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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 11 September 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Ormonde Mining (ORM) has switched from AIM to the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange. Ormonde Mining owns 36.2% of gold and copper explorer. TRU Precious Metals Corp and 20% of battery metals explorer Peak Nickel.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) increased revenues from £34,000 to £203,000 in 2022-23, while the loss was slightly lower at £1.91m. The net cash outflow was £1.2m. Note 3 of the accounts points out the financial position, but management believes that sales will come through to generate cash to fund the business after a reduction in costs. If not, a share issue will be the alternative way of obtaining the cash required. Stephen Bamford and Constantine Logothetis have increased their stakes to 8% and 22.5% respectively.
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) has appointed Investec as nominated adviser and joint broker alongside Canaccord Genuity. It replaces Liberum. The company, which is also quoted on AIM, will report interims on 21 September.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has issued £600,000 of convertibles at 100p each. Two existing shareholders have invested a total of £300,000 and Charles Morgan has converted £300,000 of debt. Unsecured debt will fall to £709,000 and Charles Morgan has agreed not to task for repayment until the end of January 2025. The interest rate is 15% and the conversion price is the lower of a 20% discount to the share price of the next capital raising of at least £1m of 0.4p/share, with a minimum of 0.2p/share. The loans will automatically be converted on 30 November 2025 or earlier.
Pharma C investments (PCIL) will hold the requisitioned general meeting on 27 September. The proposals are to remove Gavin Hilary Sathianathan and appoint Paul Ryan and Noel Lyons to the board.
Investment company Macaulay Capital (MCAP) has seven investments in its portfolio. The NAV dipped from £1.44m to £1.33m at the end of June 2023. There is £368,000.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has received the second tranche of the disposal proceeds of investee company The Homebuilding Centre, which provides homebuilding advice. Successful trading means that the second tranche is £108,000 rather than the expected £50,000.
Cannabis-based products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) improved revenues from £178,000 to £284,000. There was cash of £990,000.
AIM
Controlled environmental agriculture technology developer Light Science Technologies (LST) is acquiring Tomtech for £500,000 with an initial cash payment of £75,000. Tomtech, which supplies and installs monitoring and control systems for greenhouses, has £284,000 in cash and there could be additional cash payments if it is above £185,000 on completion. This deal is immediately earnings enhancing – Tomtech reported a pre-tax profit of £79,000 on revenues of £680,000. There is a complementary product range and cross selling opportunities to Tomtech’s 160 customers.
AMTE Power (AMTE) is raising £2.1m at 1.7p/share at 1.7p/share, plus an additional retail offer to raise £250,000. The share price slumped 78.4% to 2.05p. The battery technology developer is raising the cash to keep going until the proposed cash injection of £2.5m is completed. Due diligence by the potential investor could continue until the end of October and it believes that it can introduce potential offtake customers to AMTE.
Molecular Energies (MEN) plans to sell its Argentinian oil and gas business for up to $40m to its chairman Peter Levine. Argentina is economically and politically volatile and exchange controls mean that the business is hampered. There is a lack of investor interest and there are capital investment requirements that need to be funded. There will be an initial payment of $2m plus repayment of $13m of debt. The rest of the purchase price is based on up to 20% of net free cash flow over the next five years. The Paraguay oil and gas assets and other operations are not included in the sale.
Software supplier GetBusy (GETB) made a slightly lower underlying loss in the first half as it continues to invest in sales and product development. Annual recurring revenues grew 14% to £20.1m. and there is £1.7m in the bank. finnCap maintains its expectation of a small 2023 loss.
Satellite communications equipment supplier Global Invacom (GINV) is seeking shareholder approval to leave AIM and maintain the listing on the Mainboard of the Singapore stock market. There is a lack of liquidity on AIM, and this makes it difficult to raise cash. There is also the cost and management time taken up with being on AIM and another market. A subsidiary signed a multi-year contract with Eutelsat Communications. The July 2014 placing price was 19.75p. The shares have been trading below that price for more than eight years.
Video editing technology developer Blackbird (BIRD) reported a 36% dip in interim revenues to £985,000 after the loss of a contract with A+E and additional development fees in the previous period. The cash outflow was £1.92m, but there is still £8.18m in the bank. Even so, investors want to see progress with the new product for creators and other new business to replace what has been lost.
Capital equipment supplier 600 Group (SIXH) has reconvened its AGM for 29 September. However, the audit for the accounts for the year to March 2023 will not be completed by the end of September. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 2 October. Trading conditions continue to be difficult and there will be a further interim loss. That will lead to impairment adjustments in the 2022-23 accounts. Debt facilities expire at the end of November 2023. Peter Gyllenhammar increased his stake from 9.88% to 10.2%.
Capital equipment manufacturer Mpac (MPAC) increased interim revenues by 4% to £52.8m and pre-tax recovered from £1.1m to £1.9m. Order intake soared in the period. Services generated one-third of revenues in the first half, but the mix will change as recent order wins are satisfied in the second quarter. The order book has risen 15% to £77.5m since the end of 2022 and includes higher margin healthcare machinery. This helps to underpin forecasts of a better second half. The battery cell assembly plant business remains a significant longer-term opportunity. Net cash is £2.2m. Shore forecasts a near doubling of underlying pre-tax profit to £6.9m in 2023.
Builders’ merchant Lords Group Trading (LORD) is outperforming its rivals. But trading is getting tougher because of higher interest rates and lower construction activity. Interim revenues improved 4% to £222.6m, helped by acquisitions, but pre-tax profit fell from £8.4m to £7.7m. The interim dividend is maintained at 0.67p/share. Cenkos has reduced its 2023 pre-tax profit forecast from £17.8m to £13.2m.
Infrastructure India (IIP) announced the conditional sale of the 99.99% stake in transportation company Distribution Logistics Infrastructure to Pristine Malwa Logistics Park, which is part of logistics group Pristine. The consideration will be $10m in cash and 33% of Pristine Malwa the purchaser. There are conditions that are required to be satisfied before the deal can go ahead and it will be subject to adjustment. The transaction could close before the end of the year. Infrastructure India is expected to exit the investment within three years. At the end of September 2022, net liabilities were £85.7m. It is difficult to assess how much of the Infrastructure India borrowings will go with the disposal.
