Allergy Therapeutics’ European commercial business remains resilient despite COVID-19 impacts. The H121 trading statement indicates sales growth of 7% (+5% CER), while steady pipeline progress is also being made. Recruitment and treatment in the G309 Grass MATA MPL Phase III study is on track, with post period key events including initiation of the P001 ex vivo peanut allergy biomarker study and publication of positive challenge chamber results for ImmunoBON in a peer reviewed journal. This bodes well for news flow delivery over the rest of calendar 2021. G309 results in the autumn are expected to inform design of the G306 pivotal grass trial; P001 data in the spring will support IND submission; and ImmunoBON is set to launch in Germany later this month. A record cash balance of £48m (at end-December 2020) covers nearterm requirements taking the company through to material value-inflection points. Ahead of H121 results on March 3, we maintain our £325m (51p/share) valuation.
Companies: Allergy Therapeutics plc
The six-month trading update to 31 December demonstrates solid underlying growth, with revenues rising 7% to £54.0m, or c.5% at constant exchange rates (CER), despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Period-end cash was £48.3m, which implied a c.30% increase (+£11.3m) in underlying cashflows in the period. With relevant and potentially significant commercial and regulatory newsflow through 2021, we expect the shares to perform well. We leave our forecasts unchanged for FY 2021 at this point and reiterate our 45p target price, pointing out the substantial and unwarranted discount to its nearest peer (ALK-abello - 6.1x EV/Sales). This target also excludes the value for US market entry for Grass MATA MPL or its early-stage pipeline, including VLP Peanut allergy vaccine.
Allergy Therapeutics has initiated an ex vivo biomarker study with Imperial College London for its novel VLP-based peanut allergy vaccine candidate. The information generated from this study will be used to support clinical development of the peanut vaccine programme and will establish the starting dose of the first-in-human Phase I study. The IND application will be filed with the FDA in 2021, with the Phase I trial also planned to start this year.
Companies: AGY SCE DEST ARB
Allergy Therapeutics (AGY.L): Initiation of field trial | Sensyne Health (SENS.L): Research agreement with Milton Keynes University Hospital
Companies: Allergy Therapeutics plc (AGY:LON)Sensyne Health Plc (SENS:LON)
Companies: BAYN AGY SENS
Allergy Therapeutics has announced the screening of the first patient in the G309 exploratory field study of Grass MATA MPL, a short course, aluminium-free, allergen-specific, subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), in seasonal allergic rhinitis and/or rhinoconjunctivitis induced by grass pollen. G309 is a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomised study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an optimized Phase III dose of 27,600 SU Grass MATA MPL. The trial will run for one year, capturing the 2020/21 allergy season, and recruit c 150 patients over 12 sites in Germany and the US. The primary endpoint is the combined symptom medication score (CSMS) averaged over the peak grass pollen season.
Allergy Therapeutics delivered a solid 6% revenue growth for FY20 to £78.2m, from £73.7m, despite COVID-19 impacts taking a 2% toll. The well-established European commercial platform produced operating profit before R&D of £14.2m, from £11.3m, with R&D spend of £9.0m, from £13.2m. Pollinex Quattro Grass is set to start a pilot Phase III study before initiating full registration trials. The promising VLP-based peanut vaccine reported highly encouraging preclinical data which, if maintained, could be transformational for future prospects. The fruits of the development portfolio are expected to enable the market entry into the commercially attractive US. Cash resources of £37.0m are ample to fund near-term requirements. We initiate coverage with a £325m (51p a share) valuation.
