Ultra Electronics (ULE LN, £1.4bn) Q3 19 trading update confirms trading in line with expectations reporting “good order book development” since H1 results. | Tyman (TYMN LN, £405m) trading update expects revenue & adj. op profit to be “in line with current market expectations”; European & UK markets have weakened since H1, North America “broadly flat with no clear signs of a return” | Ceres Power (CWR LN, £348m) announces successful development of its first zero-emission combined heat & power system, designed exclusively for hydrogen use
Companies: ULE TYMN CWR
The overall picture of improving global defence spending supports a return to organic growth for UItra. This is already reflected in the uplift seen in the order book at the H118 report. The company is well positioned to leverage the growth in naval budgets and increased demand for military aircraft around the world. Ultra also has a significant role to play in commercial aerospace, energy and cyber markets. Our fair value is 1,918p.
Companies: Ultra Electronics Holdings plc
Ultra’s pre-close trading statement certainly contains reasons for optimism, especially better than expected order development. However, the continuing issues at Herley have led to a reduction of up to £6m in operating profit expectations for the group as a whole in FY18. The problems are no longer attributable solely to the larger than anticipated number of development contracts won, but clearly indicate unexpectedly high costs. The impact reduces FY18 EPS expectations by 6.7%, but should be contained to this year, with still good prospects for the production phases. Our fair value remains relatively unchanged at 1,811p from 1,816p previously.
Ahead of its AGM Ultra has released a first quarter trading update that indicates no change to management expectations. The company still expects to make modest progress on a constant currency basis, although it will face FX headwinds. Encouragingly, despite the adverse exchange rate movement the order backlog at the end of the quarter stood at £933m, some 2% higher than at the start of FY18. An increased weighting to the second half of cash and earnings performance is still expected. The shares trade on a relatively low P/E against many UK peers, but the discount should start to diminish if operational execution continues as planned.
FY17 results were in line with the guidance reset by management in Q417, with cash performance ahead of expectations. The outlook for FY18 has some acceleration in organic sales growth, tougher FX assumptions, higher investment levels and the adoption of new accountings standards. Combined, this trims our revenues and margins estimates modestly. The proposed merger with Sparton Corporation has been terminated following the outcome of the anti-trust review in the US. While not ideal, US demand for sonobuoys remains strong and trading through the existing JV should continue. Return of cash to shareholders through a buyback reimburses the funds raised last year to fund the purchase. Growth is accelerating modestly, and our fair value stands at 1,816p.
Ultra has issued a reassuring post-close trading statement. The company has delivered continued order growth and demonstrated strong cash conversion. The search for a new CEO continues. While the company has identified future areas for investment to deliver long-term growth, Ultra will deliver modest progress in FY18 as it continues to leverage its strong market positions. The statement should help allay investor concerns over profitability that has been weighing on the shares.
While a trading update might have been anticipated the departure of the CEO is a major surprise. The return of the Chairman to the CEO role as an interim measure provides an element of reassurance and continuity, as does the commitment to an increased final dividend despite a cut of 9% to FY17 EPS. The UK declines are concerning, however it is not the largest regional contributor. We believe the larger US and export market contributions and recent order intake should provide a solid foundation for future growth, with the invest and grow strategy to remain in focus.
Almost a quarter of the Group's share price has been swiped with the news UK defence spending has slowed and its Chief Executive has left.
It is appropriate to describe the H117 results from Ultra Electronics as flat. Revenues, operating profit, profit before tax and EPS growth (all on an underlying basis) varied by less than 0.5% when compared to the prior year. The company still anticipates a bigger skew in organic growth to H2 than in previous years. There is further fine-tuning to our EPS estimates, which we have lowered by 1%. The dilution from the placing in July depresses EPS until the reinvestment in Sparton completes, which is expected at the start of FY18. The subsequent uplift should coincide with higher organic growth following the improved momentum in H217.
More positive news from Ultra Electronics, as it has announced it has been awarded a contract from the Indian MOD to supply the Indian Navy defence systems. It is a three-year contract, with an initial engineering phase likely to generate lower revenues and margins followed by production deliveries weighted to the second half of its term. It will not make a meaningful revenue contribution in 2017 but should build from 2018 to 2020. H117 results are due on 7 August, which should provide an update on the recently announced offer for Sparton Corporation. The related share placing temporarily dilutes EPS.
