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Quoted Micro 8 June 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Incanthera (INC) is acquiring skincare brand Enielle for up to 54 million shares at 2p each depending on performance and its owner and boss Stuart Robertson will become Incanthera chief executive, taking over from Dr Simon Ward who will remain on the board. Tim McCarthy is stepping down as executive chairman. Enielle focuses on day time treatment of wrinkles and skin texture and it will fit with Skin + CELL, which is focused on evening use. There will be a multi-channel sales strategy and pricing is being reviewed.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has revealed its plans for the move to AIM. This is expected to happen in late June. No new shares will be issued.
Tomahawk Metals (TMHK) has completed the acquisition of the Koolyanobbing gold project in Western Australia. Progress is being made with due diligence for the option over Slovakian assets.
Low-energy digital asset miner Sterling Digital (ASIC) has entered into a contract with Terra Solis Mining for installation support for the first gas to energy site. Sterling Digital has opened a Bitcoin custodian account with Coinbase.
Quantum computing technology developer Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) partner Penn State University has filed three patent applications, and these will be added to the Delta IP portfolio. The patents relate to using gold and other materials for their quantum mechanical properties for sensing, computing and information processing. Warrant exercises have raised £209,000. Directors have been buying shares.
Heart health ingredients developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) has secured a partnership with Slovakia-based iProbio for the supply of its probiotic strain LPLDL® for a new cardiometabolic health food supplement branded as CARDIObiom+®. Heat disease deaths in Slovakia are around 50% higher than the EU average.
Vaultz Capital (V3TC) is raising £1m from resources investor Regent Resources Capital Corporation at 2.2p/share. Creditors owed £320,000 will be paid. Vaultz Capital is assessing deals “aligned with the energy transition and digital economy, including strategic minerals, AI and digital infrastructure”. Eric Benz has had his employment terminated and he is no longer a director. Ian Burns is joining the board. Executive chairman Charlie Wood bought two million shares at 2.44p each. The share price is 2.6p, compared with an estimated NAV of 3.1p.
Quorium Global Photonics SPC has reduced its stake in Valereum (VLRM) from 49.9% to 44.8%.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) announced a distribution agreement with DLBC, which supplies lubricants to agricultural and transport clients in France. This broadens the use of Sulnox emissions reduction additives.
Vault Ventures (VULT) has identified that trading by its Dubai subsidiary in crypto assets has led to large losses and the loan pf £2.15m advanced to the subsidiary will be written down. There are still potential recoveries from the business.
WeCap (WCAP) has raised £37.250 at 0.35p/share for working capital for the next six months.
BWA Group (BWAP) has appointed Peter Taylor as chief executive.
Ethry (ETHY) has bought 108.3253 Ethereum for £162,488. That takes the total stake to 925 Ethereum
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) announced on 1 June that it planned to buy back up to £2m worth of shares. It has bought 206,250 shares and does not intend to buy any more.
Unigel (UNX) shareholders voted to leave Aquis. Chan E Lin has taken a 6.74% stake. The cancellation will be on 22 June.
JP JENKINS
Renewable energy company Thrive Renewables (THRV) reported a decline in full year revenues from £26m to £21m, while operating profit fell from £11.3m to £3.6m. This is due to lower electricity prices. The final dividend is 12p/share. The plan is to double generation capacity by 2028.
ASSET MATCH
Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (IOS) says its new freight vessel is on its way from Vietnam. The company wants to move Skybus into profit. Trading was in line with expectations in the year to March 2026. Andrew Sells has requested access to the share register so that he can contact shareholders.
Marshall of Cambridge (MCH) has sold all its property holdings in Cambridge, including Cambridge Airport, to The Hill Group and Homes England. The airport site will be leased back so that operations can be moved by 2029. Further details will be announced.
Zytronic (ZYT) has sent out the circular to gain shareholder approval for the winding up of the company. The general meeting will be on 26 June and the company would leave Asset Match on 27 June. A cash distribution is expected within three months.
Gulfsands Petroleum (GPX) reported a cash outflow from operations of $2.89m in 2025. Net debt is $1.53m. In march 2026, a management team set foot in Block 26 in Syria for the first time in more than 14 years.
AIM
Corporate finance business Marechale Capital (MAC) is acquiring broker Stanford Capital Partners along with global asset tokenisation platform Blubird Global and NJC Capital Management VSA Private Fund and its manager. The payment is 75.2 million shares issued at 1.75p each, which values the businesses at £1.32m. There will be £1.06m raised at the same price. This will make Marechale a digital merchant bank with tokenisation offering an alternative way of raising money for clients.
Portmeirion (PMP) raised £15m at 50p/share and a retail offer could raise up to £2m more. The homeware brands company will use the cash to reduce net debt and to invest in the US Amazon online business that has been brought in-house. There could also be small bolt-on acquisitions.
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) has secured an additional supply of brine for the IO#11 plant and this will increase utilisation rates and profit. Annual production iodine volumes could increase to 45-65 tons. Production could start to increase during the third quarter of 2026. A $1.5m investment is required for a pipeline and other related costs.
Pawnbroker Ramsdens (RFX) made a higher profit in the first half than in the previous full year. The interim pre-tax profit jumped from £6.1m to £16.7m, and interim dividend is raised from 5p/share to 9p/share – including a special dividend of 3p/share compared with 0.5p/share the previous year. The loan book is at record levels. Precious metals purchases more than doubled and jewellery retail sales grew by 26%. Forex income declined. Cavendish raised its 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast by 6% to £30.3m.
Scotland-based housebuilder Springfield Properties (SPR) has eliminated bank debt and had net cash of £1m at the end of May 2026. This will provide opportunities to acquire additional land when there are good prospects available. Full year pre-tax profit is set to be in line with expectations at £12.6m in 2025-26.
Electronic and electro-mechanical component supplier LPA Group (LPA) returned to profit in the first half. Revenues increased 45% to £13.8m with a recovery in rail income and higher industrial sales. There was a return to profit. The order book is worth £29.3m and stretches to 2028-29.
CleanTech Lithium (CTL) has raised £4.77m via a placing at 6p/share. A proposed WRAP retail offer could raise up to £250,00. The outstanding convertible loan notes will be converted into 64.5 million shares. Chairman Steve Kesler has taken £276,273 of fees in 4.6 million shares at the issue price. The cash raised will fund licence purchase costs at Laguna Verde, finance the environmental impact assessment and refinement of the direct lithium extraction processes. Nearly 20 million options will be granted to directors and senior management as part of an incentivisation package.
Floorcoverings distributor Likewise (LIKE) has increased like-for-like revenues by 16.5% in the first five months of the year. May was 19% ahead. That is higher than the first quarter growth of 15%. Capacity is being increased and it will exceed £250m per year.
Ceramic and fragrance products supplier Portmeirion (PMP) announced a fundraising late on Wednesday evening. It raised £15m at 50p/share and a retail offer could raise up to £2m more. The homeware brands company will use the cash to reduce net debt and to invest in the US Amazon online business that has been brought in-house. There could also be small bolt-on acquisitions.
Petrogas will not be making a bid for Deltic Energy (DELT). Neo Next+ Energy Upstream, which is part of the largest North Sea oil group, has bid 7.7p in cash per share and it has been recommended by the board of the oil and gas company. The value is £7.2m.
MAIN MARKET
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) continues to rapidly increase its NAV as its portfolio of investments matures and they start to generate revenues. In the quarter to March 2026, the NAV increased by one-quarter to 177.6p/share. Higher defence spending has boosted space investment. Many of the investments have raised money and are well-financed. The £137m raised in the C share issue provides additional funds for new investments.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 May 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Audit and assurance services provider Adsure Services (ADS) is increasing customer numbers and market share in the housing sector and education has also been a strong market. Other markets have been weaker. Working capital was reduced.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has made a £200,000 strategic investment in Reveille Resources, taking a 25% stake in the Italy-focused uranium explorer that wants to join Aquis. Reveille Resources has interests in the Novazza and Val Vedello uranium deposits. Ajax Resources is taking an option over the acquisition of Minerva Metals, which holds the Sebera exploration licence in Italy, which is targeting antimony, tungsten and gold. Ajax Resources is planning a listing on Euronext Growth Oslo.
Marula Mining (MARU) has been fined £55,000, reduced to £44,000 for early settlement by the Aquis Stock Exchange because of social media posts that provided information that had not been published as official announcements on the market. It also repeatedly failed to produce accounts on time and was slow in paying Aquis fees. Marula Mining is continuing talks with WEEE Centre over their potential collaboration on a lithium-ion battery recycling centre in Kenya. Final legal reviews of the agreement are near to completion and phase one of the operations should start by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
Inqo Investments (INQO) has opened the Pabidi Lodge in Uganda. This is an eco-luxury hospitality asset located in Uganda’s Budongo Forest, within the broader Murchison Falls National Park.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has exercised the option to acquire M3 Helium. Completion is expected in May and £5m is being raised at 4p/share. M3 Helium already has helium production and potential to increase this through drilling and building infrastructure. Dividends are possible in 2027.
WeCap (WCAP) investee company WeShop published 2025 results. It remains an early stage business and there is an initial rollout of the social commerce platform and beta testing of the WeShop app in the US. The company is recruiting in the US. WeShop processed transactions with a GMV of $140m. The WeShop share price drifted down to $8.80, although it has still risen by 50% over the past month.
Digital asset company Coinsilium (COIN) continues to make progress with advancing its operating model. Otomato has launched its application across web and mobile. There is increasing activity on the Yellow Network, and it is moving towards the launch of decentralised perpetual futures contracts trading.
Sulnox Group (SNOX) generated record annual revenues of £2.62m, with like-for-like fourth quarter revenues nearly doubled. Cash was £822,000 at the end of March 2026.
Visum Technologies has changed its name to Nomad Compute (NMD) to reflect its new strategic direction. The focus is modular edge AI compute infrastructure. A fundraising is planned. It has acquired Crowdtech AB, a technology development company, for £414,000. This is being paid for in the form of the shares in subsidiary C and C Gordon at book value.
Energy B (NRGB) had £6,000 in cash at the end of January 2026. Chairman Neil Ritson has subsequently provided a £50,000 loan facility and £30,000 has been drawn down.
B HODL (HODL) has bought one Bitcoin at £57,802.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has invested £200,000 in Hybrid Drones. Defence company MBDA is a fellow investor.
NYCE International (NYCE) has raised £50,000 at 17.5p/share.
Woodland Capital, where Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) managing director Gavin Burnell is a significant shareholder, has acquired 1.85 million shares at 1.1p each, 855,259 shares at 1.35p each and one million shares at 1.45p share. This takes Gavin Burnell’s interest to 19.2%.
JP JENKINS
Hydrogen Capital Growth (HGEN), formerly HydrogenOne Capital Growth, has moved to JP Jenkins as part of the managed realisation of its portfolio of clean hydrogen and energy transition technology investments.
ASSET MATCH
Infection prevention IP developer Byotrol (BYOT) says 2025-26 sales were flat at £4.33m, although product sales were higher. The loss was higher. Cash was £457,000 at the end of March 2026. There is expected to be a positive EBITDA this year.
Greenshield Agri (GAH) had net assets of 160p/share at the end of 2025. The company has hedged all its requirement for fertiliser for 2026. Costs have been cut and crop prospects are good.
AIM
Cosmetics supplier Warpaint London (W7L) was hit by US tariffs and weak consumer confidence in 2025 and this continued into early 2026. Full year revenues edged up from £101.6m to £105m, but it would have been lower without the brands acquired last year. Gross margin improved, but pre-tax profit dipped from £24.6m to £19.2m. It could rebound to more than £20m this year, but it is still early in the year. This year will be more second half weighted with a much larger Christmas order from Walmart.
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) reported better than expected figures for 2025. Revenues increased from $54.5m to $66.5m. Earnings jumped from 1.52 cents/share to 3.26 cents/share. A large plant will start production later this year leading to a big rise in production in 2027. More plants are in the pipeline. X-ray demand for iodine is keeping the price high and Canaccord is anticipating it staying above $70/tonne. This year earnings could reach 3.9 cents/share, and the 2027 figure has been upgraded to 6.3 cents/share.
