Advancedadvt Share Discussion Threads

[x54v] 30/5/2023 15:45

Continued overall market weakness dragging valuations down a good thing for ADVT. As Crux recently put it:

"Paradoxically, the more difficult the economy, the better the odds of finding the bargain needed to kick off “the investment story”."



The strong position ADVT is in was also highlighed in the Interims in March:

"With a strong cash position which exceeds GBP100m, we have a clear advantage in against a backdrop of market uncertainty. Whilst the cost of servicing debt and its availability have become major challenges for other investment vehicles, our cash reserves offer a unique, attractive alternative and positions us well to execute on our strategy. This financial strength provides flexibility and the resources to capitalise on opportunities, navigate the challenges that may arise, as well as being an attractive proposition to potential target businesses."

Vin Murria continues to wait patiently with a hefty cash balance ready to pounce when the right opportunity presents itself.

[cousin jack] 17/5/2023 11:04

Ah. My mistake. Thanks for correction xyllyx.

Back to the never ending wait it seems....

[xyllyx] 17/5/2023 09:48

Some confusion in the last three posts: the John Lewis contract was awarded to Saatchi & Saatchi (not M&C Saatchi)

[x54v] 17/5/2023 09:04

Confirmation of VM stepping down from SVB. More time now to focus on ADVT.



I don't think the rise would have anything to do with SAA, especially given the price hasn't moved there and ADVT's holding is still worth the ~15p share it was before.

I think it's more likely a combination of seller finished, CRUX taken up all the loose stock and buyers on the back of the CRUX tip and a double bottom on the chart.

But who knows.

[pob69] 17/5/2023 08:25

I also wonder whether this might have something to do with it albeit 24 hours later....? Maybe Vin Murria is being kept busy on something?

[cousin jack] 17/5/2023 08:17

Monday’s rise presumably because SAA awarded John Lewis contract rather than any specific ADVT news.

[x54v] 15/5/2023 15:12

The share price has certainly motored the past couple of days.

I reckon the prior drift was due to the seller and CRUX has picked up the loose stock at the lows seeing the opportunity. Now that the loose stock has been mopped up, the share price is free to move up quickly on any buying. Instis have most of the stock and there is limited free float so moves can be potentially rapid.

Of course there is always the chance that there's an impending acquisition and news has leaked. You only ever find out these things after the fact. The price action is definitely encouraging and VM has had plenty of time after the SAA bid lapsed to find something new.

[stemis] 15/5/2023 15:08

Yes, looks like something more than a simple tip. Here's hoping...

[colinroberts] 15/5/2023 14:49

I wonder if there could be something more than just the Money Week article to this flicker….

[x54v] 12/5/2023 08:40

“She raised money and invested £16m herself at 100p per share.”

It was in fact even more than that. Vin Murria bought £17.5 million worth of shares at 100p.

Significant skin in the game and very much aligned with shareholders.

[masurenguy] 12/5/2023 07:20

"AdvancedADVT (LSE: ADVT) raised money at 100p to allow seasoned software investor Vin Murria to acquire software businesses and improve them. Murria has had three successful iterations of this strategy at Kewill Systems, Computer Software Group and Advanced Computer Software Group. She raised money and invested £16m herself at 100p per share. Today the shares languish at 71p and the firm has around 95p per share in cash and shares. Paradoxically, the more difficult the economy, the better the odds of finding the bargain needed to kick off “the investment story”. The shares could bounce by 50% or more on a deal, and would return 95p-plus in the unlikely event that no deal is found. It’s a small company, but one widows and orphans could readily invest in."
MoneyWeek: 11 May 2023

Interesting scenario in relation to another recent (3 years) tech IPO falling in price. Possible recovery situation or value trap? No position but onto my watchlist.

[x54v] 12/5/2023 07:20

“A proven software strategy

AdvancedADVT (LSE: ADVT) raised money at 100p to allow seasoned software investor Vin Murria to acquire software businesses and improve them. Murria has had three successful iterations of this strategy at Kewill Systems, Computer Software Group and Advanced Computer Software Group. She raised money and invested £16m herself at 100p per share.