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Volex’s y/e update points to revenue and adj. operating profit of over $440m and $41m, 9% and 5% ahead of our expectation. Results have benefited from 187% revenue growth in EVs and strong consumer electronics demand. Operating margins grew to 9.3% (FY20: 8.1%) and, absent higher margin acquisitions, we now expect gradual progress towards management’s 10% target, as an appropriate balance is struck between revenue growth and profitability. The drive to be the lowest cost producer of quality product, leveraging the Group’s global platform, is a core objective underpinning growth ambitions. Our updated adj. EPS growth - 14% for FY22E and 9% for FY23E - is cautiously framed in the context of the increased investment now being committed to drive revenue growth. The recent DE-KA acquisition is performing strongly and alongside further accretive moves, Volex should continue to deliver.
Companies: Volex plc
Clean FY20 EPS beat our expectations by 5%, but the real story of these results is that EBITDA came in ahead of our November 2019 forecast. EBITDA rose 64% through acquisitions, but management has extended its record of improving the returns of acquired businesses. We raise our EBITDA forecasts by c.10% across the forecast period to reflect only the recent Belgian transactions. We raise our target price to 92p per share, set at 10x EV/EBITDA. With these acquisitions now in place, the group has reached critical mass with four platforms and strong enough cash flows to self-fund acquisitions and other opportunities.
Companies: SigmaRoc Plc
Capital Limited (LSE: CAPD) this morning provided its Q1 2021 trading update. Q1 revenue is the strongest since the company's inception and is in line with our estimates, as are the other operational metrics.
Companies: Capital Limited
Xpediator delivered a solid performance in FY20A, with +3.7% revenue growth and Adj PBT of £7.2m (+41% YoY) in line with our forecasts. After an initial slowdown in activity in the early stages of the pandemic, trading recovered strongly towards the end of FY20A, which has continued into FY21E. With Xpediator confirming it remains in line with expectations for FY21E, we leave these largely unchanged (Adj PBT remains at £7.7m). We release new forecasts for FY22E (Adj PBT £8.5m), which reflects continued growth in the business. With the stock trading on a FY21E EV/EBITDA of c5.8x, we reaffirm our Buy rating.
Companies: Xpediator Plc
In this report we provide an update on the developing customer interest for Ilika solid-state micro-batteries for medical devices and smart machinery sensors and the valuable IP it is building in Goliath cells for future EVs and cordless appliances. We illustrate there are few rivals for its millimetre sized batteries and few with a longer history in larger cells. We ascribe a higher value now to Goliath following recent progress in EV markets and validation for solid-state from leading car makers VW and Toyota and the much higher market capitalisation commanded by QuantumScape. TP now 320p (c£450m market cap).
Companies: Ilika plc
XPD is a profitable and well-established pan-European freight management and logistics operator. We selected the Group as one of our Top Picks for 20211. XPD has reported 2020a adjusted PBT up nearly 40% y-o-y. Margins expanded to 3.3% from 2.4%, driven by better trading, particularly in freight forwarding in Q4, and with cost savings from restructuring. XPD has rebuilt its senior management team, completed recently by Michael Williamson joining as CFO. The fundamentals are sound with £6.8m of net cash. Q1 2021e trading is reportedly ahead of management expectations but at this stage our estimates assume cautious growth through the year. More strategically, as Covid-19 disruption clears, we think UK and European customers will refocus on supply chain resilience, and Central & Eastern European (CEE) countries will become even more attractive as manufacturing venues. This strongly favours XPD’s capacity and expertise. Generally, as an experienced pan-European operator, XPD has plenty of opportunities to accelerate growth. Organically in forwarding, pallet networks and support services for haulage sub-contractors, and through selected acquisitions. Reflecting a more positive outlook for earnings, our valuation is lifted from 45p to 70p, c.20% upside to the current share price. XPD also offers an attractive dividend.
This morning Avon released its post-close trading statement for H121, which shows strong top-line growth and order intake. Trading continued to show progress, in line with management expectations for Q221, continuing the Q121 performance noted at the AGM. Management expects to meet FY21 consensus expectations, with growing momentum during H221 as new contract volumes build. We trim our above-consensus FY21 EPS estimate by 4% and maintain FY22, which are reported in US$ from the current year. Avon’s shares trade at a healthy premium to UK defence peers, warranted by top-line growth, high returns and strong cash flows.
Companies: Avon Rubber p.l.c.
