
TSE:CGX
This summary was created by AI, based on 3 opinions in the last 12 months.
Cineplex Inc. (CGX-T) has experienced significant challenges, particularly during the pandemic, and analysts have mixed feelings about its future. Disappointment in box office performance during Q3 and Q4 does cast a shadow, but Q1 is showing some signs of recovery. There's speculation surrounding the upcoming retirement of the CEO, with potential discussions of selling the company before year-end, which could be a catalyst for its valuation. Despite concerns about the impact of streaming services on traditional cinema, one analyst remains optimistic, highlighting a potential for asset divestiture and valuation at $34, contrasting with the analysts' price target of $14.25. Overall, while some believe in its management and long-term value, uncertainty looms regarding the next strategic move.
Cineplex remains a recovery story, and its beta of 2.88 signals more risk than usual. It rose 10% in Q1, but the chart was choppy. So, consider Cineplex a partial buy. After all, Covid didn’t kill cinema-going, as some expected, but deferred it. We still love the big screen. Read Dark horses: Nuvei, Cineplex, Boralex for our full analysis.
Revenue growth is coming back a bit, with lower comparables from last year helping the year-over-year figures. Its debt levels are high, with net debt of $1.9B, and a net debt/EBITDA of 6.8X. Interest costs are $137M (last 12 months) and these will likely rise a bit with higher rates. 12-month cash flow was $116M and therein lies the problem. The debt is mostly due in the next five years. With attendance back, and a decent film slate, bankruptcy is becoming less of a concern, but it is still hard to paint a really positive picture here because of the leverage.
It is somewhat cheap (0.4X forward sales), but also has a fairly high forward P/E of 20.2X. It could become a takeover target, however, we would not place a high level of probability on that at these current levels.
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