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Quoted Micro 27 July 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) had a good first half performance and expectations have been upgraded. Interim pre-tax profit was flat and financial headroom remains comfortable. Improved efficiency helped to maintain profit when interest rates were lower. Specialist lending grew 18%. There is growth in the core businesses, but higher technology costs offset this growth. So, although the operating income forecast has been raised 3% to £180.4m, while pre-tax profit is barely changed at £20.7m. Forecast tangible NAV is 1522p/share.
Electric drivetrain developer Equipmake (EQIP) confirms that second half trading improved, and full year revenues rose from £3.5m to £8.2m and on top of this grant income increased from £900,000 to £1.6m. There was a positive EBITDA in the second half. Cash was £2m at the end of May 2026. Momentum has continued in the new financial year. The order book for delivery this year is more than £8m.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) grew like-for-like pub sales by 3.4% in the past financial year and that increased to 4.3% in the first three weeks of the new financial year. Beer volumes fell 5.4%, although own beer sales grew in the company’s own pubs. Jonathan Neame will take over as chairman from Richard Oldfield and he remains an executive. Mark Rider will become managing director, and Graham Turner becomes a non-executive director.
AI software provider to industrial businesses IntelliAM AI (INT) doubled annualised recurring revenues to £1.65m. in the year to March 2026, revenues were 64% to £5.26m, while the loss more than doubled to £1.95m. Cash was £100,000 at the end of March 2026 and since then £500,000 has been raised. There are plans to move to AIM before the end of the year.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has signed a partnership agreement with Belgium-based Nutrisan, which is launching a new cholesterol reducing product including the probiotic strain LP LDL developed by ProBiotix Health.
Residential property developer Zentra Group (ZNT) says that Torsion Construction, the principal contractor of the One Victoria development in Manchester, is appointing an administrator. There is about eight weeks of additional work required. Completion should still be before the end of the year. Zentra has loaned £4.1m to the development.
Tamar Minerals (TMR) says drilling is about to start at the Great Wheal Vor tin and copper project in Cornwall.
Valereum (VLRM) has entered an agreement with Blockchain Digital Assets, which has advisory interests in Africa and the Indian Ocean. These commercial relationships will help to develop real world asset tokenisation, digital payments and digital banking infrastructure. Quorium Global Photonics SPC has issued $VXRUP, a stable coin on the Ripple XRP Ledger.
Ethry (ETHY) has committed £1m to the senior second notes facility issued by York-based Apatura, a UK developer of large-scale battery storage and grid-secured data centre sites. There are quarterly interest payments.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) is making a strategic investment of £30,000 in LEXcelerate, which is developing an AI conveyancing and remortgage platform, at a £3m pre-money valuation. This will acquire a 0.8% stake in LEXcelerate. Yorkshire AI Labs, where Lift Global Ventures executive chairman David Richards is managing partner, has a 35% stake in LEXcelerate.
Marula Mining (MARU) will not publish its accounts by the end of July.
JP JENKINS
CPP Group (CPP) has left AIM and moved to the JP Jenkins matched bargain facility, and it has promised to keep it for at least 12 months.
ASSET MATCH
Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) is recommending a final dividend of 4p/share. The AGM will be on 22 September.
AIM
Pehlwan Malik Holdings has taken a 3% stake in automotive interior components supplier CT Automotive (CTA). Pehlwan Malik Holdings’ main subsidiary is Green Destinations, which provides passenger transport services. In the year to July 2025, the group’s revenues were £18.1m and pre-tax profit £3.79m. Cash was £7.85m plus investments of £5.49m at the end of July 2025.
Scancell (SCLP) is merging with Nasdaq listed Neuphoria Therapeutics in an all-share deal and the combined entity will be quoted on AIM and Nasdaq. Scancell shareholders will own 85.5% of the company. Neuphoria has £7.5m in cash and a private placement will raise a further £29.2m. A UK placing will raise £9m at 9p/share, which is not dependent on the merger going ahead, and a retail offer could raise up to £2.3m. The pro forma cash balance after the merger would be £59.2m. The cash will last into 2028 and finance the global phase 3 trial for iSCIB1+ active immunotherapy in advanced melanoma. The phase 2 SCOPE study should be published within one year.
Wound healing technology developer AOTI Inc (AOTI) says the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a proposed Local Coverage Determination (LCD). This covers the whole of the US and indicates that the AOTI topical oxygen therapy can be used to treat diabetic foot ulcers that have failed to heal with four consecutive weeks of optimized diabetic foot ulcer care. This decision has a 45-day public comment period, but it would significantly increase the addressable market, which in the medium term could be around $400m annually. Broader coverage would further increase the market. A trading statement will be published on 27 July.
Advanced coatings supplier Hardide (HDD) has sparked another forecast upgrade with its latest trading statement. Third quarter trading was strong, and it has grown revenues ahead of plan. Third quarter revenues were £4.1m, taking the total for the year so far to £8.9m. The full year pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from £3.4m to £4.6m. Year-end cash is expected to be £2.3m.
Floorcoverings manufacturer Victoria (VCP) reported a 6% dip in underlying revenues to £1.05bn. Margins declined and the underlying loss increased from £11.5m to £62m. That excludes one-off costs of restructuring and refinancing. Net debt, including leases, was £1.06bn at the end of March 2026. Market conditions were weaker than expected in the second half. First quarter revenues are 7% ahead and profitability is improving. EBITDA is expected to be at least £115m this year, up from £92.3m.
Fertiliser producer Harvest Minerals (HMI) is acquiring a portfolio of eight rare earth projects in Brazil for A$200,000 and 40 million shares, plus a further A$300,000 on achievement of milestones. Harvest Minerals also takes on A$1.5m of previously agreed deferred payments and a 1.5% royalty obligation. Two projects are highly prospective for ionic clay-hosted rare earths mineralisation. The company already has a rare earths prospect at its Arapua project.
Ariana Resources (AAU) says that the Tavsan Mine, where it has a 9.9% interest, has completed its ramp up and ore is being loaded onto heap leach pads at 4,000 tonnes per day. Enhancements are being made to the processing. Kiziltepe interests have been transferred into a separate entity to enable the sale of this stake.
Rent guarantee services provider Rentguarantor (RGG) continues to achieve positive momentum. The trading statement confirms that the business is growing faster than expected. Interim revenues are 250% ahead at £3.39m and the company has moved into profit. Applications more than doubled. The exercise of warrants at 17.5p each has raised a further £189,000. Cavendish has upgraded its full year pre-tax profit from £200,000 to £1.6m and doubled next year’s figure to £4.6m.
Truetide (TRUE) is changing its investing policy to focus on AI. This would proceed in phases, presumably so existing investments can be sold.
Healthy food and snacks supplier Tooru (TOO) says that the OAF range is increasing sales each week, while significant growth is expected from Pulsin thanks to launches in additional retailers.
Construction staff provider Hercules (HERC) non-executive director Martin Tedham bought 110,000 shares at 31p each, 50,000 shares at 32p each and 285,160 shares at 34.75p each. Chief executive Brusk Korkmaz acquired 100,000 shares at 39.75p each.
PACSCo Ltd (PACS) is awaiting one further approval of the sale of its businesses in Mozambique. Management is seeking reverse takeover candidates in any sector. They have to have positive cash generation and growth potential that would be attractive to institutional investors. A strong management team is also required.
Digital health and pharmacy company MedPal AI (MPAL) is acquiring eMARx, a provider of electronic medication administration software for care homes and pharmacies. The initial consideration is £380,000 in cash and shares. Revenues were £740,000 and they have trebled over three years. Pre-tax profit was £110,000.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer software provider Pinewood Technologies (PINE) has received a 448p/share cash possible offer from Ridgeview Partners. Management is likely to recommend this if a firm offer is made. There will be a share alternative. Lithia UK owns 31.95% and is supportive, as are other shareholders owning 16.8%. This indicative bid is lower than the Apax Partners offer of 500p/share, which did not go ahead.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has raised £850,000 at 2p/share and appointed Clear Capital as broker. The cash will fund expansion in Saudi Arabia and extend licence agreements.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 May 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Time to ACT (TTA) says that Ruth Herbert has been appointed chief executive of EET Hydrogen and power, which is a potential client, and final investment decision for the HPP1 blue hydrogen project is due in the second half of 2026. Time to ACT has completed the acquisition of MTE Heat Treatment for £500,000.
Unigel Group (UNX) has decided it is best to leave Aquis and is asking for shareholder agreement. A general meeting is planned on 5 June.
Ian Bagnall has taken a 5.78% stake in Tomahawk Minerals (TMHK), formerly Shortwave Life Sciences. The company is concentrating on its gold and antimony, and it is planning a move to AIM.
In the first quarter of 2026, SuperSeed Capital (WWW) improved to 141p/share or 136.4p/share after notional management fee.
B HODL (HODL) has launched the Lightning Service Provider platform, which provides programmable liquidity for Bitcoin.
Quantum computing technology developer Delta Gold Technologies (LON: DGQ) pointed out a Wall Street Journal article concerning the award of up to $2bn in grants to the quantum computing sector. The company issued 28,571 shares at a warrant price of 50p each.
In the six months to February 2026, Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) had a cash outflow from operations was £612,000. There was £338,000 left in cash. Income from digital assets was £516,000, up from £20,000 in the first half of the previous year, but there was a sharp increase in operating costs. There was a £3.76m drop in the valuation of the digital assets.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has completed the acquisition of M3 Helium and Paul Mendell, who has a 9.37% stake, has been appointed technical director.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) made a strong start to the year and loan balances edged up to £2.32bn by the end of April 2026. Deposits were 1% ahead to £4.26bn over the same period. Funds under management and administration were 5% higher at £2.8bn. No reductions in interest rates so far this year has been good for Arbuthnot Banking, and the income on its surplus funds.
Nomad Compute (NMD) has raised £3.124m at 0.125p/share. A capital reorganisation is required to reduce the apar value to enable the shares to be issued. The cash is for “developing and operating modular, containerised edge AI compute infrastructure for global enterprise and sovereign markets”.
IntelliAM AI (INT) has appointed Joel Crawfod as chief revenue officer. He will be based in Texas.
Energy B (NRGB) has appointed First Sentinel as corporate adviser.
Oliver O’Donnell, head of equities for VSA Capital (VSA), has been appointed to the group board.
Roundhouse Digital has changed its name to Roundhouse AI (ETHL).
AIM
Asia-focused oil and gas producer Jadestone Energy (JSE) reported a loss of $133.7m on revenues of $408m for 2025, but that figure is complicated by $126m impairment charge and the $18.5m write off for the abandonment of the SKUA-11 well. That masks the strong cash generation of the business last year. Cash generated from operating activities was $91.4m, helped by lower operating costs, and along with the $39.4m proceeds from a disposal this was more than enough to fund capital expenditure and interest charges. Net debt reduced to $89.1m. Jadestone Energy has refinanced debt through a $200m bond issue, which increases the cash available. Production in 2026 could be at the lower end of the 18,000-21,000 boe/day guidance range – last year it was 19,829 boe/day – because of a storm stopping production at the Stag field. That should generate enough cash to cover investment this year. The farm-out process for the Vietnam asset has commenced.
