Cobus Loots, CEO of Pan African Resources, on delivering sector-leading returns for shareholders. Watch the video here.
FEVR effect...the mixers are being used somewhere and I anticipated a rise in DIS on the back of this....posted yesterday. DIS has more to come IMHO - we could race ahead to 4.5p region on a US distribution deal....well, I would say that won't I ? Good luck all :)
From FEVR Interim update... ".....We have continued to build on our partnerships with both the established premium gin brands and the increasing number of local craft gin brands, enabling Fever-Tree to play a key role alongside these brands in driving the premium gin and tonic trend across the UK. We also have begun to seed our new expanded range of dark spirits mixers across a small number of high end On-Trade bars this summer and have seen increased distribution of our Cola at retail in the first half of 2017. We are increasingly optimistic about the significant opportunity in premium dark spirits mixers, both within the UK and across our International markets......" Sounds very good to me with all the photos we have seen with FEVR and Red Leg posted :) We could see a DIS share price uplift on the back of this FEVR trading update...
Good morning all :) Off Topic... but still very relevant to our business....marvellous to know that the mixer market is in rude health....looks like the market for spirits would have grown a fair bit as well ? Fevertree Drinks PLC 25 July 2017 25(th) July 2017 Fevertree Drinks plc ("Fever-Tree") Interim Results Fever-Tree, the world's leading supplier of premium carbonated mixers today announces its Interim Results for the period ended 30 June 2017. Financial Highlights: -- Revenue up 77% to GBP71.9m (H1 2016: GBP40.6m) -- Gross margin of 54.5% (H1 2016: 54.8%) -- Adjusted EBITDA(1) up 102% to GBP25.2m (H1 2016: GBP12.4m) -- Strong balance sheet with net cash at period end of GBP40.5m (H1 2016: GBP18.6m) -- Diluted EPS up 106% to 16.72 pence (H1 2016: 8.12 pence) -- Interim dividend up 95%% to 3.01 pence per share (H1 2016: 1.54 pence) Operational Highlights: -- Strong growth across all regions, channels and flavours -- Exceptional growth of 113% in the UK as distribution gains continue to drive performance -- Fever-Tree has driven 99% of the value growth in the entire UK mixer category within retail in the last 12 months and now holds a 30% value share (IRI) -- Expanded distribution of our 150ml can format continues to drive significant incremental growth at UK retail, with new flavours introduced and a listing across the Virgin Atlantic fleet from July 2017 -- Continued new retail distribution wins globally; new listings, and increased stores and product ranging within existing retail customers; -- New bottling partner established in Spain to service Southern European markets initially Tim Warrillow, CEO of Fever-Tree said: "We are delighted to report another strong performance in the first half of 2017, continuing the momentum seen in 2016. We achieved growth in all our regions, driven by further distribution gains and underlying rate of sales growth as the two key trends of premiumisation and mixability continue to gather pace globally. "We continue to invest and improve our infrastructure, relationships with key suppliers and customers as well as adding to our senior team. The strength of our brand and first mover advantage means we are well positioned as the opportunity for premium mixers continues to gather momentum across our key markets." Given the strong performance in the first half of the year, the Board anticipates that the outcome for the full year will be materially ahead of its expectations."
Jonathan Satchell interview on trading update.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZNAs0SA0G8
Phenomenal trading update ! RNS Number : 6897L Learning Technologies Group PLC 21 July 2017 Trading Update Learning Technologies Group plc ("LTG" or "the Group"), the leading integrated e-learning services and technologies provider, is pleased to announce the following update for the half year ending 30 June 2017. The Board is pleased to report that LTG has made excellent progress over the period delivering on its strategic ambition of building an international business with annualised revenues in excess of £50 million and strong operating margins. The Board expects the Group to achieve record revenues of not less than £20.8 million for the first half compared to £12.8 million in the first half of 2016, an increase of 62.5%. On 20 March 2017, LTG declared its offer for NetDimensions (Holdings) Limited ("NetDimensions"), the integrated enterprise talent management software platform provider, unconditional in all respects. NetDimensions' proprietary LMS platform enhances the range and scope of LTG's services across the globe, whilst complementing our existing portfolio of businesses and further accelerating growth. The Board is pleased to report that the integration of NetDimensions into the Group has been successfully completed on time. The transformation program will continue during the second half of 2017, with the full-year synergies and settled cost base being realised from the beginning of 2018 as planned. NetDimensions' customer support teams have been relocated to the geographical territories that they serve, hosting services are being migrated to our centre of excellence in Nashville, and we are investing in our core technology team headquartered in Hong Kong. We have hired a new Global