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Quoted Micro 23 May 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Nigeria-focused oil company Lekoil Ltd (LEK) made the switch from AIM to Aquis on 18 May. Trading in the shares will remain suspended until audited accounts are published. Lekoil is in dispute with Lekoil Nigeria, where it has a major interest, and former chief executive Mr Olaekan Akinyanmi, who is being funded by Lekoil Nigeria. The board wanted shareholders to have a trading facility, while the litigation is being pursued. The main source of assets will be the recovery of intercompany debts and there is likely to be little value in the oil and gas operations.
Valereum (VLRM) is still going through the regulatory process to acquire 90% of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange. There is a government review of the Gibraltar financial services community.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) is investing £450,000 in Brighton-based Universal Quantum Ltd, which is trying to build the first million quantum bit quantum computers. The cash will help to develop the processing unit. The investment is via an advanced subscription agreement, and this will be converted into shares after one year or if there is a fundraising of at least £10m.
Hemp and CBD wellness products company Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) generated revenues of $10.2m in 2021, while the loss was $35.7m, including $22.5m of asset write-downs and £1m of listing costs. The company’s products are being rolled out in additional high street and online stores. The US operations are being rationalised and the focus moved to other markets.
SuperSeed Capital Ltd (WWW) made two investments in the first quarter of 2022. Investors in the company’s fund during January have already made a 43% gain. There was seed capital provided to the two investments. Ai Build is a software developer for 3D printing additive manufacturing, which will enable the 3D printing of larger objects. ThingTrax is developing technology that will help manufacturers to monitor and automate production.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has obtained a non-exclusive to use the Propertymark trademark in the UK. Propertymark has 18,000 of property letting and sales businesses. Propertymark will promote RentGuarantor rent guarantees for tenants.
Major shareholder Neo London Capital is providing a lending facility to Black Sea Property (BSP) to finance the exploration of property development opportunities.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has completed the survey of additional targets at the Red Setter project in Australia. The first phase of drilling at Red Setter is 3,000 meters.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) has sold a flat in Chelsea for £2.185m, which is above the book value of £2.1m.
Oscillate (MUSH) has a stake in Psych Capital, which is joining Aquis on 25 May.
The incoming finance director Robert Smith has bought 500,000 Chapel Down (CDGP) at 42.5p each.
AIM
Fishing tackle retailer Angling Direct (ANG) managed to beat previously upgraded forecasts for the year to January 2022. Revenues increased from £67.6m to £72.5m even though online sales fell. UK online sales increased but European online sales because of difficulties with prompt delivery. The new Netherlands distribution centre will help. There was £16.6m in cash at the end of January 2022. Pre-tax profit jumped from £2.7m to £4m, but this is not expected to be maintained. Singer forecasts a pre-tax profit of £2.8m on revenues of £82m in 2022-23.
Compliance and energy saving services provider Sureserve (SUR) continues to grow and it is set to supplement this growth with acquisitions in the energy efficiency and renewables sectors. Interim revenues from continuing operations increased by 24% to £126.2m, while pre-tax profit was one-third higher at £4.3m. The non-core fire and lift businesses are profitable, and they made a slightly higher pre-tax profit of £1.24m on revenues of £17.3m, which is not included under continuing operations. Those non-core businesses have net assets of £13.1m. Assuming Sureserve receives a similar amount when they are sold this would boost the cash position. There was £8.86m in the bank at the end of March 2022.
Designer and supplier of automotive interior components CT Automotive (CTA) reported its maiden full year results as an AIM company. There was a strong recovery in the first half, but component shortages have reduced the demand from car manufacturers in the second half. Even so, full year revenues recovered from $109.9m to $132.9m, although the company remained loss making. There is a strong order book, but revenues are still likely to be hit by lack of demand due to component shortages. These problems could last for most of this year with automotive volumes set to recover in 2023. A new factory in Mexico should be open in July.
Vela Technologies (VELA) invested £750,000 in convertible loan notes in EnSilica, which is about to join AIM. This investment should convert into 1.75 million shares, which is a 2.3% stake in the integrated circuits designer and supplier.
Chariot Ltd (CHAR) has raised £20.4m ($25.5m) at 18p a share and more could come via an open offer. This will help Chariot to make progress with the Anchois gas development in Morocco. Some of the cash will go on renewables projects.
Begbies Traynor (BEG) says 2021-22 results will be comfortably ahead of expectations and insolvencies are increasing.
Digital coupons and loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) says that the roll out of services to a US retailer has helped 2021-22 EBITDA to potentially be 10% higher than expected.
MAIN MARKET
Standard list shell BSF Enterprise (BSFA) completed the reverse takeover of Newcastle-upon-Tyne-based tissue engineering 3D Bio-Tissues Ltd for £2.5m in shares. There was £1.75m raised in a placing at 7.37p a share, which is the same price at which the 33.9m consideration shares were issued. That valued the company at £6.32m on readmission. The share price ended the week at 9p. There are three main types of technology that are being developed. City-mix is a serum-free media for culturing muscle and fat cells in an animal-free process that can be used to grow meat and leather in a laboratory. There is less variation between batches than for some rivals and it could cost less. Another technology is based on Lipopeptide Etsyl, which helps to increase collagen production in human skin cells, and it can be used dermatological products. This will be sold as an ingredient to skincare product manufacturers. The third technology is tissue templating. This includes the original substitute cornea technology, as well as other uses.
In the year to February 2021, Braemar Shipping Services (BMS) expects an underlying operating profit of £9.8m, up from £7.7m. The annual dividend will be two fifths higher at 7p a share. The operating profit expectations for 2022-23 have been upgraded from £10m to £12m.
Macfarlane Group (MACF) is buying German protective packaging distributor PackMann. This is a profitable business, and it will help Macfarlane to expand in northern Europe.
Nanoco (NANO) has received an official decision that its 47 disputed patent claims are valid. This is an important step in the legal proceedings against Samsung, which used its quantum dot technology without agreement. There is still some way to go, but a settlement could generate more than £100m for Nanoco, even after the litigation funder gets its payment.
Net Zero Infrastructure (NZI) is in talks to acquire specialist equipment hire company Taylor Construction Plant and Solar Highways. Trading in the shares has been suspended.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 16 May 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Brewer Adnams (ADB) says that trading is in line with expectation in the first four months of the year. The retail side is trading ahead of the same period in 2019. Sidney Sussex College in Cambridge has reduced its shareholding from 5.27% to 4.22%., while Michael Heald increased his stake from 18.2% to 19.3% by acquiring 3,200 B shares at 8870p each.
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) has made its first investment since joining Aquis last year. Ginger Teleporter is licenced to operate e-scooters and e-bikes in England. Silverwood Brands has subscribed for a convertible loan note of £200,000 with an interest rate of 15%. The conversion price is £28.94. Silverwood Brands directors Paul Hodgins and Andrew Gerrie are also directors of Ginger. Along with another shareholder in Ginger they have agreed to sell shares to Silverwood Brands at a nominal cost if the target valuation is less than two times the original investment.
National Milk Records (NMRP) says third quarter revenues were 4% higher at £5.63m, with all main parts of the business increasing their contribution. Health testing is growing fastest, but it is still less than one-quarter of the total. Milk purchase prices have been increased to cover higher farm costs.
Talent management and livestreaming company All Things Considered (ATC) invested $6m in a new company focused on music digitisation and blockchain technology, which has announced the acquisition of Napster.
Gunsynd (GUN) has sold 175,000 shares in Charger Metals NL, raising £93,000. It still owns 2.825 million shares.
ChallengerX (CXS) has signed a digital asset monetisation agreement with US-based online TV network FOXD. This is a five-year deal.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) says it is in talks with Powerhouse Energy (PHE) about a project in Ireland.
Peterhouse Capital resigned as corporate adviser to Love Hemp (LIFE) prior to the announcement that an investor had not made the promised £1.2m subscription. A new corporate adviser is required for trading in the shares to recommence. A strategic review is ongoing, and a finance director is being sought.