Medical devices developer Creo Medical (CREO) has raised £5.5m at 15p/share and the Bank of Wales is subscribing for £2m of convertible loan notes. Creo Medical plans to sell the remaining 49% interest in Creo Medical SL to 51% shareholder CME at book value. The sale of the 51% stake raised £24.7m after costs CME will continue to distribute Creo Medical products in Europe. Cash was £12.4m at the end of 2025 and there was a subsequent dividend of £1.6m from CME. Creo medical made an underlying operating loss of £13.7m on revenues of £6m in 2025 and the additional cash will help to accelerate growth in sales. First quarter revenues were 60% ahead and full year revenues could grow at a similar rate. Operating costs should be reduced by 15%.
Energy efficiency technology developer Sabien Technology (SNT) is entering into an agreement for a proposed strategic commercial partnership and financing that will help to accelerate commercial deployment of the M2G technology. The partnership with Haydale (HAYD) and SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC) means that SMCC will be the M2G distributor in agreed commercial, industrial and public sector markets. Haydale would also help with improving manufacturing efficiency. Non-core investments are being reviewed, and additional opportunities will be assessed. A strategic investor group could acquire the 26.7% stake held by executive chairman Richard Parris and restructure the debt owed to Parris Group. A convertible loan note could raise up to £2m. Final terms have to be agreed. This announcement follows the settlement of a historical contract for £40,000 in cash and £50,000 in shares at 5.71p each.
Building and plumbing products distributor Lords Group Trading (LORD) has reported better than expected results. Pre-tax profit still fell from £3.8m to £2.8m. There has been a rationalisation of plumbing and heating distribution sites and there was a small dip in sales. Online builders merchant CMO made an initial contribution. Market share is improving. There could be a further fall in profit this year.
FIH Group (FIH) will pay a 40p/share special dividend from the funds from the £11.6m sale of the Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company. The shares go ex-dividend on 5 June. Chief executive Stuart Munro gets a £478,000 bonus and finance director Reuben Shamu £293,000 for the successful disposal.
Gold producer Metals Exploration (MTL) produced 65,287 ounces of gold in 2025, but the higher gold price meant that revenues rose by 9% to $208.4m. Free cash generated from operations was 19% higher at $115.3m. Construction of the La India project in Nicaragua is one-third complete. The first gold pour could be in December. Gold production guidance for Runruno has been revised downwards to 40,000-48,000 ounces.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has won a project through FlexBase to design a GWh-scale vanadium flow battery to be deployed at the Technology Centre Laufenburg, Switzerland. This datacentre and technology campus required up to 1.5GWh and it could be expanded to 2.1 GWh. There should be phased manufacturing of the batteries.
Automotive interior components manufacturer CT Automotive (CTA) reported a 4% dip in revenues to $114.8m, while pre-tax profit improved by one-fifth to £9.5m. Earnings were 11.4 cents/share. A further improvement is expected this year.
TV programmes producer Zinc Media (ZIN) has won a $6m contract to produce an entertainment series in the Middle East. The international distribution rights should add extra income. The series has already been broadcast for 17 seasons, and it follows inventors developing ideas. Zinc Media has been brought in to refresh the format, and the programme will be shot in Arabic and English. Zinc Media is acquiring William Martin Qatar for an initial £400,000. The final purchase price will be up to £1.12m. This is an agency specialising in events and film in the Middle East and it fits well with the existing business in the region. Full year revenues of £3.4m and pre-tax profit of £300,000 are forecast.
Tap Global Group (TAP) recently launched the Tap Earn app and it has reached $3.5m of assets under management. The app offers a yield of up to 7% on supported stablecoin holdings, up to 3.5% on Ethereum and up to 2.5% on Bitcoin. Tap Earn is available across all the company’s markets and will generate revenues for the company by converting passive customer balances into generating income.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has secured surface rights to 270 acres of the Teck Hughes tailings project. This provides access and operational flexibility. The price is C$220,000 in cash and a 1.5% net smelter royalty. The net smelter royalty can be reduced to 0.75% for C$750,000 in cash and to 0.5% with a further C$500,000 payment.
Mkango Resources (MKA) subsidiary Mkango Rare Earths has filed a registration statement in the US concerning its merger with Crown PropTech Acquisitions. This helps to progress the proposed Nasdaq listing for Mkango Rare Earths.
Ariana Resources (AAU) is selling a 13.6% stake in the Zenit gold mining joint venture in Turkey to the majority shareholding for $19.5m – $17.2m after tax. Ariana Resources retains a 9.9% stake in Zenit, which could generate dividends, and has $29m in cash. The cash will be invested in the Dokwe project in Zimbabwe and the cash will fund the project up to the definitive feasibility study.
First quarter results from gold miner Thor Explorations (THX) show year-on-year revenues increasing from $64m to $74.3m and lower operating costs per ounce of gold. Net income rose from $34.4m to $46.7m. Net cash was $177.9m at the end of March 2026. A dividend of C$0.0275/share was announced. Full year production guidance is 75,000-85,000 ounces of gold with average costs likely to edge up.
Gene therapy technology developer 4basebio (4BB) increased 2025 revenues from £900,000 to £1.7m and it is forecast to rise to £2.5m. The loss was £17.9m. There should still be £8.5m in the bank at the end of 2025. The company has secured a clinical supply deal with a biotech company for supply of synthetic DNA to a phase II immunotherapy programme.
MAIN MARKET
Vehicle rental and claims management company Zigup (ZIG) traded strongly in the second half with profit at the upper end of expectations. Full year pre-tax profit is set to be around £160m. Cash generation has improved. The results will be released on 8 July.
Ground engineering and piling business Keller (KLR) reported stronger trading in the first four months of the year despite the global background. North America has done well. Higher costs are being passed on in new contracts. The order book is worth £1.7bn. The interim results will be published on 4 August.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) has visited the NWQ Copper project with partner Austral Resources to inspect the Big One Deposit and Big One North prospect. The historical copper stockpile was assessed. Mt Storm was identified as an under explored near surface target.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 30 March 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Executive recruiter Connecting Excellence (XCE) increased net fee income by one-fifth to £890,000 in the six months to December 2025. There was cash of £1.4m and Bitcoin holdings of £2.62m (40.36 Bitcoin). Net fee income in January was £250,000. The Bitcoin holding has increased to 52.42 Bitcoin.
Residential property developer Zentra (ZNT) interim revenues fell from £1.97m to £942,000. The loss rose from £66,000 to £638,000. Net liabilities are £4.16m. Practical completion of the One Victoria project in Manchester is expected in the second quarter of 2026.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says potential acquisition M3 Helium is entering an agreement with Ritchie Exploration which will re-complete the Schneweis Ventures 13A well in Kansas.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) reported a dip in 2025 pre-tax profit from £35.1m to £24.2m. The total underlying dividend, excluding special dividend, was raised to 53p/share. Deposits increased by 11% to £4.57bn, although lending balances fell 6% to £2.25bn. Assets under management were 21% ahead at £2.68bn. Higher interest rates should be good for the bank. Chairman and chief executive Sir Henry Angest bought 300,000 ordinary shares at 860p each. He owns 59.9% of ordinary shares and 64.9% of the non-voting shares.
B HODL (HODL) net assets were £11.7m at the end of 2025. Since the end of the year, the Bitcoin treasury has increased to 164.487 Bitcoin.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 360p/share at the end of January 2026. Fully listed investee company Luceco (LUCE) performed better than expected.
EDX Medical (EDX) is the primary partner in the Scottish Prostate Cancer Initiative, which is set to improve early diagnosis. Up to 25,000 men will be tested.
Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) says that Penn State University has been promoting the quantum computing research sponsorship and technology licence agreement with the company.
The WeShop share price on Nasdaq continues to decline and reached a new low of $5.81 at the end of the week compared with a high of $200. WeCap (WCAP) is a significant shareholder, and its share price dipped 27.8% to 0.325p.
Hamak Strategy has taken a 3.05% stake in Vaultz Capital (V3TC).
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has gained further patents for its Eco™ Fuel Conditioners in Chile, Peru and Israel.
VSA Capital (VSA) chief executive has bought 100,000 shares at 2.75p each, taking his stake to 19.8%.
Equipmake (EQIP) chairman Tim Metcalfe bought 163,934 shares at 1.22p each.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) non-exec Meg Lustman has bought 2,279 shares at 439p each.
Marula Mining (MARU) has secured an offtake contract with Traxys Europe for the Kinusi copper mine with initial deliveries in May. Traxys will purchase the full production.
Supersearch Plus (SSP) has appointed Guild Financial Advisory as corporate adviser.
AIM
Coiled Therapeutics (COIL), which was formerly Roquefort Therapeutics, has moved from the Main Market to AIM on 27 March after acquiring the global rights to a potential cancer treatment known as AO-252. This cost £31.9m in shares. AO-252 is “a brain-penetrant small molecule targeting Transforming Acidic Coiled-Coil Containing protein 3 (TACC3) protein-protein interactions”. Preclinical trials have indicated the effectiveness in tumour regression in some cancers. A placing raised £8.5m at 10p/share. valuing the company at £42.6m.
Monitoring and optimisation software supplier Checkit (CKT) says that its improving performance is not reflected in its valuation, and it is investigating a sale of the company. The company has received six expressions of interest from potential buyers in the past nine months. There are no current discussions with these potential acquirors, but Checkit believes it should give other potential bidders a chance.
Ireland-based cinema operator Omniplex has taken a 5.35% stake in Everyman Media Group (EMAN).
Carpet tiles manufacturer Airea (AIEA) is making progress with fully commissioning new manufacturing facilities that will double capacity. The business has been capacity constrained and delays in orders at the time of the Budget meant that 2025 revenues were flat at £21.4m. Operating profit before non-recurring items fell from £1.56m to £1.15m, although that partly reflects the loss of income from a property sold to help finance the increased manufacturing capacity. Net cash was £1.2m at the end of 2025 and the dividend was raised from 0.6p/share to 1p/share.
Growth in recurring revenues of the software division and a recovery in margins for the education services division enabled Tribal Group (TRB) enabled 2025 pre-tax profit to jump 136% to £12.5m. Annualised recurring revenues of the software business grew to £63m. There is growth to come from existing university and college clients before any new client wins. Strong cash flow meant that Tribal moved from net debt to net cash of £11.4m. Even after dividends, the cash position is expected to remain strong with the normal second half inflow.
Software and training services supplier Pennant International (PEN) has increased its recurring revenues and has orders that will help it to breakeven this year, following a loss in 2025.
Sustainable detergent additives supplier Itaconix (ITX) is making good progress towards breaking even. Revenues jumped from $6.5m to $10.5m in 2025 and there is capacity for this to increase to more than $25m. The loss was reduced from $1.8m to $1.1m with a $1.2m cash outflow from operated activities. European revenues doubled and new business in North America will flow through into revenues in 2026 and particularly 2027. There is more than $4m in cash in the bank, which is more than enough to get to cash flow positive. Cash generation could build up rapidly from 2027 onwards.
Shares in spirits brands owner Distil (DIS) halved to 0.045p following a trading statement outlining poor fourth quarter trading. Full year revenues will be well below expectations. Stock levels in the trade were higher than expected. Sales by the UK distributor are 51% ahead in the first two months of this year, but consumer spending remains depressed. The US launch of Blavod black vodka has been delayed due it still awaiting tax approval from the authorities. Marketing spending has been agreed with UK retailers to help sales to recover.
