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Quoted Micro 15 June 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Sterling Digital (ASIC) has entered a gas purchase agreement with a US supplier to power the Bitcoin mining operations in West Texas. The agreement lasts five years and includes the rights over 1.5 acres of land to establish the Bitcoin mining site. There is a minimum buying commitment of 96,360MMBtu of gas each year. Site installation works have commenced.
energy B (NRGB) is acquiring the 35% working interest in the Horse Hill oil field near Gatwick owned by UK Oil and Gas (UKOG), as well as the 77.9% shareholding in Horse Hill Developments. The combined interest in the relevant licences is 85.6%. The cost is £1m with an initial deposit of £100,000. A placing will raise £1.2m at 12p/share. This deal is part of plans to build a portfolio of oil and gas projects, as well as continuing with the wind turbine business. The Bitcoin treasury strategy has been withdrawn. David Lenigas is joining the board as executive chairman and Neil Ritson becomes chief executive.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has published updated details of its move to AIM. The move has been set for 16 June.
BWA Group (BWAP) has released results from the Aracari gold project ground magnetic survey. Major regional thrust and strike-slip faults were highlighted. A soil sampling programme has been completed.
Marula Mining (MARU) says copper sales from the Kinusi copper mine have been delayed from May to June. The Kilifi manganese processing plant postponed the initial manganese ore trial shipment due to the conflict in the Middle East. The budget for the NCLT tungsten project in South Africa has been set at $8.1m. This will be spent in two phases over 14 months. The first phase costs $2m.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) investee company Morris Commercial has unveiled the pre-production Morris-JE electric van. There is a path to pilot production in 2027 and commercial scale production the following year.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has completed 14 holes of the 25 hole drilling programme at the Red Setter project in Western Australia. Samples are being sent to Perth and results are expected at the end of July.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) investee company TRU Precious Metals has commenced a field works programme at the Golden Rose project in Newfoundland.
Falconedge (EDGE) has generated an income of 0.1766 Bitcoin during May. It holds 20.6736 Bitcoin.
Ethtry (ETHY) bought 75 Ethereum at £1,250 each for a total cost of £93,750. The company owns 1,000 Ethereum.
Unicorn Asset Management has reduced its stake in Incanthera (INC) from 9.47% to 8.61%.
Sebastian Marr and family have taken a 16.1% stake in Vaultz Capital (V3TC). Regent Resources Capital Corp owns 17.6%. Bryan Reid has sold his 7.28% shareholding.
Mark Barry has taken a 3.6% stake in Vault Ventures (VULT).
ASSET MATCH
Broker Direct (BRKD) fell into loss in 2025. The company stopped distributing EDI products to brokers and it launched new products for its clients. Revenues declined from £18m to £14.5m. There was a swing from a pre-tax profit of £368,000 to a loss of £1.85m. Cash was £11.5m at the end of 2025.
Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) has announced more details of the sale all its property holdings in Cambridge, including Cambridge Airport, to The Hill Group and Homes England. The gross purchase price is £200m before costs and tax. There is potential for further payments if the development outperforms expectations. This enables the company to focus on the aerospace business, although there are plans to sell this. Equity Development estimates a mid-point NAV of 324p/share.
VP Fintech Group (VPF) plans to acquire GlblNexus Inc. The Wyoming-based company is developing a crypto-to-crypto payment gateway designed to for digital asset payments, settlements, and blockchain-based transaction processing. The cost is currently confidential.
AIM
Marketing services provider Silver Bullet Data Services (SBDS) is asking for shareholder approval for a departure from AIM. It argues that the weak financial markets mean that the company is undervalued and hampers its ability to raise money. This will also save £500,000 each year. A general meeting will be held on 25 June. A matched bargains facility operated by JP Jenkins will operate for at least 12 months.
Virgin Wines (VINO) says full year revenues are 4% ahead even though the wine retail market is down by one-fifth. The fourth quarter was slightly weaker than expected. Higher rent costs and lower interest income have led to an increase in forecast 2025-26 loss to £1.5m. Warehousing is being consolidated in Preston. Cavendish expects a lower loss in 2026-27 and forecast net cash of £4m at the end of June 2027 should be the low point.
Genetic testing developer GENinCODE (GENI) reported 14% growth in 2025 revenues to £3.1m, but investment in preparation of growth in the US and other markets meant that the loss increased. There was a £4.12m cash outflow from operating activities during the year. Earlier this year, £4.3m net was raised at 1p/share, so there is enough cash to take the business into 2027. This year the new manufacturing and distribution deal with Thermo Fisher will start to make a contribution and an FDA submission for the CARDIO inCode-Score test assessing coronary genetic risk is expected in the third quarter. If things go to plan approval could be received by the end of 2026. Updated guidelines for this type of test were announced in March, and they should provide additional momentum for sales. This year Spain will continue to be the main generator of revenues, but GENinCODE is laying the foundations for additional growth in other markets next year. Ian Amiee, Daryl Amiee and Doolittle SSAS account Amiee has acquired a 3.06% stake.
Professional project services provider Diales (DIAL) management says the company’s turnaround is complete with legacy issues sorted out and selective hiring will help to maintain growth. Europe and North America were the main engine of growth in the first half. Interim revenues were 10% ahead at £23.7m and pre-tax profit improved from £700,000 to £1m, even after a £500,000 impairment charge. The gross profit margin rose from 26% to 29%. Utilisation levels dipped from 71.4% to 70.2%, although there was improved utilisation in Asia Pacific which moved back into profit on lower revenues. Revenues and profit were lower in the Middle East. Net cash was £3.9m at the end of March 2026. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £1.4m to £1.5m reflecting caution concerning global uncertainty.
Pri0R1Ty Intelligence (PR1) generated revenues of £174,000 in the year to September 2025 and the underlying loss was £3.3m. Cash was £796,000 at the end of September 2025. So far this year contracted revenues are more than £400,000. Prior to the results announcement the company announced an unsecured convertible loan note of £1.25m, and an At-The-Market facility will enable repayment of the convertible through share issues. The cash will provide working capital.
