January 2020: Steer Clear of This 1 Stock!

MAV Beauty Brands Inc. is an overvalued stock. This is why you should avoid it for your TFSA or RRSP.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

MAV (TSX:MAV) is a global personal care company that sells hair care, body care, and beauty products in Canada, the U.S., and internationally. The company offers the products through retail partners and distributors.

The company reports a market capitalization of $129 million with a 52-week high of $10.74 and a 52-week low of $2.25.

Intrinsic price

Based on my calculations, using a discounted cash flow valuation model, I determined that MAV has an intrinsic value of $1.40 per share. Assuming less-than-average industry growth, the intrinsic value would be $0.87 per share, and higher-than-average industry growth would result in an intrinsic value of $2.06 per share.

At the current share price of $3.51, I believe MAV is overvalued. Investors looking to add a beauty and cosmetic manufacturer to their TFSA or RRSP should avoid buying shares of MAV.

MAV has an enterprise value of US$163 million, which represents the theoretical price a buyer would pay for all of MAV outstanding shares plus its debt. One of the concerning things about MAV is its leverage, with debt at 46.7% of total capital versus equity at 53.3% of total capital.

Financial highlights

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the company reported a mediocre balance sheet with negative retained earnings of US$7 million. This is not a good sign for investors as it signifies the company has more years of cumulative net loss than net income. That said, the company significantly improved its retained earnings from -US$12 million as at December 31, 2018 to -US$7 million nine months later.

The company reports US$5 million in cash on hand, in addition to an 82.5% unutilized revolving credit facility (US$16.5 million undrawn on a US$20 million facility). Further to this, the company has an accordion option for an additional US$50 million for working capital and general corporate purposes which effectively increases the credit facilities to US$70 million. This provides the company with ample liquidity to fuel future business growth.

Overall revenues are up year over year from US$65 million during the nine-month period in 2018 compared to US$78 million in 2019 (+19.5%). This is complemented by a reduction in operating expenses for after-tax income of US$5 million.

From a cash flow perspective, the company made a US$5 million drawdown of revolving facilities while repaying US$7 million in borrowings and revolving facilities which demonstrates fiscal responsiblity on the part of management.

From a financial perspective, MAV is doing well. That said, my analysis considers unleveraged free cash flows, which means the growing inventory and accounts receivables for MAV results in increasing cash outflows and reduces the intrinsic value of the company. Accounts receivables have grown 142% from FY17 to FY18 complemented by accounts receivable growth of 302% from FY17 to FY18. This represents significant cash outflows.

Foolish takeaway

Investors looking to buy shares of a beauty and cosmetic manufacturing company should avoid MAV. Using a discounted cash flow model, I calculated MAV’s intrinsic value to be $1.40 per share. Even with a generous long-term growth rate, MAV’s intrinsic value increases to only $2.06, which is significantly less than the $3.51 it is currently trading at. Fellow fool Ambrose O’Callaghan begs to differ.

2020 may present opportunities to buy shares at less than intrinsic value, but for now I would steer clear of MAV.

Should you invest $1,000 in Brookfield Asset Management right now?

Before you buy stock in Brookfield Asset Management, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Brookfield Asset Management wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $21,345.77!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 24 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 4/21/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Chen Liu has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Investing

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

The 1 TSX Stock I’d Buy for Monthly Income as Interest Rates Stay Higher for Longer

This dividend stock could be a huge winner in 2025, even as interest rates freeze.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Dividend Stocks

A 36.6% Discount: A High-Yield Dividend Opportunity

A top-tier infrastructure stock is a high-yield dividend opportunity at its current price.

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Investing

Invest $10,000 in This ‘Growthy’ Dividend ETF for Passive Income

This Vanguard dividend ETF pays a decent yield and has good historical share price growth.

Read more »

gas station, convenience store, gas pumps
Stocks for Beginners

2 Automotive Stocks to Buy and Hold for Transportation Transformation

Automotive stocks are looking a bit tough right now, but these two remain strong options.

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Energy Stocks

How I’d Allocate $1,000 in Energy Stocks in Today’s Market

Discover why energy stocks are crucial for Canadian investors as the election approaches amidst tariff challenges.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Investing

TFSA Investing: Strategies to Maximize Tax-Free Growth and Returns in 2025

This strategy makes sense in the current economic environment.

Read more »

Canada day banner background design of flag
Stocks for Beginners

Where I’d Invest $7,000 in the Best Canadian Stocks Right Now for Long-Term Growth

Wondering how to invest your $7,000 TFSA contribution in 2025? These Canadian stocks could be solid long-term winners.

Read more »

senior man smiles next to a light-filled window
Dividend Stocks

Retirees: 2 TSX Dividend Stocks for Passive Income

These stocks pay solid dividends with high yields.

Read more »