Litigation finance provider Burford Capital (BUR) announced on Friday afternoon that the US Court of Appeals had overturned the decision won by Burford’s Petersen and Eton Park concerning claims against The Republic of Argentina and YPF. There was a two to one ruling. Argentina had not made a tender offer when it took over a 51% stake in YPF from Repsol. The $16.1bn judgement was overturned.
Real-time video editing technology developer Blackbird (BIRD) lost contracts and that led to a decline in revenues from £1.61m to £1.38m in 2025. Cash burn was £3.01m after a reduction in costs. There was £2.72m in the bank at the end of 2025 and £500,000 has been subsequently raised. User engagement of elevate.io is improving and the Winter Olympics should have provided a boost to use of the editing technology.
Switch Metals (SWT) has announced the washing programme has been completed for the Issia tantalum and lithium in the Côte d’Ivoire. Laboratory assays and modelling is ongoing so that the maiden mineral resource estimate can be published. This had been expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Interim figures for Parkmead Group (PMG) had £12.9m in cash at the end of 2025 and since then the cash position has grown to £16.1m. This will provide funding for oil and gas and renewable asset investment. Up to £120m more can become payable for the past sale of UK North Sea assets depending on the approval of field developments.
Computer vision technology Seeing Machines (SEE) says that it expects to be EBITDA positive in the third and fourth quarters of the financial year to June 2026. Interim revenues dipped from $25.3m to $23.4m, due to planned reductions in non-core operations. Automotive royalties and aftermarket revenues both increased and gross margin improved to 58%. There will be a refinancing by June.
Small company finance provider Time Finance (TIME) increased own book lending to £86.5m in the third quarter. Nine months revenues are 4% higher at £28.3m, while pre-tax profit is up 5% to £6.2m. Net tangible assets are £48.5m. The lending book is worth £243.4m.
MAIN MARKET
Andrew Perloff has raised his stake in motor dealer Caffyns (LON: CFYN) from 20.2% to 22.2%.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 16 March 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Marula Mining (MARU) is still investigating various sources of additional finance. The directors and related parties are providing funding. An $8m copper concentrate purchase agreement has been secured with a New York company. This covers 2,500 tonnes of copper concentrate each month from the Kinusi copper mine. The 2024 accounts have still to be published. An agreement with Baosteel Resources South Africa covers initial deliveries of a minimum of 5,000 tonnes of manganese ore from the Kilifi manganese processing plant. Marula Mining will receive a provisional payment of 90% of each monthly shipment upon delivery to Mombasa Port. Marula Mining has not paid the £1m for the minority interest in the Kilifi plant. This will be settled for £856,000 in shares at 3.85p each. Marula Mining and the WEEE Centre have finalised phase 1 of implementation of the lithium-ion Battery Recycling and Critical Metals Processing facility (the “Project”) in Kenya.
Stack BTC (STAK) raised £260,000 at 5p/share early in the week. The cash for acquisitions and investing in Bitcoin. The company subsequently bought 5 Bitcoin at £51,850 each and 5 Bitcoin at £52,758 each.
B HODL (HODL) announced a capital deployment programme. It is redeploying £350,000 in cash to invest in Bitcoin or buy back shares, which still leaves 24 months of working capital. B HODL will participate in the rewards account set up by CoinCorner, which owns 14.3% in B HODL, that will provide a return on part of the Bitcoin holding that is not in the Lightning network.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says M3 Helium, which it has an option to acquire that has been extended to 30 April, will commence drilling of wells on Rost and Enwell leases. The drill rig should arrive in the week beginning 16 March.
Falconedge (EDGE) says that the February Bitcoin yield was 0.912%. The total Bitcoin holding is 20.059694.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) won a contested ballot for 67km2 of mineral title on crown land, 25km north-west of Telfer, which was applied for by multiple parties.
Vault Ventures (VULT) is developing a post-quantum secure communications platform with Whitespace Global. The contract with Whitespace Global is worth £1.6m. Vault Ventures will have controlled ownership of the cryptographic architecture.
The WeShop share price has fallen to $16.40, which is a drop of more than 90% since the high just after flotation. The value of the WeCap (WCAP) shareholding is just over $20m.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has signed an agreement to acquire the Pereira Velho gold project. The payment is $200,000 cash plus $1.9m in shares, plus a 1.5% net smelter return, depending on the level of the gold price, which can be bought back for $1.5m. Ajax Resources issued 927,000 shares for the option agreement for the purchase of 100% to the Macacha project. Ajax Resources chief executive bought 264,146 shares at 8p each, taking his stake to 16.3%.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) edged up income from £277,000 to £283,000 in the year to December 2025. The loss was reduced from £500,000 to £425,000. NAV was reduced from £2.14m to £1.71m.
Gana Media (GANA) is providing a loan of up to £100,000 to NYCE International (NYCE). The loan lasts with 12% and the interest rate is 7%. There are “discussions to integrate ‘NirmataPlay’ games aggregator into Estadio Gana Mexico”. NYCE chief executive Farzad Peyman-Fard is a non-executive director of Gana Media.
Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) is acquiring and integrating an existing validator within the Bittensor network under the Astrid Validator brand. Validators verify results and ensures rules are followed.
Oscillate (SRVL) has renewed four prospecting licences in Botswana for two years. The final $80,000 has been received for the sale of hydrogen assets. Pella Ventures has a 4% stake in Oscillate
Coinsilium (COIN) says that the Yellow network token and trading platform has been launched.
Fidelio Partners has a 20.2% stake in Supernova Digital Assets (SOL).
Slater Investments has reduced its stake in Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) from 5.15% to 4.99%.
JP JENKINS
The London Tunnels (TLT) is raising money via Crowdcube. It wants to raise up to £10m at 180p/share, which is a discount to the $3 share price published by JP Jenkins. The London Tunnels is developing the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels as a visitor attraction
AIM
All Things Considered (ATC) is acquiring digital marketing and fan engagement business Push Media Ventures and Cirkay, which has developed a platform to connect artists and fans. The Cirkay Fan Pass is a digital key that provides exclusive perks and engagement. The total cost is £1.05m, which is made up of £300,000 in cash and £750,000 in shares. The operations will be integrated with the group’s platform and services division. Push has annual revenues of £2.7m and is profitable. Cirkay is yet to report revenues.
Alien Metals (UFO) says West Coast Silver has announced results of a drone magnetic survey for the Elizabeth Hill silver project joint venture. This highlighted multiple new exploration target areas. There is also potential for a larger silver bearing mineralised system outside the existing area. Joint venture partner GreenTech Minerals has completed the phase 1 drill programme at Munni Munni Platinum-Palladium-Copper-Nickel project in Western Australia. Assay results will be published. This is part of the work to calculate a JORC resource. The previous mineral resource estimate is 24 Mt @ 2.9 g/t 4E (PGE+Au) for 2.2Moz.
Offshore energy services Tekmar Group (TGP) reported a dip in 2024-25 revenues from £32.8m to £28.7m, but recent contract wins should return the company to growth with £38.6m forecast for the year to September 2026. It should also mean that there will be a move from a loss to around break even. Net debt was £2.4m at the end of September 2025 and since then a surplus property has been sold for £2.84m. There is already a strong order book for this year and further out.
Semiconductors designer and supplier EnSilica (ENSI) raised £9.7m in an oversubscribed placing at 47p/share. A retail offer could raise a further £300,000. This is expected to unlock £2m of matching funding for the £10.4m UK Space Agency award that was previously announced. The cash will also help to accelerate supply volumes to customers. Earlier in the week, EnSilica announced another two contracts, plus a $4m extension to an existing contract with an automotive customer. The new contracts are in life science and healthcare worth an initial $1.6m and $200,000 for a feasibility study respectively.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has taken advantage of the share price rise to raise £550,000 at 11p/share, which was a small premium to the market price. This will help to progress the work towards a mineral resource estimate. This is much less dilutive that the £1.05m raised at 3p/share last year. Peter Hall took a 4.34% stake. Metals One (MET1) also took the chance to reduce its shareholding from 6.33% to below 3%. Further sales will not have to be reported. Metals One invested £175,000 in last year’s placing so it has already got more than its investment back.
Concrete levelling equipment supplier Somero Enterprises (SOM) had a tough time in the US and Europe in 2025. Revenues dipped from $109.2m to $88.9m, although the second half was stronger. Pre-tax profit fell from $23.4m to $16.3m. This also meant that the dividend was reduced to 10.24 cents/share, meaning it is nearly twice covered by earnings. Net cash is still $33.2m and after dividends and share buybacks it should continue at that level.
Agricultural and fire protection technology supplier Light Science Technologies (LST) is acquiring Injectaclad for up to £4.8m, as well as paying £600,000 for the 10% minority shareholding in UK Circuits and Electronics Solutions and a related property, which can also be used for the fire protection division. Injectaclad has developed a remedial cavity fire barrier for properties and Light Science Technologies has a subsidiary that installs this product. The deal could help to improve margins by streamlining the supply chain.
Earnz (EARN) is acquiring Zero Carbon Group, which takes annualised sales to £30m. The deal will initially cost £3m – £1.5m in cash and £1.5m in shares – with a further £2m plus depending on achieving profit targets. Earnz raised £3.56m at 5p/share.
Anglesey Mining (AYM) has raised £680,000 at 6p/share, following the completion a £4m debt settlement agreement with Energold. There is £250,000 earmarked for dewatering of an existing shaft, £50,000 for analysis of samples and £100,000 for ongoing exploration.
IT company CloudCoCo (CLCO) announced it is raising £275,000 at 0.12p/share. Chairman Simon Duckworth is investing £210,000. A capital reorganisation is required before new shares can be issued for less than 1p each. The cash will fund Project Brightstar, which will enhance the company’s position in the B2B market. Target revenues are £10m, compared with £8m in the year to September 2025.
Ilika (IKA) has made the first commercial delivery of Stereax batteries to Cirtec Medical.
MAIN MARKET
Marine services provider James Fisher (FSJ) significantly improved margins in 2025. In 2025, revenues adjusted for disposals and closures increased 4% to £377.2m. Last year’s profit was boosted by gains on disposals. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £11.9m to £15.3m. Operating margin was 2.5 percentage points higher at 7.6%. All three divisions improved margins.
BATM (BVC) improved full year revenues from $117.3m to $123.2m, while pre-tax profit jumped from $3m to $13.6m, but this included an exceptional disposal gain. Net cash was $14.7m at the end of 2025. There are more non-core businesses to sell. The cyber and networks divisions are growing strongly. Pre-tax profit is expected to be modest this year before recovering in 2027.
Bitcoin investor and wed development company The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has offered pre-IPO warrant holders the chance to realise value. The warrants are exercisable at 2.5p each. The offer price is 20.6p for each warrant. The current share price is 31.155p. The company has raised £63,000 at 37p/share. It bought three Bitcoin for £48,764 each.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 23 February 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) says its UK Esquires coffee stores generated revenues of £21.9m in the nine months to December 2025, while sales in Ireland were 27% higher at £9.9m. There was like-for-like growth of 5.1% and 6.3% respectively. Income comes predominantly from franchise fees and royalties.
Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ), the quantum computing IP developer, has raised £1.92m through subscriptions at 35p/share. Every two shares come with a warrant to subscribe for shares at 50p each. This cash will help to accelerate university agreements and collaborations. New shareholders include Purebond.
