Pilat Media Global Share Discussion Threads

[techno20] 08/1/2014 20:50

Looks like another contract......on website today.....extends geography further...

Thailand's BBTV Channel 7 Deploys Pilat Media's IBMS for Centralized, Integrated Broadcast Business Management
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LONDON - Jan. 8, 2014 - Thailand's leading free-to-air broadcaster, BBTV Channel 7, has deployed Pilat Media's IBMS (Integrated Business Management System) to manage all content, rights, and media traffic across its entire broadcast operations. In addition to supporting Channel 7's current broadcasts, IBMS provides a scalable foundation for the broadcaster to extend its operation to include new multichannel and multiplatform services into the future.

"Following the evaluation of several business management solutions, we concluded that Pilat Media's IBMS offered by far the richest functionality and integration," said Palakorn Somsuwan, managing director of BBTV Channel 7. "By automating and integrating processes that were previously manual, slow, and inefficient, IBMS has brought new levels of operational efficiency, better cross-departmental collaboration, and the ability to exploit our valuable content assets to their fullest revenue potential. With IBMS, we're building a foundation that can grow with our operation and give us a competitive advantage, as we continue to develop the services our viewers demand."

"We are very proud to have reached this stage with BBTV Channel 7, Thailand's leading free-to-air broadcaster who is paving the way for the country's digital switchover," said Avi Engel, CEO of Pilat Media. "This project demonstrates how IBMS can smoothly accommodate a migration to digital services and help customers adapt to an ever-evolving business model and provide a scalable foundation for digital operations and multichannel, multiplatform services. IBMS' success at BBTV Channel 7 is key to Pilat Media's expansion in Southeast Asia where we already have a growing number of IBMS installations."

Pilat Media's IBMS Content is a highly flexible and scalable channel management system that enables media assets to be scheduled and managed throughout the broadcast lifecycle - from acquisition, rights management, planning, promo production, and playout on multiple platforms through to reconciliation and finance. An active, centralized metadata repository ensures that all acquired or commissioned content is utilized while maintaining contractual compliance. With IBMS' program planning and scheduling tools, users in multiple BBTV Channel 7 departments can plan and produce cost-effective schedules that optimize inventory. Furthermore, IBMS manages mission-critical operational processes for creating, tracking, and ensuring quality control of media with support for every media format.

IBMS can easily scale to include additional pre-integrated modules for advanced rights, ad sales, and on-demand services.

# # #
About BBTV Channel 7
Bangkok Broadcasting & TV Co., Ltd. (BBTV) or Channel 7 is the most popular television station in Thailand, securing the highest audience shares as certified by AGB Nielsen Media Research (Thailand). In 2013, Channel 7 has continually emphasized its industry leadership with an average audience share of 47% and 54% during prime time.

With more new digital channels coming in 2014, Channel 7 is fully prepared and continues to grow through persistent development in the area of technology and content.

[techno20] 19/12/2013 07:57

ST still very bullish....

It was a similar story with Aim-traded Pilat Media Global (PGB: 80p), a supplier of business management software to the media industry. Shares in the company have surged 60 per cent since I initiated coverage at 49p six months ago ('Buy the break-out', 3 Jun 2013) and now look well on their way to hitting my upgraded target price and a return to the all-time high of 88p. It's more than justified on fundamentals: Pilat is a company winning major new contracts; generating bumper cash flow; has potential to return excess cash to shareholders; looks nailed on to increase EPS by 35 per cent this year and by at least 17 per cent in 2014; and is now in an earnings upgrade cycle.

Buoyed by a raft of contract wins, analysts have been hiking forecasts steeply since the summer and now expect the company to report adjusted pre-tax profit of £2.5m and EPS of 2.95p in 2013, up from £1.78m and 2.15p, respectively, in 2012. Furthermore, with the business now enjoying clear momentum, Shore Capital has recently upgraded its 2014 numbers and now predicts EPS of 3.45p, well ahead of the 3.15p previously forecast and miles ahead of the 2.9p estimate ahead of interim results in August. In other words, Pilat is firmly in an earnings upgrade cycle, and one that looks to have some way to run.

