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Quoted Micro 23 June 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Fund manager and broker Oberon Investments (OBE) won the Aquis company of the year award at the 2025 Small Cap Awards.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has moved from the Main Market to Aquis. It previously raised £1m at 4p/share and another £500,000 is being raised at 5p/share. Ajax Resources has exercised an option to acquire the Minas La Escondida project in Argentina for $80,000. It has conditionally agreed to acquire a nearby licence area.
Helium Ventures (HEV) gained shareholder approval for investment in Bitcoin mining and the establishment of a Bitcoin treasury. The company is changing its name to VaultZ Capital, and it has raised £4m at 43p/share, most of which will be invested in Bitcoin. Former Argo Blockchain director Alex Appleton has been appointed chief executive and Sarah Gow, who was also at Argo Blockchain, has joined the board as an executive director. Pierre Villeneuve is chief investment officer. Global Investment Strategy UK is the new broker.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has bought 200,000 more warrants in The Smarter Web Company (SWC) exercisable at 2.5p each for 100p/warrant and one million shares in Tap Global Group (TAP) ahead of its move to AIM. The Smarter Web Company raised £29.3m at 180p/share and then announced a subscription agreement over 21 million shares, which Shard will try to place over the coming months. The total Bitcoin holding is 346.63 with an average price of £78,480 each. That is an investment of £27.2m.
Coinsilium (COIN) says the retail offer to raise £2.5m at 22.2p/share was heavily oversubscribed, and it decided to accept £4m. The Forza Gibraltar subsidiary has bought nearly 24.5 additional Bitcoin for £1.91m. The total cost of the 43.1077 Bitcoin owned is £3.38m.
Vault Ventures (VULT), which is starting a Bitcoin and Ethereum treasury, raised £1.25m at 0.018p/share. There is an eleven year plan, which focuses on growing the technology investment business, as well as the cryptocurrency investment. So far, 34.47 Ethereum and 0.22 Bitcoin have been purchased at a total cost of £81,000. Acquisitions are being assessed.
Pubs operator Daniel Thwaites (THW) reported an improvement in full year revenues from £115.5m to £120.6m, while pre-tax profit rose from £9.1m to £9.8m after doubled property disposal gains of £400,000. The total dividend is raised from 3.35p/share to 3.5p/share. The pubs division improved operating profit from £13.9m to £14.6m and the hotels contribution rose from £6.2m to £7.4m. That is before group overheads. Net debt was £71.4m at the end of March 2025.
Marula Mining (MARU) has secured a 30-year surface use agreement for the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa. Progress is being made towards the granting of the ten-year mining right. The remaining condition is completion of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment structure for the subsidiary.
Incanthera (INC) says an independent study has confirmed the protective effects of its Skin + CELL product. Skin p-treated with the lotion showed a 6.5 fold reduction in DNA damaged. It was also shown to boost mitochondrial performance.
Valereum (VLRM) has invested €1.7m for a minority stake in Fideum Group, which will be paid in a number of tranches up until June 2026. Fideum is a blockchain business. Gary Cottle has been appointed chief executive of Valereum.
SulNOx Group (LON: SNOX) has raised £1m at 50p/share. SulNOx Innovations has been launched to invest in new fuel efficiency technologies.
Diagnostics developer EDX Medical (EDX) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spire Healthcare. They will promote each other’s products and develop joint propositions.
Walls & Futures REIT (WAFR) gained shareholder approval to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange on 26 June and the proposed changes to the board were voted down.
Prize draw and rewards business Good Life Plus (GDLF) has raised £750,000 via a convertible loan note issue to a company associated with Mark Blandford and hopes to raise a further £750,000. The loan notes last until the end of June 2028 and offer an interest rate of 10%. The conversion price is 2.15p.
Zentra Group (ZNT) has sold land in Leicester for £250,000.
Amazing AI (AAI) says the loan facility provided by director Paul Mathieson has been increased in from £2m to £5m
Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) has appointed Allenby as corporate adviser and broker.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 316.2p/share at the end of May 2025.
AIM
Frasers Group (FRAS) has decided not to make an offer for cosmetics supplier Revolution Beauty (REVB). There is continued engagement with other parties interested in a deal, as well as with shareholders about the alternative of a fundraising.
Defence services provider RC Fornax (RCFX) has issued a trading warning weeks after joining AIM. There have been delays in spending due to the Strategic Defence Review. The disruption related to the flotation on AIM is also blamed for a lack of new orders. Co-founder Dan Clark is stepping down. Cavendish has slashed its forecast revenues for the year to August 2025 by nearly two-thirds to £4m, down from £6.5m last year. That means that there will be a £1m loss. The share price had soared from the February 2025 placing place of 32.5p. Chair Mark Fahy, who bought his initial shares in the placing, acquired a further 38,173 shares at 26.95p each. Finance director Rob Shepherd bought an initial 93,000 shares at 26.8p each.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) expects flat like-for-like sales in the first half with growth coming from a contribution from the Brand Architekts. There was 7% growth in the first quarter. That means interim sales could be up to 13% ahead at up to £52m. Margins are expected to improve this year with cost savings from the integration of the acquisition coming through in the second half. Shore Capital is maintaining its full year forecast with pre-tax profit of £29m.
AI-based services provider to smaller businesses Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group (PR1) has announced a formal Bitcoin treasury management policy. The company can retain Bitcoin, but not other cryptocurrencies. No more than 50% of surplus cash can be retained in Bitcoin. Karen Lewis-Hollis has resigned from the board.
Litigation Capital Management (LIT) has lost a case that it co-funded. It invested £3.4m directly and its Fund 1 invested £8.2m. Total realisations for this year are A$55m, which excludes the Queensland Electricity and Quintis claims where there are appeals. Economic conditions mean that marketing for Fund III has been delayed. Cavendish forecast a A$41.7m loss in the year to June 2025.
Oxford Metrics (OMG) reported interims in line with expectations. Motion capture revenues fell compared with a strong comparative period. Acquisitions boosted the smart manufacturing revenues. Group revenues fell from £23.5m to £20.1m and Oxford Metrics slipped into loss. There was cash of £39.9m at the end of March 2025. Share buybacks are continuing and the amount has been increased by £4m.
SkinBioTherapeutics (SBTX) has signed an exclusive UK agreement with Superdrug Stores for the AxisBiotix food supplements that alleviate symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions, particularly psoriasis. On the back of this deal SkinBioTherapeutics raised £4.2m at 17p/share. Superdrug will sell AxisBiotix-Ps (for treating psoriasis) and still to be launched AxisBiotix-Ac (for treating acne) on an exclusive basis for two years. They will start to go into Superdrug stores with the highest sales of skincare products in September with a roll-out to the others next year.
Construction recruitment services provider Hercules (HERC) says interim revenues were 18% ahead at £54.6m, while pre-tax profit improved from £1.1m to £1.7m. The interim dividend is unchanged at 0.6p/share. The disposal of suction excavators has improved the balance sheet with net cash of £900,000 before deferred contingent consideration of £1m. A nominal amount has been paid for Quality Transport Training, which will be integrated with the training operation.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies (QBT) is making progress with the commercialisation of its Bitcoin mining efficiency technology. There are talks with two companies about them porting the AI technology in their existing control boards. These boards can replace the original ones in the Bitcoin miners. This will open up this market in the near future. There is engagement with two ASIC chip manufacturers about the potential to integrate the technology in their chips. This will take longer to commercialise.
CPP Group (LON: CPP) is selling its business in Turkey for £4.6m and it may also sell its operations in India. The initial payment is £3.1m. CPP wants to concentrate on its parametric Insurtech business Blink, which has won a £1.5m licence agreement with Mehrwerk for its cyber security product. Blink generated revenues of £1.1m in 2024 and that should more than double to £2.5m this year. It will remain loss making. The funds from disposals will be reinvested in Blink, which should accelerate growth, and finance the restructuring of the group.
Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) reported a dip in NAV from 6.73p/share to 6.1p/share, but that was after paying a 1p/share special dividend, so there was underlying growth. There was a swing from an investment loss of £1.2m to a gain of £797,000. In the year to March 2025, the overall gain was £367,000, compared with a £2.12m loss the year before. The largest improvement in valuation was for sustainable oils and fats developer Clean Food Group.
Property fund adviser and investor First Property Group (FPO) returned to profit in the year to March 2025. Revenues slipped from £7.85m to £7.55m. There have been annualised cost savings of £650,000. The pre-tax profit of £3m was boosted by an increase in the share of associates profit from £1.05m to £2.83m, while the impairment loss on investment properties was reduced from £3.75m to £242,000. Third party assets under management fell from £222m to £164m. NAV is 30.5p/share.
MAIN MARKET
Motor and property finance provider S and U (SUS) continues to improve it performance. The motor finance division is trending above budge t and the Aspen business goes from strength to strength. First half profitability should be better than last year.
Construction equipment hire company Speedy Hire (SDY) says 2024-25 revenues were flat at £417m, but underlying pre-tax profit fell from £14.7m to £8.7m with a lower contribution from the Kazakhstan joint venture. Net debt was £113.1m at the end of March 2025. The dividend is unchanged at 2.6p/share.
Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) has launched a share buyback of up to £5m. This can continue to the end of the year. So far, 22,000 shares have been purchased at 120.41p each.
Atlas Metals Group (AMG), previously known as MetalNRG, is planning to acquire Universal Pozzolanic Silica Alumina (UPSA) via an all-share offer. No figure has been put on the deal. UPSA has commercialisation rights to a pozzolanic silica alumina (PSA) in Australia. The extraction rights for 250 million tonnes last 99 years and are held by its partner Claystone International. There are another 1.35 billion tonnes of reserves over which UPSA has the rights to extract. The estimated value of the reserves in the ground is £10/tonne. UPSA has a book value of £1.08bn, based on the 250 million tonnes of PSA.
Shell Associated British Engineering (ABSE) had cash of £344,000 at the end of March 2025. Net assets are £350,000.
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 3 March 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
In the six months to November 2024, Field Systems Designs (FSD) improved revenues from £8.8m to £13.1m and pre-tax profit recovered from £84,000 to £853,000. There is cash of £4.4m. The mechanical and electrical engineering services company has benefit from increasing activity under the AMP7 programme for the water sector. The AMP8 programme will begin in April 2025. There are secured orders worth more than £22m, but the start of AMP8 is likely to see a slowdown in spending before it ramps up again.
Hydrogen Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) improved full year pre-tax profit from £236,000 to £350,000. There was £610,000 of cash generated from operations. Cash was £2.46m at the end of October 2024. A second interim dividend of 13p/share has been declared, taking the total to 26p/share.
Zentra Group (ZNT) has completed the sale of 19 out of 24 units at the One Meadow development in West Yorkshire to a registered housing provider for £3.96m. This will pay off the development finance facility. There are five units to sell privately.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has invested £75,000 in cross border payments company Endor Group, which trades as Universe Payments. Endor chief executive Tony Quirke was finance director at Equals.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) is acquiring Credit Canary, which specialises in AI and software developer and provider of credit services, for £4m in shares at 12.5p each. The brand will be retained.
KR1 (KR1) reported an end-January 2025 NAV of 77.5p/share, down from 77.8p/share the previous month, and has generated income of £721,233 during the months.
Having raised £7.4m from a placing at 180p/share healthcare procedures provider One Health Group (OHGR) has raised a further £200,000 through a retail offer, where shares worth up to £500,000 were on offer. Existing shareholders have the chance to take up shares in a one-for-38 open offer of up to £500,000 ahead of the move to AIM. which is expected to happen on 20 March.
Audit and assurance services provider Adsure Services (ADS) has signed a contract with K10 Vision to implement its audit working paper software. This will enhance the efficiency of subsidiary TIAA and integration is already underway.
Rogue Baron has changed its name to Richmond Hill Resources (SHNJ) and adopted an investment strategy in the natural resources. Trading in the shares recommenced on Wednesday 26 February.
Former Daniel Stewart boss Peter Shea has been appointed as a director of Good Life Plus (GDLF) and John Taylor has stepped down from the board.
SulNOx Group (SNOX) has signed an exclusive agency agreement for Greece and Cyprus with Technava SA. The focus will be the maritime market for the company’s fuel additives.
EDX Medical Group (EDX) founder and executive director Professor Sir Chris Evans acquired 60,000 shares at 12.97p each and 30,000 shares at an average share price of 13.49p each.
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) director Bryan Coyne bought 1.06 million shares at 11.22p each. Cardiogeni (CGNI) executive chairman Darrin Disley has bought 152,205 shares, mainly at 22p/share, although 50,000 of these shares were acquired at 15p each.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) has appointed Allenby as corporate adviser.
Inteliqo Ltd (IQO) will leave Aquis on 14 March.
ASSET MATCH
Chaarat Gold Holdings (CGH) decided to withdraw from Asset Match and the final auction was on 28 February. The last auction share price was 0.14p. The mining company left AIM on 16 August 2024.
Agricultural land and farming activities company Greenshields Agri Holdings (GAH) reported a decline in revenues from £6.18m to £3.95m. Crop sales and other farming income declined. There was also a fall in contract income. There was a reduction in cost of sales, and that helped the loss reduce from £728,000 to £436,000. NAV was £22.7m at the end of June 2024, which is equivalent to 145p/share.
AIM
Online building materials retailer CMO Group (CMO) has reviewed its strategic options and decided that it should leave AIM because it cannot source the finance it requires. This should save £700,000/year. JP Jenkins will provide a matched bargains market. CMO joined AIM at the height of the Covid-related boom in DIY and its results have declined since then. The market is currently declining, although there are signs of improvement in February. CMO raised £45m at 132p/share when it joined AIM in July 2021.
Staffing firm Staffline (STAF) is selling its workplace training business PeoplePlus for up to £6.9m – £12m minus £5.1m deduction for advanced payments. The change in government has led to uncertainty concerning training and delays in client decisions. PeoplePlus was expected to make a 2025 pre-tax profit of £300,000, down from £1.3m in 2024. Panmure Liberum expects an £11.1m non-cash write down on the business. A share buyback has been launched. This could acquire up to £7.5m worth of shares.
Bezant Resources (BZT) is planning to sell Puna Metals, which owns the Eureka gold and copper mine in Argentina, to Main Market shell Ajax Resources (AJAX). It will pay $120,000 in cash and $100,000 in shares – which will be based on the price of a fundraising.
Sovereign Metals Ltd (SVML) says graphite concentrate produced at the Kasiya rutile-graphite project has met or exceeded specifications for use in flame retardants, gaskets, seals and brake linings. Demand for graphite is growing at 6%-8%/year. Sovereign Metals believe it can produce the graphite at an incremental cost of $241/t, while the recent price was $1,140/t. The information will be used for talks with potential offtake partners. Rutile continues to be the primary potential product of the project.
Photonics and optical equipment supplier Gooch & Housego (GHH) is improving efficiency and margins and is set to meet full year expectations. At the AGM, it was revealed that the order book has grown to £126.4m. Defence optics, medical diagnostics and subsea data networks demand is strong. Semiconductors and industrial lasers markets remain weak. Net debt was £19.2m, following the acquisition of Wales-based Phoenix Optical for £6.75m. This business is being integrated. Net debt could fall to £15m by the end of September 2025. Further bolt-on acquisitions are being sought. Trading is likely to be second half weighted. Cavendish forecasts a recovery in pre-tax profit from £8.1m to £13.3m.
EnergyPathways (EPP) has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with a clean energy fund, which would be a cornerstone investor in an equity funding at higher than the current share price. This will provide cash for the development of the MESH energy storage project. A FTSE 100 constituent is interested in long-term storage capacity. The final concept engineering report has been submitted and a decision on the application for a gas storage licence is expected soon. The MESH project could be operational by the end of 2027.
Growth in the revenues of diagnostics developer Oxford BioDynamics (OBD) remains modest and the loss increased. Revenues moved up from £510,000 to £636,000, while the loss was nearly £12m. Since the balance sheet date £7.35m has been raised at 0.5p/share and Ian Ross appointed executive chairman. The company is seeking partners and collaborators to accelerate the take up of its EpiSwitch products.
Following the departure of its chief executive Wendy Lawrence and the loss of a NHS 111 contract healthcare services provider Totally (TLY) has renewed two multi-year contracts worth a total of £30m, including option extension periods. The original contracts had a similar annual value. David and Monique Newlands have been adding to their stake, and it has risen from 5.39% to 6.67%, while Trafalgar Capital increased its shareholding from 6.04% to 8.16%. Earlier in the week, Liontrust sold its 525% shareholding.
Retail software provider itim Group (ITIM) says that 2024 revenues were 5% better than expected at £17.9m thanks to contract wins in the second half. This enabled itim to move back into profit. Zeus forecasts a 2024 pre-tax profit of £200,000 and upgraded its 2025 figure to £500,000.
A June 2024 revaluation of the Mpac (MPAC) pension scheme shows an actuarial surplus of £21.1m. Back in June 2021the pension deficit was £28.4m. This should make it easier to transfer the scheme to a third party.
Asia-focused oil and gas producer Jadestone Energy (JSE) increased average production in 2024 by 35% to 18,696 barrels of oil equivalent/day. Revenues improved from $309.2m to $395m. The Akatara gas processing facility is up and running. Net debt was $104.8m at the end of 2024. This year production is expected to average 19,000-22,500 barrels of oil equivalent/day. Based on a Brent oil price of $70-$80/barrel Jadestone Energy believes it can generate $270m-$360m of free cash flow between 2025 and 2027.
MAIN MARKET
Packaging manufacturer and distributor Macfarlane Group (MACF) has reported 2024 revenues 4% lower and an organic decline of 8% due to lower volumes and prices. Pe-tax profit was 3% lower at £25m. The manufacturing operations increased revenues, although like-for-like sales were flat, and its profit contribution rose by 10%.
Cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) has reportedly been awarded a $6.8m contract by DARPA in the US. This is for the Intelligent Generation of Tools for Security programme. This is designed to assess vulnerabilities in systems and lasts 36 months.