EPE Special Opportunities Fund (EO.P) says that it does not intend to buyback any more shares. It has already acquired 1.25 million shares.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) reassured investors that it has no direct connection with skin treatments developer SkinBioTherapeutics (SBTX), which has been hit by the departure of the chief executive and accounting adjustments, even though they were both spun out of OptiBiotix Health (OPTI). Michael Litichevski, who is vice president, sales, of ProBiotix Health, bought 45,100 shares at 6.5p each.
Valereum (VLRM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Integra Foundation to establish “a framework to collaborate on real-world asset tokenisation, institutional distribution, and secondary trading, with an initial focus on real estate”. This could help to accelerate revenue generation.
The wife of BWA Holdings (BWAP) non-exec John Byfield has bought 1.98 million shares at 0.25p each, taking their joint holding to 0.79%.
Digital asset miner Sterling Digital (ASIC) has bought 450 ASIC Bitcoin mining servers at a lower cost than budgeted, as well as modular, high-density, hydro-cooled data centre infrastructure for these mining servers. Initial production should be in the second quarter of 2026.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) says that it made good progress in the fourth quarter of 2025. Pre-tax profit will be at the upper end of the guidance range of £22m-£24m. A total dividend of 53p/share is forecast.
EDX Medical (EDX) has raised £3.5m at 14p/share. That is the same share price as the previous fundraising. The proceeds will accelerate the prostate cancer programme to develop diagnostic products.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals has executed the 51%/49% joint venture agreement for the Staghorn property with Quadro Resources.
Marula Mining (MARU) has signed an agreement to supply 500 tonnes of processed manganese ore from Kilifi to Jindal Pelletising in India. Deliveries to Baosteel are also set to happen following delays.
Wind-based hydrogen production technology developer Energy B (NRGB) has secured a £50,000 loan facility from chairman Neil Ritson.
Connecting Excellence (XCE) shares have begun trading on the OTC Venture Market (OTCQB) in the US.
JP JENKINS
QPLAY (QPL), which is a manufacturer of board games, joined JP Jenkins on 16 February. QPLAY has created Outsmarted, a quiz game using AI. QPLAY is held within the Velocity Capital Fund, which is managed by Sapphire Capital Partners.
The London Tunnels (TLT), which is developing the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels as a visitor attraction, will join JP Jenkins on 25 February. The plan is to open by early 2028.
AIM
Scotland-based housebuilder Springfield Properties (SPR) reported a 2% increase in interim revenues to £108m, while pre-tax profit improved from £3.8m to £4.3m. The private housing market was weak, but changes to Scottish government policies meant that the affordable housing market recovered. Springfield Properties secured a deal with Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to provide 293 homes for workers on infrastructure projects in the North of Scotland. This is an important part of the strategy to focus on North Scotland. The benefits are not likely to be significant until the next financial year. Last year included the large land sale to Barratt, which boosted profit.
Transense Technologies (TRT) had already warned that its results would be disappointing. Interim revenues dipped 8% to £2.26m, because of a reduction in the iTrack royalty. Pre-tax profit fell from £550,000 to £64,000. Net cash is £920,000. Sensor technology products developer SAWsense revenues increased 73% to £660,000, but the growth is not as fast as hoped. A further six projects have been added, taking the total to 23, but whether or when they will become commercial products is uncertain.
Optima Health (OPT) is acquiring competitor PAM Healthcare for £100m and this will mean it has 15% of the UK and Ireland occupational health market. This takes Optima Health to its medium-term target revenues of £200m. Debt facilities will provide £70m of the acquisition payment and an underwritten open offer will raise £35m at 175p/share. In 2025, PAM generated revenues of £66.6m and EBITDA of £8.2m. The two companies would have been rivals for tenders in the past. Increased scale will enable improved margins. Pro forma 2026-27 pre-tax profit of £17.8m is forecast. Cavendish has been appointed as joint broker.
Retailer Mothercare (MTC) has refinanced its £8m debt facility with GB Europe Management Services, which has been closed after a £8.68m payment, including fees. This has been replaced by a £8.46m facility with a consortium of investors, including Richard Griffiths, that is being provided to a special purpose vehicle. This lasts until the end of 2027 and has an annual interest charge of 25%. Pension payments have been deferred until March 2027. This means that £6m of payments have been deferred and there will be a long-term payment plan put in place.
Trellus Health (TRLS), which has developed a digital platform to manage chronic health conditions, has secured a six-month extension to its agreement with Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems to provide Trellus Elevate for patients with moderate to severely active inflammatory bowel disease. Monthly cash burn has been reduced to $400,000. The 2025 revenues will be around $545,000. A $5m convertible facility has been secured, and the $737,500 drawdown from the facility will provide enough cash for the first quarter of 2026.
Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) has raised £7.4m at 80p/share. The cash will fund the development of the Topaz helium project in Minnesota. All six appraisal wells have been successful and there are concentrations of helium-3, which is used in quantum computing. Well testing and reservoir evaluation will continue and there will be an additional seismic survey. A pre-feasibility study for integrated helium and CO₂ production will be completed. There will also be cash spent on the Falcon project in Michigan.
Computer vison technology developer Seeing Machines (SEE) says interim revenues will decline from $25.3m to up to $24m. Annualised recurring revenues have grown from $13.5m to $14m. The EBITDA loss will decline from $17.7m to below $13.7m. Cash had fallen to $3.4m, but more recently a $14.1m advanced payment has been received. Automotive production volumes continue to grow, and new legislation comes into force in the EU that mandates camera-based driver monitoring systems for new vehicles that will further boost demand.
Roadside Real Estate (ROAD) raised £20.75m at 60p/share. This will be invested in building the portfolio of petrol forecourt stations. It is acquiring seven sites for £32.4m. The company’s stake in Cambridge Sleep Sciences should raise £48m in two tranches and help to finance expansion. Roadside Real Estate is expected to move into profit in the year to September 2027.
Broadcast technology supplier Pebble Beach Systems (PEB) has won a five-year contract in the US worth £1.3m. There is scope for upside with the US streaming client. This boosts recurring revenues. Cavendish had previously upgraded its 2026 pre-tax profit forecast to £2.7m, and this contract helps to underpin the current estimate. Dowgate Group has increased its stake from 5.22% to 10.2%.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service automated trading products supplier Beeks Financial Cloud (BKS) says interim trading is in line with expectations. Revenues are estimated to be £14.7m, down from £15.8m. Contracts won late in the period will contribute in the second half. That could contribute around £3.5m to second half revenues. Net cash is £3.3m.
Healthcare communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) is still waiting for the NHS to make decisions on investment. Interim figures to November 2025 did not contain any surprises. Revenues were flat at £400,000 and net cash was £3.8m. Existing clients renewed contracts, so that augurs well for additional business.
The bid for Inspecs (SPEC) has been switched to a takeover offer because the votes received for the scheme of arrangement for the 84p/share offer by a bid vehicle established by Luke Johnson and Ian Livingsgtone would not be enough for it to go through. The takeover offer requires more than 50% to be in favour. It appears that the requirement is already fulfilled with current acceptances.
MAIN MARKET
The benefits of the long-term strategy of Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) are showing through in the latest uplift in NAV. In the latest quarter to December 2025, there has been a 24% increase in NAV due to sharp increases in the values of its four largest investments due to recent fundraisings or changes in how the stake is valued. Their total value is £69m higher, which is a 36% increase. There is no indication of value changes for the other investments. The interims will be published on 5 March.
Wildcat Petroleum (WCAT) intends to leave the Main Market and switch to Aquis. It will also change strategy to the gold sector. A fundraising is planned in March.
GS Chain (GSC) plans to acquire GMM Acquisition Corp, which is acquiring Giraudy, MediaLine and Source Digital. These are outdoor advertising and home entertainment media. The purchase will be in shares.
Panther Metals (PALM) has signed a letter of interest with commodities trader Traxys Europe relating to discussions concerning the Winston tailings project. Progress is being made towards a mineral resource estimate.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 28 July 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) reported a slump in pre-tax profit from £20.8m to £10.9m, despite lower than expected impairments. The interim dividend was raised by 10% to 22p/share. NAV is 1649p/share. Shore has reduced its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £28.5m to £25.9m.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) has withdrawn the general meeting resolution to change the nominal value of the shares from 1p. The conversion price of convertible loan notes has been changed from 0.425p to 1p.
Watchstone Group (WTG) plans to gain approval for the reduction of the share premium account by £1m so £850,000 can be returned to shareholders, which is equivalent to 1.85p/share. The company will leave Aquis on 1 August.
Heart failure medicines developer Cardiogeni (CGNI) has generated £150,000 via an advanced subscription that will enable investors to subscribe for shares at a 25% discount to the price of the next funding round of more than £100,000. The cash may be used to gain an AIM quotation. A joint venture has been formed in UAE.
Coinsilium (COIN) has raised £5m from a placing at 6p/share and a retail offer raised the full £500,000 on offer, having received applications for four times that amount. The cash will be used for the Bitcoin treasury strategy.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) says drilling has commenced at the Red Setter Gold Dome project in Western Australia.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has 1,825 Bitcoin that cost £146.9m. In the six months to April 2025, the company lost £720,000. This was before the flotation on Aquis and the money subsequently raised.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has added a further 20 Bitcoin taking the total to 70, which cost £5.79m. Recently appointed director Sarah Gow bought a further 100,000 shares at 10.39p each.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) has issued five million shares to AIM-quoted cybersecurity company Shearwater Group (SWG) in return for two exploration licences in Spain. The share price decreased 8% to 0.115p.
Amazing AI (AAI) chief executive Paul Mathieson bought 560,000 shares at 0.7p each.
NYCE International (NYCE) generated revenues of £104,000 in the quarter to June 2025. The loss was £159,000. The company has launched a new crypto advisory business focused on the igaming sector.
Supernova Digital (SOL) has sold 30 million shares in Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) to the company as part of the share buyback. Phoenix Digital Assets director Jonathan Hives sold 250,000 shares at 6.14p each.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) director Richard Heywood bought 203,061 shares at 4.9p each. He owns 2.59%.
Chris Akers has raised his stake in Global Connectivity (GCON) from 5.1% to 6.5%.
AIM
Ceramic brake technology developer Surface Transforms (SCE) says first half revenues are 72% ahead at £8.1m. Second half revenues could approach £10m. Production yields have improved to 77%. This is finally some good news. Production problems have held up progress despite significant orders. Gross cash was £1.2m at the end of June 2025, while there has been £9.8m drawn down from the available loan. Cash advances from customers are £12.9m. Zeus believes that at current production rates the company could reach EBITDA breakeven by the end of the year.
CPP Group (CPP) is selling its business in India for £15.7m, of which £11.8m is payable on completion. The rest is dependent on performance. Tax could be £2m. This means that CPP can concentrate on the Blink InsurTech platform, focused on travel disruption and cybsersecurity. The cash will accelerate investment and fund the restructuring of the group to cut costs. Blink has annual recurring revenues of £1.6m. Net cash was £8.1m at the end of June 2025.
Payments services provider Boku (BOKU) increased interim revenues by one-third to at least $63m, with the fastest growth coming from digital wallets. There was also the benefit of higher pricing for a client during a launch phase. Stripping that out, the growth was 27%. Own cash was 16% higher at $87m. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to be $33.8m.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) is raising £1.05m at 3p/share. The cash will help to advance the Teck Hughes mine gold tailings project and complete a mineral resource element, as well as environmental assessment. It will also fund the annual payment for the licence for the Extrakt technology that will be used to process tailings. There will be a partial repayment of £211,000 of a convertible loan note maturing on 31 July. The £445,000 left will be converted into shares at 3p each. Metals One (MET1) is making an investment of £175,000 as part of the Fulcrum Metals fundraising.
