Tesla is the most popular Google search among European investors

UK Investor Magazine
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Tesla is the most popular Google search among European investors

Research by CMC Markets has revealed Tesla has been searched the most times by investors across Europe.

The term “Tesla stock” was searched for the most frequently by 24 countries across Europe, providing valuable insight into the shares investors seek information on most often.

This highlights a great interest in Tesla shares, but it is open to interpretation whether this is lagging indicator in as far as the searches made by current holders, or possibly a leading indicator of investors preparing to buy the stock.

Tesla shares are currently down 435 year-to-date.

So-called ‘Meme Stocks’ AMC and GameStop were among other popular searches.

EU Country Most searched Stock AHREFS Monthly Searches 
Austria Tesla 14,000 
Belgium Tesla 74,000 
Bulgaria Tesla 12,000 
Croatia GameStop 12,000 
Cyprus Tesla 6,900 
Czech Republic Tesla 25,000 
Denmark AMC Entertainment Holdings 119,000 
Estonia Tesla 20,000 
Finland Tesla 93,000 
France Tesla 44,000 
Germany AMC Entertainment Holdings 119,000 
Greece Tesla 23,000 
Hungary Tesla 29,000 
Ireland Tesla 19,000 
Italy Tesla 88,000 
Latvia Tesla 7,600 
Lithuania Tesla 11,000 
Luxembourg Tesla 4,700 
Malta Tesla 6,200 
Netherlands Tesla 164,000 
Poland Tesla 41,000 
Portugal Tesla 26,000 
Romania Tesla 23,000 
Slovakia Tesla 3,000 
Slovenia Tesla 12,000 
Spain Tesla 68,000 
Sweden Tesla 205,000 

“We’re seeing Tesla dominate interest in the stock market across the EU. The company is a major player in the stock exchange, and an industry leader across the electric vehicle (EV) market. Millions of people want to invest in a company with such a high reputation,” said a spokesperson for CMC Markets.

“There is also the environmental aspect which many people are drawn to. Tesla is a brand that positions itself as eco-friendly, and many people, particularly in the EU, want to associate themselves with brands such as these.” 

“As fuel prices continue to rise all over the world, investors are looking to put their money into brands which can offer the best financial return in the future. As the EV market continues to grow, Tesla can be expected to increase in revenue in the future.” 

Sainsbury’s feels cost-of-living crisis but remains a potential takeover target

UK Investor Magazine
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Sainsbury’s feels cost-of-living crisis but remains a potential takeover target

Sainsbury’s have reported a 4% drop in like-for-like sales in the 16 weeks to June 25th as the cost-of-living crisis drives shoppers to discount stores. The drop in sales was also impacted by a stronger period last year due to the pandemic.

However, Sainsbury’s sales were 8.7% ahead of pre-pandemic sales highlighting the overall momentum Sainsbury’s has built over the past few years.

Sainsbury’s shares were trading 1.5% higher at 211p at the time of writing.

“Sainsbury’s is facing the double whammy of a decline in like-for-like sales growth because of today’s cost-of-living crisis and the inflated results of last year’s COVID restrictions, plus some unpleasant flak over its stance on the real living wage,” said Alex Smith, Global Sector Lead for retail research at Third Bridge.

“Discounters are expected to continue to gain market shares from the big four supermarkets. Sainsbury’s will look to reduce their margins on fresh food to be more competitive.”

Sainsbury’s are fighting back against discounters Lidl and Aldi with their Sainsbury’s Quality range that matches Aldi on 240 lines.

Sainsbury’s Takeover

After the recent takeover of Morrisons, Alex Smith highlighted that Sainsbury’s is still a possible takeover target, despite there being no reports of formal interest at the moment.

“Sainsbury remains an attractive takeover target. Our experts say that UK supermarkets have a high entry barrier and have been undervalued for a long time,” said Smith.

Morrisons was acquired in a £7 billion takeover by private equity which is set to be approved by the regulator soon.