Today the shares languish at 71p and the firm has around 95p per share in cash and shares. Paradoxically, the more difficult the economy, the better the odds of finding the bargain needed to kick off “the investment story”. The shares could bounce by 50% or more on a deal, and would return 95p-plus in the unlikely event that no deal is found. It’s a small company, but one widows and orphans could readily invest in.”

[x54v] 11/5/2023 14:05

Bargain lows for sure and any entry around the current level will surely do very well over time. VM didn’t invest all that money at 100p without the strong conviction that she can replicate her earlier success.

Good to see CRUX adding here recently. Richard Penny is a shrewd operator.

[colinroberts] 11/5/2023 13:32

Quite possibly - but not sure if I'm pleased or not, as I'm still topping up bit by bit at these bargain lows.

[x54v] 11/5/2023 13:12

Double bottom on the chart?

[x54v] 06/5/2023 16:28

Somebody must be selling for CRUX to be able to pick up that amount of stock.

In interviews Richard Penny of CRUX has stated that historically he has done particularly well on numerous occasions with this strategy ie buying at or near lows (to accommodate a seller) where there is clear long term value and strong management.

[x54v] 05/5/2023 18:45

Looks like CRUX has been doing just that, taking advantage of the low price and buying. Holding now up to 6.19% from 5.1%.

[x54v] 05/5/2023 12:05

Yes, volume larger than usual. Price still in the doldrums and offering the chance to enter / top up very much lower than VM's 100p entry point.

[daicaprice] 05/5/2023 11:34

Some large trades yesterday afternoon, nearly 1m all around the 72p mark the delayed 500k showing today certainly looks like a buy.

DC

[x54v] 04/5/2023 15:28

elsa7878 - a moot point now surely with the SAA bid no longer being pursued.

[x54v] 04/5/2023 15:24

MARWYN VALUE INVESTORS LIMITED - Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022

“Our investee companies, such as AdvancedAdvT led by Vin Murria OBE, have demonstrated agility and discipline in their investment activities. Although the offer for M&C Saatchi did not proceed, the financial impact on AdvancedAdvT was minimal. With over £100 million in cash, a strong roster of institutional investors, and a significant decline in technology valuations, we believe AdvancedAdvT is well-positioned for 2023 under Vin's leadership.”

“The acquisition vehicles have exercised patience in identifying and executing platform deals, evaluating a significant number of opportunities. With the Fund maintaining its cash resources during these uncertain times, it is well-positioned to support the acquisition vehicles as they progress with their stated investment strategies throughout 2023 and beyond.”

[elsa7878] 04/5/2023 15:10

Bar her investment in Saatchi - all of her experience is in IT...what does she know about an advertising buy and build strategy....?

[x54v] 20/4/2023 10:30

Vin Murria has invested heavily here (£17.5 million) at 100p, clearly expecting significant upside from that level.

She has previously made many multiples on her money several times and has decades worth of experience growing Kewill Systems, Computer Software Group and Advanced Computer Software.

The plan is to repeat that success with ADVT and there is every possibility that VM will do it given her history.

The current lack of interest in the shares continues to present a great opportunity to buy very much more cheaply than VM has. In fact there is a very useful 35% upside from a purchase at 74p just to get to VM's purchase price.

Of course the potential beyond that 100p could be very significant, but for now any purchase at the current level can be made safe in the knowledge that VM has bought in heavily at a much higher level.

[x54v] 19/4/2023 21:50

A couple of articles highlighting the value at SAA from the current level:





Plenty of scope for price appreciation there. Liberum has a 260p target (vs 172.5p current SP). And there’s always the chance of a bid.

None of this in the ADVT price which is still less than cash. Just crazy to think that the 12 million SAA shares ADVT currently holds and VM’s expertise (2 previously listed 10 baggers) are being valued at nothing.

[x54v] 19/4/2023 07:48

Cash in the bank is 77.6p so even if the SAA shares went to zero, the price is still under where it should be.

Where the real value will come is when VM does a deal which surely she will. Recent indications have certainly hinted that way.

--

"With a strong cash position which exceeds £100m, we have a clear advantage in against a backdrop of market uncertainty. Whilst the cost of servicing debt and its availability have become major challenges for other investment vehicles, our cash reserves offer a unique, attractive alternative and positions us well to execute on our strategy."

"We remain optimistic about the future"

--