Home » Posts tagged 'eva'
Tag Archives: eva
Quoted Micro 13 July 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Ajax Resources (AJAX) invested a further £200,000 in Reveille Resources (REV) at the flotation price of 5p/share. Ajax Resources owns 12 million shares and also owns 5.87 million warrants exercisable at 5p each and 10 million warrants exercisable at 10p each. The Reveille Resources share price ended the week at 11.5p. At the end of February 2026, Ajax Resources had cash of £3.13m.
Valereum (VLRM) has updated shareholders on progress with the digital asset and liquidity infrastructure being developed with Quorium Global Photonics. VCORE+ tokens have been issued and are subject to liquidity testing. Operational deliverables have not been completed in the agreed timeframe. Valereum says it reserves its rights under the agreement.
Residential developer Zentra (ZNT) has agreed an extension to its secured loan facility for the New Islington development in Manchester until 9 January 2027. The plan is to move into the construction phase in the first quarter of 2027.
AI-based manufacturing software provider IntelliAM AI (INT) is raising £220,000 at 70p each and £280,000 at from a convertible loan note issue. This will be invested in expanding operations in the US. In the first quarter Chivas brothers, Yeo Valley and Valeo Confectionery have been added to the customer list. Total orders were worth £200,000.
Evrima (EVA) owns 8.93% of Kalahari Key Mineral Exploration Company, which owns the Molopo Farms Complex project. The prospecting licence has been extended by two years and drilling has commenced.
Falconedge (EDGE) generated income of 0.4087 Bitcoin in June, taking the holding to 21.0824 Bitcoin.
Alvar Financial Services has reduced its voting rights in Vaultz Capital (LON: V3TC) from 8.45% to 6.97%.
Bitcoin investor B HODL (HODL) has started a share buyback because of the discount to net asset value. So far, 23,500 shares have been acquired at 4.57p each.
BWA Group (BWAP) chief executive Peter Taylor bought 471,500 shares at 0.424p each, while managing director James Butterfield acquired 350,000 shares at 0.44p each. Newbury Resources (NYR) non-exec James Richardson bought 4,075 shares at 520p each. Cardiogeni (CGNI) executive chairman acquired 1,000,047 shares at 10p each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had an NAV of 486.65p/share at the end of June 2026.
JP JENKINS
AI and digital marketing services provider Silver Bullet Data Services Group (SBDS) has left AIM and moved to JP Jenkins.
AIM
Hostels operator Safestay (SSTY) is in talks with Infill Capital Partners concerning a bid that could value the company at £40.9m. That appears to include debt. There could be a cash offer and an unlisted share alternative. NAV was 22.21p/share at the end of 2025. Net debt was £18.6m.
Persistence Gold Group is investing £3.51m in GoldStone Resources (GRL) at 1p/share. This will fund a drilling programme at the Homase mine in Ghana to enhance the JORC mineral resource, plus exploration and mine planning. Persistence Gold can appoint one director while it owns more than 15% – the current stake is 20.96%. Strand Hanson has been appointed broker.
Engineer Avingtrans (AVG) has raised £21m at 630p, which was the previous day’s closing price. This cash will finance increased nuclear in Michigan. The plan is to add around £55m to annual revenues taking them to £90m by 2031. EBITDA could increase by £9.6m-£45m. There is a £5m contingency in the fundraising, so this could also be used for other parts of the business.
Clean Power Hydrogen (CPH2) shares returned from suspension following the finalisation of a fundraising. The retail offer raised the £500,000 target at 1.5p/share. The hydrogen technology company had already raised £2.54m from a placing and a further £4.47m has been raised conditionally. That would take the total to £7.5m. The cash will finance the change in strategy to one involving strategic partnerships, licensing and manufacturing agreements. The cash should last at least until June 2027.
A refinancing by floorcoverings company Victoria (VCP) has reduced debt and cut annual financing costs by £34m. Koch and consenting holders of 2028 loan notes have agreed the terms of a refinancing of the loan notes and Koch agreed to the refinancing of the preferred shares. New loan notes that mature in 2031 will be issued and there will also be ordinary shares swapped at a premium for part of the loan note debt and the majority of the preferred shares. This will reduce liabilities by at least £300m. Trading in 2025-26 was in line with guidance and this year there has been like-for-like growth.
Cleaner fuels developer Quadrise (QED) has raised £12m via a placing at 1p/share and a retail offer that could raise £1.2m is planned. The cash help to increase the scale of MSC/Cargill marine trials, complete other trials, secure supply agreements with refineries and pursue other opportunities. If the full amount is raised in the retail offer there should be enough working capital to get to cash flow positive in 2028-29.
Granicus Holdings, which sold Everfex to Fiinu (BANK), has sent a letter to major shareholders in the Plugin overdraft developer. The writer of the letter is former Everfex boss Karol Oleksa. The letter criticises the Fiinu management for the 2025 loss. A review of the Everfex business identified problems not disclosed at the time of the acquisition. Fiinu is suing the seller due to breaches of restrictive and covenants and seller warranties. The claims are valued at £16m.
Restructuring and property advisory business BTG Consulting (BTG) improved full year pre-tax profit from £23.5m to £25m. There were contributions from acquisitions, but organic revenue growth was 8%. Net debt was £1m at the end of April 2026. Canaccord Genuity upgraded its pre-tax profit forecast to £26.5m.
Outsourced surgery provider One Health Group (OHGR) grew full year revenues 11% to £31.6m and pre-tax profit improved from £1.9m to £2.7m. This year the new surgical hub is being built and that will reduce interest income, so there could be a small dip in profit. This year’s estimated capex is £8.5m, but there should still be net cash by the end of March 2027. Once the new surgical hub is up and running there will be a much higher depreciation charge, but cash generation will improve. Forecasts do not include any contribution from the surgical hub. This provides upside to profit forecasts from 2027-28 onwards.
IT managed services provider SysGroup (SYS) reported full year results in line with forecasts and expectations for 2026-27 have been upgraded. SysGroup increased full year revenues by 8% to £22.1m, following a fall in the first half. Flat overheads offset a higher depreciation charge, so underlying pre-tax profit improved from £300,000 to £400,000. Zeus has edged up its forecast revenues from £24.3m to £24.5m, but pre-tax profit has been upgraded from £1m to £1.5m to reflect the stronger second half margins. Net cash is expected to reach £4m.
Jarvis Securities (JIM) has received £1m in in deferred consideration for the sale of the retail broker business. Another £1m is due in January 2027.
MAIN MARKET
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has gained a three-year contract extension with a broadband and cable operator in the US. This worth $1.3m.
Seed Capital Solutions (SCSP) has terminated the potential acquisition of AI company Cuarta Dimension Medica, due to the change of control not being forthcoming from the authorities in Spain. The shares have returned from suspension.
Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) is maintaining full year guidance. Interim revenues are 12% ahead at €52.2m. Transaction volumes were 1% higher even though the Middle East conflict held back volumes. The Elevate tool increased income and marketing efficiency improved. The interims will be reported on 29 July.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 15 December 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Greengage and Co Group plans to join the Access segment of Aquis in mid-December. It has developed a fintech platform that provides business-to-business introductions which generates subscriptions and fees. There are more than 40 active clients. The strategy is to expand this part of the business and buy Bitcoin to establish a Bitcoin Yield Reserve strategy. Greengage will borrow on a non-recourse basis using Bitcoin as collateral and uses the cash to invest in high-yield private credit portfolios. The returns from this will be put into the business and buying more Bitcoin. There will be a placing and retail offer. Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) owns 27,133 shares in Greengage. In August 2021, Coinsilium bought up to 15,000 A shares for £300,000 and invested £200,000 in convertible loan notes. Greengage was valued at £27.3m. In June 2023, the loan notes were converted and Coinsilium invested a further £25,000. The current investment is valued at £652,537.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) is raising £1.2m at 5.5p/share and acquiring the Pereira Velho gold project in Brazil from Appian Capital Advisory, which will receive in $200,000 in cash and $400,000 in shares. Appian estimates that there is a resource of 110,000 ounces of gold having drilled 10% of the area. Ajax Resources has also signed a conditional Option-to-Purchase Agreement for the Leon copper and silver project in Argentina. The EIS for the Eureka project in northern Argentina has been approved and exploration activities can commence. Chief executive Ippolito Cattaneo bought 106,000 shares at 7.75p each and executive director Richard Heywood 144,754 shares at 6.9p each.
Connecting Excellence (XCE) raised £500,000 via an oversubscribed retail offer ahead of its flotation on 11 December. A placing and subscription had already raised £2.8m at 2.1p/share to invest in its Bitcoin strategy. Leeds-based XCE is an international executive search company which owns the Spencer Riley brand. XCE has started an operation focused on recruiting Bitcoin experts for companies seeking to commence a Bitcoin treasury strategy or for Bitcoin businesses. The share price ended the week at 2.5p.
Pete Allaway increased his stake in Evrima (EVA) from 3.13% to 6.28% and Ventura Finance raised its shareholding from 6.15% to 7.42%.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) plans to release assay results for the Red Setter gold dome project in Australia over the next few months. It will then formulate a plan for 2026. An application has been made to build a new access road, and this will make it easier to undertake drilling.
The WeShop share price has fallen to $116 over the past week, having fallen below $100 at one point. WeCap (WCAP) has an 11.8% stake and the share price slipped 15% to 1.7p.
Dermatology treatments developer Incanthera (INC) generated revenues of £6,000 in the six months to September 2025. Cash used in operating activities was £313,000. Cash was £215,000 at the end of September 2025.
Bitcoin mining company Sterling Digital (ASIC) has bought natural gas generators for Bitcoin mining operations. The next step is a gas purchase agreement. It raised £5m at 5p/share when it joined Aquis last week.
The new board of Eight Capital Partners (ECP) has reviewed strategy and intends to launch a mid-market merchant banking advisory and investment business for Europe. Middle East and Asia. The first investment fund should be launched in 2026. Digital asset investment products will be developed. D4R is taking a 29% stake and Monfor SA a 29.2% shareholding. Trumar Capital’s stake is reducing to 31.5%.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) had net assets of 72.86p/share at the end of August 2025, which is down from 75.18p/share at the end of May. There was £821,582 in the bank.
Zentra Group (ZNT) has completed the disposal of Seaton House in Stockport at a loss of £140,000. Contactor disruption means that a new plan is required for the development of One Victoria, Manchester, where Zentra owns 30%. So far, 72 units have been sold.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has raised £513,000 from a convertibles issue. AlbR has been appointed joint broker.
Kasei Digital Assets has changed its name to Stockbitcointreasury (STAK).
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 311.54p/share at the end of November 2026.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) has adjourned the AGM because shareholders are unhappy with the proposed disapplication of pre-emption rights. There will be discussions with shareholders.
Ananda Pharma (ANA) shareholders agreed to the departure from Aquis on 22 December.
Falconedge (EDGE) has spent a significant amount of its Bitcoin treasury into fully regulated yield generation platform operated by FIM.
Chris Heminway has switched from executive chairman to chief executive of Time To ACT (TTA) and Jeremy Earnshaw becomes chairman.
