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GBP18.88
▲ 108.00 (6.07%)
Market capitalisation
GBP572m
Avivagen is advancing feed additives based on its OxC-beta (fully oxidized beta-carotene) technology, which improves immune function and promote growth. The recent approval in New Zealand should build upon commercial sales already secured in parts of Asia.
Avivagen |
Antibiotic-free alternative for animal feed
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Pharma & biotech |
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12 June 2018 |
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Avivagen is advancing feed additives based on its OxC-beta (fully oxidized beta-carotene) technology, which improves immune function and promote growth. The recent approval in New Zealand should build upon commercial sales already secured in parts of Asia.
OxC-beta Livestock intended for global feed markets
OxC-beta Livestock aims to reduce the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in feed. It has been studied in over 25 trials, with data showing that it can lead to significant weight gain improvements in broiler poultry and swine and protect against certain gastrointestinal afflictions. The use of AGPs in the feedstock of cattle, swine and poultry has been banned since 2006 in Europe. Restrictions began in the US in 2017 as their use has become a source of concern to health authorities and consumers alike. The removal of antibiotics from feeds can reduce the promotion of antibiotic resistant pathogens that can affect human health.
Sales opportunities in feed and other markets
Following approvals in Asia, industrial-scale sales began in FY17, with lead customer, UNAHCO of the Philippines, purchasing 800 kg of OxC-beta Livestock 10% premix, which can supplement c 45,000 tons of commercial feed. Avivagen estimates the global animal feed market for which OxC-beta can be used (in targeted species of poultry, swine and cattle) exceeds 900m tons. It estimates that 10% market penetration in global feed markets can provide up to US$120m gross profit per year, although it must also compete with other non-antibiotic additives. Avivagen also markets OxC-beta supplements for the companion animal market.
Recent approval for New Zealand opens market
Avivagen reported on 30 May 2018 that it has received GRAS (generally regarded as safe) regulatory approval for OxC-beta for use in livestock in New Zealand, representing Avivagen’s first approval outside Asia. With 6.5m dairy cows (c 70% of the US herd size), New Zealand is a significant exporter of dairy products and beef.
Valuation: Current share price implies EV of C$20m
Avivagen had C$3.1m in net cash at 31 January (C$4.1m cash and equivalents offset by C$1.0m in debt), and in the prior 12 months recorded C$0.36m in revenue and an average quarterly operating cash burn rate of c C$1.1-1.2m. Revenue may increase as new approvals and sales wins are obtained, but given the current burn rate the firm may need to raise additional funds by the end of CY18.
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Research: Financials
Over the past year, DeA Capital (DeA) has continued to make good progress in implementing the growth strategy for its alternative asset management (AAM) platform, comprising private equity, real estate and non-performing loans (NPLs). New fund launches have contributed to assets under management (AUM) growth of c 10% since end-FY16. Meanwhile, cash flow from its significant asset portfolio has remained strong, more than sufficient to fund co-investment in new fund launches, new direct investments and a continued high dividend distribution. After recent volatility in Italian markets, the yield is again more than 9% and the discount to our fair value of €1.72 per share is c 26%.