Capital machinery supplier Mpac (MPAC) is selling its subsidiary Lambert and trading remains tough. Lambert produced specialist packaging lines and differed from the rest of the business which supplies more standardised capital equipment. Lambert lost money last year, but it is expected to return to profit in 2026. Italy-based Mech.i. Tronic is paying an initial £16m for Lambert with up to £4m more depending on performance in 2026. This deal is part of the reason behind a sharp cut in the 2026 pre-tax profit forecast, but there are also tough trading conditions putting pressure on margins.
Shares in skin treatments developer SkinBioTherapeutics (SBTX) returned from suspension after the restated annual results and the most recent interims were published following an investigation in the financial affairs of the business. Royalty revenues of £770,000 were inappropriately recognised in 2024-25 due to fabricated documentation. That and the timing of bonuses hit past profit. Bonuses paid to Martin Hunt and Dr Cathy Prescott have subsequently been repaid. Interim revenues improved from £1.58m to £2.17m, while the loss was reduced from £1.04m to £794,000, but that was due to a £250,000 write back of contingent consideration.
Podcast platform operator Audioboom (BOOM) has concluded its strategic review. There were three potential bidders, but they were deemed to be undervaluing the business. First quarter revenues were a record and a 2026 pre-tax profit of $6.5m is forecast.
Atome Energy (ATOM) says that a presidential decree relating to the fixed price power purchase agreement with ANDE in Paraguay has been revoked. This means that there is uncertainty about the electricity tariffs for the Viletta fertiliser production project.
Medpal AI (MPAL) says that the UK regulatory approval of the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet developed by Novo Nordisk has come earlier than expected and this will provide a boost for the company’s New Health weight management clinic. It broadens the potential market.
Mindflair (MFAI) says CameraMatics, an investee company of Sure Valley Ventures, is raising up to €49m and Sure Valley Ventures first fund is realising part of its investment. This means that Mindflair, which invests in the fund, will receive a share of €280,000 in cash and will have a €320,000 working capital facility repaid. It also owns 24.4% of Sure Ventures plc which will receive €880,000.
Thor Energy (THR) has achieved impressive results from the phase 2 soil-air geochemistry survey at the HY-Range project, where it has a 80.2% interest, in South Australia. Peak natural hydrogen recorded was 0.3%, which is much higher than previous readings and the normal background levels. Exploration targets are being identified. Detail will be added by a 2D seismic survey.
Corporate finance business Marechale Capital (MAC) has obtained FCA approval for the acquisition of Stanford Capital Partners.
Great Western Mining Corporation (GWMO) shares will start trading on the US OTCQB market today and they should be attractive to US investors because of the mining assets in Nevada.
MAIN MARKET
Ground engineering and piling business Keller (KLR) has won an order for the I-40 highway in the US. This valued at $207m, taking the total work on the highway to $380m, of which $70m has been completed. The total order book is worth £1.9bn.
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) has made another large book gain on a mature investment. ICEYE is valued at more than €10bn following the latest fundraising. Based on this the value of the holding has more than doubled to £202m. The increase is equivalent to 73p/share.
Cindrigo Holdings (CINH) has completed subsurface analysis and reservoir modelling for the Eich Hamm geothermal licence area. The estimated exploitable energy is 50% higher at 157.8MW, plus 7,230 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent could be produced.
Neo Energy Metals (NEO) has suspended finance director De Wet Schutte after a misconduct allegation, although it does not relate to financials.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 21 July 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Probiotics developer ProBiotix Health (LON: PBX) increased interim revenues by one-third to £1.34m and the loss was reduced. The first orders have been delivered to Kemin China Technology. The current order book is at record levels. There was £1.3m in cash at the end of June 2025. The full interims will be published on 8 September.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) increased interim turnover by 9% to £2.13m. Increased repair costs meant that the loss increased from £77,000 to £97,000. There is £2.18m in cash and deposits.
Fintech Amazing AI (AAI) wanted to raise £200,000 via a book build and ended up raising £150,000 at 0.5p/share. The cash will be used to buy Bitcoin. Chief executive Paul Mathieson bought shares in the book build and converted debt at the same price. There were more than 86 million shares issued to him. He also bought 70,000 shares at 1p each in the market. He owns 54.75%.
Digital assets company Vaults Capital (V3TC) completed a placing raising £1m at 16.5p/share. New director Sarah Gow bought 236,000 shares at 16.5p each.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) has purchased 112.0009 Bitcoin, and the total cost of the holding is £9.99m.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised another £17.5m at 295p/share, having sought a minimum of £15m. The company held 1,600 Bitcoin which had a total cost of £127.25m. The 30-day BTC yield is 419%. There was £4m in cash available at the beginning of the week.
Vault Ventures (VULT) holds 4 Bitcoin, 711.93 Ethereum and 2,200.32 Solana. The market capitalisation is greater than NAV.
Valereum (VLRM) entered into a non-binding agreement with fully listed First Class Metals to explore asset-backed tokenisation of mineral exploration projects in the latter’s portfolio. This could generate non-dilutive capital for projects and enhance liquidity.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) is moving to AIM on 15 August. No fundraising is planned.
Majestic Corporation (MCJ) is launching a 50,000 square foot recycling facility in Wrexham. This will produce precious metals, base metals and critical materials.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) investee Bright Ascension has concluded a £2.35m fundraising. Capital for Colleagues has switched a £1m short-term loan into new convertible loan notes in the space software company. The interest rate is 10%. Capital for Colleagues is also providing a revolving credit facility of £200,000 up until the end of January.
Igraine (KING) investee company Fixit Medical has received grants for its advanced catheter securement solutions, as well as being selected for several national programmes. Igraine owns 19.8%.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has sold six million shares in Hamak Gold (HAMA) at an average price of 2.61p/share. This raised £156,600 after costs. They were bought for 0.8p each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 321.56p/share at the end of June 2025.
Zentra (ZNT) will transfer to the newly launched Aquis Real Asset Market on Monday 21 July.
