Taronis Technologies — Los Angeles acquisition completes platform

Taronis Technologies — Los Angeles acquisition completes platform

Taronis Technologies (formerly MagneGas) has completed the acquisition of one of the largest independently owned industrial gas distributors in Los Angeles, California, for $2.5m, payable in cash. The business adds $4.5m annualised sales, five depots in the Los Angeles area and a sales route to the Baja California and Sonora regions of Mexico. Importantly it completes the first phase of the acquisition programme initiated in 2017, creating a platform that management intends to deliver at least $100m revenues within five years.

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Taronis Technologies

Los Angeles acquisition completes platform

Acquisition

Alternative energy

28 February 2019

Price

US$0.63

Market cap

US$13m

Net cash (US$m) at end September 2018

0.9

Shares in issue

20.3

Free float

99.9%

Code

TRNX

Primary exchange

NASDAQ

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(83.9)

(89.3)

(97.0)

Rel (local)

(84.7)

(89.7)

(97.1)

52-week high/low

US$25.2

US$0.6

Business description

Taronis Technologies is a technology company that has developed a plasma-based system for renewable fuel gasification and water decontamination. This process generates a hydrogen-based fuel called MagneGas as a by-product that is sold as an alternative metal-cutting fuel to acetylene.

Next events

Q418 results

March 2019

Analyst

Anne Margaret Crow

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Taronis Technologies is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Taronis Technologies (formerly MagneGas) has completed the acquisition of one of the largest independently owned industrial gas distributors in Los Angeles, California, for $2.5m, payable in cash. The business adds $4.5m annualised sales, five depots in the Los Angeles area and a sales route to the Baja California and Sonora regions of Mexico. Importantly it completes the first phase of the acquisition programme initiated in 2017, creating a platform that management intends to deliver at least $100m revenues within five years.

Year end

Revenue (US$m)

EBITDA
(US$m)

PBT*
(US$m)

EPS*
(US$)

DPS
(US$)

EV/sales
(x)

12/16

3.6

(9.6)

(10.3)

(620.5)**

0.0

3.4

12/17

3.7

(10.3)

(11.0)

(306.2)**

0.0

3.3

12/18e

10.0

(11.5)

(13.7)

(4.3)**

0.0

1.2

12/19e

23.4

(4.2)

(6.0)

(0.3)

0.0

0.5

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments. **Adjusted for reverse share splits.

Potential for margin improvement

The acquisition cements Taronis’s position in California, where it already has depots further north in the Sacramento area and further south in the San Diego area. We raise our FY19 revenue estimate by $3.8m to $23.4m. We reduce our FY19 PBT losses by $0.5m to $6.0m. The purchase gives sufficient scale in California, which is one of the two largest markets for industrial gases in the US, to justify constructing MagneGas production facilities in California, eliminating the cost of transporting the gas from Florida and making it more cost-competitive with conventional metal cutting fuels. Our estimates exclude any benefit that may arise from selling higher volumes of MagneGas across the extended platform, or cost-savings arising from initiatives such as producing MagneGas in California, having a bulk gas fill plant in Florida and post-acquisition rationalisation. Management has previously noted that revenues need to be $20–23m annually for the group to be profitable. We will adjust our cost estimates as information on the level of cost-savings being achieved is disclosed in future SEC filings.

Recent placing funds transaction

The transaction was funded using some of the $13.5m (gross) from the fund-raising announced earlier this month. This involved a placing of 10.8m new shares at $1.25/share, together with warrants to purchase up to 8.1m new shares, also exercisable at $1.25/share. While this has had a highly dilutive impact, management notes that the group is now well funded for the foreseeable future.

Valuation: Trading at a discount to peers

Taronis’s shares are trading at a substantial discount to the EV/sales mean of our sample of suppliers of industrial gases for 2019 (0.5x vs 3.0x). We see scope for share price appreciation on positive newsflow regarding cash burn, water decontamination commercialisation and European expansion.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

Accounts: GAAP; year end 31 December; US$000s

 

2016

2017

2018e

2019e

INCOME STATEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

 

3,552

3,719

9,951

23,358

Cost of sales

 

 

(2,018)

(2,217)

(6,380)

(11,886)

Gross profit

 

 

1,534

1,503

3,571

11,471

SG&A (expenses)

 

 

(10,479)

(11,664)

(15,053)

(15,349)

R&D costs

 

 

(679)

(172)

(12)

(360)

Other income/(expense)

 

 

0

0

0

0

Exceptionals and adjustments

 

(1,856)

50

0

0

Depreciation and amortisation

 

(651)

(673)

(1,317)

(1,680)

Reported EBIT

 

(12,130)

(10,956)

(12,811)

(5,917)

Finance income/(expense)

 

(52)

(15)

(895)

(54)

Other income/(expense)

 

50

(2)

0

0

Exceptionals and adjustments

 

(5,338)

(52)

0

0

Reported PBT

 