Property technology company Built Cybernetics (BUC) moved into profit in 2025-26 and smart buildings revenues exceed architecture revenues for the first time. However, the master systems integrator business has been hit by poor demand, and the group could fall back into loss this year. Built Cybernetics has raised £570,000 at 1.5p/share.
A positive trading statement by IG Design (IGR) has led to upgrades for the year just ended and the current year. Ongoing gift wrap and stationery business is better than expected, although consumer confidence remains weak. In the year to March 2026, revenues were $292m, while the pre-tax profit estimate has been increased from $9.5m to $11.5m. This year’s pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from $12.3m to $14.3m, helped by an earnings enhancing acquisition in South Africa. Net cash is $72m before the £3.4m spent on the acquisition.
Professional services provider Christie Group (CTG) beat previously upgraded profit forecasts for 2025. Pre-tax profit jumped from £2.6m to £6m, helped by the sale of loss making operations, and the dividend was raised 56% to 3.5p/share. Additional hires will increase costs this year, so profit is forecast to fall to £4.6m.
Xeros Technology (XSG) 2025 results show a reduction in loss from £4.5m to £3.5m. The sustainable laundry technology developer expects a sharp rise in revenues this year, albeit from a low base. All three parts of the business should start to grow royalty revenues.
Sanderson Design (SDG) did well in North America last year and that helped to offset the weak UK market. Group revenues fell 1% to £99.5m, while underlying pre-tax profit improved from £4.4m to £5.3m, helped by a better performance by manufacturing. The dividend is unchanged at 1.5p/share. Net cash is £9.8m.
Digital content technology and direct carrier billing services provider Bango (BGO) is focusing on higher margin and subscription business. Subscriptions revenues were 22% ahead at $22.2m and annualised recurring revenues 30% higher at $18.2m. Net revenues retention was 117% last year, which indicates the growth in spending by existing customers. Overall group revenues for 2025 fell 2% to $52.2m. Adjusted EBITDA was 7% higher at $16.4m, which was more than the capitalised development spending of $13.6m. There were exceptional charges of $6.4m, which relate to the restructuring of the business and cost savings. Net debt was $9.2m at the end of 2025
Membrane-free electrolyser technology developer Clean Power Hydrogen (CPH2) has signed a memorandum of understanding with ABE Gruppe concerning a potential supply and installation of up to 175MW of capacity over ten years. ABE is a subsidiary of BKW a large Swiss infrastructure and energy services group, and it also has operations in Germany and other European countries. This would be a significant deal for Clean Power Hydrogen, and it would generate service revenues.
ProService Building Services Marketplace (PRO), formerly HSS Hire, says 2025-26 revenues from continuing operations is expected to be £248m, which is lower than forecast. That is due to a lower ramping up of the new arrangements with Speedy Hire and the weak construction market. The company is investing in further automation of its marketplace platform. Speedy Hire volumes are improving, and the deal should be earnings enhancing this year. Net debt was £27.2m at the end of March 2026 and the debt should be refinanced by August. Guidance for 2026-27 EBITDA is between £9m and £12m. Consensus was previously £19.6m.
Digital health company MedPal AI (MPAL) has acquired the Remedi Solutions pharmacy facility in Runcorn from administrators for £310,000. Historical annualised turnover was previously around £10m. MedPal has been operating the pharmacy ahead of approval for the transfer of ownership to the company.
Scancell (SCLP) has received FDA Fast Track designation for iSCIB1+ in advanced melanoma. Plans are being advanced for a phase 3 trial which could start in the second half of 2026. Progression free survival reached 77% at 20 months, which is 30 percentage points above standard care. Additional data is expected in the first half of 2027.
Shield Therapeutics (STX) generated revenues of $18m in the first quarter of 2026 with ACCRUFeR making $9.9m and a $7.9m milestone payment from China. The US sales continue to grow, but NY-Medicaid now requires prior authorisation for prescription approvals.
MAIN MARKET
Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) investee company ALL.SPACE is being acquired by York Space Systems. It is a cash and shares bid. This investment was 15.9% of the net asset value at the end of 2025 and the value of the takeover should be similar to the current valuation.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 20 April 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Oscillate (SRVL) is raising £2.96m at 22.5p/share ahead of joining AIM on 27 April. This values the mining company, which is changing its name to Serval Resources, at £7.6m.
Equipmake (EQIP) has announced a further £950,000 order with Agrale for electric drivetrain systems for nine buses in South America. They will be delivered in the year to May 2027. Previous orders were for a total of 73 buses.
WeCap (WCAP) shares bounced back 55.6% to 0.7p following a recovery in the share price of investee company WeShop to $15.87.
Cooks Coffee (COOK) fourth quarter store sales were 18% higher at £11.2m with similar increases in the UK and Ireland. Full year store sales were 23% ahead at £43.1m. There are 118 stores.
Ubuntu Mining and Metals (UNTU) has secured an exclusive option to buy up to a 60% interest two Tanzanian gold projects. This lasts until 15 July. Ubuntu will be responsible for 100% of agreed costs up to commending mining. Progress is being made with the Dilotiko iron ore project in Kenya with a mining permit application undergoing final evaluation by the authorities.
Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) has appointed Haynes Boone as global intellectual property counsel.
S-Ventures (SVEN) has raised £300,000 at 3.5p/share and a further £100,000 could be raised via a retail offer. Oberon Capital has been appointed joint broker. The cash raised will be invested in Thruxton-based defence business Hybrid Drones, where major aerospace companies are also investors, to finance development of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has submitted and Environmental Impact Assessment for the Macacha copper and silver project in Argentina. If this is approved, then 5,000 metres of drilling is planned. The potential buyer of the Eureka gold and copper project in Argentina is going to visit the site.
Shepherd Neame (SHEP) chief executive Jonathan Neame bought 10,000 shares at 483p each.
Emissions reduction additives supplier Sulnox Group (SNOX) has raised £2m at 45p/share from a shipping customer backed subscription. This will help to finance an acceleration of the marketing for marine and land markets, as well as product development.
BWA (BWAP) highlights the announcement of a maiden JORC mineral resource estimate for the MB01-N deposit at the Mbe deposit in Cameroon, which combined with MB01-S, takes the inferred resource to 1.23 million ounces. This deposit is near to the Aracari project, where BWA is earning up to 70% through the spending of €1.5m.
The retail offer by Time to ACT (TTA) raised £16,000, taking the total raised to £431,000 at 6p/share.
Connecting Excellence Group (XCE) says its executive search business Spencer Riley has received payment of 0.516 Bitcoin at a value of £27,472.50. That takes the holding to 52.941 Bitcoin.
EDX Medical (EDX) is moving to AIM. Revenues are expected to reach £1.2m in the year to March 2026. Cash was £2.9m at year-end.
Falconedge (EDGE) generated a Bitcoin yield of 1.089% in March, so incremental Bitcoin growth was 0.2185 to 20.2782 Bitcoin.
Mendell Helium (MDH) says drilling by M3 Helium at the Rost 2-26 well has reached a total depth of 5,571 feet. The completion process will happen within ten days. There is evidence of helium with low hydrocarbon signatures in several zones.
Coinsilium (COIN) is extending its sponsorship of the When Shift Happens podcast until 1 January 2027.
Valereum (VLRM) is in advanced negotiations with Quorium Global Photonics SPC over a definitive exclusivity agreement for establishing a platform for real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation and it has received part payment of the $300,000.
Stack BTC (STAK) has bought a further 37.1898 Bitcoin at £53,778 each. That takes the total holding to 68.1898 Bitcoin. An equity trading facility worth up to £5m has been agreed with broker AlbR Capital. David Galan has been appointed chief executive. Jai Patel is leaving the board.
Oberon Investments (OBE) says year-on-year like-for-like revenues grew by one-quarter to more than £11.7m. Assets under administration are more than £1.4bn. However, the FCA has secured a voluntary requirement that no new wealth management clients can be taken on without its approval until the company’s systems are reviewed. All parts of the business grew. The company is on course to breakeven on a monthly basis by the end of the financial year. Third-party research and forecasts are planned to enhance investor understanding.
AI infrastructure operator Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) has issued shares at 0.2p each to pay outstanding fees of £10,000. The holding of Subnet 46 (RESI) has increased by 492 TAO to 1,754 TAO.
AI software developer IntelliAM AI (INT) says sales cycles are lengthening and partnerships have taken time to generate business. Full year revenues were one-third ahead at £5.25m, which is well below the Edison estimate of £7.1m. Annual recurring revenues doubled to £1.65m. Cash was £100,000 at the end of March 2026. This year’s forecasts are under review.
Heart regeneration medicines developer Cardiogeni (CGNI) says the transaction with Kira Health Invest should be completed by 20 April.
Dominic Wheatley has been appointed chairman of Mollyroe (MOY). He will provide expertise in the interactive entertainment sector.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 384.38p/share at the end of March 2026. Giles Brand has increased his stake from 40.2% to 45.6%.
Unigel Group (UNX) is paying an interim dividend of 4p/share.
Zentra Group (ZNT) chairman David Izett bought 175,000 shares at 2p each.
ASSET MATCH
C4X Discovery (C4XD) full year revenues fell from £24.8m to £6.7m, nearly all milestone income from Sanofi, and the drug discovery company fell to a loss of £2.93m. The amount spend on research and development was reduced to £6.9m. A restructuring has reduced the cost base. There was £7.6m in cash at the end of 2025.
AIM
Animalcare (ANCR) is recommending a 336p/share cash bid from Charterhouse Capital Partners, which values the animal treatments developer at £235.2m. The share price has not been at that level since early 2022. The bid values Animalcare at more than 24 times prospective 2026 earnings. Charterhouse believes it can provide the funding for Animalcare to continue its buy and build strategy.
Churchill China (CHH) had a stronger second half for its hospitality products in Europe, but the UK market remains tough. Market share is being maintained in the UK and there is scope to grow it in Europe. Revenues fell from £78.3m to £76.3m, and pre-tax profit dipped from £8.5m to £6m. The final dividend has been cut from 26.5p/share to 14p/share. Cash was £10.8m at the end of 2025. The majority of energy requirements have been bought forward, but no improvement is expected in profit this year.
Outsourced video art services provider Winking Studios (WKS) has completed the acquisition of Canadian business Studios Ampera. This has been trading for around six months, and a major attraction is the team that has been put together headed by Claude Bordeleau, a former senior manager at Keywords Studios, who will become group chief revenue officer. The deal will provide a base for Norther American expansion, as well as providing contacts with additional video games publishers.
Advanced materials and paper manufacturer James Cropper (CRPR) had a strong end to the financial year. Both parts of the business traded better than expected and the operational gearing means that profit was well ahead. Paper and packaging returned to profit in the second half. Full year revenues are set to rise from £99.3m to £103m, whereas it had been forecast to be lower, and pre-tax profit is upgraded by 30% to £4.7m. Net debt could fall to £8.3m.
Cora Gold (CORA) has signed a binding term sheet for $120m gold stream with Eagle Eye Asset Holdings, which is a 29.9% shareholder. This follows a £15.7m fundraising at 6p/share. The Sanankoro gold project in Mali is fully funded and the next key step is obtaining the mining permit. Construction of the mine can accelerate when that happens. Cora Gold has the right to replace 50% of the gold stream with debt or other funding. Eagle Eye Asset Holdings is entitled to purchase 30.44% of gold produced at Sanankoro for 20% of the spot gold price.
Retailer Mothercare (MTC) says trading conditions are still difficult with no sign of a recovery. The problems are exacerbated by exposure to the Middle East. System sales in the year to March 2026 fell 22% to £180m last year. The forecast loss has been increased to £2.4m and a loss of £2.8m is expected next year. Net bank debt is estimated to be £5.7m. Pension contributions have been deferred for a further year.