Georgina Energy (GEX) says a scoping study has confirmed the viability of commercial gas production at Hussar. The NPV10 is estimated to be $1.64bn. Management is in discussions with potential offtake partners. There is a non-exclusive agreement with potential offtake partner Harlequin Energy covering helium, hydrogen and natural gas.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 13 January 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) has launched more partnerships in the past three months, including with Reach and News UK. The family interests of Mark Blandford are subscribing £1m for an issue of convertible loan notes with up to £1m more on offer to other investors until the end of January. The cash will be invested in expanding customer acquisition and partnership, plus to enhance the premium prize draw operations. There are also plans for international expansion.
Healthy snacks supplier S-Ventures (SVEN) has published its results for the 15 months to December 2023. This is part of the work that is required to be in a position to reverse the operating subsidiaries into AIM shell Riverfort Global Opportunities (RGO). Annualised revenues grew 170% to £20m. The cash outflow from operating activities was £1.4m in the 15 month period.
Oscillate (MUSH) has appointed Robin Birchall, a former director of Helium One Global, as chief executive and Steve Xerri becomes an executive director. Robin Birchall will receive options over 2% of the current issued share capital at a price equivalent to the share price at the time of a move to AIM or other Recognised Investment Exchange, plus he will receive a payment to buy 4.25 million shares. Igraine (KING) has reduced its shareholding in Oscillate from 5.05% to 3.64%.
Automotive electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) has received approaches from strategic investors and potential acquirers. Discussions continue. In the six months to November 2024, revenues improved 19% to £2.47m with EV components revenues increasing 80% to £254,000. There was a cash outflow from operating activities of £2.37m and capital spending of £686,000. Bus repowering services are being scaled down because of low volumes and this will save £2m/year. There was £2m in the bank at the end of November 2024. The contracted order book is worth £11m.
Zentra Group (ZNT), which was previously One Heritage, has signed a new relationship agreement with 65.2% shareholder One Heritage Property Development. This ensures at least two independent directors and the majority shareholder’s nominated director will not vote on outlined matters.
RentGuarantor (RGG) has raised £455,000 from a convertible loan notes issue to RentGuarantor chief executive Paul Foy. They are redeemable on 18 November 2026.
Chris Akers has a 5.1% stake in Global Connectivity (GCON), while Chris New increased his shareholding from 8.88% to 9.75%. Keith Harris raised his stake from 9.98% to nearly 11%. Premier Miton has increased its shareholding from 4.74% to 5.21%, while Placifor Investments raised its stake from 9.76% to 10.7%. Livia Meyer’s stake has reduced from 16.97% to 8.78%. Barry Hersh has still not paid the £375,000 subscription amount for 37.5 million shares.
ChallengerX (CXS) has raised £120,000 via a convertible loan note, which is convertible into 120 million shares when the company is readmitted to Aquis. The cash will fund due diligence on potential acquisitions.
Ace Liberty and Stone (ALSP) chairman Dr Antonios Ghorayeb bought 23,940 shares for a total of £11,475 in September and October. The announcement is late.
AIM
Data and marketing services provider Jaywing (JWNG) has sent out the circular to gain shareholder approval for the cancellation of the AIM admission. This follows a requisition notice by 29.5% shareholder Michael Ashcroft and the company has decided that the departure from AIM is in the best interests of the shareholders. The general meeting is on the 5 February.
It has been a topsy turvy week for legal services provider RBG Holdings (RBGP). It initially terminated the consultancy agreement of Ian Rosenblatt due to breaches of contract and offensive behaviour. He has restrictive covenants lasting until July 2028, but was identified as owner of AWH Acquisition Corp, which is regulated as a firm of solicitors that changed its name to Rosenblatt Law. He is a director of this company along with former RBG Holdings director Tania MacLeod. Ian Rosenblatt had requisitioned a general meeting to remove Jon Divers as chief executive of RBG Holdings. At the end of the week after the market closed, RBG Holdings said it had entered into an exclusivity period with Ian Rosenblatt for the sale of the Rosenblatt brand business to Rosenblatt Law. Ian Rosenblatt will withdraw his winding up petition and the general meeting notice. This exclusivity lasts until 24 January.
Downhole oil and gas technology developer Enteq Technologies (NTQ) says testing of the SABER rotary tool results in the requirement for further engineering modifications. Delays to the start of active test drilling with an Australian customer mean that the timing of revenues is uncertain. The drilling could begin in April. There are also additional costs. This means that cash will not last as long as previously expected and Cavendish has pulled its forecasts. Enteq was expected to move into profit in 2026-27.
There was a strong end to the year for floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE). The market fell but Likewise continues to grow. Fourth quarter revenues were 10% higher than the corresponding period. Full year revenues of £150.8m was 3% ahead of forecast. A new logistics centre has been acquired in Plymouth.
Team Internet Group (TIG) announced that it had received two bid approaches from TowerBook Capital Partners and Verdane Fund Manager AB. Each of the potential bidders was proposing an offer of 125p/share. Previous approaches were rejected for being too low. Both approaches are being considered. TowerBook Capital Partners has since decided not to bid.
Pawnbroker H and T (HAT) says 2024 trading was in line with expectations. The pledge book increased 26% to £127m, with more loans of over £5,000. There was strong demand for lower price jewellery, which boosted retail sales. National Insurance changes will increase costs by £2m/year. Octopus Investments has cut its stake from 10.9% to 9.98%. The 2024 results will be published on 18 March.
ImmuPharma (IMM) says the preclinical research programme for autoimmune therapy P140 should pave the way for earlier, more accurate diagnostics, as well as better identification and improved monitoring of patients. Detailed data is not being published.
Plastic products supplier Coral Products (CRU) has sold and leased back two freehold properties for £1.7m. The initial annual payment of the 15-year lease is £155,000. The £1.1m of related mortgages will be repaid. A final agreement for the insurance claim for the May 2020 fire at one of the company’s premises has resulted in a payment of £900,000.
Arecor Therapeutics (AREC) is ceasing the operations of Tetris Pharma and it is returning the rights to Ogluo, a glucagon auto-injector pen for severe hypoglycaemia, to Xeris BioPhaarma. A partner of Tetris Pharma lost a key NHS Tender, which means revenues will be lower than expected in 2025. There will be a £3m write down. This enables Arecor Therapeutics to concentrate on core products, including ultra-rapid acting insulin candidate AT278, where partner discussions continue.
Automated transport analytics provider Cordel (CRDL) has won a new contract with Angel Trains. It will pinpoint track geometry data from high-speed passenger trains, rather than dedicated monitoring trains. This should help to reduce costs. The technology is Network Rail certified.
A trading statement from animal feed additives supplier Anpario (ANP) has sparked the fifth upgrade to 2024 forecasts. There was strong growth in Middle East and Africa. Shore has raised its pre-tax profit forecast to £5.5m, compared with £3.5m in 2023. Net cash is estimated to be £10.5m.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) had a strong third quarter, which is the third quarter in a row where the growth rate has accelerated. Third quarter revenues were 11% higher at £25.6m, which means that the year-to-date figure is 9.2% ahead at £54m. Third quarter growth in retail was 12.4%, helped by store openings. Three more stores will be opened in the fourth quarter. Ecommerce growth was 9.2%. Like-for-like growth to December 2024 was 3.8% with ecommerce growing fastest. Net cash was £1m at the end of 2024.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 November 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Rebel shareholders failed to win any of their three resolutions, including the removal of the chief executive, at the requisitioned general meeting of ProBiotix Health (PBX). Broker Peterhouse said that major shareholder OptiBiotix Health (OPTI) was not allowed to vote its shares at the meeting because of the relationship agreement from the flotation of the probiotics developer. OptiBiotix Health owns 53.5 million shares, and the votes were lost by less than 36 million shares.
Surgical treatments provider One Health Group (OHGR) interim revenues were more than one-fifth higher at £13.4m. New patients increased by 29%. The second half is likely to better than expected. That means that full year EBITDA should be higher than £1.9bn. There was cash of £4.9m at the end of September 2024. A move to AIM is being considered.
Aquis Exchange (AQX) and Cboe Europe are assessing a joint bid to provide an EU consolidated tape of stock trades. The European Commission has decided to create a single entity to operate a real-time, trade consolidated tape. The European Securities and Market Authority will select the business to take on the role. The plan is for the two companies to set up a joint venture called SimpliCT, which will be based in the Netherlands, to bid for the role of equity consolidated tape provider.
Luxury prize draw organiser Good Life Plus (GDLF) has achieved £330,000 in monthly recurring revenues. There are more than 40,000 subscribers and churn has been reduced. In the six months to July 2024, revenues were £1.69m. There was a £2.21m cash outflow from operating activities. There was a fundraising after the balance sheet date. Richard Johnston has been appointed as finance director.
Macaulay Capital (MCAP) investee company Vale Foods has repaid a £125,000 loan and this has been reinvested in shares in the latest fundraising of £430,000. A £100,000 loan has been made to another investee company.
Health IT provider DXS International (DXSP) has won its first NHS commercial contract for its AI ExpertCare Clinical Decision Support product. In the year to April 2024, revenues were 2% ahead at £3.31m, There was an impairment charge of £4.38m. Even without that write-down the company fell into loss. Chairman Bob Sutcliffe bought 50,000 shares at 1p each and 133,333 shares at 1.5p each. He owns 1.74% of the company.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 62.15p/share at the end of September 2024. The income from digital assets was £592,000 during September.