Allergy Therapeutics (AGY): Corp FY 2020 – record pre-R&D EBIT | Amino Technologies (AMO): Corp Argentinian software contract win | ANGLE (AGL): Corp Peer reviewed publication, using Parsortix in MBC | Bigblu Broadband (BBB): Corp Quickline secures up to £6.1m of subsidy in Lincolnshire | Hardide (HDD): Corp Trading in line with a stronger Q1 expected | Trackwise Designs (TWD): Corp Interim results, new contracts boost confidence | Xeros (XSG): Corp Commercial progress tracking in line with expectations
Companies: AGY AMO AGL XSG TWD BBB HDD
Allergy Therapeutics reported full-year 2020 results that were marginally ahead of expectations, driven by lower overhead costs (COVID-related) and lower R&D. This underpinned 25% growth in pre-R&D EBIT to £14.2m on 7% CER revenue growth and continued, albeit smaller, market share gains. Year-end net cash was £33.2m, providing the company with the financial resources to execute on current research programmes. The outlook remains characterised by the start of the Phase III Grass MATA MPL trial in US/Europe, enhanced by a broadening pipeline of opportunities and continued commercial traction in core European markets. We have made small upward adjustments to our forecasts and raise our target price to 45p, which is underpinned by the current commercial operations, with potential upside in Grass MATA MPL in the US (c.21p on risk-adjusted DCF), Polyvac peanut vaccine and the recently broadened VLP technology licence.
Umuthi Healthcare Solutions Plc, the technology led healthcare business focused on the distribution of pharmaceuticals and the provision of medical facilities in remote areas, seeking admission to the Standard Listing segment of the Official List The Hut Group. Expected intention to float on the Main Market. THG is a vertically integrated digital-first consumer brands group, retailing its own brands in beauty and nutrition plus third party brands, via its proprietary technology platform to an online and global customer base. For the year ended 31 December 2019, THG's revenue was £1.1 billion, up 24.5 per cent. year-on-year, and its Adjusted EBITDA was £111.3 million, representing an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 9.8 per cent . The Company has experienced an acceleration in growth during 2020, with revenue of £676 million, up 35.8 per cent. on the equivalent prior year period , achieved in the 6 months to 30 June 2020, which the Directors believe evidenced the non-discretionary nature of the nutrition and beauty categories . Kibo Energy PLC, the multi-asset Africa focused energy company, is seeking admission for its 100% owned UK subsidiary Sloane Developments Ltd , which will be renamed Mast Energy Developments PLC (MED), to the Standard List of the London Stock Exchange plc . Targeted for Q4 2020. The MED business strategy is to acquire and develop a portfolio of flexible small-scale power generation assets, exploiting a growth niche market in the UK for Reserve Power generation to balance out the national grid at critical times.
Companies: JET2 KRPZ IRON DNL RBG MPAC AGY SENS TGP
Omega Diagnostics (ODX.L): Group performs CE-marking of Mologic Ltd’s COVID-19 antibody test | Diurnal (DNL.L): Distribution agreements for Europe | Allergy Therapeutics (AGY.L): Licence agreement to secure new vaccine technology
Companies: ODX DNL AGY
Allergy Therapeutics (AGY): Corp Broadening and deepening VLP vaccine pipeline | IQGeo Group (IQG): Corp US telecoms network contract win | Omega Diagnostics (ODX): Corp Mologic COVID-19 test CE Marked | President Energy (PPC): Corp Off to a flying start
Companies: AGY ODX PPC IQG
Research Tree provides access to ongoing research coverage, media content and regulatory news on Allergy Therapeutics plc. We currently have 250 research reports from 11 professional analysts.
