Argo Blockchain PLC Announces Closing on Sale of Mirabel / TVR

Rhea-AI Summary

Argo Blockchain plc announces the closing of the sale of its Mirabel, Quebec data center for $6.1 million, reducing debt by $12.4 million in Q1 2024. The company used the proceeds to repay debts, including $1.4 million for the Mirabel Facility's mortgage. The consolidation of mining operations to Baie Comeau, Quebec, is expected to cut non-mining expenses by $0.7 million annually.

Positive

• Successful closure of the Mirabel Facility sale for $6.1 million.
• Debt reduction of $12.4 million in Q1 2024, with $1.4 million used to repay the Mirabel Facility's mortgage.
• Relocation of mining machines from Mirabel to Baie Comeau to reduce non-mining operating expenses by $0.7 million per year.
• Issuance of 460,477 new ordinary shares under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.
• Announcement of 577,616,315 ordinary shares as at 31 March 2024 with equal voting rights.
• Admission of new shares to the Official List and trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange PLC.

Negative

• Unaudited debt balance reduction of $12.4 million in Q1 2024.
• Debt balance with Galaxy Digital Holdings, reduced to $12.8 million.
• Potential dilution for existing shareholders due to the issuance of new ordinary shares.

Financial Analyst

The sale of Argo Blockchain's Mirabel, Quebec data center for $6.1 million and the subsequent debt reduction presents a strategic financial maneuver. By repaying the $1.4 million mortgage on the facility and reducing the Galaxy debt by 63%, the company has effectively lowered its leverage. This is a positive signal to investors, as a lower debt load can improve financial ratios and potentially lead to a more favorable credit rating. Furthermore, the consolidation of operations is projected to save $0.7 million annually, which could marginally improve EBITDA margins over time. However, investors should monitor the impact of this facility sale on the company's mining capacity and whether the cost savings will offset any potential revenue loss.

Market Research Analyst

Argo Blockchain's decision to consolidate its mining operations may reflect a broader industry trend towards efficiency and cost management in the cryptocurrency mining sector. Given the volatile nature of cryptocurrency prices, operational efficiency is paramount. The $0.7 million annual savings on non-mining operating expenses could enhance the company's competitive position. However, the issuance of new shares may dilute existing shareholders' equity. Investors should weigh the potential benefits of a deleveraged balance sheet against the dilutive effects of the new share issuance when assessing the company's market valuation.

Cryptocurrency Industry Expert

The transaction detailed by Argo Blockchain highlights the company's agility in adapting to the dynamic cryptocurrency market. The reduction of high-interest debt, particularly with a SOFR + 11% rate, is a strategic move that can reduce financial risk amidst crypto market volatility. The relocation of mining equipment to a single facility in Baie Comeau could lead to operational efficiencies, but stakeholders should consider the potential risks associated with centralizing operations, such as increased vulnerability to local disruptions or regulatory changes. The industry is known for rapid shifts and Argo's ability to navigate these while managing its capital structure will be critical for its long-term success.

Closing on Sale of Mirabel, Quebec Data Center

Allotment of New Shares

Share Capital and Total Voting Rights

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / March 28, 2024 / Argo Blockchain plc (LSE:ARB)(NASDAQ:ARBK), a global leader in cryptocurrency mining, is pleased to announce that it has closed on the previously announced sale of its data center located in Mirabel, Quebec (the "Mirabel Facility") for total consideration of $6.1 million (the "Transaction").

The net proceeds from the Transaction were used to first repay the Mirabel Facility's outstanding mortgage of $1.4 million, with the remainder used to repay debt owed to Galaxy Digital Holdings, Ltd. ("Galaxy") (TSX:GLXY). As of 28 March 2024, reflecting the payment made to Galaxy from the proceeds of the Transaction and inclusive of the ordinary course monthly amortisation payment for March, the Galaxy debt balance is $12.8 million. This is a 63% reduction from the original Galaxy debt balance of $35.0 million.

Unaudited Debt Balances:

$ in millions		Interest Rate				9/30/2023				12/31/2023				Q1'24 Debt Reduction				3/28/2024
Senior Notes			8.75	%		$	40.0			$	40.0				-			$	40.0
Galaxy Debt		SOFR + 11		%			27.2				23.5				(10.7	)			12.8
Mirabel Mortgage		Prime + 0.5		%			1.6				1.5				(1.5	)			-
Baie Comeau Mortgage		Prime + 0.5		%			1.5				1.4				(0.2	)			1.2
Total						$	70.3			$	66.4			$	(12.4	)		$	54.0

Importantly, the Transaction enables the Company to delever the balance sheet with minimal impact to the Company's revenue. The Company has completed the relocation and deployment of mining machines from the Mirabel Facility to its facility in Baie Comeau, Quebec, and the Company expects this consolidation to reduce its non-mining operating expenses by $0.7 million per year.