AQRU (AQRU) says that its decentralised finance subsidiary has more than $50m of assets under management five months after the launch of the AQRU.io platform.
SuperSeed Capital Ltd (WWW) managing director sold 50,000 shares at 100p each. He still owns 79.6%.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) had net assets of 355.46p a share.
AIM
There have not been any large contract wins for telecoms billing software provider Cerillion (CER) this year, but the interims show the benefit of previous wins. In the six months to March 2022, revenues increased from £12.8m to £16.1m. Annualised recurring revenues are £9.8m. Underlying pre-tax profit jumped from £3.8m to £6.3m. The business is highly cash generative and net cash has reached £16.5m. There are no borrowings. The dividend has been raised by 24% to 2.6p a share. Although the order book has dipped from £42.1m to £39.7m it is still well above previous years. There is a weighted pipeline of prospective customer business of £35m and there is a good chance that some deals could be secured before the end of September.
Motor dealer Vertu Motors (VTU) had an exceptionally strong 2021-22 due to the delayed demand for cars due to lockdowns in the previous year. The figures were ahead of expectations. Revenues were £3.62bn, which is 18% higher than in 2019-20. Pre-tax profit jumped from £24.6m to £80.7m. The profit should more than halve this year. Supply shortages are continuing, although used car prices are set to come down over the rest of the year.
Omnichannel retail software provider itim Group (ITIM) has annual recurring revenues were £11.1m in 2021 and it has already reached £13m this year. Clients pay a monthly fee. There was a £1m pre-tax profit in 2021 and investment in growing the business means that it could halve this year. The company raised cash so that it could finance the replacement of an existing system with its own software without charging an upfront fee.
Healthcare technology investor and adviser Netscientific (NSCI) increased net assets to £18.5m at the end of 2021. There are 22 investments in the portfolio. WH Ireland has a sum of the parts valuation of 180p a share.
Trellus Health (TRLS) has changed its strategy to focus on the direct-to-consumer model and is broadening the market by including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Trellus Health can provide personalised care for people with chronic conditions with the initial focus inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There should be initial revenues in 2022. Net cash is $32m and this should last more than two years as revenues build up.
Plug-in cards developer Concurrent Technologies (CNC) says component shortages held back revenues and they dipped from £21.1m to £20.5m in 2021. Even so, pre-tax profit improved from £3.7m to £4.1m thanks to lower operating expenses. Chief executive Miles Adcock joined the AIM-quoted company last June. He has reviewed strategy plans to launch new products more quickly. This year there should be eight new products – double the previous level. A manufacturing partner in the US will help the group win more business. Although there was an increased interim dividend, the total dividend for the year was unchanged at 2.55p a share.
Advanced coatings provider Hardide (HDD) is recovering but it is still some way from profit. Interim revenues were 50% ahead at £2.7m and while the loss was nearly halved it was still £771,000. Revenues for the year to September 2022 could be double the interim level, but so could the loss. Net debt was £335,000 at the end of March 2022. Overheads have fallen following the completion of the move to a new factory in the UK. Variable gross margin is 70%, so additional revenues will rapidly reduce the loss.
Further good news from NWF (NWF) thanks to the fuels business due to short-term volatility. Trading in the year to May 2022 will be significantly ahead of expectations.
Credit hire and legal services firm Anexo (ANX) increased 2021 revenues by 36% to £118.2m, while pre-tax profit was 50% ahead at £24.1m. The new housing disrepair business made a contribution, and the credit hire business is running at high levels. There is still potential upside from the VW emissions case. The total dividend is 1.5p a share.
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) increased 2021 revenues from $29.7m to $39m and underlying pre-tax profit from $1.3m to $4.9m, even though iodine production was lower. Net debt was $3m at the end of 2021. Iodine prices remain above $60/kg. Plans are being made for additional production capacity.
Duke Royalty (DUKE) has raised a further £20m via a placing and PrimaryBid offer at 35p a share. The additional cash should enable Duke to increase its debt facility by £25m. Cenkos forecasts royalty revenues of £21.3m in the year to March 2023. That should generate enough cash for a 3p a share dividend.
Immedia Group (IME) has completed the disposal of its operating business and it is changing its name to Immediate Acquisition.
Sweden-based investor AB Traction has increased its stake ceramics and fragrance products manufacturer Portmeirion (PMP) to 5.08%.
MAIN MARKET
GS Chain (GSC) is a shell seeking a technology acquisition. It was introduced to the standard list at 1p a share. The share price opened on 13 May at 3p before ending the day at 3.625p (3.5p/4p). There is nearly £1m in cash that should last 12 months. The pro forma asset value is less than 0.18p a share.
Macfarlane (MACF) says first quarter sales and profit are ahead of the same period last year. Better packaging sales to industrial and hospitality sectors has offset weaker sales for e-commerce.
Flavours supplier Treatt (TET) grew revenues by 9% to £66.3m, although underlying pre-tax profit fell to £6.3m. Forecast revenues have been upgraded, but the profit estimate is the same due to lower margins. Orange oil prices have risen.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 9 May 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In 2021, Newbury Racecourse (NYR) is paying a special dividend of 89.6p a share. The £3m payment comes after the receipt of the final £10.7m from the sale of housing development land. Newbury Racecourse increased turnover by 75% to £14.8m as racing returned to the course. There is still potential for further recovery this year. Attendances increased from 12,000 to 105,000. The hotel reopened in January 2022. There was a swing from £2.17m loss to an underlying pre-tax profit of £333,000.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) is investing £406,000 in Aegiq Ltd, a photonics company using quantum technologies in the cybersecurity market. That gives it a 4.06% stake. Helium Special Situations has reduced its stake from 4.57% to 1.52%.
Goodbody Health Inc (GDBY) reported better than expected revenues for 2021. The CBD products and testing company made an underlying loss of £900,000 on revenues of £17.1m. Arden forecasts a £5.1m profit this year.
VSA Capital (VSA) has received a settlement of outstanding fees of £153,000 from client Anglo African Agriculture in the form of 3.82 million shares. This gives VSA a 15.3% stake plus warrants and convertible loan notes.
Gunsynd (GUN) has terminated the disposal of Oyster Oil and Gas to Sajawin.
Clarify Pharma (PSYC) had net cash of £1.3m at the end of April 2022. Investment opportunities in the psychedelics market are being assessed.
Apollon Formularies (APOL) has acquired intellectual property and patents from Aion Therapeutic for £96,000 and 4.35 million shares. It will also pay a royalty fee of 4% on net revenues from products based on these patents. The patents cover potential cancer treatments.
ChallengerX (CXS) has appointed Olivia Edwards as chief executive and Nicholas Lyth as finance director.
Phase 1 assay results from the Monte Muambe project held by Altona Rare Earths (ANR) show significant levels of rare earths.
Coinsilium (COIN) has been appointed as adviser to Silta Finance and entered into an agreement to purchase $75,000 of future SILTA tokens. Silta is building a technology to connect decentralised finance to infrastructure project developers.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has sold its remaining stake in builder’s merchant Merkko Group for £378,000.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has received the first UK order for Shinju and Shinju 8-year old whisky.
S-Ventures (SVEN) chairman David Mitchell bought 57,959 shares at 32p each. Chris Akers has increased its stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ) from 19.1% to 20.1%. John Mahtani reduced his stake from 5.71% to 3.83%.
AIM
Online retailer of building materials CMO Group (CMO) continues to grow on the back of a buoyant market as well as gaining market share. The online share of the sector remains relatively low. The second half growth was not as fast as in the first half. In 2021, revenues grew 46% to £76.3m. There is organic growth supplemented by acquisitions. CMO moved from loss to an underlying pre-tax profit of £1.4m. Net cash was £6m. Following the acquisition of JTM Plumbing Plumbingsuperstore.co.uk is being launched later this year. First quarter trading has continued to be strong with like-for-like growth of 3%.
Neonatal intensive care medical devices supplier Inspiration Healthcare (IHC) increased full year revenues from £37m to £41.1m. Acquisition contributions offset the one-off Covid ventilator revenues in the previous year. Pre-tax profit improved from £3.13m to £3.96m, although earnings fell 12% to 6.1p a share because of the additional shares issued for acquisitions. The company’s order book is strong.
