GenIP IPO: Five reasons to watch this Generative AI stock’s London launch

GenIP is set to list on London’s AIM on 2nd October, providing UK investors with an opportunity to gain exposure to the rapidly growing Generative AI phenomenon.

We outline five reasons why investors interested in technology and Generative AI should monitor the company closely as trade gets underway on the first day of dealings.

1. GenIP’s encouraging order flow and market traction

GenIP has already won new orders from research institutions keen to secure the company’s services. The launch of GenIP’s new Generative AI services in September has already generated over 40 orders for AI analytical assessments and three executive search assignments. GenIP is far from a concept and has hit the ground running.

As we explore below, GenIP operates in a sector rich with research organisations striving to commercialise the products of their innovation centres. It appears that, at least in these early stages, many institutions see GenIP’s services as a viable tool for assisting them in this process.

2. Strong management team

GenIP is helmed by a world-class leadership team. The board includes Lord David Willetts, President of the Resolution Foundation and Chair of the UK Space Agency, and Dr David Gann, Chair of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and non-executive director of VenCap International plc.

CEO Melissa Cruz has extensive experience providing solutions to exactly the global research institutions GenIP are targeting their AI-enhanced analytics services at.

Technology specialist Selwyn Lloyd supports the board and CEO and has been instrumental in developing the Generative AI LLM at the heart of GenIP’s offering.

I’m short; GenIP looks to have the ideal mix of experienced oversight, technological capabilities and industry connections to secure success.

3. Substantial market opportunity 

GenIP is focusing on the opportunity in the Generative AI analytics market, which is set to grow exponentially in the coming years. A study has projected Generative AI in analytics will grow at a CAGR of 27.41% between 2024 and 2032 taking the market to a potential size of over $10bn.

One broader Generative AI market forecast predicts the industry could balloon to $1.3 trillion by 2032.

4. First-class client base 

GenIP has plans to forge relationships in sectors rich in innovation. Universities and research institutions are hotbeds for technological discoveries. GenIP’s opportunity resides in helping to fill the gap between generating innovations and generating revenue from them. Research institutions’ desire to commercialise innovations presents a market of potentially thousands of clients for GenIP’s analytical services. 

From looking at the websites of GenIP’s respective websites and the details released to the market so far, GenIP is already working with several institutions, including Brazil’s National Nuclear Energy Commission CNEN, Chile’s Fundación Copec UC, and the University of Huddersfield.

Non-Exec Director David Gann OBE’s existing positions on the board of a leading fund managers will support building a footprint in that sector.

5. GenIP’s attractive IPO structure 

GenIP is the latest IPO from the Tekcapital technology incubator, and it has a track record of successful IPOs. The most recent, MircoSalt, saw shares triple within six months before easing back. Although GenIP and MicroSalt operate in entirely different industries, the structure of the IPOs is very similar.

Tekcapital will retain a large proportion of outstanding shares after IPO and is ’locked in’. Other major shareholders are also locked in for a 12-month period. This prevents them from selling any shares for 12 months, creating a favourable environment for GenIP, avoiding the selling pressure some other companies face at IPO from existing shareholders. This dynamic helped SALT shares higher and is likely to support GenIP as trading begins in London.

Venture Life Group – Just 9 times current year and 7 times prospective earnings, while brokers predict 52% uplift – well worth the ‘venture’ 

Despite yesterday’s Interim Results announcement from the Venture Life Group (LON:VLG) I still consider that the company’s shares are a bargain. 

The group’s principal activities are the development, manufacture and distribution of healthcare and dermatology products. 

The Half-Time figures to end-June showed sales standing still at £23.5m, while its adjusted pre-tax loss increased to £1.6m (£1.3m loss). 

The Business 

Venture Life, whose products are sold in over 90 countries worldwide, is an international consumer self-care company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercialising products for the global self-care market.  

With operations in the UK, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden, the group’s product portfolio includes some key products such as the UltraDEX and Dentyl oral care product ranges, the Balance Activ range in the area of women’s intimate healthcare, the Lift and Glucogel product ranges for hypoglycaemia, Gelclair and Pomi-T for oncology support, Earol for ear wax removal, products for fungal infections and proctology, and dermo-cosmetics for addressing the signs of ageing.  