Social commerce platform investor WeCap (WCAP) says WeShop is considering a listing. If its convertible loans are converted into shares WeCap would own 16% of WeShop. The investment in Bio2pure of £100,000 has been written down to nil. At the end of April cash was £49,000 and net assets were £7.39m.
Rogue Baron (SHNJ) says Sinju Japanese Whisky will be available in the US in the third week of November. The latest shipment of 800 cases has been presold.
Marula Mining (MARU) is stockpiling ore at the Kinusi copper mine. Samples have been sent to South Africa for test work and the results will help to design the first phase of the processing facilities. Three trial shipments are about to be sold.
Fenikso (FNK) is launching a share buyback of up to 49.3 million shares. A further $404,000 has been received in loan repayments. The remaining loan is worth nearly $39m.
Chris Akers’ stake in Oscillate (MUSH) has been reduced from 5.94% to less than 3%. Peterhouse Capital has also reduced its stake below 3%. Jonathan Neame has bought 7,000 Shepherd Neame (SHEP) shares at 569.5p each.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC) raised £475,000 at 1p each and there is a broker option to issue up to three million more shares.
Unigel Group (UNX) is paying an interim dividend of 1.5p/share on 22 November.
First Sentinel has resigned as corporate adviser of Vulcan Industries (VULC).
AIM
Energy supplier and energy efficiency services provider Good Energy (GOOD) received an unsolicited bid from Dubai-based Esyasoft Holding Ltd. Esyasoft offers a range of products. They include the Smart Grid Suite, which is a cloud-based integration platform that manages workflow and communications between utilities and meters and an energy mobility business.
Payments technology developer Eckoh (ECK) is recommending a 54p/share bid from funds managed by Bridgepoint Advisers II. The bid values Eckoh at £169.3m. The share price has not been at that level since the end of 2022, but it is the price indicated back in August. The bid values Eckoh at 20 times prospective 2025-26 earnings.
Nexus Infrastructure (NEXS) is spending some of its cash pile on Coleman Construction & Utilities, which is involved in civil engineering for water and marine sectors. This diversifies the business away from housebuilding infrastructure. The purchase will cost up to £4.4m and be immediately earnings enhancing – EBITDA was £700,000 last year. Trading is in line with expectations and the loss should be halved to £2.4m in the year to September 2024. A small loss is still expected this year.
Emmerson (LON: EML) says it filed an appeal against the unfavourable recommendation for its ESIA application for the Moroccan potash project, but the regional authorities say that they cannot examine the ESIA submission again. Emmerson subsequently notified the Moroccan government of an investment dispute and argues that the government is violating an agreement between the UK and Morocco. The dispute can be submitted to the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. Prior to this, the company is seeking cash compensation from the government. Emmerson is trying to reduce its cash burn, but that will mean that there will be no progress with the development of the project. Two non-executive directors are stepping down and the two remaining non-executives will take fees in shares, while the chief executives pay will be reduced by two-fifths.
Construction dispute and expert witness services provider Diales (DIAL) says that there will be a small improvement in revenues and profit in the year to September 2024. Pre-tax profit will be at least £1.1m, up from £1m. The cost base has been reduced. Net cash is £4.3m. Diales is pulling out of the US. It will still have a Canadian operation, and South America is handled from Spain.
MicroSalt (SALT) has received an initial purchase order for 50,000lbs of low-sodium salt from a major food and drink manufacturer for one of its product lines. Annualised volumes should be 200,000lbs and there could be orders for two other products. There is also a follow-on order from a B2B customer and the 63,860lbs will be delivered in January. Two other B2B orders have been won.
Tlou Energy (TLOU) is seeking shareholder approval at its AGM to leave AIM. The shares will still be traded on the ASX and the Botswana Stock Exchange. Interest in the company has dwindled and the departure will save money. UK shareholders are offered the chance to transfer their holding to the ASX depositary in exchange for ASX-listed shares at no cost. Tlou Energy released a first quarter update indicating progress with the Lesedi CBM gas-to-power project in Botswana. First electricity sales are expected in the middle of next year. There was an operating cash outflow of A$800,000, plus A$1.7m of capital investment in the period.
Cleaning services provider React (REAT) has made the earnings enhancing acquisition of 24hr Aquaflow Services for £5m plus contingent payments of up to £2.4m. It will still be enhancing after a £1.1m placing at 81p/share. 24hr Aquaflow Services is a drainage and plumbing services provider. This adds to group services.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) generated $7.2m from 43,500 ACCRUFeR prescriptions in the third quarter, which was slightly lower than forecast. The average net selling price is $167, and this could rise to $192 in the fourth quarter. Total nine-month revenues are $20m and the 2024 figure should hit $31.5m. Management admits that more cash will be required, and costs are being reduced. Sallyport is providing a $15m facility, up from $10m previously, and AOP Health has agreed to subscribe $10m for shares at 4p each.
Prospex Energy (PXEN) says third quarter gas production of its Italian interests, where it has a 37% stake, was 76,910scm/day. Prospex Energy’s net revenues for the quarter were €1m, which is a record. There should be a further increase in gas production in the fourth quarter.
Deltic Energy (DELT) says wireline logging and fluid sampling confirm the gas discovery at Selene in the North Sea, where it has a 25% working interest. The reservoir quality is better than expected, but it is deeper than anticipated which means that recoverable gas volumes of 131bcf are lower than previous estimates of 320bcf. This should still be economically viable. Further work is required, though.
Transport technology services provider Microlise Group (SAAS) has been hit by a cyber security incident. This has disrupted services, and they are currently inactive. Cyber security specialists have been appointed.
MAIN MARKET
Tin projects developer First Tin (1SN) has raised £8m at 6p/share. The cash will go towards the Taronga project in Australia and funding the enhancements highlighted in the definitive feasibility study. This could increase the project NPV to A$400m. The environmental impact statement will be completed so that initial project work can commence. There will also be cash to progress permitting at the Tellerhauser project in Germany.
Mears (MER) says trading is strong and margins are improving. The 2024 figures will be better than expected with revenues of £1.13bn and pre-tax profit of at least £60m.
A general meeting has been requisitioned at nanomaterials developer Nanoco (NANO) by Milwood Fund, which wants two of its employees to be given board seats. It appears Milkwood may want to sell assets and turn Nanoco into a shell.
Motor dealer Caffyns (CFYN) is selling its freehold premises in Lewis to Lidl for £4.65m, which is equal to book value. The pension fund will receive £2.4m and the rest will reduce debt. The Lotus dealership will be relocated.
Critical Minerals (CRTM) is making progress with the Molulu copper cobalt project in the DRC and is on course to start delivering ore. Two additional mineralised zones have been identified. Terms of a new offtake agreement have been secured with OM Metals following good copper grades from ore testing. Since the balance sheet there has been a £455,000 investment by NIU Invest.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 14 October 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cardio health probiotics products developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) increased sales by 39% to £1.53m and the gross profit margin is stable in the nine months to September 2024. This is due to a recent product launch on Amazon and in 2,000 Target stores. A commercial partnership with Mexico-based Raff should generate commercial sales of LP LDL as an ingredient in new products by late 2005/early 2006. There is no need for further funding. The company has appointed Frederik Bruhn-Petersen as a non-exec director. He represents the new 21% shareholder Holdingselskabet af 29. Juni 2010 Aps.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) is pleased with the UK government’s announcement of a cap and floor regime for investment in new large-scale, long-duration electricity stage projects. This includes vanadium flow batteries, and this is a large increase in the opportunity for the business. The minimum project size is 300MWh.
Café chain Cooks Coffee Company (COOK) increased store sales by 26% to £16.4m in the first half. The UK store sales were 36% ahead and Ireland is 7% ahead. Like-for-like sales are 5.1% higher. There are 83 stores, and ten further outlets are expected to open before the end of March 2025. Katherine Scott has been appointed finance director.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has signed a contract with contract research organisation Southern Star Research to carry out a phase 1 clinical trial in Australia for the pharmacokinetic profile, tolerability and safety of lead asset MRX1. There is an R and D tax incentive of up to 43.5% of eligible costs.
Bitcoin mining company Vinanz (BTC) has added five Bitmain Antminer S21 Pro 234 Terahash (TH/s) machines to its fleet in Nebraska, which has attractive power costs.
Unicorn AIM VCT has taken a 7.39% stake in Good Life Plus (GDLF) following the recent fundraising. Winforton Investments increased its stake from 20.6% to 21.1%.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) intends to buy back shares. It has acquired 48,000 shares at an average price of 150p each. The NAV was 316.09p/share at the end of September 2024.
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) executive director Andrew Gerrie bought 25,000 shares at 25p each. Newbury Racecourse (NYR) director Dominic Burke bought 16,000 shares at 540p/share, taking his stake to 7.03%. Marula Mining (MARU) director Jason Brewer has acquired one million shares, taking his stake to 8.78%. Kevin Hastings has a 3.375% stake.
California Two Pizza Ventures Inc has taken a 23.9% in Pitch Pit (PICH).
