Founder Evidente. Top rated quantitative analyst, Evidente

Sam Ferraro

Founder Evidente. Top rated quantitative analyst

Evidente

Evidente is an independent financial education firm that delivers innovative financial advice to wholesale investors, including active long only funds, hedge funds, pension funds, and sovereign wealth funds, in Australia and globally.  Drawing on academic research in asset pricing, behavioural finance and portfolio construction, Evidente provides wholesale investors with commercial solutions to stock selection and asset allocation decisions across equities and other asset classes.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul><li>A number of developments in the past week were a stark reminder that&nbsp;Australia&rsquo;s exports to China&nbsp;are undergoing a revolution thanks to inexorable&nbsp;rise of China's middle class.&nbsp;&nbsp;At a time when BHP dropped to a decade low, the news-flow in Australia focussed on &nbsp;the growing shortage on supermarket shelves of Bellamy&rsquo;s baby formula, while overseas arrivals from China continue to surge.&nbsp;</li><li>Chinese demand for&nbsp;Australia's agri-food products, vitamins, wine, tourism, higher education and other non-commodity goods and&nbsp;services&nbsp;will continue to grow strongly and help diversify our export basket.&nbsp; In an environment where the aggregate supply of growth in Australia is low, the rise of China's middle class is a powerful and seductive investment theme that offers strong growth prospects to Australia's non-commodity exporters.</li><li>The key macro announcement in Australia in the past week was the stronger than expected employment print for the month of October.&nbsp; Expectations of a December rate cut have consequently diminished.&nbsp; Evidente has been of the view that given the spare capacity in the economy and labour market, the RBA should deliver more monetary stimulus.&nbsp; One strong monthly employment outcome is not sufficient to alter my view that labour market conditions are slack and that another rate cut is necessary.</li></ul>

A number of developments in the past week were a stark reminder that&nbsp;Australia&rsquo;s exports to China&nbsp;are undergoing a revolution thanks to inexorable&nbsp;rise of China's middle class.&nbsp;&nbsp;At a time when BHP dropped to a decade low, the news-flow in Australia focussed on &nbsp;the growing shortage on supermarket shelves of Bellamy&rsquo;s baby formula, while overseas arrivals from China continue to surge.&nbsp;Chinese demand for&nbsp;Australia's agri-food products, vitamins, wine, tourism, higher education and other non-commodity goods and&nbsp;services&nbsp;will continue to grow strongly and help diversify our export basket.&nbsp; In an environment where the aggregate supply of growth in Australia is low, the rise of China's middle class is a powerful and seductive investment theme that offers strong growth prospects to Australia's non-commodity exporters.The key macro announcement in Australia in the past week was the stronger than expected employment print for the month of October.&nbsp; Expectations of a December rate cut have consequently diminished.&nbsp; Evidente has been of the view that given the spare capacity in the economy and labour market, the RBA should deliver more monetary stimulus.&nbsp; One strong monthly employment outcome is not sufficient to alter my view that labour market conditions are slack and that another rate cut is necessary.

Weekly Impressions - Australia's Export Revolution to China's Rising Middle Class

<ul><li>Australians' long held fascination with land is part of the national psyche.&nbsp; In a speech delivered overnight, RBA Deputy Governor Philip Lowe shows why.&nbsp;&nbsp;Land accounts for one-third of Australia's national assets and that higher land values - not dwellings - have driven residential property markets higher in recent decades.</li><li>Booming land values reflect favourable demand side influences, including strong growth in population and household incomes, while zoning restrictions have meant that the supply response to higher prices has been muted.&nbsp; With slower expected future income growth and increased concerns about future housing costs, the response to higher housing prices looks to be smaller than it was previously.</li><li>Nonetheless, Mr Lowe acknowledges that that a reduction in the household savings ratio is &lsquo;probably appropriate&rsquo; as the economy re-balances from a terms of trade and mining investment booms.&nbsp; Against this backdrop, I re-iterate my positive view on discretionary retailers.&nbsp; Key stocks to buy: HVN, JBH, DSH, GWA, MYR and PMV.</li></ul>

