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Quoted Micro 23 March 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) reported flat interim revenues and pre-tax profit of £84.7m and £4.2m respectively. Net debt is £84.7m and a £1m share buyback is planned. The dividend has been raised 3% to 4.5p/share. NAV is 1234p/share. Pubs traded strongly and that offset lower brewing volumes, which fell 6.6% representing a slowdown in the rate of decline. Over 37 weeks the like-for-like growth in retail pub sales it 4.4%, while tenanted pubs are 3% ahead over 35 weeks. Panmure Liberum forecasts a full year pre-tax profit of £7.7m, rising to £8.4m next year.
Stack BTC (STAK) raised £1.9m at 10p/share, including £94,700 from a retail offer. The cash will be used to fund acquisitions and purchase of Bitcoin. AlbR has been appointed as joint corporate broker.
Biotech company Cardiogeni (CGNI) has agreed a deal where Kira Health Invest AG will acquire 67.5% of subsidiary Cell Therapy in return for a 32.5% shareholding in Kira’s hotels and wellness clinics subsidiary Lumen Clinics, which has assets of more than €100m. Kira will make available to Cell Therapy up to $25m to fund the cost of achieving market approval for heart failure medicine CLXR-001. This will fund a phase 2b clinical study and provide enough cash for three years. This funding would be difficult to obtain in current stockmarkets.
S-Ventures (SVEN) is raising up to £2m at 3.5p/share and invest in HDL, a drone technology business. HDL is developing hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles and intends to raise cash from investors to finance progress. S-Ventures will invest up to £1.5m and could take a board position.
Marula Mining (MARU) says assay results from the Kilifi manganese processing plant indicate the potential for a significant manganese grade uplift from processing from four areas.
Investors were disappointed with drilling news from Wishbone Gold (WSBN) concerning Red Setter project in Western Australia, which is near to the Telfer mine.
BWA Holdings (BWAP) had a cash outflow from operations of £99,500 in the six months to December 2025. There was £47,666 in cash at the end of 2025.
Patrick Chophard and Oliver Murphy have stepped down from the Ethtry (ETHY) board and Steve Winfield has returned as an executive director. Ethtry says it plans to “concentrate on building a scalable platform at the intersection of digital infrastructure and next-generation computing, with particular emphasis on opportunities across data centre infrastructure, artificial intelligence and emerging quantum technologies”. There is also an Ethereum treasury policy.
B HODL (HODL) has bought one Bitcoin for £53,363. The total holding is 163.487 Bitcoin at an average cost of £82,319 each.
Coinsilium (COIN) has completed a strategic investment in Singapore-based Predictive Labs. It spent $150,000 for a 5.52% stake and Coinsilium could subscribed for shares to increase it to 16.3%. Additional options could take the stake to 29.85%.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) says results of an independent laboratory evaluation of Sulnox Eco™ confirmed full compatibility across all fuels tested and showed performance benefits.
Zentra Group (ZNT) has earned a £350,000 fee for the sale of the One Heritage Tower site. The residential developer has entered into a relationship agreement with majority shareholder GKU.
IntelliAM (INT) has appointed Cavendish as corporate adviser and broker.
TechFinancials (TECH) is changing its name to Ubuntu Mining and Metals Inc.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has reduced its stake in Mendell Helium (MDH) from 6.5% to 4.69%. Mustapha and Maya El Khalil have a 7.46% shareholding in Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP).
Ajax Resources (AJAX) chief executive Ippolito Ingo Cattaneo bought 123,840 shares at 7.25p each and Richard Heyward acquired 33,172 shares at 7.536p each. BWA (BWAP) non-exec John Byfield bought 2.22 million shares at 0.225p each. VSA Capital (VSA) finance director Galin Ganchev bought an initial 32,833 shares at 3p each. Equipmake (EQIP) chairman Tim Metcalfe bought 682,730 shares at 1.245p each.
AIM
River Global (RVRG) plans to sell the asset management business it has built up to fully listed Liontrust Asset Management (LIO). The initial consideration will be £7.6m in Liontrust shares, followed by up to £2.1m shares depending on certain revenues being achieved. The deal will also release capital from the business. The Liontrust shares will be distributed to A share holders. The B shares are unaffected. The remaining interest will be a structured 30% interest in Parmenion, which is a high growth investment platform. Shareholders and the FCA have to approve the deal.
Pawnbroker Ramsdens Holdings (RFX) has published a second update in two months and it has sparked another forecast increase. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to be £24m, compared with £21.1m previously. Precious metals buying continues to boom with a 50% increase in volumes. Jewellery retail is 25% ahead, while pawnbroking is at record levels and forex is in line with expectations.
Africa-focused oil and gas company Afentra (AET), along with Sonangol and Etablissements Maurel & Prom S.A., is jointly acquiring Etu Energias’ 10% stake in block 3/05 and 13.33% stake in block 3/05A in Angola. Afentra will buy 3.33% and 3.66% of these bocks respectively. This will cost $15.2m, plus contingent consideration of up to $6.74m. The effective date of the transaction will be the end of 2023. Afentra has also launched a strategic review following bid approaches.
Retailer TheWorks.co.uk (WRKS) is closing its online channel and moving to a non-transactional website. Online is making a small and reducing contribution to revenues. There will be exceptional costs of £2m. There are plans to open more stores. Like-for-like growth has been 3.3% this year and the company expects to meet market EBITDA expectations of £11m, or £13.5m for continuing activities. Without the online loss, 2026-27 EBITDA has been upgraded from £12.7m to £15m.
Franchised lettings and property sales business The Property Franchise Group (LSE: TPFG) is well positioned for the Renters Rights bill coming into effect. In 2025, revenues were one-quarter higher at £84.3m. Organic growth was 9%. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £22.3m to £31m, which was better than expected. Earnings jumped from 29.1p/share to 36.5p/share. Net debt has fallen to £2.3m and there will be net cash by the end of 2026.
Diagnostics developer and manufacturer Abingdon Health (ABDX) is benefiting from strong contract development revenues. Interim revenues were 44% higher at £4.5m. the loss was reduced from £2.6m to £2.3m. Capacity is being increased in North America, and this is helping to win new contracts. The full year loss is expected to fall from £3.2m to £1.7m.
Gaming technology and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) is diversifying its customer base and this helped when its major customer got taken over. Revenues improved 4% to $90.2m in 2025, while pre-tax profit fell by one-quarter to $3.6m. A further decline to $2m is expected this year, although the $25m cash pile could be used to acquire a business to boost profitability.
Payment services provider Boku (BOKU) increased 2025 revenues by 30% to $128.8m with the main growth coming from digital wallets and bundling. Active users are 31% higher at 114.4 million. Operating profit trebled to £18.9m. The company’s cash increased to £102.9m. The momentum is continuing. Boku intends to repurchase up to 4 million shares. Former boss Jon Prideaux is stepping down from the board.
Chemotherapy drugs developer CRISM Therapeutics (CRTX) has gained orphan drug designation from the US FDA for irinotecan for the treatment of malignant glioma. This utilises the company’s ChemoSeed technology, which is an implantable, biodegradable technology designed for the localised and sustained delivery of chemotherapy directly into cancer tissue. The orphan drug status will enhance the profile of the commercial development programme.
Strategic Minerals (SML) is raising £4.7m at 3.5p/share. A prominent international investor approached the company. The cash will be spent on the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper project in Cornwall. Following the fundraising, there was news concerning improvements in tungsten and silver recovery. Tungsten recovery is 85.8% and silver recovery is 58.7%. This will boost the forthcoming mineral resource estimate.
Cyber security services and software provider Shearwater Group (SWG) has grown interim revenues by 31% to £14m, but there was a loss. Contracts are being renewed and there is a good base for the second half. Net cash was £2.2m. Full year revenues are set to rise from £31.6m to £35.5m, and pre-tax profit is expected to be £1.1m.
Digital loyalty and promotions platform operator Eagle Eye (EYE) had a good first half and annualised recurring revenues were 3% ahead at £42.2m despite the loss of a major contract. There was a sharp decline in profit, but cash generated covered capital investment. The second half should mark the bottom for Eagle Eye before a strong bounce back next year. Pre-tax profit could slump to £900,000 this year before rebounding to £3m next year.
Retail software provider itim Group (ITIM) says 2025 revenues will be below 2024 levels at around £17.5m due to delays in contract wins. Former AIM-quoted retailer Quiz went into administration and that has increased the expected loss to £500,000. Cost savings could help itim breakeven in 2026 on limited growth in revenues.
Virgin Wines (VINO) is starting to see the benefits of its new strategy. There was a 40% increase in customers acquired in the first half and the new mobile app is yet to be fully launched. Interim revenues were 2% higher at £34.7m in a deteriorating market and growth has accelerated in the pre-Christmas period and accelerated further in January and February. Investment in the strategy led to a swing from profit to loss. Share buybacks continue.
Market research services provider Systems1 (SYS1) is trading in line with expectations and strong momentum has enabled a forecast upgrade for 2026-27. There have also been cost reductions. The current year forecast is maintained at £2.1m, down from £5.2m. A pre-tax profit of £4.5m is expected for 2026-27, up from £2.7m previously, based on unchanged revenues of £39.1m.
CPPGroup (CPP) says it has been told that it will not receive any of the potential $5m deferred consideration for its former business in India. CPPGroup is considering its options, but if it does not receive any cash it will have to raise funding within 12 months.
Concierge technology platform provider Ten Lifestyle (TENG) has increased first half EBITDA by 16% to £1m despite unfavourable foreign exchange movements. Active members are 23% higher at 436,000. Net cash is £9.3m.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) says 50.7%-owned WS Holdco has acquired transport and logistics business EV Cargo Solutions and Distribution. The combined business will have annual sales of more than £300m.