Trading in the shares of Mydecine Innovations Group (MYIG) has been suspended.
Majestic Corporation (MCJ) has appointed Oberon Capital as broker.
AIM
After the close on Friday, retailer and brand owner Frasers Group (FRAS) announced a revised proposed bid for Mulberry (MUL) of 150p/share in cash. This is well above the original proposal of 130p/share and the 100p subscription price.
Energy and water efficiency services provider Eneraqua Technologies (ETP) reported a rise in interim revenues from £26m to £29.9m. However, there is a greater proportion of lower margin energy services work, and the loss increased from £400,000 to £3.8m. The General Election delayed decisions on contracts, but the decisions are beginning to be made. The order book has improved to £114m. Two-fifths of this order book should be delivered in the second half and that would return the business to profit. Singer forecasts a pre-tax profit of £2.4m for the year to January 2025 and Eneraqua Technologies should move into a net cash position.
Cloud computing and connectivity infrastructure-as-a-service company Beeks Financial Cloud (BKS) reported figures in line with expectations and profit growth is set to accelerate this year. In the year to June 2024, revenues were 27% higher at £28.4m and annualised recurring revenues were 18% ahead at £28m. Underlying pre-tax profit improved from £2.3m to £3.9m. Net cash is £6.6m. Recurring revenues cover more than two-thirds of the 2024-25 forecast revenues. Canaccord Genuity has edged up its pre-tax profit forecast from £6m to £6.1m on revenues of £39.6m.
Smart sensing software developer Oxford Metrics (OMG) is acquiring The Sempre Group, a measurement technology business for up to £5.5m. Gloucester-based Sempre helps clients to improve productivity and efficiency through high precision metrology. This fits with the previous acquisition of Industrial Vision Systems, which will help geographic expansion, and provides further diversification from the entertainment and health sectors. In 2023, Sempre made a pre-tax profit of £700,000 on revenues of £6.5m and the performance is improving this year. The deal should be earnings enhancing. Following the post-trading statement slump in the share price, OMG is spending up to £6m on share buy backs.
Marine tracking technology developer Windward (WNWD) has won two new customers outside the US with a combined annual contract value of $1.9m. Renewals are as expected. Existing customers are taking up the AI technology when they are renewing. This year there should be 30% subscription/sales growth and Windward is heading towards breakeven.
Blue Star Capital (BLU) is continuing the strategy to seek an exit of its investments. The launch of the de-fi project to Pendulum and Nabla that is called Vortex is the key to the valuation of the SatoshiPay investment and the sale has been suspended. The funding of Vortex is not yet in place. Around 90% of the NAV is based on the 27.9% SatoshiPay stake and this valuation depends on the launch of Vortex and if SatoshiPay raises additional funds then this stake will be diluted.
Novacyt (NCYT) is closing its loss-making IT-IS International, which was acquired to produce Covid tests. This should add £1m to annual EBITDA. The restructuring charge will be £700,000. The IP infringement dispute with Roche Diagnostics will continue.
SkinBioTherapeutics (SBTX) is acquiring Bio-Tech Solutions for £1.25m. Bio-Tech is a manufacturer of personal care products. This will enable the group to manufacture its own products. The acquired business should generate £3m in 2024-25, up from £2.1m, and EBITDA could be £900,000. SkinBioTherapeutics should have enough cash to last until the summer of 2026.
Data analytics software provider Rosslyn Data Technologies (RDT) is raising £1.64m via placing at 5p/share and £250,000 from a retail offer that closes on 10 October. A convertible loan note will raise a further £1.2m and existing convertibles will be converted at 5p/share. This will fund growth and the development of technology. Rosslyn Data Technologies is trading ahead of previous expectations.
Cambria Africa (CMB) shares recommenced trading after 2022-23 accounts and subsequent interims were published. Early buying has flushed out some sellers later in the morning. The shares will be suspended again on Monday because there will be no nominated advisers. Shareholders have voted to cancel the AIM admission on 22 October.
John Gunn has acquired a 12.1% stake in SEEEN (SEEN). This makes him the second largest shareholder in the video sharing platform developer behind Gresham House.
Inspirit Energy (INSP) is returning to its previous existence as a shell (it was previously Kleenair Systems International) because the lead engineer of its subsidiary has to stop working for the company to care for a relative. This has put waste heat recovery engine development on hold. The company will preserve cash and become a shell and seek takeover opportunities.
Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) says investee company Clean Food Group has partnered with cosmetics products developer THG LABS. The initial focus is developing a high-performance oil for use in beauty and personal care products. The sustainable oils and fats developer uses yeast strains and food waste as the source of its sustainable oils. Seed Innovations has a 4.76% stake.
MAIN MARKET
Fairview International (FIL) was set up to buy two international schools in Malaysia and it is seeking more acquisitions in Asia and the UK. New schools could also be developed. The global higher education market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12%. Fairview raised £2.65m gross at 10p/share. The share price started at 11p and kept at this level for the whole of the first day of trading when 10,000 shares were traded. Pro forma net assets are £4.11m. Agodeus, whose shareholders include executive chairman Daniel Chian and his family, owns 89.9% of the company.
Online retailer ASOS (ASC) has completed its partnership with Heartland that will leave ASOS with 25% of Topshop and Topman brands.
Imaging technology company IQ-AI (IQAI) says Braveheart Investment (BRH) has acquired a 29.5% stake in the company for £720,000. IQ-AI chief executive and Braveheart Investment chief executive Trevor Brown sold the shares.
Shell company Milton Capital (MII) has a non-binding term sheet for the acquisition of certain subsidiaries of Horizon Energy Global Corporation, which wishes to separate European and North American assets. Trading in the shares is suspended.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 7 October 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Prize draw operator Good Life Plus (GDLF) has increased the number of paying subscribers by 90% to more than 40,000 in less than a year. Management says that it might exceed expectations for the current financial year. Good Life Plus is raising £2m at 2.5p/share. Earlier this year, £2m was raised at 2.25p/share. The cash will finance customer acquisition and signing up new partners.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) grew full year revenues by 4% to £172.3m and underlying pre-tax profit improved from £7.6m to £7.9m. NAV is 1217p/share, while net debt is £80m. Like-for-like retail sales were 4.9% ahead with the growth dominated by drinks offsetting a fall in accommodation income. Beer volumes declined 12% with own-brewed volume 17% lower. Brand refreshes are planned. Beer volumes continue to decline, while like-for-like retail sales for the initial 13 weeks of the new year are 3.8% higher.
Consumer brands company Silverwood Brands (SLWD) increased interim revenues from £5.85m to £7.08m and it moved into profit, but that was mainly due to exceptional gains.
CRUSHMETRIC Group (CUSH) increased interim revenues from HK$1.04m to HK$2.94m, although the loss was similar at HK$3.7m.
Talks with potential investors in Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) have been terminated. The documentation has not been signed and the potential investor did not pay the £200,000 towards costs that it promised. Trading in the shares will end on 30 October.
Voyager Life (VOY), which has an option to acquire M3 Helium, has changed its name to Mendell Helium. The admission document is being prepared and the option should be exercised by the end of January. The company had £163,000 in the bank at the end of March.
Aquaculture technology developer OTAQ (OTAQ) reported a 16% decline in interim revenues to £1.5m because of a delay to a £350,000 order. The company continues to lose money. A forecast full year loss of £1.3m is similar to 2023, including a £150,000 benefit from cost reductions, and it could be halved in 2025 as the full benefit of cost savings show through.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 57.27p/share at the end of August 2024. The income in the month was £590,000.
Investment Evolution Credit (IEC), which provides loans under the Mr Amazing Loans brand, is holding a general meeting to gain approval to raise up to £2.5m from share issues. Paul Mathieson is being replaced as chief executive by Marc Howells. Former director Sam Prasad is loaning £200,000 to the company, which replaces a previous £100,000 loan.
Recycling services provider Majestic Corporation (MCJ) narly doubled interim revenues from $13m to $25m and pre-tax profit was one-third higher at $900,000. The company has received Enterprise Investment Scheme status.
RentGuarantor (RGG) has increased third quarter revenues by 62% and average revenues per tenant by 8% to £606.
Gains on investments enabled Hot Rock Investments (HRIP) to move into profit in the year to March 2024. Net assets increased to £512,000.
An undertaking of EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) has provided additional funding of £2m to the Rayware Group. There is also a £1m contingent guarantee provided to third party lenders. EPE Special Opportunities still has £16m in cash.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has a commercial partnership with Deutsch-Pharm. It will use two of the company’s products (for cholesterol lowering and vascular health) under its own brand in the Ukraine. Commercialisation is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025.
One Health Group (OHGR) has appointed Panmure Liberum as corporate adviser and broker.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) has declared an interim dividend of 13p/share.
AIM
AO World (AO.) is acquiring musicMagpie (MMAG) for 9.07p/share, which values the pre-owned products supplier at just under £10m. There are irrevocable undertakings and letters of intent totalling 54% to accept the offer. AO World believes that the two companies have complementary online models, and a technology trade-in service will enhance its product offering. AO World says that the musicMagpie disc media and books business should not require significant investment.