Bow Street Restaurants (BOW) has made progress with improving the performance of its existing stores and has identified potential acquisitions. Full year revenues fell from £36.6m to £31.3m following the closure of some sites. There was a swing from an underlying operating profit of £400,000 to a £500,000 loss. There was an impairment charge of £7.3m following a review of assets. Refurbishments are helping to boost income. The number of restaurants has been reduced to 29 and the refurbishments are continuing. Net cash was £11.1m at the end of 2025. This will also fund acquisitions of restaurant groups, with the initial purchase potentially an Asian style brand. Trading has improved so far this year with like-for-like growth of 6.1% in March. A 2026 loss is still expected from the current operations.
Alien Metals (UFO) says West Coast Silver, the joint venture partner for the Elizabeth Hill silver project in Western Australia, has identified a new Down Hole Electromagnetic (DHEM) conductor target. A drill test is planned. Drilling has already started on a six-hole drilling programme.
Telecoms test equipment supplier Calnex Solutions (CLX) says full year trading was slightly better than expected. More business is coming from datacentres and defence, rather than the original telecoms customer base. A new partnership with VIAVI Solutions will help to broaden the client base. Cavendish increased forecast 2025-26 pre-tax profit by 59% to £1.2m. Cash is £9.3m.
Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas (ECO) has agreed to farm down a 60% participating interest in its three Namibian licences to BP, which will take on operatorship. There will be a one-off cash payment of $2.7m. BP will carry Eco through the current exploration phase. Eco will retain 25% and if the licence is renewed it can sell a further 10% interest to BP for a full carry for each well on each of the licences, with a cap of $21m for each well.
Great Western Mining (GWMO) has signed a contract with Major Drilling America to undertake drilling at the Defender-Pine Crow tungsten project in Nevada. This is the primary focus of the company. Drilling should commence in July. An application has been made for cross trading of the shares on the OTCID market in the US to attract North American investors.
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) generated record production of 179 tons in the first quarter from a combination of new capacity and higher brine temperatures improving recovery. First half guidance is being upgraded to 325-355 tons. Iodine prices are still above 70/kg. Canaccord Genuity has raised its revenue forecast from $69.5m to $71.6m and earnings from 3.7 cents/share to 3.9 cents/share.
TheraCryf (TCF) received a conditional approach to acquire the Orexin-1 and dopamine-transporter programmes. This is an area where there is increased commercial interest from pharma companies. The board felt this undervalued the assets. The Orexin-1 addiction programmed is fully funded for a phase 1 trial by the fourth quarter of 2026. If this is successful, the value of the assets will be much higher.
Thor Explorations (THX) had cash of $154m at the end of the first quarter of 2026 and it could reach $351m by the end of the year. It produced 23,397 ounces of gold at the Segilola ming, which was better than expected due to the high recovery rate, and is well on the way to the 2026 target production of 75,000-85,000 ounces of gold for the full year at an all in sustaining cost of up to $1,200/ounce. There is further drilling at the Douta project.
Building products supplier Alumasc (ALU) says events in the Middle East has made it cautious about the second half. Exports are an important contributor to revenues, but business confidence has also been hit in the UK. Potential supply concerns mean that Alumasc is increasing inventories. Cavendish cut its forecast 2025-26 revenues by 4% to £109m, while pre-tax profit has been slashed from £14.4m to £11m. There is a strong order book, but timings are uncertain. The dividend may be maintained at 10.8p/share – it would still be more than twice covered by earnings. Net debt could be £4.3m at the end of June 2026 and there could be net cash one year later.
IT services provider SysGroup (SYS) traded strongly in the second half, helped by the acquisition of Saxis. Full year revenues were 7% higher at £22.1m – they were previously expected to be flat. Pre-tax profit is set to be one-third higher at £400,000. Net cash was £2.7m. Pre-tax profit is forecast to rise to £900,000 in 2026-27.
LiDAR wind sensor and software developer Windar Photonics (WPHO) has secured a record number of test orders in the first quarter of 2026 and full year revenues are expected to be €7.8m, up from €6.4m in 2025. That assumes 50% of the ten active test orders are converted into contracts. A £20m share subscription facility has been agreed with GEM Global Yield LLC. The company is near to appointing a new chief executive.
Quantum Health (QHE) has raised £5m at 0.03p/share following demand from institutions. The cash will finance the development of the Sagebrush and Coyote Wash projects. The extended production test of Sagebrush-1 well is progressing.
Strip Tinning (STG) has received a serial order for Cell Contacting system parts for the battery pack for Zoox Robotax. This is important progress in the battery connectors sector. A glazing connectors contract has gone into serial production, and a smart glass roof connectors contract is about to go into serial production.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies (QBT) has raised £500,000 at0.35p/share. It This will fund further development of Bitcoin mining technology, and this will help integrating the AI Oracle technology into mining rigs of ASIC manufacturers. There is £100,000 being set aside to set up BlocKeeper to develop a hardware free virtual Bitcoin mining operation by acquiring hashing power from Bitcoin miners. BlocKeeper will seek an Aquis quotation.
TV programmes producer Zinc Media (ZIN) reported revenues of £41.3m, which was in line with trading statement. There was significant organic growth in the 28% increase in revenues. Pre-tax profit was one-third higher at £400,000. There is £3.5m in the bank.
Management reiterated the growth plans and the EBITDA target of £5m, compared with £1.9m last year. The Celebrity Inner Circle has been renewed for an eight episode run and this will help the entertainment division to grow. The format could also help achieve additional high margin IP revenues. The new distribution division should also generate additional revenues. There is already around £30m of work secured for this year.
hVIVO (HVO) has been hit by delays and terminations to human trials of vaccines. Some had already paid part of the cost upfront enabling the decline in 2025 revenues to be stemmed. Even so, they fell from £62.7m to £46.8m. That pushed the business into loss. The weighted contract order book is £30m and the diversification into other areas of clinical trials is helping to build a more diversified business. It is also winning new business in influenza and other areas.
Forgent (FORG) is acquiring a 51% interest in the Peak Hills gold copper for $1.18m in cash and shares and raising £1.3m in a placing at 0.015p/share. There is an option over another 48% of the Peak Hills interest. Negotiations are ongoing over an option on a controlling stake in a nickel copper gold project in Western Australia.
Oracle Power (ORCP) has announced assay results from another 31 holes at the Northern Zone Intrusive Hosted gold project in Western Australia. They are some of the best intercepts for grade and width drilled at the project. The tenement is being converted to a mining lease.
Latin America focused investment company ROI Capital Holdings is subscribing £1.93m for shares in Trafalgar Property (TRAF) at 0.005p/share. This is dependent on a waiver of the obligation to make an offer for the company. The existing subsidiaries will be sold for £1, and the planned Hilton House transaction will be reversed. The whole board will be replaced, and they will seek a reverse takeover.
Shares in Tiger Alpha (TIR) have been suspended ahead of the proposed acquisition of Cyprus-based Potentially, which is building the peer-to-peer infrastructure layer for the AI economy. The consideration will be £10mthrough the issue of two billion shares at 0.5p each.
MAIN MARKET
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) is growing in a tough consumer environment. Full year revenues are 23% higher at £85.5m, which is 12% like-for-like. It is on course to double pre-tax profit to £3.6m. Like-for-like retail growth was 5.7%, while the UK kitchenware market has declined.
KR1 (KR1) investee company Bitway has launched the BITW token and KR1 holds 100 million of them after investing $300,000. The holding is valued at $1.7m.
US cybersecurity technology company Narf Industries (NARF) has reported full year revenues rising from $3m to $4.2m. Narf has Rebranded Ranger.ai to UPxi.ai (Upstream Extended Intelligence), which did not make a significant contribution in the period. There is already $5.3m of contracted revenues for 2026-27, while a government contract worth more than $2.5m has been won since the year end.
Onward Opportunities (ONWD) moved from AIM to the Main Market on 16 April.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 8 December 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Amazing AI (AAI), whose shares are suspended because its corporate adviser has resigned, is asking for shareholder approval to leave Aquis. Considering the negative publicity this is not a surprise.
Delta Gold Technologies (DQG) joined Aquis on 1 December 2025 when it raised £2.5m at 10p/share. The company is developing quantum computing technology that can be licenced. This involves nano-space gold and other materials. The share price improved 28.75% to 12.875p. Bitcoin mining company Sterling Digital (ASIC) was the other company that joined Aquis on 1 December, and it raised £5m at 5p/share. The cash will fund a 3MW Bitcoin mining facility in Texas powered by flared gas. The share price reached 5.25p on the first day but ended the week unchanged at 5p.
Valereum (VLRM) is progressing with the agreement to raise $200m of royalty and streaming capital from new special purpose segregated portfolio company, Valereum QGP-SP, which is being formed to list on a US National Exchange. The new company has been established, and 12.6 million shares have been issued to Quorium Global Photonics SPC at par value. These shares have to be retained until the $200m of capital is released. The deal is subject to compliance and regulatory approvals. Valereum is applying to join the OTCQB Market, having sold its stake in London BTC Company (BTC), which had previously prevented qualification.
Time to Act (TTA) is interested in acquiring the assets of Versarien, which has gone into administration. Subsidiary GreenSpur Wind has won a design contract with Severn Estuary Tidal Bar, which is developing Very Low Head tidal turbine systems. There will be an assessment of GreenSpur’s axial-flux generator technology in relation to the turbine systems. This should be completed in January.
WeCap (WCAP) has provided an update on its shareholding in WeShop. The WeShop share price rose early in the week and then fell back to $126.61 and daily volumes are well below those in the first week of trading. WeCap is not allowed to sell shares before 15 November 2026. It will have to repay the £6.965m discounted capital bond by 24 May 2026. WeCap is talking to the bond holder.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has bought a further 500,000 WeShop shares, taking its stake to 537,500. It is paying 99 million shares and 173.1 million performance warrants exercisable at 1.2p each to Sidney PTC, but the shares cannot be transferred until the lock-in period ends on 15 November 2026. The initial 101.5 million of warrants can be exercised when the WeShop share price exceeds $213.34 and the rest when the price is higher than $426.67.
Alex Appleton, Sarah Gow and Pierre Villeneuve have resigned as directors of wind-based hydrogen production technology developer Energy B (NRGB), formerly known as Hydrogen Future Industries. This is leading to a review of the Bitcoin given the reduction in investor interest for this. Additional cash will be required for the business.
Ananda Developments (ANA) has received ethics and MHRA approval for the phase 2 clinical trial for the efficacy of MRX1 in treating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. The company has redeemed its 600,000 convertible loan notes in return for 150 million shares at 0.4p each. Charles Morgan’s stake is 56.3%. Shareholder approval for leaving Aquis is expected at the general meeting on 12 December.
Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) plans to redomicile from the UK to Gibraltar, which already has rules relating to distributed ledger technologies. There are also experienced advisers in Gibraltar.
Global Connectivity (GCON) investee company PLUG Group has raised £1.05m at £21/share. Global Connectivity director Michael Langoulant bought 5,000 shares. Global Connectivity acquired its 87,625 shares at 200p each.
B HODL (HODL) entered into two unsecured, zero-coupon Bitcoin denominated convertible loan with Adam Black and with CoinCorner Ltd. The combined amount covered is 2.1 Bitcoin and they last for three years. The conversion share price is 11.55p.
TechFinancials (TECH) has still not received the £250,000 of placing proceeds it has been waiting for because of transfer problems.
Global Chain, a company associated with NYCE International (NYCE) director Harmen Brenninkmeijer, bought 44,291 shares at 11.06p each, taking its stake to 20.97%.
IntelliAM AI (INT) says the retail offer was oversubscribed. It has raised £260,000.
Shortwave Life Sciences (PSY) consolidated 10 shares into one new share on 2 December.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has not raised any cash from share subscriptions in the past two weeks. Shareholders have approved share buybacks.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has extended the broker option over up to 10 million shares until 8 December. An additional subscription of £600 has been received.
JP JENKINS
The JP Jenkins 15 index rose 4.5% to 1147.2p in November, which is the largest monthly increase since March. There was a significant rise in THG Ingenuity. Quarterly reweighting will be in January 2026.
