Essensys plc—a provider of mission-critical SaaS platforms and on-demand cloud services to the high growth flexible workspace industry, plans to join AIM. £28m raised. Half primary, half shareholder sell down expected 29 May 2019. Mkt cap £72.6m. Issue price 151p. Induction Healthcare Group plc—a healthcare technology company focused on streamlining the delivery of care by Healthcare Professionals looking to join AIM. Expected raise of £14.58m at 115p, market cap of £34.07m. Expected 22 May 2019. SDX Energy plc—a North Africa focused oil and gas company, announces its intention to complete a Canadian plan of arrangement under section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act and will have shares de-listed from the TSX-V and admitted to trading on AIM. Expected 28 May 2019, anticipated market cap of £76m Renold plc—a leading international supplier of industrial chains and related power transmission products, announced that it will cancel the listing of the Company from the premium segment and apply for admission on AIM. Expected 06 June 2019. Alumasc Group plc, the premium building products, systems and solutions group, has announced its intention to move from the Premium Segment of the main market to AIM. Expected market cap of £33.4m. Expected 25 June 2019
Companies: VTC EPWN APC MAB1 IMO RENX DODS BOKU AMYT
Parliamentary and Brexit developments continue to hold centre stage, although the precise path forward remains as unclear as ever. The uncertainty over Brexit, worries over a possible slowdown in the US and the outlook for global economic growth generally have all contributed to the recent falls in markets. While the rally seen since the start of the year has petered out, most indices have still made progress. In Share News & Views we comment on Bloomsbury Publishing, Bonhill Group*, Braemar Shipping Services*, Burford, Clarkson, LightwaveRF*, Marshall Motor Holdings and Synectics*.
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ LWRF LSAI NKTN PCF SNX TCN VRE W7L
We have seen a continuation of the rally evident so far this year. The factors are familiar with greater optimism regarding US-China trade talks. At home, the path to Brexit remains unclear as D-day looms. The possibility of a delay has increased. The company reporting season continues to highlight winners and losers with the majority of results in line. We have also seen an uptick in corporate M&A. Results set the morning agenda and Brexit votes the evening one. In Share News & Views we comment on AorTech International*, APC Technology*, DeepMatter*, Golden Ocean Group and P&O Ferries/DP World.
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ LSAI NKTN PCF SNX TCN VRE W7L
APC’s AGM statement highlights that “the Board are pleased with the start to the new financial year” and confirms that “the Company continues to trade in line with management expectations”. APC remains focused on its growth strategy. We maintain all of our forecasts at this stage. Our FY2019E forecast is for PBT of £1.63m and EPS at 0.74p putting the shares on a PER of 8.3x. Interims are expected in April. We reiterate our Buy recommendation and 12p target price.
Companies: APC Technology Group
United Oil & Gas (UOG.L) an oil and gas exploration and development company brought to the Official List (Standard Segment) in July 2017 by way of a reverse takeover of Senterra Energy plc. No capital to be raised, expected market cap of £17m and expected 1 March Techniplas –global producer and support services company providing highly engineered and technically complex components, making the supply chain to original equipment manufacturers more efficient. FYDec17 rev $515m. Polemos, to be renamed Digitalbox plc, has agreed to acquire Digitalbox Publishing Holdings Limited for c.£10m through a share for share exchange. The acquisition constitutes a RTO. Polemos has also agreed to acquire the entire issued share capital of Mashed Productions Limited, a digital media business which owns the online satirical news website "The Daily Mash", for a maximum total consideration of up to £1.2m. Market cap on admission £12.4m, expected 28 February
Companies: AAU IHC MDZ GMR R4E APC WEB HAYD 88E BPC
Roses are red – markets are blue! The rally since the start of the year resumed this week, after a pull-back last week. The FTSE 100 has risen due to the weakness of sterling and the impact on its dollar-earning constituents. More domestically-oriented indices have also risen but lagged more recently. The latest Brexit twist is due later with a statement to Parliament on the negotiations. Company news continue to dominate the morning headlines and amendment votes the evening ones. In Share News & Views we comment on DCC, EU Supply* FireAngel*, Location Sciences*, Northbridge* and NWF.