EMV Capital (EMVC) director Jonathan Robinson bought 25,000 shares at 52p each following the interim results announcement of the company that was previously known as NetScientific. Total assets under management reached £106.7m following the addition of the Martlet Capital portfolio. Net assets edged up from £17.1m to £18.5m. Nasdaq-listed investee company PDS Biotech announced a 36-month survival rate of 84.4% in locally advanced cervical cancer patients treated with the company’s lead target drug Versamune HPV and Chemoradiation.
Tavistock Investments (TAVI) is raising up to £37.75m from disposals, which is more than treble the market capitalisation before the sale, with nearly £11m payable on completion and a further £11m from discharge of intragroup debt. The rest is payable based on performance. The two businesses made a pre-tax profit of £1.5m in the year to March 2023. The cash will be used for working capital and acquisitions. There could also be share buy backs. Chief executive Brian Raven bought 830,000 shares at 3.55p each.
Good Energy (GOOD) has acquired Lincolnshire-based solar installer Amelio Solar for an initial £5.5m. The focus of the business is the education and public sector. In 2023, revenues were £7m and pre-tax profit is £1.4m. However, there have been lower levels of activity in Good Energy’s existing installation business.
Packaging equipment and automation provider Mpac Group (MPAC) is making its second acquisition in recent weeks and this is by far the larger. Mpac is acquiring CSi Palletising for £47m, including £4.16m in shares, and the deal should be completed by the end of the year. CSi Palletising designs, manufactures and installs end-of-line packaging automation and robotics equipment and will enhance the geographic coverage. In 2023, CSi Palletising generated revenues of €71.5m and EBITDA of €7.3m. The latest interims show revenues of €44.4m and EBITDA of €6.8m. There is an order book worth €64.3m. A placing raised £29m at 400p/share and a retail offer to existing shareholders could add up to £1m to the figure.
Digital media publisher Digitalbox (DBOX) has commenced a strategic review, which could involve a sale of the company. This follows representations from a major shareholder disappointed about the level of the share price. Progress should be reported in November. Interim revenues were better than expected, but July and August were weak. Net cash is £2.2m, which is more than 50% of market capitalisation. A capital restructuring is underway to create positive distributable reserves.
Agricultural products supplier Wynnstay Group (WYN) says the second half has been hit by wet weather and weaker farmgate prices in part due to government policy uncertainty. Shore has reduced its 2023-24 pre-tax profit forecast by 35% to £7.5m and this will have a knock-on effect in the year to October 2025 where the profit forecast has been cut by 29% to £8.5m. Wynnstay should still have net cash, and the NAV is estimated at around 600p/share.
Payments technology company Bango (BGO) is making some progress towards regaining investor confidence and it is on course to make a full year profit. Interim revenues grew 19% to $24.1m. Annualised recurring revenues are 130% ahead at $12.9m. Net revenue retention is 159%.
Ceramic disc brake technology developer Surface Transforms (SCE) increased interim revenues by 58%, but growth is still not meeting expectations even though there is further growth in third quarter revenues. There are delays to installing additional capacity. Full year revenues are expected to be £11m, compared with previous expectations of £17.5m. There was £5m in cash at the end of June 2024. Odd Asset Management reduced its stake from 5.13% to 2.58%.
Graphene technology developer Versarien (VRS) has signed an agreement with Balfour Beatty to develop 3D-printable mortars for civil construction. It will formulate three types of mortar. This follows the disposal of AAC Cryoma for £550,000 payable in 15 instalments.
Oil and gas company Prospex Energy (PXEN) is applying for exploration licences in Poland. The licence awards should happen in the first quarter of 2025. Initial results from the Vlura-1B development well in Northern Spain are positive. Drilling intercepted significant gas shows and that confirmed the high quality reservoir. This well will be connected up and first production should be by November.
Battery and electronic components supplier Solid State (SOLI) is acquiring Gateway Electronic Components, which manufactures ferrite and magnetic components for £1.4m. These are used by electromechanical and Industrial Internet of Things businesses. The run rate pre-tax profit is £200,000, so the multiple is less than ten.
Surplus consumer products retailer Huddled (HUD) generated interim revenues of £5.3m and they continue to grow organically and via acquisition. Third quarter revenues will be around £3.5m. Management is investing in inventory and marketing. Warehouse functions are being centralised.
MAIN MARKET
Motor dealer software provider Pinewood Technologies (PINE) published its first results following the sale of the motor dealer business. In the six months to July 2024, revenues were 11% ahead at £16.1m. Major shareholder Lithia is taking up new licences in the UK. The US roll out is being planned.
The two board representatives of Kelso Group (KLSO) on AIM-quoted The Works.co.uk (WRKS) have stepped down. This will make it easier to sell its 6.3% stake if it wishes to. The average cost was 32p/share and the current price is 25.2p.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 9 September 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) raised £275,000 from a convertible loan note issue that expires on 31 August 2025 when it can be repaid at a 10% premium or converted into shares at a 10% discount to the weighted average price over the previous month. If there is £2m raised in a share issue, then the loan notes are immediately convertible at a 10% discount to the issue price. The coupon is 10%. Following this issue, a partnership was announced with a major UK mobile operator. Good Life Plus will offer promotions to help with engagement with tens of millions of subscribers. This will provide access to potential subscribers to the Good Life Plus platform. There should be other partnerships in the coming months. The share price increased 3.28% to 3.15p. This is a new high for the shar price.
It is taking longer than anticipated Invinity Energy Systems (IES) even though the long duration energy storage market is growing. More time is required to develop the Mistral next-gen product to reduce costs. There is uncertainty about the timing of the recognition of revenues. The 2024 revenues were expected to be £36.3m, but it is likely to be lower. Jonathan Marren is replacing Larry Zulch as chief executive. There was £49.2m in the bank at the end of June 2024.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) is raising £1.2m at 3.36p/share. OptiBiotix Health (LON: OPTI) is unhappy with the latest fundraise by ProBiotix Health and claims a typo in the AGM notice means that it should not be allowed to issue more shares except on a pre-emptive basis. The company previously said that it had enough cash. ProBiotix Health believes that the error is not relevant. The underlying problem seems to be the high discount of the fundraising price to the market price.
EDX Medical (EDX) has signed a distribution agreement with Caris Life Sciences. They will work together to distribute Caris molecular profiling services in the UK and Nordic countries. The deal lasts for three years, and additional regions and products could be added.
Recycling services provider Majestic Corporation (MCJ) has agreed to acquire Deeside-based Telecycle Europe for up to £2m. The acquisition target already acts as a tolling agent for Majestic Corporation, and it is owned by Peter Lai, the 71.9% shareholder in Majestic Corporation. The deal will secure a steady supply of recyclable materials and should improve margins. In 2021, Telecycle Europe mad a post-tax profit of £175,000. The initial payment is £150,000 and then monthly of payments of £150,000. The full amount is dependent on volumes being met.
Peninsula Yacht Services is adopting SulNOx Group (SNOX) fuel additives for the fuel it supplies from its Gibraltar. The specialist pumping system is being installed following permission from the authorities.
Mortgage Chat has changed its name to Pitch Pit (PICH) and its strategy to become an artificial intelligence and technology accelerator. Chandila Fernando and Judith Hough will head up the new operations, who will join the board after background checks are completed. Brian Stockbridge of First Sentinel has already joined the board. The company plans to raise £500,000.
Oscillate (MUSH) is progressing the proposed acquisition of Quantum Hydrogen Inc. Regulatory approval of the documentation is being awaited and a general meeting should be announced this month.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) had net assets of 114p/share at the end of June 2024.
Equipmake (EQIP) announced that the HTM-3500 heavy vehicle electric motor maintains its peak performance of 3,500Nm and 400kW, while its continuous power output has doubled to 200kW at 2,500rpm.
Time to ACT (TTA) subsidiary GreenSpur has won a design contract to develop an optimised wind turbine generator for XFlow Energy.
DXS International (DXSP) has changed its corporate adviser to Hybridan. Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has appointed Tavira Financial to replace SP Angel as corporate broker. A new investor relations strategy will be announced shortly. Tennyson Securities has published research on Tap Global Group (TAP). It is available via www.tennysonsecurities.co.uk.
AIM
Weak demand from independent restaurants and bars in the UK and internationally held back the interims of ceramic products manufacturer Churchill China (CHH). Independents are suffering from higher costs. Demand from national chains has held up better. Revenues fell from £44m to £40.6m, while the underlying pre-tax profit edged up from £4.7m to £4.8m. This is because capital investment has helped to improve margins. The interim dividend was raised 4.5% to 11.5p/share. The full year outcome is dependent on fourth quarter trading.
Agricultural products supplier Camellia (CAM) says trading conditions eased slightly in the first half of 2024, but they are still difficult. Revenues improved 7% to £105.1m and the loss was reduced from £15.1m to £9.7m. There is no interim dividend. The loss from tea fell, while nuts and fruits profit more than trebled to £3.2m. The engineering business returned to profit. Net cash is £24.1m and there is an investment portfolio worth £37.6m. The full year loss should be between £10m and £12m.
