Argo Blockchain Plc current report, Q3 FY2023

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Filing Overview

Argo Blockchain plc filed a Form 6-K for July 2023, reporting a conditional PrimaryBid offer announced on 18 July 2023. The offer formed part of a broader capital raise that also included an institutional placing.

Business Context and Transaction

  • Argo operates cryptocurrency-mining facilities in Quebec and Texas and maintains offices in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
  • The company describes its operations as predominantly powered by renewable energy.
  • The PrimaryBid offer was available to eligible United Kingdom retail investors and was intended to provide access to new shares alongside institutional investors.
  • New ordinary shares were offered at 10 pence per share, representing an approximately 14% discount to the 30-trading-day VWAP and a 25.92% discount to the 18 July 2023 closing mid-price.
  • The offer had a minimum subscription of £250 per investor and was expected to close at 8:00 p.m. on 18 July 2023, subject to possible early closure or scaling back.

Financial Position and Use of Proceeds

  • Argo stated that it had approximately £59.1 million of outstanding debt.
  • Debt included approximately £25.0 million owed to Galaxy Digital under an asset-backed loan and approximately £31.4 million of senior unsecured notes.
  • Proceeds from the placing and PrimaryBid offer were intended primarily to reduce indebtedness and fund strategic growth projects.
  • Management expected debt reduction to lower interest expense and strengthen the balance sheet.
  • The filing does not provide current revenue, profit, cash-flow, margin, cash-balance, or liquidity figures.

Material Changes and Outlook

  • The filing announces a proposed equity issuance rather than reporting periodic operating results; no comparable-period financial data is provided.
  • Argo was evaluating projects with power generators to capture value from stranded or underutilized energy. A portion of the capital raise was expected to support these opportunities.
  • Admission of the new shares to the London Stock Exchange was expected on or before 24 July 2023, subject to satisfaction of applicable conditions.
  • The PrimaryBid offer was conditional on completion of the placing, while completion of the placing was not conditional on the PrimaryBid offer.

Risks, Conditions, and Unusual Items

  • The transaction was conditional and could be scaled back or rejected. The PrimaryBid offer would not complete without the placing.
  • The issuance of new shares would dilute existing shareholders.
  • The announcement contained inside information and was restricted from distribution in the United States and certain other jurisdictions.
  • The shares had not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act and were not offered through a public offering in the United States.
  • Investors were directed to consider the risk factors in Argo’s 2022 Annual Report and applicable PrimaryBid materials.
  • The filing text does not state the number of shares offered or the gross proceeds targeted or ultimately raised.

Key Facts to Verify

  • Whether the placing and PrimaryBid offer completed and the final number of shares issued.
  • The gross and net proceeds raised and the portion applied to each debt instrument.
  • Argo’s post-transaction debt, cash, interest expense, and liquidity position.
  • Any resulting shareholder dilution and changes to the company’s capital structure.
  • Progress, funding, and expected returns from the proposed energy-related growth projects.