AIM
US automotive electrical diagnostics tools supplier Power Probe (PWR) raised £11.2m at 82p/share and joined AIM on 11 December. The market capitalisation was £60m. Power Probe has developed a range of products including powered circuit probes, testing kits, measuring tools and other accessories. It has 64% of the US powered circuit probe market. In 2022, revenues were $25m, rising to $31.3m by 2024. EBITDA increased from $4.8m to $8.3m over the same period. The latest interims show revenues of $20.5m and EBITDA of $5.3m, helped by new products. The share price ended the week at 89.5p.
Business support services provider Restore (RST) has sold relocations business Harrow Green to PIckfords for up to £5.5m so that it can concentrate on its core operations with better prospects. Information management has inflation linked prices and the technology division’s performance is improving. There will be integration benefits for Datashred next year. Underlying trading is better than expected. Non-exec Patrick Butcher bought 19,076 shares at 261.7p each.
Dispute resolution service provider Diales (DIAL) continues to improve underlying profit, but there could be more to come if utilisation levels improve. Revenues were flat at £43m, but pre-tax profit improved from £1.2m to £1.4m. Net cash was £3m at the end of September 2025. The dividend is maintained at 1.5p/share. The core UK and European operations, which are the hub of the business, improved their profit as did the other regions, except for Asia Pacific which continues to make a small loss. Group utilisation rates are currently 71.6% and the company believes that this could reach 80%, but that will not happen immediately. A pre-tax profit of £1.5m is forecast for 2025-26 and cash could improve to £3.4m.
Education software and services provider Tribal Group (TRB) had a strong second half. Revenues are in line with expectations, but EBITDA is higher than the previous forecast of £15.5m. Net cash will be at least £5m at the end of the year. That will enable a special dividend of 1.5p/share and the shares go ex-dividend on 2 January.
Digital transformation business Made Tech (MTEC) increased interim revenues 27% to £27.7m and the full year will be better than expected. The contacted backlog slipped 8% to £74m, from what was a very strong level. Net cash was £11.9m at the end of November 2025. Full year pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £2.9m to £3.9m.
Geospatial software and services provider 1Spatial (SPA) has reached agreement in principle to a 73p/share offer by VertiGIS, whose products it already distributes. That values 1Spatial at £87.1m. Shareholders owning one-third of the shares are in favour of this level of offer. Management believes that VertiGIS will help to accelerate growth. A further announcement will be made about the progress towards a recommendation.
Oil and gas company Empyrean Energy (EME) had a cash outflow from operating activities of £440,000 in the six months to September 2025. There was cash of £3.06m at the end of September 2025. There are convertible loan notes valued at £9.84m. The interest rate is 20% and the conversion price is 2.5p/share.
Petro Matad (MATD) has received a farm-in proposal that would help to further develop Block XX in Mongolia. Due diligence has been caried out. Production averaged 350 barrels of oil per day in November. Petro Matad is still in discussion with PetroChina concerning the oil sales agreement.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) says J Goddard Contracting has demanded immediate payment of $2.3m. Total group liabilities are $62.1m. More cash needs to be raised.
Ghana-focused Alliance Lithium (ALL) says that the Ghana parliament has temporarily withdrawn the mining lease for the Ewoyaa lithium project. This relates to the consultation on the mining code and royalties.
Haydale Graphene (HAYD) has agreed to acquire Intelligent Resource Management, which trades as SMCC for an initial £12m in shares at a notional price of 0.645p each. This deal will add consultancy and project installation to Haydale Graphene’s energy transition technologies and provide access to potential customers. A placing will raise £5.91m at 0.5p/share and a retail offer could add up to £500,000. Octopus is converting £500,000 of convertible loan notes into 417.88 million shares.
Cinemas operator Everyman Media Group (EMAN) has been hit by disappointing box office for films in the second half of the year. UK admissions have declined in recent months. Forecast revenues have been reduced to £114.5m, while EBITDA has been cut to £16.8m, which is slightly higher than last year.
Digital loyalty and promotions platform operator Eagle Eye (EYE) has won another new US contract. It is with a large regional grocery chain that has 500 stores. There is a fixed fee for a six month proof of concept period followed by a three year contract.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) continues to outperform the market. There are strong like-for-likes plus new store openings. There has also been trading up to higher priced products, so average spend is higher. Interim revenues were 21% ahead at £34.1m. Opening costs meant that the loss edged up from £2.88m to £2.94m. Net debt was £4.1m due to investment in store openings, but the second half cash flow is much stronger. Both stores and ecommerce grew strongly after the period end, but ecommerce like-for-like growth was 29%, compared with 9.8% for stores, although that is still a good performance. There are 1.2 million active customers.
Public services provider Mears (MER) released a trading statement revealing that underling 2025 pre-tax profit will be at the top end of guidance.
Financial management software developer Aptitude Software (APTD) says there has been a significant renewal for Fynapse software. The US-based global communications company has renewed for three years and this is worth £7.6m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 24 November 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) plans a return of cash to shareholders. There should be £3.4m in cash after selling assets and this should be returned to shareholders. A subscription of £200,000 at 1p/share will provide an additional £100,000 for distribution. The new investors include new executive chairman Kwasi Kwarteng, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer, new non-exec Paul Withers, Daniel Howe and Sam Daughtry, plus existing directors Jai Patel, who will become chief executive, and Brendan Kearns. Bryan Coyne, Steven Davis and Jane Thomason will resign from the board. The unsuccessful digital assets strategy will be adapted with a greater focus on Bitcoin, and more cash raised.
WeCap (WCAP) owns 11.8% of WeShop Holdings (NASDAQ: WSHP), which has joined Nasdaq, There are 806,022 shares owned directly and 2.08 million shares via a 23.5% holding in Community Social Investments Limited (CSIL). The share price was well above $200 at one point last week and ended at $113.40, which means that the stake is worth $31m. Peel Hunt has cut its shareholding in WeCap from 18.4% to below 10%.
Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) has a portfolio of shares, including 150,000 shares in WeShop. The stake is valued at $17m.
Music agent All Things Considered (ATC) is moving to AIM and raising £8.6m at 125p/share. The expected admission date is 17 December, which is four years after joining Aquis at 153p/share. Trading is second half weighted and is currently in line.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) says the terms of the conditional acquisition of the Paguanta zinc, silver and lead project have been revised. It will acquire a company with a 74.81% stake in the project for $37,500 in cash and $37,500 in shares. The seller will retain a 1% net smelter royalty capped at $500,000. The Environmental Impact Assessment has been submitted for the Eureka project and the company issued formal notices to relevant communities. The Environmental Impact Declaration should be issued in early December.
Online consumer loans provider Amazing AI (AAI) is exploring the options of quotations on the Mauritius Stock Exchange and/or the US OTCQB Market. This follows the decision not to go ahead with spinning off 80% of its subsidiary based in Mauritius and retaining the minority stake. Existing company shareholders will receive shares on a pro rata basis.
Evrima (EVA) investee company Eastport Ventures Inc has joined the TSX Venture Exchange. Evima owns 3.83% of the Botswana-focused critical minerals explorer and also holds warrants.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is holding a general meeting on 28 November to gain shareholder approval for a 100-for-one share consolidation.
Dominic White has stepped down as a director of technology-based financial services company Eight Capital Partners (ECP).
Energy transition engineering Time To ACT (TTA) says the main subsidiary Diffusion Alloys is likely to be profitable in 2025-26 and 2026-27, although this depends on timing. The order book of large project work is worth more than £4m and most of this will be recognised during 2026. There is enough cash for at least 12 months, but it appears it will not last as long as previously expected. Oberon Capital has been appointed joint broker. The general meeting was postponed.
Financial media company Lift Global Ventures (LFT) intends to change its name to Yorkshire AI and focus on AI investments. It will work with Yorkshire AI Labs (YAIL), where its new executive chairman David Richards is a partner. YAIL has bought a 0.45% stake in IntelliAM. In the year to June 2025, revenues declined from £477,000 to £281,000, but lower costs and a fair value gain rather than loss mean that the loss was reduced from £976,000 to £27,000. Cash was £196,000 at the end of June 2025.
TechFinancials (TECH) has not received placing proceeds of £250,000. Gathoni Muchai Investments has money in the bank, and it is still awaiting regulatory clearance. A further £100,000 will no longer be accepted.
Ethtry (ETHY) has appointed Patrick Chopard as chief executive and David Levis will become a non-executive to devote attention to the battery storage investments.
BWA Group (BWAP) used £980,000 of cash in operations and investment last year. There was £20,000 in cash at the end of June 2025.
Asia Wealth Group (AWLP) reported interim revenues falling from $504,000 to $395,000. Pre-tax profit fell from $13,000 to $8,000. There was cash of $977,000 at the end of August 2025.
AI company Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) has appointed Mark Creaser as chief executive.
NYCE International (NYCE) has appointed Alex Crockford as chief commercial officer.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised another £141,000 at 61p/share.
Valereum (VLRM) has completed a subscription to raise raised £600,000 at 5p/share. Chairman James Bannon and chief executive Gary Cottle contributed £225,000 each and they will each receive 2.5 million warrants exercisable at 50p each and 2.5 million warrants exercisable at 100p each. The rest comes from another investor, which will also receive warrants. A further £50,000 has been raised by the exercising of warrants at 4p each.
Mendell Helium (MDH) raised £200,00 at 3p/share. This is a direct investment by an existing shareholder.
B HODL (LON: HODL) has taken its Bitcoin holding to 155.039 and the total cost was £13.1m.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) non-executive director Marion Sears bought 4,000 shares at 466p each.
JP JENKINS
JP Jenkins has been awarded a PISCES (Private Intermittent Securities and Capital Exchange System) operator licence by the Financial Conduct Authority. This will be called the JP Jenkins Private Market, and the JP Jenkins Matched Bargain Facility will continue.
Bespoke kitchens designer and installer John Lewis of Hungerford (JLH), which left AIM on 29 June 2023, joined JP Jenkins on 18 November.
London and Associated Properties (LAS) left the Main Market on 19 November and joined JP Jenkins. The property investor expects to make annual savings of £350,000. There has been a lack of liquidity in the shares.
AIM
CML Microsystems (CML) interims wee hit by supply problems but they should reflect the base from which the semiconductors designer can grow. Interim revenues wee 27% lower at £9.2m and there was a loss. Net cash was £10.7m at the end of September 2025. The interim dividend is unchanged at 5p/share. CML has received £4m of the £7m proceeds of the sale of land. There are no forecasts, but a better second half is expected, and this could enable a full year profit. A major £30m plus contract over 12 years has been won from a satellite systems company.
Telecoms testing instrumentation supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) improved interim revenues despite the telecoms market remaining weak. Demand for datacentres and defence is providing growth opportunities. In the six months to September 2025, revenues were 9% higher at £8m. The loss was reduced from £1.3m to £1m. Telecoms is a minority contributor to revenues. Additional sales personnel have been hired to develop the other markets. Full year revenues are forecast to rise from £18.4m to £20.3m and the pre-tax profit will edge up to £700,000. That is before any recovery in the telecoms market, which probably will not happen until next year.
