Bowlero Corporation (BOWL) has been quietly rolling its way through strategic acquisitions, aiming to reshape the landscape of bowling entertainment. Despite a minor jump in its shares this week, the company’s fiscal year 2024 (FY2024) acquisition spree, marked by the recent purchase of Ten Pin in Hilliard, OH, positions Bowlero for broader market influence and continued growth. As growth investors explore the potential of this unexpected player in the entertainment industry, Bowlero’s innovative strategies, acquisitions, and financial performance offer intriguing insights.
Expansion through Acquisition: A Year of Bowling Centers
Bowlero’s recent acquisition of Ten Pin in Hilliard, OH, signals its 20th bowling center purchase in FY2024, reaching a total investment of $145.9 million. This aggressive acquisition strategy aligns with Bowlero’s commitment to expanding its footprint and enhancing the bowling entertainment experience in prime markets. The company’s Founder, Chairman, and CEO, Thomas Shannon, emphasized the significance of these strategic acquisitions, solidifying Bowlero’s position as a key player in the bowling entertainment sector.
In addition to acquisitions, Bowlero unveiled its latest venture, Lucky Strike Moorpark in Moorpark, CA. The 43,000 sq. ft. entertainment center features 40 bowling lanes, an expansive arcade boasting over 80 games, and a sports bar. This move not only diversifies Bowlero’s offerings but also underscores its commitment to creating multifaceted entertainment experiences.
Share Repurchase Program: Returning Value to Investors
While expanding through acquisitions, Bowlero has simultaneously been executing a share repurchase program. In FY2024 alone, the company bought approximately 7.5 million shares, amounting to $80 million. The commitment to returning value to investors is evident in Bowlero’s plan to continue the share repurchase program into the foreseeable future. This dual approach of strategic acquisitions and returning value to shareholders highlights Bowlero’s balanced capital allocation strategy.
Financial Snapshot: Robust Returns and Growth Potential
Amidst its strategic moves, Bowlero’s financial performance paints a compelling picture. Over the trailing twelve months (TTM), the entertainment company generated $1.06 billion in revenue, $104.88 million in net profit, and $42.70 million in free cash flow. Notably, Bowlero achieved a remarkable return on equity (ROE) of 78.17% over the TTM, showcasing its ability to generate substantial returns on invested capital.
At a market capitalization of just $1.85 billion, Bowlero appears undervalued, presenting a 32% discount to its intrinsic value according to SimplyWall.St. This valuation discrepancy raises questions about the market’s recognition of Bowlero’s growth potential and the value it brings to the entertainment sector.
Analyst Insights: A Diamond in the Rough
Bowlero’s unique position in the entertainment industry has caught the attention of growth investors, prompting a closer examination of its business strategies and financial standing. The company’s acquisition spree, coupled with the share repurchase program, reflects a commitment to both expansion and returning value to investors. Bowlero’s ability to generate substantial returns on equity positions it as a potential diamond in the rough, especially considering its discounted intrinsic value.
While it remains to be seen how Bowlero’s acquisition strategy will unfold in the long term, the company’s historical success in capital allocation and robust financial performance make it a compelling player in the entertainment sector. As investors navigate the intricate world of growth opportunities, Bowlero’s unexpected rise in the bowling entertainment industry offers an intriguing narrative of innovation, strategic foresight, and the potential for significant returns.