STM Group (LON: STM) has reached agreement with PSF Capital GP II over a 67p a share cash bid for the pensions and financial services provider. The bidder is securing a new credit facility to fund the bid. Originally, it was stated the offer could be as high as 70p/share, but the share price shows that investors were not counting on it being that high. This is conditional on STM boss Alan Kentish acquiring the UK SIPP business and those related to the Master Trust.
Property bridging loans provider Vector Capital (VCAP) reported a decline in interim revenues and profit. The loan book has fallen from £53.2m to £48.8m over six months as management is cautious about new lending. The bad provision has been raised by £167,000 to £367,000, but it is still relatively low. Pre-tax profit fell 18% to £1.3m, partly due to the higher provision.
MAIN MARKET
Round Hill Music Royalty Fund (RHMP) is being acquired by Alchemy Copyrights for $1.15/share, which values the company at $468.8m. That was a premium of 67% to the previous market price. Shareholders will still receive the quarterly dividend of 1.125 cents/share and a special dividend of 0.5 cents/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 April 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Exchange (AQX) has launched Aquis Equinox, which is a regulated market-grade 24/7 matching engine. Rival exchange models need to be shut down to perform resets and maintenance. Aquis Equinox will be offered via the cloud or on-premise. Chairman Glenn Collinson bought 7,500 shares at 400p each and 5,000 shares at 412p each. Chief executive Alasdair Haynes acquired 10,000 shares at 390p each.
Marula Mining (MARU) has observed high grade graphite mineralisation at Nyorinyori project in Tanzania. Results from sampling are expected in the second quarter of 2023. There have also been two major graphite prospects observed at the Bagamoyo project. Further mining licences could be added to the project. Site works at the 75%-owned Kinusi copper project are just starting and there are plans to install a copper processing plant. Brahma Finance has converted £265,000 of loan notes at 2p a share.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) says it has delivered more than 11.4 MWh of batteries so far in 2023. There are more batteries due to be delivered to projects in Australia and California.
Gunsynd (GUN) reported a realised and unrealised loss of £305,000 in the six months to January 2023. Net assets were £3.28m, including cash of £304,000.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) increased revenues by 92% in the three months to March 2023.
NFT Investments (NFT) says that its crypto assets are worth 2.77p a share at 2 April. The majority is in Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR) has sold Pax Homes to chief executive Joe McTaggart for £1. Pax Homes has acquired IP by issuing Walls and Futures REIT 100,000 5% preference shares redeemable on 1 April 2029. This IP was valued at £118,000.
Decentralised finance business incubator AQRU (AQRU) lost £5.94m last year and net assets fell from £12.2m to £6.56m by the end of October 2022. That includes cash of £4.84m. That was before the £2.3m invested in Streaks Gaming. The annualised cost base has been reduced by two-thirds.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) has terminated a consultancy agreement with a company that provided the services of Frank Boehm, who was the inventor of some of the company’s spinal stabilisation systems technology. He is challenging the company’s ownership of the IP.
Several SunNOx Group (SNOX) shareholders have entered into option agreements with RemNOx over 24 million shares at 30p each. The option lasts until 29 September. That could take the RemNOx stake to 29.8%.
KR1 (KR1) says NAV was 68.22p a share at the end of February 2023, up from 30.6p a share at the end of June 2022.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says that it appears that the Red Setter project is a potential analogue of the 26 million plus ounce Telfer deposit 15kn north east of the project.
Oberon Investments (OBE) is raising £450,000 at 3.5p a share.
Six Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) directors and people closely associated with them have bought a total of 709,064 shares.
Trading in the shares of S-Ventures (SVEN) has been suspended because its accounts have not been published.
AIM
Reading-based Ocean Harvest Technology Group (OHT) joined AIM last week. The company produces ingredients for animal feed using seaweed. Although the business started in Ireland, the main trading business is in Vietnam. The brand name of the products is OceanFeed and there are different products for different animals. Management believes it has spent €20m on developing and commercialising these ingredient products. A placing raised £6m, or £4.5m after expenses, at 16p. That valued the company at £20.1m. In 2022, revenues grew from €2m to €3m and the loss increased from €1.46m to €2.9m.
Fadel Partners Inc (FADL) joined AIM last week and raised £7.55m at 144p a share. It provides rights and royalty management and brand compliance services. There is £4.6m set aside for boosting sales and marketing and services supporting them. There will also be funding for research and development.
Franchise Brands (FRAN) is making its largest ever acquisition and raised £92m from a share placing at 180p. This will help to finance the £200m purchase price for Pirtek Europe, plus working capital adjustment of £12.2m. Pirtek Europe provides on-site hydraulic hose replacement and other services through 213 service centres and 838 mobile service vans. There are 70 franchisees in eight countries and the company has the right to enter eight other European countries. Franchise Brands will have operations in ten countries. Forecast 2023 group revenues are £155m or £168m on a pro forma basis. Forecast 2023 group EBITDA is £29m.
Restaurants operator Fulham Shore (FUL) is recommending a 14.15p a share cash bid by Tokyo-based TORIDOLL Holdings. TThe bidder has revenues of around £1bn and already has European interests. It works with specialist private equity firm Capdesia in Europe. The takeover will enable greater expansion of the Franco Manca and The Real Greek brands.
Logistics firm Xpediator (XPD) has recommended the 42p a share bid that was initially proposed last year. The shareholders will also receive a special dividend of 2p a share.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise Group (LIKE) continues to gain share in a tough market. First quarter revenues were 19.7% higher. Last April’s acquisition Delta Carpets was not included in the comparative period, but it is not a big business. Higher prices helped but there was significant underlying growth.
Linear generator technology developer Libertine Holdings (LIB) shares declined after management revealed delays in development work that mean that 2022-23 revenues could be up to £400,000 lower than the expected £1.32m.
Saietta Group (SED) won the largest ever order for its eDrive systems. The £5m order is for 3,000 bespoke systems based on the AFT140 motor from Nasdaq-listed urban delivery vehicles manufacturer AYRO. Saietta is exclusive supplier for the Vanish vehicle launched in February. First deliveries will be in the autumn and the full number delivered by the end of 2024.