MAIN MARKET
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) is making strong progress and produced record results in 2025. Pre-tax profit improved from £15.6m to £21.2m. The OKC acquisition made a small initial contribution. There was growth in Europe and North America. Footwear volumes were strong, but they are expected to ease back this year. Transport and smart technologies provide growth potential. Aerospace volumes have been recovering. Construction has been weak but there is potential for recovery.
Panther Metals (PALM) has announced two batches of assay results for the Winston tailings project. The first results showed good grade consistency and were better than the preliminary results published last year. The second assay results also showed better results than the preliminary results.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) intends to accelerate activities at the NWQ copper project, including the Big One copper deposit where a mining lease is in the process of being obtained. There is a strong working capital position of A$2.62m with potential funding from grants and R&D rebates.
Singer Capital has initiated research on digital assets investor KR1 (KR1). The focus is increasing income to help the company to be self-funding and increasing exposure to Digital Asset Financial Infrastructure It set a 12-month target share price of 25p.
Nanoco (NANO) has entered a binding term sheet with Shoei to stay ongoing litigation with no compensation payable by either party. They will not sue each other for use of their respective quantum dot patents. A definitive agreement will be negotiated.
Taylor Maritime (TMIP) returned $143.4m to shareholders in February and plans to return at least $30m in the third quarter. Details should be published at the end of April. There will still be a regular quarterly dividend of 2 cents/share. The sale of a vessel raised $17m. The managed realisation of assets will continue.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 2 February 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Roundhouse Digital (ETHL) joined Aquis on 30 January. It is an AI technology company with an Ethereum-denominated treasury. There was £1.1m raised at 4p/share. The company is valued at £10m.
Valereum (VLRM) has entered into a non-binding agreement with Injective Foundation, a Layer-1 blockchain for decentralised finance, and DigiShares inc, a provider of tokenisation technology. There would be a framework for a collaboration across the Injective blockchain, involving tokenisation and secondary trading. DigiShares has 200 issuers. Quorum Global Photonics has a 49.9% stake, while James Bannon’s shareholding has been diluted from 33.8% to 17.8%.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) moved from a loss of £243,000 to a pre-tax profit of £290,000 in the six months to October 2025. Admin costs were reduced and there was no fair value loss, compared with £1.6m in the corresponding period. NAV is £30.5m. Dr Antonios Ghorayeb bought 14,795 shares at 25p each and the chairman owns a 0.96% stake.
Vault Ventures (VULT) has publicly launched analytics platform vSignal.ai.
Equipmake (EQIP) has won a £2.4m order from Agrale for 23 electric drivetrain systems for 23 buses. This follows an order for 50 buses.
BWA Holdings (BWAP) corporate adviser Allenby has initiated research on the minerals exploration company. It believes the Aracari gold project in Cameroon could be transformational. The sum of the parts valuation is £11.2m, which is treble the current market capitalisation. Richard Battersby has transferred his shareholding to his daughter.
Interim figures from Vaultz Capital (V3TC) show initial revenues of £72,000 and a loss of £1.62m. The current value of Bitcoin is £8.68m, down from £11.2m at the end of October 2025, when net assets were £11.6m.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has secured a South Korean patent for emissions reducing additives.
B HODL (HODL) has bought one more Bitcoin for £64,363, after drawing down£65,030 from its loan facility, taking the total to 160.295 Bitcoin costing a total of £13.3m.
WeCap (WCAP) reported a halved loss of £387,000 in the six months to October 2025. The WeShop share price has fallen back to $58.70, but the stake is still worth more than the WeCap market capitalisation.
Mendell Helium (MDH) raised £700,000 at 3p/share. There is also a proposal from US-based investors to co-fund a second well on M3 Helium’s Rost lease in Fort Dodge. Mendell Helium has an option to acquire M3.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) raised £1m at 8p/share with warrants exercisable at 16p each also issued. This will fund previously announced acquisitions.
Clinical support software DXS International (DXSP) revenues fell 3% to £1.68m in the first half, while the loss jumped from £254,000 to £1m. Management is hopeful that the NHS will begin to accelerate decision making later this year.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) says its Esquires Coffee subsidiary has entered a 10-year master franchise agreement for the UAE. The plan is to open at least 50 sites.
Bitcoin investor and wed development company The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised £500,000 at 54p/share. Shareholders have agreed the move to the Main Market on 3 February.
Marula Mining (MARU) has terminated the planned sale of its main subsidiary to Europa Metals. Marula Mining will instead develop the assets itself.
In the year to July 2025, hydrogen producing wind turbine technology developer Energy B (NRGB) reported a reduction in loss from £1.05m to £645,000. There are no revenues. This is before the plans for a Bitcoin strategy and the raising of £400,000 at 1p/share and the settlement of creditors at the same share price.
Mental health treatments developer Shortwave Life Sciences (PSY) did not generate any revenues in the six months to October 2025. The loss was £211,000. Net assets were £2.58m.
Phoenix Digital (PNIX) has redomiciled to Gibraltar.
JP JENKINS
India-focused oil and gas company Indus Gas (INDI) left AIM and joined the JP Jenkins platform on 26 January.
ASSET MATCH
Fastjet (FJET) has published its 2024 accounts. The Africa-focused airline reported a 3% dip in revenues to $64.9m, while there was a swing from a loss of $9m to a pre0tax profit of $3.37m. That is due to a sharp fall in cost of sales.
Greenshields Agri Holdings (GAH) says there was a small improvement in 2024-25 post-tax profit at £2.71m. NAV is 160p/share.
Macdonald and Company (MAC1) is paying an interim dividend of 2p/share on 4 February.
AIM
Thor Explorations (THX) has announced a pre-feasibility study for the Douta gold project in Senegal and first production could be in 2028. The pre-tax project NPV5% is $908m at a long-term gold price of $3,500/ounce, while the post-tax NPV5% is $633m. This assumes 100% ownership. Payback of initial capital investment of $254m could be less than one year. There could be one million ounces of gold produced over nearly 13 years. The resource can be extended. Thor Explorations is buying out its 30% joint venture partner in the Douta West permit joint venture Birma Resources for an initial $1.5m.
Aerospace component kits supplier Velocity Composites (VEL) continues to be hit by delays and lower than anticipated Airbus A350 production rates. Lower overheads have offset the lower revenues in 2025, and the pre-tax loss was reduced from £1.3m to £1.1m. A major aerospace components programme in the US will not be transferred until later in 2026. New European business is being sought to offset the loss of a contract.
The Revel Collective (TRC) has appointed FTI Consulting as administrator and sold most of the bars and pubs. There are 20 sites that were not sold and those will close.
Electro-mechanical and electronics products supplier LPA Group (LPA) reported full year figures in line with the previous downgrade. The loss increased from £300,000 to £1.3m on lower revenues. The order book is worth £32.5m. This includes rail projects that have been subject to delays. There is a 41% like-for-like improvement in the first quarter of this year.
Public Policy Holding Company (PPHC) announced the price of the Nasdaq fundraising at $12.25/share. This will raise $50.8m.
Sancus Lending (LEND) shares jumped 362.5% to 1.8p on an unexpectedly strong trading performance in 2025. The finance provider increased revenues by one-third to £22.1m and a 2025 pre-tax profit of more than £1m is estimated, although that includes gains of £2.6m from repurchasing ZDPs. New lending facilities nearly doubled to £212m and total loans were one-third higher at £317m.
Late on Tuesday, Mind Gym (MIND) admitted that it is in discussions with third parties as part of a strategic review that could lead to a bid for the education and training company.
Great Western Mining (GWMO) has revealed the results of the geographical survey and the assay results of a drilling programme at Rhyolite Dome, which is part of the Olympic gold project in Nevada. The survey identified a deeper untested chargeable feature at more than 300 metres in depth. The drilling found low grade gold and more significant silver mineralisation. The geological model will be refined.
Empyrean Energy (EME) has come to an agreement with Conrad Asia Energy to resolve its dispute over the Duyung PSC and Mako gas field in Indonesia. First gas could be in the fourth quarter of 2027. A special purpose vehicle will be established to own these investments, and Empyrean Energy will own 8.5%. After this Empyrean will pay $353,000 to Conrad and a further $353,000 will be paid out of dividends from the special purpose vehicle. Empyrean’s secured convertible note will be restructured, and the lender will be paid out of dividends from the project. The share price jumped 138% to 0.0894p.
Ovoca Bio (OVB) has completed the acquisition of Tadeen International and it will change its name to Talisman Metals. There was £1.155m raised at 7.7p/share. This means the company has £2.255m in cash. The main asset is copper deposits in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco.
Video games art outsourcing provider Winking Studios (WKS) expects 2025 revenues to be at least 40% higher than the $31.9m reported in 2024. That is slightly higher than expectations. Organic growth was in mid-to-high single digits. EBITDA is anticipated to be between 7% and 13% ahead of the $4.8m reported in 2024. There are already approximately $34.6m of bookings to be recognised this year. The full year results are due to be announced on 27 February.
Physiomics (PYC) has been awarded a new contract by long-standing client Numab Therapeutics. The project is for modelling the company’s pipeline to accelerate development of therapies.
Contract proteomics services provider Proteome Sciences (PRM) has raised £840,000 via a placing at 1.75p/share and a retail offer raised £132,000, which was more than double the target. The cash will be used to increase Tandem Mass Tags plexing rate from 32x to 96x and introduce novel Solvent Shift chemoproteomic workflows. It will also go towards launching a new range of DXT isotopic plex tags and concluding a DXT licence, will increasing capacity in San Diego.
Sensing and measurement technology developer Transense Technologies (TRT) has not been securing new contracts as fast as it hoped. Also, iTrack royalty income is likely to be10% lower than expected at £2m with the total revenues for the group are forecast at £5.2m, down from £5.55m last year. The SAWsense and Translogik businesses should grow revenues by 30%. The company was profitable in the first half and had cash at £1.33m. The interim results will be released on 17 February.