Power Metals Resources Investor Presentation

UK Investor Magazine
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Power Metals Resources Investor Presentation

Power Metal Resources presents at the UK Investor Magazine Summer Investor Evening 2022.

CEO Paul Johnson takes us through Power’s 14 projects and drills down into their most important assets and the metals Paul sees significant future value in.

Download slides here.

Why companies left AIM in June

Andrew Hore
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Why companies left AIM in June

There were five departures from AIM during June. Three were taken over, although one still has a significant minority shareholding, one is effectively likely to be wound-up when the proceeds for the disposal of its business are received and one left as a condition of being provided with additional funding.
8 June 2022
CIP Merchant Capital Ltd
Corporation Financiere Europeenne initially bid 55p a share for investment company CIP Merchant Capitaland then raised it to 60p a share, valuing the company at £33m. This is still a 19.8% discount to liquidity adjusted NAV - and the bid was rejected by t...

FTSE 100 jumps 1% as oil stocks surge

Natasha Doris
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FTSE 100 jumps 1% as oil stocks surge

The FTSE 100 was up over 1% on Monday following a rebound in benchmark Brent Crude to $113 per barrel.

A rebound from last week’s heavy selling continued into Monday’ session as concerns over oil supply saw the energy complex rise, taking the FTSE 100’s oil companies with it.

Harbour Energy, BP and Shell shares rose 4.3% to 347p, 4.3% to 401p and 3.8% to 2,203.2p, respectively.

“A small bounce back in the oil price was enough to give BP and Shell a lift and provide welcome support to the FTSE 100 index,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould.

“Oil supplies have been watched closely in recent weeks amid concerns about a slowdown in the global economy.”

“Fundamentally supplies continue to be tight and there is still enough economic activity to stop oil prices slumping. However, lingering recession fears could act as a ceiling on the oil price so we might not see the black stuff race ahead in value too much from current levels.”

The support oil can provide the FTSE 100 was highlighted by the stark difference in today’s performance of the German DAX – down 0.2% – and FTSE 100.

Global recession

The rise in UK stocks came even though warnings of a global recession continued with Larry Summers saying risk of recession are rising.

However, there is now an argument a recession is largely priced into stocks and central banks may not be as aggressive with rates rises through the rest of 2022 as previously thought.

ReNeuron Group narrows loss in FY 2022 on lower costs

Natasha Doris
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ReNeuron Group narrows loss in FY 2022 on lower costs

ReNeuron Group shares were down 1.7% to 27.5p in early afternoon trading on Monday after the firm announced a revenue for the term of £403,000 linked to research and collaboration activities and royalty income in FY 2022 from £257,000 in FY 2021.

The company highlighted a loss for the year of £9.7 million compared to £11.3 million the year before, reflecting lower costs.

ReNeuron also noted reduced costs in the term of £11.6 million against £13.2 million, driven by lower research and development spending as a result of a decision to curtail clinical development activities.

The firm reported an increase in net cash used in operating activities of £7.4 million compared to £6.1 million, with the last year benefiting from the receipt of two research and development tax credits linked to FY 2019 and 2020.

The group mentioned cash, cash equivalents and bank deposits at 31 March 2022 of £14.5 million from £22.2 million in the previous year, providing a cash runway until at last mid-2023.

“During the period tough decisions have been taken, the business model re-focussed and the Board and Management team strengthened in line with our future goals,” said ReNeuron chairman Iain Ross.

“Personally, I have been most impressed with the competence, resilience and determination of the ReNeuron team and look forward to driving the business forward, executing a realistic plan and achieving meaningful milestones over the next 12 months.”  

H&T Group hit record pledge lending as cost of living crisis bites

Natasha Doris
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H&T Group hit record pledge lending as cost of living crisis bites

H&T Group shares were up 3% to 331.3p in late morning trading on Monday after the firm announced demand for pledge lending had continued to gather momentum in HY1 2022.

