Ekf Diagnostics Share Discussion Threads

[tongosti] 28/1/2021 07:04

You wouldn't know it pal (as my approach is fundamentally different from yours) but I look at every single piece of valid info before I step in. If you really think about it, one is in charge of protecting own capital only in this game, with the market being in charge of returns. In other words, being obsessed with managing risk (and minimising the cost of one's mistakes) is hardly a trait of a "bag of nerves" personality type but rather something entirely different. Like I said, my approach is entirely different to yours.

[boadicea] 27/1/2021 21:40

tong - Sometimes it helps just to have a look at the market background. You must be a bag of nerves!

[tongosti] 27/1/2021 15:54

Never give the tape the benefit of the doubt. Nobody in this universe (this doesn't apply to a few space geniuses floating around here:) knows the difference between a temp dip and the start of a major crash. Covered my long for a ... gigantic 3% loss. Happy to stand aside until another signal comes along.

[speedsgh] 26/1/2021 17:12

Fund managers' favourite UK smaller companies -

EKF is in joint second place alongside SDL, behind Future in top spot.

[wan] 25/1/2021 16:23

Just to put some more context into my previous comment regarding the attributes of PrimeStore MTM offering users a safe, and more efficient sample collection process, via the elimination of cold chain logistics, which in turn reduce costs -

From Thermo Fisher Scientific -

Description
*PrimeStore™ MTM is the only FDA Cleared (cleared in 2018) Molecular Transport *Medium for respiratory samples suspected of harboring influenza or TB.
*Considered by US FDA as a primary sample collection device for SARS-CoV-2.
*PrimeStore™ collected samples enable safe handling for both point of care and in the laboratory--since the entire sample in inactivated/killed including SARS-CoV-2 and more resilient microbes like gram positives, etc.
*Once a swab or biofluid is added to PrimeStore™ the user has a “snapshot” in time for that sample.
*The DNA, and more importantly the labile RNA is preserved/stabilized.
*Groups all over the United States, Europe, and Africa/Asia use PrimeStore™ to move and transport samples across borders using NORMAL FedEX and UPS shipping.
- Since the pathogens collected are eliminated, the samples can be shipped using routine boxing/shipping methods.
- Samples in PrimeStore™ can be shipped with NO COLD CHAIN, no wet or dry ice.
*Samples do not have to be pre-processed in BLS-III or even BLS-II safety levels.
*Safe or normal technician testing.
*The collected sample in PrimeStore™ can be used/re-used several times for additional testing.
*Many Labs use the first sampling for detection by qPCR and the second for NGS or gene sequencing.
*PrimeStore™ MTM was designed to be compatible with all Qiagen-based extraction systems (bench top and high throughput liquid handling systems). It works with the Thermo Scientific MagMax, Roche MAGNAPURE or almost all DNA/RNA liquid handling extraction systems.
*The medium if in cryotubes can be frozen at ultra-low for biobanking or simply stored in the refrigerator (since the medium is safely preserving the collected sample).

[tongosti] 25/1/2021 12:41

Following from my previous post this is a good market action against the larger backdrop of weaker markets. Not out of the woods yet for me to raise my stop above entry but getting close. Let's see what Mr Market will make of it all this week.

[wan] 25/1/2021 10:16

Edit my post 1439, to include 'do not' -

says a lot beyond what the current metrics 'do not' indicate!

[btgman] 25/1/2021 10:03

I would totally disagree with his assessment also. New facility in Cardiff is producing 36,000 tubes per day for Covid 19 testing what is this going to be worth this is from one location let along all the rest. The rest of the business appears to be going at a pace. The value of Renalytix and Verici are both performing well and ultimately will add further significant cash.

This is solid value at current levels

AIMHO
GLA
BTG

[wan] 25/1/2021 09:52

I have to say that the comment from the Hardman analyst Dr Martin Hall that EKF is relatively expensive now but will continue to do quite well, whilst his comment is positive, it also sums up the lack of understanding that EKF actually offers good value to those who appreciate there is more to EKF than the metrics 'alone' reveal.

On that note, and for those still holding the EKF spin-out, Renalytix, who's shares are now knocking on the door of £9 per share, says a lot beyond what the current metrics 'do not' indicate!

[mirandaj] 23/1/2021 16:27

Very good NXC. Good publicity and shows complete efficiency. There seemed to be a problem with transport to UK but solved by flying the equipment in to where required. Impressive.

[nxc] 23/1/2021 15:56

www.mdr.de/tv/programm/video-485278_zc-12fce4ab_zs-6102e94c.html

good publicity for EKF in Germany

[wan] 22/1/2021 16:03

We may have arrived in a goldilocks' period, neither too hot, nor too cold (maybe no bad thing)........until the next update/contract win etc.

Accumulating and being patient has paid dividends here in spades! But I am not expecting growth or value creation to stall.