Novacyt S.A. (NCYT.L*): R&D Update | N4 Pharma (N4P.L): Full year results
Companies: Novacyt SAS (ALNOV:PAR)N4 Pharma Plc (N4P:LON)
tinyBuild— a leading video games publisher and developer with global operations. tinyBuild's strategic focus is in creating longlasting IP by partnering with video games developers, establishing a stable platform on which to build multi-game and multimedia franchises is to join AIM. Offer details TBC. Due mid-March. AMTE Power, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery cells for specialist markets, announced its intention to seek admission to trading on AIM. Admission is expected to take place during March 2021. The Company intends to raise approximately £7m by way of a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. Timing TBC. Samarkand Group Limited, the cross-border eCommerce technology and retail group opening up the world's largest market for brands and retailers, intends to IPO on the Apex Segment Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market. Admission is targeted for March 2021. Cellular Goods a UK-based provider of premium consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids announced its intention to join the main market (standard). Has raised £13M in an oversubscribed placing. £25m mkt cap. Due 26 Feb. 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. Team PLC announced their plans for an AIM IPO. Team owns Theta Enhanced Asset Management Ltd, trading as Team Asset Management. This is a Jersey-based active fund manager providing discretionary and advisory portfolio management services to private clients, trusts and charities. Assets under management were GBP291m in November, up from GBP140m in December 2019 . The Company is seeking to raise no less than £5m. The Placing will be priced on a pre-money valuation for the Company of £7m. Targeting March Admission. Virgin Wines UK Plc has out their plans for an AIM IPO. Virgin Wines is a direct-to-consumer online wine retailer that sells products to retail customers in the UK through two subscription schemes and a pay-as-you-go offering. The Group also sells a range of beers and spirits and operates a B2B sales channel for corporates. Anticipated mkt cap £110m. Raising £13m in new money and vendor sale of £34.9m . Due 2nd March. 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. According to media reports, Deliveroo, are expecting to release their IPO plans on 8th March. The company raised more than $180m in January with a valuation of more than $7bn.
Companies: YEW IKA UPR WYN ENW BWNG TRAK DBOX HZM G4M
Shield Therapeutics raised £25m (gross) with up to £4.2m possible via an Open Offer to provide adequate funding to launch Accrufer in the US and sufficient working capital to reach EBITDA breakeven, which is anticipated in 15-18 months. With the prospect of reaching $100m of US revenues and c.$45-50m of EBITDA in 3-4 years, the return on investment is potentially substantial. It is also underpinned by the value of royalty income from sales in Europe through Norgine and the prospect of approval and launch in China through ASK Pharma in 2023. Execution risk for what has been a largely virtual company is mitigated by the employment of a commercial team with relevant US experience to effect the US launch. We make changes to forecasts to reflect the change from a licence model (with larger US partner) to a US sales model, and introduce 2023 forecasts, which indicate adjusted pre-tax profit of £38m. Due to the additional dilution, our target price moves to 250p, underpinned by a DCF of 273p, at which level the stock would trade on a 2023 P/E and EV/EBITDA of 13.3x and 12.2x, respectively.
Companies: Shield Therapeutics Plc
In a notable milestone, Yourgene has signed up its first US customer for the Coastal Genomics technology. Whilst “only” worth a minimum of $1.5m over five years, the agreement is important for a number of reasons: i) it validates the commercial potential of the Coastal technology; ii) it adds to Yourgene’s growing presence in the important US market; and iii) it is with a large clinical laboratory group, initially in reproductive health, but with scope to be expanded into other applications in due course. We therefore believe it could be worth significantly more than the quoted minimum value over time. This was anticipated, hence we make no change to our forecasts at this stage, but view this agreement as validating the rationale for acquiring Coastal Genomics in August. We expect this to be the first of a number of partners for the technology, opening up another growth avenue for the group.
Companies: Yourgene Health Plc
In the past two years, since Hardman & Co first started to target the IC sector, we have heard many managers of ICs and boards talk of the growth of the retail investor on their registers. Many have approached Hardman & Co for help in addressing this market, since we have a unique strength in this field relative to other providers.
Companies: AVO ARBB BBGI CLIG DNL FLTA ICGT OCI PCA PIN PHP RECI STX TRX VTA YEW
Diurnal is a commercial-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on diseases of the endocrine system. Its drugs target conditions where medical need is currently unmet, with the long-term aim of building an “Adrenal Franchise”. Alkindi® is being rolled out by Diurnal throughout Europe and has been launched in the US by its commercial partner, Eton Pharmaceuticals (ETON). The European and UK regulators are currently reviewing the submissions for marketing authorisation for Chronocort, with approval possible in the next month. Also, DITEST now has a clear regulatory pathway, and the development funding in place.