AfriTin* (ATM LN) – By-product potential at the Uis tin mine Alba Mineral Resources (ALBA LN) – Phase 2 drilling underway at the Clogau St David's mine ITM Power (ITM LN) - First Green Hydrogen for Glasgow Project planned capacity doubled to 20MW
Companies: ATM ALBA ITM
Billington provides structural steel and safety solutions to the construction industry. Against the backdrop of pandemic induced disruption through 2020, and set against the record performance of 2019, Billington has reported a solid and profitable performance in FY2020. Set against a record high comparative period, Group revenue decreased 37% to £66.0m with adj. profit before tax reducing to £1.7m (FY2019: £5.9m). Adj. EPS fell commensurately to 11.3p (FY2019: 39.8p) and, as a mark of confidence, Billington reintroduced a final dividend of 4.25p, covered 2.7x (in line with historic cover). Our newly introduced FY2021E estimates (adj. PBT £2.2m) reflect the duality of a relatively robust opening order book (75% higher YoY), but set against caution with respect to margin pressure given cost inflation in the supply chain. The medium term outlook is likely to be buoyed by infrastructure investment in key markets BILN serves, albeit pricing volatility is a key risk. Billington's cash rich balance sheet positions it well to weather potential future uncertainties, whilst others likely fall by the wayside. We see fair value at 375p.
Companies: Billington Holdings Plc
The UK market showed a continued recovery in the first quarter albeit the indices are still well short of their all-time peaks, unlike many of their international peers. The FTSE 100 has risen by 1,186 points (21.4%) since the end of October and the FTSE 250 by 4,304 points (25.0%). The comparable performance since the start of the year is less spectacular- the FTSE 100 has risen by 253 points (3.9%) and the FTSE 250 has risen by 1,070 points (5.0%). The factors behind the sustained rally are familiar. The belief that the roll-out of the vaccine and some relaxation of lockdown limitations will lead to a significant economic recovery, compared to the collapse seen in the first half of 2020, due to lockdowns. Indeed, the recent economic picture is becoming more optimistic than previous expectations. According to the ONS, the economy grew a little more than initially estimated in Q4 last year. This means GDP for 2020 as a whole contracted by 9.8%, revised up marginally but still the worst contraction on record. Markets, in general, have focused upon the potential scope and extent of the recovery. The sectors and stocks that have outperformed have been seen as ‘recovery’ plays with a rotation from stocks seen as ‘lockdown’ winners into those set to benefit from the ‘unlocking of society’ and/or exposed to the consumer. We expect 2021 will continue to be a “stock-picker’s” market. The sharp increase in the household savings ratio in Q4 highlights the scope for a recovery driven by expenditure. As further lockdown limitations are lifted, evidence of this growth will help to underpin the more optimistic outlook for Q2 and beyond.
Companies: AMYT ARBB BPC BAG BVC BEG BONH BLVN BRSD CML CWK CRPR EYE ECHO FDM FAR FA/ GPH GSF HUW INSE JDG KAPE KP2 MACF MPAC MNZS NESF NBI OTMP OBD PREM QFI RUA SCS SEN SOS SUR TON TOU TXP TGL TCN UEM VLS WYN
JMAT has introduced a new format called a ‘pre-close trading update’ just a few days after the financial year end. It looks like something between preliminary figures and consensus, strongly referring to the latter and being accompanied by some lengthy writing. We are still struggling with the point of it. However, the key message of the update was: 2020 was not so bad and figures should be expected at the upper end of market expectations. This would also be above our expectations.
Companies: Johnson Matthey Plc
Brickability is a leading supplier of bricks and other building materials to the UK construction industry, and is well-positioned to consolidate the fragmented UK building products supplier space. The company has undertaken four acquisitions since its IPO in 2019, which adds to some twelve acquisit
Companies: Brickability Group PLC
Anglo Asian Mining* (AAZ LN) - STRONG BUY – Quarterly production update and CY21 guidance Botswana Diamonds (BOD LN) – Moving to a further stage of drilling at Thorny River Capital Limited (CAPD LN) – Q1 2021 delivers strongest ever quarterly revenue GoldStone Resources* (GRL LN) – Update paves way for production ramp-up at Homase Kenmare Resources (KMR LN) - Q1 production rises on higher grade and production despite Covid-19 isolation for management and staff Rainbow Rare Earths* (RBW LN) – Temporary suspension of REE concentrate exports Serabi Gold* (SRB LN) –– Grade improvements drive higher Q1 gold production
Companies: CAPD AAZ BOD GRL KMR RBW SRB
Volex has reported interim results that are in-line with expectations following a strong trading update in mid-October. Of far greater significance is today’s announcement of the proposed acquisition of DEKA for a consideration of up to €61.8m on a debt free basis. DEKA is a leading and highly profitable power cord manufacturer, strategically located in Turkey, that serves leading European white goods manufacturers. The acquisition should close in early CY2021, subject to expected Turkish Competition Authority approval. We foresee 15% earnings enhancement in FY2022E with further opportunities for revenue synergies with Volex in the Far East as its operations also vertically integrate, production efficiencies increase and the cost of production falls. The statement highlights that pro forma net debt/EBITDA remains under 0.4x and this provides scope for further bolt-on acquisitions alongside a new $70m RCF and $30m accordion, also announced with the interims.