In 2021, targeted digital advertising services provider Dianomi (DNM) revenues grew from £28.4m to £35.8m, even though Asia Pacific revenues fell from £1.72m to £1.18m due to the ASX website stopping having advertising content. Underlying pre-tax profit moved from £2m to £2.9m – share based payment charges and float costs led to a loss being reported – and it is expected to increase to £3.6m this year. The average spend of the top 100 advertisers increased 27% to £280,000 each. Net cash was £10.3m at the end of 2021.
In 2021, Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) reported revenues 47% higher at £7.6m, mainly from ultrasound simulation products, while the cash outflow from operations was £2.3m. AI revenues remain modest, and it will take time for them to build up. Cenkos upgraded its 2022 revenues forecast from £9m to £10m, but the cash outflow will be similar.
Plastics and packaging supplier Coral Products (CRU) is using some of its cash pile to acquire Film & Foil Solutions, a supplier of flexible packaging film used for food, books, carpets and for cable tapes. The initial payment is £1.35m in cash, plus £750,000 in shares at 15.5p each. There is just over £900,000 that could be payable based on the settlement of a contract dispute and an insurance payment. The acquired business made an underlying profit of £541,000 in 2021.
Energy efficiency as a service provider eEnergy Group (EAAS) has been hit by contract delays. That means that 2021-22 EBITDA could be £3m and not £4.4m as previously expected. A new finance director is being appointed.
Green hydrogen production developer ATOME Energy (ATOM), which was spun out of President Energy (PPC) at the end of 2021, has secured a major 60MW power purchase agreement with ANDE, the national power supplier in Paraguay. Hydrogen production could commence in Paraguay in the first quarter of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) will report revenues around £15m lower than expected due to overstocking. This will knock £10m off operating profit. Price rises are offsetting the effect of inflation.
Castings (CGS) 2021-22 results will be slightly ahead of expectations. Demand for commercial vehicles remains strong, but there is still uncertainty about the ability produce heavy trucks.
Kendrick Resources (KEN) was formerly AIM-quoted BMR Group, which left AIM in August 2018 after problems with the progress of the Kabwe project in Zambia. Kendrick still has a 11% royalty interest in Kabwe. Kendrick Resources has acquired Northern X Finland and Northern X Scandinavian. In Finland, there is an exploration licence at the Koitelainen project and two licences at the Karhujupukka project. There are two projects in Sweden: the Airijoki project and the Central Sweden project. There is also an option over three projects in Norway.
Gresham Technologies (GHT) has secured a contract with an existing bank customer worth up to £6.3m over a period of five years. The company’s Clareti software will be used across the whole UK business of the bank.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 2 May 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) raised £1.73m at 3p a share and it was capitalised at £2.75m on admission. The plan is to acquire a financial media business. The mid-price was 2.75p (2p/3.5p) at the end of the first day of trading. There were nearly 724,000 shares traded across nine trades.
Chapel Down Group (CDGP) increased full year revenues from £15.6m to £16.9m and returned to profit. Selling the Curious brewing business has helped focus management on the core wine making business. Wine volumes increased by 17% and more is being sold direct to consumer. Net cash was £6.4m at the end of 2021. There will be further investment in vineyards and a new winery to enable the doubling of revenues over the next five years.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has secured a funding agreement with Proffitt Brothers and Spartan Medical. TruSpine has received $100,000 on signing and will get a further $100,000 on lodgement of 510k FDA application for the screwless spinal stabilisation system product. That should happen this summer. The final tranche of $200,000 will be received on FDA clearance of the Cervi-LOK device. Proffitt will also receive one million warrants exercisable at 20p until the end of 2026 and a further one million warrants exercisable at the same price when the third tranche of funding is received. Vince Proffitt will join the TruSpine board. Spartan Medical has signed an exclusive US reseller agreement for two years after FDA clearance and this can be extended if sales reach a minimum of $2m.
Richard Tonthat is stepping down as chief executive of medicinal cannabis investment company Greencare Capital (GRE) and Dominic White has become chairman. Greencare has made two investments since it floated. It put £100,000 in CBD products supplier Clearly Supplements and £100,000 in fellow Aquis-quoted Voyager Life (VOY). Greencare still has £878,000 in cash and annualised running costs are £300,000.
Clean Investment Africa (CIA) has completed the trial and testing phase and trial production pellets made from coal fine samples from a Colombia coal mine. There will be commercial negotiations about a production plant and a 5,000 tonnes a month offtake agreement.
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) has raised £500,000 at 8p a share ahead of the proposed move the standard list later in May. There are plans to raise further cash with the listing. This cash will finance rare earth projects in Africa.
Blockchain investor Kasei Holdings (KASH) had £731,000 in cash at the end of January 2022. There has been a decline in value of some of the initial investments. In March, chair Jane Thomason Abigail subscribed £150,000 for new shares at 20p each.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) had £1.9m in cash at the end of January 2022. Since then, a subsidiary has been set up to develop wind and water-based hydrogen production systems and Timothy Blake was appointed as its chief executive.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has signed an agreement for the first scale waste to hydrogen plant, which will be sited in Ireland. HUI will invest in the Ireland-based partner, which also has technology that can transform plastic into high grade slack wax and a fuel.
Ecotricity has raised its stake in Good Energy (GOOD) from 25.1% to 26.1%.
AIM
Self-storage sites operator Lok’nStore (LOK) commissioned a valuation at the half year r the first time and this led to the underlying NAV of 843p a share – a 48% increase on 12 months before. Lok’nStore has a loan to value of 8.3%. This will increase as more sites are opened, although forecast net debt of £56m in July 2024 is within the borrowing facilities. The interim dividend was raised by 16% to 5p a share.
Automotive testing and design company AB Dynamics (ABDP) increased interim revenues by 39% (organic growth was 21%). Net cash was £27.7m at the end of February 2022. Forecast full year revenues have been increased by £2m to £76.4m and underlying pre-tax profit by £500,000 to £11.5m.
Spectacles supplier Inspecs (SPEC) increased first quarter sales by 12% to $75.1m and the order book is strong. Production capacity is being expanded in Vietnam and a new factory is planned in Portugal.
First quarter sales of cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) were 69% higher than the same period last year, although this is a weak comparative. W7L products are being rolled out in Boots stores.
The loan book of Property bridging loans provider Vector Capital (VCAP) grew by 27% in 2021 and there is still scope for growth with the current loan facilities of £35m. Pre-tax profit is forecast to improve from £2.8m to £2.9m this year. The dividend could rise from 2.5p a share to 2.6p a share.
Frenkel Topping (FEN) reported 2021 revenues ahead of expectations at £18.4m. The specialist IFA improved pre-tax profit from £2.2m to £4.1m. There could be a further improvement to £6m in 2022.
Nevada-focused minerals explorer Great Western Mining (GWMO) is continuing with its drill programme, and it is making progress in a project for secondary recovery of gold and silver from mine tailings and spoil heaps. There is cash in the bank to achieve these targets.
MAIN MARKET
Domestic appliances and electrical products supplier UP Global Sourcing Holdings (UPGS) increased interim revenues by 14% to £85.7m. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £7.7m to £9.9m. This was helped by the acquisition of the Salter brand, which has increased sales through supermarkets. Russell Hobbs sales were also much higher. Kitchen electricals brand Petra will help the group to grow in Germany. The interim dividend was raised by 36% to 2.3p a share.
Carclo (CAR) expects full year revenues to be ahead of expectations. Underlying profit will be in line with estimates because of higher overheads. Margin pressures continue into this year. Price increases are being negotiated. The technical plastics has started work on a large customer contract and the new production line should be fully up and running this year. The aerospace division was profitable and cash generative.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 April 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Gunsynd (GUN) had net assets of £5.99m at the end of January 2022. That includes £1.08m in cash. Investee company Low6 is still seeking a listing in Toronto via 1319735 BC Ltd. Mining investee company Charger Metals plans to start its maiden drilling programme at the Coates project in Western Australia. First Tin joined the Main Market after the period end.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) has appointed Ian Bruce as exploration manager, and he will restart the drilling at Specimen Hill. A permit has been secured in the same area for Taree Fields, which was historically a high-grade copper mine. Deep Blue Minerals, where Tectonic owns 10%, raised $236,000 from diamond sales.