Management Commentary
Argo's Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Chippas, said, "I am pleased to announce the closing of this Transaction, through which the Company continues to execute on its strategy of strengthening the balance sheet and reducing non-mining operating expenses. The Company reduced its debt by $12.4 million in Q1 2024. Additionally, consolidating our Quebec fleet at the Baie Comeau facility allows us to streamline operations and make the most efficient use of the facility and onsite team."

Allotment of New Shares
Additionally, the Company announces that it has issued 460,477 new ordinary shares of £0.001 each in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") pursuant to the terms of previously granted Restricted Share Units under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan approved by shareholders at the Company's 2022 Annual General Meeting.

The new Ordinary Shares rank pari passu with the existing Ordinary Shares in issue, and application has been made for the shares to be admitted to the Official List and to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange PLC.

Share Capital and Total Voting Rights
The Company also announces, in compliance with its obligations under Rules 5.6.1R and 5.6.2G of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, that as at 31 March 2024, the Company's share capital will consist of 577,616,315 ordinary shares of £0.001 each (Ordinary Shares). All of the Ordinary Shares have equal voting rights and there are no shares held in Treasury.

The above figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they can determine whether they are required to notify their interest in, or a change of their interest in, the Company under the FCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

Inside Information and Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains inside information and includes forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current views, interpretations, beliefs or expectations with respect to the Company's financial performance, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations. These statements include forward-looking statements both with respect to the Company and the sector and industry in which the Company operates. Statements which include the words "remains confident", "expects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "projects", "anticipates", "will", "targets", "aims", "may", "would", "could", "continue", "estimate", "future", "opportunity", "potential" or, in each case, their negatives, and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events that may or may not occur in the future, including the risk that the Company may receive the benefits contemplated by its transactions with Galaxy, the Company may be unable to secure sufficient additional financing to meet its operating needs, and the Company may not generate sufficient working capital to fund its operations for the next twelve months as contemplated. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, prospects and performance to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. In addition, even if the Company's actual results, prospects and performance are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this document, those results may not be indicative of results in subsequent periods. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Subject to any obligations under the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Market Abuse Regulation, the Listing Rules and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules and except as required by the FCA, the London Stock Exchange, the City Code or applicable law and regulations, the Company undertakes no obligation publicly to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. For a more complete discussion of factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those described in this announcement, please refer to the filings that Company makes from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, including the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F.

For further information please contact:

Argo Blockchain
Investor Relations	ir@argoblockchain.com
Tennyson Securities
Corporate Broker Peter Krens	+44 207 186 9030
Fortified Securities
Joint Broker Guy Wheatley, CFA	+44 74930989014 guy.wheatley@fortifiedsecurities.com
Tancredi Intelligent Communication UK & Europe Media Relations	argoblock@tancredigroup.com

About Argo:
Argo Blockchain plc is a dual-listed (LSE:ARB);(NASDAQ:ARBK) blockchain technology company focused on large-scale cryptocurrency mining. With mining operations in Quebec and Texas, and offices in the US, Canada, and the UK, Argo's global, sustainable operations are predominantly powered by renewable energy. In 2021, Argo became the first climate positive cryptocurrency mining company, and a signatory to the Crypto Climate Accord. For more information, visit www.argoblockchain.com.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Argo Blockchain PLC

View the original press release on accesswire.com

What was the total consideration for the sale of the Mirabel Facility?

The total consideration for the sale of the Mirabel Facility was $6.1 million.

How much debt was repaid with the proceeds from the Mirabel Facility sale?

The debt balance was reduced by $12.4 million in Q1 2024, with $1.4 million used to repay the Mirabel Facility's mortgage.

How much debt does Argo Blockchain plc owe to Galaxy Digital Holdings, after the transaction?

As of 28 March 2024, Argo Blockchain plc owes $12.8 million to Galaxy Digital Holdings,

What is the expected annual reduction in non-mining operating expenses after consolidating operations to Baie Comeau, Quebec?

The consolidation of mining operations to Baie Comeau, Quebec, is expected to reduce non-mining operating expenses by $0.7 million per year.

How many new ordinary shares were issued under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan?

Argo Blockchain plc issued 460,477 new ordinary shares under the 2022 Equity Incentive Plan.

What is the total number of ordinary shares as of 31 March 2024?

As of 31 March 2024, Argo Blockchain plc has 577,616,315 ordinary shares.

Where will the new shares be listed for trading?

The new shares will be admitted to the Official List and trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange PLC.