Tungsten West (TUN) is restructuring the operations of its Hemerdon tungsten and tin project in Devon. Costs will be cut, and surplus assets sold. Concentrate already on the site will be sold. Project funding is being discussed. A convertible note issue raised £7m and an open offer could raise up to £2m.
Block Energy (BLOE) has improved its financial position, and the salary sacrifice scheme started in April 2020 has come to an end. Cash generation in building from the WR-B01Za, which is producing 274 barrels of oil/day. There is optimism about further wells.
MAIN MARKET
World Chess (CHSS) has been seeking to join the stockmarket since the end of 2019, when the business was starting to build up. It has arrived on the standard list having raised £3.04m at 6.25p a share. The share price ended the first day of trading at 6.5p (5p/8p). There were no trades reported. World Chess has the commercial rights to chess governing body FIDE’s online chess gaming platform, the Grand Prix series, the Candidates Tournament and the FIDE World Chess Championship. The Russia-based business was sold last year.
Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) got had £809,000 in cash following a £236,000 loss in 2022 – mainly down to the expenses of the flotation. That means there is around 8p a share in cash, which is a premium to the market price. The flotation price was 10p. Cash shell Aura Renewable Acquisitions is still considering its first acquisition. The directors are not taking any fees and the ongoing expenses are minimal.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 3 April 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX) reported an increase in revenues from £17.2m to £19.9m in 2022. The pre-tax profit improved from £3.6m to £4.5m. that reflects the operational gearing. All three parts of the business were profitable. In the cash of the Aquis Stock Exchange this was probably the first time it has made a profit in any of its incarnations. This was on the back of a 48% increase in issuer fees because of the 22 new companies joining the market.
Wine maker Chapel Down Group (CDGP) increased underlying pre-tax profit by 22% to £1.7m in 2022. Singer expects this profit level to be maintained in 2023 before more than doubling to £4m by 2026. Net cash is £3.3m. NAV is 38p a share.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) reported better than expected 2022 results. Pre-tax profit jumped from £4.6m to £20m and the dividend was raised by 11% to 42p a share. The loan book increased by 11% to £2.2bn. NAV is 1411p a share.
Good Energy (GOOD) 2022 revenues jumped from £146m to £248.7m as energy prices increased, while the energy supplier returned to profit. There was net cash of £19m at the end of 2022. The book value of Zap-Map is £13m. Management is seeking to expand its energy efficiency services operations.
Ananda Developments (ANA) published a medicinal cannabis research round-up. The sublingual spray shows promising results in diabetes type 2 patients. There has also been progress in explaining the mechanisms of action of CBD alleviating bladder pain syndrome. Shareholders voted for the acquisition of MRX Global.
A £289,000 interim cash outflow at Tectonic Gold (TTAU) was partly offset by the £101,000 of proceeds of the sale of shares in Kazera. There was net cash of £46,000 at the end of 2022.
Visum Technologies (VIS) made an interim loss of £457,000 on revenues of £120,000. The first US location for its theme park video technology was opened in November. Debt financing has been secured for rides and attractions. Existing sites in Europa Park and Linnanmaki will reopen in April. The financial position is expected to improve.
Valereum (VLRM) has sold shares in subsidiary Valereum Collections raising £70,500 at 625p a share. Valereum retains a 99.8% stake in the company, which will operate the group’s NFT programme. The Valereum share price dived 23.6% to 5.25p, which is a new low for the year.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $500,000 in Hydra Ventures, which supports and incubates decentralised autonomous organisations, in return for 5,000 HYDRA tokens. This is part of a $10m fundraising.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of 77.78p a share at the end of February 2023. There are 13 companies in the investment portfolio. Castlefield Investment Partners has reduced its stake from 45.9% to 42.1%.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has made a sale of a 1.5MWh energy storage system to STS Group for a solar storage project in Hungary.
ChallengerX (CXS) had £92,000 in cash at the end of 2022, and a £250,000 subscription announced in February has yet to be received. The development of the company’s marketing platform requires more money.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has entered into an agreement with Vorensys for the use of the RentGuarantor services. Vorensys provides tenant referencing services.
CRUSHMETRIC Group Ltd (CUSH) has issued an unsecured convertible bond with a principal of S$250,000 (£151,000), which has a coupon of 10% and matures in February 2026.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) boss Mads Jensen bought 3,000 shares at an average price of 83p each.
Shares in Asimilar (ASLR) fell ahead of the trading suspension on 3 April due to the accounts not being published in time.
AIM
Scottish gold producer Scotgold Resources (SGZ) has been hit by falling ore grades at the Cononish gold mine. The average gold grade in January was 5.65g/t. compared with an estimated grade of 7.35g/t. A different part of the mine is being developed and the production process is being changed. Shore has its forecasts under review because of concerns about the financial position of the company.
Daisy Group is making an agreed bid for ECSC (ECSC), which values the cyber security services provider at £5.4m. The bid is 54.02p for each share in cash. ECSC joined AIM at the end of 2016, when it raised £5m at 167p a share.
Cameroon-focused oil and gas company Bowleven (BLVN) had $2.45m in cash and investments at the end of 2022 and it is considering its options for raising more money. Bowleven will need cash to invest in the Etinde project, although there will not be progress there until Perenco completes the purchase of New Age’s operating interest. Bowleven’s interest in Etinde is estimated to be worth more than $150m.
Footwear retailer Unbound Group (UBG) has received a 10.5p a share potential offer from WoolOvers Group. There would also be a contingent value right that would give shareholders the proceeds of any insurance claim related to business interruptions due to Covid lockdowns. Unbound management says it would be likely to accept this offer. The recent fundraising was at 15p.
Building and architecture software supplier Eleco (ELCO) reported 2022 results that were the first 12 months of an 18-month period where the switch to a focus on SaaS is holding back revenues, which dipped 3% to £26.6m. Pre-tax profit was better than expected at £3.6m and net cash was £12.5m. The final dividend is 0.5p a share with a special dividend of 0.58p a share on top. This year’s pre-tax profit is expected to be £3.8m.
Sustainable fuels developer Velocys (VLS) has risen on the back of the latest UK government consultation paper on sustainable aviation fuel, which identifies the Fischer Tropsch process as part of the main technology. This can be supplied by Velocys, which has active projects in the UK and US.
