Report
Chris Wickham

Unique heritage and global opportunity

The Artisanal Spirits Company, through its ownership of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is well positioned to enjoy sustainable growth. The company boasts growing membership numbers, rising spend per member and a unique approach to sourcing some of the world’s most cherished super-premium malt whiskies. In our view, these qualities are not reflected in the current share price which implies scope for a rerating of the shares as the growth proposition becomes better understood.

ASC is already a high gross margin business and appears likely to become more so. The company is confident it can increase gross margins in the next decade from their current year expected 63% level to nearer 70% as the cost of its purchases of whisky stock drop by around £2 per bottle. In our view gross margin strength should offset investor concerns about the current lack of bottom-line profitability. Moreover, EBITDA was positive in H1. SMWS enjoys a substantial asset backing in terms of maturing whisky stock. The company estimates that on 31st August 2021 the realisable retail value of its inventory of in-cask super premium whisky is of the order of £350m. We think investors should note the value of these Scotch whisky assets in the context of the current ASC market capitalisation.

We conclude that a fair value for The Artisanal Spirits Company is 150p / share based on relative value analysis covering not only EV/sales, but also comparative gross margins.
Underlying
The Artisanal Spirits Company plc

Provider
Equity Development
Equity Development

​Equity Development enables companies to become better understood and supported by investors. Since our launch in 1996 we have consistently focused on helping our clients improve their communication and relationships with both existing and potential shareholders. Our clients have come from a wide variety of sectors and domiciles, are both private and quoted and range in size from micro-cap to $multi-billions. We offer free access to company research notes written by experienced analysts. These notes include detailed forecasts, financial models and a fair value. We host regular Private Investor Forums at which investors have the opportunity to hear company directors present, and to ask questions. These are free to attend. We broadcast live Webinars with company management that include active Q&A. We also make the recordings available online. We arrange face to face meetings between private investors and company management. We are active users of Twitter, commenting daily on company news, share price moves, Directors’ Dealings, Equity Development Research Notes & Events.

Analysts
Chris Wickham

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