ASSET MATCH
Fintech investment company VP Fintech (VPF) say investee company Valens Pay is joining with MSTRpay to offer its banking services. The partner is required because of the international nature of customer base and the services will be offered to more than 700,000 MSTRpay customers.
Macdonald and Company (MAC1) is paying an interim dividend of 4p/share.
JP JENKINS
Powder Monkey (PMGL) is acquiring the brands of Wayward Brewing Company and Akasha Brewing Company, two Sydney breweries.
AIM
Advanced materials and paper manufacturer James Cropper (CRPR) is starting on a revised strategy under new chief executive David Stirling. In the year to March 2025, revenues fell from £103m to £99.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from £800,000 to £1.3m. The company plan to deliver more sustained growth from advanced materials by focusing on markets with the best potential. There are also plans to improve margins and profit for paper and packaging by not chasing sales and becoming more efficient.
Womenswear retailer Sosandar (SOS) reported a lower than expected underlying pre-tax profit of £200,000 in the year to March 2025, because of stock adjustments. There was a loss in the previous year. Revenues fell from £46.3m to £37.1m as the move to reduce online price promotion activity hit sales but improved margins. Six stores have been opened. The four store in market town are trading well, but the two in shopping centre have not been as successful. Online sales have benefited in the areas where there are stores. No new stores are planned for this year. There is a strong start to this financial year with first quarter revenue 15% ahead. Initial licensing revenues will come through later in the year. Net cash is £7.3m.
Egg-free celebration cakes supplier Cake Box (CBOX) continues to grow in a tough retail environment and the acquisition of Indian sweets supplier Ambala provides further potential. In the year to March 2025, revenues improved 13% to £42.8m, while underlying pre-tax profit was 17% better at £7.08m. There was a £840,000 contribution to revenue from Ambala. System sales for franchisees were nearly 10% higher at £86.3m. Like-for-like growth was 3%. Net debt was £9m following the acquisition of Ambala. The total dividend was raised from 9p/share to 10.2p/share.
Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) increased iodine production was 11% higher at 305.5 ton in the first half, which was better than expected. That was after a one-fifth increase in the second quarter. This shows the weak performance early in the year was a blip. The iodine price remains strong and should remain above $70/kg. IO#10 has been commissioned, which will boost second half production. Iodine production guidance for the second half of 2025 is 400-440 tons.
Primorus Investments (PRIM) has been accused of beaching the lock-in agreement by selling shares in Pri0r1ty Intelligence (PR1). The lock-in period lasts until 30 December 2025. In June, Primorus Investments sold its 8.05% stake raising £977,000.
Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) plans a tender offer for up to 45% of the shares and change its investing policy to focus on robotics and AI. Jim Mellon and Denham Eke will join the board and Ed McDermott and Alfredo Pascual will step down. Existing investee company Litte Green Pharma generated cash in the latest quarter. Seed Innovation owns 2.4% of the ASX-listed company, which made profit after tax of A$3.3m in the year to March 2025. The Seed Innovations NAV was 6.1p/share at the end of March 2025.
Alba Mineral Resources (ALBA) is acquiring a majority stake in Motzfeldt critical metals project in south Greenland. Motzfeldt is a niobium tantalum zirconium rare earth project, and it has very large deposit status. The inferred resource is 340Mt, containing 41,000t of tantalum, 629,000t of niobium, 1.56Mt of zirconium and 884,000t of total rare earth oxides. The 51% stake will cost £30,000 in cash and £945,000 of shares at 0.02414p each. A placing has raised £550,000 at 0.017p/share.
Ceramic products manufacturer Churchill China (CHH) says that there is reduced demand from hospitality and May and June were materially below target. Market share is being maintained. That will hit profit. The UK and US are holding up better than other markets. There is also trading down from dearer products. Replacement business is at expected levels. Production has been reduced, thereby hitting operating levels and margins.
Building components manufacturer Alumasc (ALU) is on course to meet expectations this year. Cavendish forecasts a rise in pre-tax profit from £13m to £14.2m. Organic growth was 7%, whereas the market grew 2%. Exports increased. Net debt was £6m at the end of June 2025, but this still provides scope for earnings enhancing acquisitions. The results will be announced on 2 September.
AFC Energy (AFC) raised £23m at 10p/share via a placing and subscription, which was more than initially asked for, and up to £5m can be raised via a retail offer. The cash will fund commercialisation of hydrogen technology, particularly for generator and hydrogen supply. It will fund the manufacture of Hy-5 and 30Kw units for Volex.
Eco Animal Health (EAH) reported a drop in full year revenue from £89.4m to £79.6m, but non-core disposals helped pre-tax profit improve by one-third to £4m. Net cash was £25m at the end of March 2025. North America was the only region where sales increased.
Oxford BioDynamics (OBD) says Pfizer has published information on its use of EpiSwitch biomarkers as a liquid biopsy in evaluating tumours and treatment outcomes for the JAVELIN bladder 100 trial. The EpiSwitch test can determine whether a tumour has high or low immune activity. This confirmation of efficacy will help to grow EpiSwitch sales.
Audioboom (BOOM) is acquiring podcast network Adelicious for up to £4.5m and has raised £3m through a placing at 270p/share. Podcasters on the Adelicious network include Frank Skinner and Jeff Stelling. The UK market is less developed than the US market.
Cybersecurity service provider Corero Network Security (CNS) has increased annual recurring revenues by one-quarter to $21.6m because of demand for managed services, but recognised revenues are lower in the first quarter. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025 forecast revenues from £28.7m to £24.1m and that would mean the company returning to loss. Software and equipment sales are lower, and visibility of orders is poor.
Digital loyalty and promotions platform operator Eagle Eye (EYE) did better than anticipated in the year to June 2025 with revenues 1% higher at £48.2m and EBITDA is 9% ahead at £12.2m. A recent contract loss led to the downgrading of 2025-26 forecasts. Annualised recurring revenues are £32m after that contract loss.
MyHealthChecked (MHC) is supplying lateral flow tests under the Boots own brand. This covers 13 tests, and the initial term is 12 months.