We have seen a continuation of the rally seen since the start of the year, although some earlier momentum has been lost. The factors that influenced the market previously continue to dominate – US-China trade talks and the outlook for the global economy. The latest hurdles in the Brexit Withdrawal Bill are due later. Company updates dominate the morning headlines, late night votes dominate the evening ones. In Share News & Views we comment APC Technology*, Bonhill Group*, Braemar Shipping*, Escape Hunt*, FDM*, Haynes Publishing, Nucleus Financial, Porvair, VR*, Warpaint* and Wynnstay.
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ LSAI NKTN SNX TCN VRE W7L PCF
It may only be a fortnight into the new year but many of the factors that unnerved the market last month have continued to impact sentiment. The outcome of trade talks between the US and China, concerns about global economic growth and some poor trading statements, especially in the retail sector, have all featured. Above all, Brexit and the progress of the Withdrawal Bill have dominated with the latest “high noon” due later. Despite this, we have seen a good rally in the junior markets year to date. In Share News & Views we comment on Bloomsbury, DeepMatter*, James Fisher and Helios*.
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ LSAI NKTN PCF SNX TCN W7L
The instruction to “Deck the halls with boughs of holly” may represent a grateful relief, given the prickly time we have seen in markets over the last month or so. An unhelpful combination of the deadlock surrounding the Brexit process, concerns over the outlook for the global economy and some poor company results have resulted in all markets falling further. The impact on our universe is clear from the table below with AIM taking the significant pain. In Share News & Views we comment on APC*, Clipper, Cohort, Goodwin*, Helios*, PCF Group*and Tricorn*. Merry Christmas to our readers!
Companies: RUA APC BONH BMS CTG CRPR DMTR ESC EUSP FDM FA/ NKTN PCF SNX TCN W7L LSAI
FY2018 results are in line with expectations. Revenues rose 10% to £17.1m, EBITDA was +43% to £1.15m and PBT rose by 63% to £0.68m. The performance has been helped by a concentration on its core strengths, a reorganisation of its sales team and the addition of new technologies. APC made 2 acquisitions First Byte Micro and Aspen Electronics in the period. APC remains focused on its growth strategy. We have kept our FY2019E PBT of £1.63m, up 139% and EPS at 0.74p putting the shares on a PER of 9.5x. We retain our Buy and 12p TP.
Today’s update highlights that the group continues to trade in line with management expectations. APC continues to make progress in its three-five year strategy to grow through increased bookings from existing technologies, especially those in high growth markets, from signing new complementary product lines and through targeted bolt-on acquisitions. We are forecasting FY2018E revenues of £17.51m, EBITDA of £1.18m, PBT of £0.68m and EPS of 0.42p. The group is due to announce finals on 17 December. Buy TP 12p.
Litigation Capital Management—provider of litigation financing and ancillary services, moving from ASX (ASX:LCA) to AIM. Offer TBC. Due 18 Dec. Mkt Cap A$64m. Crossword Cybersecurity PLC* (NEX:CCS)—the technology commercialisation company focusing exclusively on the cyber security sector is due to start trading on AIM 14 December. Raising £2m at 290p. Mkt cap at issue price £13.6m. Manolete Partners—leading UK insolvency litigation financing business looking to join AIM raising £16.3m as a placing and £13.1 realised by the selling shareholder at 175p. Market cap £76.3m, expected 14 December Titon holdings—international manufacturer and supplier of ventilation systems and window and door hardware. No capital raise. Due 10 Dec. Mkt cap c.£22m. Greenfields Petroleum (TSX-V:GNF) production focused company with operated assets in Azerbaijan seeking AIM dual listing including $60m private placement. Mkt cap $12.6m CAD. Expected early December.
Companies: INSE QFI SOU IME MVR APC TM17 IHC CIP
Market volatility persists with an agreement between the US & China to defer further tariff increases lifting major indices. However, the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process continues to dominate in the UK. The impact on our universe is clear from the table below with AIM notably weaker. The reporting season runs on, though it should lighten, ahead of the festive season next week just as the progress of the Brexit deal reaches a crescendo. In Share News & Views we comment on AorTech*, Begbies, Bonhill*, FireAngel*, Golden Ocean, IG Design, Location Sciences*, Menzies, Nucleus & Synectics*.