Signing up Donlim Group for a filtration technology licence did not offset the weaker trading news at laundry filtration technology developer Xeros Technology (XSG). Indian licensee IFB has delayed the launch of new 9kg washing machine until next year and French environmental standards for microplastics have not been clarified. Donlim owns the Morphy Richards brand, and it will manufacture the XF3 external filter under licence from the middle of next year. The 2024 pre-tax loss estimate has been raised from £2.7m to £4.3m. William Black and Armstrong Investments have increased their stake from 6.34% to 7.3%.
Rockfire Resources (ROCK) has increased the size of the resource at the Molaoi zinc lead silver germanium deposit in Greece by 500%. The JORC 2012 compliant mineral resource estimate is 15 million tonnes at an average grade of 9.96% zinc equivalent. Allenby estimates that it is one of the top 20 undeveloped zinc prospects. There is also 4.8mt of germanium. There are high recovery rates. Only 2.1km of the 7km potential strike has been tested so far. Allenby estimates a fair value of 2.6p/share.
Hostels operator Safestay (SSTY) improved interim revenues by 7% to £10.7m and the loss reduced from £947,000 to £113,000. Sales to the end of August were well ahead of last year and forward bookings are strong into next year. The lease of the loss making Venna hostel has been surrendered. Four new properties have been added this year. NAV increased by 17% to 49.8p/share.
Real-time financial data provider Arcontech (ARC) increased full year revenues by 7% to £2.9m and pre-tax profit improved from £1m to £1.1m. More than 90% of revenues are recurring. Net cash was £7.2m at the end of June 2024. The dividend has been raised to 3.75p/share. Pre-tax profit is set to fall this year because of investment in sales.
Andrew Carter has resigned as chief executive of wines producer Chapel Down Group (CDGP) and will become the boss of Timothy Taylor next year. Interim revenues fell 11% to £7.12m due to a slump in off-trade sales. There was not the expected restocking by retailers. Pre-tax profit slumped to £40,000. Net debt was £5.8m at the end of June 2024 after investment in further planting at the Buckwell vineyard.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) had $8.1m in gross cash at the end of June 2024 with a milestone payment of $5.7m expected in the second half. The first half cash outflow was $5.8m. Management believes that the business should be monthly cash flow positive during the second half of 2025. Iron deficiency treatment ACCRUFeR generated revenues of $11m in the US in the first half and total group revenues were $12.1m. Full year US revenues could be $27m.
A recovery in the Hercules Site Services (HERC) share price led to a decision to raise £8m via a subscription and placing at 49.5p/share. Morson chief executive Ged Mason subscribed for 9.5% of the enlarged share capital. Majority shareholder Brusk Korkmaz has sold 6.06 million shares to Wasdell Packaging, whose majority shareholder Martin Tedham has been appointed as a director.
First Property (FPO) has launched a one-for-three open offer to raise £2.96m at 8p/share. It is underwritten by directors Ben Habib and Alasdair Locke. The cash will settle the deferred payment for the Blue Tower property and finance the completion of the fit-out.
MAIN MARKET
Precision components supplier Carclo (CAR) says trading is in line with expectations with margins prioritised over volumes. The restructuring of US operations is ahead of schedule. Aerospace demand is strong, which has helped the speciality division.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 29 July 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Life Plus (GDLF) reported its figures for the 16 months to January 2024. This includes a full contribution from the core luxury prize draw business and a few months of the shell it reversed into. Revenues were £2.39m and the loss was £3.98m, although that included costs of the reversal. The underlying business is losing money as it builds up the subscriber base. The recent £2m fundraising was after the balance sheet date, so there is plenty of cash to continue to add players. The number exceeds 30,000 and continue to rise. There are potential deals with media partners that could reduce the costs of subscriber acquisition by providing access to new people and only paying if they sign up to the Good Life Plus prize draws.
Interim figures of Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) show a decline in interim profit as net interest rate margin was reduced from 6.1% to 5.2%. Pre-tax profit fell from £26.4m to £20.8m. Asset based lending profit did improve. Tangible NAV was 1396p/share.
Broker and investment manager Oberon Investments Group (OBE) increased revenues by 50% to £7.58m in the year to March 2024. There was still a loss of £2.88m, even after the £318,000 gain on a stake disposal. Additi9nal hires mean that overheads were much higher. NAV was £23.9m. Corporate finance income was slightly lower with the main growth coming from investment management. There has been a strong first quarter this year and signs of improving business. Like-for-like growth should be more than 30% this year.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has opened its manufacturing facilities in Motherwell. This will increase capacity for its energy storage technology to more than 500Mwh/year.
Rathbones has a 5.59% stake in Walls and Futures REIT (WAFR).
Stephen Bamford has reduced his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) to less than 3%, following a transfer of shares to his children. Gunsynd (GUN) executive director Donald Strang bought one million shares at 0.1215p each.
AIM
FRP Advisory (FRP) is benefiting from strong restructuring services demand and its corporate finance operations are trading better than many of its peers. In the year to April 2024, revenues were 23% higher at £128.2m, while pre-tax profit improved from £24.1m to £33.7m. The dividend was raised to 5p/share. Net cash is £29.7m. Since the year end, two acquisitions have been made: Southampton-based finance provider Hilton-Baird and Cardiff-based Lexington Corporate Finance. Even so, net cash could improve to m£32m by April 2025.
Order intake has weakened at scientific instruments supplier Judges Scientific (JDG) and there is no sign of this changing in the near term. There have also been delays of some projects. Organic revenues declined 3% in the first half. Demand from China has been weak. Some delayed work will come through in the second half. Even so, the full year pre-tax profit forecast has been cut by 10% to £30.3m, down from £31.7m last year.
Prospex Energy (PXEN) has secured a ten-year extension of the licence concessions for the El Romeral project in Spain. It can be extended for another ten years to 2044. Prospex Energy is trying to gain permission to drill more wells to provide gas to El Romeral so its electricity production can increase by one-third.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) chief executive Greg Madison is stepping down and non-exec Anders Lundstrom will take over on an interim basis. Iron deficiency treatment ACCRUFeR generated revenues of $6.9m in the second quarter, which was 69% higher than the previous quarter. This is a combination of more prescriptions and higher selling prices. The interim revenues are $11m. Cash is still flowing out of the business.
Energy supplier Yu Group (YU.) increased revenues by 60% in the first half and cash has increased to £86.8m. Lower prices mean that monthly average bookings have declined by 9% and that will hit operating margins. These factors mean that SP Angel is keeping its full year pre-tax profit forecast at £44.5m even though interim revenues grew much faster than expected.
Inspiration Healthcare (IHC) has finally signed the £3.3m Middle East contract it has been waiting for. The equipment should be shipped in the period to year-end in January 2025. This covers the majority of the revenues needed to be gained to achieve the full year forecast revenues of £41m. Earlier in the week, BGF Investment Management increased its stake to more than 21%.
Hydrogen and fertiliser projects developer Atome (ATOM) has signed heads of terms for a fertiliser offtake agreement with Yara. This covers the Villeta project in Paraguay. This will help to achieve full financing of the project by the end of 2024. The Villeta facility could produce 260,000tpa of fertiliser. Yara is the largest fertiliser and ammonia trader and the fertiliser produced at Villeta should be sold at a premium price.
Zephyr Energy (ZPHR) has completed the initial phase of testing of the State 36-2R LNW-CC well in the Paradox Basin, US. Peak production rates were 1,350 barrels of equivalent/day even though the well was choked back and constrained. There is a higher condensate yield than nearby wells and this will be attractive to Utah refineries. There is little water production. However, the natural fracture network may be partially obstructed. Zephyr Energy will try to remove drilling mud emulsions that could be blocking the fracture and that will cost a few hundred thousand dollars.
Healthcare services provider Totally (TLY) made a small loss in the year to March 2024, but it is expected to return to profit this year even though revenues are set to continue to decline. Annualised cost savings of £3.5m have been made. There have been delays to tender activity around the General Election, but this is changing. The investigation into the NHS should report in September and this could provide opportunities.
Aptamer (APTA) is raising £2.83m at 0.2p/share, which was a large discount to the market price. The cash is required to get the full potential from its Optimer binder technology. There are relationships with the top ten pharma companies and there is potential for licensing the technology in the next few years. The fixed cost base will be reduced from £3.5m to £2.9m.
Brighton Pier (PIER) has been hampered by poor weather. There was a 29% decline in footfall on Brighton Pier itself so this year’s revenues will be lower than expected. The other three leisure businesses are trading in line with expectations. Cavendish expects a 2024 loss after tax of £700,000.
Architectural and construction software provider Eleco (ELCO) generated organic growth of 12% in the first half. Overall interim revenues were 21% higher at £16.3m. Annualised recurring revenues are £25.8m. Cavendish is maintaining its full year pre-tax profit forecast at £4.8m. Profit has been held back by the move to SaaS-based income, but as this process matures it should accelerate.
Braveheart Investments (BRH) has increased its stake in Image Scan (IGE) from 5.21% to 7.22%,
MAIN MARKET
Thalassa Holdings (THAL) has taken a 9.94% stake in Surgical Innovations (SUN) and the share price recovered 23.1% to 0.8p, which values the surgical instruments manufacturer at £7.5m. Earlier this year, Thalassa chairman Duncan Soukup made initial restitution payments due to a loss on an investment in Tappit Technologies and he will pay up to £1.5m more. This means that Thalassa has cash to invest. Thalassa had a book value of 116p/share at the end of 2023.
