Georgia Capital — Staying on course

Georgia Capital (LSE: CGEO)

Last close As at 01/11/2024

GBP10.48

32.00 (3.15%)

Market capitalisation

GBP404m

More on this equity

Research: Investment Companies

Georgia Capital — Staying on course

Georgia Capital (GCAP) continued to make progress on its strategic priorities in Q123: reduction in the net capital commitment (NCC) ratio, deleveraging its portfolio companies, selling subscale businesses, executing tactical buybacks (a US$10m programme was announced in April 2023), further investments in the renewable energy and education businesses and moving to the LSE standard listing. GCAP operates against the backdrop of strong GDP growth in Georgia at 7.2% y-o-y in Q123 (after 10.1% in 2022), where inflation seems largely contained, with headline and core inflation rates of 2.7% and 4.7% in April 2023, respectively. GCAP’s share price has been rising but is yet to catch up with the growing NAV and implies a 64% discount to the ‘live’ NAV estimate.

Milosz Papst

Written by

Milosz Papst

Head of Content, Investment Trusts

Investment Companies

Georgia Capital

Staying on course

Investment companies
Private equity

15 May 2023

Price

831p

Market cap

£366m

NAV*

£911m

NAV per share*

2,141p

Discount to NAV

61.0%

*At end-March 2023.

Yield

N/A

Ordinary shares outstanding*

42.5m

Code/ISIN

CGEO/GB00BF4HYV08

Primary exchange

LSE Standard

AIC sector

N/A

52-week high/low

840p

548p

2,141p

1,478p

*As at end-March 2023.

Gearing

Net gearing at 31 March 2023

13.4%

Fund objective

Georgia Capital focuses on scalable private equity opportunities in Georgia. These opportunities have the potential to reach an equity value of at least GEL300m over the next three to five years and the company can monetise investments through exits as investments mature.

Bull points

The majority of the portfolio is exposed to resilient and well-established businesses.

Successful disposal of the water utility business in 2022 reinforces confidence in GCAP’s exit capabilities and portfolio valuations.

Regular dividend income from several portfolio companies.

Bear points

High discount to NAV limits GCAP’s activity in terms of new investments.

A concentrated portfolio exposed to a frontier economy is inherently higher risk.

GCAP has just started building its track record of investment realisations.

Analysts

Milosz Papst

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Michal Mordel

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Georgia Capital is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Georgia Capital (GCAP) continued to make progress on its strategic priorities in Q123: reduction in the net capital commitment (NCC) ratio, deleveraging its portfolio companies, selling subscale businesses, executing tactical buybacks (a US$10m programme was announced in April 2023), further investments in the renewable energy and education businesses and moving to the LSE standard listing. GCAP operates against the backdrop of strong GDP growth in Georgia at 7.2% y-o-y in Q123 (after 10.1% in 2022), where inflation seems largely contained, with headline and core inflation rates of 2.7% and 4.7% in April 2023, respectively. GCAP’s share price has been rising but is yet to catch up with the growing NAV and implies a 64% discount to the ‘live’ NAV estimate.

GCAP is trading at a wide discount to its end-March 2023 NAV

Source: GCAP, Refinitiv. Note: Portfolio values as at end-March 2023.

NAV assisted by private valuations, buyback and BoG

GCAP’s NAV per share was up 3.3% in Georgian lari (6.4% in sterling) in Q123, with its private portfolio contributing 2.0pp (mostly retail pharmacy, renewable energy and insurance businesses). Buybacks provided a further 1.1pp NAV accretion, while the listed Bank of Georgia (BoG) added another 0.7pp to GCAP’s NAV total return. Revenue across GCAP’s private holdings rose by 10% y-o-y in Q123, while EBITDA went up only slightly, by 0.9% y-o-y. Excluding hospitals and clinics & diagnostics, which are yet to fully ramp up after the expiry of government COVID-19 contracts and the decline in COVID-19 testing post Q122, revenue and EBITDA grew by 15.9% and 12.0% y-o-y, respectively.

Leverage down at holding and portfolio level

GCAP’s Q123 NCC ratio was down by 1.4pp to 19.7% at end-March 2023 (vs an over-the-cycle target of c 15%) on the back of a 7.8% increase in portfolio value and broadly stable NCC. After accounting for post-period end developments to 5 May (BoG dividend and share price increase, further GCAP buybacks and FX), the NCC ratio stood at 19.1%. We note that GCAP currently holds US$79m of its US$300m Eurobonds (maturing in Q124) after buying US$28m ytd. In Q123, it sold two operational hotels and a vacant land plot in Tbilisi (in line with its strategy of selling down subscale businesses) for US$28m, which was used in full to deleverage the hospitality business. This helped reduce net debt to EBITDA across its private businesses to 3.0x at end-March 2023 from 3.3x at end-2022. GCAP also agreed to sell a hotel under construction in April 2023 for US$8.4m.

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Georgia Capital and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Georgia Capital. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Georgia Capital and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Georgia Capital. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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