Is AMC Entertainment Holdings a Hidden Gem or a Value Trap?

Unpacking the Risks and Rewards of Investing in AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc (AMC)

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Value-focused investors are always on the hunt for stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. One such stock that merits attention is AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC, Financial). The stock, which is currently priced at 13.71, recorded a loss of 30.05% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 67.02%. The stock's fair valuation is $50.22, as indicated by its GF Value.

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock derived from our exclusive method. The GF Value Line on our summary page gives an overview of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on three factors:

  • 1. Historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at.
  • 2. GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth.
  • 3. Future estimates of the business performance.

We believe the GF Value Line is the fair value that the stock should be traded at. The stock price will most likely fluctuate around the GF Value Line. If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is overvalued and its future return is likely to be poor. On the other hand, if it is significantly below the GF Value Line, its future return will likely be higher.

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However, investors need to consider a more in-depth analysis before making an investment decision. Despite its seemingly attractive valuation, certain risk factors associated with AMC Entertainment Holdings should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Piotroski F-score of 2, Altman Z-score of -0.85, and the company's revenues and earnings have been on a downward trend over the past five years, which raises a crucial question: Is AMC Entertainment Holdings a hidden gem or a value trap? These indicators suggest that AMC Entertainment Holdings, despite its apparent undervaluation, might be a potential value trap. This complexity underlines the importance of thorough due diligence in investment decision-making.

Decoding the Piotroski F-score and Altman Z-score

The Piotroski F-score, created by accounting professor Joseph Piotroski, is a tool used to assess the strength of a company's financial health. The score is based on nine criteria that fall into three categories: profitability, leverage/liquidity/ source of funds, and operating efficiency. The overall score ranges from 0 to 9, with higher scores indicating healthier financials. AMC Entertainment Holdings's current Piotroski F-Score, however, falls in the lower end of this spectrum, indicating potential red flags for investors.

Before delving into the details, let's understand what the Altman Z-score entails. Invented by New York University Professor Edward I. Altman in 1968, the Z-Score is a financial model that predicts the probability of a company entering bankruptcy within a two-year time frame. The Altman Z-Score combines five different financial ratios, each weighted to create a final score. A score below 1.8 suggests a high likelihood of financial distress, while a score above 3 indicates a low risk.

AMC Entertainment Holdings: A Snapshot

AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc is involved in the theatrical exhibition business. It owns, operates or has interests in theatres located in the United States and Europe. It provides amenities such as plush, power recliners, MacGuffins full bars, AMC Dine-In Theatres, premium presentation. The group operates in U.S. markets and International markets. It derives key revenue from the U.S.

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Disclosures

I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.