[srichardson8] 22/1/2021 15:44

if you had a long position with a spread better, and wanted to exit, you would be able to deal at 70.6. I can sell 10k shares with one of my online brokers at 74p. Nice business for a spreader if you can get it.

[wan] 22/1/2021 15:32

Tranquility appears to have arrived, is this a sign that the overhang has been worked through?

One could imagine that the increasing likelihood of perpetual Covid testing, utilizing an already FDA authorized sample collection device, antibody testing, and potentially antigen testing, not to mention a progressive dividend policy and potential spin-outs beyond Trellus etc, might have also caused for some reconsideration i.e. should we be buying some back? Time will tell!

[rivaldo] 22/1/2021 12:35

Going by the latest trades the actual spread is around 73.5p-75.4p, so not sure what the MMs are doing with such a wide published spread. Perhaps it's an indication that they're trying to discourage trading as they're short of stock, or have buyers waiting to scoop up available stock.

[srichardson8] 22/1/2021 11:59

The Hardman analyst Dr Martin Hall also slips in a good word on EKF at the end of his 17 minute interview with London & SE, released yesterday. 17 minutes, worthwhile


Has the spread on EKF widened? It is actually trading around 75 but the bid/offer is 71/78 and has been most of today so far.

[mginvestor] 22/1/2021 11:21

Mentioned in the Shares mag last night as a comment by the Sanford / Free Spirit fund:

‘EKF Diagnostics (EKF:AIM) has been a large position for the fund, having been held since 2017, and the share price approximately doubled in 2020.‘More significantly I am pleased with the way management are reinvesting in the business for future growth.‘Cash windfalls from contract manufacturing of components for Covid-19 testing kits are being deployed into new joint ventures with the Mount Sinai healthcare system in the US and into the core analysers and enzymes business, with enough left over for EKF to have paid a maiden dividend in 2020."

The key bit being what they are doing with the cash. A reminder that the core business is still progressing strongly and that is what we will fall back on. IMO the market is currently pricing in only short term continual benefit from testing. Any meaningful contract news or upgrades from the company AND how their core business is doing should see us going much higher in 2021.

[wan] 22/1/2021 10:35

Sorry Rivaldo, I very rarely look in on AVCT, but to be fair, and on this occasion I did actually see your post, which jogged me to visit the source and post it here, and of course adding my own take that the analyst aligns with my view regarding sustainability of testing. So, credit where it's due Rivaldo!

[rivaldo] 22/1/2021 10:06

Wan, great news from your post 1424, thanks. EKF's direction of travel is pretty obvious methinks.

I suspect you got the above post 1428 from mine on the AVCT thread? Where's my credit?! I forgot to copy it here (having already posted it on the AVCT and ODX threads...).

Anyway, I completely agree about the need for testing being here for quite some time to come.

[wan] 22/1/2021 08:46

EKF gets mentioned in the following, as well as the analyst agreeing that the Covid testing opportunity (unfortunately) still has much further to run and that testing is likely to become permanent (I think that the consensus in this regard is now starting to shift, which some of us predicted much earlier than others!)-

21-Jan-2021
COVID-19 TESTING SECTOR DEMAND SET TO CONTINUE AMID VACCINE ROLLOUT

Amid the continued high demand for testing and staggered vaccine rollout, the diagnostics industry, which was valued in 2020 at $17.2bn-$19.8bn, is set to rise further in 2021

London 21 January 2021 – The diagnostics sector will continue to see growth in 2021 as demand for COVID-19 testing continues to surge. It has been suggested that to ensure effective disease control, the UK alone would require 120m tests per month. Global demand exceeds supply, providing opportunities for existing diagnostics providers and newcomers alike. The diagnostics sector remains a high-growth area, at a time when most other sectors are experiencing disruptions due to the pandemic.

These are the findings of finnCap’s new quarterly Life Sciences sector report, ‘Rude Health: COVID-19 Diagnostics’.

COVID-19 testing is likely to peak in 2021 but will continue to see strong demand into 2022 and beyond as a result of the logistical hurdles in vaccinating the global population as well as the uncertainty around how long vaccine jabs provide immunity and their effectiveness against new COVID strains.

The report looks at the different types of COVID-19 diagnostic technologies and the companies utilizing them. PCR testing is the most common type of testing, providing the highest levels of accuracy, but carries the downsides of being expensive and requiring experienced professionals, with results that can days to process depending on the lab. Companies offering or developing PCR tests include Novacyt, Yourgene and genedrive.

Lateral Flow Diagnostics, on the other hand, can provide cheap and rapid results (within 15 minutes) and can be administered without training, but are not as accurate as other technologies. Companies offering/developing COVID-19 lateral flow diagnostics include Avacta, Mologic-Omega Diagnostics and Immunodiagnostic systems.

The report also highlights two less well-known processes – the ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assays) being utilised by companies such as EKF Diagnostics and LAMP (loop mediated isothermal amplification) being ultilised by companies such as OptiGene.