NWF (NWF) says its businesses have had a mixed first half performance. Heating oil volumes have been lower than normal and the winter increase in demand is not likely to make up for this. Commercial fuels demand has also been lower, and this is higher margin. This has led to pricing pressures as the company rolls out a new regional operating model. The food distribution and feeds businesses are doing well, with the former picking up new contracts.
Cloud-based digital media services provider Zoo Digital (ZOO) has significantly reduced its cost base and generated $549,000 in cash from operations in the six months to September 2025. Interim revenues fell 19% to $22.4m, but this was an increase on the second half revenues from last year. Zoo Digital has launched its Fast Track service that can provide a premium service for streaming programming that can turn around dubbing and subtitling in hours rather than days. Zoo Digital is still expected to report an underlying operating loss of $2m in 2025-26, but it will continue to generate cash from operations.
Transport software and services provider Tracsis (TRCS) says full year revenues improved from £81m to £81.9m, although like-for-like growth was 3%. Underlying pre-tax profit edged up to £10.2m. Recurring licence revenues were £23.2m. Net cash was £23.4m at the end of July 2025. The dividend was raised to 2.72p/share. The business has been reorganised and there were £2.4m of exceptional provisions with around £1m of the cash outflow expected next year. A major geointelligence contract has been won with DEFRA. This is worth up to £9m over ten years. Singer forecasts a 2025-26 pre-tax profit of £11.1m.
Eyewear supplier Inspecs (SPEC) says trading improved in October with order books 10% higher than one year ago. US tariff disruption will affect the timing of shipments. Full year revenues of £191m and EBITDA of £17.7m are expected. Safilo Group made an approach to Inspecs to acquire the Eschenbach and BoD businesses. It made two non-binding cash offers, and they we rejected by Inspecs.
Musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) has bounced back from a troubled couple of years. It is set for its best year since the Covid-boosted 2020-21. In the six months to September 2025, revenues jumped from £61.7m to £80.7m, while a loss of £1.25m was turned into a pre-tax profit of £2.72m. Gear4Music was helped by smaller rivals going out of business. This helped grow revenues and also enabled the retailer to pick up stock at attractive prices that boosted margins. Net debt was £16m at the end of September 2025 as cash generated was invested in stock. There is an upgrade to full year pre-tax profit from £5.5m to £6.7m.
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) is in talks with the buyer of Skymesh about the post-acquisition performance of the business and whether there is going to be any deferred consideration. Bigblu Broadband may have to compensate the buyer for debtors that have not been collected. Bigblu Broadband plans to ask for shareholder permission to leave AIM at a general meeting on 8 December. It could leave on 18 December. Management will seek to realise value form the remaining assets.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) has reported 8.9% growth in revenues in the first ten months of the year. Zeus raised expectations for 2025 revenues, but the pre-tax profit forecast has been cut. Higher than expected cost increase have led to a one-quarter reduction in the 2025 pre-tax profit forecast to £3m. Capital investment will increase annual capacity to £250m.
Whisky supplier Artisanal Spirits Company (ART) has been hit by the US government shutdown, having already been hampered by tariffs. It is taking more than six weeks to gain approval from the US authorities for new product labels. This means that $3.2m of shipments will not clear customs this year. This will reduce EBITDA by £2m. The US strategy is being changed and the contract with the current distributor will end in March 2026. There will be a stock provision of more than £1.5m. Full year underlying revenues ae expected to be flat, excluding the one-offs.
Battery technology developer Ilika (IKA) says interim revenues will be £600,000 and are mainly from grants. Initial Stereax battery deliveries could be before the end of 2025 with commercial revenues possible in this financial year. The interims will be published on 22 January 2025.
Northern Bear (NTBR) interims exceeded expectations. The building services provider increased revenues from £37.6m to £49.4m, while pre-tax profit jumped from £1.54m to £4m. The pre-tax profit included a £1.3m one-off gain. Underlying full year pre-tax profit has been upgraded to £3.9m.
Empyrean Energy (EME) says Conrad Asia Energy has signed an agreement with PT Nations Natuna Barat for farming into the Mako gas field in the Duyung production sharing contract and the new partner will pay 100% of project development costs for a 75% non-operated participating interest in the Duyung PSC. The deal could be completed by the third quarter of 2026. Empyrean Energy is in dispute with Conrad Asia Energy about its interest in the Duyung PSC.
Industrial equipment distributor HC Slingsby (SLNG) is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM. The shares are illiquid and the cost of being on AIM adds to the company’s loss, which was £237,000 in the nine months to September 2025. Net debt was £340,000. There is already support from shareholders owning 73.2% of the shares. HC Slingsby transferred from the Main Market to AIM on 24 May 2005. It has been on the London Stock Exchange for many decades. The cancellation could be on 23 December. No matched bargain facility is planned.
Defence consultancy RC Fornax (RCFX) raised £2.25m in a placing at 6p/share and raised £70,000 out of the £500,000 retail offer. The cash will fund development of the Procure X Marketplace to connect small companies with defence buyers and provide working capital. Directors and management are investing £156,800 in new shares. This includes Paul Reeves and Daniel Clark who raised £1m in the flotation back in February, when the company raised £5.2m at 32.5p/share. Cavendish has increased its 2025-26 forecast loss to £2m and expects a lower loss next year.
Great Western Mining Corporation (GWMO) has completed 6,158 feet of drilling at the West Huntoon copper project and the Rhyolite Dome prospect. This includes an extra hole at West Huntoon. Assay results are expected within eight weeks. Exploration is being accelerated at other sites.
Sabien Technology (SNT) says Korea-based partner City Oil Field has commissioned its first regenerated green oil production plant. The partnership is being progressed to a strategic agreement. Sabien Technology will acquire a 1.12% stake in City Oil Field for £600,000 in shares, and the UK sales agreement has been extended for ten years and will be expanded to other countries. There will also be a deal to sell products from the new plant. City Oil Field will own 15.9% of Sabien Technology.
Litigation finance provider Manolete Partners (MANO) says interim figures were hit by slower than expected revenues and cash generation, partly due to the lower average settlement values. There have also been delays in collecting money owed. Settlement values have increased in the second half, and it should be a stronger period. Even so, Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025-26 pre-tax profit estimate from £2.8m to £1.5m.
Circulating tumour cells diagnostic device developer CellBxHealth (CLBX) has entered a non-exclusive deal with QIAGEN Manchester, which will offer the Parsortix platform to its pharmaceutical customers alongside its own molecular analysis tools. There could be joint development of products combining technologies.
MAIN MARKET
US cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) reported a 74% increase in interim revenues to $2.05m and the loss fell from $1.87m to $555,000. There was cash of $224,512 at the end of September 2025 and the chief executive loan has been extended.
Trading in New Frontier Minerals (NFM) shares has been halted on the ASX ahead of a fundraising. The company has entered a binding commercial framework with Metallium Ltd to create a “western heavy rare earth pathway for Harts Range raw ore that will target US magnetic and defence customers”. This is an exclusive processing contract lasting ten years. There are plans to produce concentrate samples for potential customers in 2026.
Nanoco (NANO) has agreed a $5m settlement with LG relating to the dispute over quantum dot technology. There have been $600,000 of costs incurred last year. An underlying pre-tax profit of £700,00 was reported for the year to July 2025. The cash position will be boosted to enable further investment in technology.
J Smart (SMJ) continues to lose money on construction activities, but revenues from investment properties and the valuation surplus rising from £994,000 to £5.82m, helped pre-tax profit rise from £2.37m to £5.11m. So, there was an overall loss before the valuation surplus. The total dividend is 3.25p/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 8 September 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
AI technology developer Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) moved from the Main Market to the Access segment of Aquis on 3 September. The company was previously a CBD and health products retailer known as Cellular Goods and most recently it was called Cel AI. It is developing autonomous AI agents that provide personalised wellness recommendations and holds digital assets.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) reported a dip in revenues from £31.9m to £30.1m, but the loss was reduced from £2.55m to £1.47m, even though exceptional costs were higher. There was an operating profit before exceptional charges relating to packaging recycling requirements. Debt has been cut to £11.7m and could be down to £8m by the end of September due to disposals. There are nine managed and 19 tenanted pubs left. Gains on disposals enabled the first half profit. The distribution business had mixed fortunes in the first half
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has appointed Strand Hanson to replace Peterhouse as corporate adviser. Albert Soleiman has joined the board as finance director. The company has signed a subscription agreement with Shard Merchant Capital, which will be issued 21 million shares at par value, and the company will receive 97% of net proceeds when they are sold.
Oberon Investments (OBE) is raising £1.85m at 4p/share and two institutional investors have agreed, subject to documentation, to subscribe for £3m of convertible loan notes. The cash will be used to finance further hires for the investment management division and acquisitions. There are discussions concerning the acquisition of the wealth management division of another Uk firm. That would add £850m to assets under administration.
VSA Capital (VSA) chairman Mark Steeves will stand down after the AGM on 30 September. Mark Thompson will take over the role at the broker. VSA has entered into a five-year lease for new office premises in London and has been loaned £95,715 by 19.9% shareholder Drakewood Capital Management, which is represented on the board by Mark Thompson.
In the year to March 2025, SulNOx Group (SNOX) increased revenues from £54,000 to £1.21m, although the loss rose from £1.86m to £4.21m. Sales growth is accelerating and £564,000 has been generated in the two months to August 2025, taking the five month total to £1.09m.
Oscillate (MUSH) has conditionally agreed to sell its hydrogen assets to AIM-quoted Pulsar Helium (PLSR) for $800,000 in shares. The focus switches to base metals. Oscillate has entered a joint venture to develop the Duekoue copper gold molybdenum prospect in Côte d’Ivoire. Geochemical results and magnetic data has identified the historical anomalies.
All Things Considered (ATC) has merged its ATC Live and Arrival Artists businesses to form ROAM. The two parts of the business will still maintain financial independence.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has received the fourth tranche of the disposal proceeds of its A shares in investee company The Homebuilding Centre. This was £75,259, which was well above the minimum payment of £50,000, and a fifth tranche is outstanding. Capital for Colleague still owns 13% of the homebuilding advice business.
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) has completed the sale of liquid assets as part of a voluntary winding up and has £3.5m in cash. A return of capital to shareholders is prioritised although there has been interest in the company from other parties.
Marula Mining (MARU) still has not completed the 2024 accounts. Trading in the shares remains suspended. Marula Mining has completed due diligence on the proposed purchase of a 60% stake in the Bamba Manganese mining project in Kenya. Manganese ore exports from Kilifi have been delayed as result of the Bamba deal and the fact that delivery arrangements are yet to be agreed. Further work on the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa continues and a sample is being prepared for test work. Due diligence has been completed on the Boteti lithium brines project in Botswana and the first payment advanced.
Mollyroe (MOY) is investing £150,000 in Cascade Studio via a convertible loan note with a conversion price at a 20% discount to the next funding round. Cascade Studio is developing a SaaS platform for AI filmmaking and storytelling.
Vautz Capital (V3TC) reported a loss of £361,000 in the year to April 2025, which was prior to the change in focus to crypto currency.
NYCE International (NYCE) has raised £150,000 at 0.2p/share. And the cash will fund the expansion in the crypto casinos channel. That includes gaining certifications for the company’s games platform and developing games and services.
