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First Class Metals #FCM – Placing of 10,050,000 ordinary shares of £0.001 each in the capital of the Company to raise £603,000
First Class Metals PLC (“First Class Metals” “FCM” or the “Company”) is a UK metals exploration company focused on the discovery of economic metal deposits across its extensive Canadian – northwest Ontario, land holding is pleased to announce that it has completed a placing of 11,990,665 ordinary shares of £0.001 par value (the “Placing Shares”) at a price of 6 pence per Placing Share (the “Placing Price”), raising gross proceeds of £603,000 and satisfying fees of £48,000
The Placing Price represents a 16% discount to the mid-market closing price of the Company’s shares on 21 November 2023, the date of the arrangement of the Placing. No warrants are being issued in connection with this placing.
Clear Capital Markets Limited & First Equity Limited acted as placing agents in respect of the Placing.
Use of Proceeds
· Development of a drill program at the highly prospective Zigzag lithium/Critical Metals Property.
· Full Repayment of the Sanderson Capital Partners Convertible Loan Note (the “CLN”).
The balance of the placing proceeds will primarily be used to develop a drilling program at the Company’s Zigzag lithium/Critical Metals property in Northern Ontario. Further details of the intended work will be released shortly.
The Company intends to repay in full the CLN, which stands at £500,000 drawn.
Background
With the recent granting of the Enable and McKellar Exploration Permits, the Company controls six permitted properties in Ontario, Canada, encompassing nearly 200km² of land. Within this area, the Company has identified priority drill targets of robust prospectivity across each of our properties, holding what is believed to be significant potential for exploration and discovery.
Considering the current climate in terms of timescales, efforts, and physical costs involved in obtaining permits, the Company believes that having six fully permitted properties is a significant advantage. These properties are either already drill ready or in the process of becoming so (some of which are true ‘District-Scale’ size), providing the Company with substantial flexibility moving forward. This level of readiness allows the Company to capitalize on opportunities efficiently and adapt to changing market conditions. The Board expects that this portfolio of permitted properties will position the Company for success and maximize its potential for future growth.
The initial focus of the Company post this fund-raising will be on advancing exploration activities on the highly prospective Zigzag lithium/Critical Metals property. Currently, the Company has channel sample assays pending, which will provide valuable data to plan its next steps. Additionally, the Company is working on formulating further operations on this property, with plans to commence drilling activities during the upcoming winter period. The Company is committed to unlocking the potential of the property and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Director’s-Stock Lending Agreement(s)
The Company does not presently have sufficient headroom to enable the issue and admission of the Placing Shares which are required to be issued pursuant to the placing without the production of a FCA approved prospectus. The Company is therefore proposing that the directors, James Knowles and Ayub Bodi, each loan a number of shares amounting, in aggregate, to the Placing Shares, to the Company by means of a share loan agreement (the “Share Lending Agreement”), to facilitate the placing of the Placing Shares by the Company. This loan involves no consideration being paid or security granted to James Knowles or Ayub Bodi, other than the fee charged under the Share Lending Agreement, described below.
The placing of the Placing Shares is expected to be completed on or around 30 November 2023.
The Share Lending Agreements provide for the allotment of an aggregate of 11,990,665 new ordinary shares in the Company to James Knowles & Ayub Bodi by 30 June 2024 to replace the shares loaned in terms of the Share Lending Agreement.
A fee, equal to 8.25% per annum of the values of the Placing Shares on the day of Placing will be charged on each loan, pro-rata for the period of the loan, which will be paid in cash unless, if agreed between the Company and the relevant director that such fee should be satisfied by the allotment of ordinary shares in the Company.
Related Party Transaction
James Knowles and Ayub Bodi are directors of the Company. The Share Lending Agreement is considered to be a related party transaction (the “Related Party Transaction”).
Marc Sale, Marc Bamber and Andrew Williamson, being the independent directors for the purpose of this Related Party Transaction consider that the terms and conditions are fair and reasonable.
James Knowles, Executive Chairman of First Class Metals PLC Commented:
“We decided as a board it was necessary to take advantage of this opportunity in what is an otherwise difficult and extremely competitive market to raise funds to enable the development of the high impact first drill program on the Zigzag lithium/Critical Metals Property and also repay the outstanding CLN.
As a company, we understand the importance of maintaining a strategic balance between developing our highly prospective portfolio and effectively managing our available financial resources. We aim to advance our projects to a stage where they become conducive to monetise. This approach ensures that we maximize the potential of our portfolio while optimizing resource allocation. We are dedicated to carefully navigating this balance and strategically driving our company’s growth and success.
I am pleased to be able to assist the company at this time by loaning a significant portion of my holdings to First Class Metals. By doing so, I willingly accept the commercial risk associated with this transaction. My decision to make this loan stems from my utmost confidence in the assets held by First Class Metals, as well as the exceptional capabilities of our operational team. I firmly believe that through their expertise and dedication, we will achieve success and deliver value for all stakeholders involved.
Furthermore, at this point, the Share Loans will reduce the impact of dilution for all shareholders until the Company is in a position to allot new shares to return the loan and allows all shareholders to benefit from any potential uplift when we have tangible results published, from our more advanced projects.”
Issue of Fee Shares
In addition, 1,940,665 Placing Shares are being placed with various professional partners, including Sanderson Capital Partners (who have now made a new small non-dilutive working capital facility available to the company), to satisfy fees due in connection with the fundraise and also to satisfy outstanding professional fees from parties who have opted to take payment in shares over a cash payment. We welcome this commitment to the Company.
For Further Information:
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James Knowles, Executive Chairman |
07488 362641 |
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Marc J Sale, CEO |
07711 093532 |
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Ayub Bodi, Executive Director |
07860 598086 |
First Equity Limited
(Financial Adviser & Broker)
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Jonathan Brown |
0207 3742212 |
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Jason Robertson |
0207 3742212 |
Clear Capital Markets Limited
(Placing Agents)
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Bob Roberts |
0203 8696081 |
#FCM First Class Metals Plc – MCKELLAR & ENABLE GRANTING OF EXPLORATION PERMITS
First Class Metals PLC (“First Class Metals” “FCM” or the “Company”) the UK metals exploration company seeking economic metal discoveries across its extensive Canadian Schreiber-Hemlo, Sunbeam and Zigzag land holdings is pleased to announce that its 100% owned subsidiary First Class Metals Canada Inc. (“FCMC”) has received notification from the Ontario Province of the granting of two further Exploration Permits.
The permits are effective for a period of three years until expiry on the 16th November 2026. The permitted activities are: stripping, trail cutting and diamond drilling,
HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploration permits for Enable and McKellar received from the Ontario Ministry of Mines.
- FCMC now holds six exploration permits over properties of great merit.
- The area covered by valid exploration permits has expanded significantly, encompassing nearly 200km² of land. Within this vast area, we have identified numerous priority drill targets across each of our properties. These targets hold immense potential for exploration and discovery.
Enable
The Enable property is transected by a regional structural contact with an inferred extent of 5km, within the property, with proven mineralisation. Historical showings on the property include Perch Lake reporting 1.85ppm Au. FCM has validated that assay as well as several hundred metres away identified outcrop with assays up to 7ppm Au and 80ppm Ag. Further work, initially stripping is warranted.
McKellar
The ~12.5km² McKellar property only 25km from Marathon and adjacent to highway I17 contains a plethora of historic showings including gold, silver (Old Pic silver mine historical reports over 20oz Ag) a REE bearing diatreme and importantly a >400m mineralised trend, open along strike, containing >4% zinc (Zn) As well as associated anomalies in lead and copper. Previous work by Noranda postulated this anomalous structure was a potential VMS – volcanic massive sulphide.
Marc J. Sale, CEO of FCM commented:
“I am gratified and humbled that the relationship with the First Nations with whom we interact has been recognised in the granting of these Permits. Currently we now have six permits, along with three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an Exploration agreement signed with four separate First Nation groups. I would also like to extend my thanks to the staff of the Ontario Ministry of Mines for their diligent work in issuing the permits.