Australians' long held fascination with land is part of the national psyche.&nbsp; In a speech delivered overnight, RBA Deputy Governor Philip Lowe shows why.&nbsp;&nbsp;Land accounts for one-third of Australia's national assets and that higher land values - not dwellings - have driven residential property markets higher in recent decades.Booming land values reflect favourable demand side influences, including strong growth in population and household incomes, while zoning restrictions have meant that the supply response to higher prices has been muted.&nbsp; With slower expected future income growth and increased concerns about future housing costs, the response to higher housing prices looks to be smaller than it was previously.Nonetheless, Mr Lowe acknowledges that that a reduction in the household savings ratio is &lsquo;probably appropriate&rsquo; as the economy re-balances from a terms of trade and mining investment booms.&nbsp; Against this backdrop, I re-iterate my positive view on discretionary retailers.&nbsp; Key stocks to buy: HVN, JBH, DSH, GWA, MYR and PMV.

Australia's land obsession - Reiterate postive view on discretionary retailers

Macroeconomics

<p>In a blog post last year, I wrote of the lost decade for discretionary retailers; expected profitability was little changed from ten years earlier.&nbsp;A number of structural and cyclical headwinds continued to adversely impact the sector, including the persistently strong Australian dollar, consumer caution associated with the financial crisis and increased competition from e-tailers.&nbsp;In this post, I argue that signs of a less cautious consumer are emerging.&nbsp;There is downside risk to the household saving ratio as households become more optimistic about the future, durable goods spending continues to recover and consumer sentiment should benefit from the positive reaction to the Federal Budget.&nbsp;Against this backdrop, I recommend investors neutralise their under-weight bets in discretionary retailers, with a view to moving overweight as more signs of a less cautious consumer emerge.&nbsp;Getting the sector call right is more important than stock selection, but we highlight stocks that offer the strongest upside, including Echo, GUD, Harvey Norman, Premier Investment and Super Retail.</p>

In a blog post last year, I wrote of the lost decade for discretionary retailers; expected profitability was little changed from ten years earlier.&nbsp;A number of structural and cyclical headwinds continued to adversely impact the sector, including the persistently strong Australian dollar, consumer caution associated with the financial crisis and increased competition from e-tailers.&nbsp;In this post, I argue that signs of a less cautious consumer are emerging.&nbsp;There is downside risk to the household saving ratio as households become more optimistic about the future, durable goods spending continues to recover and consumer sentiment should benefit from the positive reaction to the Federal Budget.&nbsp;Against this backdrop, I recommend investors neutralise their under-weight bets in discretionary retailers, with a view to moving overweight as more signs of a less cautious consumer emerge.&nbsp;Getting the sector call right is more important than stock selection, but we highlight stocks that offer the strongest upside, including Echo, GUD, Harvey Norman, Premier Investment and Super Retail.

A less cautious consumer: Good news for discretionary retailers (finally!)

