Adva Optical Networking, Desert Gold, Va-Q-tec: Does it start now?

ADVA OPTICAL NETWORKING SE - are there any more positive surprises in store?

Adva Optical Networking is a leading provider of open network solutions for the delivery of cloud and mobile services. Last Wednesday the Company published its figures for the third quarter. With a minimal increase in sales to EUR 146.7 million, pro forma operating earnings rose by 49.5% year-on-year to EUR 7.4 million. Adva thus continued the strong profitability achieved in the second quarter. According to the Company's statement, both substantial cost reductions and new customer business led to the progress made.

Adva also updated its outlook for the year as a whole. The group now expects to post sales of between EUR 565 and 580 million in 2020. The margin based on pro forma operating profit is expected to be 5% to 6%. In Q3, an increase from 5.1% to 7.4%, was achieved. The old forecast for the full year, which was for sales of more than EUR 580 million and a margin target of more than 5%, was capped in April.

All in all, Adva delivered excellent figures. The increase in margins is impressive. Looking at the margin of 7.4% in Q3, the target of 5% to 6% for the year as a whole already seems modest. Adva should be able to leap over this benchmark and once again surprise investors positively.

DESERT GOLD VENTURES INC - good entry point after price correction

The gold explorer Desert Gold Ventures focuses entirely on the West African country of Mali. The Company is exploring two promising projects SMSZ and Djimbala in the south. Several big names such as Barrick, B2Gold, Endeavour, and Resolute have also committed themselves to the activity in Mali. Already in August, Desert Gold was able to carry out a capital increase of CAD 6.8 million. In late September, the TSX-V-listed Company released positive drill results.

After a brilliant performance this year, which peaked in the summer at CAD 0.32, the share price dropped significantly to CAD 0.16. The market capitalization is currently CAD 21 million.

Given the intact fundamental environment for gold and the excellent project quality, there is a perfect opportunity for investors to become involved after the significant price setback. Good news is only a matter of time.

VA-Q-TEC AG - Profiteer of temperature-sensitive corona vaccines

Va-Q-tec AG is a supplier of vacuum insulation panels and thermal energy storage components, as well as thermo boxes and containers for the transport of temperature-sensitive goods. The Würzburg-based Company's applications are essential for customers in the pharmaceutical sector, among others, because medicines should not be exposed to high-temperature fluctuations during transport to ensure the effectiveness of the ingredients.

The Systems division (sale of thermoboxes) grew dynamically by 77% year-on-year in the first half of the current fiscal year. It contributed 10.5 million to total sales of EUR 35.7 million Euro (previous year: EUR 31.3 million). The Company will publish the reporting data for the third quarter on November 12.

The following is the basis of the Goldylocks scenario for the share: If temperature-sensitive Corona vaccines were to become available soon, the Würzburg-based Company would undoubtedly benefit from this through its services. Currently, a good 2/3 of the customers are already from the pharmaceutical industry. This share would then increase significantly. With prices of around EUR 24.00, the share has already priced in quite a bit, but not everything.