These permits will enable us to conduct focused exploration efforts, with the ultimate aim of further refining delineating drill targets and commencing drilling operations. The mutual respect and collaboration we have fostered with the First Nations is of utmost importance to us, and we are honoured to have made such significant progress across the majority of our portfolio.”
Other currently active Permits include:
- Sunbeam (two Permits), gold focus. Stripping and channel sampling completed across thee zones of interest, results still outstanding for the Sunbeam & Pettigrew areas.
- Zigzag, hard rock lithium/critical metals. Channel sampling results pending
- Esa, predominately gold. Extensive soil sampling campaign across the 4.5km shear pending.
- North Hemlo, gold base / battery metals. Exploration plan for stripping on the Dead Otter Trend in progress.
For further information, please contact:
| James Knowles, Executive Chairman | JamesK@Firstclassmetalsplc.com | 07488 362641 |
| Marc J Sale, CEO | MarcS@Firstclassmetalsplc.com | 07711 093532 |
| Ayub Bodi, Executive Director | AyubB@Firstclassmetalsplc.com | 07860 598086 |
First Equity Limited
(Financial Adviser & Broker)
| Jonathan Brown | 0207 3742212 | |
| Jason Robertson | 0207 3742212 |
First Class Metals PLC – Background
First Class Metals is focussed on exploration in Ontario, Canada which is considered a top global destination forexploration with a robust and thriving junior mineral exploration sector. Specifically, the Hemlo ‘camp’ is a proven worldclass address for gold /VMS exploration. This geological terrane has significant production, both base / precious metals anda prolific number of exploration projects and numerous prospector’s ‘showings’.
Quoted Micro 20 November 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Marula Mining (MARU) has completed the phase 1 drilling programme at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine. The 21 holes were finished ahead of schedule and assay results are awaited. Phase 2 drilling has started and 15 out of 21 holes have been completed. Financial forecasts for the planned open pit hard rock mining plan.
Valereum (VLRM) says that the Gibraltar Stock Exchange is surrendering its licence and closing its markets. Valereum still wants to acquire the Gibraltar Stock Exchange and holds a fixed charge over a 50% stake. The plan would be to apply for a new licence. Alan Gravitz has left the board.
Ananda Developments (ANA) subsidiary MRX Medical has signed a drug supply agreement with the University of Edinburgh and the Lothian Health Board. The MRX1 cannabidiol oil formulation will be used in a trial for the treatment of chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain.
Gunsynd (GUN) has paid the first tranche of £250,000 for a farm-in agreement with Metals One. Gunsynd will hold Finnaust Mining Northern. Gunsynd has sold 1.24 million shares in Charger Metals for £257,000. It retains 1.3 million shares.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has already spent some of the money raised at the beginning of November to acquire 171 bitcoin miners in North America. The plan is to buy a total of 250 bitcoin miners. Vinanz currently holds 9.1 bitcoin.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says its subsidiary has issued a request for consultations and negotiations to the Mexican government concerning the possible revocation of the mining concessions for the Sonora lithium project. These concessions are held by joint venture companies, where Cadence Minerals has 30% stakes.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) has converted its £450,000 investment in Universal Quantum in exchange for 84 million shares at 5319.47p each. A one-for-1,000 share split will happen after the share issue. This means that the subsequent 84,000 shares will be 0.51% of buildable quantum computers developer Universal Quantum.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says initial mineralised results from the first half of the Cottesloe project in Western Australia. The company expects full results during next January.
Oberon Investments (OBE) has switched from the Access to Apex segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) has adjusted its NAV figure for the end of June 2023. It has been reduced from 1.184p/share to 1.121p/share.
Wheelsure Holdings has received potential financing and acquisition approaches, but nothing has been finalised and it is running short of cash. The shares have been suspended and the quotation cancelled on 15 November. Talks continue.
Tunch Kashif reduced his stake in ChallengerX (CXS) from 21.6% to 17.9%. Mark Horrocks has increased his shareholding in Lift Global Ventures (LFT) from 13.3% to 14.99%.
AIM
Hotel Chocolat (HOTC) is recommending a 375p/share bid from Mars, which values the chocolate company at £534m. Mars is keen to help Hotel Chocolat expand into new regions. The track record of the current management when it comes to international expansion has been mixed and it will help to have a larger company with greater resources backing the expansion. Shareholders can accept an alternative offer of one rollover share in the bid vehicle for each share. The value of these shares will be dependent on the performance of the business, and this would be taking a risk.
Verici Dx (VRCI) has entered into an exclusive licence agreement with Thermo Fisher for its pre-transplant prognostics. This will generate staged payments of $5m over the next 12 months, plus future royalties of per test. That means that Verici Dx will have enough cash until the end of 2024. Thermo Fisher has the commercial expertise to roll out the technology and it will further develop the product.
City Pub Group (CPC) is also the subject of an agreed bid. Young & Co’s Brewery (LON: YNGA) is offering 108.75p in cash and 0.032658 of an A share for each City Pub Group share, valuing it at 145p/share or £162m. The share price jumped 52.5% to 136.5p. Young’s has been seeking to grow its managed pubs business and believes it is rare to have the opportunity to acquire such an attractive portfolio of pubs. The deal will increase the number of pubs owned by 50 to 279. A significant amount of City Pub Group’s central overheads of £5.6m could be saved by the combined group and there could be other savings. Young’s shares rose 1.86% to 1095p.
AMTE Power (AMTE) has secured a short-term financing. The battery technology developer will receive £2.5m from a subscription by Pinnacle International Venture Capital at 1.7p/share and it is also providing a £200,000 convertible loan facility. A placing will raise a further £400,000 at 0.5p/share. A general meeting is required to approve the subscription.
Jarvis Securities (JIM) has confirmed it is not paying a fourth quarter dividend. The FCA is planning a further review into the company’s operations, including the approach to uninvested cash and interest retention. This report has to be delivered by the end of February 2024.The voluntary restrictions on the business are continuing and another review is required before they can be lifted. The reviews have cost more than £1.3m this year.
AFC Energy (AFC) is purchasing Octopus Hydrogen’s UK mobile hydrogen storage and distribution assets. These assets can be used to provide a hydrogen fuelling service for H-Power generator units rented by new partner Speedy Hydrogen Solutions and other future users of hydrogen powered equipment.
Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL) has secured a new sales contract with a European medicinal cannabis company that could generate up to £26m over a three-year period. The first delivery will be in the second half of 2024. The cannabis grower and drug developer will supply pharmaceutical-grade cannabis. There are other interested buyers.
Autonomous vehicles developer Aurrigo International (AURR) has launched a placing to raise at least £3.5m at 100p/share and there will also be a retail offer at the same price. Coventry-based Aurrigo International won the best newcomer title at the 2023 AIM awards, having floated AIM on 15 September 2022 at 48p/share. Aurrigo International had cash of £2.8m at the end of June 2023 after a £1.9m outflow from operations in the first half. There will be £1.5m spent on customer roll out and £400,000 for additional staff.
Chain and transmission equipment Renold (RNO) reported strong interims with revenues 8% ahead at £125.3m and pre-tax profit 55% higher at £11.3m. The revenues and margins of the transmission business have jumped as the new MoD contract builds up. The chain division also grew revenues and margins. Order intake has slowed, but that is at least partly down to there being more confidence in the supply chain.
Freight and parcel delivery company DX (DX.) is recommending a 47.5p/share bid from HIG European Capital Partners, which values the company at £315m. The shares have gone ex-dividend, and the final dividend of 1p/share will be paid on 7 December. That reduced the level of the bid.
DP Poland (DPP) says third quarter like-for-like sales in Poland were 14.1% higher and they were 34.8% ahead in October. The Croatian business is growing even faster. Singer believes the pizza retailer could move into profit in 2024.
Initial results from drilling at the Wedding Bell and Radium Mountain owned by Thor Energy (THR) confirm the potential of the US uranium projects. More than 50% of the 25-hole drill programme has been completed. The initial results come from downhole gamma logs and handheld pXRF devices to determine anomalous levels of uranium and these will be sent to laboratories for final analysis.
Blue Star Capital (BLU) investee company SatoshiPay has appointed Benchmark International to value the business and seek potential acquirers. Blue Star Capital owns 27.9% of SatoshiPay.