Eqtec (EQT) is raising £1.3m at 0.035p/share and this represents 36% of the enlarged share capital. A restructuring of £5.79m of debt will lead to £1.93m being converted into shares. The rest will be changed into £1.93m secured, zero-coupon debt and £1.93m. There is £166,000 of debt owed on the convertible facility with GIS. As part of its new strategy Eqtec is acquiring 99% of the Green Rock copper gold exploration project. It is paying $150,000 in cash and shares. The remaining 1% stake has a carry up to $350,000 and after that it will be lent cash by Eqtec to pay for its contribution with repayment out of future revenues. There is also an option over a 99% interest in the Peak Hills gold copper exploration project in Western Australia. The waste to energy activities will continue to be a core part of the group.
Botswana Diamonds (BOD) been awarded eight prospecting licences in north west Botswana. They have been chosen for prospectivity for copper, gold, silver and other critical minerals. The company is speaking with potential joint venture partners.
Laundry technology developer Xeros Technology (XSG) says that 2025 revenues will be lower than expected. Cavendish has halved its forecast to £300,000, which increases the loss to £3.4m. The 2026 forecasts are unchanged and there should still be £4m in cash at the end of 2026. Longer-term, there is positive feedback concerning demand from a global OEM launching a product in 2027.
MAIN MARKET
Another upgrade for LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE), which has been improving throughout 2025 after a weak start. Like-for-like growth is 6%. Pre-tax profit is expected to be £27.1m, up from £24.9m in 2024. There is demand for retrofitted energy efficiency products and there is UK government backing for energy efficiency measures. There was an 85% increase in EV charging sales.
In the AGM statement, Swindon-based newspaper and magazines distributor Smiths News (SNWS) says trading has been positive. The company should remain cash positive despite the payment of a special dividend of 3p/share. There is more to come from the diversification into other distribution activities.
Shell company Associated British Engineering (ASBE) had net assets of 15p/share at the end of September 2025. There are capital losses of £8m and £2m of trading losses.
Nanoco (NANO) has decided not to actively seek a buyer any more. There were discussions but no firm offers. Costs are being reduced and chief executive Dmitry Shashkov is leaving.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 29 December 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Technology developer Vault Ventures (VULT) is finalising a strategic partnership with an organisation involved in quantum, post-quantum and security-critical software systems. This will support development of revenue generating quantum products for regulated organisations. Priority areas have been identified, and the partnership should accelerate development. There should be no requirement for a share issue to fund the partnership.
The WeShop share price fell back to $111.85, although volumes remain low. Even so, shares in both Aquis-quoted investors gained during the week. WeCap (WCAP) shares rose 8.11% to 2p and Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) shares increased 3.08% to 1.675p.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has signed a conditional option to acquire the Rachaite silver, lead, zinc and copper/gold prospect in Argentina. The prospect was previously owned by former AIM company Alexander Mining and its drilling confirmed mineralisation. The potential purchase price is $20,000 in shares or the option and $380,000 in cash when exercised. Ajax Resources also has to invest $200,000 in exploration over three years. A 1% net smelter royalty will be retained by the seller, and this can be purchased for $250,000 minus royalty payments made.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says costs were swelled by preparations for a move to AIM when the option to acquire M3 Helium is exercised. There was a cash outflow from operations of £1.1m in the six months to September 2025.
EDX Medical (EDX) chief executive Dr Michael Hudson bought 28,526 shares at 10.57p each.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) says 1.45 million warrants were exercised by existing shareholders at 29p each, raising £420,000. Constantine Logothetis now holds 27.75% and Nistadgruppen AS has 13.85%.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has agreed a new subscription agreement for a further 50 million shares and the existing 13.24 million shares not subscribed for from the previous agreement. Up to 25% of the trading volume in one week can be issued.
Valereium (VLRM) is talking to a potential new corporate adviser. It will soon be listing the WAGEEN Token (WAG1) on licenced tokenisation venue for real-world assets VLRM Markets. The token will be issued by Wageen Corp, which is building an integrated ecosystem combining terrestrial, air, and maritime transport services into one platform. This could generate revenues of $600,000 for Valereum.
Coinsilium Group (COIN) plans a comprehensive update on strategy in the New Year. Portfolio company Otomato Web3 Agent Protocol has secured a $2m investment from a UK technology company.
Oscillate (SRVL) has completed the first exploration programme on its licence in the Kalahari copper belt. The results will be available in the first quarter of 2026.
TechFinancials (TCH) has received the £250,000 raised in September at 0.25p/share. This will help fund the development of the 25%-owned Dilotiko iron ore operations in Kenya. There is an option to acquire up to 60% of Dilotiko. The company’s name will be changed to Ubunto Mining and Metals Inc.
B HODL (HODL) has approved a Strategic Bitcoin-Backed Loan Framework using CoinCorner’s product as part of its treasury management activities. CoinCorner is a shareholder in B HODL. The cash will finance Bitcoin purchases.
Oberon Investments (OBE) raised £625,000 at 3.7p/share.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) chairman Dr. Antonios Ghorayeb bought 36,000 shares at 25p each, taking his stake to 0.94%.
Amazing AI (AAI) is changing its year end from June to December. The next accounts will be for 18 months to December 2025.
JP JENKINS
Energy generator OPG Ventures (OPG) left AIM and joined JP Jenkins on 23 December. The India-focused company operates coal-fired power plants.
Medical imaging technology developer Polarean Imaging (POLX) left AIM and joined JP Jenkins on 23 December.
Gosport-based brewer and bars operator Powder Monkey (PMGL) has bought County Durham-based Maxim Brewery, which was formed after the closure of Vaux Breweries in 1999. A share subscription is planned.
AIM
Oil and gas company Sintana Energy Inc (SEI) completed the acquisition of Challenger Energy in early December and joined AIM on 23 December.
Indus Gas (INDI) is proposing to shareholders that it should leave AIM. A general meeting will be held on 8 January. There is a limited free float, and it has been difficult to raise funds or use shares for acquisitions. Gynia Holdings owns 82.7%. Interim figures show an improved pre-tax profit of $1.93m, up from $1.24m. Indus Gas is awaiting a production sharing contract extension so a new gas sale and purchase agreement can be signed.
Pipehawk (PIP) is selling Utsi Electronics to Hong Kong company Leidi Global Supply for £1m. A £25,000 deposit has been paid. This subsidiary lost £464,000 last year. Stripping that out, Pipehawk would have made a pre-tax profit of £154,000. This leaves utility infrastructure detection company Adien and rail-focused Thomson Engineering Design.
Professional services provider Christie Group (CTG) is selling visitor attraction software business Vennersys for an initial £500,000 in cash. There is also up to £900,000 of retained consideration subject to performance conditions. The sale should be completed by the end of January. Vennersys is loss making and the disposal could add around £500,000 to 2026 pre-tax profit – £2.8m is the current forecast.
Mobile Streams (MOS) shares returned from suspension down 62.6% to 0.23p following publication of an admission document and results for the year to June 2025. June 2025. The company, which is changing its name to Gana Media Group, is acquiring the shares it does not own in two Mexican sports betting and media companies. It already owns 28.7% to Estadio Gana, plus convertible loan stock, and 22.5% of Capital Media Sports. Buying the rest of Estadio Gana will cost £31.9m in shares at 0.625p each, while 584.2 million shares a 0.495p each will be issued for Capital Media Sports. Investment in existing Mexican operations enabled full year revenues to rise from £436,000 to £1.41m. Net cash was £1.52m at the end of June 2025 and by the end of September available cash was £991,000.
Store closures and exiting Boots meant that Mothercare (MTC) interim revenues fell by one-quarter to £90.7m. Like-for-like revenues were 6% lower. The pre-tax loss declined from £1.4m to £1.1m due to lower interest charges. The new South Asia joint venture made a positive contribution. Net debt was reduced from £17.1m to £5.8m. Chairman Clive Whiley has bought 42 million shares in Mothercare at 1p each taking his stake to 8.87%, while finance director Andy Cook bought 5 million shares at 1p each. Robert Quested reduced his stake from 9.39% to 1.05%.
Vast Resources (VAST) has announced the proposed acquisition of Gulf International Minerals in an all share deal and trading in the shares has been suspended. Gulf International Minerals is an explorer focused on Tajikistan. It has a joint venture with the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies in Tajikistan covering four gold mining operations and a central processing plant. Of these, Aprelevka produces 10,4000 ounces of gold and 80,000 ounces of silver each year and Vast has been managing the operation in return for 10% of earnings after tax. A placing will raise £7.5m and this will help to fund a JORC compliant resource estimate.
Quicklime producer and critical metals explorer Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) has raised £860,000 at 1.25p/share. The $1m Ricca debt has also been settled. The cash will fund further development of the Limeco project in Zambia. This investment will help to increase revenues.
Synthetic binders developer Aptamer (APTA) has signed a licensing agreement with Alphazyme, a Maravai LifeSciences company that supplies speciality enzymes to the life sciences sector. The non-exclusive deal is for a developed Optimer® for use in hot-start PCR applications – when the enzyme switches on when heated. The original development deal was signed in June 2024, and another development project has recently completed.
Pantheon Resources (PANR) is suspending flow testing at the Duhle-1 well in order to save costs of around $150,000/day in the winter period. Costs will be lower in the spring. Results have been disappointing so far. The company will analyse data and assess opportunities in other parts of its oil and gas portfolio in Alaska. There is $27.2m in the bank. Zeus has cut its total risked NAV from 73p/share to 53p/share. Michael Spencer’s stake reduced from 8.19% to 7.59%.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) says it has been issued with a writ of execution of movable property at the Zulu project by a creditor seeking $2.2m. Discussions continue with the creditor, which is JR Goddard Contracting.
Alliance Lithium (ALL) has revised and resubmitted its mining licence application for the Ewoyaa lithium project in Ghana. The royalty rate will be between 5% and 12% depending on the spodumene price. Canaccord Genuity assumes 10% in its forecasts suggesting a price between $2,501/tonne and $3,000/tonne, but the price is currently lower. The new lease requires government ratification.