Argentex (AGFX) is appointing administrators after the FCA ordered it to stop all regulated activity. The company was not able to secure additional finance.
Mulberry (MUL) raised £105,000 in a retail offer. There was up to £1.25m on offer.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) is investing £15m as part of DBAY’s acquisition o 78.3% of The Alternative Parcels Company, the largest independent delivery network. LDG will effectively have a 50.2% stake in the acquisition, which made an operating profit of £7.1m. There are also plans to acquire William Stobart.
MAIN MARKET
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) has agreed an option with its joint venture partner in India. Severfield can choose to sell its partner up to 24.9% of the 50/50 joint venture for up to £20m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 14 April 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
BWA Group (BWAP) published an updated inferred mineral resource for the Dehane heavy mineral sands project in Cameroon of 4.2 million tonnes at 3.5% THM cut-off, comprising grades of ilmenite at 0.99%, kyanite at 1.54%, rutile at 0.13% and zircon at 0.11%. There are plans for a fundraising during this year to finance the development of the project. Chairman Jonathan Wearing bought 500,000 shares at 0.2p each and Tricastle Investments, a company he controls, purchased 1.33 million shares at 0.15p each, taking his total stake to 25.85%.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) is acquiring Godolphin Exploration, which is exploring for tin and copper in Devon and Cornwall, for £3.66m. The two assets are Devon Great Consols and Great Wheal Vor and there are option agreements for each of them. The company intends to consolidate every 20 shares into one new share and change its name to Tamar Minerals. Mark Thompson will join the board.
All Things Considered (ATC) is acquiring 75% of Easy Life Entertainment, which is an artist management, PR and record label owner. The consideration is £750,000. Annual revenues are £510,000. There will be cross-selling opportunities.
Richmond Hill Resources (SHNJ) has signed a term sheet to potentially acquire mineral exploration licences in Quebec. The consideration is £3.3m in shares. A condition of the deal is a move to AIM. Trading in the shares has been suspended.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) says full year group store sales were 26% higher at £35.1m. Operating cash flow is growing.
EDX Medical Group (EDX) is launching TC100, a highly accurate early detection test for testicular cancer. A blood sample is assessed. There have been more than 30 study reports on the test.
Automotive electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has received a £368,000 order from Gilmour Space Technologies, which about to launch an Australian orbital rocket later in the year. Equipmake will supply electric motors and inverters.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) increased quarterly revenues by 92% and average revenues per contract were 2.5% ahead in the three months to March 2025.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has raised £796,000 through a placing and subscription at 2p/share. Once the option to acquire M3 Helium Corporation is taken up a move to another UK stockmarket will be considered.
Valereum (VLRM) says the £19m strategic deal with DMC is nearing completion but the additional £1m subscription by a UK institution will not happen.
Clean fuel additives SulNOx Group (SNOX) says Colas Rail UK is adopting SulNOx Eco following an evaluation. There were sharp falls in emissions and a 4.5% improvement in fuel efficiency. This is the first major contract in the rail sector.
Chief executive Paul Mathieson’s stake in Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) has reduced from 35.4% to 29.9%. Michael Rogers has a 4.88% shareholding.
Unicorn Asset Management’s stake in skincare technology developer Incanthera (INC) from 11.4% to 10.8%.
Ananda Pharma (ANA) has appointed former GW Pharma executive director Chris Tovey as an adviser.
ASSET MATCH
Political information provider Merit Group (MRT) has joined the Asset Match trading platform following its exit from AIM. Lord Ashcroft owns 42%.
JP JENKINS
Models and collectibles company Hornby (HRN) has left AIM and joined JP Jenkins.
AIM
Thor Explorations (THX) has announced a maiden dividend alongside its 2024 results. Higher gold production and lower production costs at the Segilola gold mine in Nigeria enabled net profit to jump from $10.8m to $91.1m on revenues up from $141.2m to $193.1m. There is no debt and net cash of $11.2m. Costs are expected to rise this year and production should be at least maintained. Dividends will be paid quarterly, and the first dividend is C$0.0125p/share – this will be the minimum quarterly level. The shares go ex-dividend on 1 May. The dividend policy will be reviewed in two years.
Ceramic hospitality products manufacturer Churchill China (CHH) is indicating its confidence for the medium-term by increasing the final dividend by 6% to 26.5p/share, which takes the total for the year to 38p/share. This was despite the dip in pre-tax profit from £10.8m to £8.5m as revenues fell from £82.3m to £78.3m. In the UK the sales to national pub and restaurant chains rose, but independents spent less. There was a decline in international revenues, although £1.1m of hotel projects were won. Additional retail business was taken on to help keep the manufacturing facilities running at an efficient level even though it is lower margin. The US was 9% of revenues and tariffs create uncertainty, but there may also be opportunities to gain from manufacturers in countries where the additional tariffs are higher. There is a new manufacturing facility in Romania. A flat profit is expected this year.
Franchised lettings and property sales business The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) has made good progress integrating Belvoir. In 2024, the acquisitions meant that revenues jumped from £27.3m to £67.3m, while underlying pre-tax profit doubled to £22.3m. Even earnings improved from 28.4p/share to 31.4p/share. The dividend was raised from 14p/share to 18p/share. Net debt was £9.1m at the end of 2024.
Greatland Gold (GGP) is changing the domicile of the holding company to Australia. This will be called Greatland Resources Ltd and is part of the process of gaining a listing on ASX. The AIM quotation will be retained.
Organ transplant diagnostics developer Verici Dx (VRCI) has received the local coverage determination for Tutivia reimbursement, so revenues on the tests can start to be recognised. There were 292 tests ordered in the first quarter of 2025 and price has been set at $2,650 each. The annual global market is 100,000 patients. Singer previously cut 2025 estimated revenues from $11.6m to $4.4m. A fundraising is expected by June.
Induction Healthcare (INHC) is recommending a 10p/share cash bid from VitalHub Corp. That values the digital healthcare technology company at £9.7m. The flotation in 2019 raised £14.6m at 115p/share.