I was also attracted by the company's rock solid balance sheet and robust cash position: net funds of £12.6m equates to 20p a share, but if Pilat hits Shore Capital's numbers for 2014, that cash pile is predicted to rise to £14.7m, or 23.5p a share, by the end of next year. Strip this cash pile out, and the shares are now rated on a more reasonable 17 times 2014 earnings estimates, but with the risk to earnings skewed to the upside, a return to those record highs, and possibly beyond, looks in order.

[brownie69] 03/12/2013 09:49

Once Simon Thompson gets behind a company though he tends to follow them for a while and I'm thinking he has scope to upgrade the 88p and keep the stock momentum moving.

[brummy_git] 02/12/2013 14:32

I/C target price of 88p, which looks pretty mean...since its equivalent to only est 9.2x 2014 EBITDA multiple.

Considering earnings are increasing by 20%-30% pa, 88p appears pretty cheap

[blondeamon] 02/12/2013 12:05

Just tipped by IC!

[yump] 29/11/2013 10:37

Perhaps after year end, they'll feel a bit more able to do a dividend, although the evidence appears they simply don't believe in dividends - which gives me occasional non-pc thoughts, as a result of some previous cash retaining 'similar' companies. Perhaps they'll prove me wrong. At least they're still listed.

In general, media companies all seem to be bent on global expansion, so I reckon it will be an acquisition. At which point I'll probably be out.

[brummy_git] 29/11/2013 09:52

Given the shares have risen this year (but are still cheap) - and would climb further if the Board decides to pay (or promises to pay) a dividend.

Then if Pilat later identifies a large/transformational deal, they'll be able to raise cash anyway (ie without too much dilution) - hence reinforcing the view that they should hand back all the 'spare' cash, as shareholders can make a much better return than 0.5% sitting in a bank.

[yump] 29/11/2013 08:08

They've had a good load of cash for quite a few years and haven't found anything to buy in all that time. Can only conclude that the priority was to get reliable growth, (which is fair enough), save the money and then go for something pretty substantial. Otherwise there doesn't seem much point in hoarding it.

[adamb1978] 28/11/2013 23:09

Excellent set of results out today. 9 months results decent and the outlook for q4 and 2014 was stonking!!! On my numbers, they're on a 2014 PE of 12.4x or 8.5x ex-cash. That's cheap. Its not impossible that the share price could get up towards £1 over the next 12 months

Would love to see them use the cash pile or (preferably) hand the majority of it back. They have about 20p per share in cash and its really doing nothing - if they have no need for it, then they should return it

[techno20] 28/11/2013 09:30

P/E looks rather different though if you take off £13m in cash! Pile likely to be a fair bit higher by year end if not spent.

[yump] 28/11/2013 09:09

PGB seems to command a reasonably high p/e - around 20 ? - so I suppose it could be expected to reach 20x next year's earnings at some point towards the year end and if there's almost 3p this year, then there are certain to be upgrades for next.

It all seems to be heading neatly towards regaining the 80p ish level next year which was last reached xxxxxxx years ago !

[techno20] 28/11/2013 08:56

I was way out on revenue - surprised how little of the new contract revenue flowed through. The positive thing is its all still to come and they are adding all the time.

Statements on Qtr 4 and 2014 are exceptionally positive.

Comments on geographical and product broadening suggests acquisition perhaps getting closer.

Good reaction today. Positive comments from ST and PS likely to help.

Techno

[alter ego] 28/11/2013 08:17

I think Simon Thompson of the IC has flagged up PGB in the past so will be interesting to see if he comments. He normally has a good following based on a good track record.

[yump] 28/11/2013 07:45

Q3 results out...

Looks like profits are accelerating and will continue to do so in 2014, with the new projects adding to Q4. Compared to last year revenue has really shot up and from the comments, it seems like there is a fair bit of gearing to profits ie. they'll jump a bigger % than revenue.

Significantly exceed last year implies its a big jump from 2.4p eps, so it could be half way to what was forecast for 2014 - perhaps something near 3p. That would be a 25% rise.

If they're looking around for an earnings enhancing acquistion I hope they find one soon because if the economies they are in are picking up, there won't be anything cheap available. If companies have survived the last few years, they're probably all looking at improving results.