Litigation Capital Management (LIT) has to meet the costs of a failed claim in Queensland against Stanwell Corporation and CS Energy. Each company will receive A$16.2m. This partly covered by insurance, but the company still has to pay A$12.9m. An appeal has been filed and should be heard in March and there may also be an appeal against the costs award. The strategic review of operations is ongoing.
MAIN MARKET
Cash shell daVictus (DVT) had cash of £112.000 at the end of 2024. These annual figures were released just before the end of 2025.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 22 December 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Vault Ventures (VULT) has raised £555,000 at 1p/share. This will be invested in technology. The Vault Accelerator for blockchain and AI development and income generation is in the final stages of implementation.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says that the flow rate for the Rost 1-26 well in Fort Dodge, Kansas has more than doubled to 250Mcf of helium per day, which equates to $1.4m in income in one year. There are discussions with potential partners for additional wells.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has been granted a patent in Australia. It covers a range of formulation versions which includes both the Berol® 6446 Heavy Sulphur Fuel Oils (HSFO) emulsifiers and Sulnox Eco™ Fuel Conditioners which enhance all diesel, petrol/gasoline and biofuels, and marine fuels.
DXS International (DXSP) was hit by a cyber incident on 14 December. This should net have a material effect on the full year figures.
B HODL (HODL) has joined the US OTCQB Venture Market under the code BHODF.
Ananda Developments (ANA) is pleased with the US Presidential executive order to reschedule cannabis in the USA from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 under the Controlled Substances Act. This recognises the benefit of medicinal cannabis. This will make it more straightforward to gain FDA approval and potentially make it easier to raise money. Trading in Ananda Developments shares ends on 22 December.
Mark Horrocks has reduced his stake in Lift Global Ventures (LFT) from 19.96% to 17.9%.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has not raised any cash from share subscriptions in the past two weeks, which takes it to four weeks since any subscriptions.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) completed a share issue raising £1.2m at 5.5p each and creditors have converted £110,000 of money owed into shares at the same price. Total cash is £2.6m.
First Sentinel has resigned as corporate adviser to Valereum (VLRM) and trading in the shares The company is still trying to complete the transaction with Quorium Global Photonics SPC. The share price fell 7.41% to 12.5p prior to suspension.
EDX Medical (EDX) is commercially launching a new BC95 testing service for early detection of bowel cancer as well as providing assessments of hereditary risks. Interim revenues increased from £18,000 to £173,000, while the loss increased from £1.7m to £2.3m. Cash was £125,000 at the end of September 2025.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) is redomiciling to Gibraltar. This is due to the regulatory environment and crypto advisory infrastructure.
RootstockLabs Ltd has reduced its stake in Coinsilium (COIN) from 6.69% to 5.32%.
Oscillate (SRVL) has issued an unsecured convertible to raise $400,000. This is equal to the amount to be received for the sale of helium operations. That will be received over 5 months, and the loan note will provide cash in the meantime. It lasts five months and the annual interest rate I 15%. It can be converted into shares if the company moves to AIM.
Connecting Excellence (XCE) has bought 8.12682413 Bitcoin for £560,000, taking the holding to 24.77668182 Bitcoin at a total cost of £1.71m. The next update will be on 5 January.
Oberon Investments (OBE) published increased interim revenues rose 14% to £5.4m with the fastest growth from investment management. Investment in growing the business means that the loss increased from £1.24m to £2.39m. Management believes that like-for-like growth could be 30% this year.
In the six months to September 2025, business assurance provider Adsure Services (ADS) revenue dipped from £5.06m to £4.89m, and pre-tax profit edged down from £330,000 to £310,000. Management says the decline was down to timing issues. Cash was £610,000.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has not raised any cash from share subscriptions in the past two weeks, which takes it to four weeks since any subscriptions.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) chairman Dr. Antonios Ghorayeb bought 200,000 shares ag 60p each, taking his stake to 0.89%.
JP JENKINS
Bitcoin mining company Argo Blockchain (ARB) has exited the Main Market and joined JP Jenkins on 15 December.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has left AIM and joined JP Jenkins on 18 December.
Powder Monkey (PMGL) has appointed Jon Radford as managing director of the UK brewing operations.
ASSET MATCH
Greenshields Agri Holdings (GAH) improved revenues from £3.95m to £4.27m, while there was a swing from loss to a pre-tax profit of £3.12m. However, this was due to a £4m gain on disposals. Cash generated from operations increased from £340,000 to £1.65m because of a reduction in working capital. Net cash is £1.3m.
Shareholders in Gulfsands Petroleum (GPX) agreed to the capital reorganisation
AIM
Technology enabled PR company Pathos Communications (NEWS) raised £5m at 30p/share ahead of joining AIM on 15 December. Management plans to invest in staff, marketing and technology. The share price ended the week at 32.5p.
Music management company All Things Considered (ATC) switched from Aquis to AIM and raised £8.6m at 125p/share. The share price ended the week at 131.5p.
Kettle components supplier Strix (KETL) is transforming its balance sheet through the £110m sale of Billi, which supplies multifunctional taps, to a private equity-backed Australian bidder. Billi was acquired three years ago for £38m, although Strix has invested in the business since then. Billi has been a growing contributor to the group at a time when other parts of the business have found trading conditions difficult. There are plans for a manufacturing and development agreement. Shareholder approval is required so the sale will not be completed until early next year. Strix will move to a net cash position and a £10m share buyback is planned. The sale equates to 47.8p/share.
The Zimbabwe government has revised its changes to mining royalties and that is good news for Caledonia Mining Corporation (CMCL). The proposed royalty rate of 10% will only come into effect when the gold price exceeds $5,000/ounce, rather than $2,500/ounce. Changes to tax have been withdrawn. The rise in the gold price means that the payback on investment in the Bilboes project could be less than one year. Cavendish has raised its 2025 pe-tax forecast to $131.3m with $163.8m expected in 2026.
The new strategy of Naked Wines (WINE) is already showing signs of paying off and Panmure Liberum has upgraded expectations due to strong pre-Christmas trading. The wines supplier expects full year EBITDA to be at the top of guidance of £5.5m to £7.5m. Panmure Liberum forecasts £7.2m, up from £6.2m. Pre-tax profit of £800,000 is estimated when previously a small loss was expected.
Mkango Resources (MKA) joint venture HyProMag USA, a rare earth recycling and processing business, has expanded the Texas hub facility and is planning a listing in the US in around one year’s time. The NPV of the Texas project and two other sites is $409m based on current market prices. The figure is much higher based on forecast prices. Up front capital costs are $142m.
Chariot (CHAR) has completed a financing for two wind projects in South Africa. The funding is via a subsidiary, and the wind farms should be commissioned in mid-2027. Chariot retains 65% of the subsidiary and Mahlako is paying $17m for 35%. Chariot’s stake is valued at 2p/share. This is the start of the strategy to build up a portfolio of renewable energy assets. The water business, which primarily held the proof-of-concept desalination project in Djibouti, has been sold.
Scotland-based housebuilder Springfield Properties (SPR) has secured a deal with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks which covers 293 homes across six sites. This will provide income from rentals to help cover building costs on the sites. This deal is part of the new strategy in the north of Scotland, where home will be leased to workers improving the electricity transmission infrastructure.
Bars operator The Revel Collective (TRC) is in discussions with potential acquirors of its businesses and they would not lead to any return for shareholders. There is no likelihood of raising money through a share issue. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 29 December because the 2024-25 annual report will not be published by the end of the year.
Offshore energy market services provider Tekmar Group (TGP) has won a contract with an existing customer worth €8m. This for a major UK offshore wind farm. Revenues should be recognised this year and next year.
Quantum Helium (QHE) says an independent resource report has been published and the best estimate for the Coyote Wash project in Colorado is 0.97bcf of gross recoverable helium. This takes the gross recoverable resource of the company’s projects to 1.1bcf, which have a gross value of $330m. There are also potential oil resources of up to 750,000 barrels. The company also has a 90% working interest in the Sagebrush helium project which has 2U helium reserves of 101MMscf net.
Gaming machines hardware and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) has traded in line with expectations in 2025, but management is cautious about next year. A small dip in revenues from $85.5m to $85m in 2026. This has been downgraded from $94.1m because the largest gaming customer has been acquired and the product range rationalised faster than anticipated.
Groundworks company Van Elle (VANL) completed the sale of the Canadian rail business. This raised C$2.7m with a deferred payment of C$2m to be paid during 2026. The total is equivalent to £2.5m but subject to balance sheet adjustments. Meanwhile, revenues of the continuing business rose 12% in the first half.
MAIN MARKET
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) investee company ICEYE along with its joint venture partner Rheinmetall has secured a €1.7bn contract for space-based reconnaissance capabilities for the German Armed Forces. This involves a dedicated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite constellation with AI driven image evaluation. The contract starts at the end of 2025 and lasts for five years. ICEYE recently raised €150m in a financing round, which valued the company at €2.4bn. ICEYE is by far the largest investment at just over one-third of the portfolio. The latest contract indicates the maturity of the business and ICEYE could consider a listing in the future. At the end of September 2025, the Seraphim Space IT NAV was £283.6m, which is equivalent to 119.55p/share.
Cash shell Medcaw Investments (MCI) is proposing to acquire Ulvestone, which holds licences for the Eagle Lake gold project in Ontario, Canada, plus a move to AIM.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 27 January 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK), which owns the Esquires coffee shops, increased group store sales by 26% to £25.5m in the nine months to December 2024. The growth was 32% in the latest quarter. The number of sies has risen from 71 to 87 over the past 12 months with all but three franchised. So far in this financial year, UK like-for-like sales are 2.8% higher and sales in Ireland are ahead by 5.1%. A further six stores are planned in the current quarter and there should be more than 100 stores by the end of 2025. The business is generating cash from operations.