Companies: Diurnal Group plc
AMTE Power, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery cells for specialist markets, announced its intention to seek admission to trading on AIM. Admission is expected to take place during March 2021. The Company intends to raise approximately £7 million by way of a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. Timing TBC. Samarkand Group Limited, the cross-border eCommerce technology and retail group opening up the world's largest market for brands and retailers, intends to IPO on the Apex Segment Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market. Admission is targeted for March 2021. Cellular Goods a UK-based provider of premium consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids announced its intention to join the main market (standard) this Spring. Target valuation £20m raising c. £8m “to finalise the development and launch of a range of the Company's premium-quality consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids, which is fully compliant under UK law.” 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. Auction Technology Group is considering an IPO on the Main Market. The Group operates six world-leading online Marketplaces and proprietary global auction platform technology for curated online auctions . In FY20 the Group delivered pro forma revenue of £52.3 million, supported by notable underlying year-on-year growth from both Standalone ATG Group and Standalone Proxibid Group (12.4 per cent. and 40.4 per cent., respectively). For the same period, the Group delivered a strong profitability performance of £22.3 million pro forma Adjusted EBITDA representing a pro forma Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.6 per cent. Expected 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. 4basebio UK Societas is a specialist life sciences group focused on therapeutic DNA for gene therapies and DNA vaccines and providing solutions for effective and safe delivery of these DNA based products to patients. The Company has been divested from 4basebio AG , a German company listed on the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange . No capital to be raised on Admission. Anticipated market capitalisation on AIM Admission: £14.53m.
Companies: SAR PAF PTRO NEXS TYM BOD CLX FAB ODX DUKE
AMTE Power, a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion battery cells for specialist markets, announced its intention to seek admission to trading on AIM. Admission is expected to take place during March 2021. The Company intends to raise approximately £7m by way of a placing of new ordinary shares in the capital of the Company. Timing TBC. Samarkand Group Limited, the cross-border eCommerce technology and retail group opening up the world's largest market for brands and retailers, intends to IPO on the Apex Segment Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market. Admission is targeted for March 2021. Cellular Goods a UK-based provider of premium consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids announced its intention to join the main market (standard) this Spring. Target valuation £20m raising c. £8m “to finalise the development and launch of a range of the Company's premium-quality consumer products based on biosynthetic cannabinoids, which is fully compliant under UK law.” 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. Team PLC announced their plans for an AIM IPO. Team owns Theta Enhanced Asset Management Ltd, trading as Team Asset Management. This is a Jersey-based active fund manager providing discretionary and advisory portfolio management services to private clients, trusts and charities. Assets under management were GBP291m in November, up from GBP140m in December 2019 . The Company is seeking to raise no less than £5 million. The Placing will be priced on a pre-money valuation for the Company of £7m. Targeting March Admission. Virgin Wines UK Plc recently set out their plans for an AIM IPO. Virgin Wines is a direct-to-consumer online wine retailer that sells products to retail customers in the UK through two subscription schemes and a pay-as-you-go offering. The Group also sells a range of beers and spirits and operates a B2B sales channel for corporates. Deal details TBC but media reports suggest a £100m valuation. Targeting 2nd March Admission 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. According to media reports, Deliveroo, are expecting to release their IPO plans on 8th March. The company raised more than $180m in January with a valuation of more than $7bn.
Companies: IRR MKA GHH LEK POW KRM DRUM ODX FA/ ALBA
Further media reports that Dr Martens, the British Boot brand is planning an IPO on the LSE. It is currently owned by PE group, Permira who is expected to sell down its stake at the IPO. March 2020 YE the group had revenues of £672m and EBITDA of £184m. Deal size TBC. Upon Admission to AIM, Nightcap will acquire The London Cocktail Club Limited (the "London Cocktail Club"), which is an award winning independent operator of ten individually themed cocktail bars in nine London locations and one location in Bristol. Offer TBC Due mid Jan. HSS Hire Group, HSS.L transfer from Main to Aim. Mkt Cap c. £70m. Recently raised £52.6m. Leading supplier of tool and equipment for hire in the United Kingdom and Ireland and has provided equipment hire services in the United Kingdom for more than 60 years, primarily focusing on the B2B market. Due 14 Jan. VH Global Sustainable Energy Opportunities plc, a closed-ended investment Company focused on making sustainable energy infrastructure investments, today announces intends to launch an initial public offering of shares on the Official List (Premium) of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Due by Early Feb.
