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Quoted Micro 26 January 2026
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Cardiometabolic health products developer ProBiotix Health (PBX) increased sales by 45% to £2.72m in 2025 and reduced the loss. During the year, ProBiotix entered the Korean market and submitted applications for two new clinical trials. There was £1.27m in the bank at the end of £1.27m. The order book is worth £1.3m. The business has been structured to cope with further growth. There will be a focus on growth in Asia Pacific. In Europe, the company is seeking to substitute its LP LDL product for Monacolin K as a cholesterol lowering ingredient in supplements. There are opportunities in the US, but they could be delayed by the trade background.
AIM-quoted Pulsar Helium (PLSR) has issued a further 145,434 consideration shares to Aquis-quoted Oscillate (SRVL) as part of the deal to acquire Quantum Hydrogen. This takes the stake to 80% with an option to acquire the rest for $400,000 in shares issued in five equal instalments.
Astrid Intelligence (ASTR) has acquired TaoFi, which provides transactional and liquidity services that are essential to the operation of the Bittensor ecosystem. This strengthens the company’s position in protocol-level services. The consideration was paid in TAO tokens.
Connecting Excellence (XCE) has received settlement of 10 Bitcoin for the first XCE BTC Bond, issued on 31 December 2025 with a BTC price of £65,104.26. the company has 51.35988275 Bitcoin.
Bitcoin investor Stack BTC (STAK), formerly Kasei Digital Assets, returned £3.5m to shareholders and that was the major reason behind the 84.6% decline in the share price to 2p.
Ethereum and technology investment company Ethtry (ETHY) is seeking to develop activities in quantum technology, AI and energy transition services. It has bought 500 Ethereum at £2,412 each. A partnership has been secured with AMINA Bank, which will provide access to regulated banking infrastructure and digital asset services.
Ajax Resources (AJAX) has entered newly negotiated terms for the purchase of the Paguanta project in Chile. The initial payment is $50,000 in cash $350,000 of shares at 25p each. Deferred consideration is $500,000 on proved reserve exceeding 25 million tonnes at more than 5% zinc equivalent and/or $500,000 on proved reserve exceeding five million tonnes of copper.
Bitcoin investor and wed development company The Smarter Web Company (SWC) has bought ten Bitcoin at £67,210 each, taking its holding to 2,674 Bitcoin at an average price of £82,800 each. The total value is £221.4m. The company is moving to the Main Market on 3 February.
Shares in Valereum (VLRM) returned from suspension 10% lower at 11.25p. A share subscription agreement has been signed with Quorium Global Photonics (QGP), which will subscribe for 243.5 million shares. There is a lock-in agreement until the shares are listed on Nasdaq or New York Stock Exchange, except for 1.44% of the shares each month. In return Valereum will receive $200,000 of medium term notes with an annual coupon of 7.95%. That will generate $15.9m/year for five years. A $1bn bank facility is provided for. There will be $200,000 in fees paid to QGP, which will also receive warrants. Guild Financial Advisory has been appointed corporate adviser
Sulnox Group (SNOX) has obtained another patent in South Africa. This is for an improved oil/water separation methodology for its emulsification products. Sulnox Group has issued 1.4 million shares to Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte Ltd based on the volume of Sulnox Eco it bought.
Brewer Shepherd Neame (SHEP) says beer volumes fell 6.6% in the first half, while own beer volumes slipped 11.6%. like-for-like pub sales were 4.5% ahead following a strong Christmas period. Tenanted pubs income was 3.1% higher. The interim results will be announced on 18 March.
Maiden figures from Delta Gold Technologies (DGQ) show an interim loss of £126,000 with no revenues. This is to October 2025, so it is before the quantum computing company joined Aquis, raising £2.5m at 10p/share. There is a sponsored research agreement with the University of Toronto.
In the year to August 2025, Capital for Colleagues (CFCP) generated revenues of £1.04m and there was a loss of £1.31m due to reductions in the value of investments. Excluding that, there would have been a profit. NAV was 72.86p/share. There is no dividend.
TechFinancials (TECH) has signed an agreement to acquire up to 60% of the Dilotiko iron ore project in Kenya. The issue of 57.1 million shares has led to the acquisition of 25%. A mining permit is going through an evaluation process. A further 50 million shares would be issued to take the stake to 60%. Gathoni Muchai Investments introduced the deal in return for 20 million shares. Hyde Park Holdings has disposed of its 5.78% stake.
Dr KS Tan bought 16,005 shares in Inqo Investments (INQO) at 47.8p each. He owns 35.6%.
BWA Holdings (BWAP) has generated significant sample results at the Aracan gold project in Cameroon. There were 50 samples that reported gold values greater than 15ppb.