 

(17,470)

(11,024)

(13,706)

(5,972)

Income tax expense (includes exceptionals)

 

 

0

(4,974)

0

0

Reported net income

 

 

(17,470)

(15,999)

(13,706)

(5,972)

Basic average number of shares, m*

 

 

0.0

0.0

3

20

Basic EPS ($)

 

 

(52.74)

(22.22)

(4.3)

(0.3)

Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

(9,623)

(10,333)

(11,494)

(4,237)

Adjusted EBIT

 

 

(10,274)

(11,006)

(12,811)

(5,917)

Adjusted PBT

 

 

(10,276)

(11,022)

(13,706)

(5,972)

Adjusted EPS* ($)

 

 

(620.45)

(306.21)

(4.29)

(0.29)

Adjusted diluted EPS* ($)

 

 

(620.45)

(306.21)

(4.29)

(0.29)

BALANCE SHEET

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

6,403

6,865

9,961

10,337

Goodwill

 

 

2,109

2,109

3,359

7,359

Intangible assets

 

 

437

412

2,366

2,321

Other non-current assets

 

 

27

352

352

352

Total non-current assets

 

 

8,975

9,739

16,038

20,368

Cash and equivalents

 

 

1,616

587

10,759

14,383

Inventories

 

 

1,616

739

1,908

5,700

Trade and other receivables

 

 

443

390

1,908

2,560

Other current assets

 

 

226

198

198

198

Total current assets

 

 

3,901

1,913

14,774

22,841

Non-current loans and borrowings

 

 

620

584

556

529

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

0

0

0

0

Total non-current liabilities

 

 

620

584

556

529

Trade and other payables

 

 

416

1,717

2,454

3,520

Current loans and borrowings

 

 

9

579

27

27

Other current liabilities

 

 

8,002

954

772

772

Total current liabilities

 

 

8,428

3,250

3,253

4,319

Equity attributable to company

 

 

3,829

7,819

27,003

38,362

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

Profit before tax

 

 

(17,470)

(11,024)

(13,706)

(5,972)

Net finance expenses

 

 

0

0

895

54

Depreciation and amortisation

 

 

651

673

1,317

1,680

Share based payments

 

 

347

425

330

330

Other adjustments

 

 

8,515

3,024

1,955

0

Movements in working capital

 

 

(682)

2,114

49

(877)

Interest paid / received

 

 

0

0

(895)

(54)

Income taxes paid

 

 

0

0

0

0

Cash from operations (CFO)

 

 

(8,640)

(4,788)

(10,055)

(4,838)

Capex

 

 

(1,425)

(129)

(1,510)

(2,010)

Acquisitions & disposals net

 

 

0

(325)

(8,107)

(6,500)

Other investing activities

 

 

(55)

(0)

0

0

Cash used in investing activities (CFIA)

 

 

(1,480)

(454)

(9,617)

(8,510)

Net proceeds from issue of shares

 

 

6,422

5,008

30,423

17,000

Movements in debt

 

 

0

0

(552)

0

Other financing activities

 

 

(5)

(795)

(27)

(27)

Cash from financing activities (CFF)

 

 

6,416

4,213

29,844

16,973

Increase/(decrease) in cash and equivalents

 

 

(3,703)

(1,030)

10,172

3,624

Cash and equivalents at end of period

 

 

1,616

587

10,759

14,383

Net (debt)/cash

 

 

987

(576)

10,175

13,827

Source: Taronis Technologies accounts, Edison Investment Research. Note: *Adjusted for reverse share splits.

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This report has been commissioned by Taronis Technologies and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Taronis Technologies. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 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.

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

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London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

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New York +1 646 653 7026

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Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Taronis Technologies and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Taronis Technologies. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £49,500 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 Edison analyst 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 2019 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison). All rights reserved FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2019. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Myonlineadvisers Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 427484). 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

Neither this document and associated email (together, the "Communication") constitutes or form part of any offer for sale or subscription of, or solicitation of any offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities, nor shall it or any part of it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract or commitment whatsoever. Any decision to purchase shares in the Company in the proposed placing should be made solely on the basis of the information to be contained in the admission document to be published in connection therewith.

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 (nor will such persons be able to purchase shares in the placing).

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

The Investment Research is a publication distributed in the United States by Edison Investment Research, Inc. Edison Investment Research, Inc. is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 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.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

1,185 Avenue of the Americas

3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

United States of America

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 4, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Sarine Technologies — External factors remain challenging

Sarine continued to experience more muted midstream demand in Q418, both in terms of capital equipment sales and recurring revenues. At the same time, it has kept its operating expenses under control, which allowed it to post a 6.3% y-o-y improvement in operating profit in FY18. As sales and marketing initiatives intensify in 2019 while industry challenges persist, the company has decided to temporarily reduce its dividend policy to one US cent every six months (from 2 US cents before), which still translates into a solid dividend yield at c 5% on an annualised basis.

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