Healthcare IT software provider DXS International (DXSP) grew interim revenues by 2% to £1.73m and the pre-tax loss was slashed from £258,000 to £59,000, helped by grant income of £170,000. There was a small post-tax profit after R&D tax credits. There was no capitalised development pending in the period and the cash position improved over six months to £96,000. Chairman Bob Sutcliffe bought 50,000 shares at 2p each and 37,037 shares at 2.7p each. He owns 1.93% of the company.
Cardiometabolic health products developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) reported 13% growth in net sales to £1.88m, while the order book for the first quarter is worth £620,000. The EBIDA loss fell from £709,000 to £568,000. There was cash of £1.65m at the end of 2024. The relationship with SEED Health in the enabled the launch of products in 2,000 Target stores, which drove growth in US sales. There are negotiations that could lead to ingredient sales in China. Management believes that the company can reach breakeven by early 2026.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has signed non-binding heads of terms for the acquisition of Evrensel Global Natural Resources, which has mining and trading activities in Africa. This would be a reverse takeover. Existing Wishbone Gold shareholders are likely to own 30% of the enlarged group. Wishbone Gold chairman Anthony Moore owns the Gibraltar-based target company. Some or all of the existing Australian mining assets are likely to be sold.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) has launched a share buyback programme worth up to £500,000. The shares will be cancelled. This should enhance earnings. Like-for-like retail sales were 7.4% ahead over the Christmas and New Year period with particularly strong sales within the M25. First half like-for-like retail sales were 4.4% higher, while tenanted pub sales were slightly higher. Beer volumes slipped 12.6%. A change in logistics arrangements will add £1.5m to costs. Wage and National Insurance costs will rise by an annualised £2.6m. Management will try to offset these rises through price increases and improved efficiency.
ChallengerX (CXS) is in negotiations for the potential acquisitions of Nyce International and Virya VC. Hng Kong-based NYCE International helps to accelerate the sales and product distribution process for gaming companies. UK-based Virya provides executive and directorship services for the betting and gaming sector. As part of this proposed transaction ChallengerX will secure a perpetual licence for Reelsoft AB’s Vision RGS (Remote Gaming Server) and Game Aggregation Platform. ChallengerX had net liabilities of £187,000 at the end of June 2024.
Property investor Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) edged up rental by 1% to £2.75m in the first half. Higher interest costs and a £37,515 disposal loss meant that the loss increased from £5,000 to £243,000. NAV is £31.4m, while the market capitalisation is £33.7m. Net debt is £46.3m.
RentGuarrantor Holdings (RGG) increased fourth quarter revenues by 88% through a 73% rise in tenant contracts.
BWA Group (BWAP) says that initial mineral resources for the Dehane project in Cameroon are 4.2 million tonnes at a 3.5% cut0ff. That comprises 0.99% ilmenite, 0.13% rutile and 0.11% zircon. Results of the kyanite test work are expected in the second quarter. That could lead to an update to the mineral resources estimate.
Fintech and blockchain technology company Tap Global Group (TAP) has increased monthly revenues to £451,000 in December. Revenues for the six-month period rose from £1.29m to £1.8m and there should be a positive EBITDA for the period.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) is planning a capital reorganisation and conversion of its 4.8% bond into shares. There will be a consolidation of 4,000 shares into one new share. The bond will be converted into 810,325 new shares, thereby reducing debt by £910,000. The record date is 29 January.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had NAV of 82p/share at the end of August 2024, down from 87.9p/share at the end of May 2024. There was £1.24m in the bank. The tough economic conditions led to downgraded valuations of some earlier stage investments.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has generated £126,000 from the exercise of options at 36p each by a former director. It has also settled £36,330 of costs via issuing shares. SulNOx has secured a patent in Nigeria for its improved oil/water separation methodology.
At the end of 2024, EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had an NAV of 292.78p/share.
Mark Horrocks has reduced his stake in WeCap (WCAP) from 5.03% to 4.8%. Premier Miton’s stake in Global Connectivity (GCON) has reduced from 5.21% to 3.69%. First Car International increased its Samarkand Group (SMK) shareholding from 17.6% to 21.6%. Jason Upton has increased his stake in Zentra Group (ZNT) to 3.53%.
Gowin New Energy Group (GWIN) director Chien Chih-Peng has bought 33.16 million shares a 1p each. This is a shareholding of 11.4%. Jia-Hong Guo’s stake has been reduced from 8.74% to under 3%. Chien Chih-Peng has also made a £37,000 loan available to Gowin New Energy.
AIM
Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) offers civil engineering services, such as earthworks, drainage and foundations, to housebuilders. In the year to September 2024, revenues fell by 36% to £56.7m and it made a £700,000 underlying loss. However, it is already winning new business with housebuilders, such as Vistry and Taylor Wimpey. That has helped the order book grow to £51.6m at the end of September 2024. A further £15.9m of orders have been won since then. Water infrastructure services provider Coleman Construction and Utilities was acquired in October. Following this acquisition, the pro forma cash figure is just below £10m.
Payments technology company Bango (BGO) increased 2024 revenues by 16% to $53.4m. Annualised recurring revenues were 59% higher at $14m. A pre-tax profit of $3m is estimated for 2024, but that includes $2.2m of non-cash income. Net debt is $1.7m. Matt Wilson has replaced Matt Garner as finance director.
Yu Group (YU.) increased energy supplied by 78% in 2024 and margins are better than expected. Revenues did not grow as rapidly because of lower prices, but they are two-fifths higher at approaching £650m. That is lower than the Panmure Liberum estimate of £680m. Managing bad debts and the hedging policy means that the pre-tax profit has edged up from £46m to £48.3m.
Revolution Beauty (REVB) is having a poor fourth quarter to February 2025 with some retail launched delayed until the first quarter of 2025-26. This includes a launch in Walmart in the US. Online trading was also weaker than expected. Full year revenues are forecast to fall by one-quarter to £143.6m and a profit is no longer expected. A £1.6m loss is likely. The 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast has been more than halved from £5m to £2.4m. Net debt is set to stay around £25m.
GENinCode (GENI) says that its heart disease risk assessment product CARDIO inCode is included in the US 2025 Clinical Lab Fee Schedule enabling reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid. The price varies from $450-$570. It is also being used to prevent heart disease in Catalonia.
There was a short-term trading improvement in December for Sanderson Design Group (SDG), but this has not continued, and profit expectations have been reduced. Band sales are 9% lower. Revenues are expected to decline from £108.6m to £101m, while pre-tax profit could slump from £12.2m to £4.2m – previously £7.2m was forecast. There has been less high margin work for the manufacturing division, which hit overall profitability.
Fuel additives developer Quadrise (QED) generated £4.5m via a placing at 3p/share, which was well above the minimum sought, and a retail offer could raise up to £1m more – although that figure could be increased. The money already raised will last well into 2026.
Shoe retailer Shoe Zone (SHOE) had already warned about the results for the year to September 2024. Pre-tax profit fell from £16.5m to £10m, which was slightly higher than forecast. There is no final dividend – the interim was 2.5p/share. Net cash is £3.6m. Several loss-making stores are being closed. The 2024-25 pre-tax profit is expected to halve to £5m.
Floorcoverings supplier Airea (AIEA) had a much better second half growing by 6% and full year revenues were 0.6% ahead at £21.2m. International sales were still lower in 2024 despite a 11.8% increase in the second half. Inventory levels have been reduced. There will be non-recurring costs. The equipment is expected to be installed in the new manufacturing facility during the second quarter. An investment property worth £4.1m is still up for sale. David and Monique Newlands increased their shareholding from 11.1% to 12.4%.
Bars operator The Revel Collective (TRC) had a good Christmas, but it faces higher costs because of the National Living Wage and National Insurance increases. Annualised costs will rise by £4m. This has led to forecasts of larger than expected losses. Like-for-like Christmas revenues were 1.6% higher. Net debt is expected to be £24m at the end of June 2025.
Managed services provider Tialis Essential IT (TIA) has made a good start to 2025 with preferred partner and contract extensions totalling £17.8m. Some of these are five-year contracts and are higher margin lifecycle management contracts. The 2024 pre-tax profit is expected to be flat at £1.1m, but earnings are forecast to treble to 3.6p/share.
Ariana Resources (AAU) produced 20,900 ounces of gold from its 23.5% owned Zenit mining operations in Turkey. Revenues were $54.7m. Mining is building up at the new Tavsan mine. A resource estimate is expected from Dokwe in Zimbabwe after further drilling analysis.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies (QBT) has raised £2m at 1.15p/share so that it can invest in its Bitcoin mining technology. Last week, it announced a breakthrough for its Bitcoin Artificial Intelligence model mining tool. The Method C AI Oracle provides a 30% improved performance compared with other methods. The company is seeking a chip manufacturing partner to produce a commercial product.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) has raised £540,000 at 0.02p/share. This is interim funding following the decision not to proceed with the fundraising at 0.0275p/share because the retail offer did not raise enough to reach a total raising of £3.5m. The company will require more cash and I talking to its offtake partner.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) had a strong fourth quarter despite the tough market conditions for some parts of the business. Trading was better than forecast with a modest improvement in pre-tax profit to £21.9m expected. Net debt is expected to be £69m.
Dukemount Capital (DKE) had £28,000 in cash at the end of September 2024, while net assets were £59,000.
Neuchatel Investment is subscribing for 29.9% of Aseana Properties Ltd (ASPL). This is expected to raise $5.45m at $0.08 cents/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 13 January 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) has launched more partnerships in the past three months, including with Reach and News UK. The family interests of Mark Blandford are subscribing £1m for an issue of convertible loan notes with up to £1m more on offer to other investors until the end of January. The cash will be invested in expanding customer acquisition and partnership, plus to enhance the premium prize draw operations. There are also plans for international expansion.