Saietta Group (SED) says that its 49.5% owned Indian joint venture has secured an order for complete eDrives from its main client for a second of its light commercial vehicles. The initial order is worth £106,000 over three months and the first full year of production could generate £12.7m. This is the first significant order for the new radial flux technology.
MAIN MARKET
Data integrity and banking integration software provider Gresham Technologies (GHT) is losing business with ANZ its biggest customer. The company will no longer provide sub-contracting services, but ANZ will still use its Clareti software. This was lower margin work, and the focus is on software.
J Smart (Contractors) (SMJ) reported a higher loss on contracting and did not have any disposal gains in its investment activities. That meant that pre-tax profit fell £8/19m to £105,000. There was an operating loss offset by interest income. A 2.27p/share dividend is payable on 29 January.
Andrew Hore
#POLB Poolbeg Pharma PLC – POLB 001 LPS Trial Data to be Presented at IUIS
16 November 2023 – Poolbeg Pharma (AIM: POLB, OTCQB: POLBF, ‘Poolbeg’ or the ‘Company’), a biopharmaceutical company focussed on the development and commercialisation of innovative medicines targeting diseases with a high unmet medical need, announces that an abstract highlighting the potential of POLB 001 as a groundbreaking therapy has been accepted for presentation at the 18th International Congress of Immunology (‘IUIS’), to be held 27 November – 2 December 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa.
IUIS is the world’s leading conference in the field of immunology and attracts immunologists from universities, healthcare providers, independent research organisations and industry leaders. It serves as a premier platform for the exchange of the latest cutting-edge discoveries and advancements in immunological research.
The poster presentation will discuss POLB 001’s positive LPS human challenge trial results. POLB 001 is a potential treatment of severe influenza and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) associated with cancer immunotherapies. CRS is a severe inflammatory response, which may be encountered as a side effect of some therapies, manifesting a range of symptoms that can rapidly progress to a severe life-threatening reaction. An effective therapy for CRS could unlock the benefits of cancer immunotherapies, benefiting patients and healthcare systems alike.
Title: Inhibition of local and systemic inflammatory responses by POLB 001, a novel p38 MAPK inhibitor, following in vivo LPS administration in healthy volunteers
Session Date: 1 December 2023
Presentation Time: 12pm – 1pm SAST
Location: Hall 2
Presenter: Digna de Bruin, The Centre for Human Drug Research
If you would like to meet with Poolbeg Pharma, get in touch at partnering@poolbegpharma.com
Jeremy Skillington, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Poolbeg Pharma, said: “The acceptance of this abstract at the upcoming IUIS conference underscores the potential of POLB 001 as a groundbreaking therapy. Severe influenza and Cytokine Release Syndrome associated with cancer immunotherapies are significant problems and an effective drug that can address these issues would have a significant impact on global health.”
– Ends –
Enquiries
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Poolbeg Pharma Plc Jeremy Skillington, CEO Ian O’Connell, CFO
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+44 (0) 207 183 1499 |
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Cavendish Capital Markets Ltd (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker) Geoff Nash, Charlie Beeson, Nigel Birks, Harriet Ward (ECM)
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+44 (0) 207 220 0500 |
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Singer Capital Markets (Joint Broker) Phil Davies, Sam Butcher
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+44 (0) 207 496 3000 |
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J&E Davy (Joint Broker) Anthony Farrell, Niall Gilchrist
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+353 (0) 1 679 6363 |
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Optimum Strategic Communications Nick Bastin, Hana Malik, Vici Rabbetts
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+44 (0) 208 078 4357 |
About Poolbeg Pharma
Poolbeg Pharma plc is focussed on the development and commercialisation of innovative medicines targeting diseases with a high unmet medical need. Its model focusses upon developing its exciting clinical assets and commercialising approved and marketed drugs to fund the development of its robust pipeline of innovative products, thereby driving significant value creation.
Poolbeg is led by an experienced leadership team with a history of delivering significant shareholder value. The team and Board have been augmented with strong commercialisation expertise following the appointment of three former members of the Amryt Pharma plc leadership team, with the intention of repeating Amryt’s success and generating near term revenues.
Poolbeg’s clinical programmes target large addressable markets across cancer immunotherapies, infectious disease, and oral GLP-1 agonists for obesity and other metabolic conditions. It uses a cost-effective development philosophy to generate high quality human data to support partnering and further development. Its AI-led infectious disease programmes analyse unique data from human challenge trials to identify clinically relevant drug targets and treatments, leading to faster development and greater commercial appeal.
For more information, please go to www.poolbegpharma.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn @PoolbegPharma.
Quoted Micro 23 October 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Healthy snack foods supplier S-Ventures (SVEN) plans to raise at least £2.5m to pay deferred consideration and provide working capital. The fundraising has been announced ahead of time so that more investors can become involved. In the year to September 2023, gross revenues improved from £8.6m to £16.9m, while net debt is £6.8m. The main growth came from an initial contribution by gluten-free products company Juvela and technology platform Market Rocket. S-Ventures was loss making and the level is likely to depend on impairment charges.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) continues to benefit from higher interest rates. Customer deposits grew 7% to £3.5bn, while wealth management assets under management increased from £1.38bn to £1.43bn. The new London office at 20 Finsbury Circus has increased space by 45% to 75,000 square feet. This will increase annual costs by £5m and there will be dual costs until October 2024 when the existing office lease expires.
Technology marketing business Inteliqo Ltd (IQO) generated initial revenues of $558,000 in the year to September 2023 and it moved from a loss of $428,000 to a pre-tax profit of $185,000. There is $384,000 in the bank, after a cash inflow of $195,000. Inteliqo should continue to be profitable this year as it builds up sales of smart translation Ipedia earbuds and the Langaroo language app.
Aquis Exchange (AQX) chief executive Alasdair Haynes bought 10,000 shares at 325p each, while non-exec chairman Glenn Collinson acquired 7,500 shares at 326.5p.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director George Barnes bought 1,000 shares at 800p each. Premier Miton has taken a 5.05% stake in Global Connectivity (GCON). Oberon Investments (OBE) chief executive Simon McGivern has sold 11.6 million shares and Joanna McGivern sold 650,000 shares at 3.6p each. Chairman Mike Cuthbert bought 140,000 shares at 3.6p each and finance director Galin Ganchev acquired an initial 138,888 shares at 3.6p/share. Simon McGivern still has a 6.78% stake. Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director George Barnes bought 1,000 shares at 800p each. Premier Miton has taken a 5.05% stake in Global Connectivity (GCON). Andrew Offit has increased his stake in AQRU (AQRU) from 4.77% to 11.9%.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has appointed Tennyson Securities as its broker.
AIM
Shoe Zone (SHOE) has sparked another upgrade with its latest trading statement. The shoe retailer’s sales were slightly ahead of expectations and pre-tax profit will be at least £16m, which is 19% higher than forecast. Lower freight rates improved margins. The dividend estimate has been raised from 9p/share to 10.5p/share on the back of the profit growth. Zeus has increased its 2023-24 pre-tax profit forecast from £12.5m to £15.2m. To put this in perspective, one year ago Zeus forecast a 2022-23 pre-tax profit of £8.5m, not much more than 50% of the outcome. It would be wrong to expect similar upgrades this year, but it indicates that forecasts are generally conservative.
Gama Aviation (GMAA) is selling its Jet East business for $131m. Adjusting for debt and transaction costs the net amount is $100m, which is equivalent to 125p/share. That could allow a 55p/share dividend. The rest of the cash can be reinvested in the remaining aviation services businesses. Gama Aviation recently won air ambulance and offshore helicopter contracts.
CoStar Group Inc is bidding 110p/share for On The Market (OTMP), which values the property listings company at £99m. The February 2018 placing price was 165p. CoStar Group Inc says that On The Market provides a good entry point to the UK residential property market. The purchaser owns US-based Homes.com.
Litigation finance provider Manolete Partners (MANO) is benefiting from the UK government removing Covid-era protections against insolvency. In the six months to September 2023, the number of case investments jumped from 83 to 146. Bounce back loan cases separately increased from 83 to 179.