Valereum (VLRM) has adopted the crypto and multi-currency payroll solution developed by investee company Fideum. There is potential for this as a white label service.
Directors continue to buy shares in EDX Medical (EDX). Sir Christopher Evans bought 51,225 shares at 10.88p each and Martin Walton acquired 20,000 shares at 10.8p each. Stephen Hill has taken a 6.48% in Ingraine (KING). Ventura Finance has increased its stake in Evrima (EVA) from 5.14% to 6.15%.
IntelliAM AI (INT) has appointed Victoria Brown as a non-executive director.
ASSET MATCH
Synairgen (SNG) says full year accounts will be published by the end of September. The drug developer is assessing its financial requirements. The company intends to change its articles of association to remove first right of refusal rights for shareholders. The company is preparing a phase 2 INVENT clinical study for SNG001 in mechanically ventilated patients infected with a range of respiratory viruses. Interim analysis should be available by mid-2026 and final analysis in mid-2027. A network of 60 clinical study sites has been established and progress made towards regulatory approvals.
Zytronic (ZYT) is advising shareholders to vote against resolutions at the requisitioned general meeting. Henry Spain Investment Services wants Tom Spain and former director Glen Arnold to gain appointment as directors of Zytronic and remove two current non-executives. The strategy is not to return cash directly to shareholders, but they would be offered the chance to sell shares via a tender offer at NAV. The plan is to invest in cash generative businesses with good management. They would have a niche market and competitive advantages. The meeting will be on 1 October.
JP JENKINS
The JP Jenkins-15 index rose 0.8% to 1095.2 in the four weeks to 29 August.
AIM
Cash shell Vulcan Two Group (VUL) raised £12m at 200p/share when it joined AIM at the beginning of September. The strategy is to acquire ePharmacy businesses and consolidate a fragmented market. A suitable target would have annual revenues of between £8m and £22m and be growing rapidly at an EBITDA margin of between 10% and 20%. Independent, owner managed businesses are preferred.
Fiinu (BANK) is taking advantage of the share price rise since readmission last week to raise £1.41m at 15p/share. The initial payment of £8m for Poland-based foreign exchange brokerage Everfex was satisfied by the issue of 80 million shares at 10p each. A previous subscription generated £801,000 at 10p/share. Luxembourg fund QVP is the main investor in the placing.
Bricks manufacturer Michelmersh Brick (MBH) has been held back by weak demand in the UK and Belgium, as well as an extended stoppage at one of its plants. Interim revenues were 1% ahead at £35.8m, but the pre-tax profit fell from £4.1m to £2.9m. Capital investment cut net cash to £1.5m. The interim dividend is maintained at 1.6p/share. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025 pre-tax profit expectations from £13.5m to £9.7m and made further cuts to forecasts for the next two years.
Churchill China (CHH) had already flagged the interim figures in its recent trading statement. UK and US trading held up, but Europe and the rest of the world were weaker. Interim revenues fell from £40.6m to £38.5m, while pre-tax profit was harder hit falling more than one-third to £3.1m. Efficiency is being improved and there are signs of recovery in Germany. Churchill China is reducing its interim dividend by 39% to 7p/share.
Building components manufacturer Alumasc (ALU) continues to outperform the UK construction market, as well as growing water management equipment exports. In the year to June 2025, revenues were 13% ahead at £113.4m, while underlying pre-tax profit was 9% higher at £14.2m. Net debt is £5.8m. All three divisions improved underlying operating profit. New products helped the housebuilding division to grow, despite a low level of housing starts. The roofing business has grown its share of the roof vents sector. The full year dividend is 11.1p/share
Flexible workplace software provider Essensys (ESYS) says it returned to positive EBITDA in the year to July 2025 even though revenues fell from £24.1m to £19.2m. Closing datacentres has helped to reduce costs. Net cash was £1.8m at the end of July. The new elumo meeting rooms bookings software has gained its first customers since the year end.
Bars and escape rooms operator XP Factory (XPF) reported figures for the year to March 2025. They may not look good compared to the comparatives but that is because they are for 15 months. There was a 19% increase in revenues to £57.8m over the previous 12 month period. Both Escape Hunt and Boom Battle Bars improved revenues with the latter buying out more franchisees. There was an underlying pre-tax profit of £800,000. There appears to be an improving trend for revenues, after a poor first quarter.
ImmuPharma (IMM) has filed a new patent application for P140, which can help to identify and treat a subpopulation of patients with Type M immune disorder that are P140 super-responders. This can be used to sped up diagnosis and treat up to 50 autoimmune diseases. The global market is worth more than $100bn.
Team Internet Group (TIG) was always expected to report a downturn in interim revenues following changes to Google search policy and they slipped from $409.7m to $263.9m. A loss was reported, but there was a profit before amortisation and impairment. The internet domains business continues to grow with new contract wins set to contribute to the second half. The comparison business had a weaker first half, but it has started to grow as revenues build up in newer countries. There are also signs of improvement in search, but they are relatively modest, with higher gross margin achieved on newer search services. Zeus forecasts a 2025 underlying pre-tax profit of $49.4m, recovering to $62m next year.
Supreme (SUP) is acquiring carpet care products brand 1001 for £1.65m, plus £1m for inventory, from WD-40. The business generated revenues of £4.5m in the year to August 2025. which is well below the peak of £8m in 2022-23. This purchase follows the recent acquisition of Typhoo Tea.
Gear4Music (G4M) forecasts have been upgraded on the back of its trading statement. The musical instruments retailer is continuing its recovery, and first quarter sales are 27% higher and the growth is continuing into the second quarter. UK and international sales are growing. The 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from £2.7m to £3.6m.
Newmark Security (NWT) had a much stronger second half and this is carrying on into the new year. In the year to April 2025, revenues rose 3% to £23m, while pre-tax profit improved from £388,000 to £643,000. The growth came in the Grosvenor Technology business, which provides software and hardware for access control and managing people, with recurring revenues growing faster than hardware sales. The launch of GT Tablet, a pure software product, will help to broaden the potential market. The Safetell security products revenues declined, but the services contribution increased. Increasing recurring services revenues is a core part of the company’s strategy.
Legal services provider Gateley (GTLY) is acquiring Groom Wilkes & Wright for up to £9m, which is a trademark and design law consultancy. The payment is three-quarters cash and one-quarter shares. The business generated revenues of £4.7m and pre-tax profit of £1.4m in 2024-25.
Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) produced 74.3 MT of crystalline iodine during August, which was the record for a month. The IO#11 plant has started production and takes the number of plants to eight. Cash has reached $1.8m after a tax credit.
Atlantic Lithium (ALL) has secured up to £28m in funding though a deal with Long State Investments, who will receive 5% commission plus shares and warrants, and this will enable the Ewoyaa lithium project in Ghana to progress. A mining lease still has to be ratified by the authorities and cash outflows have been reduced until it is received. There is an initial placing to raise £2m at 8.07p/share with potential for three more placings of £2m each. A committed equity facility could raise up to £20m over 24 months. This is subject to shareholder approval.
Student accommodation and private rental housing develop Watkin Jones (WJG) has appointed Singer as joint broker alongside Peel Hunt, which is also nominated adviser.
MAIN MARKET
Cash shell Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) still had £397,000 in cash at the end of June 2025. It has broadened the range of potential acquisitions by looking at healthcare and life sciences companies. Renewable energy acquisitions are still being considered, and the range of sectors could be broadened again.
Trading in Pineapple Power Corporation (PNPL) shares after the termination of the proposed acquisition of Buffalo Battery Metals.
US cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) reported that the Ranger.ai threat and mediation platform has achieved “Awardable” status through the US Department of Defense’s Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace.
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) reassured investors with its AGM statement. Bridge remedial works are in progress and the £20m insurance payment has been received. Expectations for 2025-26 are unchanged.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 25 August 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is the best performer on Aquis and AIM this week. The gold explorer says drilling at the Red Setter gold dome project in Western Australia has reached the top of a significant breccia pipe. Drilling has reached 777 metres, and the breccia pipe is 152 metres long. Drill core is being transported to be assayed.
Fibre optic cables materials manufacturer Unigel Group (UNX) increased interim revenues from £14.8m to £18.9m, while pre-tax profit improved from £1.28m to £2.03m. Cash was £2.41m at the end of June 2025. Tariff uncertainties mean that the outlook remains cautious.
Digital asset company Vaultz Capital (V3TC) has appointed James Bowater as global head of partnerships. He founded crypto publications Crypto AM.
Valereum (VLRM) has entered a memorandum of understanding with ZIGChain and DigiShares for a strategic collaboration to explore development of a scalable platform for real world asset tokenisation. Indirect investee company Nexstox Inc has been granted a Labuan Exchange licence, which is the fifth to be granted.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has appointed Jesse Myers as head of Bitcoin strategy.
NYCE International (NYCE) is planning to raise up to £150,000 at 0.2p/share. Chief executive Farzad Peyman-Fard plans to subscribe for at least two-thirds of these shares. The cash will be invested in games aggregation platform Nirmata Play and to develop games for crypto casinos. Also, money will be spent on performance marketing and advisory services. The subscription should close on 28 August.
Emissions reduction fuel additives developer SulNOx Group (SNOX) has secured a patent in Jordan, which has the second largest container port in the Red Sea. The patent covers a range of formulations.
BWA Group (BWAP) says that the initial sampling programme has been completed and there is evidence of heavy mineral sands mineralisation beyond holes analysed at the Dehane project in Cameroon. There is mineralisation from surface.
Oscillate (MUSH) had cash and short-term investments of £2.29m at the end of May 2025. This will be invested in mining projects.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says that M3 Helium has secured a land lease in Nebraska and drilling should start shortly. There are talks with potential partners to develop a plan for Bitcoin mining. There are preparations for dewatering at the Rost well at Fort Dodge, Kansas. The work has been under budget.
Non-board chief engineer Noah Deledda has pledged 21 million of his 69.7 million shares in CRUSHMETRIC Group Ltd (CUSH) as security for a loan.
Time to Act (TTA) executive chairman Chris Heminway bought 33,300 shares at 15p each. Vault Ventures (VULT) has completed a one-for-100 share consolidation. Prior to this Concreatd Ltd acquired a 3.98% shareholding. Mark Jackson has increased his shareholding in Evrima (EVA) from 4.13% to 5.14%.
ASSET MATCH
Greenshields Agri (GAH) says it expects to make a strong profit in the year to June 2025, helped by land sales. Estimated NAV is 160p/share after a marginal uplift in farmland value. Early grain yields appear promising. There are plans to approach companies about a quarry project that could transform earnings.
Brewer Wadworth and Company (WAD) says interim sales were 4% higher with own beer sales 9% ahead. EBITDA improved by 7%, although one-off costs will hit profit. Banking facilities will be refinanced in September and that should reduce interest charges.
AIM
MicroSalt (SALT) is gearing up to supply its third major customer. This will generate revenues in the second half and could generate $5m next year. There have been some delays in revenues because of changes in US regulations on food additives and the interim revenues figure is $900,000. Full year sales expectations have been reduced from $2.5m to $2m, rising to $6.7m in 2026. There was $900,000 in the bank at the end of June 2025.
