AAC Clyde Space — Capital raise to support growth

AAC Clyde Space (OMX: AAC)

Last close As at 26/04/2024

SEK48.00

0.40 (0.84%)

Market capitalisation

SEK274m

More on this equity

Research: Industrials

AAC Clyde Space — Capital raise to support growth

AAC Clyde Space has announced a rights issue to raise SEK73.7m on a three-for-five basis at SEK0.60/share. The fully subscribed issue will raise c SEK60.6m net (after costs of SEK13.1m) for the company and is 65% covered by subscription commitments from several existing shareholders, potential investors and management. In combination with a secured SEK20m loan facility, the proceeds will be used to support working capital as AAC grows its space data as a service (SDaaS) business and funding for the acceleration of the xSPANCION satellite constellation project.

Andy Chambers

Written by

Andy Chambers

Director, Industrials

Industrials

AAC Clyde Space

Capital raise to support growth

Rights issue

Aerospace and defence

21 June 2023

Price

SEK0.6

Market cap

SEK126m

SEK10.8/$1, SEK13.7/£1

Adjusted net cash (SEKm) at 31 March 2023 (excluding leases of c SEK16.5m)

27.6

Shares in issue

204.8m

Free float

89%

Code

AAC

Primary exchange

Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market

Secondary exchange

OTCQX

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(52.4)

(55.7)

(62.4)

Rel (local)

(51.5)

(57.6)

(66.6)

52-week high/low

SEK2.05

SEK0.62

Business description

Headquartered in Sweden, AAC Clyde Space is a world leader in nanosatellite end-to-end solutions, subsystems, platforms, services and components, including supply to third parties. It has production and development operations in Sweden, Scotland, the Netherlands and the United States, as well as a start-up in Africa.

Next events

EGM

26 June 2023

H123 results

24 August 2023

Analysts

Andy Chambers

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Natalya Davies

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

AAC Clyde SpaceAAC Clyde Space is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

AAC Clyde Space has announced a rights issue to raise SEK73.7m on a three-for-five basis at SEK0.60/share. The fully subscribed issue will raise c SEK60.6m net (after costs of SEK13.1m) for the company and is 65% covered by subscription commitments from several existing shareholders, potential investors and management. In combination with a secured SEK20m loan facility, the proceeds will be used to support working capital as AAC grows its space data as a service (SDaaS) business and funding for the acceleration of the xSPANCION satellite constellation project.

Year end

Revenue (SEKm)

PBT*
(SEKm)

EPS*
(SEK)

DPS
(SEK)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/21

180.0

(27.0)

(0.14)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/22

196.7

(23.8)

(0.11)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/23e**

355.1

0.6

0.00

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/24e**

483.6

44.9

0.21

0.0

2.9

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments. **Pre-rights issue adjustments.

Funding transition to cash-generative growth phase

For each five shares held, shareholders will be able to subscribe for three new shares at SEK0.60 per share. If fully subscribed, the number of shares in issue will increase by c 122.9m to c 327.7m. The rights issue is covered up to c 65% by subscription undertakings from several existing shareholders and guaranteed commitments from existing and new investors, including directors and management commitments covering 6% of the issue. In addition, AAC has agreed a SEK20m loan facility with Formue Nord Markedsneutral and Selandia Alpha Invest at market rates to manage cash flow requirements, available until 31 June 2024 but intended to be repaid using the rights issue proceeds.

Supporting the development of revenue streams

AAC reported a much stronger Q123 performance and recent launches, together with those planned for later in 2023, should commence a rapid expansion of the SDaaS revenue stream from historical low levels. Management still expects revenues to grow to c SEK100m next year (FY22: SEK17m), and rapidly accelerate to produce SEK1.3bn by 2030. The growth requires increasing investment to support operations in terms of headcount, equipment and ground facilities. In addition, the xSPANCION project to develop and build 10 satellite constellations with novel technologies is in full swing, having entered its third SEK33m phase, and requires significant company funding. The next SEK99m Phase 3B has been accelerated with the first four satellites of the project, which AAC leads, to be launched by Q324, and the remaining six to be sold when customer contracts are signed. It is co-funded by the UK Space Agency.

Valuation: Underpins growth to positive cash flow

With no changes to our underlying estimates, on a pro forma basis assuming full subscription to the rights issue, we have calculated that our DCF-based fair value would stand at SEK5.2/share. We believe this financing round should see AAC move to self-sustaining positive cash flows in 2024 and beyond.

