KEFI Gold and Copper — Swapping assets for cash

KEFI Gold and Copper (AIM: KEFI)

Last close As at 20/11/2024

GBP0.01

0.03 (5.08%)

Market capitalisation

GBP36m

More on this equity

Research: Metals & Mining

KEFI Gold and Copper — Swapping assets for cash

This morning, KEFI Gold and Copper (KEFI) announced it is in talks with its Saudi joint venture partner, ARTAR, to exit its Saudi Arabian joint venture, G&M. The exit will remove KEFI’s obligation to pay US$10m to maintain its beneficial interest in G&M at 25% (cf 15% otherwise).

Lord Ashbourne

Written by

Lord Ashbourne

Director of Content, Mining

Metals & Mining

KEFI Gold and Copper

Swapping assets for cash

Exiting Saudi Arabia

Metals and mining

13 November 2024

Price

0.62p

Market cap

£37m

US$1.29/£

Net debt at end June 2024

£2.0m

Shares in issue

6,059.1m

Free float

92.3%

Code

KEFI

Primary exchange

AIM

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

8.8

8.4

7.8

Rel (local)

11.7

10.7

(1.9)

52-week high/low

0.87p

0.53p

Business description

KEFI Gold and Copper is an exploration and development company focused on gold and copper deposits in the highly prospective Arabian-Nubian Shield – namely the Tulu Kapi project in Ethiopia (projected 70% interest) and the Hawiah and Jibal Qutman projects (currently 25%) in Saudi Arabia.

Next events

Tulu Kapi project launch

Late 2024

Tulu Kapi commissioning

Late 2026

Analyst

Lord Ashbourne

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

KEFI Gold and Copper is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

This morning, KEFI Gold and Copper (KEFI) announced it is in talks with its Saudi joint venture partner, ARTAR, to exit its Saudi Arabian joint venture, G&M. The exit will remove KEFI’s obligation to pay US$10m to maintain its beneficial interest in G&M at 25% (cf 15% otherwise).

Year end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/22

0.0

(3.3)

(0.2)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/23

0.0

(4.6)

(0.2)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/24e

0.0

(17.0)

(0.4)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/25e

0.0

(4.5)

(0.1)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles and exceptional items.

G&M worth more than its book value

Removing KEFI’s obligation to pay US$10m to maintain its stake in G&M at 25% will be a welcome relief for the company. However, the impression that this values the remainder of the stake at US$15m is misleading, as the shareholders’ agreement regarding dilution for contributions/non-contributions between the founding shareholders is based on historical costs of investment, whereas the sale of a shareholding to a partner or a third party is on an open market basis. Our last valuation of KEFI in March 2024 was 2.21p per share. Adjusting for the interim passage of time, one year’s delay to Tulu Kapi, one year’s gold price inflation and slightly different financing terms, our updated valuation (all else being equal) would be 2.31p. Reducing KEFI’s interest in G&M to 15% lowers this to 2.15p. Selling its residual interest for US$15m would reduce it further to 2.02p per share. However, using a long-term copper price of US$10,000/t, we calculate a value for KEFI’s 15% stake in Hawiah (based on potential dividends discounted at 10% pa) of US$32.0m and one for Jibal Qutman of US$17.2m, for a total of US$49.2m, or 0.62p per KEFI share, while still leaving its interest in Tulu Kapi intact. A discount may be applied to this total to reflect the projects’ stages of development, although this remains to be seen and depends upon the partners’ confidence in the project. Our financial forecasts are based on KEFI maintaining a 15% interest in G&M but will be revised as soon as a deal is concluded.

Valuation: Potential 48.9% internal rate of return

We calculate that KEFI’s residual assets could generate average free cash flow of c £82.4m in FY27–32 (almost unchanged from £82.3m previously), making average (maximum potential) dividends of 0.59p per share in FY28–34 possible and valuing KEFI at 2.15p per share (cf 2.21p/share previously) fully diluted. At current metals prices, however, this valuation increases to 6.33p now and to 9.27p in FY28 (plus a potential further c 2.25p per share for Guji-Komto), implying an internal rate of return of 48.9% in sterling terms over the next 13 years. Our timing assumes Tulu Kapi starts commissioning in late 2026.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

£000s

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024e

2025e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

0

0

0

0

0

0

Cost of Sales

(2,663)

(2,257)

(2,744)

(3,527)

(6,548)

(1,000)

Gross Profit

(2,663)

(2,257)

(2,744)

(3,527)

(6,548)

(1,000)

EBITDA

 

 

(2,663)

(2,257)

(2,744)

(3,527)

(6,548)

(1,000)

Operating profit (before amort. and excepts.)

