Valuation: $0.29
Overview
Crowd Mobile Limited (CM8) is an Australian technology company focused on mobile software and mobile marketing services. Its principal asset is a Question and Answer platform (‘Q&A’) and a mobile payments network spanning 160 telco carriers, 54 countries and 30 languages. In addition, the Company launched a new division, Crowd Media, to take advantage of the growth in digital influencers. We initiated coverage on Crowd Mobile in February 2015 and our last advice was a ‘hold’ recommendation in May 2017. Catalysts
Following a $5.4m capital raising in April at a premium to market, Crowd Mobile has significantly improved its balance sheet, and surplus cash will increasingly be directed to expansion initiatives such as marketing within its rapidly growing Q&A unit. The April placement secured cornerstone institutional support, which is an early validation of its ‘digital influencer’ growth strategy. After a challenging integration period, the Track (aka ‘Subscriptions’) business appears to be stabilising. Hurdles
Despite the Company’s improved liquidity, its reliance on external capital may not be entirely eliminated. Whilst performance of the Subscriptions business unit has stabilised, there is no guarantee against further erosion of its earnings base. A lack of growth within the Subscriptions division may challenge Crowd Mobile’s ability to attract an appropriate valuation for its growing Q&A division. Crowd Mobile does not own any patents to its technology and may be subject to increasing competition. Investment View
Crowd Mobile provides profitable exposure to mobile software and services trends. We are attracted to the Company’s improved balance sheet and capital structure, and believe that liquidity can now be reinvested in the business to foster sustainable growth. Whilst risks include recent volatility of the Subscriptions business and competition, Crowd Mobile’s extensive distribution assets provide a strategic foundation to take advantage of industry tailwinds favouring mobile and social commerce. After updating our forecasts our valuation of $0.29 per share represents a 120%+ premium to recent trade, prompting an upgrade of our recommendation from ‘hold’ to ‘spec buy’.
CM8 Price at posting:
17.5¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held