However, I'd expect any earnings enhancement to come from significant 'rationalisation' if they take over a similar company, as it looks like sales & support across all the countries takes up big chunk of cost. I think that's why profits got hammered a couple of years ago when revenues didn't come through.

So it may be they can take over a pretty successful company and still improve overall earnings.

[techno20] 17/11/2013 18:23

Hump - agree Qtr3 should be strong. Only 1 of the 5 deals announced fed into Qtr2 and we also know they have signed at least one smaller deal, high should be feeding though. £7.5m feels ahievable.

On the cash - if they were going to return it to shareholders I think they would have done so by now. Only likelihood now would be if the acquisitions (have/ do) fall through.


Techno

[yump] 16/11/2013 11:08

Thanks for info.

I guess we could expect Q3 results to show some input from the several new contracts signed earlier this year, although it looks as if Q4 and early next year could be interesting as that £11mln will start to flow in, plus OTT revenues if I've read it right.

For me, I'll keep holding if they're growing pbt and earnings. They said that despite operating costs rising, operating profit should go up this year. As long as that continues, I'll keep holding as it seems pretty solid now. On the other hand, there's a limit to how long I'll hold if they don't return some of that cash to shareholders. I reckon we've been pretty patient.

Not a big fan of acquisitions I have to say.

A good acquisition should be strategically driven, so I'm not over-enthused by the impression that the cash is a driver. Sounds a bit as if its burning a hole in their pockets, but I'd be happier if it was my trousers that needed an extinguisher.

[techno20] 16/11/2013 09:34

For anyone interested.....


OTTilus at OTTtv World Summit 2013:

15 Nov 2013

Pilat Media's OTTilus provides enterprise-class over-the-top (OTT) TV Everywhere solutions for broadcasters, platform operators, and new media ventures. OTTilus has a unique understanding of media business operations, leveraging Pilat Media's 15 years of expertise in deploying award-winning broadcast management solutions. The OTTilus product suite seamlessly integrates with broadcast operations and is compatible with all security, streaming, device, and monetization options. OTTilus provides a highly compelling and consistent viewer experience with player applications that support major end-user devices such as smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. The solution can be deployed quickly as a cloud service or to drive a local OTT headend.

At the OTTtv World Summit 2013, Pilat Media will highlight the versatility of its OTTilus product suite, which provides a compelling solution for media companies large or small, looking to either expand their backend management capabilities with a feature-rich advanced service manager or cost-effectively deliver OTT services as a pre-integrated end-to-end solution.
OTTilus Service Manager
The OTTilus Service Manager is an advanced management system for multiscreen service delivery. The Service Manager incorporates a broad range of sophisticated scheduling tools for managing linear content, EPG, catch-up TV services, and VOD catalogs together with different content offers. Comprehensive content management capabilities include advanced rights that can be used to restrict content to specific viewers, geographic territories, devices, and time windows and for configuring blackouts accordingly. Additionally, the OTTilus Service Manager accommodates a broad range of monetization options, powerful analytics and flexible deployment options. As an open eco-system, the Service Manager supports multiple formats, devices, and DRMs.
OTTilus Video Platform
The OTTilus Video Platform provides out of the box end-to-end services. The solutions encompass all major system components from content acquisition to player applications (white label or with third parties). Powered by the OTTilus Service Manager, the Video Platform remains agile enough to meet all business requirements even as business expands and becomes more complex. Delivered as a cloud-based service, the OTTilus Video Platform includes an easy-to-use central management console that defines and manages all service attributes from content availability, rights management, metadata, security, monetization options, user profiles, devices, and much more. The OTTilus Video Platform supports streaming, progressive download, and "download to own" in all major streaming formats.
Company Overview:

Pilat Media Global plc (AIM: PGB) develops, markets, and supports new-generation business management software solutions for content and service providers in the media industry. Designed with the direct involvement of top-tier broadcasters, Pilat Media's systems support content and airtime management for multiplatform linear and on-demand services; improve business performance; accelerate time to market; and enable business diversification and growth. More than 60 blue-chip media companies around the world use Pilat Media solutions, including CBS, Bell Media, Discovery, BBC, SABC, Chellomedia, Showtime, Sky Italia, AT&T, Globosat, and FOXTEL. These and other deployments represent the management of billions of dollars in advertising revenue and programming that reaches hundreds of millions of viewers. Through its new subsidiary OTTilus, Pilat Media also offers an end-to-end enterprise class OTT service platform that seamlessly integrates with broadcast operations.
All trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

[techno20] 11/11/2013 19:17

Very quiet on here for weeks...hopefully things will liven up ahead of results at the end of the month.

