Analyst:
Lisa Springer, CFAInitial ReportFebruary 23th, 2009
Empire Film Group Inc. (OTCPK: EFGU)
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Competitive advantage associated with vertically integrated operationsThrough its acquisition of Truman Press, Empire owns and operates a free-standing distribution division for books, DVDs, Blu-Ray HD videos, CDs and television titles. As a result, the Company has a fully integrated, self-contained vehicle for producing and distributing its lms and other entertainment properties. Empire has identi
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ed a lucrative niche for modestly budgeted lms of theatre quality for release in a limited number of key mar
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kets. Because fewer prints are required (i.e. 1,000 prints versus 2,500 prints for a major studio release), Empire canreach every key U.S. market at about one-third of the cost of a major studio release. Film acquisitions will focus onspecic genres such as dramas, comedies and thrillers that have historically provided above average returns. Bymid-2009, the Company expects to have one or two of its own originally produced lms ready for distribution.
Strategic agreements boost distribution
The Company plans to grow organically and through acquisitions. In late 2007, Empire acquired Hannover House,a distributor of books, DVDs, Blu-Ray HD videos, CDs and television titles, thereby enhancing Company-owneddistribution channels. Key retailers carrying Empire DVD, Blu-Ray, books or audio products include Amazon.com, Best Buy, Blockbuster, Borders Group, Hastings, Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery, Netix, SAMS Clubs andthe Company’s primary account, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Empire has also signed an agreement with My Family TVNetwork to supply 10 hours of weekly programming beginning in the third quarter of 2009. In addition, the Com
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pany has a video-on-demand agreement with Gravitas Ventures LLC for the digital streaming of EFGU lm titlesvia major cable and satellite outlets, including Time-Warner Cable, Comcast, Direct TV and Cox Communications.The Company plans to expand its production and distribution capabilities by acquiring production operationsand production and post-production facilities in the United States and Canada.Empire Film Group was protable last yearAccording to management, the Company generated revenues of$3.3 million and operating prots of nearly $1.5 million in 2008.We anticipate signicant 2009 revenue gains will result from therelease of 40 new titles this year. Empire targets exponential rev
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enue growth over the next ve years. In addition, the Company’soperating margins on its theatrical lm production and distribu
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tion business should improve as the revenue mix shis in favor ofan increased percentage of lms produced in-house.
Experienced management team
Empire’s senior executives have more than 25 years experience inthe entertainment industry. Chairman and co-CEO Dean Hamil
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ton-Bornstein has 20 years experience as an actor, director, writerand producer for feature lms and television. Co-CEO Eric Par
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kinson helped build Hannover House’s lm and DVD catalog tomore than 170 titles in ve years.
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