Healthy snacks supplier S-Ventures (SVEN) has published its results for the 15 months to December 2023. This is part of the work that is required to be in a position to reverse the operating subsidiaries into AIM shell Riverfort Global Opportunities (RGO). Annualised revenues grew 170% to £20m. The cash outflow from operating activities was £1.4m in the 15 month period.
Oscillate (MUSH) has appointed Robin Birchall, a former director of Helium One Global, as chief executive and Steve Xerri becomes an executive director. Robin Birchall will receive options over 2% of the current issued share capital at a price equivalent to the share price at the time of a move to AIM or other Recognised Investment Exchange, plus he will receive a payment to buy 4.25 million shares. Igraine (KING) has reduced its shareholding in Oscillate from 5.05% to 3.64%.
Automotive electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has received approaches from strategic investors and potential acquirers. Discussions continue. In the six months to November 2024, revenues improved 19% to £2.47m with EV components revenues increasing 80% to £254,000. There was a cash outflow from operating activities of £2.37m and capital spending of £686,000. Bus repowering services are being scaled down because of low volumes and this will save £2m/year. There was £2m in the bank at the end of November 2024. The contracted order book is worth £11m.
Zentra Group (ZNT), which was previously One Heritage, has signed a new relationship agreement with 65.2% shareholder One Heritage Property Development. This ensures at least two independent directors and the majority shareholder’s nominated director will not vote on outlined matters.
RentGuarantor (RGG) has raised £455,000 from a convertible loan notes issue to RentGuarantor chief executive Paul Foy. They are redeemable on 18 November 2026.
Chris Akers has a 5.1% stake in Global Connectivity (GCON), while Chris New increased his shareholding from 8.88% to 9.75%. Keith Harris raised his stake from 9.98% to nearly 11%. Premier Miton has increased its shareholding from 4.74% to 5.21%, while Placifor Investments raised its stake from 9.76% to 10.7%. Livia Meyer’s stake has reduced from 16.97% to 8.78%. Barry Hersh has still not paid the £375,000 subscription amount for 37.5 million shares.
ChallengerX (CXS) has raised £120,000 via a convertible loan note, which is convertible into 120 million shares when the company is readmitted to Aquis. The cash will fund due diligence on potential acquisitions.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) chairman Dr Antonios Ghorayeb bought 23,940 shares for a total of £11,475 in September and October. The announcement is late.
AIM
Data and marketing services provider Jaywing (JWNG) has sent out the circular to gain shareholder approval for the cancellation of the AIM admission. This follows a requisition notice by 29.5% shareholder Michael Ashcroft and the company has decided that the departure from AIM is in the best interests of the shareholders. The general meeting is on the 5 February.
It has been a topsy turvy week for legal services provider RBG Holdings (RBGP). It initially terminated the consultancy agreement of Ian Rosenblatt due to breaches of contract and offensive behaviour. He has restrictive covenants lasting until July 2028, but was identified as owner of AWH Acquisition Corp, which is regulated as a firm of solicitors that changed its name to Rosenblatt Law. He is a director of this company along with former RBG Holdings director Tania MacLeod. Ian Rosenblatt had requisitioned a general meeting to remove Jon Divers as chief executive of RBG Holdings. At the end of the week after the market closed, RBG Holdings said it had entered into an exclusivity period with Ian Rosenblatt for the sale of the Rosenblatt brand business to Rosenblatt Law. Ian Rosenblatt will withdraw his winding up petition and the general meeting notice. This exclusivity lasts until 24 January.
Downhole oil and gas technology developer Enteq Technologies (NTQ) says testing of the SABER rotary tool results in the requirement for further engineering modifications. Delays to the start of active test drilling with an Australian customer mean that the timing of revenues is uncertain. The drilling could begin in April. There are also additional costs. This means that cash will not last as long as previously expected and Cavendish has pulled its forecasts. Enteq was expected to move into profit in 2026-27.
There was a strong end to the year for floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE). The market fell but Likewise continues to grow. Fourth quarter revenues were 10% higher than the corresponding period. Full year revenues of £150.8m was 3% ahead of forecast. A new logistics centre has been acquired in Plymouth.
Team Internet Group (TIG) announced that it had received two bid approaches from TowerBook Capital Partners and Verdane Fund Manager AB. Each of the potential bidders was proposing an offer of 125p/share. Previous approaches were rejected for being too low. Both approaches are being considered. TowerBook Capital Partners has since decided not to bid.
Pawnbroker H and T (HAT) says 2024 trading was in line with expectations. The pledge book increased 26% to £127m, with more loans of over £5,000. There was strong demand for lower price jewellery, which boosted retail sales. National Insurance changes will increase costs by £2m/year. Octopus Investments has cut its stake from 10.9% to 9.98%. The 2024 results will be published on 18 March.
ImmuPharma (IMM) says the preclinical research programme for autoimmune therapy P140 should pave the way for earlier, more accurate diagnostics, as well as better identification and improved monitoring of patients. Detailed data is not being published.
Plastic products supplier Coral Products (CRU) has sold and leased back two freehold properties for £1.7m. The initial annual payment of the 15-year lease is £155,000. The £1.1m of related mortgages will be repaid. A final agreement for the insurance claim for the May 2020 fire at one of the company’s premises has resulted in a payment of £900,000.
Arecor Therapeutics (AREC) is ceasing the operations of Tetris Pharma and it is returning the rights to Ogluo, a glucagon auto-injector pen for severe hypoglycaemia, to Xeris BioPhaarma. A partner of Tetris Pharma lost a key NHS Tender, which means revenues will be lower than expected in 2025. There will be a £3m write down. This enables Arecor Therapeutics to concentrate on core products, including ultra-rapid acting insulin candidate AT278, where partner discussions continue.
Automated transport analytics provider Cordel (CRDL) has won a new contract with Angel Trains. It will pinpoint track geometry data from high-speed passenger trains, rather than dedicated monitoring trains. This should help to reduce costs. The technology is Network Rail certified.
A trading statement from animal feed additives supplier Anpario (ANP) has sparked the fifth upgrade to 2024 forecasts. There was strong growth in Middle East and Africa. Shore has raised its pre-tax profit forecast to £5.5m, compared with £3.5m in 2023. Net cash is estimated to be £10.5m.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) had a strong third quarter, which is the third quarter in a row where the growth rate has accelerated. Third quarter revenues were 11% higher at £25.6m, which means that the year-to-date figure is 9.2% ahead at £54m. Third quarter growth in retail was 12.4%, helped by store openings. Three more stores will be opened in the fourth quarter. Ecommerce growth was 9.2%. Like-for-like growth to December 2024 was 3.8% with ecommerce growing fastest. Net cash was £1m at the end of 2024.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 16 September 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Exchange services provider Aquis Exchange (AQX), which is also quoted on the Aquis Stock Exchange, has already warned that the loss of a software contract will hit revenues this year. Net interim revenues were still 4% ahead at £10m. Pre-tax profit was 8% lower at £1.1m. There was a small dip in revenues of the core exchange division. Net cash was £14.5m at the end of June 2024. There are plans to increase investment in technology to increase the addressable market, so year-end cash will be slightly lower than expected at £15.1m.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) increased revenues from £203,000 to £544,000, but the loss was still around £1.9m. Cash was £2.15m at the end of June 2024. A generator-based study for the SulNOxEco fuel additive shows fuel savings of 15%.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has raised up to £2.1m via a placing and offer at 0.3p/share and more than £2m has come from Charles Morgan, the company chairman. Charles Morgan and Melissa Sturgess have agreed to capitalised debt owed to them. The cash will fund the manufacture of MRX1 for CIPN and Endometriosis phase II studies, as well as a pharmacokinetic study for MRX1 in Australia.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) improved interim revenues 16% to £9.28m, while the cost base rose 11%. The loss was reduced from £649,000 to £352,000. The remainder of the year is expected to be difficult.
The increase in the value of the 15% stake held by Global Connectivity (GCON) lead to the July 2024 rising from £7.8m to £17.2m in a six-month period. That is 4.25p/share.
Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) reported a 4.5% decrease in NAV to 85p/share, although investment property value rose 2.4%. The was reduced to £44,000. The company is finding it difficult to raise additional funds.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) maintained revenues at £5.6m. There is 96% occupancy of the group properties. NAV fell from £34.4m to £31.7m at the end of April 2024.
Voyager Life (VOY) says that M3 Helium’s preparations for bringing the Rost1-26 well into production are advanced. Voyager Life has an option to acquire M3 Helium.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) increased sales by 23% to £13.8m in the 22 weeks to 1 September. The main growth was in the UK stores. Ten further outlets ae expected to open by the end of the financial year.
Investment company EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (EO.P) reported a reduced loss because there was a gain on fair value movements on investments compared with a loss last time. There was cash of £18.4m at the end of July 2024. NAV was 319p/share at the end of July, and it fell back to 314p/share by the end of August.
Warrants held by lupus treatment developer ImmuPharma (IMM) to subscribe for shares in Incanthera (INC) at 9.5p each have been extended to the end of March 2025 in return for a £75,0000 payment by ImmuPharma.
BWA Group (BWAP) chairman Jonathan Wearing has subscribed for 50 million shares at 0.5p each.
Jonathan Adnams has stepped down as chairman of Adnams (ADB) because of ill health. Simon Townsend will be interim chairman.
AIM
Greatland Gold (GGP) shares returned from suspension after announcing the purchase of Newmont Corporation’s 70% stake in the Havieron gold-copper project, as well as 100% ownership of the Telfer gold-copper mine and other assets in the Paterson region. The total cost is $475m in cash and shares. A placing raised £248.6m ($325m) at 4.8p each, which is a 30% discount to the market price. Wyloo is subscribing up to $100m and Newmont Corporation will own more than 20% of the gold explorer. A retail offer raised £6.7m.