Wickes to demerge from Travis Perkins and list on the Main Market. Expected 28 April. Advance Energy to complete an RTO on AIM indirectly acquiring up to 50% of Carnarvon Petroleum Timor which holds a 100 per cent. working interest and is the contractor under the Buffalo PSC, offshore Timor-Leste. Carnarvon Petroleum Timor is a subsidiary of ASX listed company, Carnarvon Petroleum Limited. The net proceeds of the Placing of approximately £20.01m (approximately US$27.51mm) will be used to fund the Acquisition. Due 19 April. NFT Investments plc is an investment company that specialises in non-fungible tokens (NFT). Has applied for admission to the Access segment of the AQSE Growth Market. No funds being raised. Due 16 April. Thor Explorations (TSXV:THX) seeking a secondary listing on AIM. The Company is targeting Admission during Q2 2021. Segun Lawson, President & CEO, stated: “Thor Explorations has advanced significantly, in both project development and capitalisation since the acquisition of Segilola in 2016. This year, the Company is well positioned to achieve two major milestones with the commencement of gold production at Segilola in Nigeria and a maiden resource at Douta in Senegal, as well as continuing to progress our highly prospective Nigerian exploration portfolio on the Ilesha Schist belt.” MAST Energy Developments (MED) is to IPO on the Standard List on 14th April 2021 under the ticker MAST. The company has raised £5m giving a market capitalisation on listing of c. £23m. MED is currently a 100% subsidiary company of AIM quoted, Kibo Energy*. MED was established to acquire and develop a portfolio of flexible power plants in the UK and become a multi-asset operator in the rapidly growing Reserve Power market. PensionBee has confirmed its intention to float on the High Growth Segment of the Main Market of LSE. The online pension provider had approximately 130,000 Active Customers and £1.5bn of assets under administration, in each case as at 28 February 2021. The Offer will comprise new Shares raising gross proceeds of approximately £55m and existing Shares to be sold by certain existing small minority shareholders of up to £5m. None of the founders, directors or members of senior management of PensionBee are selling any existing Shares. Expected in April. Imperial X (AQSE:IMPP) to join the Main Market (standard). It is also proposed that on Admission to the Official List, the Company will change its name to Cloudbreak Discovery Plc. With effect from Admission, Imperial X will hold equity positions and royalties in a variety of projects in the natural resources sector across multiple jurisdictions, primarily in the Americas and Africa. The Company is proposing to raise up to £1.5m by way of placing of new Ordinary Shares to support further prospect acquisitions. Current Mkt cap £4.7m Expected April 2021. Proposed move to AIM from the main market (standard) by Emmerson (EML.L) to provide Emmerson with access to a market and environment which is more suited, in the Board's view, to the Company's current size and strategy ahead of pivotal period for the Company with the commencement of mine construction at the Khemisset Potash Project expected by end of 2021. Follows recent award of Mining Licence granting Emmerson exclusive right to develop and mine the potash deposit and £5.5m raise to fund ongoing project development work. NextEnergy Renewables to launch an IPO on the Main Market. NREN is a differentiated renewables investment Company that aims to capture the most attractive private renewables and energy transition infrastructure investment opportunities globally. Targeting a £300m raise. NREN is targeting total returns of 9-11 per cent. per annum (net of all fees and expenses but including the Target Dividend and capital appreciation) . The Company's target dividend yield for the first full financial year to 31 December 2022 is 5.5 pence. Due Early March 2021. Digital 9 Infrastructure launch an initial public offering on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, by way of an initial placing and offer for subscription for a target issue £400m. Digital 9 Infrastructure plc is a newly established, externally managed investment trust. The Company will invest in a range of digital infrastructure assets which deliver a reliable, functioning internet. The IPO Prospectus is expected to be published in March 2021. Fix Price announces its intention to float on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Fix Price is one of the leading variety value retailers globally and the largest in Russia, with more than 4,200 stores. Fix Price has revenues of RUB 190.1bn, RUB 142.9bn and RUB 108.7bn for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA for the same years was RUB 36.8bn, RUB 27.2bn and RUB 14.2bn, respectively. The Offer would consist of an offering of GDRs by certain existing shareholders of the Company. Great Point Entertainment Income Trust PLC announced its prospectus has been approved by the FCA. Great Point Entertainment Income Trust PLC is a newly established, externally managed closed-ended investment company. The Company will provide project finance to content makers and commissioners in the global television and film production industry via senior loans secured against pre-sold intellectual property (IP) rights. GPEIT's investment objective is to provide Shareholders with dividend income and modest capital growth through exposure to media content finance.
Companies: ARG ADT UKOG PHAR UNG CYAN FA/ SNX VRE SHED