Video games developer tinyBuild (TBLD) is investing in new games, so there has been a reduction in net cash. However, the strong back catalogue means that the business is resilient and not dependent on one game becoming a hit.
MAIN MARKET
Used car finance and property bridging loans provider S&U (SUS) reported full year results in line with expectations. In the year to January 2023, underlying pre-tax profit dipped from £47m to £41.4m, after higher bad debt provisions of £13.9m. Even so, the provision is still relatively low. Used car prices continue to rise, but at a lower rate than early last year. Net debt was £192.4m at the end of January 2023, compared with committed facilities of £210m. The dividend was raised to 133p a share.
Standard list shell Marwyn Acquisition Company II (MAC2) has appointed former Curtis Banks Group chief executive Will Self as the chief executive – pensions division. This year, AIM-quoted Curtis Banks was acquired for 350p a share in cash by Nucleus Financial Platforms, which valued the SIPP administrator at £242m. Will Self will lead the search for suitable financial services acquisitions. The strategy has been further refined to include themes including changing population demographics, intergenerational wealth transfer, social and family support and concentration of wealth.
Andrew Hore
New Vox Markets Podcast out now with our CEO Alan Green – #BOOM, #ARB & #AQX
Alan Green, CEO of Brand Communications about the weekend’s football and rugby plus the following companies:
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
Quoted Micro 26 September 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Interim results from renewable energy supplier Good Energy (GOOD) show a jump in revenues, but a fall in gross profit because of tough margin comparisons. There was a pre-tax loss, but a tax credit meant that there was a profit after tax. The supply business is hedged for the second half of the year and government measures will minimise the impact of higher prices on consumers. The interim dividend was maintained at 0.75p a share. There was £22.2m in the bank at the end of August 2022 following the sale of generation assets. Investee company Zap-Map is partnering with Nissan, which will provide a three-year Zap-Map premium subscription with each electric vehicle.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) reported a reduced loss in the six months to June 2022 as trading recovered. There was a 47% increase in revenues to £30.1m. Some rural and coastal pubs are still less busy in the evenings. Demand for the Jubilee was not as high as anticipated. There is less demand for cask beer. Retail sites are becoming a hub for online deliveries. Trading will be tough in the second half.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) increased interim revenues from £5.37m to £7.81m as the race days and attendances recovered. A loss of £336,000 was turned into a pre-tax profit of £217,000 in the latest six-month period. The lodge returned to profit, while the profits of the nursery and property were maintained. The dividend paid in the period accounts for the decline in net assets from £48.6m to £45.7m. Management is cautious about race day revenues in the second half.
CBD products supplier Love Hemp Group (LIFE) has paid its £70,000 fine, but it has not finalised the appointment of a new corporate adviser. Robert Smyth has been appointed as finance director.
Eight Capital Partners (ECP) generated revenues of £58,000 in the first half of 2022. The interim loss means that the company has net liabilities. In the third quarter, the company earned £1m of fees from Zamaz (ZAMZ), which joined the standard list earlier in this month.
Secured Property Developments (SPD) did not have any revenues in 2021 and it is seeking properties to acquire. Net assets fell from £427,000 to £386,000, including £430,000 in cash.
Interim figures from Igraine (KING) show £766,000 in the bank at the end of June 2022. Management is in talks with potential investments but has not found a suitable company.
Metals recycler Majestic Corporation (MCJ) reported its maiden interim results as an Aquis company. Revenues fell 17% to $12.9m, but gross margins increased, and pre-tax profit improved from $766,000 to $980,000. There was $2.7m in the bank at the end of June 2022.
Gunsynd (GUN) has made a further investment in ASX-listed Charger Metals NL. Gunsynd has invested A$175,000 at 50 cents a share, as part of a larger fundraising of A$5.5m. Gunsynd will own 5.12% of Charger Metals.
Gold explorer Tectonic Gold (TTAU) says that drilling at Specimen Hill in Queensland has intersected mineralisation earlier than expected. The drilling programme should recommence in October.
Quetzal Capital (QTZ) says that investee company Tap Global Ltd has exceeded 100,000 registered users on its crypto-fiat exchange service platform. Quetzal Capital has invested £1.5m in Tap Global convertibles and has an option to acquire the company.
LED lighting and tea trading company Gowin New Energy (GWIN) did not generate any revenues in the first half of 2022, and it still has net liabilities. The chief executive is funding working capital requirements
Samarkand Group (SMK) has raised £1.98m via an open offer at 55p a share. The cash will finance further growth.
AIM
Judges Scientific (JDG) reported an 8% increase in first half revenues and pre-tax profit improved from £8.5m to £9.6m. The international spread of activities has helped the company to grow. UK sales declined, but they had held up much better in the corresponding period. The interim dividend was raised from 19p a share to 22p a share. The order book stretches out for 21 weeks. WH Ireland has upgraded its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £22.4m to £26m.
Small business finance provider Time Finance (TIME) has frustrated investors with a lack of profit growth in recent years and 2021-22 was not different. However, the new management team has been focusing on its core products and the benefits of this should start to show through this year. Ther are available bank facilities to increase the loan book. Cenkos forecasts an increase in pre-tax profit from £3m to £3.5m. The shares are trading at a discount to net assets of around 50%.
European trading exchange operator Aquis Exchange (AQX) expects to have a strong second half. Aquis Exchange, which is also quoted on AIM, reported interim revenues 21% ahead at £8.3m, although profit was lower due to investment in the technology business. The Aquis Stock Exchange is profitable. The technology division has won contracts that will boost the second half – as well as 2023 – and full year pre-tax profit is expected to rise from £3.2m to £4.2m. The second half will also benefit from the relaunch of the former UBS dark pool trading operation. This should help to rebuild the company’s market share of equity trading.
Brain health assessment technology Cambridge Cognition (COG) increased interim revenues by 31% to £5.9m and the contracted order book is worth £18.6m. The main growth in revenues came from software, but the additional gross profit was used up by increased investment so there was a smaller pre-tax profit of £16,000. There is £8.6m in the bank so there is enough cash to finance planned investment in the technology.
Delays in demand from the automotive market meant that Strip Tinning (STG) revenues declined in the first half. This meant that the company fell into loss. The longer-term outlook for connectors for batteries for electric vehicles is significant. Price rises have been implemented to cover cost increases. There are potential electric vehicle contracts with an annual value of £47.9m, although not all will be won. This should more than make up for the contract recently terminated.
