08 April 2020
By Maynard Paton

Results summary for Mincon (MCON):

• A rather muddled and subdued update, the highlight of which during the present Covid-19 uncertainty was a maintained dividend.

• Impairments, exceptionals, accounting quirks and profit diving 28% may all be forgiven if, as seems to be the case, operations have not been too affected by the pandemic.

• An emphasis on “geotechnical” drills and lack of “challenger model” references imply new priorities as the business remains in a ‘moat-digging’ phase.

• Appealing management remarks about product quality, patents and future innovation have yet to make any impact on the somewhat messy financials.

• A post-results acquisition leaves the business with net debt while the underlying P/E of 16 is not an obvious bargain. I continue to hold.

27 August 2019
By Maynard Paton

Results summary for Mincon (MCON):

• Mixed progress, with little underlying revenue growth and profit down 14% due to a “softening market”.

• Earnings were bolstered by the remarkable €8m disposal of a subsidiary purchased 15 months earlier for effectively €1m.

• New ‘challenger’ plan of selling direct to customers appears to have started well with two new contracts won.

• Financials could be improved after accounts show modest margins, notable write-offs and significant working-capital investment.

• The underlying P/E of 20 is not a bargain. I continue to hold.

20 March 2019
By Maynard Paton

Results verdict on Mincon (MCON):

• Acceptable double-digit growth supported by encouraging organic sales and the purchase of Driconeq.

• New ‘Greenhammer’ product appears to offer attractive possibilities through “disruptive technology”.

• Year ahead to focus on consolidating operations after bumper orders created production constraints during 2017 and 2018. Recent trading not buoyant.

• Accounts offer scope for improvement as hefty stock build-up unwinds, capital expenditure falls and cost savings are found.

• The underlying P/E of 19 is not an obvious bargain. I continue to hold.

23 August 2018
By Maynard Paton

Update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Interim results for the six months ending 30 June 2018 published 13 August 2018.

Summary: MCON extended its bumper 2017 progress with some very satisfactory first-half figures. The specialist drill manufacturer claimed greater orders from the mining sector had supported 12% organic sales growth, while my sums suggested a robust 19% operating margin was reached during the second quarter. In addition, current trading appears healthy and a recent acquisition may have performed much better than expected. However, a P/E in excess of 20 probably reflects all of the positives, especially given cash conversion remains below par. I continue to hold.

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21 March 2018
By Maynard Paton

Update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Final results for the twelve months ending 31 December 2017 published 20 March 2018

Summary: MCON’s subdued years of 2014, 2015 and 2016 now seem long forgotten after the mining-drill manufacturer confirmed a bumper set of 2017 numbers. Greater client activity has now fuelled director talk of “significant opportunities” and “the first year of the current upturn”, and the share price has naturally climbed to a premium level. Meanwhile, the accounts remain cash-rich, several factors may be suppressing certain ratios, and even the standstill dividend has been lifted. I continue to hold.

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06 September 2017
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Interim results for the six months ending 30 June 2017 published 17 August 2017

Summary: A very welcome set of results, which I calculate included the drill specialist’s best-ever quarter as a quoted company. Revenue and profit enjoyed significant advances, and it appears the group’s mining customers are now happy to place greater orders following the sector downturn of the last few years. Also pleasing was the improvement to cash flow and the possibility of certain new projects providing further “meaningful” growth. I continue to hold.
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22 March 2017
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Final results for the year ending 31 December 2016 published 21 March 2017

Summary: These were quite reasonable results, given MCON is still plugging away serving the subdued mining sector with its heavy-duty drills and bits. The introduction of a new accounting policy was disappointing, although the chief exec’s bullish commentary was encouraging and suggested the group’s expansion could accelerate in the years to come. Such growth ought to improve MCON’s rather average margin and return on equity numbers — at present those ratios may not be doing justice to the group’s competitive position. I continue to hold.      Continue reading →

22 August 2016
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Interim results for the six months to 30 June 2016 published 19 August 2016

Summary: A satisfactory set of results, which I reckon included the drill specialist’s best quarter as a quoted company. Revenue and profit continue to head the right way, although working capital and other investments absorbed considerable cash flow. Notable positives from the statement included comments on new product development alongside vague talk of recovering demand from mining customers. I continue to hold.
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10 March 2016
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Preliminary results for the year to December 2015 published 9 March

Summary: A satisfactory set of results from this specialist drill manufacturer. Sadly the bumper Q3 reported in November was followed by a more subdued Q4, so I’ve had to trim my valuation estimates a little. Nonetheless, the shares do not appear outlandishly valued and I’m hopeful the stronger second-half bodes well for 2016. The books are still cash rich and management has started to improve cash flow, although the dividend remains at a standstill. I continue to hold. Continue reading →

10 November 2015
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Q3 trading update published 10 November

Summary: A very pleasant statement from this drill manufacturer, which confirmed earlier trading improvements had been sustained. Indeed, revenue, profit and — very importantly — cash flow, all advanced to seemingly defy the mining-sector downturn. I just wonder if the recent appointment of Joe Purcell, son of the group’s founder, as chief exec has had an immediate impact. Profit extrapolations are now showing an interesting valuation and I continue to hold.

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24 August 2015
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Interim results published 19 August.

Summary: These figures were not too disappointing given MCON’s lacklustre first-quarter statement. A definite improvement occurred during Q2 and 15% margins suggest MCON retains a respectable competitive position. Nonetheless, the firm’s acquisition strategy remains unproven and working-capital demands are still very high. While a P/E valuation of 12-14 does not tempt me to top up, I continue to hold.

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26 May 2015
By Maynard Paton

Quick update on Mincon (MCON).

Event: Trading statement published 26 May.

Summary: A lacklustre Q1 update. Although underlying revenue managed to remain flat, margins have slumped as MCON’s drills and bits continue to face pricing pressure. I reckon the group’s Q1 profits may have fallen by 24%, while the net cash position is somewhat lower, too. I just hope the inherent strengths of this business can show through during the rest of 2015. I continue to hold. 

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15 April 2015
By Maynard Paton

Today I’m revealing one of the two new investments I’ve made during recent months.

The company in question is Mincon (MCON), a specialist engineer that designs, manufactures and sells drilling equipment for miners. I bought the shares during February and March 2015 at an average of 44.6p including all costs. The mid-price is now 54p.

All told, I feel this £114m Irish business is an excellent fit for my portfolio. Important attractions include a respectable competitive position, high margins, a cash-flush balance sheet and very favourable family management. A languishing share price and a possible P/E of just 10 also clinched it for me.

However, MCON is by no means perfect. In particular, the group is dependent on the vagaries of the mining sector, has an ambitious acquisition plan and does not boast the greatest of free cash flow.

A wide bid-offer spread and 71% boardroom ownership may put some people off, too.

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