Lombard Capital (LCAP) has agreed in principle the sale of LCP Financial to SBS Group for £4.2m in shares and the repayment of a £370,000 intercompany loan. Lombard Capital will acquire Waste and Recycling Services before the sale is completed. Management will be seeking shareholder approval to leave Aquis.
ChallengerX (CXS) has signed a five-year agreement with The American Arena League for the use of the SaaS-based platform CXSports. This will help to promote the league and generate revenues.
Blockchain and open finance investor Coinsilium (COIN) has agreed to purchase $200,000 of YELLOW tokens for the Yellow Network, which is a cross chain overlay, financial information exchange and distributed infrastructure network.
Adam Pollock, who was previously head of corporate and institutional at WH Ireland, has become a director of Oberon Capital, the broking business of Oberon Investments Group (OBE).
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised £48,000 at 1.37p each.
All Star Minerals (ASMO) is changing its name to Marula Mining.
AIM
TV programmes producer Zinc Media (ZIN) lost on £2.61m on revenues of £17.5m in 2021. There is already £13m of booked revenues for 2022 and there is potential further business worth £35m that could be delivered this year. A greater proportion of the work being won is for series, rather than one-off programmes. Zinc Communicate, which produces non-broadcast content and podcasts, is becoming increasingly important. The timing of the orders is uncertain and not all the work will materialise, although £8m is at an advanced stage. This suggests that 2022 revenues should be much higher, and Zinc Media should become profitable and cash generative. Last year, the cash outflow from operations was £245,000. Net cash was £2.18m at the end of 2021.
Churchill China (CHH) is beating its rivals thanks to its capital expenditure and investment in marketing, and it has a better order book than normal for this time of year. In 2021, pre-tax profit bounced back from £800,000 to £6m as revenues recovered from £36.4m to £60.8m. The total dividend is £24p a share, while there is £19m in the bank. Churchill China has taken on more than 200 additional staff in the past year and they still require training. Last autumn, selling prices were raised by 12% and a 5% increase is planned for May. That will help to offset the cost rises. Pre-tax profit is expected to be between £8m and £8.8m this year.
Tungsten West (TUN) is reviewing development options for the Hemerden mine because of rising costs. This will lead to a two-month delay. This could lead to a focus on sodium tungstate production because it is higher value than ammonium paratungstate.
Solid State (SOLI) continues to best expectations. Revenues for the year to March 2022 will be around 6% ahead of previous expectations at £85m, while there is a 11% upgrade in pre-tax profit to £7.4m.
Seeing Machines (LSE: SEE) has secured a collaboration with Magna to develop and demonstration model driver monitoring system (DMS) combining, camera, electronics and interior mirror technology. This should help Seeing Machines win more market share.
Plant-based polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) says volumes continue to increase, particularly in the dishwashing detergent ingredients market.
Coral Products (CRU) is trading ahead of expectations in the year to April 2022 and there is a second interim dividend of 0.4p a share. There could also be a final dividend to add to this year’s total of 0.9p a share.
MAIN MARKET
Nuclear-related business has helped structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) to enjoy record orders. Logistics, infrastructure and data centres are other areas of high demand. Longer-term, battery manufacturing plants could be another booming area. The current order book is worth £479m. The 2021-22 figures will be in line with expectations with pre-tax profit forecast to improve from £24.3m to £28.1m. This year’s revenues should be better than previously expected, but profit expectations have been maintained because of higher steel costs. The higher steel prices mean that higher working capital is required.
Full year profit of kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) will be slightly lower than expected at £9.5m. ProCook has grown revenues in a market that is slightly down
J Smart Contractors (SMJ) reported a decline in interim revenues from £5.75m to £5.16m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £890,000 to £6.35m, although that was due to a gain on the sale of investment properties of £6.06m. It is unlikely that full year profit will be higher this year. Net assets are £117.2m, including £76.2m of investment properties and net cash of £27.6m. The interim dividend is 0.96p a share and the ex-dividend date is 5 May.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 April 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Brewer Adnams (ADB) increased its revenues from £50.7m to £57.4m in 2021 and the loss was reduced from £4.3m to £1.39m. There is no final dividend. Net bank debt was £11m. The pension liability more than halved from £11.2m to £5m. Beer volumes were maintained.
S-Ventures (SVEN) says headwinds in the economy have held back sales of its healthy snacks. Even so, like-for-like sales are currently 10% ahead of last year. Cost savings of £300,000 a year have been found at the Pulsin plant-based products business.
Watchstone Group (WTG) subsidiary WTGIL Ltd has lost its VAT appeal. It is considering whether to take the appeal to the Upper tax Tribunal.
Cannabis-related products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) has opened three stores and relaunched its website in the year to March 2022. The Ascend Skincare brand was launched. There was £14.3m in the bank at the end of March 2022. Monthly overheads were just under £50,000. In the 16 months to March 2022, revenue reached £178,000. Revenues are steadily growing. Voyager is still waiting for ingestible products to receive authorisation from the authorities.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $700,000 in Zeitgeist in return for one million ZTG tokens. Zeitgeist is an application specific blockchain for prediction markets and futarchy.
Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM.P) says that Aterian Resources has been awarded a ten year mining licence for the Agdz copper and silver project in Morocco. Eastinco has agreed to acquire Aterian from AIM-quoted Altus Strategies (ALS). Once the Aterian acquisition is completed Eastinco plans to move to the Main Market.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) says subsidiary PhytoVista Laboratories has been granted a licence to handle Schedule 1 controlled drugs.
Chris Akers has increased his stake in TECC Capital (TEC) from 10.6% to 11.1%. Robert Johnson reduced his stake to below 3%. Chief executive Kiran Morzaria has bought 54,422 shares in Cadence Minerals (KDNC) at 18.37p a share.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has extended two loans with £1.225m payable on 16 April 2023 and £629,000 on 4 July 2023.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) had net assets of 368.49p a share at the end of March 2022.
AIM
Recycling Technologies has pulled its AIM flotation after its chief executive stepped down due to personal reasons. It had apparently raised the money it was seeking but the late change meant that the company has decided to have a smaller private fundraising before having another attempt at floating on AIM.
Loadbanks maker and hirer Northbridge Industrial Services (NBI) is able to concentrate on its core business following the disposal of Tasman. In 2021, revenues from continuing operations were one-fifth higher with a greater proportion of hire business. Pre-tax profit trebled to £3.3m, before the restructuring and convertible loan note redemption costs of £7.6m, which were predominantly asset write-downs. There was a 1p a share dividend. The company is changing its name to Crestchic.
Online electricals retailer Marks Electrical (MRK) reported full year revenues that were 44% ahead at £80.5m and EBITDA margins are 9%. The fourth quarter revenues to March 2022 were 19% ahead at £20.7m. The comparatives are particularly strong because they were during a period of lockdowns when online sales made up a higher proportion of appliance sales. Pre-tax profit is still expected to decline from £6.8m to £6.1m in 2021-22 due to additional overhead costs.
Cambridge Cognition (COG) is building up its clinical trial business. Full year revenues increased by 50% to £10.1m and the digital health company moved into profit. There was £6.8m in the bank at the end of 2021. At least £7.5m of the year-end order book of £17m should be recognised in 2022. More contracts have been secured since the end of 2021.
Asset management services provider MJ Hudson (MJH) grew interim revenues by 48% to £23.4m with particularly strong growth in ESG-related services. Underlying pre-tax profit quadrupled to £1.6m. Net debt excluding leases was £13m at the end of December 2021. New business activity remains strong and there is no direct effect from the weak stockmarkets on revenues. Guernsey-based Saffery Champness Fund Services was acquired during the period.