Credit hire and legal services firm Anexo (ANX) continues to trade strongly with interim revenues 42% ahead at £68.6m with no contribution yet from the VW emissions case. There is a small but increasing contribution from housing disrepair claims. Pre-tax profit improved by 53% to £13.6m. This year, pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £24.1m to £26.6m – a small downgrade.
First half figures from cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) were well flagged and it had already said that revenues in the eight months to August improved from £27.1m to £37.5m. Demand for the main brands is increasing and as well as new retail clients, existing retailers are rolling out the products in more stores. Full year revenues should be more than one-fifth higher at £61m and pre-tax profit could be more than £9m.
Digital coupons and loyalty technology provider Eagle Eye (EYE) reported an improved full year pre-tax profit of £2.5m. Recurring revenues and new contracts provide a positive start to the new financial year. Eagle Eye is growing internationally with enormous prospects in North America, as well as other markets. Cash generation was higher than the capitalised development costs and cash should increase this year.
Parcel and freight delivery company DX (DX.) has completed its corporate governance investigation and says it will improve its processes. It has also published the 2020-21 accounts, but the shares remain suspended.
MAIN MARKET
Retailer Made.com (MADE) has launched a strategic review 15 months after floating on the Main Market. Consumer spending is declining and there have been supply problems. Freight costs increased from £8.2m in 2020 to £45.3m in 2021 and they remain at high levels. The company has been reducing marketing spend, stocks and capital investment. Even so, more cash is required but a share issue is not viable.
First Tin (1SN) has commenced drilling at the Taronga tin project in Australia. Two of the three holes drilled so far have intersected tin ore mineral.
Sivota (SIV) has published the prospectus for the acquisition of digital experience software developer Apester Ltd. The acquisition of the Israel-based company will be completed and Sivota shares readmitted on 26 September.
Trading in the shares of shell company More Acquisitions (TMOR) has been suspended ahead of the acquisition of Megasteel, which is a distributor of steel for concrete. The payment will be between 2.2 billion and 2.8 billion shares at 2.25p each, which is more than double the market price. Megasteel has been trading for more than three decades. Last year’s pre-tax profit was £3m.
Icon Labs (ICON) creditors have agreed a CVA, and shareholders passed the relevant resolutions at a general meeting.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 12 September 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Samarkand (SMK) has been hit by a large cash outflow, which means that the China-focused e-commerce technology and brands retailer requires a cash injection of up to £3m via an open offer at 55p a share. Covid lockdowns in China have delayed progress and hampered the ability to supply products. In the year to March 2022, revenues fell from £20.6m to £16.6m, although if one-off revenues in the previous period are excluded then there was a 12% improvement. There was an initial contribution from the Zita West supplements brand acquired last year. Nomad software platform revenues were 18% ahead at £7.5m.
Aquis Stock Exchange owner Aquis Exchange (AQX), which is also quoted on AIM, has relaunched the EU dark pool trading operation it acquired from UBS as the Aquis Matching Pool.
BWA Group (BWAP) has been granted a new licence for Dehane 2 at the Dehane heavy mineral sands project in Cameroon. Results from granulometric test work at the Nkoteng heavy mineral sands show rutile is the most abundant mineral.
More news about the investee companies of Evrima (EVA) this week. Eastport Ventures Inc, where it owns 6.85%, has entered a letter of intent with TSX-V listed Auston Capital concerning a possible merger.
Marula Mining (LON: MARU) says that initial test work at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum project in South Africa shows an average lithium grade of 6.1%. Tantalum was also identified.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rominserv, a subsidiary of Rompetrol. The Romanian company is considering using SulNOx products in its refinery processes.
MiLOC Group Ltd (ML.P) has received a civil judgement against subsidiary Star C, which has to return £166,000 to one of its distributors.
Ananda Developments (ANA) subsidiary DJT Plants is working on self-crossing cannabis strains to create stable strains. So far, it appears that self-pollination of cannabis plants can be achieved. Field trials for growing cannabis have been successful.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) says its advisory clients Blvck Paris and Metalinq Labs are joining together to launch a collection of wearables. The Metalinq technology can be used to convert 2D designs into multi-metaverse 3D designs.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) raised £2.375m at 10.35p a share and the share price fell below that level. This cash will finance expansion of exploration activities in Australia. Significant copper and gold grades have been found at the Halo project in Queensland. There are also zones of high gold silver and coper at Grassy Oaky. A high-resolution gravity survey is commencing at the Red Setter gold copper project.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (ESO) reported a decline in NAV to 231.9p a share by the end of August 2022.
AIM
Online musical instruments supplier Gear4Music (G4M) warned that trading has been tough in recent months. The first quarter to June 2022 was encouraging but spending in July and August was weaker than expected even if the hot weather is taken into account. September is showing signs of improvement. Guidance has been lowered with pre-tax profit expected to slump from £5m to £1.1m with a possible recovery to £3.3m next year.
Online competitions organiser Best of the Best (BOTB) is linking up with Globe Invest Ltd, the family office of Teddy Sagi the founder of gaming technology firm Playtech (PTEC), to grow international income. Globe Invest will also buy a 29.9% stake from the directors and related parties at 400p a share. They intend to enter a licensing and distribution agreement and a marketing collaboration agreement. Globe Invest will licence the Best of the Best business model outside of the UK.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) says trading is ahead of market expectations with sales of at least £61m and underlying pre-tax profit of more than £9m. The previous pre-tax profit forecast was £8.23m. There could be additional gains from foreign exchange.
Franchised lettings and estate agency business Belvoir Group (BLV) did well in the first half considering the ending of property buyer incentives. In the six months to June 2022, revenues were 12% higher at £15.4m. There was a 1% improvement in the underlying business with the rest of the growth coming from acquisitions. Underlying pre-tax profit fell from £4.9m to £4.2m as the cost base returned to normal. Net debt is £2.5m and the interim dividend is maintained at 4p a share.
Premium bricks maker Michelmersh Brick (MBH) increased interim revenues by 14% to £34m, while pre-tax profit was 9% ahead at £6.1m. Production efficiencies helped to offset some of the cost increases. A price rise has been pushed through in July. Overall brick stocks remain at low levels. Management has secured 90% of energy costs for this year and 50% for 2023. Net cash was £9.9m at the end of June 2022. The interim dividend is 13% higher at 1.3p a share.
