AEA order book gives hope of a comeback

AEA Technology, the energy and sustainability consultancy has seen its its share price rise dramatically this morning following an encouraging set of half yearly results.

Broadly speaking, AEA has had a terrible year during which the stock has lost 90% of its value. The nadir was reached on 16 November when the company issued a profit warning on the back of a poor performance by its US business. Several expected orders had either come in late or not materialised at all.

MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

It is heartening, then, to read that the ship has been steadied.

The company has agreed new banking covenants with Lloyds providing continued access to an overdraft "for the foreseeable future". It has also appointed an interim chief executive, the technology specialist John Lowry.

Dealing with the immediate issue of the banks and leadership in the space of just two weeks has impressed the market. The other element of today's statement that has raised eye brows has been a bumper order book, which is up 84% at £73m, compared to £39.6m at the same point last year.

None of this disguises the fact that AEA is still in very choppy waters, a reality underlined by its £2.1m pre-tax loss in the last six months and debt at £34.3m, up from £28.3m at the end of March.

AEA's chairman Dr Paul Golby said he was disappointed that, having traded in line with expectations during the first half of the year, profit and revenue declines will impact the second half.

Nevertheless, shares in AEA were up 35% by 10.53am at 0.677p.

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.