Following the gyrationsin October, we have continued to see further volatility this month. While some of the factors that unnerved investors have receded, Brexit concerns dominate, with the eventual outcome still unclear. At home, the reporting season has proved variable with both notable ‘risers and fallers’. The flow of announcements continues, although things may quieten down, ahead of the festive season. Undoubtedly the progress of the Brexit deal is key. In Share News & Views we comment upon AdEPT, Burford Capital, Carrs, Codemasters, Cropper*, DCC, Marshall Motor, Norcros and Wincanton.
Research Tree provides access to ongoing research coverage, media content and regulatory news on APC Technology Group. We currently have 62 research reports from 4 professional analysts.
The group’s year-end update points to stronger than expected Q4 trading, boosted by robust sales in North America that translated efficiently to upside on profitability expectations. Cash performance has once again been stellar, resulting in net cash of $35m, considerably higher than forecast, partly profit drop-through and partly from tight working capital management. We are therefore upgrading our FY 2020 EPS by 25% to 33.2ȼ. The strong cash position also results in a boost to the total dividend, giving a dividend yield of 6.7%. We raise our price target from 285p to 435p, based on a target P/E of 17.0x offering upside to the current P/E of 13.8x.
Companies: Somero Enterprises, Inc.
Today’s update confirms a strong recovery in H2 FY2020E as expected and a full year adjusted PBT at least in line with FY2019, despite a material impact from Covid and the depressed oil price resulting in a decline in Augean’s North Sea Services business. The FY2020E outturn demonstrates the resilience of the Group and the strong attractions of its growing EfW activities that now account for c.70% of Group profit. Augean is very well positioned in the EfW residue market and with c.40% of the UK’s hazardous landfill capacity. We forecast Group earnings growth of 15% and 21% for FY2021E and FY2022E, and expect further strong cash generation. EV/EBITDAs for FY2021E and FY2022E are 5.7x and 4.5x respectively, substantially below sector constituents and transaction multiples.
Companies: Augean PLC
2020 ended with two positive moves for carbon capture and storage (CCS) which should benefit Velocys clients. In the US, the signing of the COVID 19 stimulus bill extends and adds support for CCS in the US where the Bayou project is working with CO2 offtaker Occidental to deliver a negative emissions project. The UK government has also published guidance on CCS funding making this option an additional opportunity for the Altalto project. Velocys remains one of the very few opportunities for investors to play negative emission technology. We see both these moves improving the operating environment for the company’s clients and their projects, stimulating demand for the Velocys technology.
Companies: Velocys plc
Although 2020 will probably go down in history as one of the most challenging years experienced during our lifetime, it will also likely be chronicled as one of the best years for the recognition and appreciation of science. As we entered 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was in its infancy. However, it rapidly evolved through the exponential rise in infections and mortality globally. Much has been achieved during the past 12 months in the fight against COVID-19, but, as we enter 2021, there are considerable concerns about the emergence of a mutant version of the virus and the second wave that we are now facing.
Companies: AVO ARBB ARIX BBGI CLIG DNL FLTA ICGT OCI PCA PIN PHP RECI STX SCE TRX SHED VTA YEW
Augean has proven to be resilient throughout the pandemic. In particular, the growth in processing incinerator ash residues from energy from waste (EfW) facilities continues unabated and additional new contract wins should drive improved returns in FY21. Management expects FY20 adjusted PBT to be slightly ahead of last year and we have marginally reduced our FY20 adjusted PBT and EPS estimates by 1%. Our FY21 estimates are maintained. Cash flow has been stronger than we expected, underpinning the indication that dividends should resume in FY21.
Capital Limited has released its Q4 and FY2020 trading statement this morning. Overall it shows 2020 was a strong year for the company with revenue growing 18% and most other operating metrics growing positively with it – see Fig 1. We have adjusted our forecasts accordingly and also to take into account the mining services contract for the Sukari Mine which the company won late last year. The latter is a game changer for Capital and its investment case in our view; turbo charging revenue growth, enhancing margins and diversifying cashflow all of which should lead to materially higher valuation multiples. We raise our PT to 127p.
Companies: Capital Limited
A £10m fundraising expedites the Protos project and opens the way for the £10.2m Peel warrant exercise in the current year. The funding will also give the company additional resources to pursue international opportunities. Adjusting for the raise and some timing differences, our UK only base valuation rises from 5.0p to the raise price of 5.5p and we see existing international opportunities taking this to 7.5p (from 6.9p) and including opportunities in Europe this could rise to 12.1p (from 11.2p).