JP JENKINS
Bigblu Broadband (BBB) has not come to an agreement over deferred consideration for the disposal of Skymesh. The buyer was due to pay up to $6.9m before Christmas. Shareholders have provided funds to support the company in its attempts to resolve the dispute.
AIM
Kitwave Group (KITW) is recommending a 295p/share cash bid from OEP Partners, but it is not supported by all analysts. The bid values the grocery distributor at £251m. The acquirer will support further growth through acquisitions. Interim figures show a 21% increase in revenues to £802.7m, but there was a like-for-like decline of 1%. Underlying operating profit rose 12% to £38m despite the increasing overheads due to higher staff costs. Net debt is £57.3m, down from £63.7m one year earlier. The May 2021 placing price was 150p.
TruFin (TRU) subsidiary Playstack has signed a contract with a global technology platform for a new video game to be released in the second half of 2026. The game will be developed and owned by Playstack. There will be a series of contractual payments and performance-based fees. The board of Playstack is establishing a new management incentive scheme, which could issue up to 15% of the fully diluted share capital in B and C shares. The B shares only vest if a minimum value of £19.6m is achieved on an exit, while the C shares only participate if the value is £45.9m, which increases by an annual interest rate of 12%. TruFin has launched a £6m share buyback.
Goldstone Resources (GRL) is raising £2m at 1p/share, which was more than double the share price ahead of the announcement. The cash will fund exploration at the Homase mine in Ghana to expand the JORC resource and to evaluate other gold projects, including one in Sierra Leone. Asian Investment Management is converting £1.45m of interest on its gold loan to shares at a conversion price base on a gold price of $4,250/ounce, taking its shareholding to 29.9%. This leaves 250 ounces of interest and the principal gold loan of 1,871.31 ounces. Directors are also taking 50% of fees owed in shares at 1p/share.
Phoenix Copper (PXC) says that the increased copper price means that the post tax NPV10 trebles to $185.2m. This is based on the copper price changing from $4.45/lb in the original estimate to $5.58/lb. Indigo Capital has converted $2.1m of loan notes into 26.98 million shares at 1.483p each and is selling 24.2 million shares to European investors.
Water mediation services provider MYCELX Technologies (MYX) grew 2025 revenues by 1405 to $11.7m and this, along with cost controls, has enabled the company to achieve an expected profit of around $360,000. A loss was previously forecast.
Oil and gas company Block Energy (BLOE) has completed the farm-out of licence XIQ (Project IV) following approval from the government of Georgia. Block Energy is fully carried through the staged work programme which could cost $95m. Aspect Georgia will earn up to 75% with an option to increase this to 92.5%.
Genetics based testing company GENinCode (GENI) has raised £3.9m via a placing and subscription at 1p/share – that is more than the £3.5m minimum sought. Up to £500,000 more could be raised by a retail offer, which closes on 26 January. The company has been working with the FDA to gain 510k approval for the CARDIO inCode-Score test. Highlighted deficiencies are being attended to, including a greater emphasis on African American community data and further clinical validation. The cash will fund this and expansion in the UK and EU.
Kromek (KMK) moved from loss to profit in the first half. In the six months to October 2025, revenues jumped from £3.7m to £15m due to a large payment from Siemens Healthineers for imaging technology expertise. Advanced imaging revenues were higher even if that payment is excluded. The CBRN detection division more than doubled revenues. Cavendish is maintaining its full year forecasts with more modest full year growth of revenues from £26.5m to £27.1m, which reflects the second half payment from Siemens last year. The underlying growth of the rest of the business continues. Forecast pre-tax profit is £2.3m. The share price has soared in the past six months.
Airea (AIEA) says demand for its floor tiles was softer in the second half, although full year sales were still 1% ahead at £21.4m. Uncertainty ahead of the Budget hit sales. International sales were 4% down. Operating profit should be better than that reported for 2024. The new manufacturing facility is in the final stages of commissioning.
Loyalty platform provider Eagle Eye (EYE) did better than expected in the first half with underlying growth in revenues of 16% to £22.4m, although the previously announced lost contract meant that the reported figure is 5% lower. Annualised recurring revenues were higher at £42.2m due to contract wins. EBITDA fell from £5.9m to £4.3m. A small full year pre-tax profit is now forecast.
Oil condition monitoring equipment supplier Tan Delta Systems (TAND) generated revenues of £1.2m in 2025, which is one-fifth higher than anticipated. There are customers undertaking trials of equipment that should be near to making purchasing decisions. Net cash was £1.4m at the end of 2025, but a fundraising may be required depending on the rate of new orders.