Telematics firm Microlise (SAAS) reported revenues of £88.2m in the 18 months to December 2021. Annual revenues grew by 17%. Existing customers generated £35.6m in 2021 and there is hardly any customer churn. Annual recurring revenues are £38.9m.
AEX Gold (AEXG) has announced exploration results from the iron oxide, copper, gold project at Sava in southern Greenland. These showed that there is mineralisation. There are three high priority targets.
The lock-up period for shares in Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) distributed by Open Orphan (ORPH) ends on 20 April and new investors are hoping to buy up to £1.6m of shares at 5.9p each. The share price subsequently recovered to 6.7p, having been sliding in recent months ahead of the end of the lock-up period when there were concerns there could be a significant number of shares coming onto the market.
Ince (INCE) is going ahead with the acquisition of broker Arden Partners (ARDN) even though it is losing its nominated adviser status. The merger should be completed on 29 April.
MAIN MARKET
Financials Acquisition Corp (FINS) is a shell looking for a financial services acquisition, particularly in the insurance area. The focus is technology that is used to make the insurance sector more efficient. There was £150m raised at £10 a share. The share price ended the week at 997.5p.
It took a year to secure the transaction, but DG Innovate (DGI) has completed its reversal into Path Investments. The purchase of the electric drive and sodium-ion battery technology developer cost an initial £32.4m in shares at a deemed price of 0.6p a share, which was well above the market price. There was also £2.55m raised at 0.5p a share. The shares opened at 0.45p and ended the week at 0.305p.
Materials developer HeiQ (HEIQ) estimates that revenues were $57.9m thanks to a good fourth quarter. This is despite deferring revenues and $1m in operating profit from technology milestones for the agreement with the Lycra Company for its AeoniQ material into 2022. Operating profit is expected to be $3.4m, compared with the $4m forecast. Revenues are expected to grow by one-fifth this year.
Natural ingredients supplier Treatt (TET) grew interim revenues by 9% to £66.3m. The operating profit will be second half weighted.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 April 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
NFT Investments (NFT) is not going ahead with the acquisition of crypto tech and operations company Pluto Digital Assets and trading in the shares has recommenced. NFT had cash of £21.9m, having made seven investments, and net assets of £34.4m, 3.43p a share, at the end of 2021.
National Milk Records (NMRP) is linking up with another former Milk Marketing Board business Genus (GNS). National Milk Records will provide the fully listed animal breeding company with multi-panel genomic testing and evaluations. The two firms have been part of a process to map the DNA of the worst cows and bulls in terms of environmental impact. Farmers will be able to choose to breed cows with lower impact and highest milk yields. The initial contract lasts for five years.
Asimilar Group (ASLR) has joined the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange. The technology investment company hopes that this will improve share liquidity. The AIM-quotation is being maintained but may be terminated to save money if the new quotation is successful.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has signed two new distribution deals. Oak and Still will distribute Shinju whisky in the UK from April 2022. Beverage Hunters will be the distributor in Spain from May.
Vanadium flow batteries technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has successfully concluded a validation programme by Korea-based Hyosung Heavy Industries and signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for a global partnership and exclusivity in Korea.
Talent management and livestreaming company All Things Considered (ATC) increased revenues and other operating income by 23% to £9.9m in 2021. The loss is likely to be £2.8m. There was £4.4m in cash at the end of 2021. The live music market continues to recover. All Things Considered has invested $6m from a short-term promissory note into a new company focused on music digitisation and blockchain technology. This is a minority investment out of a total of $80m. The full year figures should be published in May.
Chapel Down Group (CDGP) has been appointed as the official sparkling wine supplier to the English Cricket Board. The company’s sparkling wines will be given to the winners of internationals and domestic finals.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that iron ore stockpile shipments have started from the Amapa project in Brazil.
Eastinco Mining (EM.P) has discovered 16 new pegmatite zones following geochemical sampling at its HCK joint venture in southern Rwanda. This takes the total to 18.Surface geological exploration is underway at Musasa.
Clean Invest Africa (CIA) has renegotiated its loan facility and the £5m deemed to be outstanding has been changed into convertible loan stock that is convertible into shares at 1p each. There will be immediate conversion of £4.47m of loan notes.
Gunsynd (GUN) invested £75,000 into First Tin (1SN) at the placing price of 30p, having already invested £125,000 at 15p a share. The share price ended the first day at 30p.
AIM-quoted Vela Technologies (VELA) has acquired a 28.8% stake in healthcare and medtech firm Igraine (KING) for £404,000 or 1.8p a share. Richard Edwards had previously sold his 10.3% stake.
Giles Brand has increased his stake in EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) from 32.1% to 33.4%.
Aquis Exchange (AQX) non-exec chairman Glenn Collinson has bought an initial stake of 12,003 shares at 512p each. Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director Richard Oldfield has bought 25,000 shares at 837.4p each and 15,000 shares at 835.35p each. Hot Rocks investments (HRIP) non-exec chairman Brian Rowbotham bought 715,000 shares at 0.7p each and he owns 3.5%. Non-exec director Charles Vaughan has taken his stake to 2.53% after purchasing 1.5 million shares at 0.65p each.
AIM
The London Stock Exchange says that Arden Partners (ARDN) will lose its nominated adviser status if the merger with legal services provider Ince (INCE) goes ahead.
The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) revenues more than doubled to £24m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £4.77m to £6.42m thanks to the acquisition of rival Hunters Property. There is more to come. More financial advisers are being recruited and more of the franchisees are taking advantage of the services. The total dividend of 11.6p a share was higher than expected.
Belvoir Group (BLV) generated organic revenue growth of 25% last year. In 2021, pre-tax profit jumped from £7.5m to £10.3m, while the dividend is 8.5p a share. Management expects the residential sales part of the business to return to normal levels following the ending of incentives, while the lettings and financials businesses continue to grow.
Gaming machine monitors and consoles supplier Quixant (QXT) generated 2021 revenues of $87.1m, while pre-tax profit was $5.4m. Net cash is $17.6m. Screens supplier Densitron achieved the highest sales since it was acquired. Revenues are increasing from higher value added products.
Trading levels of most of the businesses of Tracsis (TRCS) have got back to previous levels, although the traffic data division recovery was delayed. In the six months to January 2022, group revenues were 31% ahead at £29.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit improved from £4.1m to £5m. The interim dividend is 0.9p a share. The recent US acquisition provides a customer base in the US, which is not as far advanced in terms of rail optimisation software as the UK.
Freight forwarding and transport services both improved their profit contribution to Xpediator (LSE: XPD) in 2021. The warehousing and logistics profit slumped due to problems in the UK. Pre-tax profit rose by one-quarter to £9.1m in 2021. The total dividend was reduced to 1.1p a share. A special dividend is a possibility this year, though. A new chief executive is still being sought.
Ecommerce technology provider Attraqt (ATQT) increased full year revenues by 9% to £22.9m but continued to lose money. There was £3.5m in the bank at the end of 2021 and management hopes to be cash neutral in 2022.
SourceBio International (SBI) grew Covid-19 testing revenues and core divisions also improved revenues during 2021. Group revenues grew from £50m to £92.5m, but they are expected to decline to £39.5m in 2022. That masks sharply higher core revenues partly due to a recent acquisition. The Covid testing labs can be converted to other uses.
Floorcoverings supplier Likewise (LIKE) says that first quarter of 2022 is ahead of budget. The Birmingham logistics site is up and running. The latest acquisition is Delta Carpets, which is earnings enhancing.
Anglesey Mining (AYM) has made the switch from the Main Market to AIM. It had been listed since May 1988. The company’s main asset is the 100%-owned Parys Mountain copper lead zinc deposit in Anglesey, north Wales. Other assets include a 20% interest in the Grangesberg iron project in Sweden. There is a right of first refusal to increase the stake to 70%. The share price moved up by 0.01p to 4.06p on the first day of trading on AIM.
MAIN MARKET
First Tin (1SN) raised £20m at 30p a share and ended the first day of trading at 30p (29p/31p). First Tin issued 60 million shares to acquire Taronga Mines, which owns Australian tin mining assets. The company already owned German tin projects. The cash raised should last for 18-24 months.
