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. Loungers plc—the operator of 146 café/bar/restaurants across England and Wales under the Lounge and Cosy Club brands, announces its intention to seek admission on AIM, offer to raise £83.3m at 200p with market cap of £185m, expected 29 April 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. Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc — specialist lender which builds relationships with manufacturers and then provides working capital solutions up and down their supply chains to drive their growth is looking to join AIM. No raise, secondary offering of £19.8m at 90p, expected market cap of £95.98m. Expected 09 May 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 25 June 2019
Companies: SEN EUSP XSG INSP VANL RENE PRTC ACP
In its final FY2018 results announced today, EU Supply (EUSP), the eprocurement software provider, has reported results in line with expectations and confirmed its first full year net profit. Strong order flow in recent weeks from the launch of new suppler services and an increasing proportion of repeating contracts that enhance the quality of revenues, lend confidence to our unchanged FY2019E forecasts for continuing growth from EUSP’s scalable business model. We also introduce FY2020E estimates which reflect continuing progress.
Companies: EU Supply
EU Supply (EUSP) has announced that it expects to release its FY2018 final results on 26 April 2019. It has also reiterated that it expects to report a maiden adj. PBT of £0.4m, as disclosed in the trading update on 8 February 2019. As such the share price fall due to the movement of a significant stake yesterday presents an excellent buying opportunity, in our view. We are encouraged that the development of the company’s supplier side services is proceeding to plan as these should increase recurring revenues in due course.
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
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.
Companies: CCS SKIN BILB EUSP WJG SBIZ FOX MPAC CRW CIP
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
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.
In its FY2018 trading update, EU Supply (EUSP) has announced that it expects to report adj. PBT of £0.4m vs the SSL forecast of £0.1m and a loss before tax of £0.2m in FY2017. The anticipated revenue of £5.1m was slightly below our £5.4m forecast and was up c.10% on the £4.7m reported for FY2017. Importantly, the recurring/repeat proportion of revenue was maintained at c.70%. The investment in the micro procurement solution is likely to increase recurring sales in due course. We retain our 25p DCF-derived TP and Buy rating
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 28 Feb 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.
Companies: SKIN MPM EUSP VAST PLMO MYSL DELT SMS HDD
In today’s trading update, EU Supply (“EUS”), the e-procurement software provider, has indicated that it expects to report its first annual pre-tax profit, for recently ended FY2018. We forecast continuing growth in FY2019, with potential for EUS to benefit medium term from its investment in developing new services and its scalable SaaS business model
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
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 investigating the possibility of AIM admission. The Company is proposing to raise up to £2.25 million before the end of December, conditional on Admission. 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: ASLR SHG ITX CAKE VRS EUSP NTQ FIH JOUL BMV
Research Tree provides access to ongoing research coverage, media content and regulatory news on EU Supply. We currently have 139 research reports from 5 professional analysts.
As a nation, we love knocking ourselves. However in truth, we’re actually a pretty pioneering bunch. For instance, the experts at Oxford University & AstraZeneca have developed one of the world’s 3 most important vaccines in double quick time. Plus, many other British firms are creating similar breakthrough Covid inventions, such as Kromek.
Companies: Kromek Group Plc
H1A delivered a very resilient performance given the backdrop of halted deliveries and reduced manufacturing capacity. Orders and shipments are resuming and a ramp up in activity levels is expected in H2. A cash outflow in H1A has been supported by new committed facilities and gross cash levels look set to support the business successfully through the second half and beyond.
Gamesys has reported a positive pre-close trading update. Strong momentum continued into Q420 and management now expects FY20 pro forma revenue and adjusted EBITDA will be at or above the upper end of current market expectations. We increase our FY21 and FY22 adjusted EBITDA forecasts by 4–6% due to higher revenue growth from a larger active customer base, and a higher and stable EBITDA margin that reflects ongoing investment in growing a sustainable business with a focus on responsible gambling. On our new forecasts, the free cash flow (FCF) yield for FY21e is 10.1% and the dividend yield is 3.0%.
Companies: Gamesys Group PLC
WEY Educaon (WEY) – Corporate – Trading significantly ahead; strong momentum prompts new ’21/’22E forecast Touchstar (TST) – Corporate – Update points to a robust trading performance and strong cash generaon in the year
Companies: Wey Education PLC (WEY:LON)Touchstar plc (TST:LON)
A busy post-YE update reveals a strong H2 performance despite the second wave of COVID-19, and management expects to meet our FY20 forecasts of revenue and adj. earnings growth. As noted last year, there will be a £1.6m exceptional provision in FY20 for replacing its US tracking devices as 3G service ends there in 2022; it will not affect FY20 adj. earnings but will impact FY21 cashflow. YE net cash was slightly above expectations at £10.6m despite a laudable repayment of all government COVID support received. Most of that cash balance should be distributed in the return of the supplemented final dividend, subject to conditions at the time of the declaration in March. Looking ahead to FY21, management sees notable Fleet growth opportunities post-COVID and is flagging an extra c.£1m investment – mainly in sales & marketing – with a new focus on revenue expansion, and we expect to see the benefits of that in FY22. The CFO, Dan Mendis, will supervise this Fleet expansion, moving to the role of Group Commercial Director while Emily Rees joins to replace him in April. We adjust our FY21 forecasts accordingly and issue FY22 expectations for growth. With the business well on track, we raise our TP from 435p to 450p.