Iron deficiency treatment developer Shield Therapeutics (STX) expects to achieve an operating profit in 2026, having generated $1m in cash from operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. In 2025, revenues rose from $32m to $50m with $46m coming from iron deficiency treatment ACCRUFeR through a combination of higher prices and more prescriptions. There were 61,000 prescriptions in the fourth quarter, up from 41,000 one year earlier. Cash was $11.6m at the end of 2025, although there is still net debt.
Firering Strategic Minerals (FRG) intends to exercise the next tranche of the Limeco Resources option, which will take its shareholding to 36.2%. Firering Strategic Minerals boss Yuval Cohen will step down and concentrate on his role as chief executive of lime producer Limeco Resources in Zambia. A new kiln will increase production capacity. Youval Rasin will be interim chief executive of Firering Strategic Minerals.
MobilityOne (MBO) has formed a mobile money transfer collaboration in Bangladesh with bKash. It will share fees on remittance transactions by bKash account holders. There will be a modest contribution this year.
More good news for Oracle Power (ORCP) from drilling at the Kalgoorlie gold project in Australia. It has intersected shallow gold mineralisation at the Northern Zone Intrusive Hosted gold project. The best result is 8 metres at 5.81g/t gold. There are a further 16 drillholes due to report results in two batches. It is possible that there is a 600 metre wide zone of shallow oxide mineralisation overlapping the Northern Zone porphyry system.
Trading in Landore Resources (LND) shares recommenced after it published an updated mineral resource estimate for the BAM gold project in Ontario. It includes estimates for the B-47 nickel copper cobalt PGE deposit and VW nickel copper cobalt deposit at the Junior Lake nickel deposit. BAM has indicated gold of 622,300 ounces with 33,700 ounces inferred. B47 has indicated resources of 3,428 tonnes at 0.6% nickel, 0.41% copper, 0.05% cobalt, 0.13g/t platinum, 0.48g/t Pg and 0.03%g/t gold. VW has indicated resources of 3,428 tonnes at 0.4% nickel, 0.05% copper, 0.02% cobalt, 0.03g/t platinum, 0.04g/t Pg and 0.01%g/t gold. Strategic options are being considered for Junior Lake. There are potential changes at subsidiary Landore Resources Canada Inc.
Online retailer Huddled Group (HUD) generated revenues of £19m and an EBITDA loss of £2.5n in 2025. There is a new agreement with Temu and an expansion of product range on Amazon and OnBuy. This provides a showcase for the company’s own websites.
MAIN MARKET
Foam manufacturer Zotefoams (ZTF) had a strong fourth quarter with an improvement in the construction market and continued growth elsewhere. Full year revenues were £158.5m and pre-tax profit 38% ahead at £21.1m. The one weak region was Asia, but the new Vietnam factory should change that.
London BTC (BTC) has appointed Marex, which recently bought Winterflood, as joint corporate adviser as part of its plans to float on Nasdaq.
Golden Rock Global (GCG) is planning to acquire SSS Matrix Corp, which is described as “operating at the intersection of applied AI, commodity market and supply chain management, blockchain-based digital finance and payment systems”. There will be a share issue to pay for the acquisition. Trading in the shares is suspended.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 1 April 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Incanthera (INC) has published an update on its distribution deal with Marionnaud. The first order for Skin + CELL products will generate revenues of £2m with 50,000 bottles of skin cream to be supplied for sale in Austria and Switzerland. A second order will be even bigger. The management projects revenues of £10m for the year to March 2025 and this would make it profitable. The range is being increased to five products and they are all part of the initial launch. Revenues could grow to £33m the following year. There is potential for licence deals in other countries.
Watchstone Group (WTG) says a subsidiary’s VAT appeal was dismissed even though it satisfied four out of five elements. A decision will be made on whether to appeal the judgement.
TruSpine Technologies (TSP) intends to issue a conversion notice to loan note holders. The conversion price is a 130% premium to the share price prior to the convertible loan note approval by the directors. A £200,000 debenture has been used to subscribe for convertible loan notes. Geoffrey Miller has increased his stake from 6.88% to 7.24%.
Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) has announced a further adjournment of its a general meeting to gain shareholder approval for leaving Aquis. Investors have approached the quantum technology investment company and offered to make a substantial investment. Stuart Woods has stepped down from the board.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) investee company European Metals Holdings (EMH) says that the Cinovec project in the Czech Republic is in the process of completing a definitive feasibility study, but it will not be completed in the first quarter. There is potential to improve the lithium processing. Cadence Minerals has increased its stake in the Amapa iron ore project in Brazil to 34%. A study should reduce costs and improve productivity of the proposed mine.
S-Ventures (SVEN) increased interim revenues from £8.4m to £9.6m but reported a higher loss from continuing operations. The bakery business was profitable, but this did not offset losses and impairment costs for other businesses. There is no further news on the proposed sale of operations to AIM-quoted Riverfort Global Opportunities.