Marlowe (MRL) is demerging the occupational health division as an independent AIM company called Optima Health by the end of September. Shareholders will receive one share for each Marlowe share held. Marlowe will focus on testing, inspection and certification operations. So far, £41m of the £75m share buy back has been spent. Marlowe continuing revenues are forecast to be £306m and pre-tax profit £13m.
Energy optimisation services provider Inspired (INSE) interim revenues edged up from £44.6m to £45m and pre-tax profit dipped from £6.2m to £5.7m. That was lower than forecast. Optimisation revenues declined, but product mix meant that margins were better. Cross-selling is helping to grow the ESG division and other parts of the business. Net debt is £57.6m. There is only £2.2m of contingent consideration due to be paid. Debt should start to decline over the next few years.
Chain and transmission equipment Renold (RNO) has made another earnings enhancing acquisition. Canada-based MAC Chain Company is being bought for $31.4m. This fits well with the CVC business and enables expansion into the forestry market. Last year’s pre-tax profit was $3.5m.
Optimisation software provider Checkit (CKT) reported a flat loss of £2.3m on the back of a 16% increase in interim revenues to £6.7m. However, the full year figure is set to fall from £4.2m to £3.9m. Annualised recurring revenues are £13.8m and that underpins the full year revenues forecast of £14.2m. Net cash was £7m at the end of July 2024 and higher R&D spending means that year-end cash is likely to be slightly lower than previously expected at around £5m. Chairman Keith Daley bought 135,000 shares at 21p each.
Cross-border currency payments services provider Finseta (FIN) reported a sharp increase in first half profit, although investment in growing the business will hold back profit in the short-term. There was a £100,000 contribution from the final payment relating to the licencing agreement with Avila House. The loss of that income, a higher depreciation charge and additional overheads for new operations such as a corporate Mastercard and a Canadian office means that full year pre-tax profit could dip from £1.4m to £1.3m. The benefits of the investment will be seen next year with an expected jump in pre-tax profit to £2.5m.
Contract research and infectious disease study services provider hVIVO (HVO) reported 2024 revenues 31% ahead at £35.6m, while pre-tax profit improved from £4.18m to £7.15m. The new Canary Wharf site has opened and provides additional capacity. Cash was slightly lower than anticipated at £37.1m.
Gaming machines hardware and displays supplier Nexteq (NXQ) was hit by destocking in both of its divisions. Interim revenues and profit were expected to fall. Interim revenues were 14% lower at $48.2m. Net cash reached $36.9m. The full year revenues forecast is being maintained at $93.9m to £114.3m.
Packaging equipment and automation provider Mpac Group (MPAC) reports a strong improvement in first half figures, although the comparatives were weak. Revenues improved from £52.8m to £60m, while pre-tax profit rebounded from £1.9m to £4m. The closing order book is £71.4m. Net debt is £4.9m and should be lower at the year end.
Trading in Eurasia Mining (EUA) shares has resumed following the publication of 2023 accounts late on Friday. Net cash was £1.1m at the end of 2023. The company has also agreed a one year working capital facility for up to £2.5m. The loan lasts until next August and is convertible at 2.7p/share. There are five tranches with around £1m of the loan dependent on a term sheet to sell the Russian asset. The lender will receive a payment of 12.5% of the facility, plus 5% of any draw downs, in shares at 2.3p each.
Shore Capital upgraded animal feed additives supplier Anpario (ANP) after it reported an 11% increase in interim revenues of £17m on the back of a much greater rise in volumes and slightly lower pricing. Raw material costs have stabilised. Full year revenues expectations have been raised from £33m to £34m, while the pre-tax profit estimate is increased from £3.9m to £4.4m, up from £3.5m in 2023.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) is raising £643,500 at 8p/share and directors will subscribe for an additional £114,500 once the interims are published. The cash will be invested in the Teck-Hughes and Sylvanite gold tailings projects in Canada. This should enable nearer-term revenues Management will also review opportunities for exploration drilling on the Tully and Big Bear prospects and a potential technology testing facility in Ontario.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) interim revenues improved 8% to £109.6m and underlying pre-tax profit rebounded from £9.4m to £11.2m. Like-for-like growth was 3.6%. The interim dividend was improved from 1.6p/share to 1.7p/share. LED lighting revenues declined, while portable power and wiring accessories revenues improved. Panmure Liberum forecasts a full year pre-tax profit improvement from £21.2m to £23m.
Hostmore (MORE) has terminated the proposed acquisition of the TGI Friday’s master franchise owner. The sale of corporate stores has reached an advanced stage. However, the proceeds may be lower than the value of related borrowings so there will be no return for the company. Once the sale is complete the holding company will be wound up.
Critical Metals (CRTM) has raised £50,000 from NIU Invest and has entered into a term sheet for a cash injection of up to £2.5m. NIU has already invested £1.1m in convertible loan notes as is the latest investment. The conversion price is 2p/share. NIU is also receiving warrants exercisable at 0.5p/share.
Shell company Ikigai Ventures (IKIV) has been moved to the new, temporary shell category. This provides one year to comply with additional requirements and a further two years to make an acquisition.
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 20 February 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
EDX Medical Group (EDX) acquired Torax Biosciences for the issue of 1.67 million shares at a notional 6p each. Torax provides development and pilot scale fabrication of immunochemistry-based assays and diagnostic testing services. The experienced team at Torax was an attraction.
Marula Mining (MARU) signed a co-development and relationship agreement with a subsidiary of South African mining and investment company Q Global Commodities, which had already agreed to subscribe £3.75m for shares. Q Global chief executive will become Marula Mining chairman, subject to regulatory approval and admission to AIM. Marula Mining is expanding its graphite interests through the proposed purchase of a 75% stake in ten licences comprising the Nyorinyori graphite project in Tanzania.
Electric vehicle drivetrains developer Equipmake (EQIP) reported more than halved interim revenues from £2.32m to £1.05m and the loss increased to £2.76m. There was cash of £7.44m at the end of November 2022. The contracted order book is worth £9.1m. That includes 100% of second half expected revenues as well. There have been delays in delivering vehicles to First Group, so these will be in the 2023-24 figures.
Energy supplier Good Energy (GOOD) has launched a new smart export product for Feed-in Tariff for FiT customers, which could help them to earn more from electricity they generate. There are plans for a new domestic export tariff for households in the next few months.
AQRU (AQRU) has incorporated the London Carbon Exchange and it has a wating list of investors interested in using the platform when it is launched later this year. The platform allows trading in the voluntary carbon market.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has entered a three-year agreement with X1 Property Management, a residential and student letting company, which hopes to generate secure tenants.
Digital asset investor Kasei Holdings (KASH) raised £500,000 at 12p a share from Aalto Capital. This is a 12.5% stake. ChallengerX (LON: CXS) raised £250,000 through a share issue to Aalto Capital at 0.45p a share. An equal number of warrants exercisable at 0.45p each were also issued.
Spirits company Rogue Baron (SHNJ) non-exec Charlie Wood acquired an initial 600,000 shares at 0.846p each. He also has an interest in the 1.1 million shares owned by Orana Corporate, where he owns 25%.
Hikmat El Rousstom has resigned as non-exec director of Ace Liberty & Stone (ALSP), while at British Honey Company (BHC) Sophie Guifang Luo stepped down from the board to pursue other interests.
Love Hemp (LIFE) has withdrawn from trading on the Aquis Stock Exchange as of 14 February. Trading in Pioneer Media Holdings Inc (PNER) will end on the Aquis Stock Exchange on 9 March.
AIM
Purplebricks (PURP) is launching a strategic review because the board believes the company is undervalued. The share price slumped to 7.86p, which is a new low. Changes to the estate agency business have disrupted the third quarter performance. Instruction numbers were lower than expected. Management has identified an additional £4m of annualised cost savings. There will be £1.2m of one-off costs in the second half. The full year adjusted EBITDA loss will be between £15m and £20m. It was previously expected to be around £10m.
Semiconductors designer EnSilica (ENSI) moved into operating profit in the first half and momentum has continued in the second half. A €5m contract has been won to develop a chip for the satellite communications market, which will start generating revenues in 2023-24. Interim revenues are nearly one-quarter higher at £8.59m. The growth came from design and supply. There was a pre-tax loss of £202,000, but R&D tax credits meant that there was a £322,000 profit after tax. A small full year pre-tax loss is forecast for the full year with a £844,000 post-tax profit.
Semiconductors designer Sondrel Holdings (SND) says the project design for a customer in the automotive sector has been delayed because project design will not be completed until the first quarter of this year. The payment for the first milestone was in January and the second will not be until May. The 2022 loss is higher than forecast and there will still be a small loss in 2023.
Esports company Gfinity (GFIN) raised £2m at 0.15p a share, having originally sought £1.5m. The cash should last for 12 months. Technology platform Athlos still requires a strategic partner and there is enough funding for this for around four months. If not, then it could affect the restructuring and other plans for the rest of the business. At 0.1575p, down 33%, the current share capital is valued at Gfinity at £2.1m. Each placing share comes with a warrant to subscribe for one share at 0.15p and these warrants are exercisable between six and 18 months after the placing shares are admitted to AIM.
Fertiliser producer Harvest Minerals (HMI) had cash of A$2.72m at the end of 2022. Sales of KPFertil are growing and that has enabled the repayment of A$1.2m of debt. A court ruling requires Agrocerrado to pay $463,000, because it failed to acquire the minimum tonnes of KPFertil required by the agreement between the companies.
Medical devices developer Creo Medical (CREO) raised £28.5m from the placing at 20p a share, which was more than the £25m initially targeted. The cash will be used for further development and commercialisation of Creo Medical’s minimally invasive electrosurgical devices. With up to £5.2m more to come from the open offer, Cenkos believe that this is enough cash to fully commercialise the current product portfolio. Revenues of £100m are forecast by 2027.