A strong gold price has benefited pawnbroker Ramsdens Holdings (RFX) in the first half and led to an upgrade in forecasts. Retail jewellery sales were also strong and the outlook for pawnbroking is positive. Panmure Liberum has raised its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast from £12m to £13.1m. There was a small downgrade for the foreign exchange division, and this is not expected to show growth next year.
Character Group (CCT) says that tariffs could hamper US sales this year and market guidance is being withdrawn. They were one-fifth of sales last year and it is difficult to assess the impact of the tariffs. Character still expects to be profitable in the year to August 2025. Interim figures should be in line with expectations.
Peru-focused gold explorer Nativo Resources (NTVO) is undertaking a feasibility study at the Toma La Mano tailings dump and there are other tailings dumps that are being considered. This will require additional funding. Peterhouse is subscribing for 12 million shares at 0.15p each, which gives the broker a 19.4% stake. That will be used to offset fees and Peterhouse will try to place the shares and provide Nativo Resources with 95% of the proceeds. Cash is being carefully managed, and some directors will receive their salary in shares. Further funds will be required by May and there are discussions with finance providers. Debt is being restructured. Nativo Resources is issuing 15.4 million shares at 0.7475p each to acquire Morrocota gold mine, which is near the 50%-owned Bonanza gold mine. The vendors are also subscribing for £10,000 of new shares. There are plans to start contract mining at Morrocota.
Clinical trials manager hVIVO (HVO) reported 2024 figures in line with its previous trading statement. Revenues improved from £56m to £62.7m and pre-tax profit rose from £11.9m to £14.1m. There was net cash of £44.2m before recent acquisitions and it is still expected to be £38m at the end of 2025, leaving room for more acquisitions. The 2025 revenues guidance for hVIVO is £73m.
Audioboom (BOOM) says the latest quarterly figures show record revenues per thousand downloads. The podcast platform operator increased 2024 revenues by 13% to $73.4m. The first quarter performance and advertising bookings were 15% ahead of the first quarter of 2024. Revenues are currently forecast to grow by 9% in 2025.
Belluscura (BELL) has withdrawn guidance for 2025 because of the uncertainty due to increased tariffs on imports to the US. The company’s portable oxygen concentrators are predominantly made in China, and the tariff will increase from 20% to 54%. Belluscura had been moving towards profitability. That is less likely to happen and could put pressure on the cash position. Earlier in the year, £4.7m was raised at 2p/share. John Gunn has increased his stake from 7.83% to 8.14%.
Consumer appliances retailer Marks Electrical (MRK) is showing signs of improvement. The full year trading statement shows revenues growing by nearly 3% to £117.2m, which was slightly lower than forecast. Pre-tax profit is set to fall from £3.3m to around £2.1m. Net cash was £8.8m at the end of March 2025.
Liquidators have been appointed to Bushveld Minerals (BMN). SP Angel has resigned as nominated adviser and broker.
MAIN MARKET
New Frontier Minerals Ltd (NFM) says the initial findings of rock chip samples from the Harts Range project in Northern Territory, Australia show heavy rare earths. There is Dysprosium Oxide (11.75%) and Terbium Oxide (1.87%). This is particularly attractive because of China restricting exports of rare earths.
Tirupati Graphite (TGR) has raised more than £2.5m from a zero-coupon convertible loan note issue. The conversion price has been lowered to 3.75p. In March, the Vatomina project has produced 388MTs of flake graphite concentrate. Lower ore grades and shutdowns meant that production was lower than expected. The audit of the annual results to March 2024 has resumed.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 November 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) says that the 36.2%-owned joint venture that owns the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil has signed a memorandum of understanding with Sinoma Tianjin Cement Industry Design, which will provide a final proposal to complete a definitive feasibility study for the project and then submit a fixed price contract to construct the project. It will also attempt to obtain the financing required. Chief executive Kiran Morzaria bought 100,806 shares at 7.4p each.
Adsure Services (LON: ADS) joined the Access segment on 30 October. It did not raise any additional money and was valued at £4.76m at the introduction price of 45p. Fareham-based Adsure Services acquired TIAA in September. It is a specialist business assurance provider that has been operating for two decades. In the year to March 2023, TIAA revenues improved from £8.82m to £9m, while pre-tax profit dipped from £580,000 to £274,000. That is due to higher overheads. TIAA had £1.86m in the bank and net cash of £1.15m. Dividends have been paid by TIAA and the equivalent last year was 1.35p/share.
Substrate Artificial Intelligence (SAI.B) has agreed the acquisition of 70% of BINIT and DELTANOVA for €5.4m and €600,000 respectively, which is payable in shares. They are software development consultancy businesses, and the share issue has to be approved by shareholders.
CBD products supplier Voyager Life (VOY) expects interim revenues to be more than £165,000 and a gross margin of 43%. The manufacturing division is receiving more enquiries. The government has accepted recommendations for standardised cannabinoid testing and there could be a relaxation of the maximum cannabinoid content of products.
Helium Ventures (HEV) had nearly £65,000 in cash at the end of April 2023, plus interests in Blue Star Helium and Trackimo.
Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) had cash of £160,000 at the end of July 2023. Management is still assessing a potential reverse takeover of GL Membership.
ChallengerX (CXS) generated cash from operations in the quarter to September 2023, although there was an overall outflow of £47,000, leaving £1,000 in the bank. More cash will be required to develop the FlashBet Wheel App.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has confirmed the mineralised base metal system at Cottesloe in the Paterson Range, Western Australia. There is copper, zinc, silver, lead and cobalt. This is before the drilling has hit the target mineralisation zone.
KR1 (KR1) holds an allocation of 7.5 million TIA – the digital asset of Celestia – KR1 plans to start staking activities on the Celestia network. At the end of September 2023, NAV was 45.11p/share.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) says that the FDA 510(k) application for Cervi-LOK has oved to the substantive review stage.
Fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) generated second quarter revenues of nearly £54,000, which was lower than the previous year. There was £562,000 in the bank and a further £700,000 has been raised since then.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has signed a MOU with Nottingham Trent University to pursue grant funding for the medicinal cannabis breeding programme. The intention is to develop a formal strategic partnership.
IamFire (FIRE) had cash of £149,000 at the end of April 2023, following a £768,000 cash outflow from operations. Investee company WeShop is making good progress. However, there is material uncertainty as a going concern and more cash is required or bond terms will need to be renegotiated.
NFT technology company Looking Glass Labs (LON: NFTX) had net assets of C$837,000 at the end of July 2023.
Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) non-exec directors Jayne Almond bought 3,000 shares at an average price of 912.5p each. Shepherd Neame (SHEP) director George Barnes bought 1,000 shares at 735p each. Marula Mining (MARU) chief executive Jason Brewer has exercised 400,000 warrants at 4p each.
BWA Group (BWAP) is raising up to £900,000 at 0.5p/share with one warrant for every two shares exercisable at 0.6p each up until October 2024 and 0.75p after that up until October 2026. The cash will be used for exploration at two heavy mineral sands claim areas.
Mental health treatments developer Mydecine Innovations Group (MYIG) says that it is filing a prospectus supplement so that it can issue 7.36 million shares at 15 cents/share to raise $1.1m.
AIM
Product management software supplier Sopheon (SPE) has received a bid approach from IOps Buyer Inc, which is a subsidiary of Wellspring Worldwide Inc. The two companies have agreed in principle to a 1000p/share bid. Due diligence has been completed and discussions are advanced. Chicago-based Wellspring Worldwide provides software and data systems for managing technology transfer and intellectual property.
Velocys (VLS) is the worst performer today because the conditions for the $15m strategic investment from Carbon Direct have not been met. To receive this cash the sustainable fuel developer needs to raise $40m, including $8m already raised, and management is still trying to secure investors. The $15m cash injection is no longer binding. Velocys needs more cash before the end of the year. There is a significant market opportunity in sustainable aircraft fuel, but Velocys is in a weak position when discussing additional funding.
Carbon ceramic disc brakes developer Surface Transforms (SCE) has reduced revenue guidance for 2023 to £8.6m, having generated £6.3m up until October. The previous forecast for 2023 revenues was £13m. There have been problems ramping up production in the second half and it will not be completed until early next year. A new debt facility is being negotiated to enable an increase in annual capacity to £150m.
MC Mining (MCM) has received a bid approach. Two companies that own a 64.5% stake in the South African coal miner say they intend to acquire the shares they do not own, and the indicative offer is A$0.2 to A$0.23 for each share. Independent directors are assessing the indicative offer.
Cerillion (CER) has secured a five-year software deal with a European telecoms company. The deal is worth €12.4m and there is potential for selling other software modules. This deal helps to underpin forecasts.
OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) says that restructuring the management has improved account management and the focus of commercial discussions. The microbiome company has improved its online operation. There are ongoing discussions over potential large contracts.
Roebuck Food Group (RFG) is acquiring Motherwell-based food ingredients supplier Moorhead & McGavin for £2.225m in cash and shares. A placing will raise up to £2.5m at 13.5p/share. Moorhead & McGavin supplies cereals, pasta and rise to the catering sector and generated revenues of £7.26m and EBITDA of £377,000 in 2022. Roebuck Food Group sold its cold storage division, and it has been seeking an acquisition to scale up the business.
In October, podcast company Audioboom (BOOM) generated more than one billion advertising impressions in a month for the first time. The removal of old adverts after 90 days and replacing them with a new focused advert is helping advertising impressions to continue to grow. Fourth quarter revenues are still expected to be at least $19m.
Thor Energy (THR) has completed the stage 2 earn-in spending required to acquire a further 29% of the Alford East copper-gold-real earths project in South Australia. This takes the stake to 80%. Thor Energy has issued 9.26 million shares at A$0.027 each, plus 18.5 million warrants exercisable at A$0.03 each, to Spencer Metals as consideration for the stake.
Seaweed-based animal feed producer Ocean Harvest Technology (OHT) has conducted a successful trial in Georgia for its poultry feed. Mortality rates for the poultry with necrotic enteritis with the company’s feed in their diet fell from 49% to 33%. It also enhances weight gain. Necrotic enteritis costs the poultry sector up to $6bn/year.
Technology businesses developer Frontier IP (FIPP) moved into loss last year because of realised and unrealised losses on its portfolio against a large gain in the previous year. The value of the portfolio fell 17% to £33m, although there were net disposals of nearly £5m. There was a £3.25m cash outflow from operations offset by disposals, leaving £4.6m in cash at the end of June 2023.
Neometals (NMT) has decided not to progress with vanadium tailings retreatment project in Finland because of difficulty in financing. The price of vanadium has been falling in recent months. Neometals will concentrate on licensing its vanadium recovery process. There was cash of A$14.2m at the end of the first quarter.
Real Good Food (RGD) says first half revenues were 2% ahead at £16.1m, although volumes fell by 10%. October revenues appear set to be 6% higher. The cake decorations supplier has significantly reduced its loss due to higher margins. A shortage of cash has held back growth, but the company could be profitable for the full year. Talks continue concerning the extension of the loan agreement with Hilco Private Capital. Interim results will be published in December.
Reconstruction Capital II Ltd (RC2) plans to ask shareholder approval for leaving AIM so that costs can be reduced. It is taking longer than expected to sell investments, so the investment company also intends to extend its life. A matched bargain facility will be arranged.
MAIN MARKET
Esken (ESKN) is selling Esken Renewables to Pioneer Balmoral for £77.6m, plus loan reimbursement of £6.9m. The portfolio of renewable assets has been built up by investing small amounts in equity in businesses. The deal requires shareholder approval. Net proceeds will be £78.5m and £70.6m will be used to repay the committed funding. There are plans to sell Southend Airport. Esken will move from the premium list to the standard list.
Mike Whitlow has requisitioned a general meeting at standard list cash shell More Acquisitions (LON: TMOR) to get Nicholas Tulloch and Jeremy Woodgate to the board and remove the existing directors Charles Goodfellow and Roderick McIllree. The board believes it has enough backing to defeat the resolutions.