KR1 (KR1) had net assets of 134.6p/share at the end of February 2024. There was income generated of £1.63m.
Arbuthnot Banking Group (ARBB) increased its pre-tax profit from £20m to £47.1m and the total dividend was raised from 42p/share to 46p/share. Bad debts were lower than forecast. NAV is 1547p/share. The profit is likely to fall this year.
Global Connectivity (GCON) is amending the terms of warrants issued when it floated and extending them by two years to 20 April 2026. The exercise price is being reduced to 1.5p. Management is exploring potential investments.
Marula Mining (MARU) has commenced exploration at the Larisoro manganese mine in Kenya.
Valereum (LON: VLRM) has raised £300,000 at 6p/share from its chairman and is planning a larger fundraising in the third quarter of 2024.
Jenny Hanlon has been appointed as chief executive of brewer Adnams (ADB). She is currently finance director.
Tap Global Group (TAP) generated trading payment volumes of £181.6m in 2023. That generated revenues of £2.02m, but the loss was still £1.07m.
EPE Special Opportunities (EO.P) had net assets of 324p/share at the end of January 2024. There was £15.3m in cash offset by £4m in loan notes repayable on 23 July.
Gunsynd (GUN) investee company Aberdeen Minerals is raising £3m at 8.5p/share from Central Asia Metals with a further £2m that could be raised from the exercise of warrants at 11p/share. This deal requires regulatory approval.
Lift Global Ventures (LFT) investee company Trans-Africa Energy has received funding of £12m from an African investor. The first energy infrastructure investment is in Ghana. Lift Global Ventures’ core investor relations business generated cash in the first half, although there was a cash outflow for the group as a whole.
Aiden Keegan has been appointed chief executive of Cooks Coffee Company (COOK).
Philip Blows reduced his stake in Supernova Digital Assets (SOL) from 10.6% to 7.98%. There was £68,000 in the bank and £1.95m in investments at the end of October 2023. NAV was £2.93m.
Daniel Thwaites (THW) director RAJ Bailey bought 15,000 shares at 71p each.
AIM
Marine technology developer Windward (WNWD) has cut its loss and is heading towards profitability. The 2023 revenues were $28.3m, up from $21.6m. Windward started 2023 with an annual contract value of $25.5m and that has risen to $34.5m, while the 2024 forecast revenues have been edged up from $34.5m to $35.1m. Requirements for tracking cargo and ensuring that sanctions are complied with are helping to increase demand, particularly from commercial clients. Commercial revenues increased to 30% of the total for 2023, but government revenues are also growing.
Grocery distributor Kitwave Group (KITW) has made its latest acquisition, and this will be earnings enhancing. Total Foodservice Solutions is a food wholesaler with two depots based in the north of England. The customer base includes pubs, restaurants, universities and care homes. The gross cost is £21m and that is reduced to £17m when cash in the business is taken into account.
Strong growth at the Billi filtration systems helped Strix (KETL) have a better second half, but the limited recovery in kettle controls and lower consumer goods sales meant that pre-tax profit was slightly lower at £21.9m. There is no dividend. There should be an improvement in profit this year, but it will still be well down on the 2021 figure. Net debt was £83.7m and could fall below £79m by the end of 2024.
Good Energy (GOOD) had a strong performance in 2023 due to high energy prices, but 2024 will not get that benefit and energy supply profit will fall sharply. In 2023, pre-tax profit doubled to £5.7m, but the 2024 forecast has been downgraded from £8.4m to £6.7m. The energy services business, including solar and heat pump installation, is being built up and it will become a more significant profit contributor over the next couple of years making the group performance less volatile.
Floorcoverings manufacturer Airea (AEIA) increased sales of its Burmatex-branded product by 14% to £21.1m. Pre-tax profit was flat at £1.4m, although it included a small valuation gain in the latest year. Higher finance costs relate to the pension scheme and operating profit increased. The net asset value is £14.9m, including net cash of £3.4m. Strong cash generation can cover the £5m investment in new capacity and a 10% increase in the dividend to 0.55p/share. The new capacity should be ready in early 2025 and will enable Airea to take advantage of own brand opportunities for clients.
Revolution Bars Group (RBG) is assessing its options that include restructuring the business or selling all or part of the operations. There are currently no bidders. Luke Johnson is involved in talks concerning a fundraising.
Semiconductor designer CML Microsystems (CML) is being hampered by lower than expected shipments as clients reduce stocks and this is continuing into the new financial year. In the year to March 2024, revenues will be slightly lower than expectations at £23m and underlying EBITDA will be £6.4m, compared with a forecast £6.8m, due to more sales of lower margin products. Full year pre-tax profit will be just under £3m. The balance sheet remains strong with net cash of nearly £18m. The full benefits of the Microwave Technology acquisition, which has performed well, will show through over the next couple of years.