ASSET MATCH
Byotrol (BYOT) increased interim sales from £1.93m to £2.18m and reduced the loss from £672,000 to £319,000. There was a small cash inflow from operating activities and cash was £299,000 at the end of September 2025. The infection control products company has convertible loan stock of £962,000. Cash may be required by the middle of next year. Full year sales could be as high as £4.5m.
Brewer Wadworth (WAD) says like-for-like sales are 3% ahead with own beer sales 12% higher in the year to date. Wadworth has had to absorb £750,000 of additional costs in recent months because of the 2024 Budget. Christmas trading will be important for the full year outcome.
Gulfsands Petroleum (GPX) is seeking shareholder approval to restructure is capital to consolidate shares and get rid of shareholders with fewer than 200,000 shares. A share facility will be set up for those with fewer than 200,000 shares and for the fractional entitlement of those with higher numbers of shares. If the payment would be les than £25 the shareholder will not receive any cash. Investors can bid to increase their shareholding to one divisible by 200,000. There will be a subsequent subdivision and there will be 45.14 million shares in issue. The company wants to be in a position to resume operations in Syria.
Zytronic (ZYT) says the buyer of its property is seeking to secure better financing terms. This will delay the sale. The distribution is still expected to be in the range of 48p-58p/share.
AIM
Zimbabwe is changing its royalty and tax regimes. There is an increase in the royalty rate from 5% to 10% when the gold price exceeds $2,500/ounce – applied to the full gold price – and the 100% upfront deduction for capital spending will be spread across the life of the project. This could affect the Bilboes gold project being developed by Caledonia Mining Corporation (CMCL), where production costs would be much higher, as well as its existing production. Cavendish has reduced its 2026 earnings forecast from 2.97 cents/share to 2.62 cents/share.
Health assessment technology developer GENinCode (GENI) has secured a collaboration agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific to distribute and manufacture the CARDIO inCode-Score® Polygenic Risk Score for the prediction and prevention of heart disease. This follows the New York approval of the test. The deal covers the US as well as Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The FDA approval process is progressing.
Wynnstay Group (WYN) is benefitting from the revised strategy of the new chief executive and trading is slightly better than expected. Feed and grain profit improved even though feed volumes were lower and grain trading was hit by a weaker wheat harvest. The arable division generated better profit on higher fertiliser sales. Like-for-like retail stores sales were flat, although margins improved. Non-recurring charges relating to the restructuring will be between £5.4m and £5.9m. Cash costs will be up to £2.5m. Net cash was £26.4m at the end of October 2025. Shore Capital raised its 2024-25 pre-tax profit forecast by 6% to £9m, compared with £7.6m in the previous year. Three directors each bought 2,891 shares at 345p each following the trading statement.
One Health Group (OHGR) did even better than expected in the first half. Interim revenues were 10% ahead at £15.5m, while underlying pre-tax profit rose from £895,000 to £1.28m. Earnings were flat at 6.89p/share because of the shares issued earlier this year when One Health switched from Aquis to AIM. Net cash was £9.7m at the end of September 2025. The interim dividend was edged up from 2.07p/share to 2.1p/share. Management is confident that the surgical hub can be up and running one year after full permissions are received.
Fulcrum Metals (FMET) has achieved more than 70% gold and silver recoveries at Teck Hughes in Canada. This is part of the phase 3 metallurgical work. Previous gold recovery levels were 59.4%. Full results from the tests are expected in the first quarter of 2026, and this will support a mineral resource estimate. This will be followed by a phase 4 preliminary feasibility study.
Iodine producer Iofina(IOF) has signed an agreement with Western Midstream Partners to develop its next IOsorb plant in the Permian Basin between western Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Up until now Iofina has been producing iodine in the Anadarko Basin in western Oklahoma. The new plant will be twice as large as existing plants with a capacity to process 50,000 barrels of brine water per day supplied by Western Midstream. It will cost up to $9m to construct with annual production of up to 220 metric tonnes of iodine. The new plant could be producing before the end of 2026.
Advanced coatings provider Hardide (HDD) has received a significant order from a North American energy sector customer with a value of £1.75m. This is higher than expected and there could be more to come. The forecast revenues for 2025-26 have been raised by £1m to £8m and pre-tax profit increased from £600,000 to £1.1m – indicating the operational gearing.
North Sea oil and gas company Deltic Energy (DELT) recommended a 7.46p/share bid from Rockrose Energy, which is owned by Viaro Energy, at the end of June but completion is still dependent on the North Sea regulator NSTA. NSTA wants further information in order to reach a decision to grant the change of control of licences. The long stop of the bid has been extended to the end of March 2026.
Synergia Energy (SYN) is selling its 50% stake in the Cambay PSC for $14m and $500,000 has already been received. The initial payment is $6.5m with a further $7m 12 months after completion. This deal requires India government approval. Synergia Energy is asking for shareholder approval to leave AIM, and it will return cash to shareholders via a share buyback. A matched bargain facility may be put in place.
Anglesey Mining (AYM) shares trebled to 0.825p after it entered into a binding letter of intent with largest shareholder Energold Minerals Inc that will enable a restructuring of the business and improve the balance sheet. Two of Anglesey Mining’s investments will be swapped for the elimination of £4m of debt. Energold Minerals is paying £350,000 for non-voting exchangeable warrants to provide immediate cash. The focus will be the Parys Mountain project. Energold Mining president Brendan Cahill and Jim Williams are joining the board.
Barely more than two weeks after reporting its interims, musical instruments retailer Gear4Music (G4M) says trading has been very strong over the past weekend. This means expectations have been raised and the full year EBITDA forecast increased from £15.2m to £16.7m.
Quantum Blockchain Technologies (QBT) has entered into three non-disclosure agreements with ASIC manufacturers in relation to its Bitcoin mining technology. They have developed equipment that will be made available to QBT so that it can install and test its software. Another non-disclosure agreement has been signed with a Bitcoin mining pool. This could bypass the need to modify the operating system of mining machines using the pool.
MAIN MARKET
US cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) has gained a contract worth $3.6m from a US government agency. This is for a two-year period and is to develop a way of accelerating computer system recovery after cyber-attacks.
New Frontier Minerals (NFM) has commenced drilling at the Harts Range heavy rare earths and niobium project. There will be up to 46 holes. This follows the recent fundraising.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 8 September 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
AI technology developer Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) moved from the Main Market to the Access segment of Aquis on 3 September. The company was previously a CBD and health products retailer known as Cellular Goods and most recently it was called Cel AI. It is developing autonomous AI agents that provide personalised wellness recommendations and holds digital assets.
Brewer Adnams (ADB) reported a dip in revenues from £31.9m to £30.1m, but the loss was reduced from £2.55m to £1.47m, even though exceptional costs were higher. There was an operating profit before exceptional charges relating to packaging recycling requirements. Debt has been cut to £11.7m and could be down to £8m by the end of September due to disposals. There are nine managed and 19 tenanted pubs left. Gains on disposals enabled the first half profit. The distribution business had mixed fortunes in the first half
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has appointed Strand Hanson to replace Peterhouse as corporate adviser. Albert Soleiman has joined the board as finance director. The company has signed a subscription agreement with Shard Merchant Capital, which will be issued 21 million shares at par value, and the company will receive 97% of net proceeds when they are sold.
Oberon Investments (OBE) is raising £1.85m at 4p/share and two institutional investors have agreed, subject to documentation, to subscribe for £3m of convertible loan notes. The cash will be used to finance further hires for the investment management division and acquisitions. There are discussions concerning the acquisition of the wealth management division of another Uk firm. That would add £850m to assets under administration.
VSA Capital (VSA) chairman Mark Steeves will stand down after the AGM on 30 September. Mark Thompson will take over the role at the broker. VSA has entered into a five-year lease for new office premises in London and has been loaned £95,715 by 19.9% shareholder Drakewood Capital Management, which is represented on the board by Mark Thompson.
In the year to March 2025, SulNOx Group (SNOX) increased revenues from £54,000 to £1.21m, although the loss rose from £1.86m to £4.21m. Sales growth is accelerating and £564,000 has been generated in the two months to August 2025, taking the five month total to £1.09m.
Oscillate (MUSH) has conditionally agreed to sell its hydrogen assets to AIM-quoted Pulsar Helium (PLSR) for $800,000 in shares. The focus switches to base metals. Oscillate has entered a joint venture to develop the Duekoue copper gold molybdenum prospect in Côte d’Ivoire. Geochemical results and magnetic data has identified the historical anomalies.
All Things Considered (ATC) has merged its ATC Live and Arrival Artists businesses to form ROAM. The two parts of the business will still maintain financial independence.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) has received the fourth tranche of the disposal proceeds of its A shares in investee company The Homebuilding Centre. This was £75,259, which was well above the minimum payment of £50,000, and a fifth tranche is outstanding. Capital for Colleague still owns 13% of the homebuilding advice business.
Kasei Digital Assets (KASH) has completed the sale of liquid assets as part of a voluntary winding up and has £3.5m in cash. A return of capital to shareholders is prioritised although there has been interest in the company from other parties.
Marula Mining (MARU) still has not completed the 2024 accounts. Trading in the shares remains suspended. Marula Mining has completed due diligence on the proposed purchase of a 60% stake in the Bamba Manganese mining project in Kenya. Manganese ore exports from Kilifi have been delayed as result of the Bamba deal and the fact that delivery arrangements are yet to be agreed. Further work on the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine in South Africa continues and a sample is being prepared for test work. Due diligence has been completed on the Boteti lithium brines project in Botswana and the first payment advanced.
Mollyroe (MOY) is investing £150,000 in Cascade Studio via a convertible loan note with a conversion price at a 20% discount to the next funding round. Cascade Studio is developing a SaaS platform for AI filmmaking and storytelling.
Vautz Capital (V3TC) reported a loss of £361,000 in the year to April 2025, which was prior to the change in focus to crypto currency.
NYCE International (NYCE) has raised £150,000 at 0.2p/share. And the cash will fund the expansion in the crypto casinos channel. That includes gaining certifications for the company’s games platform and developing games and services.
Valereum (VLRM) has adopted the crypto and multi-currency payroll solution developed by investee company Fideum. There is potential for this as a white label service.
Directors continue to buy shares in EDX Medical (EDX). Sir Christopher Evans bought 51,225 shares at 10.88p each and Martin Walton acquired 20,000 shares at 10.8p each. Stephen Hill has taken a 6.48% in Ingraine (KING). Ventura Finance has increased its stake in Evrima (EVA) from 5.14% to 6.15%.
IntelliAM AI (INT) has appointed Victoria Brown as a non-executive director.
ASSET MATCH
Synairgen (SNG) says full year accounts will be published by the end of September. The drug developer is assessing its financial requirements. The company intends to change its articles of association to remove first right of refusal rights for shareholders. The company is preparing a phase 2 INVENT clinical study for SNG001 in mechanically ventilated patients infected with a range of respiratory viruses. Interim analysis should be available by mid-2026 and final analysis in mid-2027. A network of 60 clinical study sites has been established and progress made towards regulatory approvals.
Zytronic (ZYT) is advising shareholders to vote against resolutions at the requisitioned general meeting. Henry Spain Investment Services wants Tom Spain and former director Glen Arnold to gain appointment as directors of Zytronic and remove two current non-executives. The strategy is not to return cash directly to shareholders, but they would be offered the chance to sell shares via a tender offer at NAV. The plan is to invest in cash generative businesses with good management. They would have a niche market and competitive advantages. The meeting will be on 1 October.
JP JENKINS
The JP Jenkins-15 index rose 0.8% to 1095.2 in the four weeks to 29 August.
AIM
Cash shell Vulcan Two Group (VUL) raised £12m at 200p/share when it joined AIM at the beginning of September. The strategy is to acquire ePharmacy businesses and consolidate a fragmented market. A suitable target would have annual revenues of between £8m and £22m and be growing rapidly at an EBITDA margin of between 10% and 20%. Independent, owner managed businesses are preferred.
Fiinu (BANK) is taking advantage of the share price rise since readmission last week to raise £1.41m at 15p/share. The initial payment of £8m for Poland-based foreign exchange brokerage Everfex was satisfied by the issue of 80 million shares at 10p each. A previous subscription generated £801,000 at 10p/share. Luxembourg fund QVP is the main investor in the placing.