Andrew Hore
New Vox Markets Podcast out now with our CEO Alan Green – #BOOM, #ARB & #AQX
Alan Green, CEO of Brand Communications about the weekend’s football and rugby plus the following companies:
Alan Green covers First Class Metals #FCM & Audioboom #BOOM on this week’s Stockbox Research Talks
Alan Green covers First Class Metals #FCM & Audioboom #BOOM on this week’s Stockbox Research Talks
Alan Green covers pre IPO company SpectrumX and Audioboom #BOOM on this week’s Stockbox Research Talks
Alan Green covers the pre IPO investment opportunity at SpectrumX and Audioboom #BOOM on this week’s Stockbox Research Talks.
Ian Pollard – Stagecoach #SGC regional mileage down but fare revenue up
Stagecoach Group plc SGC updates for the year to the 27th April that it has seen further strong trading in its UK Rail Division, resulting in an increase in expectations for adjusted earnings per share from when interim results were announced in December. The financial performance of UK rail and Virgin rail is ahead of expectations, Regional bus saw a fall of 0.5% in like for like vehicle miles but strangely like-for-like revenue per vehicle mile grew 4.0% and like-for-like revenue per journey also increased 3.6%. which seems to indicate something about fares.
Shield Therapeutics plc STX saw revenue for the year to 31st December grow from £0.6 to £11.9m whilst the annual loss fell from £19.6 million to £19.6 million1.8m. The CEO states that they are now well positioned to deliver further positive news through 2019. A significant highlight for the year was the receipt of £11.0 million upfront from Norgine in respect of a licence agreement.
Gattaca plc GATC Profit before tax and basic earnings per share for the six months to the end of January each rose by 12% and underlying reported EBITDA by 14%. The interim dividend of 3% which was paid last year is, however, not being repeated this year in line with the revised dividend policy. The Board will consider dividends at the year end but this comes with a warning that if they are resumed it would only be at modest levels.
Audioboom Group plc BOOM reports trading ahead of management expectations with quarterly revenue of c.US$4.6 million, up 180% to a record .US$4.6 million, The CEO is delighted with the first quarter start to 2019. and claims that “the potential is now there to deliver significant shareholder value this year”. with key developments including an enhanced global commercial agreements signed with Spotify a strong pipeline of content acqusition and other opportunities, including 11 new shows which were signed during the first quarter.
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Andrew Hore Quoted Micro 4 March 2019
NEX EXCHANGE
Proton Partners International (PPI) joined NEX on 28 February and from day one it became one of the largest companies on the market. The introduction price was 225p, valuing the proton beam therapy provider at £334m, and the share price ended the week at 2275p (210p/245p). Woodford-related interests own 41.9% of Proton (www.proton-int.com) and they invested £20m at 200p a share on admission and promised to invest up to £80m at a maximum price of 176p each. Woodford received a further £1m worth of shares at 200p each in consideration for these arrangements. Proton is four years old and it has completed three centres offering proton beam therapy for cancer patients with another planned in Liverpool. Each cancer centre has cost between £35m and £42m. There is also a cancer diagnostics subsidiary. In the eleven months to January 2019, revenues were £1.11m and the loss was £18.6m.
Formation Group (FRM) owns 4.35 million shares in Proton Partners International, which it acquired in March 2018 at 115p each. The 225p a share flotation price means that the value of the 2.85% stake has nearly doubled to £9.78m. At Formation’s AGM, the resolutions to reappoint Grunberg and Co as auditor and for the board to authorise its remuneration were not passed. Michael Kennedy has resigned from the board.
Trading in Dozen Savings (DS01) 5% secured bonds March 2020 commenced on 1 March. So far £91,000 worth have been issued. The plan is to raise up to £7m. The company has been created to offer the bonds to customers of its financial services-focused parent company, Project Imagine (www.projectimagine.com). The bonds cost £100 each and the price at the end of the first day of trading was £107.50 (£90/£125). The FCA has granted Project Imagine an e-money licence and an investment licence.
IFA consolidator AFH Financial (AFHP) says that trading is in line with expectations in the first four months of the year. Past acquisitions are achieving more than 90% of their deferred consideration targets.
Field Systems Designs (FSD) reported a lower profit in the six months to November 2018 because of delays in energy form waste business. Two of these projects have still not been completed. Sales to the water sector have been strong, but they are likely to decline as the latest water regulation AMP6 period. In the six months to November 2018, revenues were flat at £11.8m, but pre-tax profit fell from £168,000 to £46,000.
Sandal (SAND) reported a dip in interim revenues from £1.88m to £1.73m and that led to a swing from profit to loss. EnergieMiHome home automation product sales were lower than expected but the products are being sold in more outlets.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) has spent £6.17m on two properties that are both let to the Communities and Local Government department, as Jobcentre Plus centres, on leases with an unexpired term of 8.4 years. The property in Bolton cost £2.54m and has a net initial yield of 7%. The Northampton site cost £3.63m and has a net initial yield of 6.75%.
Milamber Ventures (MLVP) says that investee company Essential Learning has been placed in liquidation after problems with historic data led to the company losing its government-funded training contracts. Milamber invested £228,000 in Essential in a two year period and provided services worth £270,000. It also issued £100,000 worth of shares to Essential minority shareholder Goldvista Properties. Goldvista has loaned Milamber £310,000 and this is likely to be converted into shares. Goldvista’s £6,000 loan to Essential has been written off. The shares issued to Gravity Investment Group for a 15% stake in Essential have been cancelled. Milamber is conducting due diligence on apprenticeship training businesses.
Inqo Investments Ltd (INQO) has raised £1m at 90p a share and the cash will be used to invest in healthcare, education and eco-tourism businesses in Africa that are two-to-three years from profitability and have a positive social impact.
Trading in Via Developments (VIA1) debentures has been suspended because the accounts for the year to September 2018 have not been published.