Singer upgraded its forecast for Tribal Group (TRB) following the interim figures. In the six months to June 2025, revenues were 2% higher at £45.3m and pre-tax profit jumped from £600,000 to £5.6m. The core education software business is building up its cloud revenues and selling more subscription-based packages of products. Growth has been in the UK. Trading conditions are still tough for the Education services business Etio with a shortage of cash available for spending by universities and colleges in the US as well as the UK. Revenues declined but profit improved thanks to cost savings. Since June, more contacts have been won and annualised recurring revenues have reached £64m, although that includes £2.2m of revenues from older software where income is declining. Singer raised its 2025 pre-tax profit forecast to £10.8m.
Revolution Beauty (REVB) has ended its formal sales process and raised £15m at 3p/share. A retail offer could raise up to £1.5m. Co-founder Tom Allsworth is returning as chief executive, and the other co-founder Adam Minto, who still owns 15.8%, is returning as a consultant. The cash will be used to reduce debt, fund capital investment and pay for restructuring costs. There will be a focus on pricing policy, marketing and efficiency. Tom Allsworth, Adam Minto and largest shareholder Debenhams are acquiring a total of 298.8 million shares in the fundraising. Net debt was £29.7m at the end of July 2025. The credit facility will be reduced from £32m to £28m.
Fishing tackle retailer Angling Direct (ANG) increased interim UK revenues by 18% to £51.1m, with online revenues 21% ahead. Like-for-like sales were 14% higher. European sales edged up from £2.4m to £2.5m. The store in Utrecht was opened in May 2024. After investment and share buy backs net cash reduced to £12.5m. Trading is comfortably in line with consensus market expectations. The interim results to July 2025 will be published on 7 October.
Explorer and project incubator Power Metal Resources (POW) has sold its remaining 14.75% stake in tungsten project developer Guardian Metal Resources (GMET) to Duquesne Family Office for £13.6m at 55p/share. There was a £6.6m gain on book value. Power Metal Resources says it invested £1.9m in Guardian Metal Resources and it has generated £22.8m from selling shares.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) has received notice that Ricca Resources is withdrawing from the earn-in for the Atex and Alliance lithium tantalum projects. These are on care and maintenance. Firering Strategic Minerals will not have to pay any money back to Ricca, but it expects Ricca to repay funds it advanced for the projects. Firering Strategic Minerals received a 10.6% stake in Ricca as part of the original deal.
Neo-natal medical devices developer Inspiration Healthcare (IHC) increased interim revenues by 41% to £24m and gross margins improved. During the period a $6m humanitarian aid contract was delivered. The sales momentum is continuing in the second half. Deliveries for the Middle East contract have started and should be completed in the second half. Net debt has been reduced by £1.6m to £6.7m.
Packaging manufacturer Robinson (RBN) increased interim operating profit by one-quarter to £2.04m on a 2% increase in revenues to £27.6m. Additional working capital increased net debt to £8.5m, but the second half should be a strong cash generator. The share price has been on an upward trend because of property disposals and profit upgrade.
Iron deficiency treatment developer Shield Therapeutics (STX) announced interim revenues were 177% higher at $21.4m. Total US prescriptions were 29% ahead at 84,000 in the first half. There was cash of $10.8m at the end of June 2025, but there is net debt. A full year loss of $18.9m is forecast for 2025. Cash flow could be positive by the end of 2025. Net debt could reach $36.3m at the end of 2025.
Empire Metals (EEE) has reported further assay results from the Pitfield project in Western Australia. This was focused on the weathered cap at the Thomas prospect. There are some of the highest titanium dioxide grades recorded at the project and many of them are more than 7% titanium dioxide. Nearly two-thirds of the drill holes had an average grade of more than 4%.
Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) has raised £3.72m at 23p/share and Universal Bancorp has raised its stake to 4.99%. The cash will be invested in developing the Topaz helium project in Minnesota. There are plans for ten appraisal wells. There will also be a preliminary economic assessment and resource update.
Aptamer Group (APTA) has released an update on licencing. There are multiple non-exclusive licence opportunities for the first enzyme-modulating Optimer. Initial sales forecasts have been provided by one potential licensee, and this could cover 15% of Aptamer’s overheads. A second enzyme-modulating Optimer is at a final development stage. There has been positive feedback concerning Optimer evaluation from a top five pharma company.
Animal treatments developer Animalcare (ANCR) has acquired the VHH NGF programme and related assets that were under a licence agreement with Orthros Medical for €700,000. The programme is assessing the effectiveness of antibodies in the treatment of pain caused by osteoarthritis in horses and dogs.
MAIN MARKET
BATM Advanced Communications (BVC) has sold non-core operations so that it can focus on core networks and cyber technology. Interim revenues improved 3% to $60.4m, while underlying pre-tax profit fell from $3m to $1.6m. That excludes the $4.3m loss on discontinued activities. There was a strong performance from the remaining diagnostics businesses and networks revenues are growing. A new product launch will help cyber. There was $27m of cash in the balance sheet.
Ikigai Ventures (IKIV) plans to acquire Dotlines Global and Audra Solutions for a total of £67m in shares and move to AIM. The businesses are based in Singapore and Malaysia and are involved in cyber security, AI and fintech. Pro forma revenues are £22m and EBITDA is £1.7m. Trading in the shares has been suspended.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 21 April 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
The Small Cap awards 2025 shortlist for Aquis company of the year comprises Ananda Pharma (ANA), EDX Medical (EDX), Oberon Investments (OBE), SulNOx Group (SNOX) and Valereum (VLRM). SulNOx Group has been granted patents for its fuel emissions reduction additives in eight African countries. Shares in Ananda Pharma have started trading on the OTCQB market in the US.
Prize draws operator Good Life Plus (GDLF) has raised £860,000 through shares issued at 2.15p/share, which is a premium to the market price, to Winforton Investments, which is associated with Sportingbet founder Mark Blandford. Another of his investment companies is converting £1m of convertible loan notes at the subscription price. The cash will finance attracting additional customers and media partnerships. Management wants to improve retention and average spending per user through the premium subscription product.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) says shareholders wish to improve liquidity and there are plans to move to AIM in the summer to help with this.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has completed the reorganisation of the Western Australia subsidiary. Liabilities have been paid, and this is a step to taking full control of the Red Setter and Cottesloe projects. Geologist Edward Mead has been appointed a director, and he has experience in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) says its partner Frontier Power has signed a Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) joint development agreement with Ethos Green Energy, who will provide land for projects. This could support up to 20 GWh of storage projects and Frontier Power has reserved up to 2GWh of Invinity Energy Systems manufacturing capacity to support bids.
Campus Investments, which is controlled by David Rowland, is subscribing £1m in VVV Resources (VVV) at 1p/share assuming an agreement with his fully listed company R8 Capital Investments (MODE) over money it is owed. Jonathan Rowland and Richard Morecroft will join the board, and the company will change its name to VVV Sports to reflect the move into sports services.
Sameer Prasad has increased his stake in Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) from 6.99% to 7.37%.
Evrima (EVA) has appointed David Eaton as a non-executive director, and he has corporate finance experience in North America. The shares will be traded on the Open Market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Mark Jackson has increased his stake from 3.12% to 4.13%. Chief executive Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi has bought 1.9 million shares at prices between 0.5p to 0.6p each.
Jonathan Swaine is stepping down as managing director, pubs at Shepherd Neame (SHEP). He will not be directly replaced.
Fibre optic cables materials manufacturer Unigel Group (UNX) has declared an interim dividend of 2p/share. The ex-dividend date is 24 April.
Oberon Investments (OBE) has appointed Strand Hanson as corporate adviser.
AIM
Lung cancer diagnostics developer Lung Life AI (LLAI) still plans to leave AIM following its US distribution deal, which requires shareholder approval. This will leave LungLife AI with the activities of running the LungLB test and collecting royalties. Circulogene will have exclusive rights to distribute and further development the LungLB lung cancer diagnostic in the US and the other countries it is involved in. It will also receive some of LungLife AI’s equipment. The royalty payment will be 20% of net revenues generated by the test in the first year, reducing to 15% in the second year. This is a two year agreement with potential for annual renewals. There is an option for Circulogene toacquire all the IP and licences for $6.2m less any payments already made. Circulogene is making an advanced payment of $375,000, which is returnable if the deal does not go ahead. There was $850,000 in cash at the end of March and costs are being reduced. An application has been submitted to a Medicare contractor for the technical assessment of LungLB.
Jarvis Securities (JIM) is selling its execution only broking business to Interactive Investor for £11m and winding down its clearing and settlement operations. Completion will happen when client agreements are transferred and that should happen in early July. The board believes that winding up the remaining operations and returning the remaining cash to investors is the best outcome. It will take 15 months to wind up the business. There are no plans to make an acquisition and shareholder approval will be sought for cancelling the AIM quotation. The share price slumped 70.2% to 12.5p, which is the lowest it has ever been.
Steel structures supplier Billington (BILN) had an exceptionally good 2023, so it is not surprising that revenues fell from £132.5m to £113.1m in 2024. That meant that pre-tax profit fell from £13.4m to £10.8m. There was a special dividend of 13p/share last year, so the ongoing dividend was raised from 20p/share to 25p/share. Trading got tougher in the second half and management is focusing on contacts with sufficient margins rather than chasing sales. Even so, the order book remains strong. Trading will be second half weighted in 2025, and pre-tax profit is expected to dip to £7.3m, downgraded by 24% from the previous Cavendish estimate. Net cash is £21.7m and it should not fall significantly this year, even after higher capital expenditure, which should peak this year. NAV is 410p/share.
Ruggedised plug-in cards developer Concurrent Technologies (CNC) is benefiting from its strategy to bring new products to market in a quicker fashion. This has led to significant contract wins. In 2024, revenues increased from £31.7m to £40.3m, which is more than double the 2022 figure. Pre-tax profit improved from £3.7m to £5.2m. The dividend was raised 10% to 1.1p/share. Revenues of £43m are forecast for 2025 with pre-tax profit of £6m.
Sexual health products developer Futura Medical (FUM) reported figures in line with its trading statement in January. That had already warned that sales of erectile dysfunction treatment Eroxon were growing more slowly than anticipated. Product revenues more than doubled from £3.1m to £6.8m last year. There was also £7.1m of milestone payments. The over the counter product is in lock boxes in US pharmacies that makes it more difficult for potential purchasers to ask for Eroxon. The marketing focus is being refined to men under 60 years old, where efficacy is better. There is net cash of £6.6m and that should last two years.
On Monday, Alba Mineral Resources (ALBA) announced the second auction of a limited edition coin containing one ounce of Welsh gold. The first auction put a price of £20,000 on the coin, which was more than eight times the price of gold at the time. The estimate had been set at £20,000-£25,000. The second coin auction closed on 16 April and the share price jumped on the following day. According to the auction website the coin was not sold. The estimate was £22,500-£32,500, so the bidding probably did not reach that level. There is a third gold coin.