Bricks manufacturer Michelmersh Brick (MBH) has been held back by weak demand in the UK and Belgium, as well as an extended stoppage at one of its plants. Interim revenues were 1% ahead at £35.8m, but the pre-tax profit fell from £4.1m to £2.9m. Capital investment cut net cash to £1.5m. The interim dividend is maintained at 1.6p/share. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025 pre-tax profit expectations from £13.5m to £9.7m and made further cuts to forecasts for the next two years.
Churchill China (CHH) had already flagged the interim figures in its recent trading statement. UK and US trading held up, but Europe and the rest of the world were weaker. Interim revenues fell from £40.6m to £38.5m, while pre-tax profit was harder hit falling more than one-third to £3.1m. Efficiency is being improved and there are signs of recovery in Germany. Churchill China is reducing its interim dividend by 39% to 7p/share.
Building components manufacturer Alumasc (ALU) continues to outperform the UK construction market, as well as growing water management equipment exports. In the year to June 2025, revenues were 13% ahead at £113.4m, while underlying pre-tax profit was 9% higher at £14.2m. Net debt is £5.8m. All three divisions improved underlying operating profit. New products helped the housebuilding division to grow, despite a low level of housing starts. The roofing business has grown its share of the roof vents sector. The full year dividend is 11.1p/share
Flexible workplace software provider Essensys (ESYS) says it returned to positive EBITDA in the year to July 2025 even though revenues fell from £24.1m to £19.2m. Closing datacentres has helped to reduce costs. Net cash was £1.8m at the end of July. The new elumo meeting rooms bookings software has gained its first customers since the year end.
Bars and escape rooms operator XP Factory (XPF) reported figures for the year to March 2025. They may not look good compared to the comparatives but that is because they are for 15 months. There was a 19% increase in revenues to £57.8m over the previous 12 month period. Both Escape Hunt and Boom Battle Bars improved revenues with the latter buying out more franchisees. There was an underlying pre-tax profit of £800,000. There appears to be an improving trend for revenues, after a poor first quarter.
ImmuPharma (IMM) has filed a new patent application for P140, which can help to identify and treat a subpopulation of patients with Type M immune disorder that are P140 super-responders. This can be used to sped up diagnosis and treat up to 50 autoimmune diseases. The global market is worth more than $100bn.
Team Internet Group (TIG) was always expected to report a downturn in interim revenues following changes to Google search policy and they slipped from $409.7m to $263.9m. A loss was reported, but there was a profit before amortisation and impairment. The internet domains business continues to grow with new contract wins set to contribute to the second half. The comparison business had a weaker first half, but it has started to grow as revenues build up in newer countries. There are also signs of improvement in search, but they are relatively modest, with higher gross margin achieved on newer search services. Zeus forecasts a 2025 underlying pre-tax profit of $49.4m, recovering to $62m next year.
Supreme (SUP) is acquiring carpet care products brand 1001 for £1.65m, plus £1m for inventory, from WD-40. The business generated revenues of £4.5m in the year to August 2025. which is well below the peak of £8m in 2022-23. This purchase follows the recent acquisition of Typhoo Tea.
Gear4Music (G4M) forecasts have been upgraded on the back of its trading statement. The musical instruments retailer is continuing its recovery, and first quarter sales are 27% higher and the growth is continuing into the second quarter. UK and international sales are growing. The 2025-26 pre-tax profit forecast has been raised from £2.7m to £3.6m.
Newmark Security (NWT) had a much stronger second half and this is carrying on into the new year. In the year to April 2025, revenues rose 3% to £23m, while pre-tax profit improved from £388,000 to £643,000. The growth came in the Grosvenor Technology business, which provides software and hardware for access control and managing people, with recurring revenues growing faster than hardware sales. The launch of GT Tablet, a pure software product, will help to broaden the potential market. The Safetell security products revenues declined, but the services contribution increased. Increasing recurring services revenues is a core part of the company’s strategy.
Legal services provider Gateley (GTLY) is acquiring Groom Wilkes & Wright for up to £9m, which is a trademark and design law consultancy. The payment is three-quarters cash and one-quarter shares. The business generated revenues of £4.7m and pre-tax profit of £1.4m in 2024-25.
Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) produced 74.3 MT of crystalline iodine during August, which was the record for a month. The IO#11 plant has started production and takes the number of plants to eight. Cash has reached $1.8m after a tax credit.
Atlantic Lithium (ALL) has secured up to £28m in funding though a deal with Long State Investments, who will receive 5% commission plus shares and warrants, and this will enable the Ewoyaa lithium project in Ghana to progress. A mining lease still has to be ratified by the authorities and cash outflows have been reduced until it is received. There is an initial placing to raise £2m at 8.07p/share with potential for three more placings of £2m each. A committed equity facility could raise up to £20m over 24 months. This is subject to shareholder approval.
Student accommodation and private rental housing develop Watkin Jones (WJG) has appointed Singer as joint broker alongside Peel Hunt, which is also nominated adviser.
MAIN MARKET
Cash shell Aura Renewable Acquisitions (ARA) still had £397,000 in cash at the end of June 2025. It has broadened the range of potential acquisitions by looking at healthcare and life sciences companies. Renewable energy acquisitions are still being considered, and the range of sectors could be broadened again.
Trading in Pineapple Power Corporation (PNPL) shares after the termination of the proposed acquisition of Buffalo Battery Metals.
US cybersecurity company Narf Industries (NARF) reported that the Ranger.ai threat and mediation platform has achieved “Awardable” status through the US Department of Defense’s Platform One (P1) Solutions Marketplace.
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) reassured investors with its AGM statement. Bridge remedial works are in progress and the £20m insurance payment has been received. Expectations for 2025-26 are unchanged.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 21 July 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Probiotics developer ProBiotix Health (LON: PBX) increased interim revenues by one-third to £1.34m and the loss was reduced. The first orders have been delivered to Kemin China Technology. The current order book is at record levels. There was £1.3m in cash at the end of June 2025. The full interims will be published on 8 September.
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) increased interim turnover by 9% to £2.13m. Increased repair costs meant that the loss increased from £77,000 to £97,000. There is £2.18m in cash and deposits.
Fintech Amazing AI (AAI) wanted to raise £200,000 via a book build and ended up raising £150,000 at 0.5p/share. The cash will be used to buy Bitcoin. Chief executive Paul Mathieson bought shares in the book build and converted debt at the same price. There were more than 86 million shares issued to him. He also bought 70,000 shares at 1p each in the market. He owns 54.75%.
Digital assets company Vaults Capital (V3TC) completed a placing raising £1m at 16.5p/share. New director Sarah Gow bought 236,000 shares at 16.5p each.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) has purchased 112.0009 Bitcoin, and the total cost of the holding is £9.99m.
The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has raised another £17.5m at 295p/share, having sought a minimum of £15m. The company held 1,600 Bitcoin which had a total cost of £127.25m. The 30-day BTC yield is 419%. There was £4m in cash available at the beginning of the week.
Vault Ventures (VULT) holds 4 Bitcoin, 711.93 Ethereum and 2,200.32 Solana. The market capitalisation is greater than NAV.
Valereum (VLRM) entered into a non-binding agreement with fully listed First Class Metals to explore asset-backed tokenisation of mineral exploration projects in the latter’s portfolio. This could generate non-dilutive capital for projects and enhance liquidity.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) is moving to AIM on 15 August. No fundraising is planned.
Majestic Corporation (MCJ) is launching a 50,000 square foot recycling facility in Wrexham. This will produce precious metals, base metals and critical materials.
Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) investee Bright Ascension has concluded a £2.35m fundraising. Capital for Colleagues has switched a £1m short-term loan into new convertible loan notes in the space software company. The interest rate is 10%. Capital for Colleagues is also providing a revolving credit facility of £200,000 up until the end of January.
Igraine (KING) investee company Fixit Medical has received grants for its advanced catheter securement solutions, as well as being selected for several national programmes. Igraine owns 19.8%.
Hot Rocks Investments (HRIP) has sold six million shares in Hamak Gold (HAMA) at an average price of 2.61p/share. This raised £156,600 after costs. They were bought for 0.8p each.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 321.56p/share at the end of June 2025.
Zentra (ZNT) will transfer to the newly launched Aquis Real Asset Market on Monday 21 July.
ASSET MATCH
Fintech investment company VP Fintech (VPF) say investee company Valens Pay is joining with MSTRpay to offer its banking services. The partner is required because of the international nature of customer base and the services will be offered to more than 700,000 MSTRpay customers.
Macdonald and Company (MAC1) is paying an interim dividend of 4p/share.
JP JENKINS
Powder Monkey (PMGL) is acquiring the brands of Wayward Brewing Company and Akasha Brewing Company, two Sydney breweries.
AIM
Advanced materials and paper manufacturer James Cropper (CRPR) is starting on a revised strategy under new chief executive David Stirling. In the year to March 2025, revenues fell from £103m to £99.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from £800,000 to £1.3m. The company plan to deliver more sustained growth from advanced materials by focusing on markets with the best potential. There are also plans to improve margins and profit for paper and packaging by not chasing sales and becoming more efficient.
Womenswear retailer Sosandar (SOS) reported a lower than expected underlying pre-tax profit of £200,000 in the year to March 2025, because of stock adjustments. There was a loss in the previous year. Revenues fell from £46.3m to £37.1m as the move to reduce online price promotion activity hit sales but improved margins. Six stores have been opened. The four store in market town are trading well, but the two in shopping centre have not been as successful. Online sales have benefited in the areas where there are stores. No new stores are planned for this year. There is a strong start to this financial year with first quarter revenue 15% ahead. Initial licensing revenues will come through later in the year. Net cash is £7.3m.
Egg-free celebration cakes supplier Cake Box (CBOX) continues to grow in a tough retail environment and the acquisition of Indian sweets supplier Ambala provides further potential. In the year to March 2025, revenues improved 13% to £42.8m, while underlying pre-tax profit was 17% better at £7.08m. There was a £840,000 contribution to revenue from Ambala. System sales for franchisees were nearly 10% higher at £86.3m. Like-for-like growth was 3%. Net debt was £9m following the acquisition of Ambala. The total dividend was raised from 9p/share to 10.2p/share.
Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) increased iodine production was 11% higher at 305.5 ton in the first half, which was better than expected. That was after a one-fifth increase in the second quarter. This shows the weak performance early in the year was a blip. The iodine price remains strong and should remain above $70/kg. IO#10 has been commissioned, which will boost second half production. Iodine production guidance for the second half of 2025 is 400-440 tons.
Primorus Investments (PRIM) has been accused of beaching the lock-in agreement by selling shares in Pri0r1ty Intelligence (PR1). The lock-in period lasts until 30 December 2025. In June, Primorus Investments sold its 8.05% stake raising £977,000.
Investment company Seed Innovations (SEED) plans a tender offer for up to 45% of the shares and change its investing policy to focus on robotics and AI. Jim Mellon and Denham Eke will join the board and Ed McDermott and Alfredo Pascual will step down. Existing investee company Litte Green Pharma generated cash in the latest quarter. Seed Innovation owns 2.4% of the ASX-listed company, which made profit after tax of A$3.3m in the year to March 2025. The Seed Innovations NAV was 6.1p/share at the end of March 2025.
Alba Mineral Resources (ALBA) is acquiring a majority stake in Motzfeldt critical metals project in south Greenland. Motzfeldt is a niobium tantalum zirconium rare earth project, and it has very large deposit status. The inferred resource is 340Mt, containing 41,000t of tantalum, 629,000t of niobium, 1.56Mt of zirconium and 884,000t of total rare earth oxides. The 51% stake will cost £30,000 in cash and £945,000 of shares at 0.02414p each. A placing has raised £550,000 at 0.017p/share.
Ceramic products manufacturer Churchill China (CHH) says that there is reduced demand from hospitality and May and June were materially below target. Market share is being maintained. That will hit profit. The UK and US are holding up better than other markets. There is also trading down from dearer products. Replacement business is at expected levels. Production has been reduced, thereby hitting operating levels and margins.