Sylvania Platinum (SLP) announced a doubled final dividend of 8p a share alongside its results for the year to June 2022. There has already been a special dividend of 2.25p a share and a $7.1m share buyback. Production declined and selling prices for platinum group metals were lower in the year to June 2022. Even so, net profit was $56.2m and Sylvania Platinum has been able to finance the cash distributions and plough money back into development. The benefits of that investment will show through in 2023-24. There is still $121m of cash in the balance sheet, although the dividend will reduce that.
Avacta Group (AVCT) says the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation for the lead preICISIONdrug soft tissue sarcoma treatment candidate, AVA6000. This provides tax credits and other incentives, plus seven years of market exclusivity in the US, if the drug is improved. There is an ongoing phase I clinical trial.
Shares in AIM shell Advance Energy (ADV) were suspended on Friday after the announcement of non-binding heads of agreement have been signed for the acquisition of a European oil and gas company.
VSA published an initiation note on Prospex Energy (PXEN) and the broker believes there is upside from the development of the onshore Selva gas project in Italy, where Prospex owns 37%. First production should be in the middle of next year. Cash is being generated from the El Romeral gas to power project in Spain.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) interim revenues dipped by 2% to £106.4m, but they are still higher than in 2019. There was a sharp drop in pre-tax profit from £16.6m to £4.6m. The interim dividend has been reduced from 2.6p a share to 1.6p a share. DIY demand has fallen back and there was also destocking. The EV business should make a greater contribution in the second half.
Critical Metals (CTRM) has published the prospectus for the proposed acquisition of a 57% shareholding in Madini Occidental, which owns 70% of the Molulu copper cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The acquisition is expected to complete on 12 September.
Darktrace (DARK) has ended bid talks. Last year, revenues grew 46% to $415.5m and the AI company moved into profit.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 11 April 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
NFT Investments (NFT) is not going ahead with the acquisition of crypto tech and operations company Pluto Digital Assets and trading in the shares has recommenced. NFT had cash of £21.9m, having made seven investments, and net assets of £34.4m, 3.43p a share, at the end of 2021.
National Milk Records (NMRP) is linking up with another former Milk Marketing Board business Genus (GNS). National Milk Records will provide the fully listed animal breeding company with multi-panel genomic testing and evaluations. The two firms have been part of a process to map the DNA of the worst cows and bulls in terms of environmental impact. Farmers will be able to choose to breed cows with lower impact and highest milk yields. The initial contract lasts for five years.
Asimilar Group (ASLR) has joined the Access segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange. The technology investment company hopes that this will improve share liquidity. The AIM-quotation is being maintained but may be terminated to save money if the new quotation is successful.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) has signed two new distribution deals. Oak and Still will distribute Shinju whisky in the UK from April 2022. Beverage Hunters will be the distributor in Spain from May.
Vanadium flow batteries technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has successfully concluded a validation programme by Korea-based Hyosung Heavy Industries and signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding for a global partnership and exclusivity in Korea.
Talent management and livestreaming company All Things Considered (ATC) increased revenues and other operating income by 23% to £9.9m in 2021. The loss is likely to be £2.8m. There was £4.4m in cash at the end of 2021. The live music market continues to recover. All Things Considered has invested $6m from a short-term promissory note into a new company focused on music digitisation and blockchain technology. This is a minority investment out of a total of $80m. The full year figures should be published in May.
Chapel Down Group (CDGP) has been appointed as the official sparkling wine supplier to the English Cricket Board. The company’s sparkling wines will be given to the winners of internationals and domestic finals.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that iron ore stockpile shipments have started from the Amapa project in Brazil.
Eastinco Mining (EM.P) has discovered 16 new pegmatite zones following geochemical sampling at its HCK joint venture in southern Rwanda. This takes the total to 18.Surface geological exploration is underway at Musasa.
Clean Invest Africa (CIA) has renegotiated its loan facility and the £5m deemed to be outstanding has been changed into convertible loan stock that is convertible into shares at 1p each. There will be immediate conversion of £4.47m of loan notes.
Gunsynd (GUN) invested £75,000 into First Tin (1SN) at the placing price of 30p, having already invested £125,000 at 15p a share. The share price ended the first day at 30p.
AIM-quoted Vela Technologies (VELA) has acquired a 28.8% stake in healthcare and medtech firm Igraine (KING) for £404,000 or 1.8p a share. Richard Edwards had previously sold his 10.3% stake.
Giles Brand has increased his stake in EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) from 32.1% to 33.4%.
Aquis Exchange (AQX) non-exec chairman Glenn Collinson has bought an initial stake of 12,003 shares at 512p each. Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director Richard Oldfield has bought 25,000 shares at 837.4p each and 15,000 shares at 835.35p each. Hot Rocks investments (HRIP) non-exec chairman Brian Rowbotham bought 715,000 shares at 0.7p each and he owns 3.5%. Non-exec director Charles Vaughan has taken his stake to 2.53% after purchasing 1.5 million shares at 0.65p each.
AIM
The London Stock Exchange says that Arden Partners (ARDN) will lose its nominated adviser status if the merger with legal services provider Ince (INCE) goes ahead.
The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) revenues more than doubled to £24m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £4.77m to £6.42m thanks to the acquisition of rival Hunters Property. There is more to come. More financial advisers are being recruited and more of the franchisees are taking advantage of the services. The total dividend of 11.6p a share was higher than expected.
Belvoir Group (BLV) generated organic revenue growth of 25% last year. In 2021, pre-tax profit jumped from £7.5m to £10.3m, while the dividend is 8.5p a share. Management expects the residential sales part of the business to return to normal levels following the ending of incentives, while the lettings and financials businesses continue to grow.
Gaming machine monitors and consoles supplier Quixant (QXT) generated 2021 revenues of $87.1m, while pre-tax profit was $5.4m. Net cash is $17.6m. Screens supplier Densitron achieved the highest sales since it was acquired. Revenues are increasing from higher value added products.
