Market's view on Gemfields Grou.
Published on April 2024
- There is anticipation for premium ruby and emerald auctions scheduled for May and June, respectively, with no exact dates known yet.
- Assore holds a 29.2% stake in the company as of 25 March 2024, with no recent changes reported.
- Selling activity in Johannesburg has reduced, with the share price perceived as very low. Concerns are raised about the management’s lack of attention to share price and their high salaries despite poor company performance.
- A significant purchase of 250,000 shares was executed.
- A low-ball takeover offer scenario is anticipated by some, likening it to a ‘Shanta Gold style robbery’.
- The company invested in a new washplant, expected to pay for itself in 18 months, enhancing future ruby and emerald productions.
- Assore’s investment in the company is viewed as a diversification from their usual focus, especially given their recent attempt to take over Atlantic Lithium.
- Skepticism exists regarding the value of a newly invested £100M plant.
- The company’s need to transition from AIM to a higher-profile market was discussed positively in an analyst meeting, predicting strong performance in 2024 and 2025.
- The dividend policy and spending are points of contention, with some expressing dissatisfaction over the handling and timing of expenditures amid risks.
- A declared dividend of USD 10 million (USD cents 0.857 per ordinary share) was announced, payable in June 2024, equating to a yield of 5.4%.
- Brokerage firm Liberum reaffirmed a target price of 25p, optimistic about the second wash plant tripling production with a significant stockpile already in place.
- A recent loss reported was attributed to a non-cash write-down in Sedibelo and withheld high-quality emerald auctions, not reflecting the overall business strength.