Iinet Limited - One To Keep Your Eye On

The following has been taken from the Australian Stock Report share tips section. iiNet (IIN) is the second largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Australia.

IIN has built its own network (the iiNetwork), boasts the largest Voice over IP network in the country, abolished monthly phone line rental with Naked DSL and has released wireless modem-and-phone-in-one BoB to the world.

The firm was included in the ASX 200 in 1999 and employs about 2,000 people at present.
The group’s strategy to increase its value is to grow organically and inorganically. IIN recently acquired TransACT in 2011 and Internode in 2012.

These acquisitions are expected to deliver considerable synergies to the firm in the coming years.

Recent Results

In its 1H13 report, the firm’s NPAT increased to $31.9 million, 122% higher compared to the prior corresponding period.

Aside from the aforementioned, one of the main highlights of the recent report is the significant 73% increase in the firm’s EBITDA compared to the 1H12. This translates to a 35% improvement in the firm’s EBITDA margin from the prior corresponding period.

The solid results were primarily due to the strong organic growth and synergies realized from its acquisitions.

Despite the recent rally IIN’ share price, the company stacks up rather well when compared to its peers. IIN is trading on a forward P/E of 16.8x.

This compare to peers Amcom (AMM) and TPG Telcom (TPM) which are trading 22.1x and 19.6x next year’s earnings. IIN’s forecast dividend yield is around 3.8% more or less in line with AMM’s and higher than the 2.5% forecast for TPM.

Outlook

As previously mentioned, the firm’s recent acquisitions are expected to deliver synergies to the firm.
More importantly, both TransACT and Internode has a solid customer base, which will translate to higher potential earnings growth in the coming financial years.

Some of the benefits from the acquisitions have already manifested in the firm’s recent 1H13 results.

We expect the firm to realize the full benefits from the aforementioned in the medium to long term.
Moreover, the firm has been successful with increasing its market share on the back of competitive rates, attractive combination of services, and its acquisitions.

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