Craven House Capital (CRV) investee companies Garimon and Honeydog – it has 29.9% of each company – are planning to reverse into the Amigo Holdings shell on the Main Market. These are music streaming and digital publishing businesses.
eDrive systems developer Saietta (SED) shares returned from suspension on Thursday afternoon after it published results to the year to March 2023. There were problems with the accounting for the new agreements with Consolidated Metco Inc, which included an upfront payment of €3.3m and an inventory write-down of £2.1m. Revenues from continuing operations more than doubled to £4.8m, but the group loss was higher. Orders are in place to build up revenues. There was cash of £7.2m left at the end of March 2023, but by September this was down to £400,000. More cash will be required to finance the delivery of orders.
Fashion retailer Sosandar (SOS) has decided to reduce promotional and discounting activity on its website and open retail stores. There will be four shops by next spring. This will hold back short-term revenues but could accelerate progress in 2026-27. Singer has cut its full year revenues forecast by 19% to £46.8m. This means that having made a profit last year, this year Sosandar will be back to breakeven, and it will take two years to beat the £1.6m profit made last year.
Revolution Bars Group (RBG) reported full year figures broadly in line with expectations. The Peach Pubs business is trading well with like-for-like sales 14% ahead, but the Revolution bars have been hit be train strikes. Cavendish retained its flat 2023-24 pre-tax loss forecast of £2m, even though trading has been tough.
WH Ireland has produced its updated research for metallurgical coal producer Bens Creek Group (BEN) suggesting a move into profit this year. This year’s pre-tax profit forecast is slashed from £108m to £7.2m, with the following year’s estimate reduced from £96.2m to £33.4m. This is a scenario rather than a proper forecast. A 3.6 cents/share (3p) dividend is possible in 2024-25.
Cirata (CRTA), formerly known as WANdisco, is trading in line with expectations with bookings of $1.7m in the latest quarter. They are expected to be higher in the fourth quarter and the software company’s management is confident that the prospects are genuine. Cash should be at least $16m at the year end and Cirata could be cash breakeven in 2024.
R&Q Insurance Holdings (RQIH) is selling its program management business, and this should generate $300m of net proceeds. This will be used to pay down debt. The group chief executive and finance director will leave with the disposal.
ECR Minerals (ECR) has terminated its option to acquire the Hurricane project, following the changes in the board. Management does not believe the potential of the project warrants the acquisition cost.
Karelian Diamond Resources (KDR) is raising £250,000 at 2.5p/share and the cash will be used for exploration for nickel, copper, platinum group metals in Northern Ireland and diamonds in Finland. Peterhouse has been appointed as broker.
MAIN MARKET
Cadmium-free quantum dots developer Nanoco (NANO) has concluded its litigation with Samsung, and it has funds to move towards commercial production. The net litigation proceeds are $90m. The second tranche will be received next February. There are plans to return £33m-£40m (10p-12p/share) to shareholders after this. Contract terms are under discussion for the first commercial order, and they should conclude by the end of 2023. In the year to July 2023, revenues jumped from £2.5m to £5.6m with the main growth coming from recognising licence fees related to the Samsung litigation.
Apax Partners is bidding 110p/share for Kin & Carta (KCT), which is a 41% increase on the pre-bid share price. The share price has not been this high since March, but the bid is less than 50% of the 2023 high ahead of the February profit warning. The bid values Kin & Carta at £203m.
Online travel agency Hostelworld (HSW) increased full year guidance in its third quarter trading statement. Nine months revenues are 38% ahead at Euro75.2m. The EBITDA guidance range has been raised from Euro16.5m-Euro17m to Euro17.5m-Euro18m, up from Euro1.3m last year.
Property investor Town Centre Securities (TOWN) announced net tangible assets falling by 15% to 284p in the year to June 2023. It outperformed the benchmark property index. The greatest value declines in the portfolio related to car parks and offices. The loan-to-value has declined to 45.8% following disposals. The total dividend for the year is 5p/share.
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) says revenues fell 4% to £26.3m in the first half. This was helped by a good summer performance, but trading has been tougher in September and October.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 2 October 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) grew annual revenues by 10% to £166.3m, while underlying pre-tax profit was 4% ahead £7.6m. The full year dividend has been increased from 18.5p/share to 20p/share. NAV is 1205p/share. Like-for-like owned pub sales were 13% higher. Drink sales were particularly strong with food sales more modestly ahead. Within the M25 the growth is even higher at 31%. Tenanted pubs like-for-like income grew a more modest 4%. Brewing volumes fell and this decline has accelerated in the early weeks of the new financial year.
Global Connectivity (GCON) still owns 15% of Rural Broadband Solutions. There was £33,000 in the bank at the end of June 2023 and the repayment of an intercompany loan should bring in £550,000 over the next 18 months. Running costs have been reduced by more than one-third. Investments will be sought for the holding company.
EDX Medical (EDX) is acquiring Hutano Diagnostics for an initial 9.09 million shares at 11p each. This will increase the number of diagnostic tests that can be offered by the group. The tests are better than their lateral flow equivalents.
Chapel Down (CDGP) increased interim revenues by 21% to £8.4m and the momentum has continued. Net cash was £1.2m at the end of June 2023. A good grape harvest is expected. Full year revenues are expected to rise from £15.6m to £18m, but pre-tax profit would be flat at £1.7m. Management is considering a move to AIM. NAV is 60p/share.
Music artist representation and services company All Things Considered (ATC) increased underlying revenues by two-fifths to £3.39m. The main growth came from the management and live events businesses. The underlying loss was slightly lower at £700,000. The figures exclude one-off services revenues in 2022. Net cash was £890,000 at the end of June 2023. Since then, £4.18m was raised to fund the purchase of 60% of Sandbag, which added additional clients.
St Mark Homes (SMAP) increased its interim loss from £171,000 to £1.2m, mainly due to a large loss at a joint venture. The housebuilder has been hit by supply delays and inflation. Subcontractor insolvency has further delayed projects in London.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 51.12p/share at the end of June 2023, but this fell to 42.5p/share at the end of August.
Bitcoin miner Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has increased its bitcoin holding from 5.01 BTC to 7.84 BTC since flotation in April.
Vanadium flow batteries supplier Invinity Energy Systems (IES) reported a higher than forecast interim loss as gross margins fell. The full year forecast loss has been increased to £27.4m. An order from the US Department of the Environment is for six installations totalling 84MWh, but the installation will not be until 2025. Cash is flowing out of the business and more may need to be raised next year.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) is appointing administrators to its Triple Two coffee shop franchise business. There are currently eleven stores, which are trading poorly. The Esquires chain is trading well.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) had cash of £428,000 at the end of June 2023. Since then, £1.42m was raised at 2.4p/share. Further results from the drill programme will be released in the second half.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) reduced its interim loss from £5m to £2m. There was £577,000 in the bank at the end of June 2023.
Gowin New Energy (GWIN) still has no revenues and the interim loss increased. A director has loaned £15,000 to the company.
Marula Mining (MARU) has agreed to acquire a 75% stake in ten graphite licences in Tanzania. Net debt was £3m at the end of June 2023.
Coinsilium (COIN) group revenues fell by nearly three-fifths, but the loss reduced from £1.2m to £104,000. There is £1.07m of crypto assets and cash of £608,000.
Guanajuato Silver (GSVR) revealed an upgraded mineral resource estimate for the San Ignacio mine. The estimate is 790,000 tonnes at 123g/tonne silver and 2.1g/tonne gold. The silver equivalent of estimated resources is increased by 35%.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has secured a Eurasian patent for a range of formulisations of its emulsifiers. Lord Nicholas Fairfax acquired 28,000 shares at 20.44p each.
NFT Investment (NFT) had net assets of 3.04p/share at the end of September 2023. That includes £400,000 of cash, £3.9m of investments and £26.3m of cryptocurrency and tokens.
Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) had net assets of 89p/share at the end of March 2023. The value of investment property fell by 9%.
Equipmake (EQIP) has been awarded a £1.75m contract by Big Bus Tours to repower its fleet of London buses using its zero emission drivetrain system.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) improved interim revenues from £302,000 to £552,000, while the loss doubled to £512,000. There was £1.95m in the bank at the end of June 2023.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) has opened a European office in Copenhagen. Denmark is major player in quantum technology and will provide more opportunities for investment. The company has also been awarded a six month advisory contract to examine private investment in quantum technology by the UK Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.