Head of Sales, and we are investing in the development of NetDimensions' reseller network, as well as leveraging Group central services such as marketing, HR and IT support. The strategic progress in the first half of the year has been underpinned by strong organic growth in LTG's other businesses and our period end order book is at record levels, demonstrating excellent momentum as we enter the traditionally stronger second half. LEO, the Group's comprehensive solutions provider, has achieved 50% growth in sales compared with the first half of 2016 and built a strong sales pipeline for the second half of the year. The Civil Service Learning contract, being delivered alongside our strategic partner KPMG UK LLP, is progressing well and in line with expectations. Preloaded, our 'games with purpose' division has performed very well, delivering a prestigious VR learning simulation for the Science Museum and Eukleia is seeing an increase in demand with the introduction of MiFID II regulations. ...........incomplete.........please read full RNS
Distil PLC 07 July 2017 Trading update Distil plc (AIM: DIS), owner of premium drinks brands RedLeg Spiced Rum, Blackwoods Gin and Vodka, Blavod Black Vodka, Jago's Cream Liqueur and Diva vodka is pleased to provide an update on trading for the first quarter of its current financial year. We are pleased to report further strong growth in sales volumes and revenues during the first quarter (April - June 2017) in line with our expectations. Unaudited year-on-year first quarter revenues rose by 61% and volumes grew by 81%. Sales in this first quarter include Easter promotional sales appearing in April compared to prior year when they appeared in March. To remove this phasing imbalance, we also update the six-month performance figures to 30 June 2017; year on year revenues during this period rose 46% and volumes increased by 53%. Don Goulding, Executive Chairman of Distil, said: " We enjoyed another excellent period of year on year growth driven mainly through sales of RedLeg Spiced Rum and Blackwoods Gin. Our 81% volume growth ahead of sales revenue growth in the quarter largely reflects a significant 136% increase in our Blavod licensed sales, mainly through Eastern Europe and Duty Free. We remain cautious about this region due to the volatility over recent years. It is, however, the sixth month of strong, continuous growth with the cumulative calendar year tracking 106% up year on year."
More interesting stuff on the Tequila story..... hxxp://uk.businessinsider.com/george-clooney-tequila-casamigos-sold-for-1-billion-2017-6?r=US&IR=T
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-40357768 It's celebration time for George Clooney, after the tequila company he co-founded was sold to drinks giant Diageo in a deal worth $1bn (£790m). The deal comes at a busy time for the Hollywood actor, as his wife Amal gave birth to twins earlier this month. The star founded Casamigos in 2013 with friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. They have said that Casamigos - meaning house of friends - was born from tequila-filled nights, and was at first just for private events. The first-time dad may find that newborns Ella and Alexander impinge on his ability to enjoy tequila-filled nights with friends. But he told CNBC that he and his co-founders would "still be very much a part of Casamigos. Starting with a shot tonight. Maybe two."
Good set of results and strong foundations for the future.... "....We anticipate sustained growth of premium spirits and will therefore build on our proven marketing strategies to advance our brands. In addition, we are also exploring new products to build on the success of our existing brands..." Sounds like US distribution arrangements will be completed before Sep 2017 to allow for Christmas period trading over there. Onwards and upwards...could the market get interested and move the SP today ? I expect it to be pretty flat, but I am happy to be proven wrong by a wide margin :) On re-reading the RNS - there appears to be a strong undercurrent of optimism and prospects, given Don usually comes across as pretty measured/sedate in his presentations.I get the sense that even DG has got quite possibly excited and had to hold himself back with regards to potential "forward looking statements"(or the NOMAD would have told him off) There also seems to be a palpable sense of relief that a maiden profit has been declared and that the Directors can now get on with the actual work of building the brand and profits from this solid base. I am pretty pleased really ! Let's see the morning/day brings from a trading perspective, but I can be pretty sure as to what the evening will bring - a nice long G&T, Blackwoods, of course. Good luck all :)
Tasting notes for the Distil Investor: A heady, sweet aroma of financial allure to the nose, which will add a gently indulgent and silky feel to the wallet. Distinct notes of sterling pounds, american dollars and euros and other currencies abound, the Bahamas beckon. A swirl of top notes of yachts, sunkissed mahogany, a gentle, wavy turquiouse sea complete the picture of financial nirvana. One to buy, hold and savour and a must for any discerning investment bar. Available on AIM, enjoyed anywhere. Distil, you know you want it. Get it before Diageo does.
Thanks and good luck to you all as well !
I have taken another 600k at 3.7p this morning - yet to show though Not going to repeat the mistake of missing out on FEVR or G4M !