Building components manufacturer Alumasc (ALU) is on course to meet expectations this year. Cavendish forecasts a rise in pre-tax profit from £13m to £14.2m. Organic growth was 7%, whereas the market grew 2%. Exports increased. Net debt was £6m at the end of June 2025, but this still provides scope for earnings enhancing acquisitions. The results will be announced on 2 September.
AFC Energy (AFC) raised £23m at 10p/share via a placing and subscription, which was more than initially asked for, and up to £5m can be raised via a retail offer. The cash will fund commercialisation of hydrogen technology, particularly for generator and hydrogen supply. It will fund the manufacture of Hy-5 and 30Kw units for Volex.
Eco Animal Health (EAH) reported a drop in full year revenue from £89.4m to £79.6m, but non-core disposals helped pre-tax profit improve by one-third to £4m. Net cash was £25m at the end of March 2025. North America was the only region where sales increased.
Oxford BioDynamics (OBD) says Pfizer has published information on its use of EpiSwitch biomarkers as a liquid biopsy in evaluating tumours and treatment outcomes for the JAVELIN bladder 100 trial. The EpiSwitch test can determine whether a tumour has high or low immune activity. This confirmation of efficacy will help to grow EpiSwitch sales.
Audioboom (BOOM) is acquiring podcast network Adelicious for up to £4.5m and has raised £3m through a placing at 270p/share. Podcasters on the Adelicious network include Frank Skinner and Jeff Stelling. The UK market is less developed than the US market.
Cybersecurity service provider Corero Network Security (CNS) has increased annual recurring revenues by one-quarter to $21.6m because of demand for managed services, but recognised revenues are lower in the first quarter. Canaccord Genuity has cut its 2025 forecast revenues from £28.7m to £24.1m and that would mean the company returning to loss. Software and equipment sales are lower, and visibility of orders is poor.
Digital loyalty and promotions platform operator Eagle Eye (EYE) did better than anticipated in the year to June 2025 with revenues 1% higher at £48.2m and EBITDA is 9% ahead at £12.2m. A recent contract loss led to the downgrading of 2025-26 forecasts. Annualised recurring revenues are £32m after that contract loss.
MyHealthChecked (MHC) is supplying lateral flow tests under the Boots own brand. This covers 13 tests, and the initial term is 12 months.
Argentex (AGFX) is appointing administrators after the FCA ordered it to stop all regulated activity. The company was not able to secure additional finance.
Mulberry (MUL) raised £105,000 in a retail offer. There was up to £1.25m on offer.
Logistics Development Group (LDG) is investing £15m as part of DBAY’s acquisition o 78.3% of The Alternative Parcels Company, the largest independent delivery network. LDG will effectively have a 50.2% stake in the acquisition, which made an operating profit of £7.1m. There are also plans to acquire William Stobart.
MAIN MARKET
Structural steel supplier Severfield (SFR) has agreed an option with its joint venture partner in India. Severfield can choose to sell its partner up to 24.9% of the 50/50 joint venture for up to £20m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 19 May 2025
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Time to Act (TTA) is raising a minimum of £264,000 at 40p/share. VSA Capital has set a target share price of 118p. Diffusion Alloys is a coatings business, and the customer base includes hydrogen, nuclear and fuel cell businesses. Another subsidiary, GreenSpur is developing axial flux technology. This business hopes to generate revenues through design services to wind turbine designers.
KR1 (KR1) increased income from digital assets rose 51% to £13m during 2024, including Income from staking activities which jumped from £6.9m to £12.8m. There was a loss on disposals of £1m, compared with a £12.1m gain in the previous year. Pre-tax profit fell from £14.7m to £7.85m. There was £1.18m in cash at the end of 2024.
Smarter Web Company (SWC) raised £2.23m at 27p/share from a retail offer, taking the total raised to £3.45m. The company has invested a further £650,000 in Bitcoin at £75,460 each, which takes total investment to £1.41m. Smarter Web Company has applied to be quoted on the US OTCQB to help to add to liquidity. Tennyson Securities has raised its target price to 38.4p/share.
Coinsilium (COIN) expects the launch of the $YELLOW token launch is expected in two months. The sale will be conducted under Regulation D in the US, making it attractive to institutional investors. Coinsilium invested $200,000 in Yellow Network and the latest fundraising has increased the value of the stake. Coinsilium is raising £1.25m at 3p/share and a retail offer could generate a further £250,000.
Telecoms components supplier Unigel Group (UNX) improved turnover from £28.5m to £29.2m in 2024. Pre-tax profit jumped from £815,000 to £2.13m. The growth came in the steel tapes business. Some manufacturing is being moved to the US to shield the company from potential tariffs.
Oscillate (MUSH) is planning a work programme for the Duekoue copper gold molybdenum prospect in Cote d’Ivoire. This involves geological mapping and soil sampling, plus ground magnetics. Further mapping will be undertaken.
SuperSeed Capital (SEED) had net assets of 125p/share at the end of 2024. The funds it manages will benefit from opportunities in digital transformation, operational efficiency and AI.
Visum Technologies (VIS) intends to acquire CandC Gordan for £414,000 in shares at 0.5p/share. The company being acquired offers shared workspace to facilitate app development. There are plans to restructure debt in return for 142 million shares.
RentGuarantor Holdings (RGG) is raising £2m at 250p/share. The funds will expand the rent guarantee business and enable the hiring of staff. It will also finance the initial costs of a move to AIM.
Meme Vault has changed its name to Vault Ventures (MEME) and it will incubate start-ups and targeting investment opportunities. Cash is being invested in cryptocurrency.
VVV Resources (VVV) is raising £900,000 at 1p/share and the underwriting commission to Campana Investments will be £90,000. This follows a previous subscription by Campana of £100,000.
Constantine Logothetis has increased his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) to 28.8%. BWA Holdings (BWAP) chairman Jonathan Wearing has bought 500,000 shares at 0.25p each. A share issue has paid off £21,600 of liabilities.
EPE Special Opportunities Ltd (LON: EO.P) NAV was 309.57p/share at the end of April 2025.
ASSET MATCH
Zytronic (ZYT) has moved from AIM to Asset Match on 15 May. The company is being wound up. The first auction will be on 20 June.
AIM
Pawnbroker H&T (HAT) is recommending a 650p/share cash bid from FirstCash and shareholders will also receive the previously announced 11p/share final dividend. This values H&T at £297m. FirstCash operates pawnbrokers in the US and Latin America and this deal will take it into the UK. The additional backing could accelerate expansion. H&T rejected the first approach and started talks after the fourth proposal. The bid values H&T at 12 times prospective 2025 earnings.
Bain Capital is considering a potential offer for Craneware (CRW), although it is still early days. Scotland-based Craneware provides accounting and billing software to US hospitals. In the year to June 2025, Craneware is forecast to generate revenues of $206.8m and pre-tax profit of $44.1m.
Angling Direct (ANG) revenues increased from £81.7m to £91.3m in the year to January 2025. There were six new stores in the UK, three of which were acquired, and a store was opened in the Netherlands one year ago. The MyAD club has 409,000 members and is helping to increase spending, and it is being offered in Europe. The European loss was reduced, and group pre-tax profit was one-quarter higher at £2m. Net cash is £12.1m after capital investment and share buybacks. Angling Direct is doing well in a consolidating retail market for fishing tackle retailers.
Vertu Motors (VTU) is not immune to the tough new car market, but its performance is relatively good compared with the market. It is the fourth largest motor dealer in the UK. It has 198 dealerships. Government targets for electric vehicle sales have been the major disrupting factor for the car market, on top of the economic uncertainty. Aftermarket business has helped to offset the lower contribution from new car sales. This is less cyclical. There was also some growth in revenues from used cars, where there appears to be a more positive outlook, and fleet sales. In the year to February 2025, pre-tax profit fell from £34.7m to £29.3m. The dividend was cut from 2.35p/share to 2.05p/share. Net debt was £160.6m at the end of February 2025. Net tangible assets are 72.9p/share. The decision to rebrand every outlet with the Vertu name will make it easier to promote the company.
Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) improved 2024 revenues from $50m to $54.5m, while pre-tax profit fell from $8.5m to $4.8m. There was a change in mix of sales with more iodine-based products sold, while crystallised iodine sales were flat. Net cash was $2.9m at the end of the year, although capital investment is likely to lead to net debt by the end of 2025. Iodine prices remain strong at above $70/kg. The IO#11 plant should begin production in the summer. Iodine production has been affected by bad weather earlier this year. First quarter production was 124.1MT and first half production of nearly 300MT is forecast for the first half. Pre-tax profit could recover to $7.3m this year.
Energy as a service provider eEnergy Group (EAAS) has entered a partnership with US-based energy as a service provider Redaptive Inc, which will provide up to £100m to support new projects. eEnergy will project manage and deliver LED and solar on behalf of Redaptive customer base in Europe. These projects will be fully funded and eEnergy cash flow will improve. The current NatWest facility can only be used for public projects.
DSW Capital (DSW) had a strong second half with full year figures set to be ahead of expectations. The professional services provider increased network revenues by 61% to £25.8m, including an additional £3m of mergers and acquisitions business ahead of last year’s Budget. Business continued to be active post-Budget and has continued into the new financial year. Pre-tax profit of £1.6m is expected. Forecast 2024-25 pre-tax profit estimate has been changed from £1.43m to £1.7m, while the current year forecast is maintained at £2.5m, when there will be a full contribution from DR Solicitors.
Staff provider Staffline (STAF) has won a new contract with food and drink logistics provider Culina that could be worth £300m over three years. This should commence in the summer. There will be initial implementation costs in 2025. Panmure Liberum has raised its 2025 pre-tax profit forecast from £5.3m to £6m. The 2026 estimate is increased from £5.7m to £8.3m.
Volvere (VLE) improved pre-tax profit from £2.73m to £4.84m in 2024. Consolidated NAV rose from £14.83/share to £17.20/share. Cash of £27.8m is the equivalent of two-thirds of NAV. The trading subsidiary is Shire Foods. Management is seeking other food acquisitions, as well as opportunities in other sectors.
Synthetic binders developer Aptamer (APTA) has gained two fee-for-service development contracts worth up to £231,000, plus licence heads of terms with a global provider of speciality enzymes. The licence agreement covers Optimer binders developed via two fee-for-service contacts. There will be milestone payments and a 10% royalty. New data for the Optimer therapeutic delivery vehicle for liver fibrosis developed in collaboration with AstraZeneca shows it effectively targets fibrosis in the liver as well as the kidney, skin, lung, and heart.
Venture Life Group (VLG) is selling its contract development and manufacturing business to Italy based BioDue so that it can focus on its own self care brands. There will also be a ten year manufacturing agreement. The disposal includes some non-core brands and will generate £53m. The remaining business should have annual revenues of £43m and cash to acquire more brands. The prospective 2026 earnings multiple is eight.
Cosmetics supplier Revolution Beauty (REVB) has got additional productions into retailers and launched the RELOVE brand, but the US and online wholesale markets are weak. Full year revenues fell 26% to £141.6m. A £10.9m loss is forecast for the year to February 2025. Inventory levels have been slashed, but net debt increased to £26.3m at the end of February 2025, which leaves little flexibility in terms of cash. It could stay at around that level by February 2026, although the company could be near to breakeven this year.
Retail software developer itim Group (ITIM) increased revenues by 11% to £17.9m in 2024. Annualised recurring revenues were flat at £13m, but that was a result of currency movements and there was underlying growth. Services revenues increased helping to improve short-term profitability. There was a swing from loss to a pre-tax profit of £200,000. Cash doubled to £3.8m. There is a strong pipeline of potential business, but the timing of decisions by retailers remains uncertain. A further improvement in profit is expected in 2025.
88 Energy (88E) has completed its 25-for-one share consolidation. The previous closing price was the equivalent of 1.4375p. The share price has declined 35.7% to 0.925p.