Catenai (CTAI) proposes a sub-division of capital because the share price is lower than the nominal value so no shares can be issued to raise money. The nominal value will be reduced from 0.2p to 0.01p. Catenai recently announced that it had raised £750,000 at 0.15p/share, including a £150,000 subscription by Sanderson Capital Partners. Director fees of £450,000 have been settle by the issue of 30 million shares. Catenai intends invest in Alludium, which has developed a platform for AI process automation. Subject to shareholder approval, £500,000 will be invested in Alludium and when cash is received from Klarian, or raised in a share issue, a further £450,000 may be invested. That would be a 13% stake in Alludium in total.
North Sea gas project developer Deltic Energy (DELT) estimates gross 2C contingent resources of 174bcf at the Selene gas project – a one-third increase on the previous figure. Deltic Energy has a 25% interest in the Selene gas project and its share of post-tax NPV10 estimate is $83m net at 80p/therm. Modelling suggests enhanced production potential from the B-sand interval. A final investment decision could happen in early 2027.
Battery technology developer Gelion (GELN) says initial tests of its sulfur battery technology show robust capacity retention and the achievement of more than 1,000 charge/discharge cycles. This has led to a materials testing agreement with a tier-one battery manufacturer and this should start shortly. Gelion will also recognise £780,000 of revenues relating to the battery energy storage system delivered to Borg Group. A placing and subscription raised £2m at 9p/share and a retail offer could raise up to £191,000. The cash will be used to fund business development, collaborations and the strategic partnership with the Max Planck Institute, which will accelerate the move towards commercialisation.
Sales were weak in February, but online women’s clothing retailer Sosandar (SOS) says fourth quarter sales were in line with expectations. Full year sales have fallen by one-fifth, with a 10% decline in the fourth quarter. Gross margins have improved, though. Six stores have been opened. Net cash is £7.1m. Singer has halved its pre-tax profit estimate for 2024-25 to £500,000. The 2025-26 figure is unchanged at £1.5m.
Musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) has acquired assets from the administrators of GAK (GAK.co.uk Ltd and The Guitar, Amp & Keyboard Centre Ltd). The stock purchased cost £600,000 but could have a value three times that figure. Gear4Music had been hit by discounting by GAK. There are no plans to use the GAK trading brand. There has been an improvement in trading with sales growth in double digits in recent weeks.
MAIN MARKET
Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) is not going ahead with the acquisition of Zero Carbon Technologies and trading in the shares has recommenced. A minimal amount of due diligence costs were incurred. At the end of 2024, there was cash of £486,000.
Motor finance provider S and U (SUS) has been hit by the uncertainty concerning its core market. There was also a larger impairment charge. The Aspen bridging loan business continues to grow and enabled full year revenues were flat at £115.6m. Pre-tax profit fell from £33.6m to £24m. The total dividend was reduced from 120p/share to 100p/share.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 24 June 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Brewer Daniel Thwaites (THW) increased full year revenues by 6% to £115.5m. The main growth was in the pubs and inns division. Operating profit before property disposals improved 4% to £11.3m. The interim dividend was raised from 0.75p/share to 0.85p/share. Net debt increased from £66.7m to £70.8m at the end of March 2024. The pension surplus rose to £34.9m.
Adnams (ADB) is outperforming the market in terms of beer sales and volumes. Funding plans are still being assessed.
Marula Mining (MARU) is seeking admission to the Growth Enterprise Market Segment of the Nairobi Securities Exchange in July. This will provide access to institutional investors in Kenya. Initial spodumene sales of 500 tonnes have been made from the Blesberg site. The export sales process will complete in the next four weeks. Minimum sales target of 10,000 tonnes should be achieved for 2024. Other buy-products could be sold later in the year.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) says the Esquires store sales increased by 24% in the first ten weeks of the financial year. The rate of growth is faster in the UK than in Ireland, although like-for like growth was faster in Ireland.
At the end of 2023, Evrima (EVA) had net assets of £1.02m, down from £1.77m at the end of 2022. Evrima is ready to capitalise on natural resources opportunities.
Tap Global Group (TAP) has launched its US service via its joint venture with Zero Hash. This operates a B2B2C crypto and stablecoin infrastructure platform and the US users will get access to a core suite of services to trade bitcoin and other digital assets.
EDX Medical (EDX) is launching comprehensive hereditary germline cancer testing products and services. These will predict if family members are more at risk of contracting cancer. The first test identifies mutations in 70 genes associated with cancers.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has secured the sale of a 4.4MWh vanadium flow battery to PowerFlex in the US and it will help to underpin the 2024 forecast revenues of £37.3m. The deal is for California where there is significant demand for storage batteries.
The Mustang Energy acquisition of Cykel AI (LON: CYK) should complete on 26 June.
Health food company Essentially Group (ESSN) has received approval for the listing of $25m of 12% fixed rate notes 2027 on the Vienna MTF. This cash will fund capital investment.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 354.89p/share.
Skin treatments developer Incanthera (INC) has completed the recent fundraising at 15p/share. Unicorn Asset Management has taken a 11.4% stake.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) chairman Geoffrey Miller has increased his stake from 8.24% to 9.22%. Another shareholder transferred 1.5 million shares at 1.5p each.
All Things Considered (ATC) has appointed Allenby as corporate adviser and broker.
AIM
Medical technology company AOTI Inc (LON: AOTI) has developed products that help to heal wounds by focusing oxygen on chronic wounds. These can include diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers. It joined AIM last Tuesday and raised £19.5m at 132p/share, but £6m of that went on expenses. There were also shares sold by existing investors. The share price ended at 136p. Revenues are growing at an annual rate of 38% and reached $43.9m in 2023.
Market research company YouGov (YOU) says sales bookings have been lower than expected since the interims were reported. Full year revenues will be approximately £324m-£327m and underlying operating profit will be £41m-£44m. There is reduced demand for fast-turnaround research. There will also be a change in revenue recognition for consumer panel services that delays some revenue into next year.
Longboat Energy (LBE) is selling its assets in Norway for $2.5m and the assumption of $8,5m of debt by the acquirer. This should save $1.25m in costs in 2025. The cash will be invested in the main asset, which is the 52.5% owned Kertang gas prospect, offshore Sarawak. A farm out process will be conducted in the second half of 2024. An updated competent person report is due at the end of the month. Chair elect James Menzies has bought one million shares at 9.75p each.
Full year results from Pennant International (PEN) achieved the expected recovery in 2023 pre-tax profit to £1.3m. Higher software income has helped margins to improve. The Gen 3.0 software launch this year has already led to a major contract gain. There is strong activity in the defence sector, but the timing of business is uncertain so a dip in pre-tax profit to £1.2m is forecast for this year.
There is a rival to the Checkit (CKT) indicative offer for Crimson Tide (TIDE), which has been rejected despite an increase in the bid from seven shares to nine shares for each Crimson Tide share. Former AIM company Ideagen has offered 312p/share for Crimson Tide, which is being considered.
Training services provider Mind Gym (MIND) reported an 18% decline in revenues and a slump into loss in the year to March 2024 and revenues are expected to continue to decline this year. Clients are putting off spending on developing the skills of employees. There was a loss of £12.1m after exceptional costs of £8.9m. There was a £6.6m write down on digital assets, restructuring costs of £1.8m and a £500,000 impairment of a US office lease. At the end of March 2024, cash was £1.4m. Liberum expects the underlying loss will be reduced from £3.3m to £1.7m in 2024-25. The new chief executive is updating strategy through further productisation of services.
Kibo Energy (KIBO) has simplified its restructuring plan. It is raising £340,000 at 0.01p each and creditors will convert £274,000 at the same share price. This replaces the £500,000 placing at 0.015p/share. Cobus van der Merwe will become an executive director and Clive Roberts a non-exec. Louis Coetzee is leaving the board.
Concurrent Technologies (CNC) has won its largest single contract worth $4.5m. The company will supply multiple standard plug-in cards to a major US defence and aerospace contractor. The lifetime value of the contract could be $40m. The income should begin this year, but the full benefit will come through in the future.
Crossword Cybersecurity (CCS) has signed a partnership to jointly market its Rizikon supply chain cyber platform. The deal is with a UK subsidiary of a global aerospace and security company. The focus is sub-sectors within the UK critical national infrastructure market. There is potential to generate several million pounds over the next few years.
Active Energy Group (AEG) dived because it intends to leave AIM and go into liquidation. There is no suitable offer for the CoalSwitch assets, but some discussions continue. Even so, shareholders are unlikely to get anything from the liquidation. Trading in the shares will be suspended on 1 July because the 2023 accounts will not be ready. Assuming the general meeting agrees to the proposals the AIM quotation will end on 23 July.
R&Q Insurance Holdings (RQIH) says that it intends to accept the alternative proposal from the buyer of Accredited. This means that the company will go into liquidation.
Geological information publisher Getech (GTC) reported a rise in loss from £3.1m to £3.6m in 2024. Getech has refocused on its core business because it does not have the financial strength to develop hydrogen products. The first four months trading in 2024 has improved by 17%, but the cash outflow needs to be stemmed. There was £400,000 in cash at the end of 2023, supplemented by a property sale in January raising £650,000. There is another property valued at £850,000. Cavendish believes Getech could break even this year.
Seed Innovations (SEED) has £3.9m in cash following the special dividend payment. The main investments are in Juvenescence, Avextra and Clean Food Group, all of which are biotech or cannabis related businesses. There are seven investments with valuations with two written down to nil.
MAIN MARKET
Chamberlin’s financial failure has provided an acquisition opportunity for Castings (CGS) which has paid £400,000 for the assets and inventory of Russell Ductile Castings. That is well below the previous book value. The foundry is based in Scunthorpe, where there is a 25-year lease, and it makes castings from 10kg to 7,000kg in iron and 10kg to 1,000kg in steel. Management believes they can maintain the customers, which diversify the business into new sectors making it less dependent on heavy trucks.
Advanced Energy Industries Inc has decided not to bid for power controllers supplier XP Power (XPP).
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 6 February 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Altona Rare Earths (ANR) is raising £275,000 via a convertible issued to clients of Optiva Securities. This is convertible at the upcoming £1.25m placing at the time of the move to the standard list and will fund an increase in the shareholding in the owner of the Monte Muambe rare earths project. Align Research has extended its £150,000 loan and with interest £189,750 will be payable on 30 April.
Marula Mining (MARU) is seeking to move to AIM. Cairn has been appointed as nominated adviser and a joint broker with Monecor will be appointed. A competent persons report on the portfolio of assets in Africa will be commissioned. At 6.1p, down 5.43% on the week, the battery metals company is valued at £1.6m. That is low for an AIM company.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company European Metals Holdings (EMH) says the Cinovec project has been classified as a strategic project for the Usti region in the Czech Republic. This means it can receive grants from the Just Transition Fund. The Cinovec project could receive a up to €49m.
The latest investment by Quantum Exponential (QBIT) is in Oxford Quantum Circuits. The £299,997 investment, for a 0.34% stake, is part of a £869,000 funding round. Oxford Quantum Circuits designs super conducting circuits and plans to expand in Asia.
A company owned by NFT Investments (NFT) executive chairman Jonathan Bixby bought 10 million shares at 0.855p each, taking his stake to 6.43%. NFT investments has secured a temporary restraining order in Delaware that freezes the online warrant holding assets secured in the cybersecurity incident.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) says that it invested $575,000 in crypto currencies and also entered into advisory work with the issuers. The company says that the crypto currency markets are recovering in 2023. Despite that, Web3 projects have more realistic valuations making them attractive to investors.