 

 

(2,706)

(2,274)

(2,768)

(3,556)

(6,566)

(1,018)

Intangible Amortisation

0

0

0

0

0

0

Exceptionals

174

(47)

(268)

1,623

893

0

Other

0

0

0

0

0

0

Operating Profit

(2,532)

(2,321)

(3,036)

(1,933)

(5,673)

(1,018)

Net Interest

(100)

(1,121)

(527)

(1,000)

(10,404)

(3,444)

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

(2,806)

(3,395)

(3,295)

(4,556)

(16,970)

(4,462)

Profit Before Tax (FRS 3)

 

 

(2,632)

(3,442)

(3,563)

(2,933)

(16,077)

(4,462)

Tax

0

0

0

0

0

0

Profit After Tax (norm)

(2,806)

(3,395)

(3,295)

(4,556)

(16,970)

(4,462)

Profit After Tax (FRS 3)

(2,632)

(3,442)

(3,563)

(2,933)

(16,077)

(4,462)

Minority interests

0

0

0

0

0

892

Net income (normalised)

(3,894)

(4,877)

(6,087)

(9,519)

(21,448)

(3,569)

Net income (FRS3)

(2,632)

(3,442)

(3,563)

(2,933)

(16,077)

(3,569)

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

1,663.2

2,178.9

3,537.3

4,508.2

5,876.8

6,059.1

EPS - normalised (p)

 

 

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.4)

(0.1)

EPS - normalised and fully diluted (p)

 

 

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.2)

(0.3)

(0.0)

EPS - (IFRS) (p)

 

 

(0.2)

(0.2)

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.3)

(0.1)

Dividend per share (p)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

24,545

28,424

31,481

34,816

38,798

131,699

Intangible Assets

24,510

28,361

31,356

34,716

38,716

42,716

Tangible Assets

35

63

125

100

82

88,983

Investments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Current Assets

 

 

1,817

685

683

720

6,425

1,475

Stocks

0

0

0

0

0

0

Debtors

448

291

463

528

1,155

578

Cash

1,315

394

220

192

4,373

0

Other

54

0

0

0

897

897

Current Liabilities

 

 

(3,125)

(6,791)

(5,182)

(9,420)

(13,560)

(9,046)

Creditors

(3,125)

(5,556)

(4,002)

(7,307)

(9,029)

(4,515)

Short term borrowings

0

(1,235)

(1,180)

(2,113)

(4,531)

(4,531)

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

0

0

0

0

(4,478)

(101,404)

Long term borrowings

0

0

0

0

0

(96,926)

Other long term liabilities

0

0

0

0

(4,478)

(4,478)

Net Assets

 

 

23,237

22,318

26,982

26,116

27,185

22,723

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

(2,092)

(329)

(2,634)

(861)

(5,457)

(4,937)

Net Interest

(100)

(1,121)

(527)

(1,000)

(10,404)

(3,444)

Tax

0

0

0

0

0

0

Capex

(4,389)

(3,064)

(5,245)

(3,257)

(4,000)

(92,919)

Acquisitions/disposals

0

54

0

0

0

0

Financing

6,996

826

6,405

2,550

21,624

0

Dividends

0

0

0

0

0

0

Net Cash Flow

415

(3,634)

(2,001)

(2,568)

1,763

(101,299)

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

814

(1,315)

841

960

1,921

158

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

0

0

Other

1,714

1,478

1,882

1,607

0

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(1,315)

841

960

1,921

158

101,457

Source: Company sources, Edison Investment Research


General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by KEFI Gold and Copper and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by KEFI Gold and Copper. 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 2024 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 KEFI Gold and Copper and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by KEFI Gold and Copper. 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 2024 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

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