MAIN MARKET
Mental health treatments developer Solvonis Therapeutics (SVNS) raised £2m at 0.13p/share. The new shares are 40% of the enlarged share capital. The company is making progress to completing the acquisition of Awakn Life Sciences, which will lead to a further 2.07 billion shares being issued. The cash will provide working capital.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 21 October 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has sent out a circular for the requisitioned general meeting on 1 November. The meeting has been requisitioned by Seneca Partners and related investors that hold 5.46% in total. Seneca Partners is also an investor in AIM-quoted OptiBiotix Health (LON: OPTI), which is also unhappy with the current management, but a relationship agreement means that it could not requisition a general meeting. OptiBiotix Health and related individuals own 37.95% and will vote in favour of the resolutions. ProBiotix Health wants to block these shares from being voted. The first resolution is to remove the chief executive Steen Andersen and the second is to remove non-exec Frederik Bruhn-Petersen, whose firm recently subscribed for shares, a funding that OptiBiotix Health was unhappy about. Seneca Partners and OptiBiotix Health are also unhappy that the chief executive wanted to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange.
Marula Mining (MARU) is finalising negotiations to establish a new joint venture with a Chinese battery manufacturer and lithium offtake partner at the Blesburg lithium and tantalum mine. This would be for a lithium acid leaching processing plant, which could be commissioned by next summer. This will use spodumene from the mine and could produce 2,000 tonnes of high-grade lithium product each year. A subscription of £750,000, which comes through the issue of 15 million shares at 5p each via the AUO Commercial Brokerage LLC subscription agreement, will be used to fund the installation of an ore sorter at Blesburg and the costs of other projects. Gathoni Muchai Investments, where Marula Mining board member Jason Brewer is a director, bought 430,000 shares at 5.96p each.
At the end of the three months to September 2024, Arbuthnot Banking (ARBB) customer deposit balances were £3.8bn and customer loans £2.5bn. Funds under management and administration have grown 18% to more than £2bn in the nine months to September 2024. Arbuthnot Banking has completed its move to new offices in the City of London. Management is assessing the proposed new capital rules and deciding if strategy changes will be required. The Budget could also affect strategy.
Substrate Artificial Intelligence (SAI) intends to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange, although it will remain on the BME growth market in Spain. The cancellation of trading on Aquis will happen on 15 November.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) is extending the expiry date of the 8.67 million options, exercisable at 175p/share, held by Gamesa Electric to 10 May 2025. Employee share options will be extended until 21 November 2029.
Mendell Helium (MDH) has agreed to sell its plant-based health and wellness business to Orsus Therapeutics, which will leave the seller with a 28% stake plus six million warrants in the buyer. This is conditional on shareholder approval. The Orsus Therapeutics shares may be distributed to Mendell Helium shareholders. Mendell Helium has an option to acquire Kansas-focused M3 Helium.
Inqo Investments (INQO) has made an investment in Empower Clean Cooking. Uganda-based Empower produces biomass pellets for cooking fuel.
Vehicle electrification technology developer Equipmake (EQIP) is supplying its zero emission drivetrain for use in Textron Safeaero 220 airside de-icing vehicles. There were successful trials earlier in the year.
Former Made Tech (MTEC) finance director Deborah Lovegrove has taken on the same role at All Things Considered (ATC).
AIM
Pulsar Helium Inc (PLSR) shares were already trading on TSX-V and the OTCQB Venture Market and the additional cash raised by coming to AIM on 18 October and raising £3.875m at 25p/share. This will fund further exploration in of the Topaz helium project in northern Minnesota, close to the Canadian border. So far, an appraisal well has been drilled and this confirmed the presence of helium. This will be drilled deeper. There were 1.47 million shares traded on the first day. Having opened on 29p the shares closed the day at 27.5p.
Mothercare (MTC) shares returned from suspension following the 2023-24 results publication and refinancing. There is a new £8m two-year loan facility from Gordon Brothers, which receives 43.4 million warrants exercisable at 8.5p/share. There is also a joint venture with Reliance Brands, which will acquire 51% for £16m, covering the Indian sub-continent. In the year to March 2024, underlying pre-tax profit dipped from £3.4m to £3.1m. Overall revenues continue to decline, and Cavendish expects a small loss this year.
Joshua Alliance is offering 40p/share in cash for each share in N Brown Group (BWNG). The share price has not been this high since February 2023. The Alliance family and related parties already own 53.4% of N Brown. The bid values the fashion brands company at £191m. The chief executive and finance director of N Brown will elect for a share alternative.
Motor dealer Vertu Motors (VTU) had a strong September sales period, and it continues to outperform the sector, particularly in electric vehicle sales. Strong aftersales business and a stabilised second hand car market means that the outlook is positive. In the six months to August 2024, revenues were 3% ahead at £2.49bn. Full year revenues are expected to be flat and pre-tax profit slightly higher at £38m. NAV of 112.8p/share is forecast. A further £3m share buy back is planned.
Weak interior design markets, particularly in the UK, hit interim the figures of Sanderson Design Group (SDG). The timing of licensing revenues exacerbated the downturn in underlying pre-tax profit from £6.8m to £2.2m. The dividend has been reduced by one-third to 0.5p/share. Net cash fell to £9.6m at the end of July 2024.Trading continues to weaken with a 10% downturn in revenues so far in this financial year. The aftermath of the UK Budget and the US election could determine the full year outcome. Investec has reduced its pre-tax profit forecast by 8% to £7.5m, down from £12.2m last year.
Digital mental health services provider Kooth (KOO) says the State of Pennsylvania has terminated its contract with the AIM company. The contract started on 11 October 2022 and the end date was extended from June 2024 to June 2025. However, there is a right to terminate with a 30-day notice period. Kooth says that it was negotiating a new contract, and it is unsure what the status of ongoing work will be. When it was announced, the contract was said to be worth $3m in its pilot year.
Approval for further development of the Wressle field in Lincolnshire has been revoked, because of a legal challenge that greenhouse gas emissions were not taken into account in the original decision. Union Jack Oil (UJO) has a 40% interest in the Wressle development and Europa Oil & Gas (EOG) owns 30%. A revised application for Wressle can be made with additional data on emissions. The existing production continues.
Executive search company Norman Broadbent (NBB) says third quarter revenues are 16% lower than last year at £2.7m. Even so, it was the strongest quarter of the year. September was particularly strong.
CloudCoCo (CLCO) is selling its managed IT services business for £9.2m. This will discharge liabilities, including the MXC loan notes, and leave cash of £950,000. If the sale does not go ahead management will need to consider if there is a future for the group. There are also discussions concerning the sale of the Connect business. The focus will be on the product reseller business.
Decision making software provider ActiveOps (AOM) grew first half revenues by 9% to £14.3m. Annualised recurring revenues are £26.2m. Net revenue retention is 1085. There is cash of £13.4m. Demand is being driven by organisations needing to reduce the cost base. Investment in sales will pay off next year.
Iodine supplier Iofina (IOF) is on course to meet iodine production guidance for this year. There was 163.9 metric tonnes produced in the third quarter. Iodine prices have been higher than in the first half when they were $66.84/kg.
Armadale Capital (ACP) proposes a cancellation of the AIM quotation because it believes that being public does not benefit the company because of the costs. Armadale Capital needs to reduce the cash burn and sell non-core assets. The resources company can be more flexible as a private company. A general meeting will be held on 1 November.
Emmerson (EML) says that the regional authority in Morocco have made an unfavourable environmental recommendation relating to the Khemisset potash project. The full decision is not yet available. Emmerson had previously appealed against the regional authority’s decision not to approve the project under environmental grounds.
MAIN MARKET
Online travel hostel agency Hostelworld (HSW) has moved into a net cash position and trading is in line with expectations even though there has been a small fall in revenues in the nine months to September 2024 due to lower average booking values. Direct marketing costs are down from 51% of revenues to 46%, while operating costs are also lower. Four-fifths of bookings are from social media. Capital allocation policy is being assessed.
Kitchenware retailer ProCook Group (PROC) says second quarter trading shows it is outperforming the market. Interim revenues are 8% ahead at £28.3m with like-for-like revenues 4% higher. The fastest growth is in ecommerce, helped by the relaunch on Amazon, but retail is also recovering. Higher inventory levels meant that net debt has moved up to £4.2m.
Property investor Town Centre Securities (TOWN) is no longer a REIT. That means that there is more flexibility for the business. EPRA net tangible assets slipped 2.5% to 277p/share at the end of June 2024. The loan to value ratio is 50.8%. The final dividend is 2.5p/share.
The space sector is attracting more investment and Seraphim Space Investment Trust (SSIT) will benefit. In the year to June 2024, the NAV improved from 92.9p/share to 96.2p/share, helped by share buy backs. Many of the investment portfolio are reaching maturity and Astroscale has floated on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Shell company Dukemount Capital (DKE) has raised £98,500 from a share issue at 0.025p/share and £51,500 from convertible loan notes with the same conversion price. Loans were previously converted into shares and £300,000 was raised earlier in the year at 0.04p/share. Th outstanding warrants are being repriced to 0.0375p. Richard Edwards has joined the board, and he owns one-quarter of the company.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 18 September 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
An update on the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil from Cadence Minerals (LON: KDNC) says permitting times for the mine and related logistics should be reduced to 12-16 months. An environmental control plan is required to obtain the permits. This will enable a funding decision for the project. Investee company Hastings Technology Metals has expanded its offtake agreement with thyssenkrupp Materials Trading, which will take two-thirds of production from the Yangibana rare earths project.
Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has converted an existing order from Taiwan to its next generation Mistral flow battery. This is a higher margin product targeted at large wind and solar applications. Management is securing additional production capacity with Taiwan partner Everdura.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) had net assets of 308p/share at the end of July 2023. Investee company Rayware’s sales have been hit by weak consumer demand. Pharmacy2U continues to grow. Two investments have been sold. Ther was cash of £16.3m at the end of July 2023.
Financial services company Eight Capital Partners (ECP) says its 2021 figures have been restated because of a change in the accounting treatment of the bonds. Non-cash transactions have been removed from the cash flow statement. The book value of the bonds has been changed to fair value and a modified loss recognised on loan liabilities. Net liabilities were £11.4m. The 2022 results show net assets of £25.3m after a debt conversion to equity. A partial reversal of previous fair value adjustments also helped.
Coinsilium Group Ltd (COIN) is providing a convertible loan of $50,000 and has a 12-month option to subscribe for $500,000 for shares in Silta at a pre-money valuation of $7.5m. This means that it could end up with 6.7% of Silta. Last year, Coinsilium entered into an early contribution agreement to buy $75,000 of SILTA tokens. Silta is developing an advanced AI platform for sustainable infrastructure financing.
Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne (HYDP) is paying an interim dividend of 12p/share.
Rod Weinberg has reduced his stake in SulNOx Group (SNOX) from 6.35% to 2.49%. Macaulay Capital (MCAP) managing director David Horner has bought 200,000 shares at 22.5p each. Nigel Pope has taken a 3% stake in NFT Investments (NFT). Gathoni Muchai Investments has trimmed its stake in Marula Mining (MARU) from 12.2% to 11.26%. A warrants subscription at 4p each raised £30,500.
Black Sea Property (BSP) has raised €4.44m from a loan note issue, which is being used to pay for the recent acquisition of a majority stake in Grand Hotel Varna, which owns three hotels and a beach marina resort, plus a mutual fund portfolio. There is still €15.5m to pay.
AIM
Parcel delivery and logistics company DX (DX.) has received a bid approach from private equity firm HIG European Capital Partners. Gatemore Capital Management, which owns 16.8%, says it is willing to support the proposal of 48.5p/share. Management had rejected lower bids, but it would be minded to recommend this one. Due diligence will be required.
Online gaming firm Gaming Realms (GMR) reported interim revenues 35% higher at £11.5m and a 74% increase in pre-tax profit to £2.4m. The licensing business drove the growth. North American revenues increased by 47% and there are more states likely to ease restrictions on online gaming. Growth is coming from moving into new markets and adding new games. There are upfront costs to the expansion, holding back short-term profit. Net cash is expected to be £8m at the year end
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) increased interim revenues by 27% to $24.3m, while pre-tax profit improved from $2.6m to $4.7m. First half iodine production was 242Mt. Iofina commenced production at its IO#9 plant in Oklahoma at the end of the half year. This is the sixth plant in operation and will help boost second half production to 325-350Mt.