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events, Quiddity Advisors

David Blennerhassett

Pan-Asia Catalysts/Events

Quiddity Advisors

Event-Driven

<div>
<p>On the 18 May, Aussie theme parks and movie theater operator <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/village-roadshow-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7836:1" rel="noopener">Village Roadshow (VRL AU)</a> entered into <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200518/pdf/44hx6rjz13vp2b.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exclusive talks</a> with BGH Capital, which was followed on the 7 August with the <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200807/pdf/44l8s8vg0qgjdy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entering</a> into an Implementation Agreement, such that VRL shareholders would receive, under Structure A, up to A$2.45/share comprising A$2.20/share (A$2.10/share under Structure B) plus an additional A$0.25/share upon the re-opening of theme parks and cinemas, and Queensland's border being open to any person from NSW and Victoria. </p>
<p>At the time, I viewed the offer as being overly wrought, highly opportunistic, and heavily caveated, enabling the key shareholders to remain largely invested in the back-end; and failing that option (Structure A) - penalizing minorities via a lower cash option under Structure B.</p>
<p>Mittleman Investments agreed, and <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02291037-3A552048?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> it intends to vote its shares against both alternatives. Spheria Asset Management <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02307851-3A555222?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chimed</a> in early this month.</p>
</div>
<div>
<h3>A Recent Timeline of Events</h3>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<table class="table table-striped">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">
<h3>Date</h3>
</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<h3>Date in the Date</h3>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">29-Aug-19</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<p>Release of  <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20190829/pdf/44800hyl7gkz2s.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FY19</a>  results. VRL reported an underlying profit of A$20.6mn in against a loss of $7.3mn the previous year. The company declared a return to dividends with a fully franked dividend of A$0.05/share. At the time of these full-year results, Burke said the key issues with John had largely been addressed.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">19-Dec-19</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Pacific Equity Partners <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20191219/pdf/44cqw7hyn865wn.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tabled</a> a non-binding Offer at A$3.90/share, a 21.9% premium to last close, by way of a Scheme. PEP has also agreed to buy a 19% stake (at $3.90/share) from VRC, which would indicate Burke and the brothers are on the same page.<br><br>
<p>This is a <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20191219/pdf/44cqwl4t5yh94r.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">call option</a> on 19% of shares out - or Relevant Shares - between PEP and VRC. If an alternative offer is recommended by Village's board, the call option can be exercised. Voting remains with VRC until the Relevant Shares are exercised.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">23-Jan-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">VRL received a non-binding, indicative <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200124/pdf/44dh80xy1977ll.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offer</a> from BGH Capital of $4.00/share, a 25% premium to last close, and a small premium to PEP's $3.90/share offer the previous month.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">19-Mar-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<p>VRL <a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200319/pdf/44g6ftp3syn8tb.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> they continue to assist PEP and BGH with their respective due diligence. Exposed to cinemas and theme parks amidst the virus - VLR was down 75% from its recent high at this time.</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">18-May-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200518/pdf/44hx6rjz13vp2b.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Enters</a> into exclusive discussions with BGH.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">16-Jun - 5-Aug</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Various announcements extending the exclusivity agreement with BGH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">7-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">
<a href="https://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20200807/pdf/44l8s8vg0qgjdy.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entering</a> into an Implementation Agreement with BGH. </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">28-Aug-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;"><a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02273676-3A548632?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FY20 results</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">25-Sep-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">"<a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02285343-3A551068?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Film Deferral Event</a>" under the Implementation Agreement - no A$0.08/share additional payment.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">2-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02290462-3A551960?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10.09%</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">7-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman says it will vote <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02291037-3A552048?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">against</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">8-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Spheria, having dipped below 5% back on xx, now has <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02292760-3A552377?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6.20%</a>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">9-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Scheme Meeting <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02292036-3A552242?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirmed</a> for the 26 November</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">12-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Scheme Booklet <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02292758-3A552376?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lodged</a> with ASIC and expected to be despatched on or before the 21 October, and the Scheme Meetings tentatively set for the 26 November.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">28-Oct-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Spheria bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02302992-3A554387?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7.80%</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">4-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02305802-3A554879?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">11.24%</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">9-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Uplift of A$0.12/share <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02306239-3A554956?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">locked in</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">10-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02308127-3A555266?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">12.87%</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">12-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Spheria says it will vote <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02307851-3A555222?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">against</a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="width: 93.7143px;">12-Nov-20</td>
<td style="width: 610.286px;">Mittleman bumps to <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02311114-3A555880?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">14.34%</a>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;" class="content-caption">Source: ASX</div>
</div>
<h3>The New News</h3>
<div></div>
<p>This morning, VRL <a href="https://cdn-api.markitdigital.com/apiman-gateway/ASX/asx-research/1.0/file/2924-02312095-3A556080?access_token=83ff96335c2d45a094df02a206a39ff4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it had agreed with BGH that the terms are now A$3.00 under the Structure A Scheme and A$2.95/share under the Structure B Scheme, as had been rumoured last Friday. <br><br>Spheria now intends to vote in favour of both A and B. No word from Mittleman as yet.<br><br>The Scheme Meeting will now expected to be held on the 7 December, subject to Court approval.</p>
<div>
<p>More below the fold.</p>
</div>
<div>
<p></p>
</div>