Pro forma earnings adjustments

The table below shows the effect of the rights issue on our earnings expectations for FY23 and FY24 assuming full subscription. With only a modest positive impact assumed on net interest, we calculate the dilution to earnings at 37.5%, although this implies no financial interest benefit from the increased gross funds. Clearly, a lower subscription would reduce the dilution but leave the company with a lower level of funds. When the issue is complete we will adjust our estimates to reflect the actual factors, including the subscription level and the theoretical ex-rights price (TERP) factor.

Exhibit 1: AAC Clyde Space pro forma earnings adjustments

SEKm

2023e

2024e

 

Prior

New

% change

Prior

New

% change

By Business

 

 

 

 

 

 

AAC

66.0

66.0

0.0%

89.3

89.3

0.0%

Clyde

145.9

145.9

0.0%

207.1

207.1

0.0%

Hyperion

20.2

20.2

0.0%

24.2

24.2

0.0%

SpaceQuest

40.8

40.8

0.0%

53.1

53.1

0.0%

Omnisys

67.9

67.9

0.0%

84.9

84.9

0.0%

AAC Space Africa

14.3

14.3

25.0

25.0

0.0%

Total group net sales

355.1

355.1

0.0%

483.6

483.6

0.0%

By activity

SDaaS

55.0

55.0

0.0%

101.0

101.0

0.0%

Space Missions

74.7

74.7

0.0%

88.0

88.0

0.0%

Space Products

225.4

225.4

0.0%

294.6

294.6

0.0%

Licence & royalties income

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Total group net sales

355.1

355.1

0.0%

483.6

483.6

0.0%

Other operating income

7.3

7.3

3.0

3.0

Own work capitalised

38.0

38.0

53.3

53.3

Total group income

400.4

400.4

0.0%

540.0

540.0

0.0%

Raw materials & subcontractors

(149.1)

(149.1)

0.0%

(200.7)

(200.7)

0.0%

Personnel costs

(165.4)

(165.4)

0.0%

(190.3)

(190.3)

0.0%

Other external expenses

(60.4)

(60.4)

0.0%

(72.5)

(72.5)

0.0%

Other operating expenses

(3.6)

(3.6)

(4.8)

(4.8)

EBITDA (company adjusted)

21.9

21.9

0.0%

71.5

71.5

0.0%

EBIT (adjusted)

(2.5)

(2.5)

(0.0%)

42.8

42.8

0.0%

Underlying PBT

0.6

0.6

0.0%

44.9

44.9

0.0%

EPS - underlying continuing (SEK)

0.00

0.00

(20.3%)

0.21

0.13

(37.5%)

Adjusted net cash/(debt)

25.5

85.7

236.4%

61.2

121.7

98.9%

Source: Edison Investment Research estimates

Valuation: Impact of rights issue

We have also adjusted our capped DCF valuation to reflect full subscription to the rights. The revised value is SEK5.3/share, compared to the previous pre-rights value of SEK8.2/share. We believe the issue de-risks AAC as it moves towards positive cash flow so we could assume a lower equity risk premium when calculating WACC (we still use 12.0%). The table below provides a sensitivity of the calculated DCF value to both WACC assumptions and terminal growth rates.

Exhibit 2: DCF sensitivity analysis to WACC and terminal growth rate (SEK/share)

Terminal growth rate

WACC

7.0%

8.0%

9.0%

10.0%

11.0%

12.0%

13.0%

14.0%

15.0%

0%

10.2

8.7

7.6

6.7

6.0

5.3

4.8

4.4

4.0

1%

11.7

9.8

8.4

7.3

6.4

5.7

5.1

4.7

4.2

2%

13.8

11.3

9.4

8.1

7.0

6.2

5.5

5.0

4.5

3%

17.0

13.3

10.8

9.1

7.8

6.8

6.0

5.3

4.8

Source: Edison Investment Research estimates

Exhibit 3: Financial summary

SEKm

2020

2021

2022

2023e

2024e

Year-end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Net sales

 

 

98.4

180.0

196.7

355.1

483.6

Own work capitalised and other operating income

21.1

30.9

47.0

45.3

56.3

Group income

119.5

210.8

243.7

400.4

540.0

EBITDA

 

 

(17.5)

(12.4)

(30.0)

21.9

71.5

Operating Profit (before amort. and except).