Horizonte Minerals (HZM) published the latest financing estimate for the Araguaia nickel project. The cost to complete is $454m, but the full funding required is $567m-$592m, including pre-production and transaction costs. Existing liabilities are $418, and they require restructuring. More cash will be required by mid-April. Interest payments are being deferred. Existing shareholders are not in a strong position.
A more positive trading statement from film and video translation services provider ZOO Digital (ZOO) as management believes that demand should recover following the disruption of recent strikes in Hollywood. Revenues of $40m are now expected for the year to March 2024. A new film and TV distribution client has been won and there is greater visibility of work. The company still might not move back into profit in 2024-25, though. There is potential disruption from a craft workers strike in Hollywood.
Boilers developer Inspirit Energy (INSP) is near to completing the four electronic updates for its waste heat recovery system. The team is relocating back to the UK. The cash outflow was stemmed in the six months to December 2023.
Infrastructure India (IIP) shares returned from suspension when the interims to September 2023 were published. The board is proposing a winding-up of the company as it disposes of its assets and the share quotation will be cancelled if the proposals are passed at the AGM. Net liabilities are £217.4m.
Drug discovery company C4X Discovery (C4XD) also plans to cancel its AIM quotation and re-register as a private limited company if it gains shareholder approval at a general meeting on 15 April. Shareholders owning 57% of the shares are in favour. Management believes that it will be easier to raise funds as a private company and it will save money. C4X Discovery has raised £63m on AIM. In August 2022, £5.7m was raised at 25p/share. There is still £20.8m in the bank. In the six months to January 2024, revenues were £24.6m, due to milestone payments, compared with £1.7m in the first half of the previous year. The company is generally loss-making without substantial milestone payments.
Oil and gas producer Molecular Energies (MEN) is cancelling its AIM quotation because it does not believe it is worth the cost. The company should save £500,000/year. Chairman Peter Levine, who owns 29.2%, suggests that he may offer to buy shares of some other investors in the future, but there are no immediate plans to offer an exit prior to the cancellation. Green House Capital will no longer be spun off on AIM.
Infection protection technology developer Byotrol (BYOT) has been quoted for nearly 19 years and it has decided to leave AIM. Revenues from continuing products could improve from £3.7m to £3.9m this year. No further IP revenues are expected this year. Some IP was sold to Tristel (TSTL) and along with an early termination of another licence generated cash of £800,000, but minimum guaranteed royalties will be written down by £550,000 in the balance sheet. Even before that, there will be a higher loss in 2023-24. The business needs to be restructured and reduce costs and believes there will be more flexibility as a private company.
MAIN MARKET
Quantum dots developer Nanoco (NANO) generated interim revenues of £4m, including the recognition of £3m of Samsung licence income, up from £1.6m. Net cash was £54.5m at the end of January 2024. Second half non-Samsung revenues should be higher.
First Tin (1SN) had a cash outflow from operations of more than £2m in 2023. There was also £6.4m spent on exploration activities. There is £4.66m left in the bank.
Cizzle Biotechnology (CIZ) has raised £620,000 via a placing at 2p/share. This will fund the first proposed commercial test for its lung cancer test. The £500,000 loan facility with E3 Fund will be terminated.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 4 March 2024
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Marula Mining (MARU) is investing in the established Larisoro manganese mining operation in Kenya by securing a 60% commercial interest with an option to increase it to 70%. There are three shallow open pits and there has been mining for 12 years. The purchase price is £300,000 satisfied by the issue of 2.4 million shares. Marula Mining will provide investment of $1.5m for equipment to enable increased production. Once there is a final agreement another £200,000 will be paid with £300,000 payable after the completion of an exploration programme. The final payment will be £750,000 when 50,000 tonnes of manganese ore is sold. A further £1.25m will be paid if the stake is raised to 70%.
Flow battery storage technology developer Invinity Energy Systems (IES) has secured a new deal with Taiwan-based Everdura, where it will supply the cell stacks and Everdura will handle manufacturing and sales. Performance testing of the first Mistral prototype has been successful and the agreement sets a target of 255MWh of Mistral sales over three years. Additional strategic partners could be announced within six weeks.
Aquis Exchange (AQX), the owner of the Aquis Stock Exchange, has launched conditional order functionality on the Aquis UK and Aquis EU platforms. This enables members to post the same liquidity on multiple venues without the risk of over-trading. This extends the Aquis dark pool, which was launched in 2022. The 2023 results will be published on 21 March. Pre-tax profit is expected to be 16% higher at £5.2m.