The group’s products, which are typically recommended by pharmacists or healthcare practitioners, are available primarily through pharmacies and grocery multiples.  

In the UK and The Netherlands these are supplied direct by the company to retailers, elsewhere they are supplied by the group’s international distribution partners.  

Through its two Development & Manufacturing operations in Italy and Sweden, the group also provides development and manufacturing services to companies in the medical devices and cosmetic sectors. 

Management Comment 

CEO Jerry Randall stated that:  

“I am pleased with growth of VLG’s Brands in the UK where we have launched some great new products over the last year and continued to grow our distribution points on the back of new listings, most significantly across our core brands.  

The increased investment in marketing activities and strengthening of relationships with major retailers is delivering evident results and has put us well placed to build-out further both in the UK and Europe.  

Our innovation team continue to develop and deliver a pipeline of relevant consumer focused products to enhance our offering for years to come.  

As previously noted we intentionally increased marketing expenditure during the period which, as anticipated, impacted H1 performance, the benefits of this increased spend have started to be delivered with 56 new listings achieved since the beginning of the year, including 24 new listings which go live during H2 24.  

Further, we have taken steps to internalise production of the recently acquired Earol brand and have begun manufacturing these products from Biokosmes during H2 which supports gross margin improvement.  

As such, and as a result of the progress made against these initiatives and the ability to rationalise certain costs in the business the Board remains confident in the Group’s ability to achieve management’s expectations for the full year and to continue the Groups’ growth trajectory into 2025.” 

Analyst Views 

Analysts Chris Donnellan and Stuart Harris, at Cavendish Capital Markets, have estimates out for the end-December year to increase its current-year revenues to £52.5m (£51.4m), while lifting adjusted pre-tax profits by over 60% to £2.9m (£1.8m), with earnings of 4.6p (4.1p) per share. 

They go for £59.4m sales next year, almost doubling profits to £5.6m, generating 6.1p per share in earnings. 

In My View 

Selling globally, this group’s products are well-known and in growing markets. 

Margins are increasing, while there are a number of possible acquisitions under consideration to expand the group’s portfolio. 

On the back of the standstill sales in the first half of the year, increasing its Interim loss, the group’s shares eased back by 7% to 44.5p, valuing the company at only £56m, they were up to 51.25p in mid-July, which is a level that I consider will soon be bettered and then some. 

Trading on 9.6 times current year earnings and just 7.3 times prospective, these shares are cheap. 

Greggs sales grow on product innovation and new store openings

Greggs, the popular British bakery chain, has reported impressive sales growth for the third quarter of 2024 as the group opens more stores and shakes up the menu. Sales jumped by 10.6% in the 13 weeks leading up to 28 September, and year-to-date sales are climbing even higher at 12.7%.

Like-for-like sales in company-managed shops also showed robust growth, increasing by 5% for the quarter and 6.5% year-to-date. September proved to be the standout month, delivering the strongest performance of the quarter.

Menu development has played a crucial role in marinating Greggs’ sales growth. Greggs’ new over-ice drinks range has proved popular and is currently available in 800 shops. Such has been the take-up; Greggs says the line is set to reach 1,000 locations by year-end.

Greggs hopes introducing new items to the Autumn menu, such as the All-Day Breakfast Baguette and Mexican Bean & Spicy Cheese Flatbread, will support sales as we move into the colder months.

Extended trading hours and the expansion of digital channels have also contributed significantly to the company’s growth.

The company expects to open between 140 and 160 net new shops in 2024, including approximately 50 relocations.

The Board’s expectations for the full-year outcome remain unchanged, with the strong sales growth maintaining confidence in existing guidance.

In some good news for lovers of the humble sausage roll, Greggs now anticipates that overall cost inflation for 2024 will be towards the lower end of the previously communicated 4-5% range.

Greggs has been criticised by thrifty consumers for hiking prices in recent years, with sausage roll prices rising exponentially.

What to expect from Marks & Spencer interims

Retailer Marks & Spencer (LON: MKS) is expected to report improved UK sales in the first half and that should more than offset a drop in the international contribution, according to Shore Capital. This is being achieved in a tough consumer market. Cost reductions appear to be having an effect.