 

 

(22.2)

(21.9)

(40.5)

8.3

56.4

Intangible Amortisation

(3.3)

(0.9)

(1.2)

(10.7)

(13.6)

Exceptionals

(12.1)

(15.8)

(25.4)

(16.7)

(16.7)

Other

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Operating Profit

(37.5)

(38.6)

(67.0)

(19.2)

26.1

Net Interest

(1.3)

(4.2)

17.9

3.1

2.1

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

(26.7)

(27.0)

(23.8)

0.6

44.9

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

(38.8)

(42.8)

(49.1)

(16.1)

28.2

Tax

0.5

3.3

2.6

0.8

(1.4)

Profit After Tax (norm)

(26.4)

(24.9)

(22.5)

0.6

42.7

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

(38.3)

(39.5)

(46.5)

(15.3)

26.8

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

102.3

173.8

196.9

204.8

204.8

EPS - fully diluted (SEK)

 

 

(0.26)

(0.14)

(0.11)

0.00

0.21

EPS - normalised (SEK)

 

 

(0.26)

(0.14)

(0.11)

0.00

0.21

EPS - (IFRS) (SEK)

 

 

(0.37)

(0.23)

(0.24)

(0.07)

0.13

Dividend per share (SEK)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

EBITDA Margin (%)

-17.8

-6.9

-15.2

6.2

14.8

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

-22.5

-12.2

-20.6

2.3

11.7

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

523.0

681.0

728.6

740.1

765.1

Intangible Assets

494.3

639.5

665.5

660.9

669.0

Tangible Assets

16.2

26.4

48.6

65.0

82.4

Right of use asset

12.5

15.1

14.6

14.1

13.7

Investments

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Current Assets

 

 

113.3

193.4

152.8

142.7

191.6

Stocks

12.8

13.2

20.2

35.5

45.9

Debtors

9.5

23.0

24.5

39.1

50.5

Cash

62.4

96.1

52.1

25.5

61.2

Other

28.5

61.1

56.0

42.7

33.9

Current Liabilities

 

 

(56.1)

(129.2)

(170.2)

(198.5)

(245.1)

Creditors

(56.1)

(128.5)

(170.2)

(198.5)

(245.1)

Short term borrowings

0.0

(0.6)

0.0

0.0

0.0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(14.4)

(16.6)

(17.8)

(18.1)

(18.6)

Long term borrowings

(0.3)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Lease liabilities

(12.9)

(15.1)

(16.5)

(17.0)

(17.4)

Other long term liabilities

(1.2)

(1.5)

(1.2)

(1.2)

(1.1)

Net Assets

 

 

565.8

728.6

693.5

666.3

693.0

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

(14.6)

(37.3)

(13.7)

17.1

100.5

Net Interest

(0.2)

(0.2)

18.8

4.0

3.0

Tax

0.4

2.1

1.3

(0.0)

(2.2)

Capex

(17.2)

(29.2)

(40.9)

(48.6)

(66.4)

Acquisitions/disposals

(6.2)

2.6

(43.6)

0.9

0.9

Financing

49.2

94.1

33.3

0.0

0.0

Dividends

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Net Cash Flow

11.4

32.0

(44.7)

(26.6)

35.8

Opening net debt/(cash) excluding lease liabilities

 

(51.6)

(62.2)

(95.5)

(52.1)

(25.5)

HP finance leases initiated

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Other

(0.8)

1.3

1.3

0.0

0.0

Closing net debt/(cash) excluding lease liabilities

 

(62.2)

(95.5)

(52.1)

(25.5)

(61.2)

Net financial liabilities including lease liabilities

 

 

(49.3)

(80.4)

(35.6)

(8.5)

(43.8)

Source: company reports, Edison Investment Research estimates

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by AAC Clyde Space and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by AAC Clyde Space. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by AAC Clyde Space and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by AAC Clyde Space. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

More on AAC Clyde Space

View All

Latest from the Industrials sector

View All Industrials content

Research: TMT

Nanoco — Returning cash and investing in the business

Nanoco has announced its intention to return £33–40m of the funds won through the settlement with Samsung to shareholders, retaining £20m to execute its growth and intellectual property (IP) licensing strategy. Management expects to start this programme after it has received the second $75m tranche in February 2024 from the Samsung litigation. Operationally, multiple end-customer trials via Nanoco’s major partner are ongoing and it is seeing renewed interest from the display market. The group also intends to seek further value from its IP portfolio, having identified a number of other potentially infringing third parties.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free