The Distil footprint is already impressive and forecast to get much bigger ! The big supermarkets/specialists Asda (could be taken up by the Walmart in the US) Bidfood Booker/Makro Majestic Wines Morrisons Sainsburys Tesco Waitrose On trade TGI Friday Wetherspoons Mitchell & Butler Online retailers Amazon drinksupermarket.com thewhiskyexchange.com ministryofdrinks.co.uk drinksdirect.co.uk mastersofmalt.com ...and we are in UK Australia Canada France Germany Italy Ireland Portugal Russia Eastern Europe USA - very soon hopefully
Well it had to come eventually...another cracking day with close to a new high backed by 4.5x usual daily volume. Technically, strong candle with no wicks and backed by volume and the candlestick pattern is called a Bullish Marobozu apparently..... hxxp://www.stock-trading-infocentre.com/marubozu.html "....When the trend is up, the price opens and with out a even a small down move the price trend up and closes without even a small pull back. That means the price opens at the lowest point for the time period and closes at the highest point for the time period. This produces a long white candle with out a an upper shadow and a lower shadow. This is called White or Bullish Marubozu Candlestick. Here bulls or buyers are in control from beginning to end. This indicates a strong up trend...." So if this candlestick interpretation is correct, then a strong share price is due to follow. I get the feeling that 70p will be taken out sooner than we expect ! Good luck all :)
Today's new share price high strongly supported by volumes is all the more interesting in the context of good share price gains over the current financial year. As it is not far off the financial year end, one would anticipate some selling pressure as investors would want to sell and lock in capitals gains to the extent of the CGT limit. Paradoxically, we have gone up ! ARC is not a leaky company so I find this intriguing. There was also a single 25000 shares transaction, which in ARC terms is unusual. So won't rule out some Director/PMDR buying and a RNS to follow. All said and done, good to see quite a strong breakout from the recent trading range. Good luck all :)
Finncap (corporate) research note: 06 March 2017 Target: 70p Arcontech Outperformance continues Arcontech has delivered 80% of our previous FY17 adj. PBT estimate in a strong H1, driven by strong underlying sales growth of +20%. We upgrade both forecasts and target price to reflect this progress; FY17E adj. PBT moves to £0.4m (£0.3m) and our target price to 70p. Underlying growth – when adjusting for a terminated contract that benefited 1H16 (announced Mar-15), h-o-h sales growth was an impressive c.20%, with the largest contributors being contract wins announced in September and December. Consequently, annualised recurring revenue increased from £2.0m (at the beginning of H1) to £2.3m by period-end (+15%). Costs stable – excluding SBP and (minimal) D&A, admin costs remained at £0.9m, such that £0.2m of EBITDA was delivered at a 21% margin. We see scope for margin expansion as Arcontech continues to grow given that incremental sales are c.100% gross margin and all revenue is recurring in nature, which means only a light sales force is required. Upgrading forecasts – FY17E sales increase from £2.1m to £2.3m and adj. PAT from £0.4m to £0.5m. We highlight that this assumes minimal new sales bookings in H2 and also a £100k h-o-h increase in opex to accommodate for an increase in S&M. Because of these prudent assumptions, we believe that risk is on the upside. We only make minor (but positive) adjustments to FY18E at this stage, such that assumed top-line growth is 9% (below the current trend) and therefore also leaves scope for outperformance. Significant runway for growth – over the past two years Arcontech has developed a new desktop software solution, dissimilar to any of its existing products which is in proof-of-concept trials with five Tier 1 banks. Although none have signed up on commercial terms yet, the quality of these customers speaks volumes for the potential value and opportunity for this product. Increase target price to 70p – we continue to believe that Arcontech’s current valuation does not adequately reflect the company’s qualities; excellent revenue visibility (c.100%); strong cash conversion (>100%); growth (+20%); and scope for margin expansion. Because of these qualities and earnings upgrades, we raise our target to 70p: 3x FY18E EV/Sales and 14x P/FCF.
Excellent news ! Good to see a 21% increase in recurrent revenue Full year earnings ahead of market expectations Cash about £2.089m New product POC testing at 5 Tier 1 Banks Appointment of a new marketing person in Asia Looks like divi after full year results
If last year is anything to go by, we should get a six month trading update in the coming week. Monday the 20th Feb, would seem to be as a good a day as any ! And if, just if, we get a maiden dividend announcement in the region of 1.1 to 1.2p (given that ARC are ultra conservative), I would be delighted. Won't be then surprised for us to motor by 5-6p. A rough guess would expect the cash position to be very healthy as well and possibly in the region of £1.4m+ Roll on Monday :) Good luck all !
Great acquisition ! Looking at this deal purely in terms of financial numebers is likely to be short sighted and miss the big prize as to where this fits in synergestically. This is strategically a very important acquisition as it adds tremendous value to our offer. Netdimensions brings over 400 new customers with 4.4 million active users in highly regulated sectors across 40 countries and in 40 languages. Big presence in the USA - this adds massive value for our portfolio. I have tremendous respect for Andrew Brode's judgement in these matters - a guy who has guided RWS to what it is today commands respect !! Our LTG portfolio of (Leo, Gomo, Eukleia, Preloaded) + Rustici + Watershed + Netdimensions offers tremendous cross selling opportunities and scale. This software suite is as close to an "one stop shop" in the sector across the globe as far as I am aware. It raises are profile signficantly. The debt taken on is manageable given our revenue generation currently. The market more often than not reacts poorly in a knee jerk fashion to any fundraising or dilution....and this time is no different. LTG is a big hold for me and I am delighted with this acquisition. I am pretty confident that we will be over £1.00 in the next 18 months or so, barring any unforeseen or Trump related events !
Hi guys, I held a big position as so of you may recall (close to 3% at one time) , but completely sold out now. I could be completely wrong - but my concern was the creeping upwards stake of Kestrel could herald the company being taken private / delisted. My investment gains/ returns in CTP was stellar.....to say the least. Good luck all :)