Advanced Computer Software (ASW)
In December 2013 I wrote a piece explaining the merits of tech-play Advanced Computer Software, another consultant and provider of efficient business software. Advanced Computer Software poised for further gains - that turned out to be a conservative statement. In the year to date (since publishing the article) shares are up 27% trading at 120p. There have been opportunities to trade in and out during the period, in particular the dip in mid April before shares surged to their 52 week high in late May.
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| ASW Share Price Movements Dec 2013 - Sep 14 |
Well growth has been impressive to date, but concerns over continued similar performance are weighing on shares. Over the past five years ASW have averaged compound annual growth of 46% revenue, 45% adjusted EBITDA and 53% cash generation.
Since then we have received the Half Year update this week. The figures are less impressive this time around but consistently positive nonetheless, with forecasts suggesting continued growth but at a reduced rate. As Vin Murria, Chief Executive puts it they now have "a very strong platform for long term sustainable growth".
As the figures and Murria's comment suggest the initial buzz surrounding the CSH takeover is over and they now have a platform from which to continue growth. The initial exciting period is over but that does not mean the company have peaked.
Needless to say ASW continues to impress in its operations and the reducing net debt position will only increase confidence in the stock. My view here is a continued hold. A lack of contract wins this quarter won't impact recurring revenue streams but limits growth potential so beware of overzealous broker targets. If you are able to pick up shares below 116p take the opportunity and likewise reduce some of your holdings above 124p. This will be a slow burner but one which will appreciate over the coming years.
Amara Mining (AMA)
I first tipped Amara back on 8th November 2013 following the announcement of a cash for stock swap with Amlib in a piece titled Amara Mining - Speculative Deal Increases Cash Reserves - that didn't prove to be the cheapest time to buy however as shares fell from 14.25p to 11.5p just one month later. The Q3 update threw in a few surprises that the market didn't appreciate which had people selling shares for below 12p! But early in the December, the trend reversed, pushing the stock up in anticipation of the Yaoure Resource Update. Incredibly this provided little upside on the day of announcement.
Shares rose to 16.5p by early January before falling again in the lead up to Q4 results. There was a little movement during February but the important events occurred in the following month, with the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) released on the 12th March shares jumped back to 16.5p on the day and continued to rise for the next 4 trading sessions peaking at 19.13p! Following this breakout the shares have traded above 15.5p ever since.
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| Amara Mining Share Price Movements Nov 2013 - Sep 2014 |
The share price continued to rise in May and as expected Amara's operational results were much improved in the Q114 update. This was the first time I can remember Amara actually retaining share value in the lead up to quarterly results. On the day of the AGM the share price rose sharply and by the 12th June the asking price was over 20p per share. This may have been due to the decision made to cancel the reporting issuer status in Canada. Ingalls & Snyder LLC purchased a cool 1.3m shares on the 20th June which no doubt sparked new interest in the share sending it higher in the days after.
July was a superb month with the share price climbing to 23.88 before briefly falling on fears the Ebola Virus might impact Amara's operations. On the 6th August the company issued a statement concerning the Ebola risk alongside general drilling results.
"The Company's operations in West Africa remain unaffected by the Ebola virus. There have been no confirmed cases in Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso and John McGloin visited Yaoure last week along with other senior management. There are travel restrictions and enhanced hygiene requirements in place in Sierra Leone, however at present this does not affect the Company's strategy for Baomahun as the project is in an evaluative phase."Shares rallied, although it is worth noting that the company announced its production operations would cease the same day. The closing of Kalsaka was not due to take effect until later this year so came as some surprise. Given the risks associated with neighbouring states and the volatility in the gold price, the market seemed pleased that Amara brought forward the cessation, opting to instead retain cash. Little wonder as we later heard that Kalsaka total cash costs, including royalties, in Q2 2014 were US$1,455 per ounce, a loss of US$2.4 million over the period.
Focus is now being directed to Yaoure, the largest gold deposit in Côte d'Ivoire, with a 6.3 million ounce Mineral Resource. However production is still some way off and that's not accounting for any delays. Already we've heard that International cocoa exporters have restricted staff movements in the country, such is the growing fear of Ebola. This follows the closing of its borders with Guinea and Liberia. In the meantime cash depletion should be at a lower rate but may still cause a headache for shareholders.
It should be noted that following the deal with Amlib we are now after all disposing of exploration licences and the Drilling Contractors. Cash conservation and little desire to invest in new projects seems to be common right now amongst many of AIM's junior miners and who can blame them with gold being manipulated down to current levels.
"Amara has taken the decision to enter into an agreement to dispose of its assets in Liberia, which include three exploration licences (Cestos, Kle Kle and Zwedru), and Amlib Drilling Services Liberia. Exploration activity at Yaoure and Baomahun is expected to generate stronger value for shareholders and thus Amara is focusing its cash and management attention on these projects."
Amara is up 44% since my initial buy in of 14.25 and my plan now is to sell into any support above 23-24p. I expect we will retest 15-16p at some point next year as our cash position falls - this is a buying opportunity if you're in it for the long haul. The second mineral resource update is due in December 2014 and shares will likely rise in anticipation. After that Yaoure won't be producing until late 2015, the market knows it... even then cash-burn will continue until operations can be optimised. Baomahun is on hold but remains a viable future mine. The gold price is less of a concern right now. There is time to trade the swings before this becomes a producer once more.
The company has published the following results and slides on their website today:
Yaoure Drilling Results
Yaoure Central Zone Section
Yaoure CMA Zone Sections
Yaoure borehole plan
Disclosure: I hold shares in ASW and AMA. My blog posts are a means of tracking performance and not a recommendation to buy/sell. Please always do your own research.
have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned
in this article. - See more at:
http://www.shareprophets.advfn.com/views/7846/vin-murria-delivers-with-another-strong-showing-by-advanced-computer-software#sthash.Mas4O7u0.dpuf
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