Radiology services provider Medica Group (MGP) had a much stronger second half to 2021. Revenues from elective surgery where slightly lower in the first half because of the effect of lockdowns and restrictions. The 2021 group revenues improved from £12.5m to £17.3m as surgery activity built back to previous levels. In 2021, group revenues improved from £36.8m to £61.9m, while underlying pre-tax profit increased from £4.74m to £11.5m. That excludes £4.13m of non-underlying costs, including amortisation, share based payments and one-off professional fees of £555,000. Net cash was £3.88m at the end of 2021. There is potential contingent consideration of £6.89m. The total dividend is 5% higher at 2.68p a share.
DG Innovate (DGI) completed its reversal into Path Investments. The company was acquired for £32.4m in shares issued at 0.6p each and has two operations. The first is developing electric drive technology and the other is developing sodium-ion batteries. The £2.55m raised at 0.5p a share, plus the £2.08m raised from warrants exercised at 0.25p each, will help to commercialise these technologies. The share price ended the first day at 0.34p, which is higher than the suspension price.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) is a shell seeking energy and natural resources assets and it raised £1.34m at 4p a share. The shares ended the week at 4.75p. The pro forma net assets are 2.6p a share. Management is seeking production that provides cash flow and/or strong exploration potential in known resources areas.
Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) is a new shell seeking acquisitions in the renewable energy sector and it raised £1m at 10p a share. It ended the first day of trading at 17p. Pro forma cash is 8.4p a share. The founder shareholder is Harmony Capital Investments, which is behind the management of AIM-quoted, Asia-focused investment company Jade Road Investments Ltd (JADE), where Aura chairman John Croft is executive chairman. Aura is targeting is a range of businesses in areas such as wind, solar, biomass, hydro, carbon capture, waste management, smart grids and hydrogen supply.
OTHER MARKETS
Cyprus listed FOS Holdings has appointed Nick Kounoupias as chief executive. He is a solicitor with his own intellectual property consultancy. The film and entertainment company is planning a complex of five studios in Cyprus between Limassol and Larnaca, plus studios in other locations around the world. EU grants will help the funding of the studio complex, but other funding will need to be secured. FOS also plans to make three films a year.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 April 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In 2021, Good Energy (GOOD) revenues were 12% higher at £146m, while underlying pre-tax profit recovered from £500,000 to £2.6m. Since the year end the sale of the generating assets has boosted the balance sheet making it debt free. A final dividend of 1.8p a share takes the total for the year to 2.55p a share. Investment in billing platforms will help improve efficiency. The Zap-Map EV charging services business remains a focus of growth, along with an accelerating smart meter roll out. Even though trading conditions are tough, Good Energy could improve its profit this year.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) is returned to profit at the interim stage, and it is paying an interim dividend of 3.5p a share. In the six months to December 2021, revenues increased by 55% to £78.7m, which is similar to the six months to December 2019. A loss of £7.2m was turned into a profit of £5.4m. Net debt is £82.4m after paying delayed VAT liabilities. Net assets are 1176p a share, excluding property revaluations. In the 13 weeks to 26 March 2022, like-for-like managed pub sales are 10% ahead, but it is a weak comparative. Costs are increasing and Peel Hunt has trimmed its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £8.6m to £7.2m.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) started trading on the Access segment having raised £2.5m at 21p a share. The share price ended the week at 21.5p, valuing the company at £26.2m. The company has been spun-off by OptiBiotix Health (OPTI), which retains a 44% stake after issuing ProBiotix shares to its own shareholders. They will not be able to deal in the shares for nine months. The core product developed by ProBiotix is LP-LDL ®. Studies have shown that the product can reduce cholesterol levels.
AIM-quoted European equities exchange operator Aquis Exchange (AQX) joined the Apex segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange on the same day as it reported full year figures. In 2021, revenues were 42% ahead at £16.2m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £470,000 to £3.22m. Net cash is £14.1m, after spending £1.1m on buying back shares. The company’s market share of pan-European trading improved from 4.7% to 5.2% and the purchase of the non-displayed matching pool of UBS could add a further 0.6% of market share. Liberum forecasts further growth in pre-tax profit to £4.2m this year.
Oberon Investments (OBE) is raising £3.4m at 6p a share in a significantly oversubscribed placing. The broker and investment manager wants to spend the cash on expanding its corporate finance and wealth management operations.
Pharma C Investments (PCIL) invested £100,000 in AIM-quoted Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL), formerly Summerway Capital, at 165p a share. Trading started on 28 March and the share price subsequently fell to 130p. Vertigrow, which was established in 2018, reversed into Celadon and it grows indoor hydroponic, high THC cannabis, which will be used for medicines to treat chronic pain. A Home Office licence to legally grow medicinal cannabis was received in July 2021 and it has been renewed until January 2023.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $1.5m in Subspace Labs Inc and it will receive a yet-to-be determined number of tokens. Subspace Network is an eco-friendly blockchain that enables scalable chain storage and computing.
Gunsynd (GUN) owns 1.25 million shares in Media Tech SPAC, which is acquiring Scandinavia-based Drylab A/S, which has developed a subscription-based film and TV production platform. The technology allows reviewing and sharing of filmed takes in real-time, uploads those filmed takes to a cloud-based platform and saves time and costs. The service is designed to work without internet access.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has sold M and G Olympic Products, which manufactures architectural metalwork, for £1. This is part of refocusing on fabrication businesses.
Cadence minerals (KDNC) has agreed to sell its 31.5% stake in Lithium Technologies and Lithium Supplies in return for £3.72m.
The attempt to remove the chairman and the other resolution put forward at a requisitioned general meeting of Love Hemp (LIFE) were heavily defeated.
Pioneer Holdings Inc (PNER) has acquired Crowdform, which creates apps and websites for brands and start-ups.
Trading in Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) shares was restored after it reported 2020-21 results and interims to September 2021. There was cash of £93,000 and net assets were £788,000 at the end of September 2021.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) had £396,000 in the bank at the end of 2021 and management says that it is well funded even though there have been delays to exploration.
Lombard Capital (LCAP) had net liabilities of £2.29m at the end of 2021. The directors are trying to refinance the company.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has incorporated a subsidiary to develop wind and water-based hydrogen production systems.
Evrima (EVA) has replaced corporate adviser Keith Bayley Rogers with Novum Securities.
Kasei Holdings (KASH) says that its chair Jane Thomason Abigail subscribed £150,000 for new shares at 20p each.
AIM
Digital payments business Boku (BOKU) improved its underlying pre-tax profit from $8.8m to $11.8m in 2021. Longer-term, eWallet activity will help to accelerate growth. Monthly average cash balances are running at $50.8m. Boku will be hit by the loss of Russian revenues that were likely to be around $1.5m.
NWF (NWF) says that its fuels business is making a profit of 2p a litre, compared with 1p a litre under normal circumstances. This will boost cash flow, but it is not likely to be repeatable. Full year profit will be much better than expected.
Artisanal Spirits (ART) achieved strong growth in the UK, China and the US last year. Member lifetime value increased from £932 to £1,445, helped by retention rates improving to 77%. The investment in casks of whisky is paying off with the value of the stocks increasing by 26%. Current year revenues are growing by 30%.
EKF Diagnostics (EKF) increased 2021 revenues by 25% to £81.8m. Even stripping out one-off Covid business, the growth was 14%. Pre-tax profit improved from £15.4m to £21.4m. Net cash was £19.6m at the end of 2021, although that was prior to an additional investment in Verici Dx (VRCI). Some of the cash pile is being invested in expanding the fermentation capacity in Indiana. There are plans to buy back up to nine million shares.
Employee benefits services and insurance provider Personal Group (LSE: PGH) beat expectations with 2021 even though pre-tax profit declined from £8.8m to £4.7m as the effects of the original lockdown showed through in the figures. There will also be a delay in the recovery coming through in better profit. The total dividend was reduced from 18.4p a share to 10.6p a share. Net cash is £20.3m.