Ananda Developments (ANA) says that its subsidiary MRX Medical has signed a drug supply agreement with the University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian for the provision of MRX1 cannabidiol oil. This will be used in an endometriosis clinical trial, ENDOCAN-1. MRX will have a licence over all IP generated from the trial for development purposes. It could also licence the IP for commercial purposes.
Digital diagnostic products developer EDX Medical Group (EDX) has raised £1.56m at 12p/share, taking the total raised in February to £5.7m. This will be spent on product development. A WRAP retail offer could raise up to £500,000. This closes on 5 March.
Field Systems Design Holdings (FSD) improved interim revenues from £6.7m to £8.8m, while pre-tax profit rose from £57,000 to £84,000. There has been additional work from the water sector and investment is accelerating. There are secured orders of more than £14m, but there is still pressure on margins. There is £2.18m in the bank.
Quantum technology investment company Quantum Exponential Group (QBIT) is seeking shareholder approval to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange. Apparently potential investors in a fund are not happy that the company is publicly traded. There will also be cost savings from leaving the market. Management is considering potential trading platforms for the shares.
KR1 (KR1) had a NAV of 122.97p/share at the end of January. There was £1.8m of income generated from digital assets during the month.
Gunsynd (GUN) investee company Low 6 has traded profitably in the past seven months and 2023-24 revenues are expected to be £4.5m, up from £855,000 the previous year. Debt is being paid off.
Substrate Artificial (SAI) has increased revenues but the loss has more than doubled due to AI development spending.
Silverwood Brands (SLWD) is acquiring Japanese beauty products manufacturer Cosme Science Corporation. It owns skincare brand Dr Baeltz. No purchase price is mentioned.
Mortgage Chat (MCAI) has entered into a software development agreement with Accru Finance. This is for the design of a web-based application for mortgage queries. The payment for development is £15,000 and 200,000 warrants with an exercise price of 5p. California Two Pizza Ventures Inc has cut its stake from 8.05% to 7.54%.
ProBiotix Health (PBX) has entered a partnership with SymbioPharm. The Germany-based microbiome research company and has an established distribution network. It will use ProBiotix Health’s CholBiome CH formulation in branded consumer products.
BWA Group (BWAP) says reconnaissance drilling at the Dehane 2 heavy mineral sands project in Cameroon has been encouraging. Heavy mineral sands have been observed and analysis is awaited. A further £50,000 has been raised.
Edison has initiated research on prize draw operator Good Life Plus (GDLF). Former Tote boss David Craven is chairman.
Investment company Asimilar Group (ASLR) is holding a general meeting on 27 March to gain shareholder approval to leave the Aquis Stock Exchange. Cost savings will help to prevent the need to sell investments.
Chris Akers has reduced his stake in Tap Global Group (TAP) from 3.7% to below 3%. Andrew Offit increased his shareholding in Supernova Digital (SOL) from 11.9% to 14.1%. Nigel Pope has raised his stake in Phoenix Digital Assets (PNIX) from 3.2% to 4.04%. Steven Bennett increased his stake in Oscillate (MUSH) from 4.75% to 7.12%.
AIM
Grocery distributor Kitwave Group (KITW) continues to grow organically, as well as via acquisition. In the year to October 2023, revenues grew from £503.1m to £602.2m, while underlying pre-tax profit moved up from £18.9m to £27.5m. The acquisition of Wilds of Oldham, where integration will be completed in April, came too late to make a contribution last year. Food service is becoming increasingly important with 30% of revenues last year, up from 25% the year before. It also contributed 43% of EBITDA before central overheads. The total dividend was increased by 21% to 11.2p/share.
eEnergy Group (EAAS) has secured a funding facility from National Westminster of up to £40m. This can be used to fund public sector energy transition projects and lasts 12 years. This will lower the cost of capital. Group continuing revenues were £46m in the 18 months to December 2023. EBITDA was between £5.1m to £5.3m.
Avacta (AVCT) initially wanted to raise £20m via a placing at 50p/share and raise a further £6.8m via a retail offer. The total fundraise has been increased from up to £26.8m to up to £32.5m. Even so, the share price slumped 36.6% to 54.5p. There is already £16.6m in the bank and the rate of cash outflow appears to be declining. The cash will fund further progress with dose expansion and the phase 2 efficacy studies for its main clinical programme AVA6000 and additional working capital up until late 2025 / early 2026. Anything raised in excess of £20m will be spent on AVA3996 and further potential Affimer drug development platforms. There are plans to sell the diagnostics division and for a possible Nasdaq listing.