Manolete Partners (MANO) has come to an agreement over a truck cartel case and will receive £3.2m in cash this week. The settlement is 6.6 times the investment, but the book value of the claim was higher at £4m. The trial for the group of claims has been delayed until September 2026, so the immediate cash is attractive. The retained cases valuation is £10.3m. These types of cartel cases are not the core business.
Jangada Mines (JAN) has signed heads of term for the potential acquisition of 33.3% of MTGOLD MINERACAO, the owner of the Paranaita gold project in Brazil, with an option to increase the stake to 50.1%. The initial cost is £1m worth of shares and £250,000 in cash. Jangada Mines has raised £800,000 at 0.6p/share and directors are converting £350,000 of fees into shares at the same price. Paranaita has a measured, indicated and inferred gold resource of 210,000 ounces at a grade of 3.165g/t.
Broadcast technology supplier Pebble Beach Systems (PEB) increased interim revenues by 13% to £5.9m and margins have improved due to cost cutting. Order intake was one-third higher. Cavendish has raised its full year pre-tax profit forecast from £1.9m to £2.4m on maintained expected revenues of £11.5m.
Online gaming marketing services provider B90 (B90) revenues were accelerating during the first half. June was a record month. Flat operating costs mean that profit is improving. Zeus is maintaining its full year pre-tax profit forecast at €1m but believes that it could be better if the momentum continues.
Fire prevention fluids developer LifeSafe Holdings (LIFS) says first half revenues fell from £1.6m to £900,000 due to the change in sales model. There was also an unauthorised reseller on Amazon in the US. The loss increased. Management is hopeful of significant US orders in the second half. Cash was £140,000 at the end of June 2025.
Ground engineering contractor Van Elle (VANL) reported a 6% decline in revenues to £130.5m in the year to April 2025. Underlying pre-tax profit fell from £6.7m to £5.3m. The Canadian rail business is being discontinued.
Unilever has commissioned additional work from Aptamer Group (APTA) relating to the use of Optimers in deodorants. This will generate additional revenues under the existing agreement.
Personal Group Holdings (PGH) improved interim revenues by 11% to £23.3m and underlying EBITDA increased 41% to £5.5m. Full year pre-tax profit is still expected to rise from £6.8m to £8.1m. New insurance sales grew, and June was a record month. The SaaS benefits platform has annualised recurring revenues of £6.9m. Net cash was £26.9m at the end of June 2025 and around £17m would be available for acquisitions.
Iron replacement treatment provider Shield Therapeutics (STX) had a strong second quarter with revenues of $12.8m doubled the previous quarter. This means it is on track to reach cash flow positive by the end of the year. Cash was $10.8m at the end of June 2025.
MAIN MARKET
BATM (BVC) has sold three non-core businesses, and it will focus on networks, cyber and diagnostics. Two of the businesses were loss-making. The sale of a 51% stake in Progenetics was also completed. The sales generated $2.4m. Other non-core businesses may be sold.
Fintech software provider Aptitude Software (APTD) increased annual recurring revenues by 3% to £49.8m. Core products growth is offsetting loss of business from legacy software. Interim operating profit will grow in double digits. The exchange ate is hampering revenues and some opportunities have been deferred.
Hamak Gold (HAMA) says the joint venture has commenced drilling at the Nimba project in Liberia. The company will receive 100 million shares in joint venture partner First Au and A$250,000 in cash at the beginning of August, subject to shareholder approval, for the 35% stake.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 26 May 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) stated at the AGM that trading was in line with expectations in the first four months of the year. Activity is showing signs of picking up. There were loan and lease assts of £2.36bn at the end of April 2025. Deposits rose 3% to £4.26bn. There was an annualised 17% increase in assets under management in the wealth management division. Shore Capital forecasts a dip in full year pre-tax profit from £35.1m to £28.5m. That assumes a further 0.25 of a percentage point cut in interest rates.
Dermatology treatments developer Incanthera (INC) is finalising an agreement with a global direct to consumer and it will launch the Skin + CELL product range in return for royalties on sales. There are 100,000 units in stock ready for sale, and they should be sold by March 2026. This will improve gross margins and provide positive cash flow.
Valereum (VLRM) is investing $1.35m in DigiShares in four tranches up until July. DigiShares owns a real estate tokenisation platform called RealEstate Exchange.
Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised a further £6.83m at 49p/share. It has purchased a further 39.51 Bitcoin for £3.13m. The total holding is 58.71 Bitcoin at a total cost of £4.54m. The additional funds will be used to buy more Bitcoin.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) subsidiary Forza! will be transferred an initial 15 Bitcoin. Coinsilium will announce purchase of Bitcoin by Forza! Institutional investors are interested in investing in Forza! There was £250,000 raised in a retail offer by Coinsilium at 3p/share.
Aquis Stock Exchange has enforced £15,000 of the suspended fine of £165,000 because of the delay by TruSpine Technologies (TSP) in announcing the issue of new shares in March. Axis MedTech has subscribed £49,500 for shares at 1.5p each, as well as acquiring £136,573 of convertible loan notes from Geoff Miller
Global Connectivity (GCON) says that the value of its 2.8% stake in Rural Broadband Services has fallen to £3.9m, which is equivalent to 1.3p/share.
Mendell Heloum (MDH) has an option to acquire M3 Helium, which is continuing work on the Rost 1-26 well recompletion project.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) has acquired a portfolio of quoted and unquoted shares for 9.95 million shares and £398,900 in 5% convertible loan notes, which are convertible at 0.425p/share. If they are convertible P3 Capital would own 45.3% of Gledhow Investments, while P4 Capital would own 15.3%. The £441,000 investment will increase the scale of the total portfolio.
Watchstone Group (WTG) has decided to end all legal proceedings and return any remaining cash to shareholders following a departure from Aquis. Net assets were £1.25m at the end of 2024.
Res Privata NV has raised its stake in WeCap (WCAP) from 11.3% to 13.6%, while Peel Hunt has a higher shareholding of 19%.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) director James Richardson bought 2,878 shares a 625p each and his total shareholding is 5,515 shares.
Time to Act (TTA) raised £274,000 at 40p/share and converted £61,000 of loans into shares. Puma AIM VCT has a 3.38% stake.
Walls and Futures RIT (WAFR) is holding a general meeting on 19 June. The resolutions include the company’s proposal to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange and the requisitioners proposals to remove two directors and appoint a new one.
Tin and copper explorer Tamar Minerals (TMR) has agreed a £150,000 loan from Godolphin Minerals, which is owned by the Tamar Minerals chief executive and two of its major shareholders. The loan is repayable on 21 May 2026 and the interest charge is 12%.
Heart failure medicines developer Cardiogeni (CGNI) raised £650,000 at 17.3p/share. Amazing AI (AAI) has raised £37,775aat 0.5p/share from existing shareholders
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) directors Jai Patel and Brian Coyne each bought 83,333 shares at 6.75p each.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has issued 935,362 shares to EPS Ventures, which relates to the amount of Sulnox Evo purchased.
Supersearch Plus (SSP) is changing its year end from June to December.
JP JENKINS
Powder Monkey (PMGL) has acquired Durham-based Castle Eden Brewery, which has focused on contract brewing. There are plans to brew Powder Monkey brands and to resurrect the Castle Eden brand.
Renewable energy investment company Thrive Renewables (THRV) reported a decline in 2024 revenues from £29m to £25.9m and operating profit fell from £13.6m to £11.3m. A final dividend of 12p/share has been declared. There are plans to buy back 161,628 shares. Thrive operates 24 wind, solar and hydro projects and is crowdfunding for other projects.
AIM
Xeros Technology (XSG) offset a decline in 2025 revenues with cost savings, so the loss was reduced from £4.8m to £4.5m. Revenues have been modest, but that could change this year with £2.5m forecast. Existing contacts should start to generate income later in the year. Russel Hobbs will launch the XF3 filter than can be attached to existing washing machines. A strategic partnership has been secured with Donlim, which will supply the filter to Russell Hobbs. Management is hopeful of gaining at least one major manufacturer for its integrated filter this year that could lead to commercialisation in 2026. Net cash of £2.8m should be enough for this year.
A prospectus has been lodged by Greatland Gold (GGP) for the flotation of its new holding company Greatland Resources on ASX. There are plans to raise £24.2m, while Newmont Corporation is selling 50% of its shareholding. The new company will also be admitted to AIM, and there will be a UK retail offer to raise up to £6.7m. This will close on 17 June.
Telecoms testing equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) returned to profit in the year to March 2025 as revenues recovered from £16.3m to £18.4m. New product launches helped, as did greater focus on newer markets such as defence and cloud computing. There was a strong fourth quarter and net cash improved from £10.9m at the end of March 2025 to £12.7m at the end of April 2025. The order book has increased, and Cavendish forecasts an improvement in pre-tax profit from £700,000 to £800,000 this year. That is still well below peak profitability.
Artisinal Spirits Company (ART) says revenues grew in double digits in the first four months of 2025 even though the US and China markets remain tough. The growth is coming from bottled whisky sales in Europe and cask sales. The US importing model is being changed. Full year revenues are forecast to grow by 10% to £26m.
Revolution Beauty Group (REVB) has received a preliminary bid approach, and a formal sale process has begun. The cosmetics supplier requires more funding, and it is still talking to key shareholders.
telecoms enterprise software provider Cerillion (CER) had flagged a weaker first half and management remains positive about growth in full year revenues with a new contract helping to meet the target. In the six months to March 2025, revenues dipped from £22.5m to £20.9m. The mix of revenues was different with lower software income due to fewer renewals and higher services revenues. Pre-tax profit fell from £10.5m to £9.3m. R&D spending was increased. Net cash still improved from £26.6m to £31.2m over the 12-month period. The dividend has been raised by one-fifth to 4.8p/share.
Chain manufacturer Renold (RNO) has received two bid offers one is 77p/share in cash from Webster Industries and the other is 81p/share in cash from a consortium comprising Buckthorn Partners LLP and One Equity Partners IX, L.P.
Executive search firm Norman Broadbent (LON: NBB) revealed at its AGM that second quarter trading is materially ahead of the same period last year. Recent appointments are helping to enhance growth, and the company is moving into the Middle East market. This should ensure a return to profit this year. The £96,000 CBILs loan has been repaid. Shareholders approved the 35-for-one share consolidation.
Aquaculture company Benchmark (BMK) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM and Euronext Growth Oslo. There should be annual savings of £2.4m and there should also be overhead savings of £5.6m following the sale of the genetics business. Benchmark is launching a tender offer at 25p/share. The total amount of cash available through the tender is £56.7m out of the current net cash of £117m.
Composite kits supplier Velocity Composites (VEL) has been hit by delays to projects and Canaccord Genuity has reduced 2024-25 revenues by 15% to £23m and then means a loss instead of breakeven. This is despite the fact that margins are better than expected. Net cash will fall to £700,000 on that basis. Next year’s pre-tax profit forecast has been cut from £500,000 to £300,000. There have been problems with the ramp up of A350 production and final qualification sign-off of kits in the US has been delayed. The US base will offset any problems with tariffs.