There are plans to cut annual costs by £400m in total by 2027-28. On top of this, borrowings are being reduced. They were £2.17bn at the end of March 2024 and could fall to £1.96bn by March 2025. This will reduce interest charges and add to profit growth.

Even so, investment in refurbishing st...

Majestic Corporation revenue surges higher as expansion gathers pace

Majestic Corporation, the specialist in battery materials, e-waste, and renewable energy waste recycling, has announced surging revenues and profits for the first half of the year.

Revenues for the first half of 2024 surged 92% to $25m as the company pursued global expansion of its circular economy solutions. Profit before tax for the period rose $1.2m.

“I am delighted to report an outstanding set of interim results which has seen revenue growth of 92%, profit before tax growth of 41% and earnings per share growth of 40%, compared to the 6 months to 30 June 2023. Growth was driven largely from the performance of the UK market, our battery materials and solar recycling operations,” said Peter Lai, Chairman, CEO and Founder of Majestic.

“As industries continue to prioritise sustainability and seek to secure control over critical resources, Majestic’s expertise in precious and industrial metals gives us a clear advantage.

“Whilst growth in the second half will not be of the same magnitude, the combination of our strategic agility and market insight ensures Majestic’s sustained growth and long-term success.”

Investors will be encouraged to hear that the company plans further expansion after acquiring one of its UK affiliates.

The company has enjoyed success in the UK, and it will remain a key focus for growth in the near future. However, Majestic touched on affiliates globally that could be targets for the next phase of growth for their recycling empire. South East Asia was named specifically as an area they have been ‘laying the foundation for sustainable growth’.

Circular Economy & Outlook

As a circular economy solution provider, Majestic Corporation sources, sorts and processes e-waste and renewable energy waste containing critical minerals such as copper, gold, lithium and PGMs.

The company said the board ‘remains cautiously optimistic’ about its outlook as it continues its plans to enhance margins and grow the top line.

With demand for these metals soaring amid the green transition and mining activities becoming increasingly expensive, the board’s optimism is more than justified with abundant commercial opportunity to return critical minerals back to the supply chain.

FTSE 100 falls despite bumper Asian rally, UK GDP revised down

The FTSE 100 was deep in the red on Monday despite another bumper rally in Asian equities overnight, as hopes about stimulus pushed Chinese stocks further higher.

However, a storming session in China didn’t translate into a strong session for London and the rest of Europe, as the FTSE 100 dropped 0.6%.

Investors were more concerned about a downward revision of UK GDP growth over the spring, suggesting a gloomier picture for the UK economy than we had first thought.

“In the UK, ahead of a crunch Budget in a month’s time, the Office for National Statistics revised down its estimate of growth in the three months to 30 June to 0.5% from the previous 0.6%,” AJ Bell’s Russ Mould said.

The downgrade weighed on sentiment despite some analysts highlighting that slow growth may spur additional action by the Bank of England to support growth through rate cuts. There was also nagging concern about developments in the Middle East after escalation over the weekend.

“Sentiment is subdued amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and a revision downwards of UK growth for the second quarter. However, although this latest snapshot of the UK economy doesn’t, on the face of it, look inspiring, it may bolster the case for further interest rate cuts,” said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown.

Stocks reliant on the UK consumer were among the top fallers on Monday, with Frasers Group, IAG and Easyjet feeling the pinch of slower UK growth. UK banks, including Barclays, were also sold off by investors after the data.

Rightmove was the top faller after confirming it had turned down a fourth offer from Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group. Rightmove shares were down 6% at the time of writing.

In a statement released on Monday, Rightmove said:

“The Board has unanimously concluded that the Latest Proposal is unattractive and materially undervalues Rightmove. The Board has concluded that shareholder interests would be better served through the execution of Rightmove’s standalone strategic plan, with the multiple paths for long-term value creation which were laid out at the Capital Markets Day in November 2023.”

Although the FTSE 100 was weaker, commodities companies showed some strength amid the rally in China and rebound in oil prices. BP, Shell and Rio Tinto were all higher by around 1%.