Clontarf Energy (CLON) is forming a joint venture with US-based NEXT-ChemX Corporation, which covers the deployment and marketing of the latter’s direct lithium ion extraction technology in Bolivia. There is limited water and energy consumption with this technology. The share price soared by 129% to 0.172p. Pilot testing and extraction starts in March. Clontarf Energy will contribute $500,000 towards the pilot plant for exclusive use of the technology. There will also be share issues to NEXT-ChemX.
Promotional goods supplier software platform provider Altitude (ALT) says results for the year to March 2023 will be much better than expected. Zeus has upgraded its pre-tax profit forecast from £500,000 to £800,000 and that is the second upgrade in three months.
Deferral of contracts by clients has led to forecast downgrades for Jaywing (JWNG) and 2022-23 pre-tax profit expectations have been more than halved to £1m, while next year’s forecast has been slashed from £3.7m to £2m. The digital marketing services provider won an Australian online education services contract which will help to offset some of the decline in forecast revenues in 2023-24.
Mkango Resources (MKA) raised £3.5m at 12.5p and this will fund further development of the Songwe Hill rare earths project. Talks with potential funders for the project continue. Mkango Resources will also provide a €2.5m loan facility in HyProMag, which is developing a rare earth recycling production facility in Baden-Wurttemberg. The company’s stake in HyProMag could increase to 66.8%. Chief executive William Dawes acquired 400,000 shares at 12.95p each and 400,000 shares at 12.75p each. He owns 4.42%
WH Ireland has reduced its forecasts for SaaS-based retail software provider itim Group (ITIM) because of contract delays. Revenues for 2022 will be slightly below previous forecasts and that increases the loss by £200,000 to £1.1m. The 2023 loss is expected to be the same. Annualised recurring revenues are £13m, which is lower than expected. Net cash is £3.9m.
Mark Horrocks has increased his stake in cloud-based international payments services provider Cornerstone FS (CSFS) from 8.66% to 13.4%.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) achieved record local process for its crude palm oil in January and there were strong extraction rates from the fruit bunches. However, there were disappointing volumes because of aggressive rival bidding for fruit bunches, although this has eased this month. There no changes to 2023 expectations of a sharp rise in profit.
MAIN MARKET
The ignominious life of Hawkwing (HNG) as a quoted company appears to be coming to an end. Kroll Advisory has been appointed administrator to the company. Hanover Investment Management demanded repayment of £2.2m relating to a convertible loan note. Hawkwing is owed £13.7m plus interest and add-ons by IFG (SPP), where liquidators have been appointed. This is secured on two subsidiaries and their assets, but it is uncertain how much can be clawed back. The cash shell was formerly sports representation and marketing company TLA Worldwide, a past AIM embarrassment which released a profit warning after the market had closed for Christmas.
Zamaz (ZAMZ) has acquired Dallatte Italia, a manufacturer of dairy products. This fits with the Bella Dispensa subsidiary and its Made in Italy ecommerce service. Management wants to change the terms of its bonds by extending their life and increasing the interest rate.
Trading in Net Zero Infrastructure (NZI) shares recommenced last week following publication of accounts and interim figures. The share price fell from 2.2p to 1.55p.
RC365 Holding (RCGH) intends to issue 18 million shares to Hatcher Group Ltd and in return it will receive 38.64 million shares in Hatcher Group. The two firms will collaborate in research and development of smart algorithm technology and other fintech services.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 30 January 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) says 2022 trading was in line with expectations. The 2022 results will be published on 30 March.
Electric vehicle drivetrain technology developer Equipmake Holdings (EQIP) has raised £6.235m at 5p a share. That was slightly more than initially indicated. A lease is being secured on additional premises. The contracted order book is worth £8.6m. Interim revenues were £1.05m and the full results will be announced on 15 February.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) says existing contracts underpin growth in in 2023. There are £22m of vanadium flow battery systems due for delivery in 2023 and a further £7.4m order book for 2024. There was £5.1m of cash in the bank at the end of 2022. Pilot projects with Siemens Gamesa should begin in the summer and a next generation product should be available in the first half of 2024.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has completed the sale of its joint venture interest in Yangibana rare earths project for A$9m of shares in ASX-listed Hastings, which is equivalent to 1.9%. Evergreen Lithium is expected to list on the ASX on 10 March – Cadence Minerals owns 15.8 million shares, which are expected to be valued at A$3.96m.
A full year update from Chapel Down Group (CDGP) shows string growth in sparkling wine sales. Group revenues were 10% ahead at £15.6m with momentum increasing in the second half. Margins should have improved.
Ace Liberty & Stone (ALSP) reported a small dip in interim pre-tax profit to £731,000, partly due to additional charges relating to a property in Sunderland. There is available cash of £9.5m for further property investments and contracts have been exchanged on a Dorchester property.
Helium Ventures (HEV) had £157,000 in cash at the end of October 2022. The proposed acquisition of Vestigo Technologies, which supplies tracking software, continues to be progressed.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) is partnering with Datar Cancer Genetics to offer the Trucheck circulating tumour cell screening service.
Tap Global (TAP) has signed up its first client for its crypto app. Global cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex will use the service to offer clients a prepaid Mastercard and convert cryptocurrency to Euros.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) says the SuperSeed II LP has invested in eight SaaS companies and a further investment should be made in the first quarter of 2023.
RentGuarantor Holdings (LON: RGG) is licencing its software to Clever Student Lets to use on its student letting platform.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) has published fourth quarter production figures. Silver output was 401,000 ounces in the period, while gold output was 4,000 ounces. Full year production was one million ounces of silver and 11,000 ounces of gold.
AQRU (AQRU) has launched its lending pool via subsidiary Accru Finance. This allows investors to generate yield from tax credit receivables originating from the IRS in the US. Annual returns of up to 10% are indicated.
Good Energy (GOOD) was one of three energy suppliers criticised for not providing enough help to their prepayment customers to claim the £400 of support vouchers from the government.
Marula Mining (MARU) says that initial deliveries of 1,000 tonnes of high-grade lithium ore from the Blesberg mine will commence shortly and take four weeks. Processing of existing stockpiles is ongoing, while site infrastructure is upgraded.
Chris Akers continues to build up his stake in Asimilar Group (ASLR) and it has reached 8.01%.
AIM
Spectacles supplier Inspecs (SPEC) is expected to report slightly better than expected full year figures. The figures are still much worse than expected prior to the previous warning, where destocking and poorly performing businesses led to a significant downgrade. Sales were flat at $246m, although there was growth before currency movements. Pre-tax profit is set to more than halve from $17.9m to $7.7m.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) has been awarded a UK government grant of £2.8m for taking a leading role on a 24-month Faraday Battery Challenge in collaboration with BMW and Williams. This will further the development of Ilika’s Goliath battery, which is designed to be cost-effective and recyclable. There were no surprises in the interims earlier in the week. In the six months to October 2022, revenues improved from £179,000 to £204,000, which all came from UK grants. Net cash outflow from operating activities increased from £2.19m to £3.84m. Net cash is £17.8m. The Stereax M300 miniature battery should be launched by the summer.
Results from aerospace composites kits supplier Velocity Composites (LON: VEL) were as expected following the trading statement at the end of 2022. In the year to October 2022, revenues were 22% higher at £12m, while the loss was flat at £1.5m. A further loss is forecast for this year, while the US deal with GKN Aerospace builds up later in the year. A full year contribution from the US GKN business should push the company into profit.
Fire Angel Technology (FA.) reduced its loss last year, even after higher procurement costs, and it expects significantly enhanced margins this year. The home safety products supplier increased 2022 revenues by nearly one-third to £57.5m. A further reduction in loss is expected this year with helpful currency movements providing potential for further upside.
Healthcare data analysis provider Diaceutics (DXRX) beat expectations with revenues 44% higher at £20m, helped by currency movements, and margins are being maintained despite inflationary pressures. Diaceutics has secured two agreements with top ten global pharma companies. The order book is worth £15.6m. Investment in data and technology is being increased.
Following the departure of the recently appointed chief executive Inland Homes (INL) has sold its greenfield strategic land portfolio. There was a £3.5m profit on the sale that raised £9.5m in cash. There will also be fees generated for assisting the purchaser. Despite the disposal, net debt has risen to £100m and trading conditions have deteriorated. The 2021-22 loss is expected to be £91m and NAV has fallen to 40p a share.
Fiinu (BANK), which offers the Plugin overdraft to individuals with accounts with other banks, has completed the core banking platform configuration and its testing. General testing of the service is continuing. There is £35m-£40m required to fund the bank and a staged fundraising will commence before Easter.
Piling contractor Van Elle (VANL) had already flagged the interims, but the pre-tax profit was still slightly higher than expected at £3.3m. The interim dividend is 0.4p a share. Full year pre-tax profit forecasts have been maintained at £5.2m, although next year’s figures has been trimmed to £6m.
Gaming Realms (GMR) has signed a brand licensing deal with Tetris Inc, the holder of the rights to the eponymous falling blocks game. Tetris Slngo mobile will be launched globally before the end of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies (OCTP) is due to commence a phase 1 clinical trial for its lead programme OCT461201 for the treatment of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy with the interim results due in the second quarter. Management says it has enough cash to get it into the first quarter of 2024. GHS Capital has reduced its stake to below 3%.
Motor dealer Pendragon (PDG) says fourth quarter trading is slightly ahead of expectations and this has offset inflationary pressures. Underlying full year pre-tax profit should be more than £57m, down from £83m for the previous year. Net debt is around £23m. There continue to be constraints in the supply of new vehicles.
One Heritage Group (OHG) expects a further impairment charge of between £750,000 and £1.25m. Martin Crews is being replaced as development director by Paul Westhead on an interim basis. The major shareholder loan facility has been raised from £9.5m to £11m.
Mode Global Holdings (MODE) is winding down its operations because it was unable to raise the cash it required to grow the business.
Andrew Hore