Ascent Resources (AST) is acquiring a 49% interest in oil and gas leases in Colorado operated by Locin Oil Corporation and a 10% in oil and gas leases in Utah operated by ARB Energy. US-based geologist David Patterson will take over as chief executive and there will be cost savings. The first purchase costs $2.5m, including shares at 0.5p each and a $1.9m convertible loan note. The second purchase costs $750,000 in shares. The deal includes rights to earn a 50% economic interest in incremental production from these leases. There is an option to acquire a further 23% interest in the leases. A fundraising will generate £1.35m at 0.5p/share with £224,000 used to pay back part of the RiverFort secured loan with $100,000 converted into shares at 0.7245p/share.
Drug developer Poolbeg Pharma (POLB) is raising £4m at 2.5p/share and could raise up to £100,000 from a retail offer. The cash will last into 2027. It will be spent on th POLB 001 phase 2a trial to “prevent cancer immunotherapy-induced Cytokine Release Syndrome, a severe, potentially life-threatening side effect of cancer immunotherapies”. Topline data is expected by the end of 2026. An Oral GLP-1 proof of concept trial for an obesity treatment.
Healthcare services provider Totally (TLY) is considering offers for subsidiaries. This is the only practical way to pay off liabilities. However, the proceeds may not be enough to meet all liabilities.
Energy assurance and optimisation services provider Inspired (INSE) has published a document rejecting the 68.5p/share offer by Regent Gas. The argument is that the offer undervalues the business, and it is not in the best interests of shareholders to take control of Inspired.
MAIN MARKET
LED lighting and wiring accessories supplier Luceco (LUCE) grew first quarter revenues by 19% to £61m. Acquisitions and the electric vehicle charging operations are driving the improvement. US tariffs are likely to impact on £4m of last year’s revenues.
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) says revenues are 8% ahead so far this year. They reached £50.7m at the end of April 2025. Footwear remains a strong market and there was 24% growth in transport and smart technologies sales. Construction is a weaker market.
Fully listed natural resources company Ajax Resources (AJAX) is applying to join the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Access market. This follows a planned acquisition of Minas La Escondida, which has two copper and gold licences near to the company’s Eureka mine in Argentina, which has previously been in production. There are plans to raise £1.5m at 4p/share. There is currently £650,000 in the bank.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 24 February 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Aquis-quoted healthcare procedures supplier One Health Group (OHGR) plans to move to AIM. As part of the process, it raised £5.2m from a placing at 180p/share and existing shareholders have the chance to take up shares in an open offer of up to £500,000. A WRAP retail offer could raise up to £500,000 more. The cash will be invested in the first owned surgical hub. This will cost up to £9m and it could generate £9m of income each year. It should be earnings enhancing in the first full year of operation. The employee benefit trust (EBT), the chairman and chief medical officer are selling £2.2m worth of shares. The EBT will repay a £750,000 loan to the company. The retail offer closes on 24 February. The minimum subscription is £100.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has signed a partnership with Frontier Power, and it will provide the partner with flow batteries for potential projects supported by the UK’s long duration cap and floor mechanism, where applications should commence in the summer. Frontier Power has reserved up to 2GWh of manufacturing capacity to underpin its bids. There will be an upfront fee when projects have been won. There could also be international opportunities.
EDX Medical Group (EDX) has developed a new test for prostate cancer. The test can identify cancerous cells, whether the cancer is early stage or late stage and how aggressive the cancer is. More than 100 biomarkers are measured by the test, which is more than rival tests. Accuracy should be better than 96%. There are 55,000 cases of prostate cancer in the UK each year. Founder Professor Sir Chris Evans acquired a total of 320,000 shares at an average share price of 13.68p each, plus 20,000 shares at 13.5p each, taking his stake to 37.3%. Chief executive Dr Michael Hudson bought 45,888 shares at 10.87p each, taking his stake to 5.84%, and deputy chair Martin Walton purchased an initial 85,000 shares at 10.717p each.
Valereum (VLRM) has entered into an agreement with DMC Markets Inc for a cash raise of £19m. Previously it was expected to be £13m. There will be 130 million shares issue at 10p ach and 20 million shares issued at 20p each, plus a further 20 million shares at 10p each that were previously under option to Blue Sky Vision. This will be done via a new company called Valereum Inc, which will hold 48.9% of Valereum. A UK investor will invest an additional £1m at 20p/share. The cash will be invested in minority stakes in four strategic assets sourced by DMC.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has an agreement with Kemin China Technology, which will sell LP LDL as a cardiometabolic health ingredient in China, Hong Kong and Macau. The sales will be co-branded. Chief executive Steen Andersen has been granted 9.05 million options with an exercise price of 9.5p. They last ten years and performance criteria have to be met for them to be exercised.
Vehicle electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has signed a development agreement with JC Bamford. It will develop specific power electronics for JCB. This is an initial six-month development agreement.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) says portfolio company Otomato Web3 Agent Protocol, which has commenced the launch of the Otomato.xyz platform. The public launch is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025. The platform streamlines Web3 interactions. As well as its stake, Coinsilium has the rights to 7.5% of revenues generated by the platform up to the Token Listing Event.
Ananda Pharma (ANA) has completed the manufacture of a final technical batch of MRX1 CBD drug candidate. This enables the next step of the process to achieve MHRA clinical trial approval.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) is trading in line with expectations and is set to achieve a 2024 pre-tax profit of £34.5m.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has raised £1m at 2p/share and this will be invested in the fintech app platform and growing its database of registered users.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) non-exec Nicholas Fairfax has bought 91,350 shares at 87p each. SulNOx has secured a patent in Malaysia covering a range of formulations for emulsifiers and fuel conditioners.
Mark Lyttleton has a 3.11% stake in WeCap (WCAP). Stephen Hill has 3.7% of Igraine (KING). Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) director Bryan Coyne bought 1.06 million shares at 11.22p each, taking his stake to 18.9%.
ASSET MATCH
Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) says the MoD has sold 12 ex-RAF C-130 aircraft to the Turkey government. Marshall has undertaken life extension work on seven of the aircraft and it will do the same work on the other five aircraft for the Turkey government. The value of this contract is £200m and it includes ongoing maintenance. This work will last until 2028. The US authorities are required to approve the deal.
JP JENKINS
Hotel chain operator Studio Stays Hotel Group (SSHG) has joined JP Jenkins. This is a company that was formed by chief executive Grant Bovey on 7 February 2025. It has raised £50,000 at 0.5p/share. The plan is to develop a business that generates income from hotels and AIRBNB.
Deltex Medical Group (DEMG) has departed AIM and moved to the JP Jenkins matched bargains platform. The share price ended on AIM at 0.024p. Deltex Medical has developed ultrasound-based oesophageal doppler monitoring equipment for surgery and intensive care use.
Tribe Technology (TRYB) has also left AIM. The last share price on AIM was 0.075p. Northern Ireland-based Tribe Technology is a developer of autonomous mining equipment.
AIM
Cash shell Rosebank Industries (ROSE) is in discussions with Cerberus Capital about the acquisition of Electrical Components International Inc (ECI). US-based ECI is a supplier of critical electrical distribution systems to a range of industries. No price has been put on the acquisition, but it will require a significant share issue and a new debt facility. The deal is subject to due diligence and will require a document for readmission to AIM. Trading in Rosebank Industries shares has been suspended until there is a document. Rosebank Industries joined AIM on 11 July 2024 after raising £50m at 250p/share. There was cash of £48.1m at the end of 2024.
Greatland Gold (GGP) released maiden drilling results for the West Dome Underground target at the Telfer prospect. This deposit is 800 metres below the West Dome open pit. There were 16 out of 19 holes that intercepted significant mineralisation. The weighted average intercept is calculated as 23 metres at 2.95g/t gold and 1.07% copper. This could extend the mine life. There will be a second phase of drilling.
Rail software and technology company Tracsis (TRCS) has won the contract to provide the ‘tap converter’ ticketing technology that will enable pay-as-you-go travel across the UK rail network. Tracsis previously supplied a similar service to some train operators. This will generate a small, fixed payment to Tracsis with every journey and could generate highly significant revenues. If 10% of journeys are via PAYG then this could generate £3m of annual revenues. The technology will not be deployed until 2026 and will take time to roll out, so it does not affect the 2024-25 forecasts and is not included in the 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast of £15.3m. The Department of Transport has published a document outlining plans for Great British Rail and this should lead to the ending of uncertainty of the future of rail.
Medical and radiation technology developer Kromek (KMK) has received the initial payment of $25m from its deal with Siemens. This will enable Kromek to be profitable this year. The total agreement is worth $37.5m. The rest is payable over four years. The deal was announced at the end of January and is for producing cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) applications. This is a non-exclusive agreement and could lead to deals with other companies. Cavendish forecasts a 2024-25 pre-tax profit of £4.9m after a recovery in revenues in the second half. This could fall to £2.1m next year. Net cash is expected to be £1.8m at the end of April 2025 and Kromek is likely to stay in a net cash position for the next two years.
TheraCryf (TCF) is raising £4.25m at 0.25p/share. The previous closing share price was 1p. The cash will finance the pre-clinical development of Orexin-1, which came with the acquisition of Chronos Therapeutics. Orexin-1 is a potential drug for a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including addiction and anxiety. This market could be worth $67.6bn by 2034. The preclinical data generated will help to attract potential partners. TheraCryf was previously expected to have net cash of £900,000 by the end of March 2025. Former Avacta boss Dr Alastair Smith has been appointed as TheraCryf chair. He will take his fee for at least 12 months in the form of shares.
Film and media localisation services provider Zoo Digital (ZOO) expects full year revenues to be at least $50.5m and a return to positive EBITDA of at least $1m. These are below expectations, though. Trading recovered following the writers’ strike in Hollywood, but there have been delays and cancellations. Zoo Digital is a preferred fulfilment vendor for Amazon Prime Video and there is an increase in potential work, predominantly for existing content. Original content production remains subdued and may not recover until nearer the end of the year. This year dubbing revenues will be lower than last year. Fixed costs have been cut by one-fifth over the past year and margins are improving.
Scotland-based housebuilder Springfield Properties (SPR) is selling land holdings in central Scotland to Barratt for £64.2m and could sell further sites. This will contribute a significant profit in the year to May 2025. Springfield Properties will refocus on the north of Scotland. Trading has been weak so far in this financial year. Interim revenues declined 13%, but better margins meant that pre-tax profit recovered from £2m to £3.8m. Singer has downgraded its 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast by 14% to £14.2m, but the dividend is expected to continue to recover. A net cash position is expected by 2027.
Transense Technologies (TRT) reported interim figures showing revenues 36% ahead at £2.46m, although pre-tax profit was 13% lower at £550,000. Hiring is going on to build up the business to cope with further growth and this is holding back short-term profit. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to edge up to £1.6m this year, before slipping back to £1.3m in the year to June 2026. It should then return to growth. The company recently secured a new distribution agreement with Haltec Corporation, a US tyre valve company focused on mining, truck and aviation sectors. Cash was £1.19m at the end of 2024, but it rose to £1.87m at the end of January 2025.