Horizonte Minerals (HZM) says lenders have extended the deferral of interest payments to 29 March. Management is working with lenders and shareholders on full funding for its Araguaia project. The talks could be finalised by June, but additional funding will be required before that. The $24.8m in the bank should last until the middle of April, depending on any cost savings achieved. The Brazilian subsidiary may need to resort to protective measures to protect its cash position. Horizonte Minerals is a guarantor of the subsidiary’s debt, and it may also need to apply for protective measures if the refinancing is not agreed.
Retail software supplier itim Group (ITIM) has released a trading statement following its contract announcement earlier in the week. Revenues of £16.1m were in line with expectations and annualised recurring revenues were steady at £13.2m. Services revenues were higher. The 2023 loss forecast has been trimmed from £1.3m to £1.1m. itim has won a five-year, multi-million pound contract with fashion retailer QUIZ Clothing. This deal provides an opportunity to attract other fashion retailers. The Retail Suite product will be rebranded as UNIFY.
Semiconductors designer EnSilica (ENSI) reported interim revenues 11.5% ahead at £9.6m, but there was a higher pre-tax loss of £309,000. There has been a strong start to the second half and the latest contract with a US electronics manufacturer is worth $20m, which is fully funding engineering fees. Last December’s placing raised £1.56m at 40p/share. The latest placing raised £1.1m at 50p/share and it has received the R&D tax credit for 2023.
Renalytix (RENX) has broadened the US government coverage for kidneyintelX.dkd testing. This is a FDA de Novo marketing authorised test and the status has enabled it to be added to the 10-year Governmentwide acquisition contract for early stage kidney disease bioprognostic testing services. The fee is $950 per reportable result.
Sustainable polymers developer Itaconix (ITX) is continuing its positive momentum in the cleaning sector and developing more products that will fuel growth. Overall revenues were 41% higher at $7.9m, with strong growth in Europe. Cleaning sector revenues were $7.2m. There is $10m in the bank and that should last long enough to reach cash breakeven.
Video editing technology developer Blackbird (BIRD) is raising £1.05m at 6p/share. The cash will help fund the full launch of content creation tool elevate.io. There was £5.9m in cash prior to the fundraising and the company says that there was interest from investors wanting to buy shares.
Verditek (VDTK) has entered into a conditional sale agreement for its solar business for £528,340, which will be satisfied by the surrender of loan notes plus interest. Shareholder approval is required. Bob Holt and John Charlton are joining the board and the existing directors resigning. Both of them were involved in turning around Sureserve. There is £300,000 being raised at 0.075p/share and Bob Holt will loan the company up to £300,000, which is convertible at 0.075p/share. There are plans to raise a further £1.5m and change the name to Net Zero.
MAIN MARKET
Hydrogen Utopia International (HUI) has secured a reverse takeover candidate. British Virgin Islands based Helmond Holding Group, which is changing its name to Essential Energy Holding Group, is a bio-energy company. This expertise could be usefully combined with Hydrogen Utopia International’s waste plastic to hydrogen technology. The deal could be worth £500m.
Aircraft leasing company Avation (AVAP) increased underlying leasing revenues in the six months to December 2023, but operating profit halved from $35.4m to $17.5m, although the difference is mainly down to one-off gains and losses.
Andrew Hore
Quoted Micro 14 February 2022
AQUIS STOCK EXCHANGE
Good Energy (GOOD) has repelled the latest attempt by major shareholder Ecotricity to influence decisions. It wanted to remove the chairman and stop the sale of generation assets without shareholder approval. Both resolutions were defeated.
Dominique Einhorn has resigned as chief executive of ChallengerX (CXS) following his arrest in France for tax and other offences. ChallengerX joined Aquis in December after it acquired SportsX, which provides marketing services to rugby and football clubs. Sarlat Rugby, which is 100%-owned by Dominique Einhorn, is one of the first clients. The share price was unchanged at 2.4p (2.2p/2.6p).
Hydro Hotel Eastbourne (HYDP) increased revenues from £2.23m to £2.79m in the year to October 2021 and that enabled it to move from a loss of £174,000 to £457,000. This was helped by government assistance. Trading is still not back to pre-pandemic levels. There is £1.33m in the bank.
EPE Special Opportunities (ESO) had net assets of 455.66p a share at the end of January 2022. There was £27.6m of available funds at the end of January. Directors and managing partners bought shares, but more were sold by others.
Cadence Minerals (KDNC) has completed the purchase of a 20% stake in the Amapa iron ore project.
Gowin New Energy (GWIN) is considering trading in agarwood products, including incense and oils in Taiwan. A trial is being launched ahead of the Quingming festival.
Quantum Exponential (QBIT) investee company Arqit Quantum has signed a research and development agreement with the United States Air Force. This could lead to a quantum encryption service for the Department of Defense.
SulNOx (SNOX) plans to gain an OTC quotation in the US so that Americans can invest.