Karoo Energy (KEP) says it intends to move to AIM “as soon as practically possible”. A general meeting has been called for 18 March in order to gain shareholder approval to issue shares at the time of the move.
Altona Energy (ANR) has left AIM and the board intends to visit a vanadium mine in China that could become part of a joint venture. Altona still intends to invest in the Arckaringa coal project in South Australia.
John Eckersley is stepping down as chief executive of Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) in order to focus on his role as managing partner of Castlefield Partners and Alistair Currie will become chief executive.
AIM
Internet of Things products supplier LightwaveRF (LWRF) is raising up to £3m through a placing, subscription and open offer at 8.5p a share. Year-on-year growth in sales in the first quarter was 156% taking the figure to £1.15m.
Churchill China (CHH) and Portmeirion (PMP) have bought the stake in ceramic materials supplier Furlong Mills that was previously owned by Dudson. Churchill has paid £454,000 for 9.5%, which takes its stake to 55.6%. This means that Furlong will be consolidated in Churchill’s figures. In 2017, revenues were £8.6m and pre-tax profit was £500,000. Portmeirion spent £363,000 to take its stake to 44.4%.
President Energy (PPC) is raising up to £6.5m at 8p a share, including a £2.8m debt for equity swap by the chief executive, to invest in its gas infrastructure and accelerate its drilling programme.
Itaconix (ITX) has secured an exclusive global supply agreement with Nouryon for bio-based polymers used in hair care, skin care and cosmetics. This contract comes after a joint development agreement with Nouryon and follows the previous supply agreement for polymers used in detergents. Nouryon will sell the polymers to its own customers in the personal care sector for use in their consumer products.
Audioboom (BOOM) is raising £1.5m at 1.3p a share and this cash will enable the podcast company to make upfront payments for content. Audioboom says that it is on course to achieve higher revenues in 2019 than in the 13 months to December 2018. The success in generating revenues and orders is helping to attract content providers.
Parity (PTY) has won a two-year contract with the Department for Education for the digital transformation of the Funding and Contracting Service, which makes £6bn of payments each year. The deal could be worth up to £4.5m. Matthew Bayfield has taken over as chief executive of Parity from Alan Rommel, who is chief operating officer. Bayfield plans to focus more on the data consultancy activities.
Westmount Energy Ltd (WTE) is nearly doubling its shareholding in JHI Associates Inc to 3% and the investment is 81.8% of Westmount’s gross assets. JHI’s main asset is a 17.5% carried interest in the Canje block, offshore Guyana, which is operated by ExxonMobil. The first well could be drilled by early next year.
Verona Pharma (VRP) used up £18.1m of cash in its operating activities in 2018. There is still £64.5 in the bank. Verona generated positive data for ensifentrine (RPL554) used as a treatment for COPD in a phase IIb clinical trial. The focus is COPD and further trials for cystic fibrosis are unlikely in the short-term. Financial resources will be focused on progressing the nebulised ensifentrine to a phase III study. Verona is likely to seek partners for its dry powder and pressured meter dose inhaler formulations. The results of the part one of the dry powder inhaler clinical trial for COPD could be available before the end of the first quarter. The second phase should then commence with results expected in the second half of the year.
Trading in Herencia Resources (HER) shares has been suspended because it appears that pre-conditions for the financing that has been negotiated are not likely to be met. More cash is required to enable the company to continue trading.
Telematics supplier Quartix (QTX) increased its fleet sales, but insurance business fell and overall revenues profit are set to decline in 2019. In 2018, revenues were £25.7m and pre-tax profit was £8.1m, but that figure is forecast to fall to £6.5m this year.
VietNam Holding Ltd (VNH) has published a prospectus for its move to a premium listing, which should happen on 8 March.
Adamas Finance Asia Ltd (ADAM) has commenced a share buy back scheme for up to $500,000 of shares at a maximum price of 79 cents a share, which is a 25% discount to pro forma NAV. Adamas has separately agreed to buy back 730,529 shares at 10 cents each. The first tranche of 159,847 shares has been issued to China Aerospace for its stake in Hong Kong Mining.
NetScientific (NSCI) says that it will not get the required backing for the resolution to cancel the AIM quotation, so it has adjourned its general meeting. Shareholders owning more than 30% are against the plan.
MyCelx Tech (MYX) has raised $1.83m at 230p a share in order to finance the potential increase in demand for water treatment services.
Telit (TCM) has sold its automotive division for $105m and has received $67.5m in cash, but it has granted the buyer a loan of $38.5m for a six week period because other debt finance was not obtained in time.
MAIN MARKET
Air Partner (AIR) says that its pre-tax profit will be at least £5.8m in the year to January 2019. The charter division was boosted by strong demand for freight and commercial jets. The consulting and training division has won new contracts.
G3 Exploration Ltd (G3E) plans its third demerger in its time as a quoted company. This time shares in Green Dragon Gas, which owns its producing assets, will be distributed to shareholders. Green Dragon Gas will then either be sold or float on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Wealth manager Walker Crips Group (WCW) says that political uncertainty has hit broking commissions and the launch of new products, which means that the 2018-19 results will be lower than for 2017-18. Chief executive Sean Kin Wai Lam has bought 15,000 shares at 28p each.
Laura Ashley (ALY) has rejected the bid approach by Flacks and says that the indicative offer of 2.748p a share fails to provide a fair value for shareholders.
London Finance and Investment Group (LFI) has a 43.8% stake in NEX-quoted Western Selection. In the six months to December 2018, NAV fell from 65.4p a share to 62p a share. The interim dividend is unchanged at 0.55p a share.
BigDish (DISH) has launched a new restaurant bookings website and upgraded its technology. It is also widening its coverage to include Southampton.
Path Investments (PATH) says that the period of exclusivity included in its heads of agreement with ARC Marlborough has been extended to 29 March. The plan is to acquire ARC, which has a nickel and cobalt project in Queensland, via a share issue.
Oil and gas firm Curzon Energy (CZN) has raised £95,000 at 1.58p a share, which is a 21% premium to the market price. The cash will be invested in a gas project in Texas.
Andrew Hore