Cambridge Cognition (COG) has submitted a letter of intent to the FDA under the Drug Development Tool pathway. This relates to the development of digital cognitive assessments reliable measurement of Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia (CIAS). Cambridge Cognition does not require regulatory approval for its assessments, but the FDA qualification would help to broaden the adoption. The FDA has a backlog, and it could take more than two months to get a response. The next step would be to submit a detailed plan. Cambridge Cognition’s CANTAB platform has been used in the analysis of two phase 3 rials that were used in the FDA approval of Cobenfy from Bristol Myers Squibb. Cobenfy is the first antipsychotic drug to be approved with a new mechanism of action was approved in September 2024.
Compliance and resource management software provider AdvancedAdvT Ltd (ADVT) is winning new business and generating renewals on improved terms. Demand for cloud and digital services is growing. Singer expects EBITDA of £9.6m, having previously forecast £8.4m. The 2026 EBITDA forecast has been raised from £8.8m to £10.1m. AdvancedAdvT is still at an early stage of its buy and build strategy. Net cash is estimated to be £88m.
Media marketing platform developer SEEEN (SEEN) says 2024 revenues grew from $2.1m to $3.2m following a strong second half. This suggests that the business is gaining momentum and the current annual run-rate for revenues is $5m, which is in line with forecasts. A large publisher has contracted SEEEN to manage its video library on YouTube. SEEN has IP that can maximise the income from these videos. Revenues were below forecast but the outlook is positive.
Biome Technologies (BIOM) is planning to leave AIM and is holding a general meeting on 13 March to gain shareholder agreement. Access to additional funding is difficult with a depressed share price due to trading disappointments. Management believes it will be easier to raise cash as a private company without a public share price. It will also be easier to enter into transactions without having to make announcements. There will also be cost savings. JP Jenkins will provide a matched bargains facility.
Allergy Therapeutics (AGY) says published data from its phase III G306 study for its grass allergen immunotherapy Grass MATA MPL shows a 20.3% improvement, which is much higher than for trials of other treatments. The treatment requires six injections rather than up to 100 injections and tablets of other treatments. The quality of life improves by 27.7%. A marketing authorisation application has been filed in Germany.
Totally (TLY) chief executive Wendy Lawrence has stepped down and the board is seeking a replacement for the healthcare services provider. This follows the trading statement at the end of the previous week when the company lost a contract. Totally is still expected to make a pre-tax profit of £700,000 for the year to March 2025, but Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025-26 forecast from £1.6m to £700,000. Professor Prasad Godbole is interim chief executive, although he is not on the board.
MAIN MARKET
Helium and hydrogen explorer Georgina Energy (GEX) has paid the A$50,000 deposit to AIM-quoted Mosman Oil and Gas (MSMN) as part of the acquisition of the company that owns the EPA155 permit. This covers Mt Winter, where previous drilling has identified helium and hydrogen, along with natural gas. The final acquisition is dependent on government authorisation of the exploration permit. This will trigger the second payment of A$300,000. Seismic data is being reprocessed. At the Hussar project, the Environmental Impact Survey is being completed.
First Tin (1SN) says crushing test work at the Taronga tin project in Australia shows it is possible to obtain up to 89.5% up to 89.5% of the contained tin. The average is 87.1% across seven samples. Testing is ongoing.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 2 December 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Incanthera (INC) has been accused of potential patent infringement in the formulation of its Skin + Cell skincare range. Even though Incanthera believes that there is no merit to the accusation, but the launch of the Skin + Cell range of products has been delayed. There is cash in the bank following a £2.6m subscription at 15p/share.
WeCap (WCAP) has converted £7.75m of loan notes in WeShop Holdings in return for 3.21 million shares, which is 1.33 million shares at 300p each and 1.875 million shares at 200p each. This increases the shareholding to 16.2%, including shares owned by 235%-owned Community Social Investments. WeCap says that the value of the shareholding is £24.6m, based on the last fundraising share price of 476p. WeCao has extended the discounted capital bond issued to Hawk Holdings for 18 months. The total owed is £6.18m.
Electric vehicle technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) increased full year revenues by three-fifths to £8.1m. Bus repowering revenues grew fastest, but this is labour intensive at low volumes. The loss increased from £5m to £9.1m. The cash outflow from operations declined from £9m to £6.29m. Costs are being reduced. There was £2.5m in the bank at the end of May 2024. A potential licensing agreement could provide cash flow over the next two years.
Water sector installation works provider Field Systems Design Holdings (FSD) improved annual revenues from £13.8m to £17.8m, with a small contribution from power generation. This enabled pre-tax profit to increase from £287,000 to £490,000. There was £2.59m in the bank at the end of May 2024.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 57.79p/share at the end of October 2024, down from 62.15p/share at the end of the previous month. There was nearly £600,000 of income generated from digital assets during the month.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) reported a fall in the full year cash outflow from operating activities from £171,000 to £55,000. Net debt is £86,000 at the end of June 2024. The sae of assets has raised $150,000, as well as a R and D tax inflow of A$173,000.
Inqo Investments (INQO) reported full year revenues improving from R7.37m to R8.2m. There was a movement from loss to profit.
Essentially Group (ESSN) has terminated its retainer with broker Clear Capital Markets.
In the year to June 2024, there was a cash outflow from operating activities of £375,000 at BWA (BWAP). Further exploration drilling is underway at Dehane and sample analysis results should be available in the near future. Chairman Jonathan Wearing has subscribed for 40 million shares at 0.5p each.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has appointed Fuelonomics Hydrocarbons Innovations as distributor of SulNOxEco fuel conditioners in Nigeria.
Vinanz Ltd (BTC) has received the initial order of Bitcoin miners and they are up and running in Nebraska.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) chairman and chief executive Sir Henry Angest has bought 116,000 shares at 900p each. He owns 58% of the voting shares. Barry Hersh has reduced his stake in Global Connectivity (GCON) from 6.97% to 5.96%. Newbury Racecourse (NYR) chairman Dominic Burke has bought 7,500 shares at 540p each.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has appointed Tony Moore as chairman and Jack Sun as finance director. Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has hired Adam Howard as finance director. He was previously at the National Walth Fund.
AIM
Frasers Group has taken a 6.4% stake in electricals retailer Marks Electrical (MRK). Frasers has a record of taking stakes in other retailers and it also has shareholdings in AO World and Currys. Canaccord Genuity has reduced its stake from 5.24% to 2.4%. Founder Mark Smithson still owns 73.8%. Rockwood Strategic (RKW) has built up a 4.54% stake in Kooth (KOO). This follows Canaccrd Genuity cutting its stake from 8.97% to 3.38%. River Global Investors recently nearly doubled its stake to 10.1%.
Bars operator Loungers (LGRS) has agreed a 310p/share cash bid from Fortress Investment, which values it at £338.3m. Irrevocable acceptances are 40.2%. Singer does not believe that this fully values the business and thinks 375p/share is a fairer value. Interim pre-tax profit grew 51% to £5.95m, while net debt was £12.2m. Like-for-like growth in revenues has been 3.9% so far in the third quarter.
Rare books dealer Scholium (SCHO) intends to leave AIM and believes this will save at least £75,000/year. In the six months to September 2024, underlying pre-tax profit improved from £43,000 to £221,000 on revenues that improved 30% to £4.97m. A matched bargain facility will be provided by JP Jenkins. The AIM cancellation is likely to be on 6 January. NAV is 74.6p/share.
In the six months to September 2024, TPXimpact (TPX) revenues fell from £41.6m to £37.8m, but underlying pre-tax profit improved from £600,000 to £1.1m. Most of the benefits from £3m of annualised cost savings will come through in the second half and next year. Net debt is £7.9m. The forecast 2024-25 revenues are already more than 90% underpinned by the current order book. Pre-tax profit should improve from £1.8m to £5.5m.
Trading at sustainable wood materials supplier Accsys Technologies (AXS) improved in the first half and full year figures will be better than expected. Interim revenues were 1% higher at €72.2m and there is also an initial contribution from the US joint venture of €1.9m. Arnhem plant volumes grew 5%. Underlying EBITDA rose from €1.6m to €4m. There was an exceptional charge of €20.8m due to the winding up of the Hull plant and the share of the joint venture loss jumped from €1.2m to €6.1m. Net debt was €40.2m at the end of September 2024. Full year EBITDA of €10m is forecast.
Gift wrap supplier IG Design (IGR) reported an 11% decline in interim revenues to $393.1m with North America still a problem area. Elsewhere, revenues fell at a slower rate. Stationery and party-related sales both fell by more than one-fifth. Higher sourcing and freight costs hit gross margins and there was a knock-on effect on operating margins. Pre-tax profit was 62% lower at $13.3m. The second half is the most important part of the year and even though full year revenues are set to fall, pre-tax profit is still forecast to improve from $25.9m to $32.7m.
Helix Exploration (HEX) reports that the Amsden formation at the Clink#1 well in the Ingomar Dome in Montana has sub-economic grades of helium. Amsden was always thought to be a small proportion of the potential resource. The more important Flathead formation at the same well had 2.5% helium. The company believes that there could be helium below the Amsden formation and there will be appraisal testing of the Charles formation.
Strix (KETL) says that the kettle controls market has weakened, particularly in higher margin markets in the UK and Germany. The positive signs in the first half did not continue. This is due to poor consumer confidence, while there are also cost pressures. Zeus has reduced its 2024 pre-tax profit forecast from £23.6m to £17.5m.
Nativo Resources (NTVO) owns 50% of Boku Resources, which owns the Tesoro gold mine. Boku has entered an agreement to sell vein material from the Bonanza mine to a local processing plant. It will receive the spot price minus 20-30%. Production is about to be built up and the cash from the deal will help to finance this.
Electric Guitar (ELEG) is placing its main subsidiary 3radical into administration after it failed to raise additional cash. The fall in the share price and apparent lack of liquidity before trading was suspended meant that the digital media business could not gain funding.
i-nexus Global (INX) intends to leave AIM. The cloud-based software provider says poor share price performance and liquidity has led to the proposal. There should be direct cost savings of £250,000. The business has been consistently loss making. There is a three-year growth plan. i-nexus Global raised £10m at 79p/share when it joined AIM in June 2018. The cancellation will happen on 27 December if shareholders agree.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) announced a maiden JORC compliant mineral resource estimate for the quicklime project in Zambia. This shows a near-doubling of the resource tonnes compared with the 2017 estimate. There is 145.2Mt at 95.7% CaCO3, including 11.8Mt in the measured category. This could provide more than 50 years of production. There is growing demand from copper and industrial clients.
Ultrasound simulators developer Intelligent Ultrasound (IUG) has court approval for the capital reorganisation that will allow distribution of cash generated by the AI technology sale. There is £39.6m in the bank. Ultrasound revenues have fallen from £8.4m to £7.4m in the period to 22 November. The rate of decline has slowed in the second half.
Mercia Asset Management (MERC) has unchanged NAV of 43.4p/share at the end of September 2024. Income more than covered costs before any investment valuation movements. The interim dividend is 0.37p/share, up 6%, and there is £46m in cash on the balance sheet. The strategy is to grow assets under management to £3bn, from the current level of £1.8bn.
In the six months to September 2024, Cloud-based services provider Iomart (LSE: IOM) reported flat revenues of £62m, with a like-for-like decline when acquisitions are excluded, and a slump in pre-tax profit from £7.6m to £4.3m. The dividend has been reduced from 1.94p/share to 1.3p/share due to the lower earnings. The £57m purchase of Atech broadens the range of services provided and deepens the relationship with Microsoft. Atech provides fully managed and security services for mid-market business and enterprise customers. Net debt was £29.8m, but it is expected to rise to £79m in March 2025 following the payment for Atech.