Brand Architekts (BAR) is making a recommended bid for fully listed InnovaDerma (IDP), which has regularly disappointed investors. The offer is 7p in cash and 0.3818 of a Brand Architekts share for each InnovaDerma share, which values the skincare company at £13.6m. Brand Architekts has a strong balance sheet and will be able to improve the marketing for the combined group’s products.
Windward (WNWD), which supplies AI-based software for real-time marine and shipping information, doubled its customer base last year. There is an increased need for information to stop breaches of sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the ongoing requirement to track sea cargos. Windward is loss-making, but revenues should build up significantly as marine compliance requirements become more stringent. Net cash is $39m and this will provide the funds for Windward to achieve its growth forecasts.
SIPPs admin services provider Curtis Banks (CBP) improved pre-tax profit from £13.4m to £14m in 2021. The growth was held back by delays in technology projects. The dividend is maintained at 9p a share. This was achieved despite a decline in interest income. The higher interest rates will not make a significant difference until 2023. Investment in systems will improve efficiency.
Construction and building software supplier Eleco (ELCO) grew revenues from £25.2m to £27.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from £4.9m to £5.3m. Eleco is transitioning to a SaaS-based model and that will hold back short-term revenues growth. Eleco increased its full year dividend from 0.4p a share to 0.6p a share.
Great Western Mining (GWMO) has completed the road to its Mineral Jackpot properties in Nevada and that will help it to exploit spoil heaps. There are also plans to drill five shallow exploration holes in the area.
MAIN MARKET
Repair and maintenance services provider Mears (MER) reported a 2021 pre-tax profit of £25.6m on revenues of £878m as local authority repair and maintenance activity returned to normal levels. Mears made a loss in 2020. The order book is worth £2.4bn.
Beacon Rise Holdings (BRS) joined the standard list with nine shareholders owning most of the shares. Prior to flotation £1.07m was raised at 100p a share. The current bid/offer spread is 100p/400p. Beacon Rise Holdings is seeking acquisitions involved in primary and secondary related education technology. This could be software or hardware that facilitates active learning. Pro forma net assets equals the cash of £744,000.
Rockpool Acquisitions (ROC) has terminated its proposed acquisition of Greenview Gas. Another party will acquire the business. Rockpool has received £1.2m from Greenview, which is a small premium on the loan provided plus interest.
Telecoms services provider Toople (TOOP) says first quarter revenues are 9% ahead of the previous fourth quarter, while gross profit is 17% higher.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 28 March 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) returned to profit in 2021 and it is paying a final dividend of 22p a share, having already paid 37p a share for the financial year. Net assets are 1315p a share. Slater Investments has a 7.05% stake.
S-Ventures (SVEN) is acquiring Market Rocket Ltd, which is a digital agency that helps brand owners to sell their products, for an initial £2.25m. There could be further shares issued if performance targets are met. In the year to March 2021, revenues were £500,000 and this year they will be much higher. This is a profitable business.
British Honey Company (BHC) has raised £540,000 after expenses at 80p each. This cash will finance product development, costs related to reducing expenses and fund growth. Mark Jones has been permanently appointed as chief executive. The company is changing its name to Union Distillers.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) is acquiring Aftech, a sheet metal fabrication company, for £1.55m in shares issued at 1.257p a share, plus 24.7 million warrants exercisable at 3p a share. Services provided include laser cutting, bending and forming and the acquired business fits well with existing subsidiaries. In the year to November 2021, Aftech generated revenues of £1.18m and EBITDA of £266,000 and it has debt of £155,000.
AIM-quoted Asimilar (ASLR) plans to join the access segment of Aquis on 4 April. The technology investment company focuses on areas including big data, machine learning and Internet of Things. The corporate adviser is Oberon Capital. Chris Akers has a 6.88% stake and Nigel Wray a 9.43% shareholding. Net assets were £41.5m at the end of September 2021.
VVV Resources (VVV) has signed a conditional agreement to acquire a company that owns the Mitterberg copper project in Austria and a 49% stake in the Shangri La polymetallic project in Western Australia, which takes VVV’s share to 100%.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) increased its NAV from 437.6p a share to 455.7p a share in the 12 months to January 2022. However, the Luceco share price has fallen back since then. The Luceco stake was reduced to 22.1% last year. Cash was £27.6m at the end of January.
Capital for Companies (CFCP) had cash balances of £4.19m at the end of February 2022. Net assets were 68.4p a share, following the payment of 1.5p a share dividend on 3 March.
Jason Brewer has joined the board of All Star Minerals (ASMO) and been appointed as chief executive. The acquisition focus has switched to near-term production and revenue generating mining assets.
AQRU (AQRU) has entered a partnership with institutional lending platform owner Maple Finance, which will offer AQRU customers enhanced yields in decentralised finance. Yields could be up to 15%. The offering will be integrated into the AQRU mobile and web-based platform.
Clean Invest Africa (CIA) has obtained a new strategic investor and there could be more to come. Ramin Salsali has invested £302,276 at 0.5p a share to take a 4.67% stake. He believes that the CoalTech technology can help to solve the problem of 33 billion tonnes of toxic coal fines. The technology can also pelletise other materials. Several testing phase projects are at an advanced stage.
AIM
Cyber security software supplier Kape Technologies (KAPE) reported 2021 figures in line with its trading statement with pre-tax profit of $75.2m. This was without any significant contribution from the ExpressVPN acquisition, which was made at the end of the year. Pre-tax profit could more than double to in excess of $150m this year.
Geospatial software provider IQGeo (IQG) beat expectations for 2021 with a much lower loss of £2.7m. Annualised recurring revenues were £8.2m. This year the company should move towards breakeven.
Restaurant operator Tasty (TAST) bounced back into profit last year. In the 52 weeks to 26 December 2021, revenues improved from £24.2m to £34.9m. There was £11m in the bank at the end of 2021 and there are £1.25m of borrowings to offset against this. Even if deferred payments are taken into account, then underlying net cash is still £6.8m. Net assets are £1.9m.
Peel Hunt has upgraded its 2022 forecast for promotional goods platform operator The Pebble Group (PEBB) following the recent 2021 figures. Even so, pre-tax profit is forecast to dip from £10.2m to £9.9m.
Leather processor Pittards (PTD) returned to profit in 2021, but cost increases mean that WH Ireland has reduced its 2022 pre-tax profit forecast. Pre-tax profit is expected to be flat at £500,000. Net assets are 101.9p a share.
AI-enabled wound imaging technology developer Spectral MD (SMD) has made excellent progress since floating last year. Studies of the DeepView system have been positive. The technology enables earlier intervention to help wounds heal quicker than they would have done. A validation study for patients with diabetic foot ulcers is planned and could lead to an application for FDA clearance by the end of the year.
Judges Scientific (JDG) increased pre-tax profit from £13.7m to £18.1m in 2021. Revenues recovered in all geographical regions. The order intake in the first eleven weeks of this year is slightly ahead of the 2021 figure. Net cash is £1.4m and cash generated from operations will mean that the cash pile will build up ahead of any acquisitions.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LSE: LUCE) reported an increase in 2021 underlying pre-tax profit from £28.7m to £37.4m on revenues increasing from £176.2m to £228.2m. The total dividend was raised from 6.2p a share to 8.1p a share and it is more than twice covered by earnings. Luceco has moved into the electric vehicle charging market with the purchase of residential EV charge point supplier Sync EV for £10m – it already had a 20% stake, so the latest outflow is £8m. Annual revenues are £4m.
LeakBot reversed into Spinnaker Acquisitions to form Ondo Insurtech (ONDO). The total cost is £9.8m made up of cash of £1.6m, loan notes of £6.4m and 15 million shares issued at 12p each, including 1.36 million shares issued to Ondo Insurtech chief executive Craig Foster. The LeakBot device uses internet of things technology to identify leaks and stop them before they become more substantial. The core client base is home insurers, which can save money on claims. The share price started at 10.5p and fell to 9p by the end of the week.
RC365 Holding (RCGH) was set up to acquire Hong Kong-focused Regal Crown UK, which has developed payment gateway technology and provides other IT services. The holding company raised £2.02m at 6.2p a share, although £800,000 went on float expenses. The shares ended the week at 7p.