Looking Glass Labs (NFTX) is consolidating 75 shares into one new share.
AIM
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) grew interim revenues by 17% to £66.6m in a declining market. However, the cost of increasing capacity meant that the profit was lower. The focus is organic growth and there is warehouse capacity in place to achieve the company’s annual revenues target of £200m. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to slip from £2.6m to £2.5m before recovering to £3.5m next year.
Cannabis-based ingredients and medicines developer Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL) says that it will start supplying its two major customers before the end of the year. It also hopes to sign up a partner to finance the trial of a cannabis-based alternative to opiates. The LVL pain relief trial will cover up to 5,000 patients and could take up to three years, although it should not be that long. Canaccord Genuity expects the trial to last 12-18 months from its launch, which could be in the first half of next year. The interim cash out flow from operating activities was £3m. Cash was £1.6m at the end of June 2023.
In the year to June 2023, Transense Technologies (TRT) revenues were one-third higher at £3.5m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £268,000 to £1.09m. This indicates the operational gearing of the business. All three parts of the business increased revenues with the iTrack tyre pressure sensors still generating the most revenues. The profit was achieved after a £662,000 operating loss, down from £821,000, by SAWSense, which is still developing products and partnerships with potential customers. Net cash declined from £1.06m to £978,000 by the end of June 2023. That was due to share buy backs and these are going to continue as an alternative to dividends.
PCI-Pal (PCIP) has defeated the UK patent infringement suit brought by Sycurio. The UK High Court ruled that Sycrio’s patent was invalid and PCI-Pal’s Agent Assist product would not infringe the patent if it were valid. The US case is continuing. This will help to reassure investors who have been cautious about the secure payments company because of the legal uncertainty. The company is on course to move into profit in the year to June 2024.
In-game advertising platform Bidstack (BIDS) have licenced technology to a new company called VST, so that it can raise cash for its funding requirements. Bidstack chief executive James Draper and executive director Lisa Hau have set up VST, which is paying Bidstack a licence fee of £1.5m for the provision of technology for worldwide use for sports leagues and teams in virtual stadiums. Camila Franklin has stepped down from the Bidstack board after 12 months. Bidstack had £2.08m in cash at the end of June 2023. Revenues will fall short of expectations this year.
MS International (MSI) has won a contract with the US Navy through its US-based subsidiary. The $23.5m contract is for the supply of Mk38 MOD4 gun mounts, which will be delivered by the end of 2024. This follows another longer-term US Navy contract announced at the beginning of September.
Cameroon-focused oil and gas company Bowleven (BLVN) is still awaiting completion of the sale of a 37.5% interest in the Etinde project by New Age. Regulatory approval is required, and it is uncertain if the deal will go ahead and this means greater uncertainty for Bowleven, which has an interest in the project. Bowleven has $1.25m in cash and will need to raise more by the first quarter of 2024.
Bradda Head (BHL) has updated its mineral resource estimated for the Basin sedimentary lithium project in Arizona. It has been raised by 192% to total contained lithium carbonate equivalent of 1,085kt. The grade has increased by 30% to 990ppm. This triggers a $2.5m royalty payment from Lithium Royalty Corp.
ZOO Digital (ZOO) has been hit by industrial action in the film and TV sector and changing spending patterns by clients. This means that 2023-24 revenues are likely to more than halve to $44m and the loss could be $13.8m. Net cash would reduce to $8m. Cost reductions should help the company to move back to profit next year.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) has secured $20m of debt and it is raising $6.1m from a share issue with up to $1.4m to come from a REX retail offer. The shares are being issued at 8p each and the offer closes on 4 October. Accrufer prescriptions numbers are growing, but it will take until late 2024 at the earliest for the company to reach cash breakeven. Monthly cash burn is currently $3.3m.
Although restaurants operator Tasty (TAST) improved like-for-like revenues by 1.4%, cost inflation meant that the pre-tax loss increased from £2.66m to £6.24m. There was also the loss of Covid relief and the provision for poorly performing sites was £4m, compared with £1.6m last time. This led to a cash outflow and net cash reducing to £2.8m.
A strong performance in Brazil offset delayed demand in the US for Plant Health Care (PHC) with interim revenues 1% ahead. Management believes that US demand will recover in the second half. A small loss is expected for 2023, based on a stronger second half, and Cavendish still expects a move into profit in 2024.
Inland Homes (INL) has been placed in administration with FRP Advisory.
MAIN MARKET
There is a bid battle for motor dealer Pendragon (PDG) and the latest entrant into the field is AutoNation Inc, which is offering 32p/share. It appears that the deal to sell the core motor business to North American automotive retailer Lithia Motors for £250m and concentrate on the software business may need to be improved if it is to go ahead. Management is considering the AutoNation Inc offer, as well as a revised offer of 32p/share from Hedin Mobility and PAG International – the original offer of 28p/shares was rejected.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 September 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) reported interims showing growth in all four divisions of the group and the Aquis Stock Exchange remains profitable. Group revenues improved from £7.85m to £9.34m, while pre-tax profit rose from £699,000 to £1.15m. Net cash is £13.9m.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) says trading improved in the second quarter and cost savings started to kick in. This partly offset the decline in revenues in the first quarter, but the interim revenues were still slightly lower at £30m. Operating costs and interest charges increased, and the loss trebled to £3.13m. Adnams is taking on new customers, but the average order size has reduced. Trading conditions are uncertain, but the new customer sand listings will help to boost the second half.
Africa-focused battery metals company Marula Mining (MARU) is considering moving to the standard list as an alternative to AIM. Management believes that this would not add any additional time to the process, and it believes that the proposed investment by Q Global Commodities will make Marula Mining large enough to be eligible for the standard list. It is also planning listings on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Warrants exercised at 4p/share raised £50,000. A shipment of 27.5 tonne high-grade material processed from stockpiles at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa has been delayed. The offtake agreement with Southern Jade Resources has been terminated and an alternative agreement is being finalised. Additional drilling at Blesberg is progressing and initial assay results should be published in late October.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has executed a binding letter of intent with Sproutly Canada Inc, who will acquire the assets of the cannabis-based drug discovery company. After completion of due diligence, the assets will be acquired in return for shares equivalent to 49% of Sproutly. The effective valuation is C$7m (£4.2m). Sproutly has to go through audits and other regulatory requirements to become active and trading on the Canadian Stock Exchange.
Fuel additives SulNOx Group (SNOX) says it requires new equity investment from existing and new investors in order to achieve faster and sustainable revenue growth. There would additional industry hires for the board and sales personnel. There will also be increases in stock levels and new products will be developed. The board is seeking shareholder authority to issue new shares. Mohanned Nawaz Haq does not agree with the new strategy and the board recommends voting against his appointment at the AGM on 26 September.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) improved interim turnover by 3% to £8.03m, but the company fell into loss because gross margins slumped. The nursery increased its contribution, but there were lower attendances at races. An event in July had the highest attendance for four years. Next year will get the full benefits of the media rights deal.
Broker and wealth management company Oberon Investments (OBE) has raised £2.5m via a placing at 3.6p/share and a retail offer could raise a further £500,000. The share price dipped 2.78% to 3.5p. The cash will fund expansion, including the recruitment of revenue generating teams. The Winterflood Retail Access Platform offer has a minimum subscription of £50. Investors can apply for shares via their broker or intermediary and the closing date is 4.30pm on 25 September.
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) has been given an extension of the time to deliver its defence to the legal action by Lush and VSA resigning as corporate adviser and being replaced by Peterhouse. Lush is refusing to recognise the transfer of a 20% stake to Silverwood Brands. VSA Capital (VSA) owns 0.88% of Silverwood Brands and says that the share price slump will hit its interim results to September 2023. It will make the loss larger than expected.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) increased net assets by 1% to £34.4m at the end of April 2023. Disposals meant that full year revenues fell 2.5% to £5.56m. There is £6.23m in cash available for investment. No final dividend is declared, partly due to the lack of distributable reserves.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company Evergreen Lithium has completed the final analysis of its EXOSPHERE BY FLEET Ambient Noise Tomography geophysics survey at Bynoe. Nine pegmatite targets have been identified. Approvals are required for drilling.