On the 18 May, Aussie theme parks and movie theater operator Village Roadshow (VRL AU) entered into exclusive talks with BGH Capital, which was followed on the 7 August with the entering into an Implementation Agreement, such that VRL shareholders would receive, under Structure A, up to A$2.45/share comprising A$2.20/share (A$2.10/share under Structure B) plus an additional A$0.25/share upon the re-opening of theme parks and cinemas, and Queensland's border being open to any person from NSW and Victoria. 
At the time, I viewed the offer as being overly wrought, highly opportunistic, and heavily caveated, enabling the key shareholders to remain largely invested in the back-end; and failing that option (Structure A) - penalizing minorities via a lower cash option under Structure B.
Mittleman Investments agreed, and said it intends to vote its shares against both alternatives. Spheria Asset Management chimed in early this month.


A Recent Timeline of Events







Date


Date in the Date



29-Aug-19

Release of  FY19  results. VRL reported an underlying profit of A$20.6mn in against a loss of $7.3mn the previous year. The company declared a return to dividends with a fully franked dividend of A$0.05/share. At the time of these full-year results, Burke said the key issues with John had largely been addressed.



19-Dec-19
Pacific Equity Partners tabled a non-binding Offer at A$3.90/share, a 21.9% premium to last close, by way of a Scheme. PEP has also agreed to buy a 19% stake (at $3.90/share) from VRC, which would indicate Burke and the brothers are on the same page.  
This is a call option on 19% of shares out - or Relevant Shares - between PEP and VRC. If an alternative offer is recommended by Village's board, the call option can be exercised. Voting remains with VRC until the Relevant Shares are exercised.



23-Jan-20
VRL received a non-binding, indicative offer from BGH Capital of $4.00/share, a 25% premium to last close, and a small premium to PEP's $3.90/share offer the previous month.


19-Mar-20

VRL said they continue to assist PEP and BGH with their respective due diligence. Exposed to cinemas and theme parks amidst the virus - VLR was down 75% from its recent high at this time.



18-May-20

Enters into exclusive discussions with BGH.


16-Jun - 5-Aug
Various announcements extending the exclusivity agreement with BGH


7-Aug-20

Entering into an Implementation Agreement with BGH. 


28-Aug-20
FY20 results


25-Sep-20
"Film Deferral Event" under the Implementation Agreement - no A$0.08/share additional payment.


2-Oct-20
Mittleman bumps to 10.09%



7-Oct-20
Mittleman says it will vote against



8-Oct-20
Spheria, having dipped below 5% back on xx, now has 6.20%.


9-Oct-20
Scheme Meeting confirmed for the 26 November


12-Oct-20
Scheme Booklet lodged with ASIC and expected to be despatched on or before the 21 October, and the Scheme Meetings tentatively set for the 26 November.


28-Oct-20
Spheria bumps to 7.80%



4-Nov-20
Mittleman bumps to 11.24%



9-Nov-20
Uplift of A$0.12/share locked in



10-Nov-20
Mittleman bumps to 12.87%



12-Nov-20
Spheria says it will vote against



12-Nov-20
Mittleman bumps to 14.34%







Source: ASX

The New News

This morning, VRL announced it had agreed with BGH that the terms are now A$3.00 under the Structure A Scheme and A$2.95/share under the Structure B Scheme, as had been rumoured last Friday.   Spheria now intends to vote in favour of both A and B. No word from Mittleman as yet.  The Scheme Meeting will now expected to be held on the 7 December, subject to Court approval.

More below the fold.





Village Roadshow: Rollercoaster Economics

Leading Independent Investment Research, Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar

Leading Independent Investment Research

Morningstar, Inc.

