Wanda Sports Group Limited: Strong Business, Good Potential, but Bad Governance

Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Supun Walpola

Equity Analyst

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

Event-Driven

<p>Bloomberg reported last week that <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wanda-sports-group-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28119:1" rel="noopener">Wanda Sports Group (WSG US)</a> (Wanda) is planning to sell its Ironman brand (under which it operates IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon events globally) for $1bn. Bloomberg’s report stated that Wanda Sports is working with an adviser to determine whether or not to proceed with the sale, adding that the company has already had discussions with interested private equity buyers.</p><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qjxxYoL7nSU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p><div style="text-align: left;" class="content-caption">Source: Youtube</div><div class="content-highlight"><p>At an EV/Revenue multiple of 10x (versus the peer average of 5x) the expected $1bn valuation for Ironman seems to be on the expensive side. Hence, there is a good chance that the transaction would eventually go through at a lower price. However, it is doubtful as to whether Wanda would be willing to sell Ironman at a lower price, given that proceeds are presumably expected to cover its loan commitments worth c.$1bn maturing over the next two years.</p></div>

Bloomberg reported last week that Wanda Sports Group (WSG US) (Wanda) is planning to sell its Ironman brand (under which it operates IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon events globally) for $1bn. Bloomberg’s report stated that Wanda Sports is working with an adviser to determine whether or not to proceed with the sale, adding that the company has already had discussions with interested private equity buyers.Source: YoutubeAt an EV/Revenue multiple of 10x (versus the peer average of 5x) the expected $1bn valuation for Ironman seems to be on the expensive side. Hence, there is a good chance that the transaction would eventually go through at a lower price. However, it is doubtful as to whether Wanda would be willing to sell Ironman at a lower price, given that proceeds are presumably expected to cover its loan commitments worth c.$1bn maturing over the next two years.

Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSGS US)

Wanda Sports: Ironman Offer Seems Expensive But Would Do Well for Solvency If Goes Through