KR1 (KR1) has made four new investments in HydraDX and related Basilisk tokens, Superchain, Argent and Metaprime. HydraDX and Argent were existing investments. The total investment is just over $1m.
There have been delays in the provision of the £200,000 bridge loan to TruSpine Technologies (LON: TSP) and it should be received shortly followed by the first tranche of the subscription.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) has invested £750,000 in convertible loan notes issued by Trans-Africa Energy Ltd, which develops energy infrastructure projects in Sub-Sharan Africa. It has a joint development agreement with Ghana National Gas Company. This covers four projects for processing and transporting natural gas, where Trans-Africa will have a majority stake. The financial close for the first project could be later this year.
Emissions reducing fuel ingredients supplier SulNOx Group (SNOX) grew third quarter revenues by 9% quarter-on-quarter to £45,720. Pro forma cash is £790,000 and cash outflow is being reduced. The fourth quarter has started well, and sales staff are being recruited.
Evrima (EVA) has recovered more than the cost of its $234,000 investment in Premium Nickel Resources through a series of sales raising $299,000. The residual stake is valued at $1.63m. Guy Miller has resigned from the board.
Vulcan Industries (VULC) generated revenues of £968,000 from continuing operations in the nine months to December 2022. The loss was £697,000. Acquisition opportunities have been identified.
Craft spirits producer British Honey (BHC) says revenues fell from £8m to £6m and management is cautious about trading. The review of strategy continues.
Love Hemp (LIFE) refutes comments made by former managing director Philip Small. It has asked for proof of the validity of invoices for money he is claiming. Al his comments are being investigated by the company’s advisors.
Goodbody Health (GBDY) has signed four phlebotomy contracts. This service will be offered through its network of 90 clinics.
Igraine (KING) has invested £100,000 for a 20% stake in Fixit Medical, which has designed the Cingo drainage catheter fixation device. This protects catheters from twisting and kinking.
Gledhow Investments (GDH) had net assets of £1.7m at the end of September 2022, including £112,000 in cash. Net assets fell because of a reduction in the value of the investment portfolio.
In the fourth quarter, RentGuarantor (RGG) increased the number guarantees made by 11%. Over 2022, the demand for services increased by 71% and further growth is expected this year.
ChallengerX (CXS) had £236,000 in cash at the end of September 2022. Developing the company’s platform will require more investment. ChallengerX is also assessing reverse takeovers.
Luciano Maranzana has been appointed chief executive of Eight Capital Partners (ECP). He has been a non-exec for seven months.
Chris Akers continues to build up his stake in Asimilar Group (ASLR) and it has reached 9.13%.
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) has raised an additional £42,000 at 18p a share. Director Michael Ambrose bought 200,000 of these shares, taking his stake to 1.6%.
Three directors bought shares in S-Ventures (SVEN). Scott Livingston acquired 104,539 shares at 11.1p each, taking his stake to 36.7%. Robert Hewitt bought 44,247 shares at 11.3p each and Alexander Phillips acquired 89,954 shares at 11.1p each. Exercised warrants at 25p each raised £350,000. Head of risk and compliance Simon Mathisen acquired 120,168 shares at 3.5p each in Oberon Investments (OBE), while non-exec Gemma Godfrey bought 200,000 shares at 3.5p each.
AIM
ASX-listed Celsius Resources (CLA) raised £2.4m at 0.8p a share when it joined AIM on 30 January. That valued the minerals explorer at £14.8m. The share price opened at 0.88p and ended the week at 1.025p. The main interest is the Makilala-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) copper gold project in the Philippines. This is 320km north of Manila. The authorities are apparently fast-tracking the project permitting approvals and mine development. The cash will help to finance further development, but management needs to secure additional debt and/or an offtake agreement to generate the funding required to get the project to bankable feasibility. Celsius Resources owns 100% of the project
All three divisions of NWF (NWF) did better than expected in the first half and the second half has started well. In the six months to November 2022, revenues were 35% higher at £541.8m, while underlying pre-tax profit improved by 44% to £6.2m. The interim dividend is unchanged at 1p a share, although there will be an increase in the final dividend. Net cash was £1.2m at the end of November 2022.
Agricultural products supplier and retailer Wynnstay Group beat expectations that had already been upgraded a number of times in the past year. In the year to October 2022, revenues were 42% ahead at £713m, while pre-tax profit almost doubled to £22.6m. The dividend has been raised for the nineteenth year in a row. The total dividend is 17p a share. High milk prices have boosted feed demand from farmers – with like-for-like growth of 6% – enabling Wynnstay to increase its market share.
Digital transformation services provider TPXimpact Holdings (TPX) downgraded 2022-23 guidance with revenues expected to be £80m rather than £90m. EBITDA falls more sharply and could be around £2m. Third quarter like-for-like revenues were 15% lower and there was a sharp reduction in margins. Net debt was £17.5m at the end of December 2022 and management warns it is likely to breach debt covenants. Director share buying sparked a small recovery in the share price. Finance director Steve Winters acquired 220,000 shares at 21.34p each and former chief executive Neal Ghandhi bought 196,986 shares at 22.45p each.
Morses Club (MCL) gained 75.17% backing to approve the cancellation of the quotation on AIM. This resolution required 75% of the vote so it only just succeeded. Shareholders owning 61.7% of the share capital voted. The last day of dealings will be 10 February. After that, there will be a matched bargain facility on Asset Match.
Immotion (IMMO) is selling its location-based entertainment business for $25.1m, having raised £100,000 from disposing of Uvisan. Shareholders are likely to receive 3p a share out of the sale proceeds with £6.5m retained for the remaining business after buying back shares from management leaving with the location-based entertainment business. Immotion will concentrate on the home-based entertainment business Let’s Explore Media. This will be expanded via acquisitions. The share price was below the proposed dividend level, and it rose to 3.35p. Immotion joined AIM in July 2018 at a placing price of 10p a share.
Parcel delivery and logistics company DX (DX.) has appointed the boss of the Freight division, Paul Ibbetson, as chief executive. He has been with the company since 2017. Interim revenues grew by 15%
Employee benefits services and insurance provider Personal Group (PGH) did well last year with recurring revenues growing but progress was held back by Let’s Connect electronic products provider. Cenkos trimmed its 2022 pre-tax profit forecast from £4.5m to £4m. Net cash is more than £18m.
Sustainable polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) is raising £10.3m at 5.1p a share, while an open offer could raise up to £400,000 more. The cash will fund product development, capital investment and working capital.
CentralNic (CNIC) has sparked the regular upgrade with its fourth quarter figures. Full year revenues were better than expected at $728m. Pre-tax profit was upgraded from $69.2m to $72.4m. CentralNic is partnering with automated hosting resellers platform WHMCS.
MAIN MARKET
Thungela Resources (TGA) is acquiring an effective interest of 63.75% in the Ensham coal mine in Australia for A$267m. This is via 85%-owned Sungela Holdings. Ensham produced 3.2 million tonnes of coal in 2022. The mine life is 16 years. The deal should close in the middle of 2023.
Associated British Engineering (ASBE) made a £5,000 profit thanks to an exchange gain in the year to September 2022. Net assets are £657,000, including £497,000 in cash and £182,000 in investments.
Kelso Group (KLSO) has acquired five million shares in THG (THG) at an average price of 54.5p.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 5 December 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) says trading to the end of October was in line with expectations, but the subsequent mild winter has reduced gas consumption. Risk management actions should enable the energy supplier to meet 2022 expectations. There was £21.2m in cash at the end of October 2022. Heat pump installer Igloo Works has been acquired for £1.75m. Last year’s revenues were £1m. This will form an energy services division.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has sold 15MWh of vanadium flow batteries to Everdura Technology in Taiwan. A deposit will be paid soon, and the first deliveries will be late in 2023. This is the largest ever single order and there is follow-on potential of 255MWh over three years and it will help to underpin 2023 forecast revenues of £23.7m.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has acquired Staffordshire-based MI Accountancy Solutions, which already provides accountancy services to the employee owned businesses investor’s clients. The cost is £90,000 with a further £20,000 deferred depending on performance.
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has entered an agreement with Fishertown Property for a proposed lease of a 2.5 acre site in County Longford. This will become its first full scale waste plastic to hydrogen in Europe. A €50,000 payment has been made and an option for the site is being negotiated.
Tectonic Gold (TTAU) has completed drilling at the Specimen Hill project in Queensland. This has intersected a geophysical target below high-grade historic mine. An adjacent target has also been intersected. Joint venture discussions will be pursued.
Guanajuato Silver Company Ltd (GSVR) produced 700,264 of silver equivalent ounces in the third quarter, which is more than double the previous quarter. Cash costs fell by 19% to $19.53/ounce. However, lower silver and gold prices meant that the loss increased.
Field Systems Designs Holdings (FSD) was still affected by Covid in the year to May 2022. The mechanical and engineering contractor’s revenues fell from £9.98m to £8.09m. That meant that the loss increased from £534,000 to £1.9m. Revenues from the water sector have not grown as expected, but work is coming through. More than £9m of work has been secured for this year.
IamFire (FIRE) has subscribed for £2m of convertible loan notes in WeShop Holdings, which could be converted into one million shares, while an existing £4m investment would convert into 1.33 million shares. IamFire has the right to subscribe for a further £1.75m of convertibles. IamFire also holds convertibles in a shell that owns 25% of WeShop.
Pioneer Media Holdings (PNER) generated initial revenues of $482,000 in the year to May 2022. There was a reported loss of $28.6m, after $25.7m of impairment charges and fair value changes on investments. There was a credit of $3.26m relating to changes on accrued consideration. The cash outflow from operations was $2.14m. There is cash of $1.65m.
Recently floated Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) increased interim operational revenues by 37% to NZ$1.93m. Overall revenues fell because of the timing of recognising capital revenues on store openings. Pre-tax profit improved from NZ$128,000 to NZ$146,000 as costs were reduced.
Africa-focused sustainable investment company Inqo Investments (INQO) increased interim revenues from R608,000 to R3.39m. The loss was slightly reduced at R5.18m after a sharp increase in employee costs.
Nine months revenues from Yooma Wellness Inc (YOOM) improved from $4.91m to $8.91m and the reported loss was reduced.
Marula Mining (MARU) secured a 73% commercial interest in the Bagamoyo graphite project in Tanzania, which includes 22 graphite mining licences.
In the six months to August 2022, Asia Wealth Group Holdings Ltd (AWLP) reported a decline in revenues from $940,000 to $844,000 and it moved from profit to loss. There was $1.19m in the bank at the end of August 2022.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) says that it received £3.07m from its open offer at 25p a share, compared with the £4.56m it was seeking.
Evrima (EVA) chief executive Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi has made a £250,000 secured convertible loan facility available to the company. So far, £100,000 has been drawn down. This matures at the end of November 2023 and the coupon is 10%.
Goodbody Health (GDBY) chief executive Marc Howells has resigned, and George Thomas has replaced him.