Contract research and infectious disease study services provider hVIVO (HVO) is moving into larger London premises in Canary Wharf. The latest interims have led to an upgrade of guidance for the full year and hVIVO intends to pay a nominal dividend for 2023. Interim revenues were £27.3m, up from £18m, and the full year outcome is expected to be £55.1m with most of the rest of the revenues already contracted.
Construction and property software supplier Eleco (ELCO) increased like-for-like interim revenues by 5% to £13.5m. More importantly, recurring revenues were 18% ahead at £9.7m. This indicates the success of the move to SaaS-based revenues which has held back progress in the short-term. Net cash could reach £10.8m by the end of 2023.
Mkango Resources (MKA) subsidiary HyProMag, which is a short loop rare earth magnet recycler, is participating in a grant funded project called RE-RE Wind, which is designed to provide a circular supply chain for rare earth magnets for wind turbines. The first generation of wind turbines are coming up to the end of their life and a decommissioning programme is required.
Payments services provider Cornerstone FS (CSFS) made a small maiden interim profit. The move into profit was earlier than expected. Interim revenues were 90% ahead at £3.6m and most of this is direct business rather than through third parties. The overheads were held down enabling more of the additional revenues to flow through to profit. Cash is being generated from operations.
Online gaming company B90 Holdings (B90) has raised £2m at 5.44491p/share. The cash will go towards funding acquisitions and further investment in existing assets. The company is also converting £4.73m of loan notes and interest into 86.8 million shares. Enwys, which acquires customers for online gaming companies, has been bought. There are more than 20 other acquisition targets.
Keystone Law (KEYS) is paying a special dividend of 12.5p/share on top of the interim of 5.8p/share. Underlying pre-tax profit was one-quarter ahead at £5.7m, while net cash was £11.3m at the end of July 2023. Interest from new principal lawyers is increasing and 25 offers were accepted in the first half. There is plenty of back office capacity for additional lawyers.
Communications technology developer Feedback (FDBK) is taking time to secure new deals, but they should be on the horizon. The community diagnostic centres contract with the Queen Victoria Hospital has been delayed, but hopefully it should be secured by the end of the year. Feedback is still loss making, even though full year revenues were 74% ahead at £1.02m. The cash outflow, including capitalised development costs, was £3m and the £7.3m in the bank should last more than two years.
North Sea oil and gas producer IOG (IOG) has been told by the authorities that the Nailsworth P2342 and P130 licences are not going to be extended and this could have a negative commercial impact on the potential for the Elland licence. Bondholder discussions continue and the waiver lasts until 29 September. There was £14.5m in cash at the end of August, including £7.3m of restricted cash. There was stable production from Blythe H2, but the realised gas price was lower.
The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) has offset lower revenues from property sales by increasing lettings revenues. Overall interim revenues were 1% ahead at £13.2m. The higher tax rate meant that earnings slipped 2% to 13.8p/share despite an increased profit. The interim dividend was increased by 10% to 4.6p/share.
US-focused betting company Sportech (SPO) plans to leave AIM. It says the burden of time and money is too great. A circular will be sent out to gain shareholder approval at a general meeting.
Bushveld Minerals (BMN) has signed a binding term sheet for a potential $69.5m-$77.5m investment by Southern Point Resources. This includes the acquisition of 50% of Vanchem and 64% of the Mokopane project, plus a $12.5m investment in Bushveld Minerals. There will also be a working capital facility provided. Southern Point Resources will take over marketing and sales of vanadium and other products. The stake disposals will lead to a book loss of $59.6m.
Animal feed ingredients supplier Ocean Harvest Technologies (OHT) raised interim revenues by 43% to €1.8m and gross margins jumped to 36%. Investment in marketing and other aspects of the business meant that the loss was flat at €1.3m. These additional costs should help to generate further sales growth of its seaweed-based feed. Field trials could add up to €13m to annual revenues. However, delays in these trials mean that full year revenues have been downgraded from €4.3m to €3.4m. There should be net cash of €2.9m at the end of 2023.
MAIN MARKET
The FCA has approved the takeover of Lookers (LOOK) by Alpha Auto Group. The bid is 130p/share.
On The Beach (OTB) says its full year results will show record revenues and the holiday company says pre-tax profit will be at the top end of expectations. In the year to September 2022, revenues were £144.1m, which was slightly higher than the pre-Covid level of £140.4m, and underlying pre-tax profit was £14.1m. Consensus forecasts for 2022-23 were revenues of £179.5m and pre-tax profit of £22.6m. The guidance suggests that profit should be slightly higher than that. Even so, underlying pre-tax profit in 2017-18 was higher at £27.6m.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 May 2023
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Technology investment company Asimilar (ASLR) is leaving AIM, but it will retain its Aquis quotation. Trading in the shares recommenced following the publication of the latest accounts. Chris Akers raised his shareholding from 9.13% to 10.3% and that helped the share price to recover from its low during the week. At the end of September 2022, net assets were 5.53p a share. A general meeting will be held on 18 May and the AIM cancelation should happen on 26 May.
Fuel additives supplier SulNOx Group (SNOX) has received a general meeting requisition from RemNOx Ltd, which wants to remove chairman Radu Florescu and appoint three new directors. It also wants to remove chief executive Ben Richardson. RemNOx is controlled by Angela Bravo.
Four shareholders are requisitioning a general meeting at TruSpine Technologies (TSP) and they want four directors to be removed. They also want three nominees to be voted onto the board, which includes two of the requisitioners: Peter Houghton and Todd Michael Cramer.
OTAQ (OTAQ) published a nine-month update showing revenues of £2.6m up until the new year end of December 2022. There was a £300,000 EBITDA loss. There are a range of aquaculture products that are becoming ready for commercialisation. First quarter 2023 trading was in line with expectations and the outlook for the second quarter is better.
MBH Corporation (M8H) increased 2022 revenues by 31% to £142.8m, while operating profit was £3.4m, down from £5.16m. There was organic growth from all the main operating sectors.
Hydrogen Future Industries (HFI) had an interim cash outflow from operating activities of £548,000. There is £736,000 in the bank at the end of January 2023. The company has commenced prototype testing of the wind element of its hydrogen production system.
BWA Group (BWA) has appointed John Byfield and Jonathan Wearing to the board, while Alex Borelli has stepped down. High levels of rutile have been identified in samples from the Dehane 2 rutile sands project in Cameroon.
Investment company MaxRets Ventures (MAX) had net assets of £497,000 at the end of October 2022, including £411,000 in cash. Annualised running costs are £280,00. There are two cannabis-related investments and no new investments have been made in the past year.
SuperSeed Capital (WWW) has made a new investment in Kluster, an AI platform that helps clients to generate revenues.
EDX Medical (EDX) has raised £1,725m at 6p a share. Bridgemere has become the second largest shareholder with 11.6%.
PanGenomic Health (NARA) says a subsidiary has signed a definitive master service agreement with Psy Integrated Health. Patient biomarker data will be collected to assist in optimising treatments. Psy will be paid $45,000 for the initial work.
Equipmake Holdings (EQIP) has been awarded a £1.6m grant, on a matched funding basis, to help it further develop its electrification technology for electric vehicles.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) has published exploration data for the Cottesloe project in Western Australia. This shows high grades of silver, cobalt, lead and zinc.
Marula Mining (MARU) published its quarterly activities update. This was an active quarter. There is an increasing focus on battery metals. The company is debt free.
At the end of January 2023, Kasei Holdings (KASH) had net assets of £2.05m, including cash of £473,000. Since then, £164,000 has been raised from Aalto Capital at 12p a share. However, this is less than the £500,000 expected.
Semper Fortis Esports (SEMP) raised £100,000 at 0.1p a share. This will take the cash pile up to £500,000. Costs have been brought down to a minimum.
Convertible loan notes worth £161,000 were converted into Valereum (VLRM) shares at 4.7112p a share.
AIM
Deutsche Bank is bidding 339p a share for Numis Corporation (NUM), which values the AIM nominated adviser at £410m. On top of the cash bid there will be an interim dividend of 6p a share for the six months to March 2023, plus an additional dividend of 5p a share. The first dividend will be paid in June and the second dividend will be paid after the effective date of the takeover.
Zoo Digital (ZOO) has raised £12.5m at 160p a share and a retail offer could raise up to £500,000 at the same price – it closes on 5 May. The cash will help to finance the acquisition of one of its Japanese media localisation partners from a leading technology company. This should be earnings enhancing. Management says that full year revenues will be $90m, which is lower than expected. This disappointment is due to lower margin dubbing revenues.
Fiinu Group (BANK) says a lack of money has slowed progress in gaining a full banking licence. A decision has been taken to withdraw the fintech’s licence application and reapply in a few months. Management will then focus on securing between £34m and £42m of cash. Once this is obtained the application process will be resumed. Fiinu has developed the Plugin Overdraft, which provides customers with an overdraft facility without the requirement to switch banks.
Trading conditions were tougher for Focusrite (TUNE) in the content creation market and that was only partly offset by a bounce back in the audio reproduction sector as live events returned to past levels. Group interim revenues fell from £92.9m to £86.2m, even after the inclusion of recent acquisitions. A fall in freight charges helped gross margin edge up to 47.1%. Even so, pre-tax profit fell from £16.3m to £10.9m. Net debt was £13.2m after the cost of acquisitions. The dividend was still raised from 1.85p a share to 2.1p a share.
IT training provider Northcoders (CODE) reported an 86% increase in revenues to £5.6m in 2022 and pre-tax profit jumped from £100,000 to £600,000. There was net cash of £1.7m at the end of 2022. Revenues of £6.1m are already in the order book for 2023 and the full year forecast is £9.5m. The pre-tax profit should double to £1.2m.
Management process automation software provider ActiveOps (AOM) made better gross margins on forecast revenues of £25m and a positive EBITDA in the year to March 2023. A £500,000 loss was forecast. There was £15.4m in cash at the year-end. The newly launched CaseWorkIQ software is starting to gain momentum. The full year figures will be published in July.
Smoove (SMV) says it is in bid discussions with PEXA Group. These are at an early stage but could lead to a cash bid for the online residential property services provider. Australia-based PEXA Group offers online property services through the Property Now content hub that are similar to those offered by Smoove. There is no indication of bid price.
WoolOvers Group announced on Tuesday afternoon that it will not be making a 10.5p a share bid for footwear retailer Unbound Group (UBG).
Parkmead Group (PMG) produced more condensate than expected from the LDS-01 well in the Netherlands, so the well has been temporarily shut-in to enable work to handle the greater volume. This will mean that 2022-23 pre-tax profit will be lower than expected, but still doubled at £15.1m. Longer term, the prospects appear brighter. Gas reserves appear to be greater than anticipated and the high gas price is prompting greater exploration activity.
Fire Angel Safety Technology (FA.) has been hit by supply problems and that particularly hampered sales of higher margin products. A delayed contract also held back progress. Costs have fallen but EBITDA will be below expectations in 2023. Price increases will help revenues from the second quarter onwards. Shore Capital has withdrawn its forecasts.
Iodine producer Iofina (IOF) has an increasingly attractive outlook for 2023. The iodine price remains relatively high at near to $70/kg and the new IO#9 facility should be up and running before the end of June. There are more potential sites for plants. Iodine derivatives sales are also increasing. Net income was $7.2m in 2022 and it is expected to improve to $8.1m this year.
MAIN MARKET
Mears (MER) reported 2022 pre-tax profit of £35.2m and higher than expected average net cash of £42.9m. The dividend has been increased by 31% and a £20m share buy back has been launched. The order book covers 98% of 2023 forecast revenues – pre-tax profit is likely to be flat.
Castings (CGS) has beaten forecasts for the year to March 2023. Pre-tax profit will be 8% ahead of the estimate at £16.8m. Demand from HGV manufacturers is still improving, and production inefficiencies resolved, helping the second half to be much better than expected.
Andrew Hore