FireAngel (FA.) – On the turn?

Whether consciously or otherwise, most people will be familiar with the three act structure which is commonly employed in everything from classical plays to modern romantic comedies.

Given that investment turnarounds can manifest themselves in very sudden and profitable price movements it is therefore understandable that investors have been looking for any sign that the unusually long second act in the drama that is FireAngel might finally be over.

For close watchers, almost any kind of punctuation is now seized upon as a sign that Act II’s “rising action” (Wikipedia: “[which] typically depicts the protagonist’s attempt to resolve the problem initiated by the first turning point, only to find themselves in ever worsening situations.”) has come to an end. Even the changing of the year was enough to inspire new hope amongst some investors, triggering a rise of 50% on no news, before Monday’s further profits warning led some to dismiss the recovery as a fairy tale. Still, perhaps today’s announcement of further management change is the sign investors have been looking for?

On AIM the closest equivalent to the curtain coming down is suspension, and while plays conventionally have a neat conclusion to signal it’s time to leave the theatre, on AIM punters have a tendency to sit there bemused hoping for one final act. With FireAngel it is very difficult to see how they can get themselves out of the current mess, supporting my view that some kind of deus/dea ex machina is imminent in the form of a rescue fundraising or takeover bid.

FireAngel’s major success to-date has been to turn disappointment into an art form, and the beauty of art is that interpretation is in the eye of the beholder. Even if this story ends in tragedy for recent and current shareholders, I am optimistic it can ultimately prove a success for staff and other stakeholders.

7:59 cut – FA.

FireAngel (FA.) – H1 Trading Update

FireAngel make the majority of smoke alarms sold to consumers in the UK and the vast majority of mid-range alarms. Traditionally they have struggled to capture the UK trade market and sales in Europe have been lumpy in France / Germany, and broadly absent elsewhere. Due to overinvestment, contractual disputes and management missteps, they recently had a dilutive rescue fundraising.

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