AIM
Online retailer boohoo (BOO) has increased its stake in Revolution Beauty (REVB) from 13% to 26%. Bob Holt has taken over as chief executive. The shares remain suspended and there are still concerns about the 2021-22 figures.
Digital media company Digitalbox (DBOX) has acquired The Poke (www.thepoke.co.uk) for an undisclosed sum. It picks humorous content from the internet, unlike the Daily Mash which writes its own content. The Poke generated revenues of £170,000 in the year to November 2021.
Duke Royalty (DUKE) reported a 67% increase in recurring interim cash revenues from its royalty investments and free cash flow was 1.71p a share. There was a further improvement in cash revenues in the third quarter.
First Property (FPO) reported a fall in reported profit due to one-offs, but the interim dividend was maintained at 0.25p a share. NAV is 48.3p a share, not including any valuation for the investment management business, which is more than twice the share price.
A trading update from Light Source Technologies (LST) says that farmers are reluctant to commit to capital investment and that has slowed progress leading to a higher loss in the year to November 2023. The growers are finding it difficult to pass on cost increases to customers, so they are not making the commitment to install the controlled environment technology. Also, contract manufacturing margins have declined.
Venture Life Group (LON: VLG) is buying HL Healthcare, which owns Earol, EarolSwim and Sterinase, for £13m. The products generated EBITDA of £1.7m in 2021-22 and they should do better this year – £3m of the consideration is dependent on 2022-23 revenues. Venture Life is expected to make a 2022 pre-tax profit of £946,000 and that could improve to more than £4m in 2023.
Telecoms customer engagement software provider Pelatro (LON: PTRO) says the currency movements between the US dollar and Indian Rupee will lead to a shortfall in reported revenues this year. Along with other factors, this will reduce revenues by up to $800,000, although the currency movements will have a positive effect on costs that partly offsets the shortfall. EBITDA will be slightly below expectations. Some new clients are moving to a licence model, which means revenue will be recognised earlier.
Luxury brand Mulberry Group (MUL) reported flat interim revenues with higher international sales offsetting a decline in the UK. Mulberry moved from profit to loss as marketing and other spending was increased. There was an £11.2m cash outflow from operations.
Compliance and maintenance services provider Kinovo (KINO) continues to improve its profit in the six months to September 2022 and it has a strong order book. Revenues improved by one-quarter to £29.8m in the first half. Margins continue to rise with underlying pre-tax profit recovering from £1.61m to £2.1m. Three-year visible revenues total £146m, which includes contracts and predictable spend. That underpins around 90% of the 2022-23 forecast revenues of £62.1m. Net debt has fallen to below £100,000. However, in the short-term debt will increase again because of the requirements to finish contracts that are part of DCB, which was sold and then went into administration. Part of the deal was that Kinovo would guarantee the completion of projects. This could cost a total of £4.3m.
Inspiration Healthcare (IHC) says that it expects 2022-23 revenues to be similar to the previous year because of market uncertainty, particularly in China. Cenkos has reduced its forecast revenues from £45m to £41.1m. Because the reduction relates to higher margin products it means that pre-tax profit will dive from £3.96m last year to £540,000 this year.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) says third quarter like-for-like sales were 21.8% higher and in October and November this accelerated to 27.7%. Total sales have more than doubled this year.
Fox Marble (FOX) has won damages and costs in its arbitration proceedings with a customer in India. Damages were Euro383,177 and costs were £454,584. The customer has 28 days to challenge the award.
MAIN MARKET
Antimicrobial and textile odour control materials developer HeiQ (HEIQ) has acquired the land and property of Chem-Tex Laboratories Inc in the US for $2.5m in cash and shares at 74.4p each. Securing the site will enable further expansion. The focus of manufacturing investment will be the US because of the availability of chemicals and the reduced exposure to rising energy prices.
Edward Spencer is requisitioning a general meeting at MetalNRG (MNRG). He owns 7.3% of the company and wants to remove the chairman and chief executive. He wants four people to be voted onto the board, including himself.
Highway Capital (HWC) has still not completed the acquisition of Guinevere Esports and Entertainment, which was announced in October 2021. Highway made an interim loss of £243,000.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 19 September 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has secured a new commercial partner in Asia Pacific. Nutraceutical business Nutraconnect will develop and implement strategies for ProBiotix Health ingredients in Asia Pacific.
IamFire (FIRE) says investee company WeShop Holdings had 23,000 user downloads by the end of August. Transactions increased from 2,633 in July to 5,981 in August. Average spend per transaction has increased to £81. A US launch is planned.
Gunsynd (GUN) is making a further conditional investment of £100,000 in ASX-listed Rincon Resources. The investment is dependent on Rincon Resources shareholder approval.
Fintech investment company Eight Capital Partners (ECP) has generated £1m in fees from Zamaz (ZAMZ), which joined the standard list a fortnight ago. Zamaz believes that its technology platform can help to efficiently build direct to consumer brands via e-commerce. Other Eight Capital Partners revenue have been modest.
Evrima (EVA) says investee company Premium Nickel Resources has created a new metals division.
Spirits brand Rogue Baron (SHNJ) says that a third party has been contacting investor saying it is raising cash for the company, which is not true. Rogue Baron is considering ways of raising further funds.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has won a new order from Ghana for SulNOxEco fuel conditioner. There is enough to treat six million litres of diesel, which is a larger order than the previous one. New agreements are being discussed in other African countries.
Site works have commenced at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum project in South Africa. Marula Mining (MARU) says mining permits have been applied for.
A company associated with Asimilar Group (ASLR) non-exec director Mark Horrocks has acquired 750,000 shares at 4.1p each, which takes his share interest to 5.27%.
Engineering company Vulcan Industries (VULC) has raised £132,000 at 0.92p a share. Superseed Capital Ltd (WWW) has issued £1m of convertible loan notes to SuperSeed Venture LLP, which is its investment manager. The conversion price is 130p a share.
Barry Hersh is a 9.98% shareholder in Rural Broadband Solutions (RBBS). PEU SA has a 7.56% stake in Eastinco Mining and Exploration (EM.P).
AIM
Churchill China (CHH) had an extremely strong first half in 2022 because of demand for hospitality products. Sales of plates and other products to restaurants and hotels were behind the 73% growth in revenues to £41.4m. Sales of retail products declined as production focused on hospitality products. Churchill China is gaining market share in the UK and internationally. The interim dividend is 57% ahead at 10.5p a share. A full year pre-tax profit of £8.8m is forecast.
New admission Aurrigo International (AURR) has risen a further 9.52% to 57.5p. The transport technology products supplier raised £8m at 48p a share when it joined AIM. The cash will be invested in the aviation technology division and to develop new products.
Broker and administrator Jarvis Securities (JIM) has appointed Ocreus to review systems and controls at its main subsidiary after it ran into trouble with the FCA. This will take between three and six months. Jarvis has voluntarily agreed not to take on new clients from certain existing Model B corporate clients until the systems have been reviewed. The restrictions should not hamper forecast revenues and profit, although the costs of the review could hamper shareholder dividends from Jarvis Securities. This news was announced late on Friday and the share price nearly halved.
Retail brand Joules (JOUL) has ended its talks with retailer NEXT (NEXT) about a cash injection, leaving it with the need to find another source of funding. That is likely to require a share issue.
Baby products retailer Mothercare (MTC) reported revenues falling from £85.8m to £82.8m, but it returned to profit. The figures were at the top end of expectations and the company was cash generative. finnCap forecasts a fall in pre-tax profit from £8m to £1.9m this year. The pension deficit is declining.
TV and film production services provider Facilities by ADF (ADF) had tough comparisons for its interim figures and reported pre-tax profit was lower. Revenues improved from £11.5m to £12.6m, but the lack of large productions and higher overheads since flotation mean that profit was lower. There will be more, and higher value, productions in the second half, so some of the profit shortfall should be offset. Flotation funds are being used to increase the size of the vehicle fleet.
Artisanal Spirits Company (ART) increased membership by 24% in the first half of 2022. This growth was international, and the current membership is around 36,000. Full year revenues are expected to increase from £18.2m to £21.6m. The value of the casks of whisky in stock has increased from £430m to £455m in the latest six month period.
Cyber security services provider Corero Network Security (CNS) improved sales in the first half and growth could accelerate in the second half. Full year revenues are forecast to increase by one-third to $27.9m. Demand for cyber security continues to increase. Corero should breakeven this year.
Strong growth in first half revenues at plant-based polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) means that it is set to double full year revenues to $5.2m. Revenues trebled from cleaning applications. There was $900,000 of net cash at the end of June 2022.
The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) increased interim revenues by 18% to £13.1m and pre-tax profit was 9% higher at £3.8m. The interim dividend was increased by 11% to 4.2p a share. Trading remains strong even though house buying incentives were ended last year.
Building and architecture software supplier Eleco (ELCO) did not surprise the market with the 3% decline in interim revenues to £13.4m, although recurring revenues were 9% higher at £8.2m. This reflects the change to a SaaS model. Pre-tax profit was 23% down at £2.1m due to higher costs.
Ncondezi Energy Ltd (NCCL) has replaced a working capital facility with a convertible loan and more cash is being made available. The shareholder loan repayment cannot be demanded before 30 November 2023.
Shell company Advance Energy (ADV) raised £425,000 at 0.085p a share. There are warrants attached to each new share that are exercisable at 0.13p a share. The cash will enable management to investigate a suitable reverse takeover candidate and fund due diligence. Management is in talks with the majority owner of a European oil and gas company and trading in the shares is suspended. Any deal will be funded with shares and via an earn-out based on production. The suspension will continue until a prospectus is published or the deal does not happen.
Tertiary Minerals (TYM) has signed a technical co-operation agreement with First Quantum Minerals for two copper projects in Zambia – Mukai and Mushima North. Mukai is next door to First Quantum’s Trident project. First Quantum also has interests in the same region as Mushima North. First Quantum will supply historical exploration date for the areas. First Quantum does not have first right of refusal over the projects.
MAIN MARKET
Fintech Asia Ltd (FINA) is seeking fintech acquisitions. This includes mobile banking, digital payments and blockchain. It raised £1.46m at 50p a share, before expenses of £613,000. The cash should finance the operating of the company and investigating potential acquisitions for more than one year. Further share issues will be required when any targets are identified, and deals secured. There were no trades reported on the first two days. The current share price is 55.5p (53p/57p).
Ikigai Ventures Ltd (IKIV) is looking to acquire businesses with a positive social impact strategy, particularly those based in Asia. It has a similar shareholder base to Fintech Asia. Ikigai Ventures raised £2.09m at 50p a share, before expenses of £714,000. That cash should last more than one year. There were no trades reported on the first two days. The current share price is 55.5p (53p/57p).
Innovative materials developer HeiQ (HEIQ) increased interim revenues by 17% to $30.3m and it is making progress with newer products, such as AeoniQ and GrapheneX. Hygiene products generated 43% of total revenues. Service and licence revenues more than trebled. There was $9.5m in the bank at the end of June 2022. Cenkos expects revenues to grow from $57.9m to $69.4m in the full year and grow by a further 10% next year. The 2022 pre-tax profit is expected to be $4.8m.
Andrew Hore