Companies: Quartix Holdings Plc
iEnergizer announced the proposed payment of a special dividend worth 49.4p ($0.668) per share. The group has stated the stock will go ex-div on 14th January 2021, with a pay date of 5th February 2021. At a total value of £94m ($127m), this dividend represents a significant payout for shareholders, c.13% of Group's market cap of £730m. We acknowledge this to be a clear signal of confidence in the growth trajectory and current operations.
Companies: iEnergizer Limited
Instem has delivered a positive trading update for the year to 31 December 2020 – revenue growth was “in excess of 11%”, suggesting a performance in line with our estimates, and net cash appears to have ended the year extremely strongly, with a figure of £26.7m vs our expectation of £22.4m.
Companies: Instem plc
Instem has delivered another year of double digit revenue growth, in line with expectations. Progress has been made across all three business streams, buoyed by strong demand from new and existing customers. A key highlight is cash generation, with Y/E net cash £3.2m better than expectations at £26.7m (pre-IFRS16). The outlook remains positive, with further organic growth opportunities in areas such as SEND exploitation and Informatics. The company remains in active discussions with a number of acquisition targets following the £15.0m fundraise in July. The valuation remains extremely undemanding and we continue to see significant upside potential for a business with multiple organic and acquisitive growth opportunities.
Touchstar is a supplier of mobile data computing solutions and managed services to a variety of industrial sectors. The group has this morning released a year-end update, pointing to the fact that the Board expects to report a profitable outcome for the year (H1 2020A PBT £130k, PAT £150k). Importantly, the positive cash generation seen in H1 2020A has continued into H2, with Touchstar ending the year with a net cash position of £1.6m (gross cash £1.9m), a further increase of £300k from that reported at 30th June.
Companies: Touchstar plc
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
Material acceleration of strategic plan
Companies: MelodyVR Group PLC
Crimson Tide has reported a strong set of H1 results evidencing very strong sales momentum backed by long-term contracts and cash flow. H1 sales grew by 40% and EPS by 154%. Net cash has improved to £0.8m at June 2020 from nil at December 2019. The strategic focus on transportation and supermarkets is working well, partnerships are improving routes to market, and there is growing traction from investments in innovation. We have left our forecasts unchanged for now, but recognise positive pressure and have upgraded our target price from 3.1p to 4.3p. We reiterate our view that Crimson Tide’s valuation will be dictated by its ability to convert the significant opportunity rather than short-term metrics. H1 results show the group is nicely on track to do exactly that.
Companies: Crimson Tide Plc
It has been a year the likes of which we have never seen before, and hope never to see again. The description of the impact of the CV19 pandemic as K-shaped certainly feels accurate, with some sectors being well placed to benefit from the creative disruption that has engulfed the world, accelerating structural changes, while others through no fault of their own have been severely impacted. This has been the case for the Dowgate portfolio of corporate clients, with our quoted clients falling into three groups. The first, comprising Cambridge Cognition, GRC, The Panoply, S4 Capital and Water Intelligence have on average seen their share prices double this year as structural changes accelerated by CV19 have been accompanied by strong execution. The second, comprising Franchise Brands, OTAQ and SEEEN, have experienced share price declines averaging a third as their businesses have either been directly impacted by CV19 or their growth aspirations curtailed. The final group comprises those companies which have been bid for this year, namely Be Heard, Hunters Property, Huntsworth and Reach4Entertainment. Looking into 2021, we expect continued strong performance from the first group and a rebound in the second as the world returns to normal. Finally, having completed Series A/B rounds for a range of private companies this year, we hope to bring these entrepreneur-led, growth companies to market in 2021.
Companies: COG FRAN GRC OTAQ TPX SFOR SEEN WATR
Gaming Realms is a creator and licensor of innovative games for mobile, with operations in the UK, U.S. and Canada. Flagship brand Slingo® is a highly popular and unique game genre which combines elements of slot, bingo and table gameplay. These games are licensed by some of the biggest online gaming operators in the world, including DraftKings, Sky Betting & Gaming and GVC, and distributed directly to operators or via global partners such as Scientific Games & Relax Gaming using the company's proprietary Remote Game Server platform.
Companies: Gaming Realms PLC
The trend towards Pelatro increasingly selling recurring revenue contracts rather than licences has been well flagged. Recent business wins suggest this trend is increasingly prevalent and it is now prudent for us to assume that most customer engagements will be sold on this basis going forward. Growth in ARR is increasing as expected and we adjust our forecasts to reflect a licence free sales model.
Companies: Pelatro Plc