
ASX:QHL
Quickstep Holdings Ltd
Investment Summary
The fund managers believe that Quickstep Holdings Ltd has demonstrated considerable value and growth potential, particularly in the aerospace and defence sectors. The company’s strong relationships with blue-chip clients such as Lockheed Martin and its advanced manufacturing capabilities, especially in carbon fibre and drone production, have positioned it well within the industry. In their opinion, despite some volatility in share price and market fluctuations, the company's strong contract wins, improved profitability, and recent strategic moves, including expansion into the US and restructuring of unprofitable business segments, have made it an attractive investment. Furthermore, the significant premium offered in the recent takeover bid and continued shareholder support reflect confidence in Quickstep's long-term prospects. While there are concerns about short-term stock price fluctuations, the fund managers remain optimistic about Quickstep's future, particularly given its improved financial performance and market valuation relative to peers.
Please note: The completeness, accuracy or current status of the investments referenced are not guaranteed.
Commentary From The Manager
Cyan Investment Management
Date
31 Mar 2024
Price
$0.21
Medium
Monthly Report
Commentary
Cyan C3G Fund continues to hold Quickstep Holdings Ltd (QHL) despite a disappointing performance following the announcement of a $1.25m contract with drone manufacturer Carbonix. Given the company’s modest market capitalization of $20m, even a small, specialized, and profitable contract like this holds significant value. Beyond this, Quickstep is expanding its domestic MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) services for Jetstar and taking steps to establish a defence manufacturing facility in Kansas, USA. This expansion could be supported by existing defence contract customers and potentially US government funding, representing a potential step-change for the business. While QHL’s recent performance has been underwhelming, Cyan C3G Fund remains optimistic about the company’s growth potential, especially as it diversifies and scales its operations both domestically and internationally.
Cyan Investment Management
Date
31 July 2024
Price
$0.38
Medium
Monthly Report
Commentary
Cyan C3G Fund continues to hold its position in Quickstep Holdings Ltd (QHL), an advanced manufacturing business that the Fund has been invested in for some time. The Fund was initially attracted to Quickstep's carbon fibre manufacturing technology, blue-chip clients like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, and its strong revenue base of nearly $100m, all while maintaining a modest market capitalization of around $30m. Recent share price gains reflect the broader market's growing recognition of Quickstep's value, bolstered by a positive business update that exceeded revenue forecasts, highlighted cost-saving initiatives, and noted record revenues from its drone production division. Cyan has also highlighted Quickstep’s attractive relative valuation, comparing it to other manufacturing companies such as Titomic (ASX:TTT) and DroneShield (ASX:DRO), which further underscores the company's potential. With solid financials and strong client relationships, Cyan C3G Fund sees significant upside in Quickstep's growth trajectory.
Cyan Investment Management
Date
31 Aug 2024
Price
$0.25
Medium
Monthly Report
Commentary
Cyan C3G Fund continues to hold its position in Quickstep Holdings Ltd (QHL) despite a recent 27% decline in share price following a strong performance in July. The company recently announced the closure of its loss-making Aerospace Services division, which is expected to streamline operations. Quickstep also reported full-year results with revenue of $99m, surpassing the top end of guidance by $3m. Notably, the company showed underlying profitability and positive cash flow from its continuing operations. Cyan C3G Fund believes Quickstep remains significantly undervalued, with a market capitalization of around $20m, which is low compared to similar ASX-listed aerospace companies. While volatility may persist, the Fund expects the company’s improving performance to drive continued upward movement in the share price over the longer term.
Cyan Investment Management
Date
31 Oct 2024
Price
$0.22
Medium
Monthly Report
Commentary
Cyan C3G Fund continues to hold its position in Quickstep Holdings Ltd (QHL), despite a 19% decline in the stock following a takeover offer in early November. While the offer initially presented a large premium, the fund believes that there is still significant underlying value in Quickstep's business. The absence of insider trading and the stock’s current trading at the takeover price further reinforce the fund's view that the company’s intrinsic value remains intact. Cyan C3G Fund has decided to hold onto its shares, as the potential for further value recognition remains, aligning with the market’s perception of the company.
Cyan Investment Management
Date
30 Nov 2024
Price
$0.40
Medium
Monthly Report
Commentary
Cyan C3G Fund continues to hold its position in Quickstep Holdings (QHL), following a takeover offer from ASDAM at $0.40, representing a 105% premium to the last sale price. ASDAM, the holding company for Marand, has strong ties with Quickstep through its work for Lockheed Martin on the C-130 Hercules program. Quickstep has made substantial progress in restructuring its operations, including the closure of unprofitable business lines, positioning the company for significant profitability improvements in FY25. Despite the generous bid, which reflects a recent stock level, the Fund anticipates a potential increased offer or counterbid. The company is also working on a business valuation, and Cyan C3G Fund expects this process to unlock further stock value, reinforcing the attractiveness of holding the position for the time being.
Cyan Investment Management
Date
31 Dec 2024
Price
$0.56
Medium
Monthly Report
Commentary
Cyan C3G Fund continues to hold its position in Quickstep Holdings Ltd. (QHL) following the company’s entry into a Scheme Implementation Deed, marking a friendly takeover offer at $0.575 from ADSAM, the holding company for Marand. This transaction is subject to no “Superior Proposal,” and Quickstep’s directors have approved it. The stock’s recent performance has been strong, with a 41% increase, and the Fund remains optimistic about the potential for an increased bid or a counteroffer, as the stock had previously traded at this level only a few months ago. Given the improved trading conditions and the likelihood of a new bidder entering the mix, Cyan C3G Fund continues to hold its shares, with the expectation that further developments may enhance shareholder value.
Please note: The completeness, accuracy or current status of the investments referenced are not guaranteed.