In the meantime, this contract extension was announced on the web-site last week....


Unified System Uniquely Supports TV and Radio Multi-station Operations for Optimized Efficiencies and Revenues as Well as Enhanced Customer Service
LONDON- Nov. 5, 2013 - Pilat Media today announced that Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), one of Australia's largest media companies, is expanding its implementation of the Pilat Media Integrated Broadcast Management System (IBMS) to encompass its widely distributed network of radio stations.

A long standing customer of Pilat Media, Southern Cross Media (prior to its merger with the Austereo Group to form SCA) first installed IBMS to support sales, traffic, and program scheduling for its television network, which currently includes more than 100 channels. Until now, the company's radio broadcast operations were managed through separate sales and traffic systems without integration between the stations.

The new expansion of SCA's IBMS implementation will provide a fully integrated business management solution that centralizes all metadata and workflows across its TV and radio business, offering across-the-board operational efficiencies. SCA will also benefit from comprehensive cross-platform performance analysis and reporting capabilities that will provide key insights into factors such as agency spend within its overall business, resulting in the opportunity to optimize revenue generation. In addition, SCA sales representatives will now be able to create unified campaigns that cover both TV and radio, offering a better customer service experience by generating a single invoice to the client.


For over a decade, IBMS has been an integral part of Southern Cross Austereo'snational and regional television sales campaigns in a very competitive environment where the best sales tools and systems are essential to maximizing revenue," said Raoul Prideaux, SCA's director of engineering and technology. "This expansion will allow SCA to integrate radio and TV sales for the first time into one centralized system across our whole network, enhancing overall operational efficiencies and optimizing airtime inventory."

During the past year, Pilat Media has worked closely with SCA to integrate the support of radio campaigns within its existing IBMS implementation. This includes the ability to centralize airtime, programming and traffic while supporting the independent transmission needs of each radio station, in addition to the integration of specific radio requirements such as Live Reads and management of the associated copy, rate cards, scheduling, and reconciliation.

"With SCA's very prominent and diverse radio and TV presence across Australia, it takes a comprehensive and powerful solution to support the multifaceted requirements and management integration needs associated with such an operation," said Damien Thomson, Pilat Media's general manager, Australasia. "SCA's IBMS implementation combines the best of both TV and radio broadcasting management in one central system, streamlining operations, optimizing efficiencies and revenues, and accommodating future growth."

More information about the complete IBMS product family is available at www.pilatmedia.com.

[techno20] 04/9/2013 20:56

Have taken a few of these off the table today, but still holding on to a sizeable stake. My last purchase was at 27p, so very happy with 66p and will run the rest.

Have done the same with Blnx, slicing 20%.

Both have great potential, but having learnt the hard way, nothing goes up forever!

For anyone interested, have used the proceeds to buy back into an old favourite - idox. Recognise they've failed to deliver recently, but in the 3 years or so I historically held them the mgm't did not put a step wrong. So happy to back them to get the growth track back.

Techno

[daneswooddynamo] 03/9/2013 12:27

simon thompson by any chance?

[yump] 03/9/2013 12:16

Bit like the old days pre-internet. Results come out, get digested over a few days and then pop !

[brummy_git] 29/8/2013 18:47

Personally I think the two large shareholders will eventually agree for a special dividend, of say upto £8m (or 13p/share) thus leaving about £4m for general WC purposes

[yump] 29/8/2013 18:29

I do wish they wouldn't go on about cash, when there's no sign of me getting it directly though. Acquisitions are a mixed bag in terms of subsequent share price performance imo.