Frasers considers bid for Mulberry

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Retailer and brand owner Frasers Group (LON: FRAS) is considering a cash offer for Mulberry (LON: MUL) following the fundraising announced by the brand on Friday. Frasers already owns 37% of AIM-quoted Mulberry and the potential offer is at 130p/share, valuing the company at £83m. The Mulberry share price rose 4.26% to 122.5p.

Frasers highlights the audit opinion that says that there is a “material uncertainty related to going concern”. This shows why Mulberry requires additional funding and it could get into financial difficulties without more cash. Net debt was £23.7m at the end of March 2024.

Frasers says that it was not aware of the fundraising at 100p/share until just before the announcement. It claims that it might have offered better terms to underwrite the subscription and retail offer of up to £10.75m. Frasers is peeved about the lack of interaction with the Mulberry board.

Chalice, which already owns 56.1% of Mulberry, is subscribing for £10m, although there is a right of clawback for certain major shareholders – presumably Frasers. These shares cannot be issued yet because they require shareholder approval, so the initial subscription is for redeemable preference shares in Jersey-based Project HCJ Ltd. They can be swapped for shares in Mulberry. Mulberry can access these funds when it requires them.

The retail offer to minority shareholders could raise up to £750,000 at 100p/share. The closing date is 4 October. The rail offer is dependent on the subscription completing.

A non-binding indicative offer was made by Frasers, which would cost it £52.4m to buy the shares it does not own. However, it cannot gain control unless Chalice accepts the offer.

The conditions include unanimous recommendation by the Mulberry board, plus irrevocable undertakings by the directors and Chalice.

Mulberry fell into loss in the year to March 2024. Even stripping out restructuring and impairment charges, the loss was £22.6m on revenues 4% lower at £152.8m.  

In the first five months of the new financial year revenues have declined 18%. Andrea Baldo became chief executive on 1 September.

AIM movers: Tower Resources doubles and Surface Transforms delays continue

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Shares in oil and gas company Tower Resources (LON: TRP) doubled to 0.026p. Management believes that the completion of the financing for the NJOM-3 well in Cameroon is near. The well could be spudded in early 2025. There is also outside interest in the PEL96 licence in Namibia. An increase in receivables helped to generate $270,000 in cash from operating activities in the first half of 2024. There was $1.02m spent on exploration.

SRT Marine Systems (LON: SRT) shares have risen 18.2% to 30.5p following a live webcast by the marine technology company at 8.30am.

Tern (LON: TERN) says 30%-owned Device Authority has agreed to defer the completion of tranche two of its fundraising until the end of 2024, so the Tern stake is not diluted yet. This shareholding is valued at £4.2m. The share price is 11.6% higher at 1.2p.

GreenRoc Strategic Materials (LON: GROC) has submitted its application for an exploration licence for the Amitsoq graphite project in south Greenland. After initial consideration, this will be sent for public consultation for 35 days. This is one of t few near-development ready projects in Europe. China produces more than three-fifths of the world’s flake graphite. The post-tax project NPV is $621m. The share price improved 11.1% to 1.5p.

FALLERS

Ceramic disc brake technology developer Surface Transforms (LON: SCE) increased interim revenues by 58%, but growth is still not meeting expectations even though there is further growth in third quarter revenues. There are delays to installing additional capacity. Full year revenues are expected to be £11m, compared with previous expectations of £17.5m. There was £5m in cash at the end of June 2024. The share price slumped 70.7% to 0.425p.

Legal services provider RBG Holdings (LON: RBGP) is still suffering from delays in projects and Singer has withdrawn forecasts. There was an interim loss of £2.8m. The full year outcome will be below previous expectations. The £24m debt facilities are fully used and there is also accrued interest. That leaves little flexibility for the company. It needs to show that there is some potential for revenues to grow and the business to return to profit. The share price has fallen 41.2% to a new low of 3.5p.

Celadon Pharmaceuticals (LON: CEL) finance director Jonathan Turner left the board last Friday. Celadon Pharmaceuticals is still waiting for £400,000 from the May fundraising. Interim revenues were £63,000 and the loss was £2.4m. Following fundraisings since June, there is £500,000 in the bank. Discussions continue with potential investors. The share price is 28.8% lower at 26p.