The demand for testing is so high that all processes, regardless of their specific advantages and disadvantages will continue to be needed over a busy 2021. FinnCap highlights AIM listed and private companies, Avacta (AVCT), Novacyte (NCYT), Omega Diagnostics (ODX), genedrive (GDR) and OptiGene among them, and discusses the technologies they have employed and the tests that they have developed or are developing.

In addition, the report also looks at the performance of the AIM life sciences sector, which outperformed larger-cap and health indices and other sectors in 2020, boosted by COVID-19 testing stocks, which will place it in a strong position for 2021. £1.039bn was raised for the life sciences sector on the AIM Index over 2020, a leap on the £242mn raised over the same period in 2019.

Arshad Ahad, Research Analyst, Life Sciences, at finnCap, commented: “The COVID-19 diagnostics sector was at the forefront of international attention in 2020 as the primary weapon to fight the pandemic. The encouraging progress on vaccines has prompted fears over the sustainability of this market; however, we believe these fears are unwarranted. We believe the market has yet to peak and will do so in 2021, but will remain strong into 2022 and beyond. Overall, it is likely that COVID-19 will be a part of our lives for years to come and may even be a perpetual presence – and as long as this remains the case, COVID-19 testing will be an important tool for keeping the disease in check and avoiding outbreaks.”

[btgman] 22/1/2021 08:46

Thanks Wan great research as always. It does look like EKF are trading seriously ahead of current expectations. I suspect they are going to have an incredibly good year. I guess we should be looking to hear about Trellus float soon.

AIMHO
GLA
BTG

[wan] 22/1/2021 07:36

Edit - double post via ADVFN glitch

[wan] 22/1/2021 07:36

Staying with testing, testing, testing - Expect demand to materially increase in the US (and globally), with high-volume Covid testing, including routine, hot-spot and surveillance testing, becoming a permanent feature!

President Biden Announces Plan to Expand SARS-CoV-2 Testing, Increase Capacity
Jan 21, 2021

NEW YORK – On his first full day in office Thursday, President Joseph Biden unveiled his strategy to address the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing testing availability and enhancing laboratory capacity to conduct testing.

In his National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, Biden emphasized his goal to scale and expand testing, creating a national pandemic testing board to "oversee implementation of a clear, unified approach to testing." The federal interagency board will be chaired by the COVID-19 Response Testing Coordinator. In a briefing to discuss the strategy, Biden said the board would "ensure we get testing to where it is needed and where it is needed most," such as schools and businesses.

Through an executive order creating the board, the president will also direct agencies to provide free testing for people without health insurance and clarify payors' obligations to cover testing. The American Clinical Laboratory Association released a statement commending the president for his plan. "Despite the widespread agreement that testing is a critical tool in our efforts to address the pandemic, in June, guidance from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury curtailed clear coverage mandates passed by Congress that required comprehensive health plans to cover COVID-19 testing without cost sharing or prior authorization," ACLA President Julie Khani said. "This created growing coverage gaps for many Americans."

Under the plan, the federal government will expand the rapid testing supply, double test supplies, and increase testing capacity. In addition, the administration will increase antigen and molecular testing manufacturing in the US, fill testing supply shortfalls, enhance laboratory capacity to conduct testing, and expand surveillance for hotspots and variants of the virus. The government will invest in laboratory capacity, including "long-term regional testing capacity to improve testing timelines," and will promote research and innovation in testing, including at-home tests and instant tests.

The president will invoke the Defense Product Act (DPA) to fill supply chain issues for testing supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as PCR sample collection swabs, test reagents, pipette tips, PCR instruments, high-absorbency foam swabs, nitrocellulose material for rapid antigen tests, and rapid test kits. Biden in his briefing called the scaling up of manufacturing capabilities a "full-scale wartime effort." The government will also "make a commitment toward a five-year investment in onshore manufacturing of test kits and related supplies for COVID-19 and emerging biological threats," the plan said.

The DPA authority will also be used to offer loans to manufacturers to increase their production capacity for COVID-19 tests and decrease competition for supplies, the plan said. It will also replenish depleted testing and PPE supplies in high-risk areas and populations, making those supplies more affordable and available.

Patrick Godbey, president of the College of American Pathologists, said after President Biden's announcement, "While 2 million tests are being provided every day, surveys of laboratory directors have consistently reported that more testing could be performed but their labs are constrained by several limitations. Specifically, laboratory directors have cited problems acquiring testing supplies. Having enough test kits, plastic pipette tips, and specimen acquisition swabs, as well as transport media, are the greatest barriers to increased COVID-19 testing."

Support will also be provided to states to increase public access to COVID-19 testing, including community-based collection locations to options for at-home testing.

Last week, Biden unveiled an economic plan that included the allotment of $50 billion to expand testing for COVID-19.

Full story -