In the six months to September 2024, thermal insulation and acoustic material manufacturer Autins Group (AUTG) was hit by a 17% drop in revenues, but gross margins improved. Underlying EBITDA fell 46% to £400,000. Net debt is £1.18m but there are more than £3m of available borrowing facilities.
Building services provider Northern Bear (NTBR) interims show a small improvement in revenues from £36.9m to £37.6m, but higher overheads meant that pre-tax profit dipped from £1.68m to £1.54m, although this was slightly better than expected. There was an operational cash inflow of £2.2m. Net debt is £1.4m. Hybridan forecasts a dip in full year pre-tax profit from £2.14m to £1.84m, although there is potential for an upgrade.
Cyber security services provider Shearwater (SWG) improved interim revenues by 8% to £11.3m and it is on course to be profitable for the full year. There has been an increase in demand for on-premises cyber security, which Shearwater can provide. Net cash should be £6.8m at the end of March 2025.
Quadrise (QED) has signed two long-awaited agreements. The deal with shipping company MSC and Cargill involves production of bioMSAR and MSAR fuels in Antwerp and will enable vessel trials on board the MSC Leandra. Cargill will supply feedstocks and sell the fuels to MSC. The trial should start in the first quarter of 2025. There is also an agreement with fuel supplier Auramarine to develop decarbonisation products in the marine sector. They will enable companies to comply with new environmental regulations.
Oracle Power (ORCP) has received the final batch of assay results for the drilling at the Northern Zone intrusive hosted gold project. These show high grades over an expanded area. A mineralisation report is expected by the end of November and then a mining lease application will be submitted. Cantor Fitzgerald has reduced its stake, and Mahfuz Chowdhury has taken a 3.72% shareholding.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) says revenues in the 10 months to October 2024 are 4% lower. This represents a steady performance in current markets with new business being won. Net dent is £4.7m. National Insurance and other budget measures will cost £1.5m/year.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) reported a decline in NAV from 96.2p/share to 93.96p/share over the first quarter to September 2024. A foreign exchange loss offset gains. The S/£ exchange rate has strengthened, and the value of the portfolio has increased by more than the first quarter loss. Shares in NASDAQ-listed AST SpaceMobile more than doubled in value during the period. There was £24.9m in the bank.
Cardiff Property (CDFF) grew NAV from 2844p/share to 2931p/share. The dividend was raised from 22p/share to 23.5p/share. Net cash was £2m at the end of September 2024.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) improved interim underlying pre-tax profit from £259,000 to £452,000. The interim dividend is maintained at 5p/share. Net debt is £11.5m. There is £38.4m of property in the balance sheet at book value and there is unrecognised surplus of more than £10m on top of that. Caffyns is selling a property in Lewes for an amount that exceeds one-quarter of the company’s market capitalisation of £12.3m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 21 October 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has sent out a circular for the requisitioned general meeting on 1 November. The meeting has been requisitioned by Seneca Partners and related investors that hold 5.46% in total. Seneca Partners is also an investor in AIM-quoted OptiBiotix Health (LON: OPTI), which is also unhappy with the current management, but a relationship agreement means that it could not requisition a general meeting. OptiBiotix Health and related individuals own 37.95% and will vote in favour of the resolutions. ProBiotix Health wants to block these shares from being voted. The first resolution is to remove the chief executive Steen Andersen and the second is to remove non-exec Frederik Bruhn-Petersen, whose firm recently subscribed for shares, a funding that OptiBiotix Health was unhappy about. Seneca Partners and OptiBiotix Health are also unhappy that the chief executive wanted to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange.
Marula Mining (MARU) is finalising negotiations to establish a new joint venture with a Chinese battery manufacturer and lithium offtake partner at the Blesburg lithium and tantalum mine. This would be for a lithium acid leaching processing plant, which could be commissioned by next summer. This will use spodumene from the mine and could produce 2,000 tonnes of high-grade lithium product each year. A subscription of £750,000, which comes through the issue of 15 million shares at 5p each via the AUO Commercial Brokerage LLC subscription agreement, will be used to fund the installation of an ore sorter at Blesburg and the costs of other projects. Gathoni Muchai Investments, where Marula Mining board member Jason Brewer is a director, bought 430,000 shares at 5.96p each.
At the end of the three months to September 2024, Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) customer deposit balances were £3.8bn and customer loans £2.5bn. Funds under management and administration have grown 18% to more than £2bn in the nine months to September 2024. Arbuthnot Banking has completed its move to new offices in the City of London. Management is assessing the proposed new capital rules and deciding if strategy changes will be required. The Budget could also affect strategy.
Substrate Artificial Intelligence (SAI) intends to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange, although it will remain on the BME growth market in Spain. The cancellation of trading on Aquis will happen on 15 November.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) is extending the expiry date of the 8.67 million options, exercisable at 175p/share, held by Gamesa Electric to 10 May 2025. Employee share options will be extended until 21 November 2029.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has agreed to sell its plant-based health and wellness business to Orsus Therapeutics, which will leave the seller with a 28% stake plus six million warrants in the buyer. This is conditional on shareholder approval. The Orsus Therapeutics shares may be distributed to Mendell Helium shareholders. Mendell Helium has an option to acquire Kansas-focused M3 Helium.
Inqo Investments (INQO) has made an investment in Empower Clean Cooking. Uganda-based Empower produces biomass pellets for cooking fuel.
Vehicle electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) is supplying its zero emission drivetrain for use in Textron Safeaero 220 airside de-icing vehicles. There were successful trials earlier in the year.
Former Made Tech (MTEC) finance director Deborah Lovegrove has taken on the same role at All Things Considered (ATC).
AIM
Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) shares were already trading on TSX-V and the OTCQB Venture Market and the additional cash raised by coming to AIM on 18 October and raising £3.875m at 25p/share. This will fund further exploration in of the Topaz helium project in northern Minnesota, close to the Canadian border. So far, an appraisal well has been drilled and this confirmed the presence of helium. This will be drilled deeper. There were 1.47 million shares traded on the first day. Having opened on 29p the shares closed the day at 27.5p.
Mothercare (MTC) shares returned from suspension following the 2023-24 results publication and refinancing. There is a new £8m two-year loan facility from Gordon Brothers, which receives 43.4 million warrants exercisable at 8.5p/share. There is also a joint venture with Reliance Brands, which will acquire 51% for £16m, covering the Indian sub-continent. In the year to March 2024, underlying pre-tax profit dipped from £3.4m to £3.1m. Overall revenues continue to decline, and Cavendish expects a small loss this year.
Joshua Alliance is offering 40p/share in cash for each share in N Brown Group (BWNG). The share price has not been this high since February 2023. The Alliance family and related parties already own 53.4% of N Brown. The bid values the fashion brands company at £191m. The chief executive and finance director of N Brown will elect for a share alternative.
Motor dealer Vertu Motors (VTU) had a strong September sales period, and it continues to outperform the sector, particularly in electric vehicle sales. Strong aftersales business and a stabilised second hand car market means that the outlook is positive. In the six months to August 2024, revenues were 3% ahead at £2.49bn. Full year revenues are expected to be flat and pre-tax profit slightly higher at £38m. NAV of 112.8p/share is forecast. A further £3m share buy back is planned.
Weak interior design markets, particularly in the UK, hit interim the figures of Sanderson Design Group (SDG). The timing of licensing revenues exacerbated the downturn in underlying pre-tax profit from £6.8m to £2.2m. The dividend has been reduced by one-third to 0.5p/share. Net cash fell to £9.6m at the end of July 2024.Trading continues to weaken with a 10% downturn in revenues so far in this financial year. The aftermath of the UK Budget and the US election could determine the full year outcome. Investec has reduced its pre-tax profit forecast by 8% to £7.5m, down from £12.2m last year.
Digital mental health services provider Kooth (KOO) says the State of Pennsylvania has terminated its contract with the AIM company. The contract started on 11 October 2022 and the end date was extended from June 2024 to June 2025. However, there is a right to terminate with a 30-day notice period. Kooth says that it was negotiating a new contract, and it is unsure what the status of ongoing work will be. When it was announced, the contract was said to be worth $3m in its pilot year.
Approval for further development of the Wressle field in Lincolnshire has been revoked, because of a legal challenge that greenhouse gas emissions were not taken into account in the original decision. Union Jack Oil (UJO) has a 40% interest in the Wressle development and Europa Oil & Gas (EOG) owns 30%. A revised application for Wressle can be made with additional data on emissions. The existing production continues.
Executive search company Norman Broadbent (NBB) says third quarter revenues are 16% lower than last year at £2.7m. Even so, it was the strongest quarter of the year. September was particularly strong.
CloudCoCo (CLCO) is selling its managed IT services business for £9.2m. This will discharge liabilities, including the MXC loan notes, and leave cash of £950,000. If the sale does not go ahead management will need to consider if there is a future for the group. There are also discussions concerning the sale of the Connect business. The focus will be on the product reseller business.
Decision making software provider ActiveOps (AOM) grew first half revenues by 9% to £14.3m. Annualised recurring revenues are £26.2m. Net revenue retention is 1085. There is cash of £13.4m. Demand is being driven by organisations needing to reduce the cost base. Investment in sales will pay off next year.
Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) is on course to meet iodine production guidance for this year. There was 163.9 metric tonnes produced in the third quarter. Iodine prices have been higher than in the first half when they were $66.84/kg.
Armadale Capital (ACP) proposes a cancellation of the AIM quotation because it believes that being public does not benefit the company because of the costs. Armadale Capital needs to reduce the cash burn and sell non-core assets. The resources company can be more flexible as a private company. A general meeting will be held on 1 November.
Emmerson (EML) says that the regional authority in Morocco have made an unfavourable environmental recommendation relating to the Khemisset potash project. The full decision is not yet available. Emmerson had previously appealed against the regional authority’s decision not to approve the project under environmental grounds.
MAIN MARKET
Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) has moved into a net cash position and trading is in line with expectations even though there has been a small fall in revenues in the nine months to September 2024 due to lower average booking values. Direct marketing costs are down from 51% of revenues to 46%, while operating costs are also lower. Four-fifths of bookings are from social media. Capital allocation policy is being assessed.
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) says second quarter trading shows it is outperforming the market. Interim revenues are 8% ahead at £28.3m with like-for-like revenues 4% higher. The fastest growth is in ecommerce, helped by the relaunch on Amazon, but retail is also recovering. Higher inventory levels meant that net debt has moved up to £4.2m.
Property investor Town Centre Securities (TOWN) is no longer a REIT. That means that there is more flexibility for the business. EPRA net tangible assets slipped 2.5% to 277p/share at the end of June 2024. The loan to value ratio is 50.8%. The final dividend is 2.5p/share.
The space sector is attracting more investment and Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) will benefit. In the year to June 2024, the NAV improved from 92.9p/share to 96.2p/share, helped by share buy backs. Many of the investment portfolio are reaching maturity and Astroscale has floated on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Shell company Dukemount Capital (DKE) has raised £98,500 from a share issue at 0.025p/share and £51,500 from convertible loan notes with the same conversion price. Loans were previously converted into shares and £300,000 was raised earlier in the year at 0.04p/share. Th outstanding warrants are being repriced to 0.0375p. Richard Edwards has joined the board, and he owns one-quarter of the company.
Andrew Hore