Watchstone Group (WTG) had net assets of £7.6m at the end of June 2023, including cash of £8.3m. By 19 September, cash had fallen to £7.6m. The claim against PwC was dismissed by the High Court and Watchstone had to settle legal costs. Canadian legal action continues.
Helium Ventures (HEV) has raised £250,000 at 4p/share. There are plans to move to AIM rather than the standard list, while maintaining the Aquis quotation. It hopes to do this by the end of this year. The potential acquisition of tracking technology company Trackimo is progressing, and Mark Notton has been appointed as its chief executive.
MBH Corporation (M8H) has acquired caravan and motorhome retailers Lincoln Leisure Vehicles and Golden Castle Caravans for an initial £400,000 in cash and £2.58m in loan notes. There will also be share issues totalling £2.24m over the next two years. The companies made an operating profit of £660,000 last year. These businesses will be integrated with the existing caravan and motorhomes operations.
Pharma C investments (PCIL) says that the general meeting scheduled for 27 September will not go ahead because the requisition has been withdrawn. The proposals were to remove Gavin Hilary Sathianathan and appoint Paul Ryan and Noel Lyons to the board.
Medical device developer TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has appointed Victoria Sena and Samuel Ogunsalu to the board. The company is not appealing the disciplinary notice from the Aquis Stock Exchange and the new appointments will improve corporate governance.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) says that the SuperSeed II LP has sold Garvis, a SaaS company offering language model technology and AI-native demand forecasting. The original investment was in September last year. There was a triple digit IRR on the investment.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) subsidiary Miriad has been appointed as corporate communications agency to Imperial Diagnostix Laboratories, which plans to float next year. Imperial Diagnostix Laboratories provides point of care testing products and has been granted access to the NHS supply chain.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says drilling has started at the Red Setter project in Western Australia. Initial targets are at a shallow depth and the company is seeking broad spreads of mineralisation. Drilling at the Cottesloe prospect reinforces previous findings. Additional drilling will be 50% funded by the Western Australian government’s EIS scheme up to a total of A$220,000.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) says that Canadian company Elemental Energy has commenced operation of the company’s 8.4MWh Invinity VS3 vanadium flow battery. This is the largest operation so far.
Majestic Corporation (MCJ) reported flat revenues of $13m, while pre-tax profit dipped from $980,000 to $862,000. There was $680,000 generated from operating activities. The metals recycler has $1m in the bank. Rising interest rates have had a negative impact on commodity prices.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) directors and the managing partner of EPIC Investment Partners bought a total of 16,837 shares at 160p each.
Kasei Holdings (KASH) has switched its corporate adviser to VSA.
AIM
International retailer Mothercare (LON: MTC) reported a decline in full year revenues from £82.5m to £73.1m. A fall in admin expenses and interest costs, partly offset this decline, but underlying pre-tax profit still slumped from £8m to £3.4m before restructuring costs. The lack of contribution from Russia was a factor in the lower revenues – this is part of the Alshaya franchise area. Middle East demand remains subdued since Covid. Net debt rose from £9.9m to £12.4m. The loan facility is being renegotiated. The current interest rate is 19.2%. Since the year end, a reduction in pension contributions has been agreed. In the ten years to March 2033 the total contributions will be £34.9m, down from £73.7m in the previous ten years. The revaluation of the pension fund shows a deficit of £35m.
Finsbury Food (FIF) is recommending a 110p/share bid by a company backed by DBAY Advisors valuing the cake maker at £143.4m. There is a non-voting share alternative to the cash bid for eligible investors. The bid is less than ten times prospective earnings. The share price has not been at this level since early 2019.
Renewable electricity supplier Good Energy (GOOD) had a strong first half due to higher tariffs and lower supply costs, but the second half will be tougher. Interim revenues were 46% ahead at £156.1m and the company swung from a loss to a pre-tax profit of £13.1m. The energy services business is losing money as it is being built up. The interim dividend has been raised by one-third to 1p/share. Tariff reductions are happening ahead of falls in supply costs for the company and that will lead to a second half loss, but Good Energy will still be profitable for the full year.
Orcadian Energy (ORCA) announced that it has entered non-binding heads of agreement with a North Sea operator to farm out the Pilot project for a full carry until first oil. Orcadian Energy would retain a 18.75% working interest. The agreement includes the drilling of five subsea wells. Orcadian Energy will receive $100,000 when the agreement is completed, plus $100,000 if it is awarded an additional licence. Field development plan approval would trigger a payment of $3m.
Trading has deteriorated since August at replacement windows supplier Safestyle (SFE) and it is expected to lose £10m in 2023. Order levels are falling short of budget. Net debt could reach £6m at the end of 2023 – the credit facility is £7.5m. Management wants to strengthen the balance sheet.
Harvest Minerals (HMI) reported interims showing a near-doubled loss as demand for fertiliser fell and pricing was lower in the period. The second half sales are normally much greater than in the first half, but they continue to be disappointing. Low crop prices mean that farmers are not investing to boost production. Cash has declined and the company has moved into net debt of £1.4m, partly due to a jump in inventories.
Eqtec (EQT) announced that the Billingham waste-to-energy project is not going ahead. Potential customers have closed facilities and the project is behind schedule. So far, £4m has been invested. There is a possibility of getting some of this cash back. Eqtec is also taking legal action against its partner in the Deeside project, seeking repayment of £4m of loans. The focus is other European markets. Forecast 2023 revenues have been slashed by more than three-quarters.
Scancell (SCLP) reports that early data from the phase II SCOPE study of SCIB1 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors as a treatment for advanced melanoma are positive. Tumour reduction at 13 weeks is 31-94%. This is for a relatively small number of patients, but it does indicate that there is strong potential for the treatment. The second stage of the study has a strong probability of success. This data will be available in the first half of 2024. Potential partners are likely to be interested.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) raised £756,000 at 6.5p/share. This cash will be used to define identified pegmatite targets through a drilling campaign at the Atex lithium-tantalum project in Cote d’Ivoire. Firering Strategic Minerals holds 90% of the company that owns the Atex project. Firering Strategic Minerals also owns 75% of Bri Coltan, which owns the coltan rights for the Atex area. Coltan is composed of tantalum, niobium, iron and manganese. Nine target areas have been identified, including the six newer ones. The latest drilling is planned for the fourth quarter of 2023.
Alien Metals (UFO) says the latest drilling results from the 90% owned Hancock Iron Ore project in Western Australia indicate the potential for the project. There is high-grade mineralisation. The resource estimate will be upgraded.
Digital coupons and loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) reported organic growth of 29% last year. International revenues grew strongly as new retailers were added to the service and when they sign up retailers tend to stay with the company. This year, pre-tax profit could improve from £4.3m to £6.2m. The cash pile reached £9.3m at the end of June 2023.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) is bucking the trend of the consumer sector, where many other companies selling to the public are performing poorly. That is down to the fact that Warpaint London is in the value end of the cosmetics market. It is also adding retailers and benefiting from the international spread of the business. UK interim revenues were 28% ahead, while group revenues were 46% higher.
Structural steel supplier Billington (BILN) significantly improved margins in the first half and it still has a strong order book despite the contraction of the construction sector. This reflects the broad spread of projects being supplied. Revenues were 30% higher at £60.1m and pre-tax profit jumped from £1.3m to £4.59m.
There is not going to be a bid for Kinovo (KINO), which was not going to recommend the 56p/share offer and there was no increase tabled.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer Pendragon (PDG) plans to sell its entire core business to North American automotive retailer Lithia Motors for £250m. This would turn Pendragon into a software business and there could be a £240m payout to shareholders, equivalent to 16.5p/share. Lithia Motors would also subscribe £30m for 279.4 million shares and will roll out Pendragon’s Pinewood dealer management software to its existing 50 UK sites. However, there has been a bid approach for the whole company from Sweden-based Hedin Mobile and US transportation company PAG International. The initial 28p/share offer was turned down, but a higher bid of 32p/share is being considered.