Trading levels of most of the businesses of Tracsis (TRCS) have got back to previous levels, although the traffic data division recovery was delayed. In the six months to January 2022, group revenues were 31% ahead at £29.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit improved from £4.1m to £5m. The interim dividend is 0.9p a share. The recent US acquisition provides a customer base in the US, which is not as far advanced in terms of rail optimisation software as the UK.
Freight forwarding and transport services both improved their profit contribution to Xpediator (LSE: XPD) in 2021. The warehousing and logistics profit slumped due to problems in the UK. Pre-tax profit rose by one-quarter to £9.1m in 2021. The total dividend was reduced to 1.1p a share. A special dividend is a possibility this year, though. A new chief executive is still being sought.
Ecommerce technology provider Attraqt (ATQT) increased full year revenues by 9% to £22.9m but continued to lose money. There was £3.5m in the bank at the end of 2021 and management hopes to be cash neutral in 2022.
SourceBio International (SBI) grew Covid-19 testing revenues and core divisions also improved revenues during 2021. Group revenues grew from £50m to £92.5m, but they are expected to decline to £39.5m in 2022. That masks sharply higher core revenues partly due to a recent acquisition. The Covid testing labs can be converted to other uses.
Floorcoverings supplier Likewise (LIKE) says that first quarter of 2022 is ahead of budget. The Birmingham logistics site is up and running. The latest acquisition is Delta Carpets, which is earnings enhancing.
Anglesey Mining (AYM) has made the switch from the Main Market to AIM. It had been listed since May 1988. The company’s main asset is the 100%-owned Parys Mountain copper lead zinc deposit in Anglesey, north Wales. Other assets include a 20% interest in the Grangesberg iron project in Sweden. There is a right of first refusal to increase the stake to 70%. The share price moved up by 0.01p to 4.06p on the first day of trading on AIM.
MAIN MARKET
First Tin (1SN) raised £20m at 30p a share and ended the first day of trading at 30p (29p/31p). First Tin issued 60 million shares to acquire Taronga Mines, which owns Australian tin mining assets. The company already owned German tin projects. The cash raised should last for 18-24 months.
Radiology services provider Medica Group (MGP) had a much stronger second half to 2021. Revenues from elective surgery where slightly lower in the first half because of the effect of lockdowns and restrictions. The 2021 group revenues improved from £12.5m to £17.3m as surgery activity built back to previous levels. In 2021, group revenues improved from £36.8m to £61.9m, while underlying pre-tax profit increased from £4.74m to £11.5m. That excludes £4.13m of non-underlying costs, including amortisation, share based payments and one-off professional fees of £555,000. Net cash was £3.88m at the end of 2021. There is potential contingent consideration of £6.89m. The total dividend is 5% higher at 2.68p a share.
DG Innovate (DGI) completed its reversal into Path Investments. The company was acquired for £32.4m in shares issued at 0.6p each and has two operations. The first is developing electric drive technology and the other is developing sodium-ion batteries. The £2.55m raised at 0.5p a share, plus the £2.08m raised from warrants exercised at 0.25p each, will help to commercialise these technologies. The share price ended the first day at 0.34p, which is higher than the suspension price.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) is a shell seeking energy and natural resources assets and it raised £1.34m at 4p a share. The shares ended the week at 4.75p. The pro forma net assets are 2.6p a share. Management is seeking production that provides cash flow and/or strong exploration potential in known resources areas.
Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) is a new shell seeking acquisitions in the renewable energy sector and it raised £1m at 10p a share. It ended the first day of trading at 17p. Pro forma cash is 8.4p a share. The founder shareholder is Harmony Capital Investments, which is behind the management of AIM-quoted, Asia-focused investment company Jade Road Investments Ltd (JADE), where Aura chairman John Croft is executive chairman. Aura is targeting is a range of businesses in areas such as wind, solar, biomass, hydro, carbon capture, waste management, smart grids and hydrogen supply.
OTHER MARKETS
Cyprus listed FOS Holdings has appointed Nick Kounoupias as chief executive. He is a solicitor with his own intellectual property consultancy. The film and entertainment company is planning a complex of five studios in Cyprus between Limassol and Larnaca, plus studios in other locations around the world. EU grants will help the funding of the studio complex, but other funding will need to be secured. FOS also plans to make three films a year.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 April 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In 2021, Good Energy (GOOD) revenues were 12% higher at £146m, while underlying pre-tax profit recovered from £500,000 to £2.6m. Since the year end the sale of the generating assets has boosted the balance sheet making it debt free. A final dividend of 1.8p a share takes the total for the year to 2.55p a share. Investment in billing platforms will help improve efficiency. The Zap-Map EV charging services business remains a focus of growth, along with an accelerating smart meter roll out. Even though trading conditions are tough, Good Energy could improve its profit this year.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) is returned to profit at the interim stage, and it is paying an interim dividend of 3.5p a share. In the six months to December 2021, revenues increased by 55% to £78.7m, which is similar to the six months to December 2019. A loss of £7.2m was turned into a profit of £5.4m. Net debt is £82.4m after paying delayed VAT liabilities. Net assets are 1176p a share, excluding property revaluations. In the 13 weeks to 26 March 2022, like-for-like managed pub sales are 10% ahead, but it is a weak comparative. Costs are increasing and Peel Hunt has trimmed its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £8.6m to £7.2m.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) started trading on the Access segment having raised £2.5m at 21p a share. The share price ended the week at 21.5p, valuing the company at £26.2m. The company has been spun-off by OptiBiotix Health (OPTI), which retains a 44% stake after issuing ProBiotix shares to its own shareholders. They will not be able to deal in the shares for nine months. The core product developed by ProBiotix is LP-LDL ®. Studies have shown that the product can reduce cholesterol levels.
AIM-quoted European equities exchange operator Aquis Exchange (AQX) joined the Apex segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange on the same day as it reported full year figures. In 2021, revenues were 42% ahead at £16.2m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £470,000 to £3.22m. Net cash is £14.1m, after spending £1.1m on buying back shares. The company’s market share of pan-European trading improved from 4.7% to 5.2% and the purchase of the non-displayed matching pool of UBS could add a further 0.6% of market share. Liberum forecasts further growth in pre-tax profit to £4.2m this year.
Oberon Investments (OBE) is raising £3.4m at 6p a share in a significantly oversubscribed placing. The broker and investment manager wants to spend the cash on expanding its corporate finance and wealth management operations.