Companies: SAG DXRX CALL BBSN ASTO DNL FIPP IIG GROW TCN
Benefiting from new product launches and improving ophthalmic market conditions, both the Surgery and Vision care segments returned to growth in Q4 20. In our view, the recently-introduced products (Vivity, Precision1 for Astigmatism and Pataday), along with the geographic expansion of PanOptix and Prescision1, should bolster the top line in the mid-term. Moreover, the favourable product mix and cost-cutting should result in sustained operating margin expansion. Nonetheless, the uncertainty around the pandemic would remain a near-term headwind.
Companies: Alcon, Inc.
Arix Bioscience (ARIX) is a listed global venture capital (VC) company that presents an opportunity for institutional and retail investors to participate in the high riskreturn profile of early-stage biotech investing. ARIX minimises risk through a combination of an expert investment team and portfolio diversification. Along with its 2020 interim results, management provided the market with some aspirational targets for the next three years, which would see the NAV double to ca.£500m. News that Merck & Co is to acquire portfolio company, VelosBio, for $2.75bn cash, giving ARIX >12x return on its investment, will help to smash these targets.
Companies: Arix Bioscience Plc
Arix Bioscience (ARIX) is a listed global venture capital (VC) company that presents an opportunity for institutional and retail investors to participate in the high riskreturn profile of early-stage biotech investing. ARIX minimises risk through a combination of an expert investment team and portfolio diversification. Along with its 2020 interim results, management provided the market with some aspirational targets for the next three years, which would see the NAV double to ca.£500m. Last month, Merck & Co declared the acquisition VelosBio for $2.75bn, now Merck KGaA has announced a collaboration with Artios, potentially worth up to $7bn.
Upon Admission to AIM, Nightcap will acquire The London Cocktail Club Limited (the "London Cocktail Club"), which is an award winning independent operator of ten individually themed cocktail bars in nine London locations and one location in Bristol. Offer TBC. HSS Hire Group, HSS.L transfer from Main to Aim. Mkt Cap c. £70m. Recently raised £52.6m. Leading supplier of tool and equipment for hire in the United Kingdom and Ireland and has provided equipment hire services in the United Kingdom for more than 60 years, primarily focusing on the B2B market. VH Global Sustainable Energy Opportunities plc, a closed-ended investment Company focused on making sustainable energy infrastructure investments, today announces intends to launch an initial public offering of shares on the Official List (Premium) of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
Companies: PMI RMM SUN BOIL ITM TRMR MLVN 88E IME ANP
Shield Therapeutics’ (STX’s) shares fell sharply in December 2020 on the announcement that a US partnering deal would not be completed in 2020 and that the company is considering launching Accrufer itself in the US. We believe the market reaction has been overdone and the current share price fully discounts any value from the US and China opportunities. Until STX provides further clarity, we have continued to evaluate it based on a US partnering deal. Our modelling suggests an STX-led US launch could more than double longer-term shareholder value, but this is accompanied by increased near-term financial and investment risk, as STX will need to raise funds to establish a small but focused US marketing organisation. We value STX at £298.5m.
Unlike peers, AstraZeneca finished the year on a high, both from a sales and profitability growth perspective. Robust performance by its all-important Oncology franchise was soothing, especially when the Swiss peers witnessed issues. While the group’s debt burden and Alexion plans again curtailed shareholders rewards, a robust 2021 outlook and promise on the pharma innovation side is encouraging. Overall, an attractive pharma proposition, provided that one withstands uncertainties with respect to the COVID-19 vaccine and/or Alexion.
Companies: AstraZeneca PLC
