Westaim Pins Hopes on New Plan

Article Excerpt

THE WESTAIM CORP. $0.18 (Toronto symbol WED; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 94.2 million; Market cap: $17.0 million; SI Rating: Speculative) currently holds two money-losing businesses: 74.5% of Nucryst Pharmaceuticals (Toronto symbol NCS), whose medical products prevent infection in burns; and iFire Technology, which specializes in flat-panel TV displays. Westaim plans to sell iFire’s assets by the end of 2008. At June 30, 2008, Westaim held cash of $40.1 million or $0.43 a share and was debt free. Westaim now hopes to return to profitability by acquiring several construction-related businesses in Western Canada. These operations generate combined annual earnings of $10 million, on revenue of $164 million. Westaim will issue 257 million shares valued at $0.60 each to the owners of these businesses. That price is three times the current share price. It will also sell 25 million shares to private investors at the same price. If successful, current Westaim shareholders will own 25% of the new…