Member Info for 1pencil

Couple of brief articles:

According to a recently compiled report from Market.us, the biostimulant market size is forecast to exceed $5.6 billion (USD) by 2033. This reflects significant growth from its estimated value of $2.7 billion (USD) in 2023. The expected growth would equate a compound annual growth rate of 7.5% from 2024 to 2033.

https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---49145.htm

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Brazil’s surge in biopesticide use marks a sustainable agriculture shift

Over the last five years, Brazil has witnessed a 45% yearly increase in biopesticide use.

This growth far exceeds the 6% seen in traditional agricultural chemicals. Now, biopesticides cover 70 million hectares in Brazil.

https://news.agropages.com/News/NewsDetail---49362.htm

Inflation data as expected, could be getting close on some central banks stepping back.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/29/wall-street-takes-bets-on-which-major-central-bank-will-blink-first.html

..nah, don't buy that Jatw, those are good numbers, prop traders trying to dampen enthusiasm is my guess.

Modest growth at SHPL but a very nice asset indeed, are they looking at a possible separate IPO ?

> We continue to explore opportunities to monetize the underlying value of our SHPL joint venture including various divestment and equity capital market alternatives.

AstraZeneca sets global strategic center in Shanghai

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202402/28/WS65de87a6a31082fc043b972f.html

If THG is still left behind when rates/inflation drop then yes, totally agree something must give but right now I think its all about coming out the other side, horrendous HFD statement today.

New Ingenuity partner to replace Softbank is highly likely imo, that should help.

Sorry, that was meant to read:

- That said, I still don't think an actual bid will materialise as THG is not for sale, that much we do know.-

Its worth reading Matt's post for context:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matthew-moulding_nothanks-pe-onwards-activity-7062681230554591233-gaz_

Hornby steaming ahead, now Direct Line.

That said, I still think an actual bid will materialise as THG is not for sale, that much we do know.

For anyone perplexed by THG's current valuation, take a look at Hutchmed (HCM) - released cracking results today, almost half market cap in cash but again, not an easy bid target due to CK Hutchison Holdings Limited conglomerate owning nearly 40%.

'Revenue grew 97% (102% CER) to US$838 million, with net income of US$101 million'

https://www.lse.co.uk/rns/HCM/2023-full-year-results-and-business-updates-01yxizr6d6rmgb2.html

Its not just THG..

Almost half the market cap is in cash, what an absolute steal for another pharma, no mention of a share share buy back programme/ and or dividend.

Strong numbers across the board, think this will go down well following Beigene yesterday.

'write up'

Good right up in Ago pages for SAORI

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/plant-health-care-inc_sustainableagriculture-agriculturasostenible-activity-7167994791434076161-6GJh/

Reading that update does seem like a small world, H & B obviously new partners, Opti have high aspirations.

I can see THG getting the old cheque book out lol..

'Sales of LeanBiome® to The Hut Group ("THG") 36.8% higher in 2023 than in 2022. THG's forecast for 2024 show a further 39% increase on 2023.'

'At the start of 2024, the Company was pleased to announce the launch of LeanBiome® in MuscleTech's Nitro Tech Ripped range, a premium protein powder designed to support athletes who want to lose fat and build lean muscle. LeanBiome® is now included in two leading sports nutrition brands, Myprotein and MuscleTech,'

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/OPTI/strategic-and-commercial-update/16349782

A while back Nestle announced: 'Nestle launches platform that connects people over 50 to games https://forbes.com.br/forbes-tech/2022/04/nestle-investe-em-conectar-pessoas-com-mais-de-50-anos-aos-games/

Up pops Jogo.com via Ingenuity aggregator site, Nestle is mentioned in the text but hard to translate as not actual text

https://srjogo.com/home/promote?id=27502118¤t=tutorial&name=promote

Financially probably not worth a whole lot, but this initiative is part of a wider move into gaming by Nestle (agile) in order to better understand and reach consumer groups.

Not many of the big brands escape some disruption during 2023, Nestle is no exception although I did notice a mention for Vital Proteins (Ingenuity customer)

Overall, I think THG have done an incredible job maintaining growth/expansion balance given current climate.

Nestlé reports full-year results for 2023

'Active Nutrition reported mid single-digit growth, with robust sales developments for Orgain and Vital Proteins.'

..and before anyone asks why Frasers haven't bought into THG, three possible reasons:

- Frasers generally buy struggling brands, THG is anything but struggling

- Lack of market liquidity needed for meaningful stake

- Fraser can't really add anything

This is the essence of what I envisage for Ingenuity, of course not Frasers but the symbiotic nature where it helps both parties, this is key imo

Frasers already sell Hornby product through Game, add in scale from Fraser distribution and management makes a winning combo, Artemis Investment have just bought almost 10% too.

Cracks beginning to show, can't see EU shouldering another year of high interest rates.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/23/german-central-bank-losses-soar-wiping-out-risk-provisions.html

..a familiar tale

'There is no sign of a UK pension fund or a big insurer such as Aviva, to be seen'

Strong title too.

https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/comment/article-13115011/

'Chr. Hansen and Novozymes have joined forces to create Novonesis, a leading biosolutions partner.'

This merger looks to be well received by the market, shares are well up since the low in Oct.

Novozymes is obviously our partner in India, great partner to have with deep pockets.

https://www.novonesis.com/en