First Tin (1SN) still has cash of £7.9m and that is enough to fund the DFS for the Taronga tin project in Australia. The cost of the project could be reduced by using solar power and more efficient processing. The mineral resource estimate has been increased by more than 240% to 133 million tonnes. The Tellerhauser project in Germany hopes to gain a mine permit in the third quarter of 2024.
Shipbroker Braemar (BMS) has reaffirmed that it will make an underlying pre-tax profit of at least £20m for the delayed results for the year to February 2023. The investigation into transactions between 2006 and 2013 is nearing completion. There may be adjustments to previous accounts.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 September 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
An update on the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil from Cadence Minerals (LON: KDNC) says permitting times for the mine and related logistics should be reduced to 12-16 months. An environmental control plan is required to obtain the permits. This will enable a funding decision for the project. Investee company Hastings Technology Metals has expanded its offtake agreement with thyssenkrupp Materials Trading, which will take two-thirds of production from the Yangibana rare earths project.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has converted an existing order from Taiwan to its next generation Mistral flow battery. This is a higher margin product targeted at large wind and solar applications. Management is securing additional production capacity with Taiwan partner Everdura.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) had net assets of 308p/share at the end of July 2023. Investee company Rayware’s sales have been hit by weak consumer demand. Pharmacy2U continues to grow. Two investments have been sold. Ther was cash of £16.3m at the end of July 2023.
Financial services company Eight Capital Partners (ECP) says its 2021 figures have been restated because of a change in the accounting treatment of the bonds. Non-cash transactions have been removed from the cash flow statement. The book value of the bonds has been changed to fair value and a modified loss recognised on loan liabilities. Net liabilities were £11.4m. The 2022 results show net assets of £25.3m after a debt conversion to equity. A partial reversal of previous fair value adjustments also helped.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) is providing a convertible loan of $50,000 and has a 12-month option to subscribe for $500,000 for shares in Silta at a pre-money valuation of $7.5m. This means that it could end up with 6.7% of Silta. Last year, Coinsilium entered into an early contribution agreement to buy $75,000 of SILTA tokens. Silta is developing an advanced AI platform for sustainable infrastructure financing.
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) is paying an interim dividend of 12p/share.
Rod Weinberg has reduced his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) from 6.35% to 2.49%. Macaulay Capital (MCAP) managing director David Horner has bought 200,000 shares at 22.5p each. Nigel Pope has taken a 3% stake in NFT Investments (NFT). Gathoni Muchai Investments has trimmed its stake in Marula Mining (MARU) from 12.2% to 11.26%. A warrants subscription at 4p each raised £30,500.
Black Sea Property (BSP) has raised €4.44m from a loan note issue, which is being used to pay for the recent acquisition of a majority stake in Grand Hotel Varna, which owns three hotels and a beach marina resort, plus a mutual fund portfolio. There is still €15.5m to pay.
AIM
Parcel delivery and logistics company DX (DX.) has received a bid approach from private equity firm HIG European Capital Partners. Gatemore Capital Management, which owns 16.8%, says it is willing to support the proposal of 48.5p/share. Management had rejected lower bids, but it would be minded to recommend this one. Due diligence will be required.
Online gaming firm Gaming Realms (GMR) reported interim revenues 35% higher at £11.5m and a 74% increase in pre-tax profit to £2.4m. The licensing business drove the growth. North American revenues increased by 47% and there are more states likely to ease restrictions on online gaming. Growth is coming from moving into new markets and adding new games. There are upfront costs to the expansion, holding back short-term profit. Net cash is expected to be £8m at the year end
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) increased interim revenues by 27% to $24.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from $2.6m to $4.7m. First half iodine production was 242Mt. Iofina commenced production at its IO#9 plant in Oklahoma at the end of the half year. This is the sixth plant in operation and will help boost second half production to 325-350Mt.
Contract research and infectious disease study services provider hVIVO (HVO) is moving into larger London premises in Canary Wharf. The latest interims have led to an upgrade of guidance for the full year and hVIVO intends to pay a nominal dividend for 2023. Interim revenues were £27.3m, up from £18m, and the full year outcome is expected to be £55.1m with most of the rest of the revenues already contracted.
Construction and property software supplier Eleco (ELCO) increased like-for-like interim revenues by 5% to £13.5m. More importantly, recurring revenues were 18% ahead at £9.7m. This indicates the success of the move to SaaS-based revenues which has held back progress in the short-term. Net cash could reach £10.8m by the end of 2023.
Mkango Resources (MKA) subsidiary HyProMag, which is a short loop rare earth magnet recycler, is participating in a grant funded project called RE-RE Wind, which is designed to provide a circular supply chain for rare earth magnets for wind turbines. The first generation of wind turbines are coming up to the end of their life and a decommissioning programme is required.
Payments services provider Cornerstone FS (CSFS) made a small maiden interim profit. The move into profit was earlier than expected. Interim revenues were 90% ahead at £3.6m and most of this is direct business rather than through third parties. The overheads were held down enabling more of the additional revenues to flow through to profit. Cash is being generated from operations.
Online gaming company B90 Holdings (B90) has raised £2m at 5.44491p/share. The cash will go towards funding acquisitions and further investment in existing assets. The company is also converting £4.73m of loan notes and interest into 86.8 million shares. Enwys, which acquires customers for online gaming companies, has been bought. There are more than 20 other acquisition targets.
Keystone Law (KEYS) is paying a special dividend of 12.5p/share on top of the interim of 5.8p/share. Underlying pre-tax profit was one-quarter ahead at £5.7m, while net cash was £11.3m at the end of July 2023. Interest from new principal lawyers is increasing and 25 offers were accepted in the first half. There is plenty of back office capacity for additional lawyers.
Communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) is taking time to secure new deals, but they should be on the horizon. The community diagnostic centres contract with the Queen Victoria Hospital has been delayed, but hopefully it should be secured by the end of the year. Feedback is still loss making, even though full year revenues were 74% ahead at £1.02m. The cash outflow, including capitalised development costs, was £3m and the £7.3m in the bank should last more than two years.
North Sea oil and gas producer IOG (IOG) has been told by the authorities that the Nailsworth P2342 and P130 licences are not going to be extended and this could have a negative commercial impact on the potential for the Elland licence. Bondholder discussions continue and the waiver lasts until 29 September. There was £14.5m in cash at the end of August, including £7.3m of restricted cash. There was stable production from Blythe H2, but the realised gas price was lower.
The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) has offset lower revenues from property sales by increasing lettings revenues. Overall interim revenues were 1% ahead at £13.2m. The higher tax rate meant that earnings slipped 2% to 13.8p/share despite an increased profit. The interim dividend was increased by 10% to 4.6p/share.
US-focused betting company Sportech (SPO) plans to leave AIM. It says the burden of time and money is too great. A circular will be sent out to gain shareholder approval at a general meeting.
Bushveld Minerals (BMN) has signed a binding term sheet for a potential $69.5m-$77.5m investment by Southern Point Resources. This includes the acquisition of 50% of Vanchem and 64% of the Mokopane project, plus a $12.5m investment in Bushveld Minerals. There will also be a working capital facility provided. Southern Point Resources will take over marketing and sales of vanadium and other products. The stake disposals will lead to a book loss of $59.6m.
Animal feed ingredients supplier Ocean Harvest Technologies (OHT) raised interim revenues by 43% to €1.8m and gross margins jumped to 36%. Investment in marketing and other aspects of the business meant that the loss was flat at €1.3m. These additional costs should help to generate further sales growth of its seaweed-based feed. Field trials could add up to €13m to annual revenues. However, delays in these trials mean that full year revenues have been downgraded from €4.3m to €3.4m. There should be net cash of €2.9m at the end of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
The FCA has approved the takeover of Lookers (LOOK) by Alpha Auto Group. The bid is 130p/share.