Beacon Rise Holdings (BRS) is the latest standard list shell, and it is highly illiquid with most of the shares owned by nine shareholders. On Sharepad.co.uk there are no trades reported, and the bid/offer spread is 100p/400p. That suggest a mid-price of 250p or a notional 150% gain – although the bid price is equal to the subscription price. Pro forma net assets equal the cash of £744,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 21 March 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
AIM-quoted OptiBiotix Health (LON: OPTI) plans to float its ProBiotix Health subsidiary on the Aquis Stock Exchange and distribute 35%-37% of the shares to its shareholders. ProBiotix, which develops probiotics for treating cardiovascular disease, is expected to have a pre-money valuation of £22.5m and will join the market on 31 March. There are plans to raise £2.5m. OptiBiotix will retain just under 50% of ProBiotix. Peterhouse is corporate adviser.
Oberon Investments (OBE) says revenues will be at least £6.4m in the year to March 2022. Funds under management have grown to more than £1bn and that has been wholly organic growth. Oberon is launching an EIS fund and an IHT service.
Natural food and snack products supplier S-Ventures (SVEN) has been making acquisitions since it floated. This means that the figures for the year to September 2021 are not a good indication of the group as it is currently made up. They show revenues of £1.53m and loss of £1m. Additional warehousing has been secured so that all the group’s requirements can be fulfilled by this site. Two centres have been closed.
National Milk Records (NMRP) has secured an exclusive licence for the exploitation of GenoCells technology in the US. The test can detect mastitis and is being piloted in the UK. The roll out of the test should start at the beginning of 2023.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) says that SuperSeed Fund II raised £31m. There is a strong pipeline of investment opportunities.
Altona Rare Elements (ANR) is proceeding with phase 2 of the development of the Monte Muambe real earths project with resource drilling that will last for 12 months. This will produce a maiden mineral resource estimate and will cost £1.2m.
Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) has set up a blockchain-based paly-to-earn gaming division called SMPR Guild. The subsidiary will buy in-game items in the form of NFTs, and active game players can access these items on a revenue share basis. Game-based token rewards are won during playing and they are split between the player and the company.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has completed the acquisition of a further 7% of Pedra Branca Alliance, which gives it a 27% interest in the Amapa iron ore project.
Clean Invest Africa (CIA) has raised £100,000 at 0.5p a share and for every two shares an investor receives a warrant exercisable at 1.5p. If these warrants are exercised, then another warrant will be issued that is exercisable at 3p a share.
Chris Akers has increased his stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ) from 18.3% to 19.1%.
AIM
CleanTech Lithium (CTL) raised £5.6m at 30p a share when it joined AIM. The share price ended the week at 35.5p. The company has potential lithium projects in existing mining areas of Chile. This means that there is nearby infrastructure. CleanTech Lithium has an extraction process that is more environmentally friendly than alternatives. Owning 100% of each of the projects (there is currently an option over part of the Laguna Verde area) provides additional flexibility for financing. There should be updated resource figures during the summer and that will enable a pre-feasibility study to be conducted.
Ceramics and fragrance products manufacturer Portmeirion (PMP) returned to profit in 2021. Group revenues increased from £87.9m to £106m, while underlying pre-tax profit jumped from £1.4m to £7.2m. There was a rebound in revenues in South Korea. Total dividends were 13p a share. Long-term energy contracts have been secured to offset higher gas prices this year. Further profit improvement is expected this year. Healthcare had a strong year helped by Covid, but management believes that spending will
Recruitment firm Empresaria (EMR) bounced back in 2021 even though the aviation recruitment business remained in the doldrums. This shows the benefits of the wide spread of activities both in terms of sector and internationally. Revenues recovered from £54m to £59.5m, while underlying pre-tax profit jumped from £5.2m to £8.6m. This reflects the benefits of investment in group management and resources and there is more to come. Further roll out of IT will also help. Revenues and profit are well below the peak in 2018. The offshore recruitment services division is moving into the Philippines market. There has been a strong start to 2022.
Restore (REST) improved its pre-tax profit by 64% to £38.1m with demand for all parts of the business returning last year. Acquisitions did help the technology business to grow sharply but there was also 5% underlying organic growth for the group as a whole. There are spare bank facilities to fund more acquisitions this year as Restore moves towards its goal of £450m-£500m, which is double the 2021 level.
Packaging and automation equipment supplier Mpac (MPAC) did better than expected in 2021. The 13% improvement in revenues to £94.3m was mainly down to the acquisition of Switchback. Pre-tax profit grew from £6.3m to £8.6m. net cash was maintained at £7.6m. The focus on the healthcare and food sectors has helped Mpac to prosper and the international spread of business is another positive. There is a 26% like-for-like increase in the order book, which was £78.4m at the end of the year.
Tracsis (TRCS) is paying £10.9m, plus up to £2.1m deferred, for rail technology software provider RailComm, which generates revenues of £4.6m. Tracsis had already won a remote condition monitoring equipment contract in the US and the focus will be gaining further contracts for this technology, as well as for software.
Energy efficiency as a service provider eEnergy Group (LSE: EAAS) increased interim revenues by 42% to £9.6m, partly due to energy management acquisitions. Energy efficiency revenues fell during the first half because the corresponding period included work that had moved into that period due to lockdowns. Solar is a sector where management is keen to expand exposure.
Gfinity (GFIN) is raising more cash to cover its losses, but they be near to coming to an end. The esports business is raising a further £2.7m at 1.25p a share, having regularly raised money since joining AIM in 2014. A loss is expected this year, but a reduction in admin costs should help Gfinity to make a profit in 2022-23.
Corporation Financiere Europeenne has increased its bid for CIP Merchant Capital (CIP) from 55p a share to 60p a share. This is still a significant discount to NAV and the bid has been rejected, but the bidder already owns 35.2% and has acceptances of 1.3% of the share capital. Castellain Capital has doubled its stake in CIP to 11.1%.
MAIN MARKET
New Energy One Acquisition Corporation (NEOA) is a cash shell seeking to acquire a business involved in the energy transition sector. It raised £175m at £10 a share. The only real asset is the cash raised in the flotation. The current share price is 989.5p.
Cash shell CYBA CYBA) has acquired its first cyber security business Narf Industries for $25.6m in cash and shares. Narf provides vulnerability research and security protocol design, as well as developing its own cyber security software. A placing raised £6m to help finance the purchase. The placing price of 2p was above the market price, but by the end of the week the price was 2.3p. CYBA may also acquire Polyswarm, although the exclusivity period has ended. CYBA director Steve Bassi is the principal shareholder of the Polyswarm businesses. The estimated cash balance is currently £2.79m. The company is licensing SRI International’s IP that is used in the Narf developed threat intelligence for grid recovery product. SRI will take a stake in CYBA.
Housebuilder One Heritage Group (OHG) has issued £1.5m worth of unsecured corporate bonds and has obtained a standard listing for them. The bond has an annual coupon of 8% and matures in March 2024. The cash will be used to repay loans outstanding from One Heritage SPC, which have an annual interest rate of 12%. There will be a £1.2m loan left that expires in August 2023.
Property investor Town Centre Securities (TOWN) improved underlying net assets to 305p a share, from 284p a share – a 2.4% increase in portfolio value plus help from share buy backs. Three property sales generated £22.5m in the six months to December 2021. There have been subsequent deals. The current loan to value is 47.7%. A 2.5p a share interim dividend is being paid.
Raven Russia (RAV) intends to sell its Russian property assets but retain outstanding loans. Trading in the shares has been suspended and the listing will be cancelled so that the option to sell the assets can be triggered.
Path Investments (PATH) has published the prospectus for the reverse takeover of DG Innovate, which is developing drive and battery technology. The initial consideration is £32.4m in shares at 0.6p each. There is conditional deferred consideration of up to £5.4m depending on the signing of additional customers. Path has raised £2.55m at 0.5p each and warrants exercised at 0.25p each to raise a further £2.08m.
Andrew Hore
