
TSE:CGX
This summary was created by AI, based on 3 opinions in the last 12 months.
Cineplex Inc (CGX-T) has faced significant challenges since the COVID pandemic, with a disappointing box office performance in Q3 and Q4, though Q1 shows signs of improvement thanks to a strong December. Some analysts believe that the company's current struggles might present a fantastic risk/return opportunity, especially as the retiring CEO's departure may catalyze a potential sale by mid-2026. There is skepticism about the long-term impact of streaming on Cineplex's business model, suggesting that while it may not be the same company as before, it still has potential assets to be divested or capitalized upon. Overall, there is uncertainty regarding the next strategic move, prompting some experts to recommend exploring energy infrastructure investments as alternatives.
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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