On The Beach (OTB) says its full year results will show record revenues and the holiday company says pre-tax profit will be at the top end of expectations. In the year to September 2022, revenues were £144.1m, which was slightly higher than the pre-Covid level of £140.4m, and underlying pre-tax profit was £14.1m. Consensus forecasts for 2022-23 were revenues of £179.5m and pre-tax profit of £22.6m. The guidance suggests that profit should be slightly higher than that. Even so, underlying pre-tax profit in 2017-18 was higher at £27.6m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 September 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Ormonde Mining (ORM) has switched from AIM to the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange. Ormonde Mining owns 36.2% of gold and copper explorer. TRU Precious Metals Corp and 20% of battery metals explorer Peak Nickel.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) increased revenues from £34,000 to £203,000 in 2022-23, while the loss was slightly lower at £1.91m. The net cash outflow was £1.2m. Note 3 of the accounts points out the financial position, but management believes that sales will come through to generate cash to fund the business after a reduction in costs. If not, a share issue will be the alternative way of obtaining the cash required. Stephen Bamford and Constantine Logothetis have increased their stakes to 8% and 22.5% respectively.
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) has appointed Investec as nominated adviser and joint broker alongside Canaccord Genuity. It replaces Liberum. The company, which is also quoted on AIM, will report interims on 21 September.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has issued £600,000 of convertibles at 100p each. Two existing shareholders have invested a total of £300,000 and Charles Morgan has converted £300,000 of debt. Unsecured debt will fall to £709,000 and Charles Morgan has agreed not to task for repayment until the end of January 2025. The interest rate is 15% and the conversion price is the lower of a 20% discount to the share price of the next capital raising of at least £1m of 0.4p/share, with a minimum of 0.2p/share. The loans will automatically be converted on 30 November 2025 or earlier.
Pharma C investments (PCIL) will hold the requisitioned general meeting on 27 September. The proposals are to remove Gavin Hilary Sathianathan and appoint Paul Ryan and Noel Lyons to the board.
Investment company Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has seven investments in its portfolio. The NAV dipped from £1.44m to £1.33m at the end of June 2023. There is £368,000.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has received the second tranche of the disposal proceeds of investee company The Homebuilding Centre, which provides homebuilding advice. Successful trading means that the second tranche is £108,000 rather than the expected £50,000.
Cannabis-based products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) improved revenues from £178,000 to £284,000. There was cash of £990,000.
AIM
Controlled environmental agriculture technology developer Light Science Technologies (LST) is acquiring Tomtech for £500,000 with an initial cash payment of £75,000. Tomtech, which supplies and installs monitoring and control systems for greenhouses, has £284,000 in cash and there could be additional cash payments if it is above £185,000 on completion. This deal is immediately earnings enhancing – Tomtech reported a pre-tax profit of £79,000 on revenues of £680,000. There is a complementary product range and cross selling opportunities to Tomtech’s 160 customers.
AMTE Power (AMTE) is raising £2.1m at 1.7p/share at 1.7p/share, plus an additional retail offer to raise £250,000. The share price slumped 78.4% to 2.05p. The battery technology developer is raising the cash to keep going until the proposed cash injection of £2.5m is completed. Due diligence by the potential investor could continue until the end of October and it believes that it can introduce potential offtake customers to AMTE.
Molecular Energies (MEN) plans to sell its Argentinian oil and gas business for up to $40m to its chairman Peter Levine. Argentina is economically and politically volatile and exchange controls mean that the business is hampered. There is a lack of investor interest and there are capital investment requirements that need to be funded. There will be an initial payment of $2m plus repayment of $13m of debt. The rest of the purchase price is based on up to 20% of net free cash flow over the next five years. The Paraguay oil and gas assets and other operations are not included in the sale.
Software supplier GetBusy (GETB) made a slightly lower underlying loss in the first half as it continues to invest in sales and product development. Annual recurring revenues grew 14% to £20.1m. and there is £1.7m in the bank. finnCap maintains its expectation of a small 2023 loss.
Satellite communications equipment supplier Global Invacom (GINV) is seeking shareholder approval to leave AIM and maintain the listing on the Mainboard of the Singapore stock market. There is a lack of liquidity on AIM, and this makes it difficult to raise cash. There is also the cost and management time taken up with being on AIM and another market. A subsidiary signed a multi-year contract with Eutelsat Communications. The July 2014 placing price was 19.75p. The shares have been trading below that price for more than eight years.
Video editing technology developer Blackbird (BIRD) reported a 36% dip in interim revenues to £985,000 after the loss of a contract with A+E and additional development fees in the previous period. The cash outflow was £1.92m, but there is still £8.18m in the bank. Even so, investors want to see progress with the new product for creators and other new business to replace what has been lost.
Capital equipment supplier 600 Group (SIXH) has reconvened its AGM for 29 September. However, the audit for the accounts for the year to March 2023 will not be completed by the end of September. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 2 October. Trading conditions continue to be difficult and there will be a further interim loss. That will lead to impairment adjustments in the 2022-23 accounts. Debt facilities expire at the end of November 2023. Peter Gyllenhammar increased his stake from 9.88% to 10.2%.
Capital equipment manufacturer Mpac (MPAC) increased interim revenues by 4% to £52.8m and pre-tax recovered from £1.1m to £1.9m. Order intake soared in the period. Services generated one-third of revenues in the first half, but the mix will change as recent order wins are satisfied in the second quarter. The order book has risen 15% to £77.5m since the end of 2022 and includes higher margin healthcare machinery. This helps to underpin forecasts of a better second half. The battery cell assembly plant business remains a significant longer-term opportunity. Net cash is £2.2m. Shore forecasts a near doubling of underlying pre-tax profit to £6.9m in 2023.
Builders’ merchant Lords Group Trading (LORD) is outperforming its rivals. But trading is getting tougher because of higher interest rates and lower construction activity. Interim revenues improved 4% to £222.6m, helped by acquisitions, but pre-tax profit fell from £8.4m to £7.7m. The interim dividend is maintained at 0.67p/share. Cenkos has reduced its 2023 pre-tax profit forecast from £17.8m to £13.2m.
Infrastructure India (IIP) announced the conditional sale of the 99.99% stake in transportation company Distribution Logistics Infrastructure to Pristine Malwa Logistics Park, which is part of logistics group Pristine. The consideration will be $10m in cash and 33% of Pristine Malwa the purchaser. There are conditions that are required to be satisfied before the deal can go ahead and it will be subject to adjustment. The transaction could close before the end of the year. Infrastructure India is expected to exit the investment within three years. At the end of September 2022, net liabilities were £85.7m. It is difficult to assess how much of the Infrastructure India borrowings will go with the disposal.
STM Group (LON: STM) has reached agreement with PSF Capital GP II over a 67p a share cash bid for the pensions and financial services provider. The bidder is securing a new credit facility to fund the bid. Originally, it was stated the offer could be as high as 70p/share, but the share price shows that investors were not counting on it being that high. This is conditional on STM boss Alan Kentish acquiring the UK SIPP business and those related to the Master Trust.
Property bridging loans provider Vector Capital (VCAP) reported a decline in interim revenues and profit. The loan book has fallen from £53.2m to £48.8m over six months as management is cautious about new lending. The bad provision has been raised by £167,000 to £367,000, but it is still relatively low. Pre-tax profit fell 18% to £1.3m, partly due to the higher provision.
MAIN MARKET
Round Hill Music Royalty Fund (RHMP) is being acquired by Alchemy Copyrights for $1.15/share, which values the company at $468.8m. That was a premium of 67% to the previous market price. Shareholders will still receive the quarterly dividend of 1.125 cents/share and a special dividend of 0.5 cents/share.
Andrew Hore
#UKIM Podcast – UK House Prices, Cadence Minerals and Tekcapital with Alan Green
The UK Investor Magazine was thrilled to welcome Alan Green back to the Podcast as we delve into UK markets and a selection of UK stocks.
We discuss:
- Barratt Developments (LON:BDEV)
- Tekcapital (LON:TEK)
- Cadence Minerals (LON:KDNC)
We start with a look at UK house prices and recent data from Nationwide and Halifax. With house prices falling the fastest since 2009, activity in the market is subdued and we explore the impact on Barratt Developments.
Barratt’s completions fell in the last full year but we look forward to how they can benefit from the current downturn and deploy their £1bn cash pile.
Tekcapital has issued numerous positive portfolio company updates and shares have reacted accordingly. We run through the updates, including this morning’s news from MicroSalt.
We finish with a rundown of Cadence Minerals and the latest developments at their Mexcian lithium project.