 years of industry experience. David is a deeply knowledgeable and highly experienced financial services executive. Prior to joining Montgomery in 2012, David was CEO and Executive Director of Hunter Hall for 11 years, as well as a Director at JP Morgan in Sydney and London for eight years.
This post was contributed by a representative of Montgomery Investment Management Pty Limited (AFSL No. 354564). The principal purpose of this post is to provide factual information and not provide financial product advice. Additionally, the information provided is not intended to provide any recommendation or opinion about any financial product. Any commentary and statements of opinion however may contain general advice only that is prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances or needs. Because of this, before acting on any of the information provided, you should always consider its appropriateness in light of your personal objectives, financial circumstances and needs and should consider seeking independent advice from a financial advisor if necessary before making any decisions. This post specifically excludes personal advice.