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Equity Bottom-Up

<p>We are bemused by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/13682" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13682:1">Ardent Leisure Group (AAD AU)</a>'s recent about-face on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/7452" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:7452:1">Ariadne Australia Ltd (ARA AU)</a> board representation. After weeks of opposition, the sudden last-minute decision to "welcome" the two Ariadne nominees, Gary Weiss and Carl Richmond, on the Ardent Leisure board is curious to say the least.</p><p>Our AUD 2.15 fair value estimate is intact, as we still believe in the no-moat-rated group's turnaround potential. And we agree realisation of this potential is "best achieved by the establishment of a collaborative and unified board," as stoically declared by the Ardent board as justification for burying the hatchet with Ariadne.</p><p>However, one cannot help but be sceptical about how the board can suddenly become unified with the two Ariadne representatives. In fact, Ardent spent considerable energy opposing the appointment of these nominees, specifically pointing out their presence may bring "undue influence, disrupt execution of management's strategy and bring the potential for management instability." Securityholders have now been assured all these concerns have suddenly disappeared and all is harmonious around the board table.</p><p>We hope so.</p><p>New CEO Simon Kelly's blueprint for turning Ardent around is cogent, with a more refined Main Event roll-out, stringent site selection for that expansion, capital discipline, operating efficiency improvement, and corporate cost rationalisation all targeted as key focus areas. It is also all-encompassing and would need refinement as the plan progresses, for example, cluster versus "beachhead in new markets" strategy when it comes to rolling out Main Event venues, and initiatives to drive theme park attendance and per-capita spending. Faced with executing on these priorities, the last thing Ardent securityholders need is a board who begins to second-guess itself and management, due to clashes in opinions and personalities between the incumbent members and the new Ariadne representatives.</p><p>Our AUD 2.15 intrinsic value assessment for Ardent assumes Main Event EBITDA generates five-year EBITDA CAGR of 21%, as the number of venues increases from 37 to 78 over that timeframe and EBITDA margin improves from the depressed 20.3% in fiscal 2017 to 25.5% in five years' time. It also incorporates a recovery in theme parks, from a Dreamworld-impacted loss of AUD 3 million in fiscal 207 to an EBITDA of AUD 46 million in five years' time. This compares with theme park division's six-year historical average of AUD 32 million per year before the Dreamworld tragedy in fiscal 2017.</p><p>While we believe this turnaround to be achievable, its execution is far from being a walk in the park. It requires rolling out Main Event venues in a fiscally-disciplined manner, as opposed to the previous wanton strategy of hitting 200 venues sometime in the future. It also requires nitty-gritty focus on the operating front, in terms of efficiency improvement, cost control and targeting marketing (as opposed to the previous catch-all aim of attracting more customers on the back of the previous CEO's experience in consumer-marketing).</p><p>Furthermore, the competitive landscape is unlikely to get easier, especially in the U.S. where Ardent has effectively bet the group on the success of Main Event. For instance, U.S. peer Dave and Buster's recent result showed comparable-store sales growth of just 1.1% in the three months ended July 2017, with management downgrading current full fiscal year comparable-store sales growth to 1% to 2%, down from 2% to 3% previously. This is hardly a good near-term backdrop for Ardent, as it tries to improve Main Event's earnings, with recent hurricane activities in and around Houston also impacting five to eight venues.</p><p>This underscores the importance of management having the full backing of a unified board. Turnaround of Ardent will not be smooth and management will need all the counsel and guidance it can get from the board. To this end, we note that Ardent's current nine-person board contains two members with significant U.S. leisure and entertainment experience, namely, Randy Garfield and one of Ariadne's representatives in Carl Richmond. Their presence will be critical, especially with the impending retirement of two Australia-based directors.</p><p><em>Analyst: Brian Han</em></p>