The pawnbroker reported its pawnbroking pledge book at 30 June 2022 was £84.2 million against £48.3 million in the previous year, with growth marked across all geographies.

The cost of living crisis has seen record numbers of customers turn to pawnbrokers in a desperate bid to match skyrocketing fuel costs and rising food inflation as the war in Ukraine and Covid-19 aftereffects cripple production supply chains.

H&T Group highlighted that pledge lending remained at record levels with incremental growth month-on-month over the financial term.

It noted lending volumes currently over 40% in excess of pre-pandemic levels, and a maintained average loan size, loan-to-value rations and redemption rates.

The company further mentioned its retail sales had been consistently strong and trading was in line with expectations.

H&T Group also commented its gold purchasing had remained buoyant, supported by a rising gold price which drove volumes and improved margins.

The firm said its foreign currency revenues had more than doubled in HY1 2022 as a result of international holiday travel returns, with transaction volumes almost returning to pre-pandemic levels.

“I am delighted with the progress we have made in the first half of 2022, and the momentum with which we enter the second half of the year. I look forward to updating the market fully when we report on the 9th of August,” said H&T Group CEO Chris Gillespie.

AIM movers: Tekcapital considers Salarius float, plus Nanosynth, Jadestone Energy, Omega Diagnostics

Andrew Hore
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AIM movers: Tekcapital considers Salarius float, plus Nanosynth, Jadestone Energy, Omega Diagnostics

Tekcapital (LON: TEK) says that it is considering floating its Salarius subsidiary in London next year. This follows the first bulk order for MicroSalt from a business customer. Salarius is already selling SaltMe branded low-sodium snacks. MicroSalt is a low sodium product that produces salt crystals that are one-hundredth of the size of a normal salt crystal. This enhances the salt taste and reduces sodium consumption by 50%. The Tekcapital share price has risen 7.9% to 20.5p.

Nanosynth Group (LON: NANO) is progressing its partnership with Volz Holdings. This started with the production of surgical masks for Covid restrictions. Demand has fallen and the technology will be used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning markets. Nanosynth says trading continues to improve. The share price jumped 44.4% to 0.325p, making it the highest riser of the day.

Oil and gas producer Jadestone Energy (LON: JSE) has restarted production at the Montara field offshore Australia, which was paused due to a leak in a crude oil storage tank, on 3 July. This is earlier than expected. The tank has been temporarily repaired and the oil moved to other tanks. A permanent repair will start in a few days. The share price recovered 9.3% to 88.5p. This is still lower than prior to the revelation about the tank leak.

Immediate Acquisition (LON: IME) shares are rising ahead of the reverse takeover of new bank Fiinu on Friday – when the name will be changed to Fiinu Group (LON: BANK). Shareholders agreed to the acquisition on 1 July. The share price increased 11.3% to 18.5p.

Flexible electrical connectors manufacturer Strip Tinning (LON: STG) has won a glazing connectors contract for electric vehicles produced by BMW. There should be 16,000 connectors supplied each month for the BMW iX model. The contract starts before the end of 2022 and could generate revenues of $1.2m in 2023. Skoda is increasing its demand for connectors by 45% in another five-year agreement. The shares improved by 6.1% to 105p. That is still well below the 185p placing price when Strip Tinning joined AIM in February.

Omega Diagnostics (LON: ODX) has agreed heads of terms for the sale of the loss-making CD4 business to a preferred bidder. There should be a significant cash payment followed by a royalty stream on VISITECT CD4 test sales. The business was expected to generate £500,000 out of forecast group revenues of £11.6m for the year to March 2022. The continuing operations will focus on health and nutrition and a sale of CD4 should leave Omega Diagnostics with net cash at the end of March 2022. The share price edged up by 6.45% to 3.3p. That is below the recent placing and open offer price of 4p.