SuperSeed Capital Ltd (WWW) managing director Mads Jensen has bought 3,000 shares at an average price of 83.9p. SuperSeed raised £2m at 100p a share at the end of January. The share price ended the first week at 70p (65p/75p) and it remained at that quoted price last week with limited trading volumes.
Samarkand (SMK) non-exec Phil Smiley acquired 28,777 shares at 139p a share. Daniel Thwaites (THW) director RAJ Bailey bought 15,000 shares at 102.25p a share. Chris Akers has increased his stake in Quetzal Capital (QTZ) from 17.2% to 18.3%.
Alfred Henry has resigned as corporate adviser to Lombard Capital (LCAP).
AIM
Building products supplier Alumasc (ALU) reported that interim pre-tax profit fell 12% to £5.1m on revenues 2% ahead at £46.3m. The profit fell because shading business Levolux fell back into a loss of £1m. Roofing did well but the Levolux business held that division back. The water management division sales were nearly one-fifth higher, and profit improved. Housebuilding product sales increased but margins fell. However, the second half should be stronger.
Self-storage sites operator Lok’nStore (LOK) says that first half trading was strong. Interim revenues are one-third higher, helped by higher occupancy and prices.
Orchard Funding Group (ORCH) has launched a bond offer and it is guaranteeing 10% of face value of outstanding bonds. The Orchard Bond Finance bond offers an annual interest rate of 6.25% payable twice a year. The repayment date is 2027. The cash from the bonds will help to finance growth. The offer is open until 23 February. The offer is available through PriamryBid and intermediaries, such as Interactive Investor and AJ Bell. The minimum subscription is £2,000. The bonds will be issued on 2 March and trade on the Official List.
Sustainable investments company i(x) Net Zero (IX.) raised £10.7m at 76p a share. The share price ended the week at 77p, which is a premium to pro forma net assets.
ASX-listed Artemis Resources (ARV) joined AIM and raised £5m at 3.75p a share on 7 February. It owns 100% of the Greater Carlow gold copper cobalt project and the Paterson Central gold copper exploration project in Western Australia. Exploration commenced at Paterson Central in November 2021, and it is expected to resume in March. The Paterson Central project is adjacent to the Havieron project that is being developed by Newcrest Mining and Greatland Gold (GGP). Greater Carlow has a JORC complied mineral resources estimate for its Carlow Castle deposit of 14.3Mt @ 0.7g/t gold, 0.4% copper and 0.05% cobalt. An update is expected by the summer. The share price ended the week at 3.875p.
Filtronic (FTC) grew ongoing interim revenues by 12% to £8m and the telecoms components manufacturer moved back into profit. The full year pre-tax profit forecast is being maintained at £1m even though revenues have been edged up to £18m because the improvement is from lower margin products. Defence spending is boosting demand.
Omega Diagnostics (ODX) is raising £5m and could raise a further £2m from an open offer. It is also selling its manufacturing facility in Alva for £1m after it failed to win a Covid diagnostics contract. Even so, Omega is expected to continue to lose money. The CD4 diagnostics operations will be transferred to the Ely site and sales are building up, Health and nutrition business continues to grow.
Kitwave (KITW) has acquired West Country-based MJ Baker, which distributes ambient, chilled and frozen food. This is the first acquisition since flotation and Kitwave is paying £24.5m in cash. This deal includes own branded Bakers Best Buy products and should be earnings enhancing.
Recent new admission Facilities by ADF (ADF) has already sparked a forecast upgrade from a trading statement. The film and TV hire services provider is expected to make earnings of 4.5p a share for 2021.
Dekel Agri-Vision (DKL) continues to generate increasing revenues from crude palm oil, but it is taking longer than expected for cashew revenues to grow. January was a record month for production and extraction rates improved, while prices rising. The cashew plant is using 15% of capacity and waiting for additional components.
Mergers and tax adviser K3 Capital (K3C) increased interim revenues from £17.6m to £31.2m providing a significant boost to profitability. The interim dividend is 4p a share. K3 is on course for a full year pre-tax profit of £17.7m, up from £13.6m, providing the ability to potentially pay a total dividend of 12.1p a share.
MAIN MARKET
S and U (SUS) is paying a second interim dividend of 36p a share. Group debt is £114m out of possible facilities of £180m. There was a reduced level of bad debts in the year to January 2022 and pre-tax profit will be more than double last year’s £17.2m. Advantage has started to finance electric vehicles. Net loan advances are £140m. Property bridging has a loan book of £64m.
Anglesey Mining (AYM) plans to move to AIM. A general meeting will be held on 8 March to gain shareholder approval.
Sure Ventures (SURE) has net assets of 118.34p a share.
Andrew Hore