Financial management software developer Aptitude Software (LON: APTD) is going through a period of transition. The current core product is AccountancyHub, but the newest product is Fynapse. The plan is to transfer one-third of the AccountancyHub customers to Fynapse by 2027, while also adding new clients. There is less need for complicated implementation processes with Fynapse and much of that work is done by partners. That is why those revenues have declined in the latest period and total interim revenues fell from £37.5m to £35.3m. Annualised recurring revenues are £46.7m. There was a cash outflow in the first half, but net cash should recover to £25m by the end of 2024. Pre-tax profit improved from £1.75m to £2.5m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 July 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Voyager Life (VOY) has entered into an option to acquire M3 Helium Corp, which is a Kansas-based helium producer, for 57.6 million shares. Production is from one well and four other wells are being tested. There is also a processing plant. Voyager Life has raised £864,000 at 3p/share to finance the development of operations and fund the readmission document. M3 Helium is loss-making.
Ananda Developments (ANA) announced promising results from cardiac fibrosis studies with CBD-based therapy MRX1. It has potential as a treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. It mitigates cardiac fibrosis and improves heart health. Next steps are being assessed.
Tennyson Securities has published initial research on Good Life Plus (GDLF) the prize-based draw lottery. Investment in the business means that it will continue to lose money for the next two years before moving into profit in 2026-27 when earnings of 0.7p/share are forecast. The 12-month target price is 4.24p/share.
Time to ACT (TTA) subsidiary GreenSpur has received an award of £613,000 from the EU BEETHOVEN project for the development of advanced magnetic materials. This will be used for development of the rare earth-free magnet.
Valereum (VLRM) reported a reduction in loss from £4.25m to £353,000. There was a swing from net liabilities of £758,000 to net assets of £351,000 following an increase in the value of the investment in Vinanz (BTC). That was partly offset by an impairment charge on the GSX investment.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) expects to conclude its evaluation of future funding later in the summer.
Housebuilder St Mark Homes (SMAP) reported an increase in loss from £1.47m to £2.93m. Directors are halving their remuneration from the beginning of July. Because of the weakened financial position, the board will ask shareholders at the AGM to agree to the departure from the Aquis Stock Exchange.
Food company Essentially Group (ESSN) lost £960,000 on revenues of £1.59m in the 16 months to the end of 2023. There was £301,000 in the bank at the end of the year.
Ormonde Mining (ORM) had net assets of €10.5m at the end of 2023, including €2.3m in cash. Management is evaluating investment opportunities.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) reported an increase in cash outflow from operations from £787,000 to £1.62m. Cash fell below £6,000 at the end of 2023. A share issue at 1.2p/share and exercise of warrants raised £550,000 this year.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) made a pre-tax profit of £20.1m in 2023 following a fair value gain of £25.3m. This is prior to the recent tender offer.
Marula Mining (MARU) believes that the Blesburg lithium and tantalum mine will generate positive cash flow in the second half of 2024. The company has confirmed delivery of manganese ore from the Larisoro manganese mine and they will increase in the second half.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) has issued 100,000 investor warrants exercisable at 120p/share to VSA Capital. The convertible loan notes will be redeemable on 21 June 2026 instead of September 2024.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) increased revenues from £2.94m to £22m in 2023. The loss rose from £18.5m to £23.2m.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 106.3p/share at the end of May 2024.
Startup Giants (SUG) left Aquis on 27 June.
AIM
PI Industries has launched a 9p/share bid for Plant Health Care (PHC) and this is recommended by the board. The bid values the natural crop enhancement products company at £32.8m. PI is involved in all areas of the agricultural inputs sector in India, and it would be able to provide the finance and distribution to grow the Plant Health Care operations. PI wants to expand into areas such as the US and Brazil where Plant Health Care is already active.
Pubs and bars operator Nightcap (NGHT) has decided to cancel the AIM quotation because of the weak share price and the difficulty to raise additional funds. Trading is challenging and this is expected to continue for the rest of the year. EBITDA for the year to June 2024 is below expectations. Integrating The Piano Works has been more costly than anticipated. A general meeting will be held on 17 July but there is already sufficient support to pass the resolution to leave AIM. The quotation is likely to be cancelled on 29 July. A matched bargain facility will be provided by Asset Match.
Renewables investment company I(X) Net Zero (IX.) also plans to cancel its AIM quotation. The share price has slumped since joining AIM, partly because of the timing. Renewables businesses were in favour, but there was a subsequent change in investor sentiment to companies that were not profitable. There has also been a lack of liquidity in the shares. Cash is flowing out of the company and more funds are likely to be required. There were $81.1m of unrealised gains in 2023, mainly due to a rise in valuation for WasteFuel after an investment by BP. NAV is $122.2m. There are plans to obtain a matched bargain facility though JP Jenkins.
Musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) reported full year figures in line with the recent trading statement. Revenues were 1% higher at £83.1m, while the company returned to profit. Founder Andrew Wass will focus on growth strategy and Gareth Bevan will take over as chief executive. The new strategy involves continued investment in the platform, enhancing the product range and diversifying channels to market. This year, pre-tax profit is expected to improve from £1.1m to £2.8m.
Renewable energy company SIMEC Atlantis Energy (SAE) generated cash in 2023 due the sale of the Uskmouth energy storage project and ongoing revenues from MeyGen tidal project. Net debt was reduced from £54.1m to £50.6m, with the majority of debt in the MeyGen project, which is set to be expanded. Core company debt was £13.7m, before the subsequent receipt of £7m from a land sale. This puts the company in a strong position make further energy storage project investments.
Giftware and stationery manufacturer IG Design (IGR) continues to improve margins. Revenues declined 11% to $00m, while pre-tax profit increased from $9.2m to $25.9m. The decline was in North America. Lower margin business was not continued, and progress was made despite the economic conditions. Net cash was $95.2m. The company is stopping manufacturing in China.
AIM-quoted investment company Braveheart Investment (BRH) increased its stake in thermal insulation and acoustic material manufacturer Autins Group (AUTG) from 26% to nearly 27%. Autins interim revenues improved slightly to £11.7m and cost savings reduced the loss, but it was still £466,000. Second half sales are likely to decline in the UK because of changes in customer order mix and there is a halt in production at a European EV manufacturer. Flooring sales are weak.
Battery technology developer Gelion (GELN) has signed a joint development agreement with natural resources company Glencore International. The two companies will assess the suitability of Gelion technologies for use in Glencore’s stationary or mobile applications and pilot any opportunities. There will also be an assessment of strategic supply of materials to Gelion and future recycling.
Sanderson Design (SDG) is still finding the UK consumer market tough. Brand revenues have declined, and UK sales are 14% lower in the initial five months of the financial year. Manufacturing revenues are flat. Singers has downgraded its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast from £12m to £7.8m, which is not much higher than the figure for 2020-21. Net cash could fall to £10m.
Duke Capital (DUKE) says some investee companies have not been paying the expected amounts to the company. This has led to a decline in valuations of investments in the balance sheet. This is particularly the consumer-related investments. Total cash revenues were £30.3m in the year to March 2024, helped by three exits from investments. However, the fourth quarter recurring cash revenues fell to £5.8m, from £6.3m in the previous quarter. NAV is 39.8p/share.
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) expects interim revenues to be £46m, up 26%. First quarter revenues were 28% higher. There is a second half weighting to trading and new customers have been added. Freight costs are rising.
Nasdaq has sent two written notices to Renalytix (RENX) because the ADS price has fallen below $1 for at least 30 consecutive days. It is also below the minimum market valuation of $50m. Renalytix will appeal the determination that trading in the ADSs will be suspended on 2 July and they will subsequently be kicked off Nasdaq. Management will present a plan to become compliant again.
R and Q Insurance Holdings (RQIH) has sold Accredited to Onex Partners for $420m. Prior to that Inceptum was sold for £11.25m. Teneo has been appointed as provisional liquidator of R and Q.
Live Company Group (LVCG) is continuing discussions with a cornerstone investor to provide cash required because of the shortfall at the Brick Live division. A KPOP event in Germany is being promoted alongside the cornerstone investor. The 2023 accounts will not be published by the end of June, so trading in the shares will be suspended 1 July.
Secure payments technology developer PCI-Pal (PCIP) has settled all its patent litigation with Sycurio in the UK and US. The settlement is confidential.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) has returned to profit. In the year to March 2024, revenues were flat at £62.6m, while a loss of £200,000 was turned into a pre-tax profit of £1m. The number of active customers increased from 991,000 to 1.05 million. Net debt was reduced £700,000. Like-for-like sales are 3.5% ahead in the latest quarter.
Harworth Group (HWG) is raising £106m from the sale of land at Skelton Grange, which is more than double book value.
IT services provider Triad (TRD) fell into loss in the year to March 2024. Staff were retained ahead of securing work for them. Cash fell to £2.1m. The total dividend was maintained at 6p/share.
Andrew Hore