Harvest Minerals (LON: HMI) says the Arapua project fertiliser sales remain disappointing due to weak commodity prices. A new marketing campaign had limited effect. Total sales of 35,000 tonnes are projected for the full year. There is potential for rare earth elements at the project. The interim loss was $1.78m. The share price declined 16.2% to 0.775p.

Neo Energy Metals – Uranium Acquisition Boosts Broker’s Valuation to 19 Times Current Price – Offering Massive Upside 

Late last week dealing volumes in the main market listed Neo Energy Metals (LON:NEO) were almost doubled following news that it had signed formal documentation for its South African 90Mlb Uranium Acquisition at Beisa North and Beisa South. 

The Business 

The shares of this Uranium developer and mining company are also quoted in South Africa on the independent stock exchange A2X. 

It holds up to a 70% stake in the Henkries Uranium Project, an advanced, low-cost mine located in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, which has been estimated by some that the historical investment in the project was over $30m in exploration and feasibility studies. 

The company aims to increase the project’s mineral resources and complete an updated feasibility study with the aim of bringing Henkries into production in the shortest possible timeframe. 

It also holds a 100% interest in the Beisa North and Beisa South Uranium and Gold Projects in the Witwatersrand Basin, located in the Free State Province of South Africa.  

The combined projects record a total SAMREC Code compliant resources of 90.24Mlb of U₃O₈ and 4.17Mozs of gold. 

The SAMREC Code sets out minimum standards, recommendations and guidelines for Public Reporting for solid minerals of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves in South Africa, giving conformity in project promotion. 

Neo Energy’s strategy focuses on an accelerated development and production approach to generate cash flow from Henkries while planning for long-term exploration and portfolio growth in the highly prospective Uranium district of Africa. 

Transformative Acquisitions 

CEO Sean Heathcote stated that: 

“The Beisa North and Beisa South Uranium Project acquisitions are transformative for the Company. 

The Beisa Projects contains over 90 million pounds of uranium resources and over 4 million ounces of gold resources and arelocated on two granted Prospecting Rights, over an area of approximately 80km2 in South Africa’s primary uranium producing region.  

Importantly this is a region where uranium has been mined continuously for over 70 years and where at its peak there were over 40 uranium mines in production.  

It is alsohistorically one of the richest gold-producing regions in the world, having produced about 2 billion ounces of gold over more than a century.  

It truly is a great place for Neo Energy to strategically consolidate its position in South Africa’s uranium sector. 

We will now look to progress the regulatory process with the South Africa authorities and commence work at the Beisa North and South Projects.   

In parallel with this, we will look to finalise some of the additional acquisitions, that I believe will further strengthen our position in the region and demonstrate our intent in South Africa’s uranium sector. 

As we move forward, our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and responsible resource management remains steadfast and we look forward to working closely with all our stakeholders to ensure the successful advancement of Beisa North and Beisa South, setting a strong foundation for future growth and value creation.” 

Broker’s View 

Jason Robertson, at First Equity, rates the expanding group’s shares as a Buy, while upping his Price Objective by 15% to 23p a share. 

He notes the group’s ambitious strategy to establish itself as South Africa’s leading Uranium mining company and one of Africa’s major uranium mine operators and developers, and the plan to consolidate itself with additional acquisitions.   

With the deal to acquire the Beisa projects now signed and secured we have removed our 10% project sign off risk, therefore lifting the share price valuation from 20p to 23p, representing a risked value of $763.1m for the combined Beisa and Henkries projects for both uranium and gold assets.  

In My View 

I was impressed to see that various of the group’s Directors have opted to take shares at 1.25p each in lieu of their fees and salaries – which is surely an act of financial faith by its ‘insiders’ – that is well worth following. 

With Robertson’s upped Price Objective being over 19 times the current market price of 1.18p – they appear to have some significant upside. 

Majestic Corporation interim results: revenue nearly doubles amid UK e-waste recycling expansion

The UK Investor Magazine was delighted to welcome Peter Lai, Founder and CEO of Majestic Corporation, back to the podcast to discuss the half-year results for the period ending June 30th.

Majestic Corporation’s revenue surged 92% during the period and we dive into the core drivers for growth.