We are bemused by Ardent Leisure Group (AAD AU)'s recent about-face on Ariadne Australia Ltd (ARA AU) board representation. After weeks of opposition, the sudden last-minute decision to "welcome" the two Ariadne nominees, Gary Weiss and Carl Richmond, on the Ardent Leisure board is curious to say the least.Our AUD 2.15 fair value estimate is intact, as we still believe in the no-moat-rated group's turnaround potential. And we agree realisation of this potential is "best achieved by the establishment of a collaborative and unified board," as stoically declared by the Ardent board as justification for burying the hatchet with Ariadne.However, one cannot help but be sceptical about how the board can suddenly become unified with the two Ariadne representatives. In fact, Ardent spent considerable energy opposing the appointment of these nominees, specifically pointing out their presence may bring "undue influence, disrupt execution of management's strategy and bring the potential for management instability." Securityholders have now been assured all these concerns have suddenly disappeared and all is harmonious around the board table.We hope so.New CEO Simon Kelly's blueprint for turning Ardent around is cogent, with a more refined Main Event roll-out, stringent site selection for that expansion, capital discipline, operating efficiency improvement, and corporate cost rationalisation all targeted as key focus areas. It is also all-encompassing and would need refinement as the plan progresses, for example, cluster versus "beachhead in new markets" strategy when it comes to rolling out Main Event venues, and initiatives to drive theme park attendance and per-capita spending. Faced with executing on these priorities, the last thing Ardent securityholders need is a board who begins to second-guess itself and management, due to clashes in opinions and personalities between the incumbent members and the new Ariadne representatives.Our AUD 2.15 intrinsic value assessment for Ardent assumes Main Event EBITDA generates five-year EBITDA CAGR of 21%, as the number of venues increases from 37 to 78 over that timeframe and EBITDA margin improves from the depressed 20.3% in fiscal 2017 to 25.5% in five years' time. It also incorporates a recovery in theme parks, from a Dreamworld-impacted loss of AUD 3 million in fiscal 207 to an EBITDA of AUD 46 million in five years' time. This compares with theme park division's six-year historical average of AUD 32 million per year before the Dreamworld tragedy in fiscal 2017.While we believe this turnaround to be achievable, its execution is far from being a walk in the park. It requires rolling out Main Event venues in a fiscally-disciplined manner, as opposed to the previous wanton strategy of hitting 200 venues sometime in the future. It also requires nitty-gritty focus on the operating front, in terms of efficiency improvement, cost control and targeting marketing (as opposed to the previous catch-all aim of attracting more customers on the back of the previous CEO's experience in consumer-marketing).Furthermore, the competitive landscape is unlikely to get easier, especially in the U.S. where Ardent has effectively bet the group on the success of Main Event. For instance, U.S. peer Dave and Buster's recent result showed comparable-store sales growth of just 1.1% in the three months ended July 2017, with management downgrading current full fiscal year comparable-store sales growth to 1% to 2%, down from 2% to 3% previously. This is hardly a good near-term backdrop for Ardent, as it tries to improve Main Event's earnings, with recent hurricane activities in and around Houston also impacting five to eight venues.This underscores the importance of management having the full backing of a unified board. Turnaround of Ardent will not be smooth and management will need all the counsel and guidance it can get from the board. To this end, we note that Ardent's current nine-person board contains two members with significant U.S. leisure and entertainment experience, namely, Randy Garfield and one of Ariadne's representatives in Carl Richmond. Their presence will be critical, especially with the impending retirement of two Australia-based directors.Analyst: Brian Han

Let's Hope Board Harmony Runs Deep as Ardent Leisure Management Embarks on a Turnaround Journey

Australia

Ardent Leisure Group is a trust established to acquire and invest in leisure and entertainment properties in Australia. The Trust's property portfolio comprises theme parks, bowling centers, and  health clubs as well as a portfolio of family entertainment assets in the United States.

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Ardent Leisure Group (AAD AU)

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Let's Hope Board Harmony Runs Deep as Ardent Leisure Management Embarks on a Turnaround Journey

We are bemused by Ardent Leisure Group (AAD AU)'s recent about-face on Ariadne Australia Ltd (ARA AU) board representation. After weeks of...

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