Superyacht firm makes a big splash on debut
THERE are about 1,900 billionaires in the world, a number of whom were moored in Monte Carlo last week for its annual yacht show. The largest superyacht event in the industry, the show is not just a chance for the super-rich to show off their vessels – it is also a major business opportunity, not least for newly listed AIM company GYG.
The firm is mainly involved in painting and refitting superyachts – pleasure craft that are more than 40 metres long or weigh more than 500 tons. It floated in June at 100p and the shares have risen to 137½p. But there is plenty of potential for growth and the firm intends to pay generous dividends from 2018.
Coating and painting a superyacht can take six to 12 months, transforming it into a fully seaworthy vessel, with a surface that is hardwearing and appealing. Such work is not cheap, especially as up to 100 specialist crafts men can be involved full-time. The superyacht painting market is worth more than £ 250 million and is expected to reach £ 350 million by 2050. The number of billionaires is growing, with superyachts increasing in sync. In 2015, there were 1,800 billionaires and 1,835 super-yachts. By 2020, there are expected to be 2,500 billionaires and 2,285 superyachts. At the same time, the vessels are getting bigger. Ten years ago, the average boat that GYG painted was 54 metres long. Today it is 80 metres and some boats are up to 150 metres long.
These massive craft have to be serviced every five years to comply with regulations, and are often docked for maintenance annually, too. The work is highly specialised and GYG is a leading player with a 30 per cent share of the market. The group has a smaller presence in new-build painting, with just a 5 per cent share.
Historically, superyachts have largely been built in Northern Europe and GYG is based in Majorca. But it recently bought French firm ACA Marine, which has a strong new-build business.
Interim results, released last week, were encouraging. Revenues were up more than 19 per cent to €33.9 million (£30 million) and the company has a record order book, of €41.8 million of contracted work for this year and next. The com- pany reports in euros but dividends will be paid in sterling.
The group made a small half-year loss, largely relating to the cost of floating on AIM and also because most of its business is done in the second half of the year. Analysts expect underlying pre-tax profits of €7 million for this year, rising to €8.6 million in 2018. Revenues of €66 million are forecast for 2017, increasing to €74 million next year. And a 3.2p payout is pencilled in for this year, rising to 6p in 2018 and growing steadily thereafter.
Chief executive Remy Millott is ambitious. He started working on yachts 35 years ago, and having joined GYG subsidiary Pinmar in 1996, he helped to create today’s group through mergers, acquisitions and management buyouts. Now he is keen to take GYG’s share of the superyacht priming and painting market to 50 per cent.
Most superyacht owners are less worried about the cost of maintenance than the standard and timeliness of the work. Yachts tend to be chartered for much of the year and GYG is known for delivering excellent finishes to schedule, so clients return time and again.
The firm has a supplies arm too, providing goods ranging from paints to safety equipment, jet-skis and marine uniforms.
Midas verdict: The superyacht market is expanding and GYG is a well- regarded player. At 137 ½ p, GYG offers good long-term potential and a decent income. Buy.