Pharma C Investments (PCIL) invested £100,000 in AIM-quoted Celadon Pharmaceuticals (CEL), formerly Summerway Capital, at 165p a share. Trading started on 28 March and the share price subsequently fell to 130p. Vertigrow, which was established in 2018, reversed into Celadon and it grows indoor hydroponic, high THC cannabis, which will be used for medicines to treat chronic pain. A Home Office licence to legally grow medicinal cannabis was received in July 2021 and it has been renewed until January 2023.
KR1 (KR1) has invested $1.5m in Subspace Labs Inc and it will receive a yet-to-be determined number of tokens. Subspace Network is an eco-friendly blockchain that enables scalable chain storage and computing.
Gunsynd (GUN) owns 1.25 million shares in Media Tech SPAC, which is acquiring Scandinavia-based Drylab A/S, which has developed a subscription-based film and TV production platform. The technology allows reviewing and sharing of filmed takes in real-time, uploads those filmed takes to a cloud-based platform and saves time and costs. The service is designed to work without internet access.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) has sold M and G Olympic Products, which manufactures architectural metalwork, for £1. This is part of refocusing on fabrication businesses.
Cadence minerals (KDNC) has agreed to sell its 31.5% stake in Lithium Technologies and Lithium Supplies in return for £3.72m.
The attempt to remove the chairman and the other resolution put forward at a requisitioned general meeting of Love Hemp (LIFE) were heavily defeated.
Pioneer Holdings Inc (PNER) has acquired Crowdform, which creates apps and websites for brands and start-ups.
Trading in Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) shares was restored after it reported 2020-21 results and interims to September 2021. There was cash of £93,000 and net assets were £788,000 at the end of September 2021.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) had £396,000 in the bank at the end of 2021 and management says that it is well funded even though there have been delays to exploration.
Lombard Capital (LCAP) had net liabilities of £2.29m at the end of 2021. The directors are trying to refinance the company.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) has incorporated a subsidiary to develop wind and water-based hydrogen production systems.
Evrima (EVA) has replaced corporate adviser Keith Bayley Rogers with Novum Securities.
Kasei Holdings (KASH) says that its chair Jane Thomason Abigail subscribed £150,000 for new shares at 20p each.
AIM
Digital payments business Boku (BOKU) improved its underlying pre-tax profit from $8.8m to $11.8m in 2021. Longer-term, eWallet activity will help to accelerate growth. Monthly average cash balances are running at $50.8m. Boku will be hit by the loss of Russian revenues that were likely to be around $1.5m.
NWF (NWF) says that its fuels business is making a profit of 2p a litre, compared with 1p a litre under normal circumstances. This will boost cash flow, but it is not likely to be repeatable. Full year profit will be much better than expected.
Artisanal Spirits (ART) achieved strong growth in the UK, China and the US last year. Member lifetime value increased from £932 to £1,445, helped by retention rates improving to 77%. The investment in casks of whisky is paying off with the value of the stocks increasing by 26%. Current year revenues are growing by 30%.
EKF Diagnostics (EKF) increased 2021 revenues by 25% to £81.8m. Even stripping out one-off Covid business, the growth was 14%. Pre-tax profit improved from £15.4m to £21.4m. Net cash was £19.6m at the end of 2021, although that was prior to an additional investment in Verici Dx (VRCI). Some of the cash pile is being invested in expanding the fermentation capacity in Indiana. There are plans to buy back up to nine million shares.
Employee benefits services and insurance provider Personal Group (LSE: PGH) beat expectations with 2021 even though pre-tax profit declined from £8.8m to £4.7m as the effects of the original lockdown showed through in the figures. There will also be a delay in the recovery coming through in better profit. The total dividend was reduced from 18.4p a share to 10.6p a share. Net cash is £20.3m.
Brand Architekts (BAR) is making a recommended bid for fully listed InnovaDerma (IDP), which has regularly disappointed investors. The offer is 7p in cash and 0.3818 of a Brand Architekts share for each InnovaDerma share, which values the skincare company at £13.6m. Brand Architekts has a strong balance sheet and will be able to improve the marketing for the combined group’s products.
Windward (WNWD), which supplies AI-based software for real-time marine and shipping information, doubled its customer base last year. There is an increased need for information to stop breaches of sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the ongoing requirement to track sea cargos. Windward is loss-making, but revenues should build up significantly as marine compliance requirements become more stringent. Net cash is $39m and this will provide the funds for Windward to achieve its growth forecasts.
SIPPs admin services provider Curtis Banks (CBP) improved pre-tax profit from £13.4m to £14m in 2021. The growth was held back by delays in technology projects. The dividend is maintained at 9p a share. This was achieved despite a decline in interest income. The higher interest rates will not make a significant difference until 2023. Investment in systems will improve efficiency.
Construction and building software supplier Eleco (ELCO) grew revenues from £25.2m to £27.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from £4.9m to £5.3m. Eleco is transitioning to a SaaS-based model and that will hold back short-term revenues growth. Eleco increased its full year dividend from 0.4p a share to 0.6p a share.
Great Western Mining (GWMO) has completed the road to its Mineral Jackpot properties in Nevada and that will help it to exploit spoil heaps. There are also plans to drill five shallow exploration holes in the area.
MAIN MARKET
Repair and maintenance services provider Mears (MER) reported a 2021 pre-tax profit of £25.6m on revenues of £878m as local authority repair and maintenance activity returned to normal levels. Mears made a loss in 2020. The order book is worth £2.4bn.
Beacon Rise Holdings (BRS) joined the standard list with nine shareholders owning most of the shares. Prior to flotation £1.07m was raised at 100p a share. The current bid/offer spread is 100p/400p. Beacon Rise Holdings is seeking acquisitions involved in primary and secondary related education technology. This could be software or hardware that facilitates active learning. Pro forma net assets equals the cash of £744,000.
Rockpool Acquisitions (ROC) has terminated its proposed acquisition of Greenview Gas. Another party will acquire the business. Rockpool has received £1.2m from Greenview, which is a small premium on the loan provided plus interest.
Telecoms services provider Toople (TOOP) says first quarter revenues are 9% ahead of the previous fourth quarter, while gross profit is 17% higher.
Andrew Hore