Companies: Powerhouse Energy Group PLC
XPD is a well-established pan-European freight management and logistics operator. We have selected the Group as one of our Top Picks for 20211. The Group is based in the UK and focused primarily on providing integrated supply chain solutions for customers operating in the UK and Central & Eastern Europe (“CEE”). Trading has been resilient through the Covid crisis, and the benefits of acquisition integration and recent cost reductions are now coming through. Management has guided to an 18% y-o-y improvement in profit for 2020e. The balance sheet is strong with £4.3m of net cash reported at H1.
Companies: Xpediator Plc
Foresight Group , the award-winning infrastructure and private equity investment manager to IPO on the Main Market (premium). The Offer will primarily comprise a sale of shares by existing shareholders (c.80% of the Offer) with a smaller offering of new shares (c.20% of the Offer) to be issued by the Company. Details TBA. Cornish Metals (TSX-V: CUSN) intends to list on AIM. The Company is proposing to raise £5 million by way of private placement of new Common Shares (the "Fundraising") to advance the United Downs copper-tin project. The Company expects that Admission will become effective in February 2021. The Company's Common Shares will continue to be listed and trade on the TSX-V in Canada. 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: TYM W7L BEG CRPR EUZ IRR CMCL FARN KETL AUG
Today’s positive trading update provides further encouragement for investors. The shares have been appreciating steadily on the back of last month’s fund raise and acquisition, followed by a major contract win and the £2.5m sale of the remaining RTLS stake, which had previously been largely written off. Both FY20 revenue and adj. LBITDA are better than forecast and YE net cash is particularly healthy. The integration of OSPi is underway, with all staff already transferred. We adjust FY20 forecasts and reiterate future forecasts. Future cash expectations are lifted by the higher YE balance as well as the sale of the remaining RTLS holding.
Companies: IQGeo Group PLC
Velocys has announced a change in the partnership developing the Altalto sustainable aviation fuel project with Shell moving on and Velocys now splitting the project 50/50 with British Airways. Despite being no longer formally involved, Shell remains supportive of the project in broad terms. British Airways continues to view the project as vital to its net zero target.
Directa Plus has had its contract with OMV Petrom extended and increased. The contract, initially awarded in July 2019, was for the provision of decontamination and oil recovery services using the Company's proprietary Grafysorber® technology. The initial value of the contract was €150k (of which €75k was delivered and invoiced in 2020) and this has now been increased to €410k, the balance of which is expected to be fulfilled by June 2021.
Companies: Directa Plus Plc
The group has announced an extremely positive trading update as it completes its first half. Following a positive Q1, Q2 has maintained momentum resulting in a record profit for the half year, significantly more than we had forecast for H1 and almost achieving the full-year expectation. Restructuring cost savings have also assisted gaining double-digit RoS. It also signalled a return to the group’s previous dividend policy. As a result, we upgrade our FY21 forecast with a 39% in in EPS to 19.9p. We also raise our PT from 130p to 178p, in line with the uplift in EPS, which remains a conservative target P/E of 9.0x. ALU is currently one of the lowest rated in the sector, offering a currently very attractive 4.4% dividend yield.
Companies: Alumasc Group plc
Seeing Machines has announced that it has licensed its Occula® Neural Processing Unit to OmniVision Technologies Inc. This advances the relationship from the MOU announced in September 2020 and builds on a relationship that is over five years old, with the two organisations having worked on multiple automotive programmes with a number of Tier 1 customers.
Companies: Seeing Machines Limited
Cornish Metals (TSX-V: CUSN) intends to list on AIM. The Company is proposing to raise £5 million by way of private placement of new Common Shares (the "Fundraising") to advance the United Downs copper-tin project. The Company expects that Admission will become effective in February 2021. The Company's Common Shares will continue to be listed and trade on the TSX-V in Canada. 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. 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. Moonpig, the digital greeting card company, is planning an IPO with a potential valuation of £1bln, according to multiple media reports. Further details expected to be announced over the next two weeks.
Companies: ZPHR PANR PRSM SENS CYAN G4M ITX CRCL FEN ZIN