Filtronic (LON: FTC) has won a £400,000 aerospace and defence contract for the design and manufacture of microwave filters. This will be delivered this year and there could be follow-on business. There should be more contracts won in the sector in the coming months. The share price moved ahead by 7.45% to 12.625p.

Housebuilder and regeneration projects developer Inland Homes (LON: INL) has completed the sale of 85 units at Buckingham House, High Wycombe for a build to rent operator. In October 2020, the original deal was worth £21.3m and £2.1m was paid initially. The rest of the cash has been received and a further £400,000 has been generated from variations and the sale of an additional commercial unit. This will help to reduce debt. Even so, the share price fell 6.35% to 29.5p. Net tangible assets were 103.6p a share at the end of March 2022.

Alien Metals Investor Presentation

UK Investor Magazine
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0
Alien Metals Investor Presentation

Alien Metals Investor Presentation at the UK Investor Magazine Summer Investor Evening June 2022.

Alien Metals CEO Bill Brodie Good provides a comprehensive overview of the Alien Metals portfolio with particular attention paid to the Hancock Iron Ore Project set to begin production in 2023.

Download slides here.

Bigblu Broadband trading on track, Quickline deal fails to meet consideration agreement

Natasha Doris
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Bigblu Broadband trading on track, Quickline deal fails to meet consideration agreement

Bigblu Broadband shares were down 3.8% to 50p in early morning trading on Monday, after the group reported a total revenue climb of 13.8% in HY1 2022 to £14.9 million compared to £13.1 million in HY1 2021.

The telecommunications firm announced a like-for-like revenue growth on a constant currency basis of 15.1% against 15.6% year-on-year, along with an adjusted EBITDA rise of 1.4% to £2 million from £2 million.

Bigblu Broadband mentioned an adjusted operating cash inflow of £1.3 million, remaining flat since the last year, alongside an adjusted free cash inflow of £400,000 against £300,000.

The company highlighted net cash of £4.5 million on 31 May 2022 from £4.1 million the year before, following the repayment of its debt in full and the return of capital to shareholders in the last financial term.

The firm noted a selection of operational high points, including a rise in total customers to 60,400 compared to 58,300 in the previous year, however it lost 500 customers as a result of a targeted cyber attack on its partnered operations in Ukraine.

Bigblu Broadband further mentioned its Australian business Skymesh had signed a partner agreement with Asia-Pacific broadband satellite operator Kacific Broadband Satellites Group to facilitate high-speed broadband internet service across the region, starting with New Zealand.

The group reported a slate of new customer acquisitions via its purchase of certain assets of Clear Networks in Australia in January 2022, strengthening its Australian presence.

The company also noted its recent distribution agreement with Telenor to provide broadband via wireless 5G delivering speeds up to 500 Mbps, however the operation was confirmed to be running six months behind schedule due to equipment shortages.

Bigblue Broadband reported some problems with its Quickline disposal to Northleaf for a cash consideration of up to £41.2 million, with up to £10.1 million in deferred payment contingent on several performance conditions being met by 22 May 2022.

The transaction included the agreement in PC1, to build 100 gigabit capable 5G masts passing 60,000 homes, and PC2, to secure over £10 million in subsidies.

Quickline said it had experienced supply chain difficulties, with the subsequent backlog resulting in only 41 new FWA masts and £2.6 million in new subsidies, which meant Bigblue Broadband received no deferred consideration from the agreement.

“We are pleased with the continued progress shown by the Group in the Period, and the efforts we have made to improve our offering in the Nordic region provides us with optimism that this region can return to growth. In addition, our Australian business continues to perform strongly,” said Bigblue Broadband CEO Andrew Walwyn.

“The Board’s focus will be on continuing to ensure it can maximise shareholder value from its continuing operations.”

“Overall, the Company continues to trade in line with expectations and, with extensive experience in the sector and a proven track record of building attractive businesses to deliver shareholder value, the Board remains confident in its ability to ensure it can continue to deliver attractive returns for shareholders from its operations in Australasia and the Nordics.”

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